From: SO92332@GSVMS2.CC.GASOU.EDU (Todd Porter)
Subject: SOFTWARE: ACAD VR - Cyberspace Developer Kit from Autodesk
Date:    Mon, 5 Apr 1993 23:25:37 -0400 (EDT)



Saw this and wasn't sure if I saw it in the conf. or not.
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AUTODESK SHIPS CYBERSPACE DEVELOPER KIT

C++ Toolset Provides Object-Oriented Framework for Virtual Reality
Applications

Sausalito, CA - Autodesk Inc.'s Multimedia Division announced the
availability of its Cyberspace Developer Kit (CDK), the complete
toolset for 3D visualization and simulation.  With its comprehensive
set of C++ class libraries, the CDK enables developers to build
practical, PC-based applications in which users interact with 3D
worlds in real time. Such applications are commonly referred to as
Virtual Reality (VR) applications.

Historically a market and technology leader in bringing professional
visualization, animation and design software to the PC, Autodesk has
been conducting VR research and development since 1988.  In November
1988, Autodesk demonstrated the first PC-based VR system at the
AUTOFACT industry trade show in Detroit.  "We at Autodesk view Virtual
Reality as the logical next step in design automation, because it adds
interactive 3D visualization and simulation capabilities to the
drafting and design process," said Richard Dym, general manager of
Autodesk's Multimedia Division.  "Virtual Reality technology is
critical to maintaining Autodesk's leadership in computer-aided design
over the long term."

Unlike software development tools for creating mainstream applications
like spreadsheets, the CDK provides capabilities for creating
realistic, 3D worlds. The CDK is intended to address such unique
programming issues as: 3D Geometry--easy importing, exporting,
creation and manipulation of 3D objects, including support for
Autodesk 3D Studio software and .DXF file formats.

Physical Phenomena--facilitate realistic simulations by assigning
objects and environments real physical properties, such as mass and
density; apply forces such as gravity, friction and spring.

Open Interface--extensible architecture that is easy to build on;
transparent access to a variety of input and output devices.

Beta site developers have found the CDK invaluable in generating
applications.

"The Cyberspace Developer Kit and its links to existing Autodesk
products have enabled us to generate robust and diverse applications
in a time frame 40 percent shorter than expected, and provide amazing
performance as well," said Scott Redmond, president of RPI Advanced
Technology Group, a San Francisco-based vendor of VR hardware and
software.

MicronGreen, Inc., a Gainesville, Florida-based CAD software
developer, last month announced the Virtual Environment NAVIGATOR, a
product built using the CDK.  The result of a collaborative effort
with the Institute for Simulation and Training and the University of
Florida, the NAVIGATOR is a real-time tool for experiencing, altering
and interacting with 3D models.

"The NAVIGATOR has benefited greatly from the classic open
architecture of Autodesk's CDK libraries, which follow the tradition
of AutoCAD software's integrated problem-solving solutions," said
Millard Pate, president of MicronGreen.  "The functionality available
in the CDK is substantial, and the integration with AutoCAD and 3D
Studio is one of its most important features. The CDK has made our
product a very powerful tool for the end user."

Designed to produce applications for many fields and to be used in a
variety of computing environments, the CDK is device-independent,
supporting a large number of peripherals from head-mounted displays
and glove devices to standard mice and monitors.  The CDK also
supports networked applications, which enable the sharing of virtual
environments among multiple users.

"CDK operation requires no expensive development system, and
applications developed with it can be used with or without special
input and output devices," said Ricki Frankel, product manager for
Autodesk's Cyberspace program.

"Users won't always need or want to wear a glove and helmet when using
VR-based programs--what if they need to answer the telephone or send
an e-mail?  By making it possible to implement VR technology without
the expensive, exotic hardware, we can make the benefits of VR
available sooner to a wider audience, which will help expand the
market as a whole," Frankel said.

The Cyberspace Developer Kit requires a 386- or 486-based PC with 8
megabytes (MB) of RAM and an 80MB hard drive.  While supporting a
number of graphics accelerator boards and displays, it can run on a
simple VGA monitor with a VESA standard driver.  The CDK runs with
MS-DOS 3.1 or higher, and requires either the Zortech 386 C++ 3.0 or
Metaware High C/C++ 3.0 compiler in addition to the Phar Lap linker
and 386/DOS extender SDK.

The CDK comprises C++ class libraries, extensive documentation,
diagnostic utilities and sample applications with source code.  The
suggested retail price of the CDK is US$2,495, and it is available
through select Authorized AutoCAD and Multimedia Dealers.  For the
location of the Dealer nearest you, call 800-879-4233. Outside the
United States, fax 415-491-8311.