Some realtime advice for mobile apps please

[Morne]

Hi Guys

I’m venturing into some realtime archviz, but have now clue as to the process one need to follow to get the max model into a realtime application to be viewed on an android or apple device.
I get that I have to bake in the textures and the GI into the model, but then what? I realise this isn’t technically a ChaosGroup issue, but I’m sure you guys are aware of the technology available that I would require.

From max I take it I need some kind of application that need to read or import the max data, so that then I can walk through the model in realtime? What is all the software involved for this and are there good free options available. I’ve heard of UDK and the likes, but isn’t that overkill? All I want is to export my max model, and then on a tablet device the user will walk through or navigate the completely rendered model to view it.

What software would the end user need on his/her tablet?

Advice or recommendation please?

[jow]

Not quite what you want but we export from Max to SketchUp, then from there export as a kmz file which can then be opened using the app "cubits" on the iPhone/ipad.

Justin

[deflix]

Hi Guys

I’m venturing into some realtime archviz, but have now clue as to the process one need to follow to get the max model into a realtime application to be viewed on an android or apple device.
I get that I have to bake in the textures and the GI into the model, but then what? I realise this isn’t technically a ChaosGroup issue, but I’m sure you guys are aware of the technology available that I would require.

From max I take it I need some kind of application that need to read or import the max data, so that then I can walk through the model in realtime? What is all the software involved for this and are there good free options available. I’ve heard of UDK and the likes, but isn’t that overkill? All I want is to export my max model, and then on a tablet device the user will walk through or navigate the completely rendered model to view it.

What software would the end user need on his/her tablet?

Advice or recommendation please?

I suggest using Vray to bake the Gi with a lightmap and then add your diffuse, spec etc in-engine with Unity. It is free for non-commercial use, and relatively easy to pick up..

Here is an example of the basic bake: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSShJdH1RzY
here is a bit of info on the process - http://www.taran3d.com/vray-to-unity3d-lightmapping
and here is the Unity download page - http://unity3d.com/unity/download/

The unity forums will be your best place for further info but the engine is ideal for doing what you need...

hope that helps

[Morne]

It is free for non-commercial use

Thanks, but this is the issue. I need something for commercial use. If I don't find a good free option I'll revisit this

[beestee]

Unity3D is the easiest to pick up and learn I have found. There are some open-source options available in the following list as well as many of the commercial options, but it will require some digging and research: http://devmaster.net/devdb/engines

EDIT: The selection narrows dramatically if you are trying to accomplish this on mobile.

I was looking into Sim-Lab not too long ago for mobile realtime due to it's relatively low cost. To get a realtime application on an iOS or Android device is typically an expensive affair as it will require an additional compiler (which is an additional cost with Unity3D) and in the case of iOS, a Mac to compile on, and an iOS developers license.