NAME

cube − real-time display of famous cube puzzle

SYNOPSIS

/usr/people/demos/cube

DESCRIPTION

Cube displays a moving, rotating, 3-D model of the well-known Rubik’s cube puzzle.  As the cube changes, the viewpoint translates in and out and moves around and around the object.  Hidden surfaces are removed in real time.  The mouse valuators and buttons control the display. 

The motion will continue with the system unattended.  This allows the program to be used as a stress test for the geometry system. 

Automatic Operation

For automatic operation of the cube, use the menu at the top left.  Move the cursor to the menu entry for the desired mode; press and release the right mouse button to select it.  The rotate mode makes the cube alter itself while the viewpoint’s altitude and azimuth change.  Translate makes the viewpoint move back and forth.  Both and Freeze do as one would expect. 

Manual Operation

First select Freeze. The cube will come to rest as soon as its current internal motion is complete.

To rotate a surface of the cube, put the cursor on it.  Press the left mouse button to rotate the surface counterclockwise; the right one to turn it clockwise.  If the side you wish to rotate is not visible, hold down the middle button and move the cursor.  This changes viewing altitude and azimuth to bring the hidden surfaces into view. 

The middle menu and the right button can tie the middle button to distance and field of view rather than altitude and azimuth. 

Quit terminates the program.  Reset initializes the program and, incidentally, solves the cube. 

AUTHORS

Herb Kuta and Kurt Akeley

HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS

Eight bitplanes and 1.5 Megabytes of memory are necessary. 

Version 2.1  —  January 02, 1985