Digital Molecular Matter
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| ??? | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Pixelux |
| Stable release | ??? / ??? |
| Operating system | Unix, Linux, Mac, Windows, Xbox 360, PS3 |
| Website | http://www.pixeluxentertainment.com/ |
Digital Molecular Matter, better known as simply DMM, is a middleware physics engine developed by Pixelux. It is designed for computer, video games, and other simulation needs by attempting to simulate physical real-world systems. Unlike traditional realtime simulation engines which tend to be based on rigid body kinematics, the novel use of FEA allows for DMM to simulate a more general set of properties. Developers assign physical properties to a given object (or portion of an object) and then at runtime they behave as they would in the real world (e.g. ice, gummy bear, etc.) In addition the properties of objects (or even just parts of objects) can be changed at runtime allowing for additional interesting effects.
DMM can also be used in a slower-than-realtime setup for Maya to ease the creation of physical effects in animations.
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[edit] Platform availability
DMM is available and optimized for Microsoft's Windows, and Xbox 360, Nintendo's Wii, Sony's PlayStation 3, Apple's Mac OS X, and Linux .
[edit] Function
DMM is a simulation which allows objects to break differently from each impact. DMM takes into account the force of the impact, direction and what it is hitting, so wood splinters like wood, glass breaks like glass and a building can even crumble due to a lack of support if a pillar is destroyed.
[edit] Use
DMM is being used in LucasArts's Star Wars: The Force Unleashed.
A plugin for Autodesk Media & Entertainment's Maya animation software is also available.
It is also rumoured that it is being developed for use in conjuction of Bethesda's Gamebryo Engine [1]
[edit] Development
The main programer of DMM was Eric Parker, CTO of Pixelux and who is also known for the classic flight simulation game Hellcats Over the Pacific. [2] The computational method used in the FEM in DMM was developed by Prof. James F. O'Brien as part of his Ph.D. thesis.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ "Pixelux website media section". http://www.pixelux.ch/content/view/55/53/.
- ^ "Pixelux website, company information page". http://www.pixeluxentertainment.com/thestory.html. Retrieved 2008-09-09.
- ^ "UC professor creates the Dark side". The Contra Costa Times. 2008-07-04. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4176/is_/ai_n28061532. Retrieved 2008-09-09.
