Product Description
|
|
With DeskArtes IDS, the designer can very quickly model and then interactively visualize an idea. The ease of use is a critical concern. The designer needs a system through which he can think out and develop his ideas. DeskArtes IDS is such a tool allowing the designer to explore a wide range of ideas and alternatives. The design can be gradually refined from concept to detail. The designer can concentrate on what he does best - " creative design ". |
DeskArtes IDS is structured
in a modular manner allowing users to purchase only the modules which
are required. These modules are:
All the modules use the same user definable X/Motif Graphical User Interface, with a single level menu structure. The software is available on Windows NT/2000/XP, SGI IRIX and Mac OS X platforms.
The key features of DeskArtes IDS are summarized below.
DeskArtes IDS is much easier to learn than other systems. DeskArtes IDS can be learnt in days and mastered in weeks while other systems require weeks of training and months of practice before a user can become proficient.
The modeling methodology and user ergonomics with DeskArtes IDS have been developed in conjunction with industrial designers facing real world problems. Compared to other systems, the user can achieve a specific goal using far fewer commands and interactions with DeskArtes IDS.
The "build and blend" methodology is a simple yet powerful approachto surface modeling. DeskArtes IDS allows the designer to concentrate on the creative aspects of design rather than the irritating and unproductive direct manipulation of 3D model geometry.
DeskArtes IDS produces model geometry that, due to the constructive modeling methodology, is always smooth, tangent continuous and manufacturable by CAM technologies.
Models can be previewed in 3D interactively using fast shading with support for real-time rotation, zooming, panning, clipping, etc.
DeskArtes IDS provides powerful real-time control over material properties and surface colors. Furthermore colored lights and spot lights can be positioned around the model with full control and real-time response.
DeskArtes IDS provides powerful tools for controlling textures using adaptive texture mapping techniques for color images, bump maps and solid textures, such as wood and marble.
DeskArtes IDS uses a macro-pixel technique to preview ray traced images. The final result is progressively built up across the entire image so that within a few seconds the user has a basic view. This saves much time as any required adjustments can be made immediately.
Design geometry can be accurately and reliably transferred from DeskArtes IDS to other CAD/CAM/CAE systems using DXF, IGES or VDA-FS formats.
DeskArtes IDS can further process the output of CAD/CAM Links to generate STL(SLA) format which is used by rapid prototyping machines. STL files generated by DeskArtes IDS do not contain gaps, holes, or incorrect topology. These errors are commonly found in STL files produced by other surface modeling systems.
Industrial designers are involved in a creative and innovative
process. They need a design tool which allows many ideas and
approaches to be investigated quickly. On the fly modifications and
"what if" scenarios need to be carried out at pace.
Therefore the design environment must be intuitive and unobtrusive.
This requires a powerful modeler which is easy to use.
Unlike other systems, with DeskArtes IDS the user does not have to become a computer expert to create complex surface models. The designer can achive optimal results with minimum effort. Other vendors offer CAID products using a technology base which has been primarily developed to meet the needs of animators or engineers. Such tools are not very well suited to the creative process. The tool can often be relegated to the role of data capture and is usually performed by experts, who have mastered the system after many months of trying.
The approach taken by DeskArtes to the modeling dilemma is based on many years of innovative research together with actual designers. The solution is to is to first devise a conceptually simple but powerful methodology and then develop the technology required. Modeling in DeskArtes is based on a "Build and Blend" methodology.
3D surfaces are built from projections curves and cross-sections. Editing curves in two dimensions using a two dimensional display and mouse is much easier than editing surfaces in three dimensions. This approach of describing 3D objects using 2D projections and sections is very familiar to the industrial designer and closely matches the traditional ways of working.
Create more complex objects by using advanced features such as surface trimming and blending. The various blending tools offered by DeskArtes IDS include rolling ball blend, variable radius blend, and free-form (boundary defined) blend. Surface building and skinning from 3D curves, as well as local surface editing tools are also supported as further design tools.
The "Build and Blend" methodology allows the users to model objects far more quickly than with other systems. The conceptual simplicity allows the user to become productive in a fraction of the time that would be required with other systems.
The modeling methodology further allows the user to create products which are manufacturable. The design can then be transferred directly to CAD/CAM systems for manufacture, or Rapid Prototyping.
The user can very quickly visualize the design by fast shading. The GL Shading functions allow the user to rotate, clip and move the model, as well as change the lighting conditions in real-time. Also advanced rendering techniques are supported in fast shading, such as texturing, environment mapping, colored spot lights, etc.
The graphical scene editor can be interactively used to define exactly the view and lighting required. Surface materials can be interactively defined, or chosen from a material library. Texture mapping techniques are used to map logos, labels, graphics and bumps onto the surfaces. The texture placement is defined simply by pointing at the surfaces with the cursor. DeskArtes also includes a painting program for creation of the 2D graphics and retouching of images.
Final presentation images are produced using ray tracing, with true shadows, reflections and transparency. The ray tracer is fast even on entry-level workstations. Further time is saved by interactively previewing the image. Within a few seconds a recognisable view is obtained, and the rest can be processed in background.
TIFF, BMP, Sun Rasterfile and PostScript file formats are used to exchange image data with DTP, imaging systems, scanners and printers.
The quality of the ray traced images is as good as a photo! Have a look at the some examples in the DeskArtes Examples Gallery.
DeskArtes IDS provides reliable and robust data transfer to and from other CAD/CAM systems. The Modeler supports DXF format to communicate with 2D Drafting systems. Curves which have been generated using 2D CAD systems can be imported and used to build 3D surfaces. Alternatively, 3D models produced by DeskArtes can be sliced two dimensionally and exported to 2D CAD systems for the preparation of engineering drawings.
CAD/CAM Links supports data transfer using the VDA-FS and IGES standards. Being polynomial B-spline/Bezier based, there is never any loss of accuracy when exporting geometric data to other systems. NURBS and high degree surfaces from other systems can be imported into DeskArtes IDS with any user supplied accuracy.
Rapid Links supports data transfer to rapid prototyping machines by means of the STL format. However Rapid Links is far more than just a format convertor. The model is first triangulated in an optimal manner. Gaps and overlaps in the model are identified and corrected. Illegal intersections and incorrect topology are reported.
These features allow Rapid Links to produce correct STL files from good geometry, a capability other systems have great difficulty in matching.
DESKARTES and the DA
symbol are trademarks of DeskArtes Oy.
Copyright 1996-2008
DeskArtes Oy.
