TweetFollow Us on Twitter

December 95 - Graphical Truffles: Making the Most of QuickDraw 3D

Graphical Truffles: Making the Most of QuickDraw 3D

Nick Thompson and Pablo Fernicola

For those of us on Apple's QuickDraw 3D team, the highlight of SIGGRAPH '95 (the annual conference of the ACM's computer graphics interest group) was having the chance to work with developers who were showing QuickDraw 3D products. Considering that we only started working with developers in December 1994, the number of applications already up and running is inspiring. By the time you read this column, 10 or 15 QuickDraw 3D products will be shipping, including modeling and animation software, 3D hardware accelerators, 3D model clip art, and games. More than 50 developers are actively working on products based on QuickDraw 3D, and those will ship in 1996.

If you're not yet a QuickDraw 3D developer and don't want to be left out, take a look at the develop articles "QuickDraw 3D: A New Dimension for Macintosh Graphics" in Issue 22 and "The Basics of QuickDraw 3D Geometries" in Issue 23. This column gives a hodgepodge of additional information.

IMPROVING ACCELERATOR PERFORMANCE

One of the things that has attracted developers to QuickDraw 3D is seamless access to hardware acceleration. In addition to Apple's PCI accelerator card, hardware acceleration cards have been announced by Matrox, Yarc, Radius, and Newer Technology. If you really want your application to fly, you need to make sure that you're using the fastest renderer possible and that if a hardware acceleration card is installed, you're using the card. If you use the QuickDraw 3D API, QuickDraw 3D will take care of this for you, but there's something else you can do that might improve your application's performance.

Certain cards, including Apple's accelerator card, will yield better frame rates in some situations if you use what we call double buffer bypass, an option enabled by a flag. Double buffering causes all objects to be drawn first into a back buffer; this entire buffer is then copied to the front buffer (the window). If the scene you're rendering is simple and thus takes very little time to redraw -- say, less than 1/10 of a second -- enabling double buffer bypass is faster because it avoids having to copy memory from the back buffer to the front buffer. On the other hand, if you use this option with a complex scene, tearing may occur. Therefore, you may want to time a frame (and take into account the complexity of your models) before using double buffer bypass. To time a frame, call the Toolbox routine Microseconds, draw the frame, call Q3Renderer_Sync to make sure the frame has been fully drawn, and then call Microseconds again and subtract the start time from the end time.

If you're using QuickDraw 3D's interactive software renderer, all the code you need to turn on double buffer bypass is shown in Listing 1.

Listing 1. Turning on double buffer bypass

// Create the renderer.
if ((myRenderer = Q3Renderer_NewFromType(kQ3RendererTypeInteractive))
       != nil) {
   if ((myStatus = Q3View_SetRenderer(myView, myRenderer))
          == kQ3Failure) {  // Handle the error.
      ...
   }   // Set bypass.
   Q3InteractiveRenderer_SetDoubleBufferBypass(myRenderer, kQ3True);
}

The interactive renderer can render using software only or using hardware acceleration. The interactive renderer is set by default to look for the best device possible, so if a hardware accelerator is installed, the accelerator will always be used. On occasion, though, you may want to switch from using hardware to using software (for demos or testing, for example). In this case you must explicitly request the software rasterizer, as follows:
Q3InteractiveRenderer_SetPreferences(myRenderer,
   kQAVendor_Apple, kQAEngine_AppleSW);

INTERACTING WITH INPUT DEVICES

QuickDraw 3D provides an input device abstraction layer that allows you to interact with different input devices without having to write special code for each of them. The sample application NewEra demonstrates interaction with tablets and other input devices; this application is available on the CD that comes with the book 3D Graphics Programming With QuickDraw 3D, and a newer version can be found on this issue's CD.

To take advantage of QuickDraw 3D's input device layer, you need to create a tracker object and associate it with a controller object (created by an input device driver), as Listing 2 does. Once you've set up your tracker, you can poll it to get its new position and orientation, as shown in Listing 3. To reflect the change in your scene, you apply the values returned by the tracker to a transform object, affecting either a particular geometry or group (if an object was selected and being manipulated) or the camera, depending on the interaction model for your application.

Listing 2. Creating a tracker object and attaching it to a controller object

theDocument->fPositionSN = 0;
theDocument->fRotationSN = 0;
theDocument->fTracker = Q3Tracker_New(NULL);
myStatus = Q3Controller_Next(NULL, &controllerRef);
while (controllerRef != NULL && myStatus == kQ3Success) {
   Q3Controller_SetTracker(controllerRef, theDocument->fTracker);
   myStatus = Q3Controller_Next(controllerRef, &controllerRef);
}
Listing 3. Updating position and orientation
// We received a null event; grab a new position and orientation
// for the model.
TQ3Boolean      positionChanged;
TQ3Boolean      rotationChanged;

Q3Tracker_GetPosition(doc.fTracker, &doc.fPosition, NULL,
    &positionChanged, &doc.fPositionSN);
Q3Tracker_GetOrientation(doc.fTracker, &doc.fRotation, NULL,
    &rotationChanged, &doc.fRotationSN);
QuickDraw 3D's input device abstraction layer also makes writing input device drivers easier. For example, it took us about three days to write a driver for the Magellan device from Logitech, Inc., a 3D input device with six degrees of freedom. As illustrated in Figure 1, this device enables movement along the x, y, and z axes, as well as rotation about the three axes.

Figure 1. Magellan: a six-degrees-of-freedom input device (courtesy of Logitech)

SETTING THE CORRECT FILE TYPE

When saving QuickDraw 3D metafiles, you should set the file type as '3DMF', regardless of how the contents of the file are formatted (as plain-text or binary, or any combination of the different types of organization, such as database or stream). This will enable the file to be read or opened by other QuickDraw 3D applications. If you'd like your end users to read a file as text, add an Export As Text option to your application and then set the file type to 'TEXT'. This is helpful for debugging (and for sending questions or bugs to Developer Technical Support).

HAVING FUN WITH CUSTOM ATTRIBUTES

By taking advantage of QuickDraw 3D's custom attributes and extensible metafile format, you can have objects that encapsulate specialized data relevant to your application. For instance, to navigate through the World Wide Web in 3D, you can attach Web data (like URLs) to QuickDraw 3D objects as custom attributes. When those objects or scenes are read into one of the many viewers supporting the URL custom attribute, the viewer can communicate through Apple events with applications like Netscape (or your favorite Web browser) to produce 3D navigation. You'll find a sample application that shows how to do this on this issue's CD.

Custom attributes also enable you to associate sound and other data with objects in your 3D scene.

DEBUGGING

There are two really handy techniques that you can use to diagnose problems you may be having with your QuickDraw 3D application. For both of these approaches to debugging your software, you'll want to make sure that you have MacsBug installed on your machine and that you're using the debugging version of the QuickDraw 3D extension supplied with the QuickDraw 3D development software.

The first technique is to install error and warning handlers, described in our article in develop Issue 22. Error and warning handlers are particularly useful for telling you of potential problems with your use of the QuickDraw 3D library. If you don't install error and warning handlers, you won't know if you're doing something that the library identifies as erroneous. Although we stated this in our original article, many developers missed its significance and thus have experienced longer debugging times than necessary and a great deal of frustration.

The second technique is to use a software tool, the 3D debugger, included on this issue's CD. This application enables you to examine the QuickDraw 3D heap and look at the different objects, their attributes, and their reference count. Please note that you're looking under the hood, so you may encounter untyped blocks, and the reference count for objects may reflect references internal to the QuickDraw 3D system.

LOOKING AHEAD

We'll continue to release great new QuickDraw 3D features, so bring your applications along for the ride. By early 1996 we expect to have all major existing 3D applications on the Macintosh using QuickDraw 3D, along with applications that developers port from other platforms. Many 2D applications will be making use of the 3D Viewer as well.

Watch develop for further articles about other aspects of QuickDraw 3D. Meanwhile, you may want to check out the Addison-Wesley book 3D Graphics Programming With QuickDraw 3D (which includes the QuickDraw 3D development software) and see this issue's CD for the development software and the latest versions of the sample code and utility applications. And for the latest news on QuickDraw 3D, see our Web page at http://www.info.apple.com/qd3d.

NICK THOMPSON (eWorld NICKT), transplanted English soccer fan and member of Apple's Developer Technical Support team, thinks that this could be the year for the Arsenal Football Club. With the acquisition of Dutch star Dennis Bergkamp and England striker David Platt, things are looking up at Highbury. By the time you read this, the Premier League standings will tell if this is the dawning of a new era or more of the same "boring, boring, Arsenal," as those charming Spurs fans like to chant.

PABLO FERNICOLA (eWorld EscherDude), of Apple's Interactive Multimedia Group, is much more relaxed since shipping QuickDraw 3D 1.0. He now has time to eat his dad's great barbecue, dally with his lovely wife, and sleep -- although the latter entails the challenge of trying to get his golden retriever, aptly named Mac, to give up some of the space he takes up in the bed. Pablo's latest research project is to find out exactly what the purpose is for those orange balls that one finds on high power transmission lines.

For more information on making your application work with Magellan, contact Stephan Ilberg at Logitech by sending a message to stephan_ilberg@logitech.com.

Thanks to Robert Dierkes and Fábio Pettinati for reviewing this column, and a special thanks to Dan Venolia and David Vasquez for supplying some of the code and applications discussed.

 

Community Search:
MacTech Search:

Software Updates via MacUpdate

Latest Forum Discussions

See All

Whitethorn Games combines two completely...
If you have ever gone fishing then you know that it is a lesson in patience, sitting around waiting for a bite that may never come. Well, that's because you have been doing it wrong, since as Whitehorn Games now demonstrates in new release Skate... | Read more »
Call of Duty Warzone is a Waiting Simula...
It's always fun when a splashy multiplayer game comes to mobile because they are few and far between, so I was excited to see the notification about Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile (finally) launching last week and wanted to try it out. As someone who... | Read more »
Albion Online introduces some massive ne...
Sandbox Interactive has announced an upcoming update to its flagship MMORPG Albion Online, containing massive updates to its existing guild Vs guild systems. Someone clearly rewatched the Helms Deep battle in Lord of the Rings and spent the next... | Read more »
Chucklefish announces launch date of the...
Chucklefish, the indie London-based team we probably all know from developing Terraria or their stint publishing Stardew Valley, has revealed the mobile release date for roguelike deck-builder Wildfrost. Developed by Gaziter and Deadpan Games, the... | Read more »
Netmarble opens pre-registration for act...
It has been close to three years since Netmarble announced they would be adapting the smash series Solo Leveling into a video game, and at last, they have announced the opening of pre-orders for Solo Leveling: Arise. [Read more] | Read more »
PUBG Mobile celebrates sixth anniversary...
For the past six years, PUBG Mobile has been one of the most popular shooters you can play in the palm of your hand, and Krafton is celebrating this milestone and many years of ups by teaming up with hit music man JVKE to create a special song for... | Read more »
ASTRA: Knights of Veda refuse to pump th...
In perhaps the most recent example of being incredibly eager, ASTRA: Knights of Veda has dropped its second collaboration with South Korean boyband Seventeen, named so as it consists of exactly thirteen members and a video collaboration with Lee... | Read more »
Collect all your cats and caterpillars a...
If you are growing tired of trying to build a town with your phone by using it as a tiny, ineffectual shover then fear no longer, as Independent Arts Software has announced the upcoming release of Construction Simulator 4, from the critically... | Read more »
Backbone complete its lineup of 2nd Gene...
With all the ports of big AAA games that have been coming to mobile, it is becoming more convenient than ever to own a good controller, and to help with this Backbone has announced the completion of their 2nd generation product lineup with their... | Read more »
Zenless Zone Zero opens entries for its...
miHoYo, aka HoYoverse, has become such a big name in mobile gaming that it's hard to believe that arguably their flagship title, Genshin Impact, is only three and a half years old. Now, they continue the road to the next title in their world, with... | Read more »

Price Scanner via MacPrices.net

Deal Alert! B&H Photo has Apple’s 14-inch...
B&H Photo has new Gray and Black 14″ M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max MacBook Pros on sale for $200-$300 off MSRP, starting at only $1399. B&H offers free 1-2 day delivery to most US addresses: – 14″ 8... Read more
Department Of Justice Sets Sights On Apple In...
NEWS – The ball has finally dropped on the big Apple. The ball (metaphorically speaking) — an antitrust lawsuit filed in the U.S. on March 21 by the Department of Justice (DOJ) — came down following... Read more
New 13-inch M3 MacBook Air on sale for $999,...
Amazon has Apple’s new 13″ M3 MacBook Air on sale for $100 off MSRP for the first time, now just $999 shipped. Shipping is free: – 13″ MacBook Air (8GB RAM/256GB SSD/Space Gray): $999 $100 off MSRP... Read more
Amazon has Apple’s 9th-generation WiFi iPads...
Amazon has Apple’s 9th generation 10.2″ WiFi iPads on sale for $80-$100 off MSRP, starting only $249. Their prices are the lowest available for new iPads anywhere: – 10″ 64GB WiFi iPad (Space Gray or... Read more
Discounted 14-inch M3 MacBook Pros with 16GB...
Apple retailer Expercom has 14″ MacBook Pros with M3 CPUs and 16GB of standard memory discounted by up to $120 off Apple’s MSRP: – 14″ M3 MacBook Pro (16GB RAM/256GB SSD): $1691.06 $108 off MSRP – 14... Read more
Clearance 15-inch M2 MacBook Airs on sale for...
B&H Photo has Apple’s 15″ MacBook Airs with M2 CPUs (8GB RAM/256GB SSD) in stock today and on clearance sale for $999 in all four colors. Free 1-2 delivery is available to most US addresses.... Read more
Clearance 13-inch M1 MacBook Airs drop to onl...
B&H has Apple’s base 13″ M1 MacBook Air (Space Gray, Silver, & Gold) in stock and on clearance sale today for $300 off MSRP, only $699. Free 1-2 day shipping is available to most addresses in... Read more
New promo at Visible: Buy a new iPhone, get $...
Switch to Visible, and buy a new iPhone, and Visible will take $10 off their monthly Visible+ service for 24 months. Visible+ is normally $45 per month. With this promotion, the cost of Visible+ is... Read more
B&H has Apple’s 13-inch M2 MacBook Airs o...
B&H Photo has 13″ MacBook Airs with M2 CPUs and 256GB of storage in stock and on sale for $100 off Apple’s new MSRP, only $899. Free 1-2 day delivery is available to most US addresses. Their... Read more
Take advantage of Apple’s steep discounts on...
Apple has a full line of 16″ M3 Pro and M3 Max MacBook Pros available, Certified Refurbished, starting at $2119 and ranging up to $600 off MSRP. Each model features a new outer case, shipping is free... Read more

Jobs Board

Medical Assistant - Surgical Oncology- *Apple...
Medical Assistant - Surgical Oncology- Apple Hill Location: WellSpan Medical Group, York, PA Schedule: Full Time Sign-On Bonus Eligible Remote/Hybrid Regular Apply Read more
Omnichannel Associate - *Apple* Blossom Mal...
Omnichannel Associate - Apple Blossom Mall Location:Winchester, VA, United States (https://jobs.jcp.com/jobs/location/191170/winchester-va-united-states) - Apple Read more
Cashier - *Apple* Blossom Mall - JCPenney (...
Cashier - Apple Blossom Mall Location:Winchester, VA, United States (https://jobs.jcp.com/jobs/location/191170/winchester-va-united-states) - Apple Blossom Mall Read more
Operations Associate - *Apple* Blossom Mall...
Operations Associate - Apple Blossom Mall Location:Winchester, VA, United States (https://jobs.jcp.com/jobs/location/191170/winchester-va-united-states) - Apple Read more
Business Analyst | *Apple* Pay - Banco Popu...
Business Analyst | Apple PayApply now " Apply now + Apply Now + Start applying with LinkedIn Start + Please wait Date:Mar 19, 2024 Location: San Juan-Cupey, PR Read more
All contents are Copyright 1984-2011 by Xplain Corporation. All rights reserved. Theme designed by Icreon.