From: Hugh Fisher (hugh.fisher++at++anu.edu.au)
Date: 01/21/2003 22:01:39
I've written a Performer application 'pyd3dview' which lets you build
and view 3D wireframe scenes in Python. Available for download from
<http://cs.anu.edu.au/~hugh.fisher/performer>
The application itself is C++ Performer with an embedded Python
interpreter and set of extension modules. Your (static) 3D scene is
created by a Python script which py3dview executes and displays.
Creating the scene just needs a text editor. From the Python API you
can create SCS/DCS nodes, wireframe geometry, and generally fool
around with the scene graph. The py3dview app itself constantly checks
the file modification time and automatically reloads the scene as you
save changes, so you don't even have to re-run the viewer to see the
updates. It's a very productive way to work.
I've found it makes a good teaching tool to introducte 3D concepts to
programmers, or interested artists. Python gives you functions, loops,
and all the power of procedural graphics. Wireframe graphics may seem
limiting, but it lets the students concentrate on the scene graph
structure and geometry without getting stuck on, say, lighting details.
py3dview also has interactive keyboard/mouse controls for moving the
3D model around, or navigating inside larger scenes, and because
it's based on velab you can view scenes in VR if you like.
py3dview doesn't have as many capabilities as Visual Python, but it
does have the speed advantages of Performer and IMHO a slightly
better style of working.
Like all my stuff, source is freely available and feedback welcome.
-- Hugh Fisher DCS, ANU
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