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Designing Computer Animation Software?

Posted by Cliff on from the how-would-you-put-it-all-together dept.

reversedNormal asks: "I would like to write a full fledged 3d-Animation Software package from scratch. Yes, I know, a VERY daunting and time consuming task. But I have a very good understanding of 3D mathematics, physics, and computer graphics in general, plus a solid foundation in computer programming. To give you an idea, this package will be similar to Maya, 3DS Max, etc... in many respects. The question is, what is the best programming paradigm to use for such a project? I have all of the major concepts, and relationships in mind, but refuse to write one line of code until I have a good design plan. How does a professional programmer approach this design task? Ultimately I would like to be able to tie it into any number of different operating systems, graphics API's (OpenGL, DirectX, etc..), and so on. What are some good ways to do this?"

"Essentially I want the core of the software to be written in Standard C++, and then be able to tie into the Win32 API, or X, or QuickDraw (etc.) for display and input. The main concepts, such as procedural 2D and 3D geometry, 3D geometric transformation, polygon modeling, NURBS modeling, subdivision modeling, keyframe based animation of parameters, motion capture control of parameters, physics-based animation, sound synthesis, texture-mapping, lighthing, rendering, and so on are generally abstract ideas that do not need to depend on (but can certainly take advantage of) any particular API or environment. Of course, the idea is to eventually visualize the abstraction onto the screen, allowing the user to interact via the 2D pointer and keyboard input, and ultimately rasterize it, which will mean turning to various operating system standards. It will also be open as a plugin host and have a built in scripting language. Any design suggestions? I know that this is probably the most intelligent audience to communicate with, and any feedback would certainly be appreciated"

7 of 351 comments (clear)

  1. PANTS?!?!?! by PaybackCS · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    For the record, where are my pants?

  2. important! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Hi,
    I am Piyush Agarwal and I am doing my B.E. in Computer Science
    from Osmania University, Hyderabad. I would like some advise from
    you regarding the availability of research and or teaching
    assistantships in the university.Also if u could give me an idea
    of the chances of me getting admission in the university.

  3. Re:First of all, get advice from somewhere else by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Hi,
    I am Piyush Agarwal and I am doing my B.E. in Computer Science from Osmania University, Hyderabad. I would like some advise from
    you regarding the availability of research and or teaching assistantships in the university.Also if u could give me an idea of the chances of me getting admission in the university.

  4. Duh by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    1. Great Idea
    2. ???
    3. Profit!

  5. Re:First of all, get advice from somewhere else by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    So, I am about to be homeless. I am begging. I have about 2 weeks left to make it up to $3400 in donations. Im at just under $1000. http://www.fongu.com/~gregg/ has most of the story and a paypal link. If anyone has any sympathy for me, go ahead and read it. If not, feel free to flaim me. I have nothing left but to beg though. So here I am.

  6. FAGS ? by jefu · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    Fags - Faggots Architect Great Software

  7. Re:Why don't the Ask Slashdotters every reply? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Why don't you shut the fuck up? You're stupid, and you have an uninformed, naive opinion about everything under the sun. That's why I have my little jihad against you.

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