virtual landscapes
DESCRIPTION
Virtual Landscapes. Barry Spencer - Clive Gould Bromley College. Clive Pro. OpenSim is free software, currently in alpha version 0.6.9. Installed on a blade server running Linux 32-bit and mono 2.4.2.3. Simulator console is run in a terminal window within a vnc session. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Virtual Landscapes
Barry Spencer - Clive GouldBromley College
Clive Pro
OpenSim is free software, currently in alpha version 0.6.9.
•Installed on a blade server running Linux 32-bit and mono 2.4.2.3.
•Simulator console is run in a terminal window within a vnc session
• Students and staff at Bromley College can self register using a Web based form
• Used the Meerkat & Imprudence clients to access the server. OpenSim accessible from 3 computer rooms in the College and also from home. Graphics cards were the limiting factor.
• Initially had problems getting the required ports open at the institutional ISA firewall level.
• OpenSim configured for 4 regions combined into a megaregion, which effectively worked as a seamless 512x 512 region
• OpenSim used with final year FdEng students as part of an assessed activity on a
Database Development course. The task involved testing and customising an in-
world avatar scanner communicating with an external LAMP server.
OpenSimAvatar Scanner using LSL script
LAMP serverProcessing anddisplaying scan results
Register
Send scan results
Here they are
• This slide show the scanner object being reset in-world and the corresponding
scan results page as displayed on the external Web page.
Student end of assignment feedback on the scanner project:
• Using OpenSim was fun and excitingAgree 100%
• I would recommend that the instructor continue using OpenSimAgree 91 %
• Technical support was available when I needed it in OpenSimAgree 91%
• I was willing to put in the effort needed to complete the learning activities in OpenSim
Agree 91%
• I liked using OpenSim as part of my courseAgree 91%
• OpenSim was an enriching experienceAgree 91%
• Opensim was beneficial to my learningAgree 82%
• OpenSim allowed me to better understand conceptsAgree 82%
• I would take another course that used OpenSimAgree 82%
• The learning activity encouraged contact between myself and my classmates in OpenSim
Agree 72%
• My classmates and I cooperated in completing assignments in OpenSimAgree 72%
• Using OpenSim helped me think more deeply about the course materialAgree 72%
• I often used OpenSim at home for the projectAgree 63%
• I had little problem using OpenSimAgree 54%
Problems encountered:
• Stability issues when scripting (e.g. llPushObject function)• Physical Objects (Top colliders and top scripts)• Avatars and objects going off sim
Recommendations:
• Need someone on call to restart the simulator whenever it crashes, especially with scripting.
• Use standalone regions instead of a megaregion
Vega Starlight
Deploy with BTEC National Students
Three projects
Solar panelMaze gameIsland combat
Solar Panel ProjectDesign, code and construct a solar panel
Calculate watts for panel size, conversion efficiency, sun angle and cloud cover
Display result as in-world text
A virtual world environment allows students to evaluate the following
The real-time environmental
The environmental impact
Implications for planning permission
Designing in a 3D world: build a real world model for the Maze game project.Students planned a maze in real world metricscale and replicated this in the Open Sim
Maze and Island Projects
Designing in a 3D world: build a real world model for the Island game project. Students were able to get scale perspective for the future design of the vehicles
Maze Game Project
Gamers register in a blue or red team
Enter the maze and collect points fromdifferent orbs
Beware of trap doors and spikes
Score is maintained in-world on two towers
The game ran very well. The avatars had free movement, with orbs awarding scores on contact. The towers kept a record of points. The simulator did not crash.
Island Game Project
Gamers are in two teamsAliens that emerge from a mother ship
Ground forces are sea based
Bullet hit scoring, recorded in-world
The objective, to enter the volcano base
The game did not run very well. The Simulator required several restarts. Problems with llRezObject(), llPushObjects functions and vehicle / physics engine
Solar Cell Feedback
Island Game Project Feedback
Maze Game Project Feedback
Student Feedback mp3
Flash movie of the Maze game
Links to Student Feedback
Conclusion and Recommendations
For a single region
Avatar activities: Poses, Gestures, chatting, conferences, role play
Building, texturing
Scripting !
The End and Thank YouAny Questions