Mobile Object Types

A Datamine eLearning course is available that covers functions described in this topic. Contact your local Datamine office for more details.

Object models must be added to the VR Object Type folder for the active 3D window (In the Sheets control bar) before they can be added to the view. For more information on adding object types see Adding objects.

Before placing an object in the world view, review the object properties by double-clicking the object name under the VR Object Type folder. The object Name and Model file are displayed.

Mobile Object Types

For mobile objects, which can be navigated over an undulating surface, the Force upright option is usually switched off. If the object should remain upright when placed or moving on a surface, turn on the Force upright option.

In the Movement box, set the Maximum speed (meters or feet per second), Maximum acceleration, Maximum turn rate (arc distance per second), Maximum climb angle (degrees) and Maximum roll angle (degrees) of the vehicle.

The Viewpoint Offset controls the Inside View or driving position relative to the origin of the object model. The origin is normally located at the center of the base of the object, so to raise the driver's view position, increase the Z offset. To move the inside view position forward, increase the Y offset. To move the inside view position to the side of the vehicle, increase (right) or decrease (left) the X offset.

The other object properties (Sound and Lights) are optional.

Hover Object Example

To create a "hover" object which can hover a fixed distance above the terrain surface:

Right-click the Object Type folder and choose New.
In the Object Type Properties dialog, type the name 'hover' in the Name box.
Type the hover height e.g. 10 (meters or feet) in the Z Viewpoint Offset box.
Set a Maximum speed of '50' m/s, Acceleration of '3' m/s2, a Max. turn rate of '150' m, Maximum climb of '80' degrees (near vertical wall) and a Maximum roll of '80' degrees.
Turning on the Force upright option will keep the view level (like a helicopter), turning the Force upright option off will cause the view position to pitch and roll in response to the surface below.
Now place the hover object anywhere on the surface, then choose Inside View, and then Control when you right-click on the hover name in the Object folder. Now use the navigation controls and navigate your away around the terrain surface.

A hover object can be defined without selecting a Model - it is in effect a mobile viewpoint.

	Related Topics
	Placing objects Simulation objects Adding lights to objects Adding sound to objects