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Are there any good 3D tools?

Q)
I'm thinking of purchasing a 3D graphics tool, but are there any SEGA tools that you particularly recommend?

A)
First of all, let me explain about the tools recommended or officially recognized here.

[Official tool]

●SOFTIMAGE3D SGI/NT SOFTIMAGE(Microsoft)
SOFTIMAGE is an inexpensive 3DCG software for professionals that is especially good at modeling motion.
Since the modeler itself uses the familiar three-view diagram, even beginners can easily get into it, and by using the separately sold Extreme package, it is also possible to generate particles and photorealistic images.
In addition, by using a plug-in called Saturn Module, you can output model, texture, and motion data as SGL C source, import the output data again as SOFTIMAGE data, and output. The data can be displayed on the TV screen through CartDev + DevSaturn.
However, regarding the NT version of Saturn Module, there are differences depending on the model, and in some cases it may not be possible to output data, so if you are planning to purchase it for the purpose of Saturn Module, please check this announcement.

[Recommended tools]

●N-World SGI Nichimen Graphics
N-World is a 3D tool that includes a modeler with a unique interface.
Modeler has a unique operating system, so it takes some time to get used to it, but once you learn it, it is a tool that can be operated very quickly.
Regarding motion, many of the operations involve numerical input, which can be a little difficult to use, but it is a useful tool when you want to include many limited elements regarding movement.
This tool outputs model data and texture data in SGL format, but currently does not output hierarchical structures or motion.

●Alias PowerAnimator SGI Alias|Wavefront
This tool is highly rated for its modeling and rendering quality. We recommend using this tool if you want to generate powerful particle functions or photorealistic images.
However, it is a software that requires very high machine specifications, so it is a prerequisite that you have a machine that can perform high-speed processing.
Also, this tool can also output SGL, but it is better to use it when you want to improve the rendering quality of movies etc., rather than using it for that purpose.

●Blade Render Mac/(PC) Polygon Research
This tool, which appeared as a higher version of SHADE III, has the same operations as SHADE III for SEGA SATURN. SHADE III was a tool that outputs SEGA 3D files, but Blade Render outputs SGL format.

[Other tools]
So far, among Sega Saturn licensees, other tools include:
●LightWave 3D        PC/NT/SGI/Amiga NewTek
●STRATA Studio Pro   Mac             STRATA
●FormZ               Mac
●3D Studio(MAX)      PC/NT           AutoDESK

If you use these tools, we cannot provide technical support, but each company seems to use its own tools to convert data.

Where does DGT's pixel data start?

Q)
I looked in the graphic material collection of ``GRAPHIC TOOLS GUIDE VOL.1'' to find out where the start data address of the bitmap data was written in the DGT format file of the graphic tool, but I couldn't find it.
I have written the file size excluding the entire header, but please let me know.

A)
Since directory size = CLUT size + 20h, pixel data will start from 120h + directory size - 20h.

How to convert SEGA3D to SGL mdl format?

Q)
Is there any software that can convert SEGA3D format models and texture data created with SHADE III For SATURN etc. to SGL format?

A)
There are conversion programs for the PC version and IRIX version on the SGL CDROM provided to each licensee. The program name is S3D2SGL.EXE (s3d2sgl/IRIX version) and the SEGA3D file is given as an argument.
The output will be several files with different extensions of the input file name.
It is also used in the sample program in SGL sample2, so please refer to it.

When running S3DTO3DT.EXE, an error message saying "Japanese cannot be used" appears.

Q)
When running S3DTO3DT.EXE

"Japanese cannot be used"

An error message appears.

A)
This is because Japanese characters (including kana, kanji, and special symbols) are used in the material name when saving in SEGA3D format.
As a workaround, there is a way to modify the SEGA3D format file using a text editor (avoid using kana or kanji).
This is because Japanese symbol names cannot be used in programs.

Where can I find digitizer and ssview?

Q)
The SGL manual ``TUTORIAL'' mentions tools called digitizer and ssview, but I don't have either of them on hand. Where can I find all these tools?

A)
We have decided to discontinue support for digitizer. This is because this tool is very unstable and commercially available tools are sufficient for this function.
Meanwhile, ssview has been absorbed into SMAP. When launching SMAP

smap -ssview

If you do this, you should be able to use the item SEGA SATURN Viewer in the Window menu. It also has the current SOFTIMAGE, and there should be an item called SATURN Viewer in the Viewer menu of the Tools module.

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