Date: Tue, 27 Jul 1993 13:15:14 -0500 (CDT) 
From: VIVISTAR@ACM.ORG
Subject: qd3d-20-press-release.txt 

Qd3d/3dPane 2.0 and SmartPane 1.0 Ship!

6 July 1993, Scottsdale Arizona -- ViviStar Consulting announced its release 
of the Qd3d/3dPane 2.0 source code library.  Qd3d/3dPane provides three 
dimensional graphics for the C++ Macintosh developer.

"ViviStar considers three dimensional graphics an enabling technology," said 
Jonathan Hess, Product Manager at ViviStar.  "We're enthused by recent 
interest in visualization and virtual reality.  It is this enthusiasm that 
will drive advances in 3d applications and 3d hardware.  Users find 3d 
graphics a natural medium for conveying the ever increasing complexities of 
their work.  Not just for fancy business bar charts but for applications such 
as visualizing complex information hierarchies, biomechanics, entertainment, 
geological research, simulation, and the list goes on.  Now, with Qd3d/3dPane 
version 2.0, the Macintosh developer has a much stronger foundation to build 
such applications."

Qd3d:
Qd3d drawing features include:  point marking, line drawing, polygon framing, 
polygon filling, and a polyhedra meta-primitive.  Rendering options include 
smooth Gouraud shading, color blended lines, z-buffering for hidden surface 
removal, culling, depth cueing, parallel and perspective projections, and 
performance enhancing "OnlyQD" and "Wireframe" modes.  New features to version 
2.0 include stereo projections that dramatically increase depth perception, 
performance enhancements that increase rendering speeds by 15% to 500%,  
parameter block access for meta-primitives, full clipping, support for 
animation and model interaction, and a "triad mouse" that maps 2d mouse 
movement to 3d.

3dPane:
The 3dPane library integrates Qd3d with the Think Class Library (TCL) and 
includes a view orientation controller.

SmartPane:
Today also marks the debut of SmartPane 1.0.  SmartPane adds TCL support for 
offscreen image buffering and dithering, image conversion to clipboard and 
PICT files, flicker free animation, and QuickTime and PICS movie recording.  
SmartPane may be used in 2d applications or in conjunction with Qd3d/3dPane.

Requirements:
Qd3d works with popular C++ compilers and the ThinkC 6.0 compiler.  SmartPane 
& 3dPane require TCL version 1.1.3.  Recommended target system: a Macintosh 
with floating point coprocessor running either System 7.0 or System 6.0.7 with 
color 32 bit QuickDraw.  Depending on use, large amounts of RAM are needed for 
buffered images.

Pricing:
Retail pricing:  Qd3d/3dPane $128, SmartPane $64, Qd3d/3dPane/SmartPane bundle 
$192.  Product may be obtained directly from ViviStar Consulting.  
Demonstration programs, movies, and product information are available on 
AppleLink, CompuServe, the internet, and direct from ViviStar.

ViviStar Consulting
7015 E Aster Dr; Scottsdale Az 85254; (602)483 3123
AppleLink:  ViviStar
CompuServe:  73067,542
Internet:  ViviStar@ACM.org

ViviStar Consulting provides contract Macintosh programming specializing in 3d 
graphics, user interfaces with high levels of direct manipulation, and 
software engineering tools.

Copyright 1993 ViviStar Consulting.
Qd3d, 3dPane, and SmartPane are trademarks of ViviStar Consulting.  Other 
brands and products are trademarks of their respective holders.