3Dconnexion's newest driver update for Autodesk 3ds Max brings intelligent 3D navigation to the design process, delivering greater control to game developers, visual effects artists, and graphic designers. Whether working with larger models or focusing on intricate details in a 3D environment, 3Dconnexion’s intelligent 3D navigation feature automatically follows the point of interest to continuously determine the optimal center of rotation. The center of rotation also can be seen at all times through an icon—providing designers a reference point when controlling spin, tilt, and roll motion, and resulting in an intuitive 3D navigation experience. 3Dconnexion is demonstrating the new intelligent navigation feature in booth 1147.
To meet a range of design needs, there are two modes of setting the center of rotation. The new Auto Rotation Center sets the center of rotation to a point on the model that is nearest to the display screen center, which is particularly useful for use at higher zoom levels. For additional control, designers can also pick a new center of rotation point on the 3D model to suit their individual design task.
In addition to intelligent 3D navigation, the latest driver update streamlines the 3Dconnexion 3D mouse user interface within 3ds Max. By using the Menu or Panel button on the 3D mouse, a pop-up menu is activated to centralize all 3D mouse related options into one location. The new pop-up menu simplifies the interface by grouping functions and hiding details the designer may not be interested in. The new menu also minimizes screen clutter and provides designers with a clearer view of their design.
These new features are available now in a free 3DxWare software update, and support Autodesk 3ds Max 2009 to 2011 on Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7 across the entire product line. The 3Dconnexion product line includes the Professional Series with the SpacePilot PRO (MSRP $399) and SpaceExplorer (MSRP $299), and the Standard Series with the SpaceNavigator (MSRP $99) and SpaceNavigator for Notebooks (MSRP $129).