University of Hull
While the 68-foot Hull and Humber racing yacht is circumnavigating the globe, visitors to the University of Hull will be able to have their own virtual experience of the Clipper by participating in workshops such as the 3D Clipper and the Virtual Clipper Race.
The Hull Immersive Visualisation Environment (HIVE) based within the Computer Science department, specialises in cutting edge visualisation, interaction and data capture technology.
HIVE will be hosting a series of workshops, aimed at school children and others interested in Computer Science, where they’ll don 3D glasses and have the chance to walk around the 3D Clipper, cut through the vessel in order to see a cross-section of the hull outline, watch an actual laser scan take place, and even experience taking part in a virtual Clipper race.
Emma-Jane Alexander, HIVE Co-ordinator explains: "This is a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn more about the Clipper race and about Computer Science too. The virtual race will enable youngsters both in and out of education, to design their own sail and hull in order to create a personalised vessel. They will then take part in a Q&A session so that they can complete the seven legs of the virtual race, correct answers propelling their virtual Clipper to the next leg, and accruing points."
To make this possible, members of the HIVE team performed a laser scan of the Hull and Humber Clipper whilst it was on display at the Great Yorkshire Show this year. The laser scan allows for the entire geometry of the yacht to be digitised and turned into a 3D computer model. The scanning process itself delivers a 'point cloud of data'; a pixelated image of the boat, which can then be processed and displayed on HIVE’s 5 x 3m 3D immersive work-wall.
Emma-Jane Alexander continues: "As well as raising awareness about the Clipper, this laser-scanning project will create a permanent 3D record of the vessel, which can be used as a teaching tool throughout this race and for many years to come. The Hull and Humber Clipper is an extraordinary piece of naval architecture and I would encourage people to come along to the University and experience a virtual voyage for themselves."
The first workshop will take place on 19 October and they will continue until June 2010.
