1. Q: What is WebSpace Author?
A: WebSpace Author is a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use application that provides all the tools needed to add compelling, high-performing 3D content to a Web site. This VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) authoring tool allows Web content creators to import 3D models from popular modeling software packages, easily assemble models into a scene and create links from 3D objects within the scene to other Web content.
See the WebSpace Author datasheet for more information.
2. Q: How does WebSpace Author compare to other 3D authoring packages for the World Wide Web?
A: WebSpace Author was designed from the ground up to create first-class VRML sites. The definition of a good VRML site is one that deploys well over low-bandwidth networks on low-end machines. The widespread acceptance of VRML depends on this. Therefore, VRML sites must be compact, structured for minimal bandwidth impact, and designed for optimal viewing performance. Ideally, they should also be visually rich and contain a wealth of connections to other relevant Web content. These are the things we focused on with WebSpace Author.
3. Q: What translators or file converters exist to get models into VRML?
A: There are many. Increasingly, 3D applications are adding VRML export capability. In addition to this, there are independent translators available. Syndesis Corporation makes a Windows application called InterChange that translates between more than thirty 3D file formats including VRML. Silicon Graphics ships an Inventor-to-VRML converter with WebSpace Navigator. This is especially useful since Silicon Graphics also provides several translators to get files into Inventor.
WebSpace Author 1.0 comes with bundled plug-ins ("3D File Translators 1.1") that augment WebSpace Author to automatically import DXF, Alias, Softimage, Obj, and SLA, as well as compressed and uncompressed Inventor and VRML. Additional translators can be added as needed without changing WebSpace Author, even while WebSpace Author is running, thereby transparently extending WebSpace Author's file format compatibility.
4. Q: How does WebSpace Author compare to WebSpace Navigator?
A: WebSpace Author is used to build VRML sites. WebSpace Navigator is used to view them.
5. Q: Does WebSpace Author work on any other platform?
A: WebSpace Author runs on the SGI platform only.
6. Q: Can 3D worlds created in VRML be viewed by any other platform? If so, what would I need?
A: Absolutely, that's the whole idea. What you need is a VRML browser that runs on your platform as well as a connection to the Internet. Our recommended minimum configuration for viewing VRML files is a 486 PC with 8MB RAM and a 14.4K modem. See the WebSpace Navigator FAQ for more details.
7. Q: Do I have to be a 3D graphics professional to use this product?
A: No. WebSpace Author includes a few easy-to-use modeling tools to get you started (a 3D text modeler and a general shape modeler). Eventually, you may want to graduate to a more sophisticated modeling package if you find you are doing a lot of 3D work.
8. Q: Do I have to build all graphics for my world within the application or can I import previously created 3D models? If so, which packages are compatible?
A: WebSpace Author is designed to work well with other modeling packages. You can import models. Use sophisticated snapping tools to position them. You can add or alter their colors and textures. You can reduce their polygon count or optimize the way in which their geometry is structured internally. You can name pieces and arrange them into groups, build them into levels of detail (LOD), or turn them into Inline objects.
WebSpace Author is compatible with any modeling package, as long as there is a way to convert the geometry into Open Inventor or VRML format. As described above, there are many paths to this goal; some will be shorter than others. Generally, if there's a will, there's a way. The easiest way is to simply drag file icons of your model from your Indigo Magic desktop directly into the WebSpace Author graphics window. This automatically translates files in the following formats: Alias, Wavefront, Softimage, 3D Studio, DXF, and IGES
9. Q: When will WebSpace Author be released? What will it cost?
A: WebSpace Author will be released on October 5 and will have a list price of $995 per license. Discounted volume bundles will be available. WebSpace Author will be bundled on all WebFORCE systems at no extra charge. Existing WebFORCE customers with a support contract will receive WebSpace Author as a software upgrade.