I just downloaded and installed Java 2, version 1.3. Then I installed
Java 3D version 1.2 alpha. (Windows 95 platform. No "special" graphics
card.) I used appletviewer to run my code.
I had hoped that with this new version all my transparency problems
would be solved. But I don't see any improvement. And in fact,
there is a new problem.
In some of my programs, I have polyhedra (Shape3D objects) inside other
polyhedra. By adjusting the transparency values (and color) of these
layered polyhedra, I expect to be able to see all the polyhedra, one
inside the other.
New problem: When the application starts, all the Shape3D objects
have a transparency of 0.5 set in the objects Appearance:
TransparencyAttributes TA = new TransparencyAttributes(TransparencyAttributes.FASTEST, 0.5f);
TA.setCapability(TransparencyAttributes.ALLOW_VALUE_WRITE);
A.setTransparencyAttributes(TA);
Initially I can actually see the polyhedra inside the covering polyhedron.
When I change the transparency value for the outer most polyhedron
to 0.6f, (or any value) I suddenly can't see *anything* inside the outer
most polyhedron. When I set the outer most polyhedron value to 0.9
(which should be almost completely transparent) I get a blacked out area where the
outer most polyhedron should be. Nothing inside or behind the polyhedron is
displayed.
And when I set the transparency back to the initial 0.5f value, I do *not* return
to the original image. It looks like the polyhedron is transparent (I can see the
"back" edges of the polyhedron) but there is now *nothing* inside the polyhedron.
I should see the other polyhedra inside the outer most polyhedron. I could seem them
when the app first started, but not once I *changed* the transparency value.
I just tried changing the color of the outer most polyhedron and a similar thing
happens. As soon as I changed the color, nothing inside the polyhedron is seen.
I then set the transparency value to 0.9f and I get a black area where the polyhedron
is.
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I **REALLY** need to have these transparency (and color) problems fixed.
I am willing to generate some of these images and put them on a web page, pointing
out what is wrong, if this will help solve the problems.
Let me know what I can do to get these bugs fixed in Java 3D 1.2. I can't wait to have these
bugs fixed in Java 3D 1.3. I need them fixed *now*. How can I help solve these
problems!!!!!!
Bob Gray
