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General FAQ

This FAQ (frequently asked questions) is intended for the developers who use MascotCapsule engine for the first time.

1. What is MascotCapsule?

MascotCapsule is an embedded 3D graphics rendering library that is capable of moving 3D models in real-time. MascotCapsule V1 through V4 accommodate different executing environment such as CPU, OS, etc.
For details on MascotCapsule, please visit Products page. For development procedures, please visit Tutorial page.

2. What kind of functionality does MascotCapsule have?

It converts the data, which was created in commercial 3D design tools, to special formats prior to rendering. Animation support, lighting effects, and a variety of other features are also supported.
Implemented functionality varies between MascotCapsule V3 and V4.
For details of functionality, please visit MascotCapsule V3 and MascotCapsule V4 sections of Products page.

3. What is the advantage of MascotCapsule?

MascotCapsule V3 is a 3D rendering engine that operates entirely on software basis, without requiring specialty hardware. It is operable in any environment as long as it is running on a processor that is equivalent to, or better than ARM9.
V4 supports international standards such as M3G (JSR184), OpenGL ES, etc. It is also capable of handling hardware rendering.

4. What is the difference in MascotCapsule versions?

MascotCapsule V3 can run at high-speed even in the environment with limited hardware resources such as memory capacity. In the past, it has been adopted in embedded devices other than mobile phones, to create 3D menus, etc.
V4 is capable of creating versatile 3D graphics, and more realistic scenes. Its OpenGL ES support enables cooperation with GPU, and the higher execution speed.

5. What is a prerequisite for using MascotCapsule?

In order to create models, knowledge of how to use commercial 3D design tools is required. In order to create programs, knowledge of Java or C language is required.

6. Do I need a license to use MascotCapsule?

When developing and delivering the 3D contents for mobile phones, you do not need to sign a particular contract with HI CORPORATION. Please visit Tools & Documents page and obtain development tools (free of charge), and create the contents using these tools— in this case, you can create 3D contents without permission from HI CORPORATION.
However, in order to create contents for BREW platform outside of Japan, application developers must obtain extensions from Qualcomm developer website. In this case, developers must pay Qualcomm to use extensions.

If you want to use MascotCapsule for devices other than mobile phones, special arrangement is required. Please send your inquiry from Contacts page.

7. Can I see the examples of using MascotCapsule (are there any samples available) ?

Sample programs are included in the appendix of the programmer's manuals provided from this website. These programs can move rudimentary models. Also, Tutorial pages provide sample programs for some platforms.

8. What are supported OS and platforms?

MascotCapsule has been adopted in the following OS and platforms:
BREW, Java, Linux, PalmOS, Windows Mobile, Symbian OS, and WIPI.

9. What are supported 3D modeling tools?

HI CORPORATION provides plugins that support the following modeling tools:

  • 3ds Max
  • Maya
  • LightWave3D
  • SOFTIMAGE|3D (Note: Only supported for MascotCapsule V3)
  • SOFTIMAGE|XSI
  • Blender (Note: Only supported for MascotCapsule V3)

10. What is the operating environment and engine specification?

Operating environment and engine specifications are different between MascotCapsule V3 and V4.

For details, please visit MascotCapsule V3 and MascotCapsule V4 sections of Products page.

11. What do I need to have to develop MascotCapsule applications?

In order to develop MascotCapsule applications, you need a commercial 3D design tool, program development environment (compiler etc.), and dedicated tools for MascotCapsule.

12. Where can I get necessary things for development?

Dedicated tools (plugins, converters) and documentation (tool manuals, programmer's manual) of MascotCapsule can be downloaded from Tools & Documents page.
Note: All the tools and documentation, etc. provided in this website are free of charge.
In order to create applications, a specific software development kit (SDK) is required for each carrier. However, HI CORPORATION does not provide SDK. Please visit each carrier's developer site, etc. to download it.

13. Are there any manuals that describe how to use MascotCapsule?

Tool manuals that describe how to use dedicated tools, and programmer's manuals that describe how to use API for programmers are available (some API reference manuals are available).
Tool manuals and programmer's manuals can be downloaded from Tools & Documents page. For API reference manuals, please visit individual carrier's developer sites (Some carriers do not have API reference manuals).

14. Which language do you use for manuals and technical support?

Japanese and English are supported. Some manuals are written only in Japanese.
Please visit Tools & Documents page to download the manuals.

15. What is your support system for developers?

Please read FAQ pages for frequently asked questions.
If you still could not find answers to your questions, please visit Technical Support page and Contacts.