Derivative's Touch Software is exactly what you're asking for. Its a real-time full-featured 3D modelling and animation program tied in with a compositing and a pile of other goodies. All aspects are modifiable in real-time and you can create your own slider interfaces to control exactly the parameters you choose.
Their software is based on Side Effects' well known high end 3D effects package, Houdini.
You can play around with the synth's on Derivative's website by downloading the player software or get the designer software for a free 30 day trial to see how it works.
Lasers have a lot of other good warfare qualities, but the most important thing is that they're cheap. This was well explained in a Technology Review article last july (now only avalable for purchase).
Compare the use of a patriot missle to intercept rocket attacks with the use of a laser. The patriot will cost about $1 million per firing (if memory serves)! A laser could be used for much less, all that needs to be paid for each firing is the energy.
This will be most beneficial to peaceful, democratic countries like Israel threatened by terrorists. It doesn't make sense to try to stop every homemade quassam2 rocket with a million dollar patriot, but a cheap laser firing does.
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Derivative's Touch Software is exactly what you're asking for. Its a real-time full-featured 3D modelling and animation program tied in with a compositing and a pile of other goodies. All aspects are modifiable in real-time and you can create your own slider interfaces to control exactly the parameters you choose. Their software is based on Side Effects' well known high end 3D effects package, Houdini. You can play around with the synth's on Derivative's website by downloading the player software or get the designer software for a free 30 day trial to see how it works.
Lasers have a lot of other good warfare qualities, but the most important thing is that they're cheap. This was well explained in a Technology Review article last july (now only avalable for purchase).
Compare the use of a patriot missle to intercept rocket attacks with the use of a laser. The patriot will cost about $1 million per firing (if memory serves)! A laser could be used for much less, all that needs to be paid for each firing is the energy.
This will be most beneficial to peaceful, democratic countries like Israel threatened by terrorists. It doesn't make sense to try to stop every homemade quassam2 rocket with a million dollar patriot, but a cheap laser firing does.