Asset lists For an Network side of Interactive Prototype

Bellow is a list of asset requirements need to create a database of the network in question. This would in turn provide references for live feedback.

-List of computer on the network: Name, Ip address, MAC address
-Locations with number sockets with references to computer connected and port on switches
-Swithces + ip addresses of computers connected
-media converters with reference to switches and computers connected
-Router - adsl + isdn with reference to ISP name and address

What is an operating system

An operating system is a container for storing and structuring data. Much like out towns and cities it is a city of information, maped and structured using area codes or directories.

Visual references and stylistic influences

Movies:
Hackers(the movie)
Sword Fish
Enemy of the State
Terminator 3
The Matrix 1-3


Previous Director and 3D Studio Max projects
-> Last year in CSN we made small interactive 3D shockwave projects with director... FUN!

Computer Games:
Hitman
Tomb Raider
Doom
Quake
The Sims
There.com

Feeling lost again

There comes a point where you have everything in front of you, staring you in the face but you haven't a clue what your doing. We've just been given a week to put together our final proposal/ Performa for the project to be submitted and then be presented in the coming weeks to a group of lectures and the class. WHOO HOO!

Still a little lost I booked a tutorial with Simon to sort some things out and get my head on the right track. Simon was able to make my research question more concise which aided me in formulating a concise answer opposed to going off on tangents. I think I started off researching some aspects of Mapping and the history of mapping. Why, I don't know. Although, it did give me a understanding of how people organise objects and spaces. The most influential was a map of an art gallery made in 3D.

Creating a sample Client Brief for directional purposes

Client: Alexandra College, Dublin Ireland.
Function: 3D Navigational Interface of a network around the campus.
Description: It will be 3D. It will be controlled by a list menu or keyboard directional input with point and click capability.

List menu: The user will be given a list of either
1) Computers
2) loacations
3) network socket/port
4) patch panal socket/port
5) hub/switch socket/port

depending on the selection, the camera location will be transformed to the co-ordinates which views the desired information


keyboard direction inputs: by using the arrow keys the user cqan guide the camera around the environment. -> depending on the final design there might be collision detection on walls and environmental objects/elements

Mouse(point and click input): this will allow the user to touch and interact with the environment, e.g. the user can click on a computer and the program will display all network information about it and its network route.

Research Pro Forma

General field of enquiry

The use of 3D visualisation and graphics in data management systems and Graphical User Interfaces (GUI), particularly in the area of network management and scenario training systems, e.g. flight simulators, to create a 3D data environment.

Also I want to investigate the concept of creating a fully 3D GUI operating system.

Chosen subject

The present 21/2D operating system has been around for the last 20 years. Because of this software manufactures have stuck to its standards and kept its model as commandments in producing their software. As of yet there are no standards for 3D GUI’s, which means the area is still in its baby stages.

The human response and psychology that is associated with 3D environments and 3D Graphical User Interfaces.

Objectives: what will be uncovered/documented/explained/questioned?

∑ Analyse what research is currently being conducted
∑ Analyse how technology is being used in conjunction
∑ Conduct personal research using computer games as a basis
∑ Analyse requirements by network administrators with regards to my prototype
∑ Produce a prototype system

Description and assessment of research base; primary and secondary sources?

The first stage of this project involves online reading of past and present research papers related to this topic to gather a grounding and direction. For previous modules throughout the year I have being doing this and have already come across some interesting topics and issues. Much of the research I have found is being done outside the UK, the biggest presence being in Universities and tech labs in Australia. Also this stage will include the researching of 3D computer games and any other relevant 3D environments, e.g. “Hotsauce”.

The next stage involves contacting people in this area of study. Interviews with people previously involved in the 3D research area will have to be done through email unless a research group turns up with the UK. Also, interviews involving network communication companies: I plan to contact companies such as Allied Telesyn, Cisco, 3com, Dlink, Apple Computers Inc.

Indication of preferred methodology, and why it is appropriate. What academic approach is best suited to the analysis, contextualisation and cultural critique of the subject?

The methodology I plan use are: researching and interacting with 3D computers games to study their environments and how user friendly they are in terms of information management. At present, computer games are to my knowledge, the best example of 3D user environments.

Try to arrange interviews with people in the field of study.

Demonstrate through a prototype of an interface.

References to key thinkers/academics

Ron Kriz is a lab director for Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics and Director of University Visualization and Animation Group at Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, Virginia. He was founder of the Laboratory for Scientific Visual Analysis (LSVA) in 1991 as an academic affiliate with NCSA

Jono Bacon is an established writer and developer. He has been working as a full-time writer and technology consultant/developer since 2000 and has worked for a variety of publishers and companies, that include Linux Format, Linux Pro, Linux Magazine, Linux User & Developer, Linux Journal, PC Plus, MacFormat, MacTech, Digital Home, Newsforge, Sitepoint, and ContentPeople. Jono has also worked as a writer/consultant/developer with Trolltech, Apple Computers, theKompany.com, University of Wolverhampton, Delta Institute, and others.

Jakob Neilson (http://www.useit.com/jakob/)

Indicative bibliography

I intend to use google and wikipedia to gain a large insight to the area of 3D Design. From my literature review I developed a large qualitative bibliography, which is being updated constantly.

Where possible press and printed publications will be used also.

Additional relevant information

A prototype will either be demonstrated as a working simulation or a Full motion sequence video of a prototype demonstrating a 3D GUI.

I am visiting the Annual Cebit Exhibition in Hanover Germany in March 2006, at which will I hope to obtain useful information and opinions in this area, for both the 3D environment side and personal opinions from communication technicians and software engineers. In the process hopefully create contacts in the industry.

Questions for staff

∑ Any experience/knowledge/contacts in this field?
∑ Suggestions for methodologies/other key thinkers?
∑ Anything relevant to add?