Second Life Wiki - User contributions [en]

Hardware Integration

2011-04-07T08:14:17Z

Kerri Macchi:

== About ==
A number of projects are underway which aim to integrate various hardware with Second Life. This page aims to illustrate some of these projects, to give an impression of possibilities and to spark imagination.

At the [http://ulster.ac.uk University of Ulster (Magee)] numerous projects involved with hardware integration have been recently developed in the [http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/ Serious Games and Virtual World Research Team].

You may visit the demos at {{Slurl2|http://slurl.com/secondlife/Ulster%20Magee%203/158/145/125}}.

== Projects ==

===Developing a web interface which allows users to remotely interact with a virtual robot arm via a website===
The virtual robot created in Second Life is remotely controlled by a website. The data is sent to Second Life and the robot reacts by executing requested movements from a control panel on a website. This “robot arm” and its movements are designed according to real robot hardware.
The web interface allows the user to control the virtual robot arm by clicking HTML buttons, and so executing a PHP script that sends appropriate executions to the virtual object through the Second Life XML-RPC server.

<div style="display:none">{{#widget:</div><embed width="452" height="361" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" name="main" id="main" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vPlayer.swf?f=http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vConfig_embed.php?vkey=c41f2747bfa2f1b5f87d" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" /><div style="display:none">}}</div>

===Integrating wireless temperature and light sensors===
This project aimed to view the status of sensors (placed in a real building on campus) in Second Life. Hardware used included a Millennial wireless kit, with a router and “end nodes”, carrying the different sensors - temperature and light. The goal was to place the sensors in different rooms, establish the connection with the wireless router plugged on a server PC, get the data from the sensors and send it to Second Life Server. The results are then displayed in the virtual building in Second Life.

<div style="display:none">{{#widget:</div><embed width="452" height="361" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" name="main" id="main" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vPlayer.swf?f=http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vConfig_embed.php?vkey=0b1249bbe3554a4fdf6f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" /><div style="display:none">}}</div>

===Programming a fan in real life to respond to an avatar increasing or decreasing the speed on a virtual fan in Second Life===
This project is to initiate and control the speed of a physical and virtual fan through the virtual world of Second Life. A user can increase and decrease the speed of a physical fan through their virtual avatar. This functionality is available to any user of Second Life.

<div style="display:none">{{#widget:</div><embed width="452" height="361" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" name="main" id="main" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vPlayer.swf?f=http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vConfig_embed.php?vkey=aab5298d5da10fe66f21" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"/><div style="display:none">}}</div>

===Programming a washing machine sensor in real life to respond to an avatar interacting with a replica washing machine demo in Second Life===
The Washing Machine Simulator (WMS) incorporates a series of input and output devices which together simulate the actions of a typical domestic washing machine.
A seven segment display may be controlled by four digital outputs to highlight the ‘was program status’. Control is possible by inputs through the coloured push buttons and indicated by colour LED’s. Two outputs are used to control the disc motor, one turns it on and the other alters the direction of rotation. Motor speed may be varied through pulse width modulation. Speed is measured using a sensor through the four holes in the disc that represent the washing machine drum. Test points are fitted and fault switch for teaching diagnostics.

<div style="display:none">{{#widget:</div><embed width="452" height="361" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" name="main" id="main" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vPlayer.swf?f=http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vConfig_embed.php?vkey=4bf8ce0ff2ec19b37151" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" /><div style="display:none">}}</div>

===Controlling a virtual Wiimote in Second Life with a physical Nintendo Wiimote===
The aim of this project was to control a virtual device in Second Life with a physical device. The physical controller used was the Nintendo Wiimote. In order to see the possibilities of this controller, the design and model the Wiimote in Second Life has been designed to have the same behaviours as the physical Nintendo Wiimote.

<div style="display:none">{{#widget:</div><embed width="452" height="361" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" name="main" id="main" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vPlayer.swf?f=http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vConfig_embed.php?vkey=4caaed33c36b1b5fc2cb" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" /><div style="display:none">}}</div>

===Controlling a virtual robot arm in Second Life with a Nintendo Wiimote===
A Katana robot was replicated in Second Life and Linden Scripting Language was used to apply the same behaviours as the physical Katana robot.

<div style="display:none">{{#widget:</div><embed width="452" height="361" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" name="main" id="main" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vPlayer.swf?f=http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vConfig_embed.php?vkey=929b125f8597834fa83a" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"/><div style="display:none">}}</div>

===Controlling a virtual catapult in Second Life with a physical Nintendo Wiimote===
The aim of this project was to control a catapult in Second Life with a physical device. The physical controller used was the Nintendo Wiimote.

<div style="display:none">{{#widget:</div><embed width="452" height="361" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" name="main" id="main" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vPlayer.swf?f=http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vConfig_embed.php?vkey=8232e07d3aa3d998e513" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" /><div style="display:none">}}</div>

User:Kerri Macchi

2009-11-28T22:48:59Z

Kerri Macchi: /* About */

=== About ===
Research associate in University of Ulster within the Serious Games and Virtual World Research team. <p></p>
RL: Kerri McCusker <p></p>
Email: ka.mccusker@ulster.ac.uk <p></p>
Twitter: [http://twitter.com/KerriMcCusker KerriMcCusker]<p></p>

=== Serious Games and Virtual Worlds Team ===
The Serious Games and Virtual Worlds team seeks to focus on world class research, supporting the growth of the industry in the north west of Ireland and attracting external investment. The activities of the team focus on the increasingly important medium of virtual worlds and the application/development of video games technologies in a range of domains.

The research within the team is currently focused on Experiential Based Learning in Virtual environments, VLE\Virtual World Integration, Hardware\Virtual World Integration and Optimal Hardware Architectures for Gaming Applications.

Currently involved in the promotion of STEM subjects in Second Life, with a dedicated island in Second Life “Engineering Education Island” hosting a collection of demonstrations and simulations.

=== Engineering Education Island ===

The "Engineering Education Island" project in Second Life developed by the Serious Games and Virtual World team investigates the effectiveness of 3D immersive virtual worlds for teaching complex engineering related material. It examines how computing, electronics/electrical engineering can be taught in new, engaging and interactive ways. Engineering Education Island is comprised of a dedicated virtual Island and virtual laboratories which house large scale interactive technology related simulations and demonstrations.

This project and interactive demonstrations facilitates the following;

Demonstrates how engineering material can be taught using new, innovative and highly interactive platforms.
Allow users to participate in group activities/collaborative working.
Allow users to interact with engineering related teaching material.
Raise awareness of the potential uses of virtual worlds for education and industry.

=== SLOODLE Tracker ===

SLOODLE is a valuable tool to any Second Life educator, having undertaken some research into SLOODLE; it was evident that there was no functionality set in place to record avatars interactions in Second Life. As a result the plug-in SLOODLE Tracker was developed by the team which records and tracks interactions from Second Life and provides them on a SLOODLE webpage for facilitators and students to view.

As an example a student accesses a Moodle webpage, here they are given instructions on tasks to be completed in Second Life. Once the student accesses Second Life with their avatar, a sensor is in place which records the avatars name and the date and time they entered the virtual world. Additionally, any interactions with objects i.e. Slideshows, videos or buttons are also recorded in SLOODLE Tracker.

=== Project Fetch, Decode and Execute Process of a Central Processing Unit ===

An interactive simulation to assist in the teaching of an undergraduate topic – the Central Processing Unit of a computer (CPU), on a Computer Hardware Architecture module –this project was developed to visualise a topic/concept within engineering which is typically difficult for first year students to understand. By developing this project in Second Life, student is able to visualise and interact with the concept in a unique way, either alone / collaboratively with other students. A step by step dialog is provided for each student and at the end, the students are provided with a quiz – which pose questions about the process of the execution.

This project is was accepted for the Reward and Recognition Scheme to recognise and support staff who make, or have the potential to make, an innovative contribution in e-facilitated learning. Project has been linked with SLOODLE Tracker.

=== Hardware Integration ===

The Serious Game and Virtual World team have developed numerous projects involved with [https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Hardware_Integration Hardware Integration] have been recently developed in the [http://isrc.ulster.ac.uk/Virtual-Worlds-and-Serious-Games-Team/Home.html Serious Games and Virtual World Research Team].

You may visit the demos at {{Slurl2|http://slurl.com/secondlife/Ulster%20Magee%203/158/145/125}}.

=== Other Projects ===
Other projects include the giant PC, virtual remote labs and interactive large scale electromagnets. All of which are connected to SLOODLE.

User:Kerri Macchi

2009-11-28T22:48:35Z

Kerri Macchi:

=== About ===
Research associate in University of Ulster within the Serious Games and Virtual World Research team. <p></p>
RL: Kerri McCusker <p></p>
Email:ka.mccusker@ulster.ac.uk <p></p>
Twitter: [http://twitter.com/KerriMcCusker KerriMcCusker]<p></p>

=== Serious Games and Virtual Worlds Team ===
The Serious Games and Virtual Worlds team seeks to focus on world class research, supporting the growth of the industry in the north west of Ireland and attracting external investment. The activities of the team focus on the increasingly important medium of virtual worlds and the application/development of video games technologies in a range of domains.

The research within the team is currently focused on Experiential Based Learning in Virtual environments, VLE\Virtual World Integration, Hardware\Virtual World Integration and Optimal Hardware Architectures for Gaming Applications.

Currently involved in the promotion of STEM subjects in Second Life, with a dedicated island in Second Life “Engineering Education Island” hosting a collection of demonstrations and simulations.

=== Engineering Education Island ===

The "Engineering Education Island" project in Second Life developed by the Serious Games and Virtual World team investigates the effectiveness of 3D immersive virtual worlds for teaching complex engineering related material. It examines how computing, electronics/electrical engineering can be taught in new, engaging and interactive ways. Engineering Education Island is comprised of a dedicated virtual Island and virtual laboratories which house large scale interactive technology related simulations and demonstrations.

This project and interactive demonstrations facilitates the following;

Demonstrates how engineering material can be taught using new, innovative and highly interactive platforms.
Allow users to participate in group activities/collaborative working.
Allow users to interact with engineering related teaching material.
Raise awareness of the potential uses of virtual worlds for education and industry.

=== SLOODLE Tracker ===

SLOODLE is a valuable tool to any Second Life educator, having undertaken some research into SLOODLE; it was evident that there was no functionality set in place to record avatars interactions in Second Life. As a result the plug-in SLOODLE Tracker was developed by the team which records and tracks interactions from Second Life and provides them on a SLOODLE webpage for facilitators and students to view.

As an example a student accesses a Moodle webpage, here they are given instructions on tasks to be completed in Second Life. Once the student accesses Second Life with their avatar, a sensor is in place which records the avatars name and the date and time they entered the virtual world. Additionally, any interactions with objects i.e. Slideshows, videos or buttons are also recorded in SLOODLE Tracker.

=== Project Fetch, Decode and Execute Process of a Central Processing Unit ===

An interactive simulation to assist in the teaching of an undergraduate topic – the Central Processing Unit of a computer (CPU), on a Computer Hardware Architecture module –this project was developed to visualise a topic/concept within engineering which is typically difficult for first year students to understand. By developing this project in Second Life, student is able to visualise and interact with the concept in a unique way, either alone / collaboratively with other students. A step by step dialog is provided for each student and at the end, the students are provided with a quiz – which pose questions about the process of the execution.

This project is was accepted for the Reward and Recognition Scheme to recognise and support staff who make, or have the potential to make, an innovative contribution in e-facilitated learning. Project has been linked with SLOODLE Tracker.

=== Hardware Integration ===

The Serious Game and Virtual World team have developed numerous projects involved with [https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Hardware_Integration Hardware Integration] have been recently developed in the [http://isrc.ulster.ac.uk/Virtual-Worlds-and-Serious-Games-Team/Home.html Serious Games and Virtual World Research Team].

You may visit the demos at {{Slurl2|http://slurl.com/secondlife/Ulster%20Magee%203/158/145/125}}.

=== Other Projects ===
Other projects include the giant PC, virtual remote labs and interactive large scale electromagnets. All of which are connected to SLOODLE.

User:Kerri Macchi

2009-11-28T22:46:59Z

Kerri Macchi:

=== About ===
Research associate in University of Ulster within the Serious Games and Virtual World Research team.
RL: Kerri McCusker
Email:ka.mccusker@ulster.ac.uk
Twitter: [http://twitter.com/KerriMcCusker KerriMcCusker]

=== Serious Games and Virtual Worlds Team ===
The Serious Games and Virtual Worlds team seeks to focus on world class research, supporting the growth of the industry in the north west of Ireland and attracting external investment. The activities of the team focus on the increasingly important medium of virtual worlds and the application/development of video games technologies in a range of domains.

The research within the team is currently focused on Experiential Based Learning in Virtual environments, VLE\Virtual World Integration, Hardware\Virtual World Integration and Optimal Hardware Architectures for Gaming Applications.

Currently involved in the promotion of STEM subjects in Second Life, with a dedicated island in Second Life “Engineering Education Island” hosting a collection of demonstrations and simulations.

=== Engineering Education Island ===

The "Engineering Education Island" project in Second Life developed by the Serious Games and Virtual World team investigates the effectiveness of 3D immersive virtual worlds for teaching complex engineering related material. It examines how computing, electronics/electrical engineering can be taught in new, engaging and interactive ways. Engineering Education Island is comprised of a dedicated virtual Island and virtual laboratories which house large scale interactive technology related simulations and demonstrations.

This project and interactive demonstrations facilitates the following;

Demonstrates how engineering material can be taught using new, innovative and highly interactive platforms.
Allow users to participate in group activities/collaborative working.
Allow users to interact with engineering related teaching material.
Raise awareness of the potential uses of virtual worlds for education and industry.

=== SLOODLE Tracker ===

SLOODLE is a valuable tool to any Second Life educator, having undertaken some research into SLOODLE; it was evident that there was no functionality set in place to record avatars interactions in Second Life. As a result the plug-in SLOODLE Tracker was developed by the team which records and tracks interactions from Second Life and provides them on a SLOODLE webpage for facilitators and students to view.

As an example a student accesses a Moodle webpage, here they are given instructions on tasks to be completed in Second Life. Once the student accesses Second Life with their avatar, a sensor is in place which records the avatars name and the date and time they entered the virtual world. Additionally, any interactions with objects i.e. Slideshows, videos or buttons are also recorded in SLOODLE Tracker.

=== Project Fetch, Decode and Execute Process of a Central Processing Unit ===

An interactive simulation to assist in the teaching of an undergraduate topic – the Central Processing Unit of a computer (CPU), on a Computer Hardware Architecture module –this project was developed to visualise a topic/concept within engineering which is typically difficult for first year students to understand. By developing this project in Second Life, student is able to visualise and interact with the concept in a unique way, either alone / collaboratively with other students. A step by step dialog is provided for each student and at the end, the students are provided with a quiz – which pose questions about the process of the execution.

This project is was accepted for the Reward and Recognition Scheme to recognise and support staff who make, or have the potential to make, an innovative contribution in e-facilitated learning. Project has been linked with SLOODLE Tracker.

=== Hardware Integration ===

The Serious Game and Virtual World team have developed numerous projects involved with [https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Hardware_Integration Hardware Integration] have been recently developed in the [http://isrc.ulster.ac.uk/Virtual-Worlds-and-Serious-Games-Team/Home.html Serious Games and Virtual World Research Team].

You may visit the demos at {{Slurl2|http://slurl.com/secondlife/Ulster%20Magee%203/158/145/125}}.

=== Other Projects ===
Other projects include the giant PC, virtual remote labs and interactive large scale electromagnets. All of which are connected to SLOODLE.

User:Kerri Macchi

2009-11-28T22:44:37Z

Kerri Macchi: /* Hardware Integration */

=== About ===
Research associate in University of Ulster within the Serious Games and Virtual World Research team.

=== Serious Games and Virtual Worlds Team ===
The Serious Games and Virtual Worlds team seeks to focus on world class research, supporting the growth of the industry in the north west of Ireland and attracting external investment. The activities of the team focus on the increasingly important medium of virtual worlds and the application/development of video games technologies in a range of domains.

The research within the team is currently focused on Experiential Based Learning in Virtual environments, VLE\Virtual World Integration, Hardware\Virtual World Integration and Optimal Hardware Architectures for Gaming Applications.

Currently involved in the promotion of STEM subjects in Second Life, with a dedicated island in Second Life “Engineering Education Island” hosting a collection of demonstrations and simulations.

=== Engineering Education Island ===

The "Engineering Education Island" project in Second Life developed by the Serious Games and Virtual World team investigates the effectiveness of 3D immersive virtual worlds for teaching complex engineering related material. It examines how computing, electronics/electrical engineering can be taught in new, engaging and interactive ways. Engineering Education Island is comprised of a dedicated virtual Island and virtual laboratories which house large scale interactive technology related simulations and demonstrations.

This project and interactive demonstrations facilitates the following;

Demonstrates how engineering material can be taught using new, innovative and highly interactive platforms.
Allow users to participate in group activities/collaborative working.
Allow users to interact with engineering related teaching material.
Raise awareness of the potential uses of virtual worlds for education and industry.

=== SLOODLE Tracker ===

SLOODLE is a valuable tool to any Second Life educator, having undertaken some research into SLOODLE; it was evident that there was no functionality set in place to record avatars interactions in Second Life. As a result the plug-in SLOODLE Tracker was developed by the team which records and tracks interactions from Second Life and provides them on a SLOODLE webpage for facilitators and students to view.

As an example a student accesses a Moodle webpage, here they are given instructions on tasks to be completed in Second Life. Once the student accesses Second Life with their avatar, a sensor is in place which records the avatars name and the date and time they entered the virtual world. Additionally, any interactions with objects i.e. Slideshows, videos or buttons are also recorded in SLOODLE Tracker.

=== Project Fetch, Decode and Execute Process of a Central Processing Unit ===

An interactive simulation to assist in the teaching of an undergraduate topic – the Central Processing Unit of a computer (CPU), on a Computer Hardware Architecture module –this project was developed to visualise a topic/concept within engineering which is typically difficult for first year students to understand. By developing this project in Second Life, student is able to visualise and interact with the concept in a unique way, either alone / collaboratively with other students. A step by step dialog is provided for each student and at the end, the students are provided with a quiz – which pose questions about the process of the execution.

This project is was accepted for the Reward and Recognition Scheme to recognise and support staff who make, or have the potential to make, an innovative contribution in e-facilitated learning. Project has been linked with SLOODLE Tracker.

=== Hardware Integration ===

The Serious Game and Virtual World team have developed numerous projects involved with [https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Hardware_Integration Hardware Integration] have been recently developed in the [http://isrc.ulster.ac.uk/Virtual-Worlds-and-Serious-Games-Team/Home.html Serious Games and Virtual World Research Team].

You may visit the demos at {{Slurl2|http://slurl.com/secondlife/Ulster%20Magee%203/158/145/125}}.

=== Other Projects ===
Other projects include the giant PC, virtual remote labs and interactive large scale electromagnets. All of which are connected to SLOODLE.

User:Kerri Macchi

2009-11-28T22:43:56Z

Kerri Macchi:

=== About ===
Research associate in University of Ulster within the Serious Games and Virtual World Research team.

=== Serious Games and Virtual Worlds Team ===
The Serious Games and Virtual Worlds team seeks to focus on world class research, supporting the growth of the industry in the north west of Ireland and attracting external investment. The activities of the team focus on the increasingly important medium of virtual worlds and the application/development of video games technologies in a range of domains.

The research within the team is currently focused on Experiential Based Learning in Virtual environments, VLE\Virtual World Integration, Hardware\Virtual World Integration and Optimal Hardware Architectures for Gaming Applications.

Currently involved in the promotion of STEM subjects in Second Life, with a dedicated island in Second Life “Engineering Education Island” hosting a collection of demonstrations and simulations.

=== Engineering Education Island ===

The "Engineering Education Island" project in Second Life developed by the Serious Games and Virtual World team investigates the effectiveness of 3D immersive virtual worlds for teaching complex engineering related material. It examines how computing, electronics/electrical engineering can be taught in new, engaging and interactive ways. Engineering Education Island is comprised of a dedicated virtual Island and virtual laboratories which house large scale interactive technology related simulations and demonstrations.

This project and interactive demonstrations facilitates the following;

Demonstrates how engineering material can be taught using new, innovative and highly interactive platforms.
Allow users to participate in group activities/collaborative working.
Allow users to interact with engineering related teaching material.
Raise awareness of the potential uses of virtual worlds for education and industry.

=== SLOODLE Tracker ===

SLOODLE is a valuable tool to any Second Life educator, having undertaken some research into SLOODLE; it was evident that there was no functionality set in place to record avatars interactions in Second Life. As a result the plug-in SLOODLE Tracker was developed by the team which records and tracks interactions from Second Life and provides them on a SLOODLE webpage for facilitators and students to view.

As an example a student accesses a Moodle webpage, here they are given instructions on tasks to be completed in Second Life. Once the student accesses Second Life with their avatar, a sensor is in place which records the avatars name and the date and time they entered the virtual world. Additionally, any interactions with objects i.e. Slideshows, videos or buttons are also recorded in SLOODLE Tracker.

=== Project Fetch, Decode and Execute Process of a Central Processing Unit ===

An interactive simulation to assist in the teaching of an undergraduate topic – the Central Processing Unit of a computer (CPU), on a Computer Hardware Architecture module –this project was developed to visualise a topic/concept within engineering which is typically difficult for first year students to understand. By developing this project in Second Life, student is able to visualise and interact with the concept in a unique way, either alone / collaboratively with other students. A step by step dialog is provided for each student and at the end, the students are provided with a quiz – which pose questions about the process of the execution.

This project is was accepted for the Reward and Recognition Scheme to recognise and support staff who make, or have the potential to make, an innovative contribution in e-facilitated learning. Project has been linked with SLOODLE Tracker.

=== Hardware Integration ===

The Serious Game and Virtual World team have developed numerous projects involved with [hardware integration][https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Hardware_Integration hardware integration] have been recently developed in the [http://isrc.ulster.ac.uk/Virtual-Worlds-and-Serious-Games-Team/Home.html Serious Games and Virtual World Research Team].

You may visit the demos at {{Slurl2|http://slurl.com/secondlife/Ulster%20Magee%203/158/145/125}}.

=== Other Projects ===
Other projects include the giant PC, virtual remote labs and interactive large scale electromagnets. All of which are connected to SLOODLE.

User:Kerri Macchi

2009-11-28T22:43:12Z

Kerri Macchi:

=== About ===
Research associate in University of Ulster within the Serious Games and Virtual World Research team.

=== Serious Games and Virtual Worlds Team ===
The Serious Games and Virtual Worlds team seeks to focus on world class research, supporting the growth of the industry in the north west of Ireland and attracting external investment. The activities of the team focus on the increasingly important medium of virtual worlds and the application/development of video games technologies in a range of domains.

The research within the team is currently focused on Experiential Based Learning in Virtual environments, VLE\Virtual World Integration, Hardware\Virtual World Integration and Optimal Hardware Architectures for Gaming Applications.

Currently involved in the promotion of STEM subjects in Second Life, with a dedicated island in Second Life “Engineering Education Island” hosting a collection of demonstrations and simulations.

=== Engineering Education Island ===

The "Engineering Education Island" project in Second Life developed by the Serious Games and Virtual World team investigates the effectiveness of 3D immersive virtual worlds for teaching complex engineering related material. It examines how computing, electronics/electrical engineering can be taught in new, engaging and interactive ways. Engineering Education Island is comprised of a dedicated virtual Island and virtual laboratories which house large scale interactive technology related simulations and demonstrations.

This project and interactive demonstrations facilitates the following;

Demonstrates how engineering material can be taught using new, innovative and highly interactive platforms.
Allow users to participate in group activities/collaborative working.
Allow users to interact with engineering related teaching material.
Raise awareness of the potential uses of virtual worlds for education and industry.

=== SLOODLE Tracker ===

SLOODLE is a valuable tool to any Second Life educator, having undertaken some research into SLOODLE; it was evident that there was no functionality set in place to record avatars interactions in Second Life. As a result the plug-in SLOODLE Tracker was developed by the team which records and tracks interactions from Second Life and provides them on a SLOODLE webpage for facilitators and students to view.

As an example a student accesses a Moodle webpage, here they are given instructions on tasks to be completed in Second Life. Once the student accesses Second Life with their avatar, a sensor is in place which records the avatars name and the date and time they entered the virtual world. Additionally, any interactions with objects i.e. Slideshows, videos or buttons are also recorded in SLOODLE Tracker.

=== Project Fetch, Decode and Execute Process of a Central Processing Unit ===

An interactive simulation to assist in the teaching of an undergraduate topic – the Central Processing Unit of a computer (CPU), on a Computer Hardware Architecture module –this project was developed to visualise a topic/concept within engineering which is typically difficult for first year students to understand. By developing this project in Second Life, student is able to visualise and interact with the concept in a unique way, either alone / collaboratively with other students. A step by step dialog is provided for each student and at the end, the students are provided with a quiz – which pose questions about the process of the execution.

This project is was accepted for the Reward and Recognition Scheme to recognise and support staff who make, or have the potential to make, an innovative contribution in e-facilitated learning. Project has been linked with SLOODLE Tracker.

=== Hardware Integration ===

The Serious Game and Virtual World team have developed numerous projects involved with [hardware integration][https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Hardware_Integration hardware integration] have been recently developed in the [http://isrc.ulster.ac.uk/Virtual-Worlds-and-Serious-Games-Team/Home.html Serious Games and Virtual World Research Team].

You may visit the demos at {{Slurl2|http://slurl.com/secondlife/Ulster%20Magee%203/158/145/125}}.

Other projects include the giant PC, virtual remote labs and interactive large scale electromagnets. All of which are connected to SLOODLE.

User:Kerri Macchi

2009-11-28T22:37:22Z

Kerri Macchi: Created page with 'Research associate in University of Ulster within the Serious Games and Virtual World Research team. The Serious Games and Virtual Worlds team seeks to focus on world class res...'

Research associate in University of Ulster within the Serious Games and Virtual World Research team.

The Serious Games and Virtual Worlds team seeks to focus on world class research, supporting the growth of the industry in the north west of Ireland and attracting external investment. The activities of the team focus on the increasingly important medium of virtual worlds and the application/development of video games technologies in a range of domains.

The research within the team is currently focused on Experiential Based Learning in Virtual environments, VLE\Virtual World Integration, Hardware\Virtual World Integration and Optimal Hardware Architectures for Gaming Applications.

Currently involved in the promotion of STEM subjects in Second Life, with a dedicated island in Second Life “Engineering Education Island” hosting a collection of demonstrations and simulations.

The "Engineering Education Island" project in Second Life developed by the Serious Games and Virtual World team investigates the effectiveness of 3D immersive virtual worlds for teaching complex engineering related material. It examines how computing, electronics/electrical engineering can be taught in new, engaging and interactive ways. Engineering Education Island is comprised of a dedicated virtual Island and virtual laboratories which house large scale interactive technology related simulations and demonstrations.

This project and interactive demonstrations facilitates the following;

Demonstrates how engineering material can be taught using new, innovative and highly interactive platforms.
Allow users to participate in group activities/collaborative working.
Allow users to interact with engineering related teaching material.
Raise awareness of the potential uses of virtual worlds for education and industry.

Examples of projeects include:

Project SLOODLE Tracker

SLOODLE is a valuable tool to any Second Life educator, having undertaken some research into SLOODLE; it was evident that there was no functionality set in place to record avatars interactions in Second Life. As a result the plug-in SLOODLE Tracker was developed by the team which records and tracks interactions from Second Life and provides them on a SLOODLE webpage for facilitators and students to view.

As an example a student accesses a Moodle webpage, here they are given instructions on tasks to be completed in Second Life. Once the student accesses Second Life with their avatar, a sensor is in place which records the avatars name and the date and time they entered the virtual world. Additionally, any interactions with objects i.e. Slideshows, videos or buttons are also recorded in SLOODLE Tracker.

Project Fetch, Decode and Execute Process of a Central Processing Unit

An interactive simulation to assist in the teaching of an undergraduate topic – the Central Processing Unit of a computer (CPU), on a Computer Hardware Architecture module –this project was developed to visualise a topic/concept within engineering which is typically difficult for first year students to understand. By developing this project in Second Life, student is able to visualise and interact with the concept in a unique way, either alone / collaboratively with other students. A step by step dialog is provided for each student and at the end, the students are provided with a quiz – which pose questions about the process of the execution.

This project is was accepted for the Reward and Recognition Scheme to recognise and support staff who make, or have the potential to make, an innovative contribution in e-facilitated learning. Project has been linked with SLOODLE Tracker.

Other projects include the giant PC, virtual remote labs and interactive large scale electromagnets. All of which are connected to SLOODLE.

Hardware Integration

2009-11-28T22:24:48Z

Kerri Macchi:

== About ==
A number of projects are underway which aim to integrate various hardware with Second Life. This page aims to illustrate some of these projects, to give an impression of possibilities and to spark imagination.

At the [http://ulster.ac.uk University of Ulster (Magee)] numerous projects involved with hardware integration have been recently developed in the [http://isrc.ulster.ac.uk/Virtual-Worlds-and-Serious-Games-Team/Home.html Serious Games and Virtual World Research Team].

You may visit the demos at {{Slurl2|http://slurl.com/secondlife/Ulster%20Magee%203/158/145/125}}.

== Projects ==

===Developing a web interface which allows users to remotely interact with a virtual robot arm via a website===
The virtual robot created in Second Life is remotely controlled by a website. The data is sent to Second Life and the robot reacts by executing requested movements from a control panel on a website. This “robot arm” and its movements are designed according to real robot hardware.
The web interface allows the user to control the virtual robot arm by clicking HTML buttons, and so executing a PHP script that sends appropriate executions to the virtual object through the Second Life XML-RPC server.

<div style="display:none">{{#widget:</div><embed width="452" height="361" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" name="main" id="main" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vPlayer.swf?f=http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vConfig_embed.php?vkey=c41f2747bfa2f1b5f87d" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" /><div style="display:none">}}</div>

===Integrating wireless temperature and light sensors===
This project aimed to view the status of sensors (placed in a real building on campus) in Second Life. Hardware used included a Millennial wireless kit, with a router and “end nodes”, carrying the different sensors - temperature and light. The goal was to place the sensors in different rooms, establish the connection with the wireless router plugged on a server PC, get the data from the sensors and send it to Second Life Server. The results are then displayed in the virtual building in Second Life.

<div style="display:none">{{#widget:</div><embed width="452" height="361" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" name="main" id="main" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vPlayer.swf?f=http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vConfig_embed.php?vkey=0b1249bbe3554a4fdf6f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" /><div style="display:none">}}</div>

===Programming a fan in real life to respond to an avatar increasing or decreasing the speed on a virtual fan in Second Life===
This project is to initiate and control the speed of a physical and virtual fan through the virtual world of Second Life. A user can increase and decrease the speed of a physical fan through their virtual avatar. This functionality is available to any user of Second Life.

<div style="display:none">{{#widget:</div><embed width="452" height="361" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" name="main" id="main" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vPlayer.swf?f=http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vConfig_embed.php?vkey=aab5298d5da10fe66f21" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"/><div style="display:none">}}</div>

===Programming a washing machine sensor in real life to respond to an avatar interacting with a replica washing machine demo in Second Life===
The Washing Machine Simulator (WMS) incorporates a series of input and output devices which together simulate the actions of a typical domestic washing machine.
A seven segment display may be controlled by four digital outputs to highlight the ‘was program status’. Control is possible by inputs through the coloured push buttons and indicated by colour LED’s. Two outputs are used to control the disc motor, one turns it on and the other alters the direction of rotation. Motor speed may be varied through pulse width modulation. Speed is measured using a sensor through the four holes in the disc that represent the washing machine drum. Test points are fitted and fault switch for teaching diagnostics.

<div style="display:none">{{#widget:</div><embed width="452" height="361" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" name="main" id="main" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vPlayer.swf?f=http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vConfig_embed.php?vkey=4bf8ce0ff2ec19b37151" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" /><div style="display:none">}}</div>

===Controlling a virtual Wiimote in Second Life with a physical Nintendo Wiimote===
The aim of this project was to control a virtual device in Second Life with a physical device. The physical controller used was the Nintendo Wiimote. In order to see the possibilities of this controller, the design and model the Wiimote in Second Life has been designed to have the same behaviours as the physical Nintendo Wiimote.

<div style="display:none">{{#widget:</div><embed width="452" height="361" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" name="main" id="main" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vPlayer.swf?f=http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vConfig_embed.php?vkey=4caaed33c36b1b5fc2cb" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" /><div style="display:none">}}</div>

===Controlling a virtual robot arm in Second Life with a Nintendo Wiimote===
A Katana robot was replicated in Second Life and Linden Scripting Language was used to apply the same behaviours as the physical Katana robot.

<div style="display:none">{{#widget:</div><embed width="452" height="361" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" name="main" id="main" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vPlayer.swf?f=http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vConfig_embed.php?vkey=929b125f8597834fa83a" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"/><div style="display:none">}}</div>

===Controlling a virtual catapult in Second Life with a physical Nintendo Wiimote===
The aim of this project was to control a catapult in Second Life with a physical device. The physical controller used was the Nintendo Wiimote.

<div style="display:none">{{#widget:</div><embed width="452" height="361" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" name="main" id="main" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vPlayer.swf?f=http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vConfig_embed.php?vkey=8232e07d3aa3d998e513" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" /><div style="display:none">}}</div>

Hardware Integration

2009-11-27T10:56:07Z

Kerri Macchi: Created page with '== About == A number of projects are underway which aim to integrate various hardware with Second Life. <p></p> At the University of Ulster (Magee) [http://ulster.ac.uk] numerous...'

== About ==
A number of projects are underway which aim to integrate various hardware with Second Life. <p></p>
At the University of Ulster (Magee) [http://ulster.ac.uk] numerous projects involved with hardware integration have been recently developed in the Serious Games and Virtual World Research Team [http://isrc.ulster.ac.uk/Virtual-Worlds-and-Serious-Games-Team/Home.html]. <p></p>
Visit the demos [http://slurl.com/secondlife/Ulster%20Magee%203/158/145/125]

== Projects ==

== Developing a web interface which allows users to remotely interact with a virtual robot arm via a website ==
The virtual robot created in Second Life is remotely controlled by a website. The data is sent to Second Life and the robot reacts by executing requested movements from a control panel on a website. This “robot arm” and its movements are designed according to real robot hardware.
The web interface allows the user to control the virtual robot arm by clicking HTML buttons, and so executing a PHP script that sends appropriate executions to the virtual object through the Second Life XML-RPC server.

<p>{{#widget:<embed width="452" height="361" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" name="main" id="main" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vPlayer.swf?f=http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vConfig_embed.php?vkey=4bf8ce0ff2ec19b37151" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" |width=640|height=480}}</p>

== Integrating wireless temperature and light sensors ==
This project is to views the status of sensors (placed in a real building on campus) in Second Life. Hardware used included a Millennial wireless kit, with a router and “end nodes”, carrying the different sensors - temperature and light. The goal was to place the sensors in different rooms, establish the connection with the wireless router plugged on a server PC, get the data from the sensors and send it to Second Life Server. The results are then displayed in the virtual building in Second Life.

<p>{{#widget:<embed width="452" height="361" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" name="main" id="main" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vPlayer.swf?f=http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vConfig_embed.php?vkey=0b1249bbe3554a4fdf6f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" />|width=640|height=480}}</p>

== Programming a fan in real life to respond to an avatar increasing or decreasing the speed on a virtual fan in Second Life ==
This project is to initiate and control the speed of a physical and virtual fan through the virtual world of Second Life. A user can increase and decrease the speed of a physical fan through their virtual avatar, this functionality is available to any user of Second Life.

<p>{{#widget:<embed width="452" height="361" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" name="main" id="main" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vPlayer.swf?f=http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vConfig_embed.php?vkey=aab5298d5da10fe66f21" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"/>|width=640|height=480}}</p>

== Programming a washing machine sensor in real life to respond to an avatar interacting with a replica washing machine demo in Second Life ==
The Washing Machine Simulator (WMS) incorporates a series of input and output devices which together simulate the actions of a typical domestic washing machine.
A seven segment display may be controlled by four digital outputs to highlight the ‘was program status’. Control is possible by inputs through the coloured push buttons and indicated by colour LED’s. Two outputs are used to control the disc motor, one turns it on and the other alters the direction of rotation. Motor speed may be varied through pulse width modulation. Speed is measured using a sensor through the four holes in the disc that represent the washing machine drum. Test points are fitted and fault switch for teaching diagnostics.

<p>{{#widget:<embed width="452" height="361" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" name="main" id="main" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vPlayer.swf?f=http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vConfig_embed.php?vkey=4bf8ce0ff2ec19b37151" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" />|width=640|height=480}}</p>

== Controlling a virtual wiimote in second life with a physical Nintendo Wiimote ==
The aim of this project was to control a virtual device in Second Life with a physical device. The physical controller used was the Nintendo Wiimote, in order to see the possibilities of this controller, the design and model the Wiimote in Second Life has been designed to have the same behaviours as the physical Nintendo Wiimote.

<p>{{#widget:<embed width="452" height="361" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" name="main" id="main" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vPlayer.swf?f=http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vConfig_embed.php?vkey=4caaed33c36b1b5fc2cb" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" />|width=640|height=480}}</p>

== Controlling a virtual robot arm in second life with a Nintendo Wiimote ==
A Katana robot was replicated in Second Life and Linden Scripting Language was used to apply the same behaviours as the physical Katana robot.

<p>{{#widget:<embed width="452" height="361" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" name="main" id="main" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vPlayer.swf?f=http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vConfig_embed.php?vkey=929b125f8597834fa83a" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"/>|width=640|height=480}}</p>

== Controlling a virtual catapult in second life with a physical Nintendo Wiimote ==
The aim of this project was to control catapult in Second Life with a physical device. The physical controller used was the Nintendo Wiimote.

<p>{{#widget:<embed width="452" height="361" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" name="main" id="main" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vPlayer.swf?f=http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vConfig_embed.php?vkey=aab5298d5da10fe66f21" type="applicat<embed width="452" height="361" quality="high" bgcolor="#000000" name="main" id="main" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vPlayer.swf?f=http://sgvwtv.ulster.ac.uk/player/vConfig_embed.php?vkey=8232e07d3aa3d998e513" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"/>|width=640|height=480}}</p>

[[User:Kerri Macchi|Kerri Macchi]] 10:56, 27 November 2009 (UTC)