Punch! and VRML

Punch! software has, since the Platinum version of Punch!, had it's own VRML export capability. If this is so, them why do you need another export to use VRML?

VRML Export Expert extends Punch!'s VRML offering in a number of ways:

• It exports all of the basic parts of the Punch! landscape, including as textures, plants and terrain. Without these a building looses context and a lot of the visual impact that it has in LiveView.
• The export scaling is correct. WIthout this the export seems to be very sluggish, is if the user were an ant in the normal world.
• Textures are used in Punch! at least ten times more often than straight color is, and VRML Export Expert exports the textures. The textures are converted into compressed .png files which are stored in the same directory as the user requests the .wrl file to be located in. These copies of Punch!'s proprietary texture samples are made with Punch!'s explicit permission. They are copyrighted internally to Punch!, and may only be legally used while displaying a VRML Export Expert output file. They may be copied for use as needed within that stipulation, and must be copied along with the .wrl file if the textures are to be displayed in a browser.
• VRML Export Expert allows door and windows to be penetrated, so that collision control can be used with the VRML model. Collision control is often used to que animations in the model, so the ability to collide rather than just pass through walls is important.
• VRML Export Expert can allow for creation of animated objects. For example, chairs can be rendered moveable by the user, or doors can be opened.
• VRML Export Expert produces properly normalized surfaces. If you don't know what this means, then you probably don't need to know. It is a quality of interest to graphics gurus, and doesn't usually impinge on VRML's use by others.

• One very happy feature of VRML is that it is possible to do views that are not possible in Punch! LiveView, most notably, a direct overhead lookdown. This ability is afforded by the browser plugins, actually, but the ability to create a VRML model makes it possible.

VRML Export Expert and the contents of this help file are
Copyright©2006 by ThistleKeep Engineering; all rights are reserved.
Comments and suggestions, as well as support, are entertained at Lmc@ThistleKeep.com.
"Punch!" and other titles of Punch! operations are trademarks of Punch! Software L.L.C.