OpenSimulator

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OpenSimulator

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Basic data

developer opensimulator.org
Publishing year March 2007
Current  version 0.9.1.1
( January 7, 2020 )
operating system cross-platform
programming language C #
License BSD
German speaking No
opensimulator.org

OpenSimulator (short OpenSim) is an open source server platform for virtual worlds . With the help of a client (so-called viewer), regions located on a server can be viewed and edited. It is possible that several users are in the same virtual place at the same time and interact with each other.

The aim of the project is to create software for operating virtual worlds that can be used freely. The BSD license allows the code to be modified as desired and also used for commercial purposes. At the same time, the project represents a new basis for the so-called Web3D .

Functions

OpenSimulator was written in C # , is compatible with both the .NET and the Mono runtime environment and can therefore be executed independently of the platform. The software enables the functionality to be expanded significantly by means of modules , which allows adaptation to the individual requirements of a server operator.

The server manages all the data required for operation and makes it available to users. This is data on the virtual land, user accounts, chats, groups and the content created by the user (buildings, clothing, scripts, textures, etc.). Various existing databases are supported, including SQLite , MySQL , MariaDB and Microsoft SQL Server .

Using scripts, OpenSimulator allows the in-world programming of virtual intelligent objects that can interact with users and the environment. The scripting language Linden Scripting Language ( LSL ) was largely adopted by Second Life . However, it has been expanded to include additional functions required by the community for the OSSL ( OpenSimulator Scripting Language ) scripting language .

Hypergrid

Analogous to the hyperlinks of the World Wide Web, hypergrid teleports allow a user to navigate between different grids. There is also the possibility to travel by entering an address directly, which allows to keep lists of places that can be visited. The user's inventory is copied from the original grid to the visited grid, which enables a seamless transition. At the same time, a user can also collect new objects and take them back with them. In order to prevent a malicious grid from stealing a user's digital objects, from version 2.0 of the Hypergrid only a special folder - a kind of virtual suitcase - called "My Suitcase" is transferred and the user cannot access any other folder during his stay . Grid operators are free to use an older version of the hypergrid without this protection.

Operating modes

OpenSimulator has two main operating modes:

  • In standalone mode , all tasks (region, registration, data management) are mapped through a single process. This is particularly suitable for developers or for use on a single server.
  • The grid mode is intended to operate larger virtual worlds that require more server-side performance. The tasks are divided among specialized server processes. The individual servers are connected via the so-called "robust console" and management is centralized.

Both modes can be operated with or without Hypergrid support.

Versions

OpenSimulator is currently still in the alpha stage . Stable versions are usually released every six months.

There are different distributions to facilitate different uses:

  • OSgrid OpenSimulator is based on a current developer version and is already preconfigured so that your own grid is connected to the currently largest grid in terms of area, OSgrid.
  • Diva-Distro is a version specially adapted for standalone mode, which is primarily intended to facilitate operation. A web interface, the so-called Diva Wifi, should facilitate the creation of a web server.
  • Sim on a Stick is a completely preconfigured OpenSimulator server that can be run directly from a USB stick. A MySQL database and an Apache web server with PHP support are included.

Logs

OpenSimulator uses the SecondLife protocol as standard, which was developed by Linden Lab. However, OpenSimulator is multi-protocol capable and in March 2009 the Metaverse Exchange Protocol (MXP) was introduced as the first extension. MXP is a second generation client-server protocol. Internally, OpenSimulator uses XML-RPC and REST ( JSON / HTTP and XML / HTTP).

Content

Similar to Second Life, OpenSimulator uses primitives, sculpted objects and mesh to create objects:

  • Primitives ( prims for short ) are basic geometric building blocks that can be deformed using several parameters. They are created and edited with an internal tool in the viewer. Since this is very intuitive, good results can also be achieved quickly.
  • Sculpted Objects ( Sculpties for short ) are objects whose geometry is described by a UV map . The intensity of the colors red, blue and green define the distance between the surface and the object center. Sculpties are ideal for objects with natural curves, such as B. a dolphin. Sculpties are mostly created with external programs. Sculpties are hardly used any more, since mesh is more efficient in most cases with regard to data transmission and rendering.
  • Mesh can be created with the help of 3D graphics software and uploaded in Collada format (.dae) with the viewer and further processed "in-world". There are a number of technical factors to consider when creating, so that the training period is quite long. Mesh allows the highest degree of creative freedom - so the objects can receive far more details, you have full control over the level of detail (LOD) and textures can be mapped exactly onto the surface.

Viewer

A client called a viewer is required to enter and view a virtual world . OpenSimulator supports various viewers, all of which are based on the official Second Life viewer, the source code of which has been placed under the GPL by Linden Lab .

Viewer clients

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ 0.9.1.1 release . (accessed on June 17, 2020).
  2. ↑ OpenSimulator project page. Retrieved August 28, 2016 .
  3. ↑ Hypergrid. Accessed August 29, 2016 .
  4. ^ Diva Canto: How HG 2.0 is coming along. September 23, 2012, accessed August 29, 2016 .