VRML Export Expert - A TKE PowerTool for Punch!
VRML Export Expert - A TKE PowerTool for Punch! |
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The VRML Expert Export (VRML Export Expert) is a Punch! PowerTool designed to provide a VRML export for Punch! projects. VRML stands for the Virtual Reality Modeling Language, and it is designed to allow the user to explore 3D projects in much the same way that the Punch LiveView allows users to walk through projects within the Punch! program.
Why should one want to use a VRML export that does essentially the same thing as Punch! Liveview does? The main reason is that Punch! Liveview is proprietary. To use it you must have purchased and installed Punch! on each CPU where you may want to explore a design. On the other hand, VRML display software is free for downloading, and it therefore allows a designer to send the design to another computer which doesn't have Punch! installed (perhaps over the Internet), and it may be viewed there. This is particularly useful for mass appreciation of a design, or in the case of a customer who doesn't want to purchase Punch! and go through the hassle to learn it.
In some ways, current VRML technology exceeds that of Punch!'s Liveview. Certain limitations of Liveview, such as the inability to look downward at a higher angle than 35 degrees, do not exist with VRML viewers. The controls are slightly more sophisticated than Punch!'s are, allowing for more modes to view the results from. VRML supports the ability to walk up steps by merely following the staircase, which Punch! does not. These all may seem to be minor points, but in some cases the inabilities in Liveview can be frustrating for the user, and VRML overcomes them.
There is a large community of VRML aficionados on the Internet. They have built entire communities peopled by both human and non-human figures known as avatars, through which users can interact with others. Now it will be possible to create edifices in these lands using Punch!!
VRML Export Expert is fully compatible with all Punch! PowerTool-enabled versions through level 8.x, including AS4000-8, Platinum-8, AS19-8 and Landscape Master Pro-8. It can also work successfully with version -10 and -10.5 of these tools; see the Compatibility page for more details.
VRML Export Expert annouces full compatibility with versions through 8.0. VRMLEX will reproduce the custom objects in AS4000: the base and crown trims, the custom windows and doors, and fences. See this page for mare specific details.
VRML Export Expert and the contents of this help file are
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