Unconventional Real World Application - 12/27/01 05:40
I am new to this list and have spent the last several days learning about 3DGS and what it can do. Needless to say I am very impressed with what I have seen and read to date. I have not found the information I need in the FAQ's and Forums so I need to ask some questions so that I can proceed with my project.
Several months ago I convieved of the notion of using a game engine as a means of providing a console for the remote monitoring and control of industrial equipment ( as an example consider a dozer or other form of earth mover). My particular application is one for an underground mining environment. The similarity to a gaming environment is remarkeable since each requires
a) navigation through a 3d world ( in this case tunnels)
b) collision detection is required
c) an objective is part of the process ( in this case moving material from one point to another)
d) configuration is required for both setting and entities
etc.
Questions are as follows.
1) Can AutoCad Dxf files of underground tunnel arrangements be used as a base to create the 3D levels? ( in reality an entire underground complex could be modeled around a dozen tunnel primatives, straight sections, 90's Y's etc. From a visual perspective an underground setting is very simple.
2) Is it possible to simulate a large 3D world equivalent to a 20 level mine with each level corresponding to approximately 500 meters by 500 meters on a 1 meter grid?
3)How is a real world mapped to a virtual world in terms of physical dimmension?
4)Can the generation of 3D levels be automated using a batch processing method?
5)Can animated behaviour and entity interactions be captured and used to drive external interface code via scripts?
6) Are there plans for OpenGL capabilities for 3DGS
7) Can entities be created and destroyed via scripts which are driven from external interface code?
8) Can streaming video be incorporated into the gaming environment?
9) In a multi-player mode, can different players control different entities?
10) Are there plans to port 3DGS to Linux?
I am interested in developing a simple proof of concept application to see what the limitations are and would appreciate any and all comments from both novice and expert.
Oh and if any of you are interested in participating I would be most interested in hearing from you.
Thanks in advance Charlie...