Introduction
Imagine that you can present, analyse and explain your best 3D designs only by using your iPad. This is made possible by Akis application - simple, but powerful tool for viewing 3D models. If you are creative genius who loves 3D, take your iPad and show off your work to everyone.
This application allows iPad users to navigate and present textured 3D files of .obj and .dae formats saved with Blender. Just upload the models through Dropbox or iTunes and youre ready. Two modes of navigation allow the models to be inspected from all the angles and locations possible. Rotation mode gives first impression of 3D models and Fly-Through mode gives game-like experience when navigating environments of your own creation. You can set your camera speeds to fit your needs and easily enter into full-screen mode, which gives clean area with only your model visible. Speed deceleration makes movement in the scene fluid and seamless. You can set deceleration values in the same way you set the speeds.
Compatibility
As it was already mentioned, Akis application is compatible with Blender, free and open source 3D modelling application. To upload models simply use Dropbox or iTunes File Sharing capabilities. Although it is possible to upload files saved in other software platforms successfully, we do advice users to use .obj or .dae files saved with Blender, this will ensure the best performance and stability. If you prefer to use different software packages for modelling, consider exporting your files to Blender through various formats it reads and simply export .obj or .dae files afterwards. This process may affect your materials though, so check that before exporting from Blender. You may need to regulate Specular levels or other properties to make your model look good in the app.
When uploading .obj models, make sure you include .mtl file as well. If your models are textured, you will be also required to upload .jpg or .png files. These will not appear in the main file list, although when entering Edit mode, they will be shown and you will be able to delete them.
Default 3D Models
Three default models are included in the Akis application. This enables users to directly start experiencing possibilities of the application. Default models emphasize the fact that this application is suitable for various professionals working in fields of architecture, design, engineering, medicine or other. When you start the application, 3D model of the DNA Sequence will load automatically. Try interacting with the screen and you’ll soon understand the principles of navigation. We made interface in such a way that it would be easy to learn software by experimentation.
Performance
Akis application is built to handle any number of files that you prefer. The only limit is your device’s memory. File size is not limited as well, but be careful, do not expect models with millions of polygons to work seamlessly. You can set your own FPS (frames per second) rate, but default is 60 and for most models it does not go down when navigating. You also have to remember that 3D graphics will drain your battery faster than other applications. First time you load the files, it will take longer than usually. This is due to the fact that the app will generate the binary file, which it will use every other time you open the model. Deleting the original file will also delete the binary. You can delete your material and texture files after the binary is generated to save space in the device.
Akis uses NinevehGL engine, which supports OpenGL ES 2.0. This game engine is optimized by professionals to give you the best performance on mobile devices. The fact that we use NinevehGL also ensures that application will be able to grow easily and efficiently as time goes by. It was our task to seamlessly integrate the engine into the app so that the end user could benefit from all the power it suggests.