Watermark object & render...

[DP]

We've just come across a situation where a client would like to assess one of our models for purchase. However, because of the nature of the project, we need to be able to hand over a file which potentially could be used to generate other models in the project.

What we thought would be really nice, is if there was a vray object wrapper that we could wrap around the object, and this could be password protected, so the image would render, but with a watermark, and the object could not be extracted without entering the password. And of course, if they chose to open it in a version of max without vray, it wouldn't work because it would call for the .dll files.

I'm sure our client wouldn't use them without purchase, but we'd still be handing over our work for them to have ideas of their own... this would at least mean they couldn't access the model, but we could still demonstrate the file delivers what they're after.

[claude_tnt]

if they are going to purchase the model and you sell it for a fair price, then why should you worry about then using it to generate other models?
i wonder how you will feel if Chaos Group told you had to pay extra for every different project you render using vray.
would you consider purchasing any model collection that came with restrictions such as you can only use it on one job ?
in short, make some money, be happy.

[dlparisi]

Maybe submit it to them as a proxy object?

[tricky]

Proxy models are a good idea, but they'd need Vray to view it.

When you say they'd potentially be able to create other models, do you mean 'models' or 'images'?

(your client isn't a boat designer by any chance is it?)

[pskdude]

I agree this is a great idea! i agree some times i have lighting consultants and architects that want the model to generate drawings, and i feel the same way. I feel they are going to use the model sometimes and try and generate their own images.

[muzzy]

If they are asking for visualization purposes I always say no to give models. but if needed for other stuff like light analysis, wind etc., I make them sign a paper for not to use/distribute other than mentioned. Give model but not maps or materials, camera etc. Just take model, assign straight max standard material, and delete all lights cameras, settings.

[DP]

they want the model, to make other models, that they can generate images. It's not for visualisation, it's for ad work.

they want the model to assess first before payment and it has to work, so we can't strip it down because then it wouldn't work.

by giving them a stripped down model they would still be able to copy it, however I don't think they would, but they might get ideas about generating their own version for their own purposes.

[DP]

Proxy models are a good idea, but they'd need Vray to view it.

When you say they'd potentially be able to create other models, do you mean 'models' or 'images'?

(your client isn't a boat designer by any chance is it?)

Nope, it's not

I'll have a look at proxy objects, but I think the need for it to work will prevent us using them. They have vray

[rmejia]

Haven't tried it out myself, but 3ds Max 2010 has a new collaborative feature called "Containers" where others can access a file but can't edit the objects placed inside the "containers". Don't know the extent of the control over the containers when copying the file though.

[jacksc02]

use could do a 3d PDF of the model or use Autodesk Design review which is free and non-editable

[dlparisi]

What about just collapsing everything to one mesh or poly (or you could leave it as multiple) and then remove say 5% of the polygons with blurs "Random Face Remover" script. The model will render fine but have a few holes. Just a thought.

[jujubee]

Too bad there wasn't a grid slice tool to chop the entire scene/model into fine grids which would be a royal pain to reconnect. You could also make your own and proboolean the sucker. Similar idea to what you just mentioned.

[instinct]

Well if you wanna go that route why not use one of the fracture tools available to slice up your scene/objects and then remove random junks...oh how i can imagine the paint lol

[Neilg]

We got supplied a model from a client a while ago - it was the building next to theirs, which they had bought from the other arch viz company that did it.
We agreed that it would work and we could use it in our render, on the condition it was the full model.

What actually arrived was one edit poly which was subdivided into 4.5million with 10% of all the faces removed. I then had to remodel it from scratch at high detail, making renders and using them as image planes - however the deadline was the same because it was their presentation date. I'm reluctant to encourage this now.

[beestee]

For the case that you mentioned cubicle, the full model should have been provided since that is what was agreed upon for the project to be continued by you and your team.

However, for the purposes of the original poster this would work perfectly since the model itself is what they are selling and the buyer wants to preview the model. If they decide that they just want to take whatever would be provided as a preview and not pay up, then it rightly should be a pain in the you know where to use without purchasing it.

We got supplied a model from a client a while ago - it was the building next to theirs, which they had bought from the other arch viz company that did it.
We agreed that it would work and we could use it in our render, on the condition it was the full model.

What actually arrived was one edit poly which was subdivided into 4.5million with 10% of all the faces removed. I then had to remodel it from scratch at high detail, making renders and using them as image planes - however the deadline was the same because it was their presentation date. I'm reluctant to encourage this now.