Page 144 - Kaleidoscope Academic Conference Proceedings 2020

2020 ITU Kaleidoscope Academic Conference

3.5 Instrument Development

The design used by the research team was the Virtual
instrument design, to test and measure areas of the
application developed [21].

Figure 3 - Cinnabar Bracket mushroom

Figure 2 - Virtual instrument design 4.2 Model Optimization
(Source: Zhang, Li and Chen, 2011)
In order to produce models that were accurate, we chose to
The researchers deemed this design fit as it gives the ability follow a process that optimized the textures for the models.
to reuse designs from one tool in other tools. This allows for As the process to create realism was new to us, we taught
the systems with intrinsic-integration properties to be easily ourselves how to work with new software. The programs we
extensible and adapt to increasing product functionality. The chose to work with were: Mudbox, Meshroom, Blender and
virtual instrument design works hand-in-hand with the scrum 3DS Max. Autodesk 3Ds Max is a 3D production software
methodology allowing the group to continuously release an integrating modeling, rendering and animation production,
APK each week. Hardware modularity allowed for the use and was therefore used across both processes [24]. The other
of virtual instruments as it accelerated the development cycle. manner was to take models that we were able to download
and then retexture them to make models look as close to the
3.6 Data Collection specimens in the nature reserve as possible.

Since the research paper’s main focus was the development For the first of the two processes, we followed a process
of a VR application, most data collection techniques were referred to as photogrammetry. To produce a realistic texture
not highly implemented as the study can be further as well as a realistic model, we captured images of actual
researched; but a case study research approach was specimens. These photos were taken in 360°. As shown in
considered during the study. Figure 4 below, these were the actual specimens.

Using the case study research approach, it allowed the group
to focus on the dynamics of phenomena within single
settings [22]. The case studies looked at the deductive
(theory testing) and inductive (theory building). In regards to
theory building, a grounded theory approach will drive the
study further and theory building will look at pattern
matching of the results [23]. For future work, it is considered
that qualitative data analysis will suit the study as it focuses
on both theory testing and theory building.

4. RESULTS Figure 4 - Stuffed Genet

With regard to the project undertaken, our results were The photos were then inserted into Meshroom where a 3D
determined by the project objectives and whether we model was rendered. Once done in Meshroom, the models
achieved our end goals. Our models, information carried were placed in Blender and 3DS Max. These programs were
over, knowledge transference, and end applications were the used to make any necessary changes. The final product was
results obtained. a model that looked very close to the actual animal.

4.1 Nature Reserve Project Results

We aimed to create a self-guided tour that would introduce
the user to the reserve, be able to see what the reserve looks
like, educate about the reserve and its species, and begin to
introduce the reasons for the need for conservation. The team
created a total of 23 models. Figure 3 is one of the modeled
specimens.

– 86 –