Alias announces StudioTools 12, ImageStudio 2 and Portfolio Wall 2
Tue, 12 Oct 2004
The StudioTools family, which includes DesignStudio, Studio, AutoStudio and SurfaceStudio, delivers a full digital design workflow in a single package, from 2D concept sketching to production surface modeling. StudioTools 12 builds on its artist-centric tools to support creativity and flexibility, for a higher quality end result, whether that result is a sketch, concept model, rendering, animation or production-ready surface.
StudioTools 12 continues to close the gap between 2D and 3D enabling innovative new workflows for concept design and modeling. It is now possible for the designer to sketch bitmap curves in the 3D space, using multiple 2D planes which can be aligned in any direction. This enables the designer to better express their design intent, effectively as a '3D tape drawing'. New curve alignment tools allow the user to work primarily in a single perspective window, without the need to switch views to align a curve to a working plane. View switching when in full screen mode now features a smooth view transition, to aid user orientation.
This release includes enhancements to significantly increase modeling productivity and quality, including improvements in hybrid modelling (combining mesh and NURBS surfaces in a single model), diagnostic tools for identifying problem areas such as surface gaps, and improved Curve Network tools. A new 'multiple surface draft' tool allows for building a single long surface that matches to multiple smaller surfaces. Designers can use the Sketch New Curve tool to 'sketch-in' 3D geometry curves using a tablet/stylus, without the need to work with control points.
New real-time visualization features allow enhanced levels of realism for evaluating concepts, providing feedback while modeling and enabling design presentations. Advanced functionality for visual collaboration enable design teams, executives and managers to effectively view, annotate, and obtain approval on 3D digital assets. Annotations can be added on 2D planes within the 3D space, and advanced bookmarking tools allow for easy presentation of a sequence of predetermined views of the live 3D model, while also allowing for real-time interaction with the model.
Alias ImageStudio 2 is designed to streamline the process of preparing high quality presentations and frees designers to concentrate their energies on the process of creating and modeling. ImageStudio transforms 3D models built in StudioTools or CAD software into sophisticated imagery. The new version delivers many new materials: fabrics, woods, textured plastics and liquids. New interactive rendering, as well as new data organization and performance tools, accelerate the process of fine tuning the look of materials and environments making it easy to achieve the exact vision of the designer. This release also adds compatibility with the STEP format, and enhancements to IGES support brings the power of Alias ImageStudio to virtually any 3D application including Pro/Engineer and SolidWorks. ImageStudio has the ability to output a scene as a QuickTime VR or movie file to help the designer create dynamic 3D experiences.
PortfolioWall 2 is a visual collaboration software product that enables design teams, executives and managers to effectively view, annotate, and obtain approval on 2D and 3D visual digital assets. PortfolioWall 2 delivers significant new tools for the design presentation, product review and collaboration processes including a number of overall productivity enhancements. Seamless data sharing between StudioTools and the PortfolioWall StudioViewer 12 provide a direct link between reviewers, modelers and designers via new bookmark and annotation tools. StudioViewer 12 is included with AutoStudio 12 software for easy model evaluation.
StudioTools 12 runs on Windows XP, Windows 2000 and SGI IRIX operating systems. ImageStudio 2 and PortfolioWall 2 run on Windows XP and Windows 2000.
Alias develops software, custom development and training solutions for the film and video, games, web, interactive media, automotive, industrial design, education and visualization markets. Design customers include BMW, Boeing, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Italdesign, Kodak, Mattel, Renault, Rollerblade, Sharp, Trek Bicycle, Teague and Timex.
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