iView3D Rendering Comparisons

This page discusses the results of some rendering tests using various versions of iView3D in mono and stereo modes. All tests used the same SD Object File (50 Mb), which was saved from Fledermaus 6.1.4b using the "High Resolution Texture" option.

	Figure 1: Noteworthy Features This image identifies some of the important elements of the scene. A digital elevation map of the Pearl River, at 6 times vertical exaggeration, shows these semicircular landforms that reveal how the river meandered to other configurations in its past. The red arrows point out places where the relief is high, sharp, and well shaded in this version of the image. Large .png Large .bmp
	Figure 2: iView3D 2.0 Stereo When the file is loaded in iView3D 2.0 in stereo mode (Camera, Split Screen Stereo) it is first rendered in low resolution. If you do not move for a few seconds, this high resolution image then appears. This version includes the "good" shading that helps to bring out the "noteworthy features" identified above. Large .png Large .bmp
	Figure 3: iView3D 6.1.2b Mono, before redraw Even though the file was saved with the "High Resolution Texture" option, it does not immediately load with the full detail that can be seen in Figures 1 and 2. Large .png Large .bmp
	Figure 4: iView3D 6.1.2b Mono, after redraw If you do not move for a few seconds, the image is redrawn in full detail. This image compares favorably with Figure 2. Large .png Large .bmp
	Figure 5: iView3D 6.1.2b Stereo, no redraw If you switch from Mono to Stereo, this lower-resolution image appears. Even if you do not move for quite some time, no higher resolution image ever replaces it. The "noteworthy features" show as jagged lines instead of smooth, well shaded curves. This image compares unfavorably with Figure 2 and even with Figure 3, the Mono version prior to the redraw. Large .png Large .bmp

Conclusion

Rendering of this image in full screen stereo appears to have degraded from iView3D version 2.0 to iView3D version 6.1.2b, despite the "High Resolution Texture" option, when all other variables (hardware, input file, window size, program options) are held constant.

Written by Marvin Simkin Filename index.html Last updated May 6, 2005