Virtual prototyping with low-end 3D graphics programs

Virtual prototyping and photo-realistic rendered drawings convey images of expensive high-end CAD work stations and drawing programs. These are out of financial reach for most small businesses that want to enter this market, and the products are expensive for small-budget customers. This paper provides examples of the quality and value that can be obtained from low-end 3D drawing programs on minimum configuration Macintosh computers. Levels of detail for a hierarchy of virtual prototype model requirements are suggested, and some insight is provided on the role of low-end virtual prototypes in the various stages of the acquisition cycle starting with the Battle Labs concept development.