[vwrap] Conditioners and refineries

[Dzonatas Sol <[e-mail]>]

If we say the conditioner basically authenticates or re-signs an asset 
from grid X to grid Y, and the refinery would make sure the physics of 
the object described by the asset is translated from the topology of 
grid X to the topology of grid Y, then this is basically what COLLADA 
expects in exchange. This exchange is this different from the usual 
import/export process. It doesn't have to be this exact process, as this 
is only an example to us be more familiar.

It seems a complete waste to not realize that LL has implemented the 
import process and physics refinery into their browser, and this very 
feature, though not fully automated as such, could be used to help move 
assets in-between grids/v-worlds. Since the import is from local basis, 
the authentication is not implemented. What's to stop to basically 
export to DAE format on the local storage, from one world, and continue 
to import that DAE into another grid.

Note that the refineries may be proprietary. They may produce 
non-COLLADA formats (from DAE files) that are for optimal render/display 
capability of the software "client" (i.e. that the end-user has to view 
graphics).

As with Google Earth and Sony HOME, they already have their assets 
conditioned and refined for those virtual worlds such that they can 
optimally display them. The key note is not the optimal display, as it 
is about being able to exchange and use in other virtual worlds.

The DAE format does have extensive abilities, yet the goal of COLLADA is 
still to define the basic material, scripts, model, etc in the most 
portable format. The DAE may contain hybrid or specific formats that is 
stored in the extensions, so that custom objects are retained/transferred.

If virtual worlds start to not agree upon how they store objects, I see 
COLLADA as the default format for digital asset exchange.

https://collada.org/mediawiki/index.php/COLLADA_FAQ#What_are_the_major_features_of_this_format.3F

(Yes, we can put all inventory items in DAE format through the user-data 
and asset extensions, despite the format mainly being for 3D... just sayin')

-- 
--- https://twitter.com/Dzonatas_Sol ---
Web Development, Software Engineering, Virtual Reality, Consultant