MathEngine PLC

Java 3D API Customer Success Stories

MathEngine PLC

MathEngine PLC was established in April 1997 to develop and implement real time physics on mass-market hardware, primarily for the entertainment, Internet and engineering industries. MathEngine PLC brought together research mathematicians and physicists from around the world in order to create a revolutionary development in 3D computer software, one that enables the simulation of real-world physics, in real time, with full user interaction.

MathEngine PLC made the first release of its Software Development Kit (SDK) freely available on the Web in December 1998, allowing developers to add highly realistic physics to an application in a matter of hours instead of weeks or months. MathEngine sponsored the Open Media Group (OMG) to release compelling open source applications with rich dynamics in cutting-edge interactive environments.

MathEngine's OMG began developing open source applications using C++ and a proprietary rendering technology. The OMG quickly discovered that this framework limited the mobility and functionality of the end product and would have required a per user license for the renderer. "C++ was creating obstacles to development, which might later cause problems for our users." -- Anselm Hook, Technical Lead, Open Media Group, MathEngine.

To meet its original goals, MathEngine's OMG required the functionality and flexibility of the Java 3D API. The Java 3D API provided the visualization, user interaction, and thread management for the simulations and games built using the MathEngine SDK. The end result is that users will be able to easily make, play and share next-generation games using MathEngine technology.

"We felt we needed enabling technologies which were freely redistributable, comprehensive and defect-resistant. We also wanted a technology that would continue to grow and develop. With the introduction of Java 3D technology, we found our critical enabling tool, so we took the leap and switched our entire development to the Java platform and the Java 3D API. We are now able to build visual worlds where the dynamics are simply taken for granted - and the challenges we now face are no longer issues of language or rendering, but simply in building compelling physical environments."

Anselm Hook
Technical Lead
Open Media Group
MathEngine

MathEngine Inc.
580 Howard Street, Suite 404
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415)495-1738
http://www.mathengine.com
http://www.openmediagroup.com