In association with

A Report on the presentation by W.Industries.

© Chris Hand, 1991

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q. Criticism that the present software (eg. Driving game) doesn't encourage the user to "look around" and so make good use of 360 degree environment.

 

A. It was admitted that this was true to an extent, but a new game due at the end of October 91 was mentioned. This features a 30-ft high slow-moving robot biped. The user controls this using a steering wheel and foot-pedals. Other (networked) users can be shot using head-guided laser beams. We were told that this actively encourages head-movement when tracking prey and when avoiding ambushes. But essentially these games are market- driven, so if the users (or arcade owners) want a driving game, they get one. It was also mentioned that a hang-gliding simulator was produced for the promotion of a new after- shave. This encouraged looking around since more time is available than in a high-speed racing game.

 

 

Q. What is the development time of the games software? How long to develop an application from scratch?

 

A. Utility software can be bought from WI for fast development of a virtual environment. The general rate of progress is very fast. It was admitted that while a Flight Simulator program had been written in 10 days, it then required several months to get it "polished". The new Walker game was said to have taken around 2 months from start of writing to reach the alpha version being shipped to sample customers. The final version would be released 4 weeks after that. The cost of a "custom experience" was put at GBP6-10,000. An example is the hang-glider simulator created for the after-shave company. Routines were developed for the simulation of seagulls that fly around the hang-glider when the user reaches the sea. It was pointed out that this code can then be re-used -- the seagull routines were later used in a modified form to create a Pterodactyl!

 

 

Q. What languages are used for software development?

 

A. There exists a high level "virtuality graphics system" (actually libraries) used in-house. Development takes place in "C" or Amiga assembler.

 

 

Q. Has a new hardware base been considered?

 

A. Maybe. WI are looking at something that would allow a possible increase in power of a factor of 10-100.

 

 

Q. Would this use custom hardware?

 

A. No -- it's cheaper to develop products using off-the- shelf hardware.

 

 

Q. What is the time delay between user movement and display update?

 

A.The electromagnetic tracker operates at 30 - 120MHz. Any delay is mostly due to the graphics chip (a 25MHz device (?) using a 33MHz clock). Lag is 60 or 70ms. Mr Rowley admits that one has to compromise over the limitations of hardware in some situations.

 

 

Q. What compatibility is there with existing CAD systems?

 

A. A DXF file transfer facility is available.

 

 

Q. How many systems are being used in non-leisure applications?

 

A. One organisation in France intends to use WI units with Silicon Graphics workstations for computer-generated puppetry. In Italy systems are being used for the rehabilitation of children after hand surgery, using datagloves. Another unit is being used by the University of Delft in the Netherlands.

 

 

Q. Will a cheap "home version" be available?

 

A. Moves are afoot to run a version of a home computer. W Industries are "looking into it".