[R-pkgs] RGL v0.65

[Daniel Adler]

RGL Version 0.65 [r405 / 2005-08-14]

DESCRIPTION
The RGL package is a visualization device system for R, using
OpenGL as the rendering backend. An rgl device at its core
is a real-time 3D engine written in C++. It provides an
interactive viewpoint navigation facility (mouse + wheel support)
and an R programming interface.

RELEASE INFO
This is a Beta release. We target a stable release at the end of 
September 2005.

WHATS NEW
* A native Mac OS X / Carbon version is shipped with this release.
   No need to start an X11 Server.
   The X11 Port is still available, but configure defaults to use Carbon.

* The X11 port has been improved. The crash (using rgl.close() or 
rgl.quit()
   has been fixed.

* User-selectable mouse handlers featuring trackball navigation and
   interactive selection.

* A new interface concept "R3D" is available for preview and discussion
   using the function name pattern:
     XXX3d()

   The functions map to rgl functions internally (with some exceptions).

   Here's a short list of interesting spots in the interface API:

   * par3d() can be used to get/set values on the current RGL device.

   * Primitives functions such as points3d(), lines3d(), surface3d(), ...

   * First bunch of generic transformation utilities, rendering methods
     and mesh objects are implemented.

   The rgl interface using the pattern "rgl.XXX()" is still available.
   You can decide between more OpenGL/RGL'is low-level functions or
   more R'ish functions using the R3D interface concept.

* Rendering of blended surfaces using hierarchical z-sorting.

* New material property: Texture environment mapping

WEBSITE
http://rgl.neoscientists.org