Virtual University Library Project - part 5

To kick off 2018, I'm happy and excited to announce that I can show you a new demo video about my project, this time around in an actual VR environment. The developer of the Unreal Engine 4 software, Epic Games saw much potential in the virtual library and was kind enough to sponsore me with an Oculus Rift VR kit, including a Headset, Sensors, Touch controllers, and a Xbox controller. I'm very thankful for Epic Games and Oculus for the awesome gift; it is an immense help because now I'm able to improve every aspect of my project by trying it out and seeing how it works in "real life." And I'm thankful for Allegorithmic too, who provided me with Substance software for one year.

My work is coming along nicely, and I've learned quite a lot. By the looks of things, I'm proud to say that it will most likely be finished this summer. The conversion for the Virtual Reality environment is ready, so users can now interact with virtual objects, for example, tablelamps, balls, a mug, and, of course, books. I assume I'm over the hardest part of my project, so in the next semester, I'll spare time for perfecting the details of this virtual library, no matter how busy I am.

I'm planning to make the finished product available to everyone free of charge. For now, I'd like to invite you to take look at the new demo video presenting the virtual library in an actual VR environment, using a VR kit.

More pictures of my project:

Virtual University Library Project - part 4

Earlier blog posts about the project:

Virtual University Library Project - part 1

Virtual University Library Project - part 2

Virtual University Library Project - part 3

Recently, I've made a new and better demo video, which I would like to show to you. I think it's time for me to take a little break until I'm refreshed enough to continue working on my project.

First of all, here is the video, enjoy it:

Although the virtual environment needs some improvement, for example, around the textures and models, I assume this product is far better than the earlier one, especially because now I've managed to include a counter, stairs, a painting and fences. Moreover, I've learnt to make materials in Unreal Engine 4 in a very short time, so now you can see a green surface on top of the tables instead of the previous temporary golden material.

This is a list of what I would like to achieve in the near future:
- Include more objects and improve some of the existing ones
- Paint textures with the Substance software
- Fix the lighting and the reflections
- Create a night scene with stars, the Moon and switched on lamps
- Make statues (the hardest part of project, in my opinion)
- Create books

In addition, I hope I'll be able to buy an Oculus Rift VR kit, a new laptop, a photoscanner machine and some new software, as well. I assume the scanner machine would make my work easier because it would be essential to make realistic and complex statues for the ceremonial hall.

Nevertheless, the working prototype was finished earlier than I would have thought, so my estimation so far is that I will finish my project in 2017, if things are going well.

Footnote:
3D graphics and Virtual Reality are popular now and better and better technologies are developed around the world. Unreal Engine 4 is one of the best and most highly developed technologies. Even though it was originally created for video games, it is now suitable for education, architecture, medicine, the media, and so on. I hope that my spectacular project will help the ELTE University Library, as well as other libraries in the whole world to improve their perception along with that of computer graphics.

Virtual University Library Project - part 2

Excuse me for the belated post. I had to study a lot for my state exam, but now I can say that I successfully graduated. Moreover, I created a few smaller projects along the line, as well, to build my portfolio. Therefore, I didn't have too much time, but I worked on this project a bit each day, too. Now I am publishing its second part, which is something. Isn't it? In any case, you can see the first post about my project here:

Virtual University Library Project - part 1

I'm still in the modelling period, but I can show you which part of the library has already been created. One of the most difficult parts is the main column's head (sorry, I don't know the official name for it because I'm not an art historian) full of ornaments. You can compare it to the original one. I know it's not perfect but I'll adjust it as close to reality as possible. Most of the elements were made in Maya, but some of them were made in Zbrush. I made the textures in Zbrush, which was easy because they only contain two colors (white and yellow).

Maya view

Now, how could libraries eliminate Hungarian poverty efficiently?

With special regard to the situation of the newest professions

Source: http://listsurge.com/top-15-reasons-education-important/

The situation is that we don't have an excellent educational system in Hungary, and this is an understatement. But how did we get here? Honestly, I don't know, but we should look to the future. Some of the newest, modern professions aren't taught in schools and universities. Naturally, programming education exists in elementary and high schools, but it is not efficient enough for it to be able to catch up to the labour market. In spite of having a lot of good programmers and information scientists, there is a large shortage in Hungary's labour market. Most of the well-educated experts are leaving our country to get better-paid jobs.

Well-developed libraries in Hungary

Excuse me for the deceiving title, I was just being sarcastic – well-developed libraries are only a dream. Don't get me wrong, I don't blame libraries but this cultural section is in a catastrophic condition because of our government. I think it should be changed significantly, what is more, urgently. I could list the causes why it is in a bad shape until tomorrow morning but these are the most important ones:

• Libraries are very underpaid: their average take-home pay is $300 (€270) per month.
• Their computing infrastructure is out-of-date. Most libraries have at least ten-year-old computers with Windows XP operating systems. I have never seen Apple computers in any of  the Hungarian libraries.
• Libraries have difficulties with the deficit: very often they cannot even buy new books, not to mention computers.

Virtual University Library Project - part 1

I've started this project around the beginning of March but the idea appeared in my head in the last year. I think it may be the biggest project of my life. My goal is to create a library's beautiful virtual ceremonial hall, and at the end, my work will be compatible with VR technologies. Before my project, I didn't have any idea how to combine the two different fields: library and 3D computer graphics. I don't remember where this idea came from but I think it was a coincidence. Nevertheless, I want to tell you how I will create a virtual library in several blogposts.

I think there isn't another similar project of a virtual library anywhere in the world. Or if one exists, it must be out-of-date and made with technologies older than ten years. If you know about any up-to-date ones, please write me a comment below or e-mail me!