Custom model for Hull Classifiers

[zrisher]

We need a custom model / models for hull classifiers, with LODS, textures, and collision boxes to match.

[zrisher]

I think it should look "solid", "official", "sturdy", like the ship plaques here: https://www.google.com/search?q=hull+classifier&espv=2&biw=1512&bih=890&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAkQ_AUoBGoVChMI6aObp5XuxgIVUDSICh1-vA3o#tbm=isch&q=ship+plaque

But should also look like there's some complex electronics within it (in a well-armored way): http://ww1.prweb.com/prfiles/2011/07/13/8641390/gI_74459_MaxCubeII_NetPac.jpg http://www.militaryaerospace.com/articles/2012/06/rugged-solid-state-drive-memory-for-avionics-and-military-uses-introduced-by-curtiss-wright.html

The equipment could be pretty inconspicuous and just look like it's probably there like here: http://vignette2.wikia.nocookie.net/memoryalpha/images/5/5b/USS_Enterprise-D_dedication_plaque.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/1000?cb=20130715192549&path-prefix=en

But I think we should err a little to the side of "realistic" and "near-future" over "sci-fi".

[HaoTNN]

Near future sounds good, fits into the theme of Space Engineers. I'm liking the 2nd and 3rd link since the hull classifier acts as a beacon as well. A plaque attached to equipment works too.

[chickenbranches]

I was thinking a server box type thing may look cool for the behind the plaque part. Something like these https://www.google.com/search?q=ship+designation+box&espv=2&biw=1920&bih=1019&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAmoVChMIgL-Zs53uxgIVhTM-Ch1WWws3#tbm=isch&q=server+box&imgrc=bT6bWotn_TeBNM%3A.

As far as plaque placement, this looks kinda cool but the box itself is a bit too alien. http://i.ytimg.com/vi/O4-ZvmGzqjw/maxresdefault.jpg

[Frysguy]

I would prefer they stay the size they are, the 1 * 2 is good. You could make it a modular 2 block system, where one is maybe a really small battery that has just enough output to support the Classifier (this would be difficult, but i think it would be cool). in either case here are some images of IR devices we used in the field overseas... granted they are meant to be worn but i think the look is solid. http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://thumbs4.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mfM8YAytxOFs1bK1qiAJ8jA.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.ebay.com/bhp/ir-strobe&h=199&w=225&tbnid=ddkkvyaMhnrwkM:&docid=AezOXK8coAbBqM&ei=Bc-vVcvcJsObgwT9zZfADQ&tbm=isch&ved=0CCQQMygHMAdqFQoTCIvznoWe78YCFcPNgAod_eYF2A

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://thumbs1.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mjXPTuvDmLRlW7nBUqLRZag.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.ebay.com/bhp/ir-strobe&h=225&w=169&tbnid=8ffr6artSQn4-M:&docid=AezOXK8coAbBqM&ei=Bc-vVcvcJsObgwT9zZfADQ&tbm=isch&ved=0CCMQMygGMAZqFQoTCIvznoWe78YCFcPNgAod_eYF2A

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.wired.com/wp-content/uploads/images_blogs/dangerroom/2011/05/infrared-flash-tagging.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.wired.com/2011/05/crazy-military-tracking-tech/&h=486&w=660&tbnid=V2Ee0bt44OcTLM:&docid=ofTMTh5QUlcgvM&ei=Bc-vVcvcJsObgwT9zZfADQ&tbm=isch&ved=0CB0QMygAMABqFQoTCIvznoWe78YCFcPNgAod_eYF2A

[ghost]

A plaque type would be simple enough to do, you'd just have to keep in mind of the hard-coded light if it's going to be a beacon block.It might look weird to have a little plaque on the wall with a light above it floating in space.

[ghost]

What do you guys think? First prototype. Pretty basic right now.

[ghost]

This is the unlicensed hull classifier. I was thinking the model could get larger/more complex as you go up the scale in classifier size; each one would have its own model with the icon on it.

[MrZSFG]

I really like it

[Frysguy]

i like the idea, and the model looks good.

[chickenbranches]

yep, looks good and the idea is interesting as well.

[zrisher]

Personally I thought it looked a little too much like a jack-in-the-box, kind of toy-ish and not really the valuable block that you'd want to put on display or heavily protect in your ship. I'd want it to look just a little more sophisticated and sexy, maybe even out the girth of the ridges in the middle and remove some, I kind of liked the old spherical orb too. But it seems I've been overruled. : ) If everyone else likes it then I'm ok.

One note, the white piece at the very top seems to extend a bit past the 2x1 block box, does that extend too high or am I just looking at it wrong?

[chickenbranches]

Well is that blue color the painted color that will change? I feel like that color may be a big part of why it looks "toy-ish", at least to me. Another possible improvement could be to make the middle part not so narrow, it looks a bit weird having the cube with plaques on top larger then whats below it. I am fine with it, but just some possible suggestions that may improve it or may not, idk. Also, that piece at top does look to be sticking up, didn't notice until u said something.

[ghost]

Thanks for the feedback. Yes, I painted it a random color to show what surfaces were colorable. The base is just something I whipped out in a couple of minutes and can be redone easily. My main concern was to see if you guys liked the top part with the icon on it, I don't want to waste a bunch of hours making something really detailed unless I know the general shape/size etc is ok. I will re-do the bottom part and post some more pictures :)

[MrZSFG]

a sphere or cube, either is fine with me

[ghost]

Here is some updated pics. Ignore the purple textures. First one is without power.

[zrisher]

I definitely like that better. I'd say maybe halfway between the current and previous number of greebles would be perfect. And maybe some additional supports on between the corners of the top and the base to make it look a little sturdier.

I can get you higher res versions of the icons whenever you like, we have them in .ai format.

[ghost]

A higher res icon would be nice, it does appear a bit stretched out.

[MrZSFG]

i'd like to see the new modle if it's done yet souper

[ghost]

Sorry I haven't gotten to this at all this week but we are working on possibly using a higher res image for the icon so it's not so pixelated. Here is 256 vs 128. Should we go to an even high res?
The icon textures are only 342kb each and there will be three for each icon.

[zrisher]

Maybe we should make it look like an LCD screen that's projecting that image? Then it'll make sense that it's pixelated. 342kb per block is probably near the largest we should go for something we need to have 15+ of.

[ghost]

I'm not sure how to accomplish that.

[ghost]

Plan B would be to just shrink down the size of that part of the block.

[ghost]

All I did here was did a little scaling so the icon isn't so stretched.

Construction stages are done. Who does the PR go to?

[Devlah]

Very nice! Any chance for a HUD modification that would allow the hull classification icon to be super-imposed rather than the Beacon/antenna style text? It would certainly enhance that "Homeworld" feel.

On Sun, Aug 16, 2015 at 10:43 PM, Chris Campbell notifications@github.com wrote:

[image: 2015-08-16_00001] https://cloud.githubusercontent.com/assets/11542034/9297120/0bb49dc8-444f-11e5-99b6-a3a20130eb7e.jpg

Just need to make construction stages. Who does the PR go to?

— Reply to this email directly or view it on GitHub https://github.com/stackcollision/GardenConquest/issues/110#issuecomment-131662093 .

[zrisher]

@Devlah Unfortunately no, we don't have access to the graphics systems, neither the HUD, menus, or the 3D renderer. The only thing we can do is make use of existing HUD markers, which as you know have a fixed graphical shape.

One day, yes I'd love to do that.

In the mean time, @Souper07 wow the icon looks a TON better at that size. And they look like LCD screens? I think the top looks great, totally good to go. I think the bottom looks nice and sturdy, definitely like a piece of military tech, but could be just a little sexier. I'm not sure how - maybe some slight changes to the middle of the left side in the picture shown, the corners look fine. But I'd be happy including this now.

[drNovikov]

I'd like to suggest 2 things:

1. Please, no illumination, because it ruins stealth for my small vessels :(
2. For small ships -- a symmetrical model that does not break hull outlines and can be embedded seamlessly between cubic blocks.

[ghost]

The illumination is hard coded. meaning any block designated as a beacon will glow, there's no changing that.

[zrisher]

We could use an antenna instead though: https://github.com/stackcollision/GardenConquest/issues/117

[MrZSFG]

souper are you just gonna use the same modle on small ships or you gonna make a sepret one

[ghost]

What would be the point of having a separate model for small ship? Just changed them from beacons to antennas.

[MrZSFG]

just feel like it won't fit for small ships :l

[drNovikov]

The small ship beacon also has different attachment surfaces.