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 SpeedTreeRT Version 1.6 Delivers Major Enhancements Posted by: amigo
Source: Press Release
Date: Wed Jan 14 2004
COLUMBIA, SC - January 13, 2004 � Already the most powerful software for bringing trees and plants to real-time games and simulations, SpeedTreeRT� takes a giant leap forward today with the release of version 1.6, which features new tools for trunk and lighting realism and delivers a new round of major efficiency and organizational enhancements.
�In terms of overall realism and dramatic workflow and interface improvements, version 1.6 represents a quantum leap over 1.5.1,� says IDV President Chris King. Mr. King notes that brisk sales of the software significantly accelerated the latest round of enhancements. �A strong level of demand for SpeedTree has enabled us to devote considerable resources to this new release,� he says, adding that many of the v1.6 enhancements were inspired by the input and ideas of SpeedTree customers from around the world.
New features of v1.6 include:
� Lighting Effects. Bump mapping effects are now directly supported, and self-shadow maps can be exported into a composite map and previewed in SpeedTreeCAD. These enhancements deliver unprecedented real-time tree realism, with branch, trunk and leaf appearance approaching photo-real quality.
� 360� Billboarding. A new tool enables the automated creation of multiple tree billboards at equally-spaced, user-defined intervals around the tree, as well as one billboard from directly above. The appropriate billboard is selected at run time, ensuring a smoother transition between billboards and the next LOD.
� Simulated Root Systems. A new property page in SpeedTree�s CAD-based tree creation tool enables flared geometry at the base of the trunk and branch levels, to more realistically simulate root systems and branch structure.
� Ultimate Composite Map Control. A new map exporter and new generation engine simplify compositing, increase user control, and permit saving of map export settings for later use. Among the benefits of this feature is the ability to create self-shadow composite maps as well as standard composite maps for improved workflow.
� API & Sample Enhancements. A majority of the samples have been completely rewritten and parts of the sources may be used directly within your code, and the SpeedTree API has been cleaned and reorganized for dramatically easier use.
� Library Additions. SpeedTree now offers 80 species of trees and plants, as well as five members of a new undersea series. Coral, sponges, kelp, and even a sea urchin are available � and all featuring animation consistent with natural underwater movement.
Many features new in v1.6 can be viewed in �The Valley,� a freely downloadable demonstration available from IDV�s website (www.idvinc.com). Featuring photo-quality trees and grass, realistic wind effects, bark bump mapping, and multiple shadowing effects, The Valley sets an unprecedented standard for real-time tree and plant realism.
Developers who wish to experience the powers of v1.6 firsthand are invited to contact IDV via its website for a free, fully-functional evaluation version of SpeedTreeRT.
CURRENT SALES & RECOGNITION NEWS
In the runup to release of v1.6, IDV continued to close SpeedTreeRT deals with top game development and simulation firms around the world. New customers come to SpeedTree from London, Japan, Seoul, and throughout the U.S.
Recent recognition for SpeedTree and IDV includes a designation by Game Developer magazine as a 2003 Front Line Award finalist, 4.5 stars out of 5 from Gamasutra.com, and recognition in Military Training Technology magazine�s 2003 list of the top 100 firms making the most significant contribution to the military training industry.
SpeedTreeRT, released in December of 2002, delivers low-polygon, highly realistic trees, with adjustable wind effects, seamless LOD transitions, and a huge variety of trees from an included library of many trees and species. SpeedTreeRT includes SpeedTreeCAD, a Windows application used to create and edit animated trees in real-time.
Interactive Data Visualization, Inc., (IDV) develops software products with a focus on real-time three dimensional applications for the game development, visual simulation, engineering visualization, and animation industries. IDV, a privately held corporation, was founded in 1999 in Columbia, South Carolina. For more information about IDV, visit www.idvinc.com.
Related Links: Interactive Data Visualization website
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