OpenFlight

OpenFlight[1] (or .flt) is a 3d geometry model file format originally developed by Software Systems Inc. for its MultiGen[2] real-time 3d modeling package in 1988. Originally called Flight, the format was designed as a nonproprietary 3d model format for use by real-time 3d visual simulation image generators. The format was later renamed to OpenFlight to denote its nonproprietary image generation (IG) usage. The MultiGen modeling package (known now as Creator[3]) and the OpenFlight format were rapidly adopted by the early commercial flight simulation industry in the later 1980s and early 1990s. NASA Ames was the first customer for the MultiGen modeling package.

OpenFlight geometry format
Filename extension
.flt
Internet media type
model/flt
Developed byPresagis
Initial release1988 (1988)
Latest release
16.6
(January 2017 (2017-01))
Type of format3D file formats

The early advantage OpenFlight held over many 3d geometry model file formats (.obj, .dxf, .3ds) was its specific real-time 3d graphics industry design. This means that the format is polygon based (rather than NURB surfaces), and provides a real-time tree structure essential for real-time IG systems. Most early graphics file formats, such as Wavefront Technologies, or Alias Systems Corporation, tried to focus more on visual aesthetics for non-real-time based rendering graphics packages.

The OpenFlight file format is still widely used today in the high end real-time visual simulation industry as the standard interchange format between different IG systems, and is currently administrated by Presagis.

File format

Associated File Formats

OpenFlight models can have several associated files in different formats, that define elements such as material characteristics or shaders.

Versions and History
VersionDateInformation
OpenFlight 16.7November 2018 (2018-11)OpenFlight Scene Specification for version 16.7
OpenFlight 16.6January 2017 (2017-01)OpenFlight Scene Specification for version 16.6

Covering: Presagis Creator Suite 16

OpenFlight 16.5February 2016 (2016-02)OpenFlight Scene Specification for version 16.5

Covering: Presagis Creator Suite 15

OpenFlight 16.4June 2009 (2009-06)OpenFlight Scene Specification for version 16.4

Covering: Presagis Creator v4.0

OpenFlight 16.3January 2008 (2008-01)OpenFlight Scene Specification for version 16.3

Covering: Presagis Creator v3.4

OpenFlight 16.2January 2007 (2007-01)OpenFlight Scene Specification for version 16.2

Covering: MultiGen-Paradigm Creator v3.2

OpenFlight 16.1October 2005 (2005-10)OpenFlight Scene Specification for version 16.1

Covering: MultiGen-Paradigm Creator v3.1

OpenFlight 16.0December 2004 (2004-12)OpenFlight Scene Specification for version 16.0

Covering: MultiGen-Paradigm Creator v3.0

OpenFlight 15.8May 2003 (2003-05)OpenFlight Scene Specification for version 15.8

Covering: MultiGen-Paradigm Creator v2.6

OpenFlight 15.7January 2001 (2001-01)OpenFlight Scene Specification for version 15.7

Covering: MultiGen-Paradigm Creator v2.4; v2.4.1; v2.5; v2.5.1

OpenFlight 15.6September 1999 (1999-09)OpenFlight Scene Specification for version 15.6

Covering: MultiGen-Paradigm Creator v2.1; v2.2; v2.2.1; v2.3

OpenFlight 15.5.1July 1998 (1998-07)OpenFlight Scene Specification for version 15.5.1

Covering: MultiGen Creator v2.0; v2.0.1

OpenFlight 15.4.1July 1998 (1998-07)OpenFlight Scene Specification for version 15.4.1

Covering: MultiGen II v1.4; v1.5

OpenFlight 15.0October 1996 (1996-10)OpenFlight Scene Specification for version 15.0

Covering: MultiGen II v1.2
GameGen II v1.0[4]
GameGen v1.2

OpenFlight 14.2May 1995 (1995-05)OpenFlight Scene Specification for version 14.2

Covering: MultiGen II v1.0
MultiGen v14.2; v14.3

Flight 13.0June 1993 (1993-06)Flight Scene Specification for version 13.0

Covering: Software Systems MultiGen version 13

Flight 12.0December 1992 (1992-12)Flight Scene Specification for version 12.0

Covering: Software Systems MultiGen version 12

Flight 11.0March 1992 (1992-03)Flight Scene Specification for version 11.0

Covering: Software Systems MultiGen version 11

Flight 10.0April 1991 (1991-04)Flight Scene Specification for version 10.0

Covering: Software Systems MultiGen version 10

Flight 9.0 AMarch 1991 (1991-03)Flight Scene Specification for version 9.0

Covering: Software Systems MultiGen version 9

Flight 1.01988 (1988)Flight Scene Specification for version 1.0

Covering: Software Systems MultiGen

API

Modeling Tools

There are several modeling tools currently on the market that both read and write the OpenFlight file format. The standard bearer of the file format Presagis Creator offers the widest compatibility with the file format.

Vendor Specific Alterations

Because the OpenFlight file format allows for vendor specific data field additions, some modeling and simulation tools might not fully support vendor specific additions to the file format.

gollark: This person who claims to be a viewbomber has decided to DM me, and has decided to take questions. Do you have any, or...?
gollark: Nonsense. Who would do such a thing?
gollark: Why did I get a random friend request from `deepbluesea`?
gollark: They have nonexistent invisible wings.
gollark: Putting them in hatcheries myself is really quite boring, so if the viewbombers could do it *for* me it'd be great.

References
  1. "OpenFlight Standard". Presagis.
  2. "Multigen-Paradigm 25th Anniversary". MultiGen-Paradigm.
  3. "Creator - 3D Modeling Software". Presagis.
  4. "GameGen II". MultiGen.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.