“In a move that has far-reaching implications for the computer
graphics world, R3vis Corporation is pleased to announce the launch
of OpenRM, an Open Source Scene Graph programming interface. Scene
graph technology is widely used by graphics developers for
describing and storing drawable objects, or scenes, inside a
computer’s memory. This technology is currently employed in such
diverse applications as computer games, CAD/CAM, virtual reality
and scientific visualization. OpenRM will enable developers to
create applications for deployment on Unix, Linux, Windows and
Apple platforms.”
“We are excited to be the first vendor to transition a
commercial grade, general purpose Scene Graph API into an Open
Source project,” says Wes Bethel, President and Chief
Technology Officer of R3vis Corporation. “Because the scene graph
is the ‘clutch’ between the application ‘engine’ and the graphics
hardware ‘transmission,’ it is a critical infrastructure layer in
graphics applications. Deployment of our RM Scene Graph product as
the Open Source project, OpenRM, will serve to increase the overall
technology base available to developers and users. From a
technology perspective, ubiquitous scene graph tools that support
features like image-based rendering and stereo displays are what is
missing from the current array of developers tools. OpenRM also
removes the intellectual property and economic burdens imposed by
traditional software licensing.”
“Closed proprietary systems are one of the obstacles that have
stood between the consumer and really usable 3D applications. The
Open Source model is viewed by many as a way to increase the
overall level of technology by fostering rapid, quality
development. Open Source projects have produced such technologies
as the Web browser, the popular Linux operating system, and TCP/IP,
the technology on which the Internet is based. “Our vision is that,
as this technology becomes widely deployed, applications will
become more sophisticated,” continues Bethel. “For example, the
Internet-based shopping experience will be more exciting for people
when they can reach out and choose products while walking through a
bazaar.”