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Autodesk Softimage

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Autodesk Softimage
Developer(s)Autodesk, Inc.
Stable release
2011 (9.0) / 2010-03-10
Operating systemMicrosoft Windows, Linux
Type3D computer graphics
LicenseProprietary
Websitewww.softimage.com

Autodesk Softimage, or simply Softimage (Template:Pron-en), is a 3D computer graphics application owned by Autodesk for producing 3D computer graphics, 3D modeling, and computer animation. The software is predominantly used in the film, video game and advertising industries for creating computer generated characters, objects, and environments.

Released in 2000 as the successor to Softimage|3D, Softimage|XSI was developed by Softimage, Co., then a subsidiary of Avid Technology. On Oct. 23, 2008, Autodesk acquired from Avid the Softimage brand and 3D animation assets for approximately $35 million, thereby ending Softimage Co. as a distinct entity.[1] In February 2009, Softimage|XSI was rebranded Autodesk Softimage.

Two different versions of the software exist to cater to the differing needs and budgets of users: Softimage and Softimage Advanced.

A further two versions of Softimage have been developed called Autodesk Face Robot, which has since been integrated into Softimage, and Autodesk Softimage Mod Tool. The latter version was developed for the game modding community to create games using the Microsoft XNA toolset for the PC and Xbox 360, or to create mods for games using Valve Software's Source game engine, Epic Games' Unreal Engine, and others.

Key features

  • ICE (Interactive Creative Environment) for extending the software and creating procedural effects quickly using a node-based dataflow diagram.
  • 64-bit multi-threaded architecture – Softimage is advertised as the only 3D content creation platform that is fully multi-threaded and takes advantage of all available CPU power.[citation needed]
  • Customizable workflow – Softimage gives a variety of tools that allows users to customize Softimage to exact workflow requirements. The availability of options and customizations are huge, allowing artists and teams to build efficient pipelines.
  • Non-Destructive Workflow – Softimage comes with many features that allow users to 'build once'. For example, GATOR (Generalized Attribute Transfer OperatoR) allows users to transfer attributes such as textures, UV's, weight maps and enveloping from one mesh to another quickly.
  • Collaborative workflow – Softimage has numerous features that allow it to operate in large teams such as a robust referencing system, interoperability between 3ds Max and Maya, extensive file format support and excellent support for COLLADA standards.
  • Subdivision surface modeling – Softimage had one of the first commercially available subdivision surface polygon modelers. Combined with a high performance core architecture, Softimage is able to render extremely high density 3D meshes in real-time.
  • Rigging and character tools – Softimage has a comprehensive rigging system for demanding character work.
  • Non-linear animation – Softimage pioneered non-linear animation with the Animation Mixer – which allows for users to mix animation clips and layer them the same way as a non-linear video editor would.
  • Shading and texturing – A key feature of Softimage is the ability to work iteratively and see results interactively. The Render Region feature gives users the ability to preview renders in the viewport and see changes made interactively render. The Render Tree allows users to build shaders quickly using a node-based dataflow diagram. For game developers, Softimage enables users to build and preview real-time shaders interactively in the viewports.
  • Simulation, Dynamics and Hair – Softimage comes with simulation, dynamics and hair tools integrated. Simulation is based on Ageia PhysX and hair is based on Joe Alter's Shave and a Haircut software. Cloth simulation is provided by Syflex.
  • Lights and Cameras – Softimage features tight integration with Mental Images' mental ray renderer, with realistic lighting models as well as support for non-photorealistic renders. Softimage also provides XSI Batch, a command-line version of Softimage used for render farming.
  • Support for major game engines – Softimage comes with content pipeline support for major game engines including Crytek's CryENGINE 2, Valve Source, Emergent GameBryo, Microsoft XNA and Epic Unreal Technology 3.
  • Games tools – Softimage comes with a host of features specific to games creation such as normal mapping, real-time shading, COLLADA support and a custom display host, allowing developers to integrate a game engine directly into Softimage.
  • Compositing and Paint – Softimage comes with an in-built compositor allowing users to create final frame shots, ready for editing.
  • Customization and development tools – in addition to the ICE node-based platform, Softimage also has an extensive API and scripting environment that allows users to extend the software. Softimage allows for multiple scripting languages including C#, Python, VBScript and Javascript. A C++ SDK is also available for plug-in developers.
  • FaceRobot - a toolset to make realistic facial animations on the fly. (from e.g. soundsource input)

Interactive Creative Environment

In 2008, Softimage released the ICE (Interactive Creative Environment) architecture. ICE is a visual programming platform that allows users to extend the capabilities of Softimage quickly and intuitively using a node-based dataflow diagram. This allows artists to create complex 3D effects and tools without scripting. Enabling ICE is a parallel processing engine that takes advantage of multi-core CPU's, giving users highly scalable performance.

The ICE represents Softimage functionality using a collection of nodes, each with its own specific capabilities. Users can connect nodes together, visually representing the data flow, to create powerful tools and effects that can be packaged and distributed for reuse.

This graph-based approach is far less limiting than traditional development using scripting and/or compiled code. It offers a cohesive development environment that large facilities can use to quickly develop complete tools from scratch. Smaller teams can use and modify tools provided by Softimage and 3rd party developers to suit the needs of a production.

ICE is also the internal development platform for new features being developed by Softimage. Rather than developing ‘closed’ systems that are difficult to extend or edit, Softimage gives users full control. If a user is not obtaining a desired effect using the internal Softimage feature set, the user no longer has to wait for someone to write a plug-in or for the next version of Softimage . The user can simply open it in ICE and modify it for the desired effect.

Game development

Softimage has been used numerous times for game development.[2]

Film and video

Softimage has also been used in numerous film and television productions.[citation needed]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Autodesk Acquires Softimage For $35 Million", Gamasutra, October 2008
  2. ^ "Autodesk Customer Showcase", Autodesk February 2010
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