Need help to choose a suitable engine

[LucA [ita]]

Hi.
I'm a student, and I have to do a project for a course using a 3D graphic engine to create a model of an apartment, in which I have to study the propagation of the light.
So I would need a graphic engine (opensource) where it's possible to set the degree of transparency of the walls (with a certain accurancy) to modellize windows and things like that.
Do you think it's possible? And what 3d engine should I use?
Thanks a lot.

[starstutter]

Normally I would redirect you to other posts like this on the site, but this one is a bit bifferent. I don't think you're looking for a graphics engine as much as just a good modeler.

Have you thought about using Auto-CAD? Or do you need a free tool?

One I can think of that might suit you well is Unreal 2 runtime. It's free from Unreal Technologies website and gives you quite a few editing tools you might find quite useful. I'm not entirley sure how many (open source) engines are out there that are flexable enough for what you're trying to accomplish.

The other suggestion I can give is that there's loads of engines on this site under "3D engines database", and look for one that features good modeling and interior rendering.

Good luck

EDIT: Oh wait, auto-cad can't do lighting. Well, in the engines database, you may want to look for "radiosity" as one of the features. It's a graphics method that allows for highly realistic static light.

[LucA [ita]]

Thank you so much.

Yes while I was reading my question I had some doubt about the fact to use free 3d engines but the teacher yesterday was very sure of that.
However, tonight I'll try Unreal2 runtime.

The idea to search into the database is ok, but I've got lost in the list of "Graphical effects" some hour ago. I didn't know what one to choose :).

[starstutter]

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Yes while I was reading my question I had some doubt about the fact to use free 3d engines but the teacher yesterday was very sure of that.


Well, just keep in mind the difference between free and open source. Open source is user created, and you'd be right to be skeptical about them (although they're not all bad). Free on the other hand doesn't have to be bad quality at all. Technically, you can use Unreal 3 editor if you have a UE3 based game (ie Unreal Tornament, Bioshock, Gears of War), but I'm not familiar of the capabilities of the editor alone.

Also, be less skeptical about free engines and more-so about "cheap" ones. Tourqe is a well priced engine, but its output quality is so abysimal that it's actually faster for some people to write their own engine rather than modding the whole thing to produce an acceptable outcome.

On the other hand c4 engine, by Terathon Software, is absolutley phenominal if only for the fact that it is created by a small indie company and can output professional grade graphics with the right artists at hand. And the best part is, it's half the price of Tourqe.

I guess the point that I'm trying to make is that when it comes to software (epsecially software that can be home-made) a lot of times what one can can create in his free-time and give out to the public can be better than what a major company sells for $1000 (and from my experience, that's what mostly happens). Just learn to be careful and to never assume "You get what you pay for".

[LucA [ita]]

You are surely right. My only doubt was about the presence (and the level of detail) of the functions I need.
However I agree with you when telling that the general potential of an engine doesn't only depends of its price.

[Nyad]

Luca I would recommend blender3d. www.blender3d.org
It is a 3d modelling and animation program with an integrated game engine.
It has raytracing and setting transparancy is definitely in it.
It is opensource and should do what you want