Crate: A simple new object for use with Stone Design's 3D_Reality(tm) Application
This is my first attempt to use the 3D_Reality API provided by Stone Design for use with their 3D_Reality application. I have created a simple new RenderMan object and an inspector for it that can be used by 3D_Reality. Its use is very simple. Install the object in your 3D_Reality application (using the following instructions), start up 3D_Reality, bring up the library panel and access the new Shap called 'Crate' just as you would access any other 3D_Reality shape.
The Crate shape is nothing more than a box with a smaller box subtracted from it (using Constructive Solid Geometry operators). The smaller box is centered along the width and depth axes and set so that it just touches the outer edge of the height of the outside box. The result is a hollow box with no top. A trivial shape, but also a useful primitive. In addition, I have provided an inspector panel that allows choices of width, height, depth, and thickness of the box.
I make absolutely no claims to this code's stability or safety. It has always worked on my system, but it might destroy yours. Use every precaution you feel is necessary. I also have no affiliation with Stone Design whatsoever. In any case, I hope this object is useful and fun, and provides fertile ground for other imaginations to flourish in.
Installation Instructions
Installation is very simple. After uncompressing and untar-ing this package you will have a directory called `Crate.bundle'. Locate the pathname of the 3D_Reality.app directory on your system (I'll call it <base>) and move the Crate.bundle directory and all its contents to the directory <base>/3D_Reality.app/Library/Bundles. You may require superuser privileges to do this.
Installation is now complete. You may start up 3D_Reality and should find the Crate object at the bottom of the `Shapes' library panel.
