====================================================================== DigiMeta Version 1.01 for Windows Copyright (C) 2000-2001 Studio PON. All rights reserved. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- README.TXT (2001/10/10) ====================================================================== This file contains the latest product information about DigiMeta. For details about how to use DigiMeta, see online help. You can access online help by selecting [Help]-[Contents] menu of DigiMeta. We offer you up-to-date product information via our website. Please refer our website as well as online help. http://www.studio-pon.com/ ====================================================================== Table of Contents: 1. What's DigiMeta ? 2. Overview 3. Main Features 4. Requirements (1) Required System (2) Recommended System (3) Required Disk Space 5. Installing DigiMeta 6. Uninstalling DigiMeta 7. Trial Version Limitation 8. Purchasing Product 9. About Online Help 10. How to Reach Us ====================================================================== ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. What's DigiMeta ? ---------------------------------------------------------------------- DigiMeta is an organic modeling tool using metaballs. Since it utilizes simple mouse operation and high-speed polygonize processing, you can model an organic shape while observing metaballs fusing on screen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Overview ---------------------------------------------------------------------- * Organic modeling by metaballs DigiMeta is a 3-D modeling software utilizing metaballs. A metaball is an object with a spherical influence function. If it approaches mutually, it fuses. By function defined mathematically, since the shape expressed by metaballs is very smooth, it is said that it is fit for representation of solid which uses organic curves, such as a living thing. DigiMeta can easily create the organic shape that is ifficult to be created by generic surface modeling software. * Intuitive operation by mouse You can perform modeling operation easily by mouse. Any mathematical knowledge about metaball is not required. With feeling which rolls with mouse the balls which are sticky like starch syrup, you can create a 3-D shape easily and pleasantly. Beginner of computer or a person who experiences 3-D graphics for the first time is able to master this software simply. Moreover, a shape under edits is displayed on screen as a beautiful 3-D image that is shaded with OpenGL library. * High precision mesh generation DigiMeta generates polygon data at high speed from metaballs. By setting up options for mesh generation properly. it is possible to do modeing work by previewing how metaballs fuse mutually in real time. As a result of consideration of that it does not bar thinking of those who operate it, it is like doing wheat gluten shaped in figures on screen. Since mesh density can be setup finely, the polygon data with which power users also are satisfied can be obtained. * Export function of a model DigiMeta is capable to export a model in popular 3-D file format. Since DXF file currently used in work spot of 3-D graphics can also be written out, it is also possible by using together other 3-D graphics software to create a complicated animation and a beautiful presentation. DigMeta is useful also to professionals by utilizing its organic modeling, in cooperation with any 3-D software regularly used by user. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Main Features ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Modeling Functions * Organic modeling by spherical metaballs. * Create and edit metaballs by easy mouse operation. * Understandable 3-D display and operation by 4-section view window. * Unlimited number of metaballs (vary with your computer). * Adjustable metaball strength (by menu or numerical). * Negative metaball absorbing strength, in addition to normal meaball. * Any metaball attributes can be accurately specified by numeric values. * Immediate metaball meshing (polygonizing) to show on screen. * Adjustable threshold of metaball to create mesh. * Adjustable mesh density. * Switch to turn on/off meshing. Display Functions * Display beautiful 3-D image in real-time by using OpenGL library. * Easy-to-use screen operations by mouse, such as zoom in/out, orbit and pan. * Switch drawing modes between points, wireframe, flat shading and smooth shading. * Move light shining shape, only by mouse. * Color metaballs to identify its strength. * Support MDI. You can open any number of shapes simultaneously. * Load Windows BMP file and locate it for background. Output Functions: * Support Windows Clipbord to pass a screen image to other software such as paint software. * Print a screen image to printer. * Export DXF, POV-Ray, VRML 2.0, STL, 3DS, LWO format. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Requirements ---------------------------------------------------------------------- (1) Required System Microsoft Windows 98/Me/NT 4.0/2000 Computer operating normally. CPU : Pentium 266MHz RAM : 64MB * Virtual Memory : 120MB * Graphics Card : 800x600 256-color * Depending on the processing to perform, memory capacity may be insufficient. DigiMeta comes with online help written in HTML format. You need to have a browser that is capable to display HTML document installed in your computer. (2) Recommended System Microsoft Windows 98/Me/NT 4.0/2000 Computer operating comfortably. CPU : Pentium II 233MHz or faster RAM : 128MB or more Virtual Memory : 200MB or more Graphics Card : 1024x768 24bit (Full color) (3) Required Disk Space In order to install DigiMeta, at least 5MB free space is required on the hard disk. Furthermore, please ensure the enough space for saving data and pictures. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Installing DigiMeta ---------------------------------------------------------------------- DigiMeta distributed via Internet is the archive form which compressed all required files. Installation of DigiMeta is automatically performed by the installation program included in this archive. -------------------------- Install procedure: -------------------------- (1) If the power of the computer is not on, turn on the power and start Windows. (2) Extract the archive to any working directory on the hard disk of your computer (Ex: C:\Temp). (3) Perform SETUP.EXE contained in the extracted archive (either double-click on Explorer, or specify in command prompt). (4) The install screen will be displayed once the install program of DigiMeta is read into the computer. Please follow the instructions shown on screen. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. Uninstalling DigiMeta ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The uninstallation (deletion) program is attached to DigiMeta, and it is automatically installed in your computer at the time of installation. Please use the uninstall program to delete DigiMeta from your computer by a certain reason. All the files of DigiMeta installed are deleted automatically. The uninstall program only deletes files required for using Digital Clay. Any data file you have created will not be deleted. -------------------------- Uninstall procedure: -------------------------- From [Control Panel]: (1) Double-click the [Add/Remove Program] applet. (2) Click the [Change or Remove Programs] group. (3) Double-click the [DigiMeta] in the [Currently installed programs] list. Then, the uninstall program of DigiMeta will be performed. (4) Click [OK] on the [Confirm File Deletion] message box to start uninstalling DigiMeta. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. Trial Version Limitation ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The trial version is the "experience version" to try the software before purchasing. After installation, you can use all functions for 15 days since you have launched it first time. If it exceeds 15 days, it no longer can be launched. If you are satisfied with it, please consider purchasing the product version. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 8. Purchasing Product ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Visit our website about how to purchase our product. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 9. About Online Help ---------------------------------------------------------------------- The on-line help of DigiMeta is written in the HTML format as the documents of the website. Therefore, in order to display this on-line help, you need one of browsers (Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, etc.) installed in your computer. See the developer's website for the details of the browser: Microsoft: http://www.microsoft.com/ Netscape : http://www.netscape.com/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 10. How to Reach Us ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Any question or comment, please e-mail us at webmaster@studio-pon.com ======================================================================