Implementation of source engine for virtual tours in manufacturing factories

Abstract

When we discuss virtual reality as a medium, there are two main genres: virtual tour and virtual training. This paper deals with the use of virtual reality for interactive virtual tours in manufacturing factories. We developed a brand new software package/library DIGITOV which serves as an aid for constructing new virtual interactive manufacturing factory models using Source Engine. This graphic engine is known for its use in the Half-Life 2 computer game [1]. One of the general advantages of adapting this engine is the public availability of the powerful development software tools included in the Source SDK. While adapting the engine to a new environment it is necessary to prepare a library consisting of many new 3D models, textures, sounds, choreographed scenes etc. The package includes for instance: machines, products, parts of a manufacturing line, specific sounds etc. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.