More Unity

I'm exploring the use of scripting in Unity which has proved really helpful. What I'm doing is JavaScript based, which is great because we did it last semester so I've a head start on the understanding of it. It has been quite straightforward so far. As well as that, I've been able to create scenes with controllers that I can navigate with. Unity has a lot of templates for outdoor terrains, but unfortunately none for indoor terrains so I will have to model those in 3ds Max. I've really been enjoying working with Unity so far. Simple commands can have really cool effects.

 

Unity experiments

I'm currently trying to open a webpage from a Unity game with a click of the mouse using the Application.OpenURL function, but it's not working just yet. I've been playing around with Unity a bit more and it's very interesting to see the possibilities of the software. Here is a scene of a terrain I created and textured. The inbuilt presets in Unity are very handy and there are also options to import others.

 

Modelling the objects

Each of the objects in the museum must be modelled as accurately as possible. This involves measuring the objects based on the measurements given by the documentation. For example, this macehead from Lough Gur is on display in the British Museum, and the museum's website provides measurements for length and diameter. However, as the object is not a uniform shape, I have to calculate the measurements for the varying parts of the object. I am using an image in Photoshop, scaled in proportion, and I am using the rulers in Photoshop to calculate the various measurements.

The lines of measurement can be seen here. I am hoping that this level of precision will lead to an accurately modelled object.

I began modelling the object in 3ds max. My initial idea was to model it using Boolean operations to create a compound object made from cones and spheres. I did this on Friday but it didn't provide the desired effect. My current theory is to using the loft function in compound objects, as this allows me to more precisely model an object with non-uniform properties.

Website prototype

The prototype for the site in which the 3D museum is to be embedded. The emphasis is on simplicity and ease of use to make the experience as stress-free for the user as possible.

 

Site design and museum navigation

Here are the initial sketches for the site design as I envision it.

And here is the navigation design for the online museum.

Unfortunately the scans aren't perfect. However this is my initial idea of how the user navigates through the online museum, clicking and dragging to view the objects and areas. This may be subject to change as I am no longer certain that this type of navigation will be practical, but I am waiting to hear more advice from the project supervisors.

PHP

Unfortunately the project has hit an obstacle; my PHP knowledge combined with Unity is insufficient to get the museum working the way I had envisaged. I'm looking at other options at the moment but wary of going down blind alleys with so little time left. It may be a case of using the database to call to small sections of navigable museum space, but I'm not quite sure how that's going to work yet. It's frustrating but there will be a way around it!

Unity

Getting to know Unity at the moment, and working my way through the Lynda.com tutorials. The interface is much different to 3DS Max and Maya, but a lot of the controls are the same, which is useful. Really looking forward to exploring the possibilities here :)

I have some sketches made for the design of my museum itself, I will scan them in soon. It's been tough to figure out the architecture, but interesting nonetheless.