The latest MellaniuM environment has illustrated the radical proposition that high polygon models can be imported into the NORTEL web.alive web-browser client. http://ec3v3.projectchainsaw.com/ . The anti-aliasing feature further enhances the immersive character of the space.
NORTEL's APEX environment already allows for a maximum concurrency of >500 participants with private meeting rooms and presentation screens which will allow for the input of pdf,ppt and jpg files. The rooms have video screens running continuously, the ability in some areas of web page browsing and file sharing between participants in close proximity. The new beta 2.0 web.alive now includes the script for taking a load off and sitting in the lounge at the APEX "office complex".
So now it seems all that remains for a viable conferencing capability is a solid high level of concurrency, enough to allow for several ongoing presentations in separate spaces with groups of individuals at"water-cooler type vantage points. Well it's all possible at http://apex.projectchainsaw.com/ Would you be possibly interested in gathering a group of your colleagues together for a full test of the technology on Friday, November 27th at 12 pm NOON (EST) A successful conclusion would prove the value of web.alive as a viable conferencing platform.
COME ONE: COME ALL! AND TAKE A LOAD OFF (your mind that is, if this works you really will know what is possible)
NORTEL's web.alive is now hosting a MellaniuM environment which not only contains models with well over one million polygons but also supports anti-aliasing for superbly rendered immersive quality and can accomodate 300 concurrent avatars. With just one click on http://ec3v3.projectchainsaw.com/ you can be walking around this trial domed environment. There have been innumerable calls for and announcements about virtual worlds to support the importation of meshes, which allows for development of truly realistic and architecturally accurate environments. NORTEL's web.alive is a web-browser embedded client which is based on the UNREAL 2.5 platform and is capable of dealing with models generated with static meshes in the millions of polygons. So the ultimate question which must be addressed now is not whether a virtual world platform can import meshes but is it capable of dealing with large numbers of high polygon models needed to create a rich, detailed space.
The MellaniuM Infohub environment now available contains almost 2 million polygons and the Titanic model (especially when viewed with the anti-aliasing feature) can be examined by zooming using the mouse wheel in the finest of details.
The Titanic in the MellaniuM Infohub viewed with the anti-aliasing enabled
Please try and grasp the implications of the fact that any high polygon model can be compiled in a file format compatible with importing into the UNREAL engine and hence, delivered through the NORTEL web.alive client as a "one-click-and-you-are-in" environment.
As you may well imagine in the not-so-distant future MellaniuM is poised to add more domes containing various areas of interest to architects, engineers and museum curators with models of the most detailed nature. The potential to use unobtrusive icons exists which, when approached will deliver metadata of the modelled items delivering on the possibility to develop education and training of the highest quality.
The Unreal engine has been promoted in the past as a complete solution for the accurate rendering of archaeological reconstructions and museum exhibits. However until the advent of the UNREAL engine version 2.5 and the wide acceptance of hardware 3D graphical acceleration video cards and DIRECTX 8.0 it was highly impractical to produce virtual buildings and accessory items with high polygon static meshes and photo-realistic textures and 2D graphics which were not subject to debilitating pixellation on close inspection. Maria Sifniotis has compiled an excellent summary of the game engines and their strengths and weaknesses. Jeffrey Jacobson has been working for several years on VR applications using the extensive features of the UNREAL game engine. His thesis and an UNREAL environment of the Temple of Horus, now being used in the Carnegie-Mellon museum, is available on the PublicVR website. However it has to be accepted that the key to effective virtual realism, especially for fields like archaeology, is the creation of an environment so well conceived interpretively that the user becomes emotionally involved in the content of the simulation. Users obviously desire to experience a design that has been created in terms of lighting effects, finishes, surface textures, layout and construction details which will lend itself to a complete suspension of disbelief. The MellaniuM application allows for the importation of high polygon models and rich textures that are being used now in the Temple of Horus complex to create the realism necessary for a true reduction of cognitive friction and the subtle transcendence to a believable immersion. In addition comprehensive descriptive metadata relating to the original source, age, design and existing knowledge on associated artefacts can be connected effectively to any 3D item in the environment. By introducing small unobtrusive portal icons within the 3D models, which can be approached on the screen the participant will automatically be directed to URL or local links (web pages and movies) with pertinent information to the item. This type of semantic interactivity is vital to produce an environment that will encompass both a truly informative and a sensory experience resulting in an academically accurate and effective educational space.
A Chariot outside the Temple of Horus
Inside the Courtyard of the Entrance to the Hypostyle Hall
Passing through the Hypostyle Hall
Inside the Sanctuary
Now the MellaniuM museum application will have to eventually be used in combination with the unique Nortel web.alive delivery client. It will be possible in the near future with one URL web link click to enter along with up to 50 others to explore and learn about the fascinating details of the Temple Complex. For a demonstration of a MellaniuM furnace environment on the NORTEL web.alive feature go to http://furnace.projectchainsaw.com/
REFERENCES 1. DeLeon, V. and Berry, R. (1998), 'Virtual Florida Everglades', Proceedings of VSMM Virtual Systems and Multimedia
3. Ancient Architecture in Virtual Reality “Does Visual Immersion Really Aid Learning?” Jeffrey Jacobson, PhD University of Pittsburgh, 2008 http://publicvr.org/Jacobson2008.pdf
There now exists a 24/7 MellaniuM realistic virtual environment that is "actually" here to stay. This showcase illustrates the major concepts we have been attempting to convey for the last four years. The use of exquisitely accurate 3D CAD models with high resolution textures and graphics which allow for monumental sensory experiences. This conceptual combination is essential to produce a significant reduction in cognitive friction which can then lead to an effective suspension of disbelief. In combination with the slick and mind-blowingly simple access provided by NORTEL's web.alive's "one single URL weblink click and you are in world" and the embedded and crystal clear VOIP it is indeed the future method of providing the ultimate virtual experience.
I have to admit that blogging and writing about this MellaniuM/web.alive collaboration is a distant poor second to going online and experiencing the brilliant richness and depth of complexity of the virtual space. So no more long winded descriptions of the potential and possibilities, less of both the blather and bluster just go and try it out for yourself and then ponder quietly and imagine for yourself "If that is possible......." http://furnace.projectchainsaw.com/
Now you must be aware of some of the web.alive features that allow for an infinite array of customizable avatars and the practical proven fact that up to 250 individuals could be concurrently existing in this or any other environment. Portals can be inserted to allow for transport to any linked environments, drag and drop presentations can be co-ordinated and viewed in designated areas. However it is the simple effortless entry and auto-configured flawless audio which should help erase what little resistance to adoption exists in adventurous first-time explorers into the 3D virtual domain.
However I must issue a warning of sorts, since entry into a MellaniuM 3D environment should be approached with a little trepidation. The experience will not leave you unaffected I guarantee. You will forever afterwards be driven to accept nothing less than an"experience" with the same, if not better enhanced realistic immersion. Beware, I say unto thee, you have been warned....
If you are willing to dare the adventure. Climb to the topmost ramp and cast yourself into the fiery furnace through the mouth and check it out inside, quite cool and not a little psychedelic I must say.
It will come as no surprise to several of you out there that we can now unveil our first globally accessible 3D environment available through the innovative NORTEL web.alive delivery system
Could you ever imagine meeting up with 50,150 or even 500 people in an environment created to contain dimensionally accurate buildings with high resolution graphics and high polygon 3D models? It is now entirely possible to do so at the click of one single solitary URL weblink. The apartments were originally created to prove the viability of importing CAD 3D models into the UNREAL 2.5 platform and have them available for specific projects where the teams would require a download of the the rendering into a copy of the UT 2004. However NORTEL has now provided a compatible, convenient delivery system in a browser embedded client on the web.alive platform which allows for a simple mouse click to enter and meet up with colleagues to discuss the architectural and construction details of the project
If you have followed this blog you must already have a grasp of the implications of this MellaniuM/NORTEL symbiotic relationship. If one deliberates upon the stream of converging utilities and applications the mind does indeed boggle. The proven use of Creaform 3D scanners to produce virtual replicas and avatars such as "La Fontaine de Tourny" scanned and shown in this YouTube movie, the capability of AI scripting to produce NPC's in archaeological verisimilitudes and the absolute pinnacle of virtual immersion potentiality "the CAVEUT" projection concept using a domed enclosure and single aspherical lens to project can only lead to the oft stated comment "Oh! the possibilities". A deluge of possibilities is opened up by this first extensive MellaniuM/NORTEL development.
Can you ascend to the very top of the angular columns adjacent to the apartments?(as in the above shot) give it a try at http://ec11.projectchainsaw.com
NORTEL has just launched the Lenovo eLounge, beta prototype of their web.alive browser-based 3D immersive platform. It is based on the UNREAL 2.5 engine and has garnered praise for both the quality of the graphics and the embedded VOIP directional communication system. Mellanium has been generating 3D immersive environments on the very same UNREAL platform and by some stroke of sheer inexplicable co-incidence presently have a database of environments which are wholly compatible with the web.alive functionality.
We have initiated a program of working closely with NORTEL to test an ever increasing complexity of environments to estimate if there is a practical boundary to the combination of physical size, polygon count and texture intricacy. The main aim of this exercise is to develop a balanced concept which we hope finally to apply to a Museum of Industrial Heritage primarily aimed at incorporating achaeological sites and historical data from the North of the United Kingdom. These sites will include such marvels as the first railway developed for use with steam locomotion. In September, 1825, the Stockton & Darlington Railroad Company began as the first railroad to carry both goods and passengers on regular schedules using locomotives designed by English inventor, George Stephenson. Stephenson's locomotive the "Rocket" pulled six loaded coal cars and 21 passenger cars with 450 passengers over 9 miles in about one hour.
As a first trial to host the MellaniuM environments on the NORTEL web.alive platform we can proudly announce the accessibilty of the "Roth-Holm" virtual residence. Originally this was created as a method of selling real estate by using web UNREAL portals to allow potential buyers the opportunity to visit the residence virtually from anywhere in the world.
SCREENSHOT OF THE "ROTH-HOLM" VIRTUAL RESIDENCE
CLOSE-UP OF THE REALTY SIGN AND SIDE DOOR OF "ROTH-HOLM"
THE KITCHEN INSIDE "ROTH-HOLM"
The combination of this truly brilliant NORTEL web browser accessible web.alive client and the MellaniuM application now leaves only three simple requirements to allow for a web3D to burgeon and explode onto a consumer market: "Content, content and content"
The premise of dotvidi.com is that it will offer an independent web portal for all of the world’s principal heritage. Contributors, stakeholders and advocates worldwide all combine to develop and sustain life and quality in its content. The portal preserves the most important buildings, artefacts and human achievement forever. Held in a highly graphic and digital form, the world’s heritage may be viewed by anybody with internet access. A range of supplementary features and services ensures that dotvidi.com becomes a central repository for entertaining, educating and experiencing the finest achievements of modern man for generations to come.
The System A computer framework is built around a proven set of 3D visualisation software tools. The framework is made available to expert contributors that can model buildings, industrial archaeology and other important creations of human endeavour. Alternatively, a digitising service can be provided to work closely with stakeholders that have an interest in making their particular area of expertise or subject knowledge available to view. Resulting environments are established in true 3D over the internet and any key objects can have associated attributes attached. This means that further action and information can be taken when viewing such as download of supplementary video or online purchasing of facsimiles. Advanced graphical interfaces also mean that delivery can also be made fully immersive such as in a theatre or cut down versions made available for mobile handsets. Hosted on a server farm and deployed over broadband, advanced interface and navigation techniques ensure a pleasurable experience is offered to all participants.
Business Model The portal is offered free of charge to base users wherever they are. Stakeholders share in the ownership model and contribute financially to running the business. This is supplemented by grants from internationally interested associations. Modelling can be done through various means and independent experts will be encouraged to add content on an ad hoc basis thus retaining variability and return power. Sub-licensing (e.g. to TV), e-commerce and VIP memberships will also add to income streams.
Implementation Our current plan is to build a business and investment proposition over 4 months triggered in early stages by grant support for our consultant’s costs. We aim on completing phase-1 of our development by Q4 2009 at which point we will have a portal concentrating on industrial archaeology visualisation and limited income streams. Break even is anticipated in year 3.
.
STOP THE PRESSES!
.
MELLANIUM SCANS THE HORIZON AND SEES AN EVEN BRIGHTER FUTURE
MellaniuM can announce that they have chalked up another technological first in the virtual world arena. During the conference proceedings of VSSM 2008 Marco St.Pierre , HANDYSCAN 3D Director at CREAFORM3D, who markets hand held scanners for generating 3D models met with Ken Rigby of MellaniuM who are producing virtual realistic environments in the UNREAL platform. The UNREAL platform has some unique attributes for developing environments with per-pixel shading, lighting and particle effects. He enquired about the potential for importing scanned museum assets into the environments generated in the UNREAL platform by the MellaniuM application. We obviously saw a huge potential for any collaboration that could yield virtual environments festooned with realistic replicas of entire famous museum collections from around the world. Within the week we received from CREAFORM3D a Chinese mask model reminiscent of an Easter Island profile with a floral, jade green texture overlay and a bird themed headpiece. The 3D model itself was a relatively high polygon sample which was intended to test the MellaniuM application to some extent. However the final model was successfully imported into UNREAL and looks identical to the as scanned actual mask.
Chinese Mask scanned with the VIUSCAN from
CREAFORM3D and imported into UNREAL
The VIUSCAN hand-held device is capable of scanning objects as big as a car and has been used successfully to reproduce a digital copy of a fountain (in the order of 6-7 metres high). The possibilities are enormous with respect to recreating archaeological reconstructions which we are positing in our new business concept dotVidi.com. It is entirely possible at this present moment to import 3D interpretations of the ancient buildings of, lets say for example, Athens or Rome into an interactive, multi-user domain. However, more importantly, an impressive, immersive experience of the elaborate décor can now be reproduced by importing the digital representations of the furniture, statues and fountains into the monumental digital recreation. The assets required to realize this dream actually exist on digital storage devices all over the globe we only need the collective will and enthusiasm to develop the vision into an astounding, virtual, ancient panoply for all to experience together over the Internet.
NORTEL's APEX environment already allows for a maximum concurrency of >500 participants with private meeting rooms and presentation screens which will allow for the input of pdf,ppt and jpg files. The rooms have video screens running continuously, the ability in some areas of web page browsing and file sharing between participants in close proximity.
The new beta 2.0 web.alive now includes the script for taking a load off and sitting in the lounge at the APEX "office complex".
A Chariot outside the Temple of Horus 
If you have followed this blog you must already have a grasp of the implications of this MellaniuM/NORTEL symbiotic relationship. If one deliberates upon the stream of converging utilities and applications the mind does indeed boggle.
.jpg)
