The VBO is loaded as STATIC_DRAW (because it is virtually never changed) for maximum speed.īecause LDraw models are currently flat shaded, BrickSmith does not attempt to index and share vertices all VBOs are non-indexed, and a distinct set of GL_QUADS is maintained to avoid vertex duplication. Thus a part is typically a single set of tris, lines, and draws, all stored in a single VBO, with no state change. This is important because it means that I can use a single mesh (with color) for any given part regardless of color changes (the mesh doesn't have to be edited) and I don't have to draw the mesh in two batches (which would cost CPU time).īrickSmith "flattens" parts in the standard LDraw library into a single simple representation - in other words, the 'stack' is simulated and the final output is consolidated. I represent these meta-colors that come off the stack as special RGBA quadruples with A=0 and RGB having a special value the shader can then pull off the current stack state and substitute it in. The shaders understand the LDraw concept of a "current" color (which is the top of a stack of color changes induced by the inclusion of sub-parts/sub-models) vs static hard-coded colors a given part might be a mix of "this is red" and "fill in the blank". Because of this, I was able to program one or two LDraw-specific tricks into the shaders to avoid CPU work. The new renderer uses shaders, not the fixed function pipeline. (Consider: even though the lego 'studs' are only broken into octagon-prisms, you still have 1024 of them on a single baseplate.) LDraw models tend to be vertex bound the format contains no LOD for reducing vertex count, and the lego parts are modeled in full geometric detail.The vast majority of drawing tends to be colored lines and polygons while texture support was added to the format, it's not yet in wide-spread production.The file format effectively turns into something like a push-down state stack and individual line, tri, and quad primitives.Regardless of whether you are looking for a parts organizer, need a flexible tool where you can draw the next model you intend to make or you just want to build LEGO models and scenes, Ldraw can come in handy.If you aren't familiar with LDraw's simulation of lego bricks, here are the operative points to a graphics programmer: A useful utility for anyone who enjoys building with LEGO bricks As a side note, in case you need more info about a part, then you can consider looking for it on developer's website or forum. Not only does it provide you with the information about the number and code, but also the right hue and quantity, an option that can save you a lot of time in the long run. The feature can be especially useful if you obtained the model from other sources and you intend to build it yourself. It is worth mentioning that the application is capable of displaying a complete list of parts that you need to complete a full model. Allows you to keep track of parts and create new models The editor allows to group pieces together, change their colors, add new parts and scripts to them, just to name a few of the possibilities. While the application is solely a viewer, it is worth mentioning that you can use the LCAD rendering tool to create models from scratch or edit the ones you already have stored as images on your computer. Upon launch, you are welcomed by a clear and user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and understand, regardless of your computer skills. The setup is straightforward and simple, but it can take up to a few minutes depending on your PC resources and the size of the library you want to install. Comes with a clean, well-structured and intuitive GUI LDraw is a comprehensive suite that is specially designed for LEGO aficionados who want to create 3D models, keep track of the current projects they completed or have a full list of the parts they required to complete their pending models.
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