Extensions:Uni-Verse/OpenSG Renderer

Within the Uni-Verse project a Renderer using the OpenSG [1] scenegraph technology was developed. The renderer is able to connect to a Verse server, download all the data from the server and renders it. Using OpenSG enables the renderer to steer multiple displays using e.g. a cluster. For more information on that topic please have a look to the OpenSG website.

Two options for two types of navigation through the 3D scene are integrated.

• The first form of navigation uses a 3D object as central point and enables the user to move the camera around this centered object to explore the scene. This kind of navigation is switched on by default and can be set using the button "Center view".
• The second option allows the user to explore the 3D scene using a game like navigation. The camera can be moved through the scene and can be rotated around itself to look around. This option can be switched using the button "Free view".

In its initial state the renderer displays all triangles using a default coloring for each triangle (RGB for each corner of each triangle) ignoring textures and materials. The menu View contains three visualisation methods:

• Flat Shading
• Smooth Shading
• Radiosity Rendering

The radiosity rendering uses the radiosity library.

Each visualisation method can be combined with the integrated subdivision surface algorithm by toggeling it on or off in the view menu. The integrated subdivision scheme is an adapted version of a catmull clark algorithm.

Since Verse defines polygons in a clockwise order and other applications mostly define them in a counter clockwise order the view menu contains the option Polygons CCW to switch between both methods.

When connecting to a Verse server the Renderer names his avatar object node as "OSGRenderer". This name can be changed using the "Set Avatar Name" option in the File menu.