Page 145 - Kaleidoscope Academic Conference Proceedings 2020

Industry-driven digital transformation

Figure 5 - Blender optimized Genet Figure 6 - User interface in VR mode

The second process downloaded models and then retextured
them. This approach involved focusing on working with
Photoshop and 3DS Max. Many of the specimens are similar
in shape but with different textures. This meant using models,
but making the required alterations.
We would download the models, then alter as required for
the necessary shape, or any additional features. Once
completed we moved to Photoshop to ensure the accuracy of
textures.

4.3 User Interaction Figure 7 - Caracal as point of interest within the virtual
environment
The application was deployed on Android mobile devices for
the users to interact with. To view the virtual environment, 4.4 Client Feedback
attachable VR glasses were supplied. This allowed the user
to be immersed within the created environment. To navigate The client provided overall positive feedback regarding the
around this environment, the practice of teleportation was final outcome of the project, as discussed in Table 1. There
used, in conjunction with head-tracking capabilities, in order was an immense appreciation of the capabilities and future
for the application to follow the head movements of the user possibilities of the application. The client can already
and know in which direction they are looking. The envision how conservation would be assisted with an
transportation was used in conjunction with crosshairs. Users application of this nature. They appreciated that people who
were required to target green spheres using the crosshairs to had no access to the nature reserve would now be able to
be transported to various points of interest within the ‘visit’ the reserve in a virtual space, thereby also being able
simulation. By holding the intersection between the to pass knowledge of the fauna and flora within that
crosshairs and spheres for a period of three seconds, the user environment to a greater audience. Their main request was
was transported to the next point along the tour. These to include animation as the project grew.
crosshairs were also used to trigger the viewing of the
various models of the specimens and information associated Table 1 discusses the overall feedback received from the
with those specimens. The use of crosshairs meant the user client once the project was completed. The table signifies
remained immersed in the virtual experience as they did then what the client was satisfied with from the objectives
not have to use the mobile device’s touch screen to interact achieved, what future work the client can envision for the
with the virtual environment. Figure 6 illustrates the user’s project, as well as where features that were not able to be
view of the nature reserve and the points of interest in VR added could make the final application a success.
mode. Figure 7, on the other hand, illustrates an example of
a specimen and the information associated with it once the
user has been transported to that specific point of interest.

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