VB Design program

[Abashai]

I am going to write a program that designs new kitchens. I will need to make walls, cabinets etc. It will have a grid layout and will have to measure angles and dimensions of sinks, cabinets, and counters. I will also have to make 3D renderings of the layouts. Like a "Virtual Kitchen".

Can this be done in VB. Have you heard of anyone doing anything similar to this?

Can you recommend any books on the subject.? I have played around with the picture box, but I am thinking that this will be to limited. I have good experience in database programming but this is a totaly different ballgame. Maybe I should use API.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[mlewis]

Try looking into OpenGL, or preferably DirectX (which has support for VB).

The system shouldn't be too hard to create, but the 3D view may be tricky.

[Abashai]

Is there any reading material to get me headed in the right direction? Could I use an OCX like the picture box to make an application like this?

[mlewis]

I don't think anyone has made a 3D graphics OCX, but I don't know. I would try looking for books in the PrimaTech Game Development series, which is an excellent set. Try looking for things about OpenGL or DirectX, and see what you can find.

Unfortunately most of that code will be in C/C++, so some translation to VB is in order. However that shouldn't be too much of a problem.

I suggest getting the DirectX SDK for VB from the Microsoft web site, and playing with it until you get the hang of it. Also, try looking up some VB game programming sites for example code.

Good luck :)