David's space: Animation

Real-Time Animation with Craft Airplane

Fri, 23 May 2008 14:38:50 GMT

Animation of any kind can be a long and tedious process. Even when animating aircraft, there is much work involved to fine-tune the flight path for a 'natural' look. With the Craft Airplane plug-in for 3ds max and Maya, real-world simulations of aircraft can be recorded from a simple joystick input.

Craft Airplane records input fromt he pitch, roll, and bank axes, as well as speed (forward and backward), horizontal, and vertical movement.

Craft Airplane can be ordered for $599 or $829 for the extended version.

For a demonstration of the plug-in, click here.

To see the actual description page, go to https://secure.craftanimations.com/index.cfm?objectid=8AAA9F55-C5CE-1F62-5A449CE1DF566318&cat=AA1EAF

Blender 3D Design Course

Sat, 22 Dec 2007 01:39:46 GMT

There's a new website dedicated to training in the Blender3D 3D software program. The site is run by Neal Hirsig, a senior lecturer on "3-dimensional computer assisted design and the art of multimedia" at Tufts University.

There's an extensive number of tutorial-based lessons in PDF format and also RealMedia and Quicktime video tutorials. According to Hirsig, it is "an introductory course, it [providing] a basic understanding of the skills and techniques employed by 3-D designers in a wide range of applications. [It explores] basic mesh modeling, applying textures and materials to 3-D objects, lighting, animation and rendering . . . [providing] a good basis for further independent study in architectural, engineering and theatrical modeling and game design" (1). The program appears in a self-paced format, neaning that the tutorials can be taken in any order. The program is available online as a free resource.

Blender 3D Design Course

New Edition of BlenderArt

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 20:21:05 GMT

Issue #13 of the BlenderArt magazine (or e-zine) has been released. It contains impressive amounts of info regarding the Blender3D software. This 2nd anniversary issue provides community news articles, an editorial section, step-by-step tutorials, and detailed "making of" project overviews. This time there is a wide array of topics covered from using a python script to video editing using Blender's native video editing function. An extensive gallery of 3D art rounds out this enjoyable and informative magazine.

To read further, go to:

www.blenderart.org

http://www.blendernation.com/2007/12/02/blenderart-magazine-issue-13