Hello Smithies,
I am currently working on a Design Manual for a forging simulator. However, being that I am not a smith myself, I could use input from your community. The general outline is as follows.
Input / Output - How the user will manipulate the tools and items in his virtual metal working shop.
- A Nintendo Wii controller will be used for the manipulation of the hammer and other various tools as well as the rotation of the ingots.
- Multi-Touch Screen will be used for both viewing and selecting the various points of manipulation.
It is intended so that an average person could pick this up and start working while still having a steep learning curve based off of motor skills. Or also so that a smith with little computer experience could pick this up and still be able to showcase his own abilities.
Without going too far into detail. (Although I am more than willing to if I happen to strike some interest among the community). I am currently trying to decide what information MUST be displayed to the user and its importance level.
Example- A potential virtual BlackSmith would need to constantly monitor the heat of the metal he is striking. So on screen a virtual thermometer would need to be implemented.
Beyond this example I could use more input as to what kind of data and information a smith would need to keep track of on screen. If anyone has any ideas, I would greatly appreciate it. Also, if I am being vague at any point please let me know.
Thanks for your time,
Tom