Microsoft KB Archive/152586

= Microsoft Knowledge Base =

PRB: Step Value Has Jumped To 10 And The Scene Is Very Large
Last reviewed: June 25, 1996

Article ID: Q152586

The information in this article applies to:


 * Softimage 3D for Windows NT, version 3.01
 * Softimage 3D for IRIX, version 3.50

SYMPTOMS
Your scene, despite having few elements in it, is disproportionately large and heavy. To help diagnose this, remember that the most easily recognizable symptom of a heavy scene is that Softimage 3D runs much more slowly than usual.

CAUSE
By design, one of the Step settings in the Info -> Selection menu cell defaults to a value of 10 when any of the following occur:


 * When performing the Surface -> Extrusion function;
 * When performing the Surface -> Revolution function;
 * When performing the Surface -> Skin function;
 * When performing the Surface -> Four Sided function.

Also, one of the Step settings in the Info -> Selection menu cell defaults to a value of 10 when the Static setting, Parametric (step) value in the mental ray Render Setup dialogue box is raised to 10.

RESOLUTION
In the Info -> Selection menu cell, verify the Step settings. If either of the Step settings is at a value of 10, set it manually to a value of 3.

NOTE: This can be done while in any Softimage 3D module except Tools.

Also, when setting mental ray rendering parameters in the mental ray Render Setup dialogue box, it is advisable to use the Adaptive settings, Spatial (units*) or Curvative (units*) values, rather than the Static setting, Parametric (step) value for setting the mental ray rendering parameters.

In this way, neither of the Step setting values in Info -> Selection will default to 10.

STATUS
This behavior is by design.

NOTE: Softimage Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation.