STRUCK + Povray:
Synergy to the max!
Thanks to the dedication of some serious professionals, you now
have the power to transfer
complex geometrical creations directly from your imagination to
the computer screen, with only simple keyboard and mouse clicks --
no messy coordinates to worry about. Now you can concentrate on the
geometry and leave the bookkeeping to your computer.
The amazing software combination which makes all this possible is
STRUCK + Povray.
STRUCK is a standalone Java application, mind-blowing for its
sophistication and elegant simplicity. Simply twirl your creation,
examining it in stereo (takes some practice), while adding new
"springs" -- structural members which push, pull, or remain
relaxed.
Once satisfied with your artwork, save it as an EIG file for future
modifications (EIG = Elastic Interval
Geometry). Then export it to
Povray, a world class ray tracing program (also free!) and
render it. Within mere minutes you'll be staring at graphics that
would have taken days, weeks -- close to forever -- using more
conventional tools.
True, it'll take some no-kidding powers of concentration to get
over the hump of installing these tools, especially if your
hardware isn't up to the task. But isn't it about time you equipped
your computer to run standalone Java applications anyway? The Java Runtime
Environment makes this easy -- and again, it's free!
And what you've read so far only scratches the surface of what
STRUCK and Povray can do, both alone and together.
STRUCK allows you to explore the dynamic
aspects of structures, as the springs push and pull, causing
your shapes to change, deform, collapse, expand. As these changes
occur, STRUCK can be toggled to export snap-shots in POV format,
giving you the frames you'll need to build Quicktime movies, AVIs
or MPEGs. Advanced users can also explore the ActiveWorlds and
upcoming VRML output features.
Povray is likewise a whole world in itself. Within a short time,
following the built-in tutorials, you'll be able to modify POV
scripts, to change viewing angle, background color, lighting
sources. You'll have the option to go on to become a master ray
tracer.
And don't worry, you don't have to master all this stuff
alone. The
STRUCK community is standing by to offer its assistance. And as
you become proficient, you can give back by joining the ranks of
assistance providers. The Povray user community is likewise
friendly and helpful.
So get started on an exciting adventure in learning. The investment
you put in redounds to your personal
benefit, as the engineers behind these tools are giving them away
for free, hoping you will join them in likewise unselfish service
according to your own skills and talents.
Plus your investment will pay off in marketable new skills, new
confidance with your computer, and a better grasp of spatial
geometry. Don't be surprised if you find yourself looking forward
to using these tools just for the sheer fun of it. That's how
learning should be.
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