Your Sketchup models in a video game environment

Andy ICEedge

Hey Everybody!

My name is Andy and I work for ICE Edge Business Solutions in Calgary, Canada.

We have created a fully interactive video game 3D environment called ICEvision. This application plugs directly into google sketchup pro. I just wanted to gather your thoughts on the product and give you all the opportunity to have your own designs put into ICEvision.

Here is an ICEvision we have put together. The models were taken directly from the google sketchup warehouse. If you would like the guided tour hit the play button and enjoy. This is actually an advertisement idea we had, so it also includes a couple of examples of other ICEvision compatible software, but the objects are all sketchup made. If you haven't got time to watch it all, just grab the mouse and fly around. If you have a 3D connexion mouse, press the view settings button at the top of the player and hit "connect Logitech 3D connexion"

To make sure this will work, please make sure you have an updated version of JAVA on your computer and you will need a good graphics card, such as Nvidia Quadro.

Google sketchup "Design your dwelling" competition winner

http://icevision.ice-edge.com/viewer.jsf?mkey=bce0c410e4b013b06dbc8a09970537f8

Larger sketchup model we have made

http://icevision.ice-edge.com/viewer.jsf?mkey=4bf84b61b5aa226c096a4196069ea104

If you would like your model in ICEvision, send your sketchup file to me at anolloth@ice-edge.com. I will then send your model back to you in ICEvision, just like the link above! We will not use your file again without your permission

Please comment with any questions, feedback (positive or negative!) and ICEvision suggestions!

Thanks

Andy
http://www.ice-edge.com

thomthom

I got an "Unable to Run Application" error.
Windows7 RC 64bit

Andy ICEedge

Hey Thomas

That's a JAVA error, you will need to download the latest version. I've added a link below for you.

http://java.com/en/download/manual.jsp

Thank you!

Andy

thomthom

I have 1.6.13 - updated to 1.6.17. Still get error.


java.lang.NullPointerException
	at net.iceedge.icevision.utils.IvUiHelper.centerComponentRelativeToMainFrame(Unknown Source)
	at net.iceedge.icevision.IceVision.centerComponentRelativeToMainFrame(Unknown Source)
	at net.iceedge.icevision.IceVision.showStartup(Unknown Source)
	at net.iceedge.icevision.IceVision.main(Unknown Source)
	at sun.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke0(Native Method)
	at sun.reflect.NativeMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(Unknown Source)
	at sun.reflect.DelegatingMethodAccessorImpl.invoke(Unknown Source)
	at java.lang.reflect.Method.invoke(Unknown Source)
	at com.sun.javaws.Launcher.executeApplication(Unknown Source)
	at com.sun.javaws.Launcher.executeMainClass(Unknown Source)
	at com.sun.javaws.Launcher.doLaunchApp(Unknown Source)
	at com.sun.javaws.Launcher.run(Unknown Source)
	at java.lang.Thread.run(Unknown Source)

d12dozr

This sounds exciting, Andrew! I'm looking forward to using it. So to clarify, it only works with Sketchup Pro, not the free version?

I tried it, I also get the error. I'm on a Windows Vista 64-bit. I've attached a file with screen captures and the error text.

Ice Vision Error.pdf

d12dozr

I did a quick Java test...

rickgraham

Like everyone else, I cannot open it either. Mine is on a Mac though. Java did download an update/addon. I then got the Icevision screen (black with a withe grid perspective) and an error window popped up with:

Application Error - Unable to launch the application
Name: ICEvision
Publisher: Ice Edge Business Solutions
From: http://icevision.ice-edge.com

Pressing the Details button tells me that there is an unexpected exception: java.lang.NullPointerException and a bunch of code.

Pressing OK closes the app.

FYI,

Rick

thomthom

@rickgraham said:

I then got the Icevision screen (black with a withe grid perspective) and an error window popped up with:

Forgot to mention, I also see this.

Andy ICEedge

Hey Guys

Thanks for the heads up. We are looking at 64bit code right now. But anybody with a 32bit system should have no trouble at all. I'll keep you posted.

Thomas - are you using a release candidate version of Windows 7?

Andy

thomthom

@andy iceedge said:

Thomas - are you using a release candidate version of Windows 7?

Yes - just got my copy of the final version yesterday. Haven't had time to install it though.

thomthom

I tried this on my second computer - running Vista SP2 32bit. Got the same error.

Also noticed that the windows with the wireframe grid can be interacted with until I press Ok on the error message window - where it then closes.

thomthom

My default browser is Firefox 3.5.6 btw. But I've also tried with FF3.0 and IE8.

Andy ICEedge

Hey

Try it now everybody and enjoy

Might I suggest a beach themed mp3 in the background as its playing!

Sorry for the hiccup, lets us know your thoughts.

Andy

Andy ICEedge

@d12dozr said:

This sounds exciting, Andrew! I'm looking forward to using it. So to clarify, it only works with Sketchup Pro, not the free version?

Hey

It is in the development plans to have this working on the standard version, however all of our attention has been on Sketchup pro, Revit, autoCAD architecture & 3d Max recently. Keep checking our website for updates!

I hope you enjoy the ICEvision

Andy

thomthom

Worked now.

Had a quick look at the demo scene there. Personally I found it to contain too much text. I was sitting there thinking "get on with it". Might be better to leave the text for the website? And I think the demo scene would present better if you changed the environment colour to something other than pure black. Pure black backdrop for architectural presentation just doesn't fit in. Feels unfinished.

Will have to look again later for the actual product. In my quick little initial test I couldn't immediately work out how to move forward or backward. But I don't have more time today - so I'll have to get back to that tomorrow.

Andy ICEedge

That's excellent news. Thanks for checking it out!

We just threw it up on the forum to show you what ICEvision does, I will publish some smaller models with no text soon too. If you have a model you want me to put up, please feel free to email me the file!

When you get back into ICEvision, hit the help button > Help contents and a quick driving tips screen will appear.

EscapeArtist

Works fine with 32 bit XP Pro.

I think it's a neat idea, and the app certainly will be useful. Regarding the demo, I think it needs to be a little more succinct and allow folks to play with the viewer and a demo scene.

Andy ICEedge

Here is the winning design in the recent google Sketchup "design your dwelling" Competition

This one is smaller and more simple with no set path. Fly around and enjoy!

http://icevision.ice-edge.com/viewer.jsf?mkey=bce0c410e4b013b06dbc8a09970537f8

I will add this to my first post for all to see.

Don't forget, if you have a 3D connexion mouse, you can connect it by clicking on the 'view settings' tab

d12dozr

Cool! Works fine, but it would be nice if the navigation controls were the same as Sketchup's...and like Thomthom said, a nicer background-even a blue gradient would be great

Andy ICEedge

I'm glad you like it!

Once you get used to the controls you will really start to enjoy flying around models, especially with a 3D connexion mouse!

In regards to the background, it's black because the playing field is an infinite space, however plans are are being made to add some sky.

Don't forget to send me a model if you have time.

Andy
anolloth@ice-edge.com