[Opensim-dev] Translating VRML for use in OPENSIM

[Ai Austin]

At 01:26 25/07/2011, Brucep523 <brucep523 at gmail.com> wrote:
>Next, I need decide whether I should run the DIVA/WIFI version or go with
>the standard OpenSim download. If I go with the OpenSim how easy is it to
>setup to use MYSQL? Again,  all input and opinions are welcomed.

Bruce, as well as the prebuilt Diva distribution, which is a great 
way to get started quickly and make updates easier, you can also use 
the Diva Wifi front end separately with any OpenSim grid.  There is 
an add on to allow that for the current stable release of OpenSim at 
https://github.com/diva/d2/downloads or it is possible to take the 
Wifi add-on elements and incorporate them into the latest 0.7.2 dev 
version.  That's what we do with our open Openvuie grid.  See 
http://virtual.aiai.ed.ac.uk:8002/wifi

>I have heard from a couple folks and read on some sites about using Unity3D.
>Not sure that I want to spend any money on this venture since I doubt that
>there is really any money to be made (lots of 3D sites out there). But I am
>curious what others are doing and what people might have to say about
>Unity3D.  Again,  all input and opinions are welcomed.


A few of us are looking at Unity3D with interest too.  A nice thought 
for the future might be some meld of OpenSim and Unity3D

>Still trying to figure out where the content goes and what format it is, I
>guess as I read more I will learn more. Since I can't find anything under
>the server folders I am assuming that the content is stored in the database?
>So what is the main format of the content (other than the typical graphic
>files like GIF, JPG, etc.)?


All content is stored in the DB (usually MyQL) as assets, and these 
can then be referenced for in world ("rezzed") content, and held in 
individual avatar's inventory.

OpenSim uses the basic 3D content that is available in Linden lab's 
Second Life which started out with very simple 3D primitives 
("prims").Originally only avatars were based on meshes.  Some 
procedurally generated objects (like trees) were also available. The 
idea being that the same viewers could be used as clients to view 
OpenSim worlds as was used by Linden labs for their own served 
virtual world.  Since this time, progressively richer 3D models and 
meshes have been added.

Prims - a number of simple 3D basic shapes parametrically amended via 
path cut, deformation, etc.

Scuplties - a simple 3D object defined by a number of 3D points as an 
offset from a central point.

Mesh - meshes defined by the Collada 3D fromat (in the latest beta 
test viewers only, but about to become mainstream in Second Life and OpenSim)

Textures/Images are normally uploaded as PNG, JPG or TGA.