Path: utzoo!utgpu!utstat!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!ucbvax!agate!eos!eugene From: eugene@eos.UUCP (Eugene Miya) Newsgroups: comp.graphics Subject: Re: 3d (was 3d perceptual abilities) Message-ID: <2872@eos.UUCP> Date: 10 Mar 89 18:54:07 GMT References: Reply-To: eugene@eos.UUCP (Eugene Miya) Organization: NASA Ames Research Center, Calif. Lines: 34 In article js9b+@andrew.cmu.edu (Jon C. Slenk) writes: >Howdy all! High! >Why is 3d so uncommon? I don't know about the community you work in, but the REQUIREMENTS for 3-D are very severe here. This is why we have had numerous local ACM/SIGGRAPH meetings here on 3-D. The uses I've seen include: cartography (making real space coordinates and removing perpective), image processing, flight simulation [E&S CT5A and Link], Stereographics hardware (lower cost). Applications include just about everything from molecular bio to entertainment (video games). You will note the simulation has a real-time requirement (NC == not cheap). "How many jumps have you made?" "42...... 41 simulated..." The USGS does tons (read millions of $$) of 3-D making maps with all sorts of older analogue equipment. They don't have the bucks, so they use inexpensive systems like the synchronous rotating tin can. It just does not scale (cost). 3-D for most people is sort of like a picture phone (which didn't take off either). We will eventually get the stuff, but just like certain things in the world, if you have to ask the cost, you can't afford it. And remember what Steve Martin said, "Think three dimensionally." What ever song that was. 8-) Another gross generalization from --eugene miya, NASA Ames Research Center, eugene@aurora.arc.nasa.gov resident cynic at the Rock of Ages Home for Retired Hackers: "Mailers?! HA!", "If my mail does not reach you, please accept my apology." {uunet,hplabs,ncar,decwrl,allegra,tektronix}!ames!aurora!eugene "Post follow ups. Contribute to network noise."