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SpeedTreeis a group of vegetation programming and modeling software products developed and sold by Interactive Data Visualization, Inc. (IDV) that generates virtualfoliagefor animations, architecture and inreal timeforvideo gamesand demanding real time simulations.
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| Developer(s) | Interactive Data Visualization, Inc. (IDV) |
|---|---|
| Stable release | SpeedTree for Games v9.0.1 (February 2, 2022) SpeedTree Cinema v9.1.3 (SpeedTree Studio v7 and SpeedTree Architect 7 were launched November 13, 2013, and discontinued upon the release of SpeedTree Cinema 8) SpeedTree 8.4.2 forUnreal Engine 4(November 10, 2019) SpeedTree 8.4.2 forUnity(November 10, 2019) SpeedTree 8.4.2 forAmazon Lumberyard(November 10, 2019) |
| Operating system | Windows,Xbox One,Xbox 360,PlayStation 4,PlayStation 3,PlayStation Vita,Mac OS X,Linux |
| Type | Game MiddlewareandAnimation |
| Website | SpeedTree Official Website SpeedTree YouTube |
SpeedTree has been licensed to developers of a range of video games forMicrosoft Windows,and theXboxandPlayStationconsole series since 2002.
SpeedTree Cinema has been used in more than 40 major films since its release in 2009,[1][2]includingIron Man 3,Star Trek Into Darkness,Life of PiandBirdman,and was used to generate the lush vegetation ofPandora,inAvatar.[3][4]
SpeedTree was awarded aScientific and Technical Academy Awardin 2015,[5]presented to IDV founders Michael Sechrest and Chris King, and Senior Engineer Greg Croft.[6][7]
History
editSpeedTree was conceptualized at IDV in circa 2000, and originated due to the firm's lack of satisfaction with 3rd-party tree-generation software on the market.[8]
The initial version of SpeedTreeCAD (CADstanding for "computer-aided design") was developed by IDV for a real-time golf simulation. Although backers pulled out of the golf project, IDV refined the CAD software as a3D Studio Maxplug-infor an animated architectural rendering, dubbing it SpeedTreeMAX.[8]
SpeedTreeMAX was released in February 2002, and toward the end of 2002, IDV released SpeedTreeRT, a real-time foliage/tree middleware SDK, which allowed automatic levels of foliage detail, real-time wind effects, and multiple lighting options.[8]IDV eventually released plug-ins forMayaas well, appropriately named SpeedTreeMAYA. In early 2009, IDV discontinued the SpeedTreeMAX and SpeedTreeMAYA plugins, replacing them with SpeedTree Modeler and Compiler products.
IDV released SpeedTree 5 in July 2009, a version representing a "complete re-engineering" of the software and the first versions of SpeedTree enabling hand modeling and editing of vegetation models: SpeedTree Modeler (replacing SpeedTreeCAD), SpeedTreeSDK (replacing SpeedTreeRT) and SpeedTree Compiler, which prepares SpeedTree files forreal-time rendering.
SpeedTree Cinema was first released by IDV in 2009, based on version 5 technology. SpeedTree for Games (version 6) was released on November 7, 2011, and was essentially a re-branded version of SpeedTree 6 (Modeler + Compiler). The product was identified as SpeedTree for Games to distinguish it from other products not meant for gaming/real-time use.
SpeedTree Architect was released on October 15, 2012, and is designed for architectural 3D CAD use and 3D fly-throughs. IDV released updated versions of SpeedTree Cinema, SpeedTree Studio and SpeedTree Architect in November 2013. IDV released SpeedTree v7 forUnreal Engine 4in July 2014. IDV released SpeedTree v7 forUnity 5on the new engine version's launch date, in March 2015. IDV released SpeedTree for Games v7 on April 16, 2015.
IDV and three of its engineers received aScientific and Technical Academy Awardin 2015,[9]for their SpeedTree Cinema product suite.
IDV was acquired byUnity Technologiesin July 2021.[10][11]
SpeedTree 9 was released on January 10, 2022. This version added new features such as freehand editing for branch bending. New branch features, zig-zag, jink, texture map skew correction can be found on the branch generator. Mesh Converter to help turn 3d trunk and branch scans into full tree models. Atlas control, HDRI lighting,USDexport, material for backside of the leaf geometry[12]
Products
editSuites
editSpeedTree Cinemawas released by IDV in 2009, and saw its first major use inAvatarbyJames Cameron.SpeedTree Cinema is designed for use in the film industry, and generates high-resolution meshes and high-quality textures forAutodesk 3ds Max,Autodesk MayaandCinema4D.[13][14]The Cinema edition includes SpeedTree Modeler, and the complete Tree Model Library designed by IDV, while with some other suites tree packs must be purchased separately.[13]Several members of the SpeedTree line can simulate animated growth of trees and plants and seasonal changes, and can export data for animated wind effects.[13]
SpeedTree Studiowas released by IDV in 2009 as a less expensive companion to SpeedTree Cinema. It does not include all Cinema features, nor the complete Tree Model Library.[15]
SpeedTree Architectwas released in 2012, is designed for use in 3D architectural CAD. It generates meshes compatible with typical architectural applications such asAutodesk 3ds Max,Autodesk MayaandRhino.[16]The Architect edition also exportsnormal mapsandUV maps,for physically-accurate rendering engines such asV-Rayandmental ray.[16]
SpeedTree for Gamesis the edition of SpeedTree forvideo gamedevelopment, contrasting with the Subscription edition offered to users of theUnitygame development engine and certain versions of theUnreal Engine 4engine.[17]The Games edition includes the Modeler, Compiler, and SDK.[17]This edition permits game developers to integrate SpeedTree runtime technology into any game engine of their choice.[18]Meshes generated with the system arelow poly,with multiplelevels of detail,usetexture atlases,and are typically stored in an efficient binary format.[19]
SpeedTree Subscription Editionis a low-cost edition of SpeedTree Modeler and Runtime, targeted atindependent game studios.The licensing fee is a US$19 monthly charge, as well as additional charges for tree packs.[20]Subscribers get access to the SpeedTree editor, the ability to generate 3D models of trees and plants, such plants being exclusively usable with eitherUnreal Engine 4[21]orUnity,[22][23]depending on the license. Subscribers can download additional tree model packs from the Model Library, and pricing varies between packs.[24][25]
Components
editSpeedTree Modeleris aWindows-based specializedmodelingtool for designingfoliage.[26]The modeler features a combination of procedural tree generation, and hand-editing tools, to draw trees or transform individual tree parts.[26]Procedural tree generation uses configuration such as branch length, branching angles and bark texture to generate a tree in a variety of formats. Newer versions support a drag-and-drop interface that automatically blends branch intersections and handles branch collisions.[14][27]
SpeedTree Compileris a software that enables creation of efficient tree models for use in real-time rendering or video games. It generatestexture atlasesand compiles and optimizes tree models for real-time use.[19]
SpeedTree SDKis amulti-platformC++SDKthat efficiently handles rendering of SpeedTree-generated trees and forests. The engine is designed to integrate and operate within a largergame engine,with ready-made support forUnreal Engine,UnityandOGRE.[17][28]The engine contains optimized systems to cull off-screen trees, and to determine level of detail for on-screen trees.[17][29]Fullsource codeis available to licensees for use in video games and other real-time applications, and modification of the engine is supported.[17]The engine is built to work withMicrosoft Windows,Mac OS X,Xbox,PlayStationandPlayStation Vita.[27]
Partners
editIDV is a licensedmiddlewarepartner withPlayStation 3,PlayStation 4,Xbox 360andXbox One.
IDV has partnered withEpic Gamesin order to integrate the software with Epic'sUnreal Engine 4andUnreal Engine 3and the freeUDKengine released in November 2009. Partnerships have also been formed between IDV andBigWorld Tech,the Vision Engine byHavok,Multiverse Network,theGamebryoengine byEmergent Game Technologiesand theOGREopen-source rendering engine by Torus Knot.
Awards
edit- SpeedTree won aScientific and Technical Academy Awardin 2015.[9]
- SpeedTree was accorded aPrimetime Emmy Engineering Awardin October 2015.
- 2015 Develop Industry Excellence Award Winner, in the Design & Creativity Tool category. Develop, a UK-based magazine and website serving the game industry, first recognized industry achievements in a variety of categories in 2003.
- 2016 Develop Industry Excellence Awards Finalist, in the Design & Creativity Tool/Tech & Services category.
- 2008 Develop Industry Excellence Awards Finalist, in the Technology & Services, Tools Providers category.
- 2005 Frontline Award, Middleware category. This award program, sponsored byGame Developermagazine, recognizes exceptional game development tools.
- Frontline Award Finalist: 2003, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2012
- MT2 Top 100: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. The MT2 Top 100 awards are sponsored by Kerrigan Media International and Military Training Technology to recognize companies and technologies that have made a significant impact in the military training industry.
Applications
editVideo game industry
editSpeedTree for Games was licensed for its first video games, includingThe Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion,in December 2002. SpeedTree has been licensed forPCand next-generation console titles in a wide variety of genres. Studios that have used SpeedTree, or published games featuring the technology, include:
Selected recent, upcoming and/or popular titles featuring SpeedTree for Games:
Film and animation industry
editFollowing the release of SpeedTree Cinema in 2009, SpeedTree saw its first major cinematic use in 2009'sAvatar,in which the technology provided the vegetation for the flyover of the planet Pandora in the first frames of the movie, as well as other scenes. Known movies and television productions featuring SpeedTree include:
Real-time applications
editSpeedTree is being used in the following real-time projects and offerings:
- America's Army project, both theAmerica's Armygame and in non-public applications used for training, simulation, education, virtual prototyping and outreach
- An optional foliage module with the Vega Prime visualization product line.[35]Vega Prime is a 3D visual simulation software package used by the global military industry and in other game and non-game markets.
- AnApache attack helicopterFLIRsimulation developed for the US Army by Camber Corp. for pilot training under night flying conditions
- The Expresso Fitness Virtual Reality Bike, a cardio exercise system developed by Expresso Fitness and sold to gyms and home users
- A combat simulation developed byEmergent Game Technologiesfor the US Department of Defense[36]
- A project under development by the Germany-based division ofEuropean Aeronautic Defence and Space (EADS)[37]
- The Forest Fire project, developed by the Media Convergence Laboratory (MCL) at theUniversity of Central Florida.The project is helping to determine if a virtual reality presentation of wildfires can influence local residents to invest in prescribed burns and other protective efforts.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^Hollywood’s movie tech wizards honoured by Oscars organizers,LiveMint
- ^SpeedTree Brings Photoreal Vegetation to The Wolf of Wall Street,ComputerGraphicsWorld
- ^Avatar Profile,SpeedTree website
- ^The Science Behind Oscar's Award-Winning Trees And Tresses,PhysicsCentral
- ^SpeedTree® Receives a Scientific and Technical Academy Award®,Gamasutra
- ^21 SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL ACHIEVEMENTS TO BE HONORED WITH ACADEMY AWARDS®,OSCARS Website
- ^Local Computer Graphics Company Earns Academy Award for Technical AchievementArchived2016-07-19 at theWayback Machine,FreeTimes
- ^abc"Middleware Postmortem: IDV Inc's SpeedTreeRT".Gamasutra.17 May 2005.Retrieved2009-11-30.
- ^ab"21 Scientific and Technical Achievements to be Honored with Academy Awards®".13 January 2015.
- ^McAloon, Alissa."Unity acquires SpeedTree creator Interactive Data Visualization".gamasutra.Retrieved19 August2021.
- ^"SpeedTree® creator Interactive Data Visualization, Inc. (IDV) joins Unity".Unity Blog.Retrieved19 August2021.
- ^"Release Notes [SpeedTree Documentation]".docs9.speedtree.Retrieved2022-02-19.
- ^abcSpeedTree Cinema,SpeedTree Store
- ^abSpeedTree v6.1.1 Provides Support for Cinema 4D,Animation World Network
- ^SpeedTree Studio
- ^abSpeedTree Architect
- ^abcdeSpeedTree for Games,SpeedTree
- ^SpeedTree SDK Middleware,SpeedTree
- ^abSpeedTree Compiler,SpeedTree
- ^SpeedTree Modeler for Unreal Engine 4 adopts $19 per month subscription fee,DevelopOnline
- ^SpeedTree for UE4* Subscription Modeler,SpeedTree
- ^SpeedTree for Unity 5,SpeedTree
- ^SpeedTree® for Unity® 5 Beta Launched,Gamasutra
- ^Tree packages for Unreal Engine 4,SpeedTree Store
- ^Tree packages for Unity,SpeedTree Store
- ^abSpeedTree Modeler Features,SpeedTree website
- ^abNew Optimized SpeedTree Version Adds Support For Vita, Mac, DirectX 11,Gamasutra
- ^SpeedTree integrated into Unreal Engine 4,DevelopOnline.net
- ^abSpeedTree plants roots in Bungie's Destiny,DevelopOnline
- ^ab"Destiny to Feature SpeedTree For Games for Creating Environmental Vegetation".GamingBolt.
- ^Battlefield 4 Teaser Trailers Teases Tanks And Boats,CinemaBlend
- ^"Twomoreweeks.net | Home".
- ^Hawken Will Use SpeedTree,CinemaBlend
- ^Warriors Orochi 3 Using IDV's SpeedTree,CinemaBlend
- ^"Official announcement"(PDF).multigen.
- ^"Official announcement"(PDF).speedtree.April 12, 2006.
- ^"Official announcement"(PDF).speedtree.February 21, 2006.
External links
edit- SpeedTree official website
- Interactive Data Visualization, Inc. Official Website- the website of the developers of SpeedTree.
- Gamasutra feature article on SpeedTree