From: Peter Goodman (ptgrunner++at++earthlink.net)
Date: 03/02/2002 10:00:56
X-No-Archive: yes
Hi:
Having struggled with certain Graphics Database Generators for some
time, I'd like to change directions. We've had "bad luck" with
MultiGen's Creator on several SGI platforms and it is not terribly adept
at generating roadways. I'd rather not demean MultiGen Creator here by
mentioning its many failings. Driving Simulation is our application and
the ability to *precisely* define roadway geometry is essential. In
short, I think Creator has "created" more work for my staff than effort
saved. Given that, I'd like to free my team from well-meaning or
not-so-well-meaning 3-rd party SW companies to the extent possible.
I'd like to explore a couple other directions for database development.
One is Open Inventor, which seems to be a mature SW package and capable
of doing what I need. Perhaps a steep learning curve, but it may be
worth it in the end. The database loader is available, it's all SGI
SW--a good thing IMO.
The second option I'm considering is simply (or not) generating all my
databases in OpenGL display lists, then loading those display lists,
with Performer managing the RT rendering issues. I can't seem to find
it, so I'm wondering if there is a OpenGL file/display list loader as
there is for, say Open Flight? What am I missing here? I prefer
programming at the lowest level possible and OpenGL programming allows
this--I can fix problems I create, but I can't fix bugs in Creator or
other COTS SW. I realize that not all OpenGL function calls are display
listable, but I believe that those I need are.
Last questions: Is anybody else taking this approach? Does this approach
make sense to Performer users in general? Are there any pitfalls or
"show-stoppers" to this approach that I should know about? Am I insane?
Feel free to Email me directly, post here, or both.
TIA,
Pete
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* "Only the mediocre are always at their best." *
* -- Jean Giraudoux *
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