Leonardo3D

Leonardo 3D is a program that brings 3D character modeling and animation to the common programmer. It is an application, written in Python, that allows one to easily create models of 3D anthropods, which can be integrated into Python programs that render scenes using OpenGL.

[MINI SCREENSHOT]

Here's how it works: the user creates a 3D model of character using the application interface (shown above). The user can assemble the character from a library of 3D body parts and accessories, and can fine tune the parts so they look good. The user can also define poses and select animations for the characer.

After editing, the user tells Leonardo 3D to generate some C code which can render the character using OpenGL. The C code, in turn, compiles into a Python extension module. This module can then be used in Python programs for simple and fast OpenGL rendering of the character.

The best part of all this is that the user does not need to learn and struggle with a complex 3D modeling program such as Blender or 3D Studio, and then struggle trying to import that model into his or her own program. With Leonardo 3D, a user can assemble a model quickly, and use it very easily in a program. Leonardo 3D brings 3D character animation to the common programmer.

Here's an example of how easy it is to integrate your models into a program. Suppose you want to draw the character standing. You use Leonardo 3D to model a character, and let's say you have made a pose called stand, which is just the character standing. You tell Leonardo 3D to produce the extension module called my_character, and copy it to the appropriate directory.

Then, in the beginning of the Python program in which you wish to draw the character, you would do this, to create the character object:

    import my_character
    me = my_character.human()

Then, after you properly position the OpenGL camera, you can draw the character like this:

    me.stand(0.0,1)
    me.move_joints()
    me.draw_human()

It's that simple. (The arguments to stand are an animation time, and a weighting parameter for gradual transitions between motions.)

The main drawback is that Leonardo 3D models will never approach the quality of graphics that you get with something like Blender. So, if you're thinking of writing a game with high-end special effects, this is not the program for you.