collision-detection
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Video of the new NPC collision detection system
This video contains audio commentary, turn your sound up! With the upcoming 3v3 PvP tournament, Blizzard has rolled out a new feature on the Tournament Test Realm server: NPC collision detection. This will mean that it is now not possible for players to walk through some NPCs. Players will no longer be able to crowd, or block, the NPCs. This virtually guarantees that players will always be able to access the NPCs.
Collision detection in WAR's PvP
I hadn't heard that WAR would have collision detection (it must be in the whole game, right? can't only be in PvP, can it?), but Hardcore Casual did, and just like him, I'm very interested in the possibilities. He cites it as a problem of premades and PuGs-- premades will know much better how to deal with line-of-sight and positioning and formation problems, while PuGs will trip over themselves trying to get past someone else. Me, I see it more as a problem of pranks and griefing. In World of Warcraft, where Blizzard hasn't implemented collision detection, they're already having issues-- giving players the ability to block space in large numbers just opens up a whole world of griefing.But as HC says, it's all in the implementation-- it may be that some things need line-of-sight, while others (spells and such) don't, and any blockage depends on just where the hitboxes are-- if characters can sneak past each other, or are able to push each other out of the way, then that would change any plans.It'll be interesting to see how it all pans out, however. Collision detection is a minefield for developers, but can definitely lend itself to new types of gameplay. While most MMOs have avoided the issue entirely, we'll have to see if WAR is willing to hit the issue (so to speak) head-on.
Toyota makes vehicles communicate with surroundings to prevent collisions
We've already seen Intelligent Transport Systems discussed ad nauseum when referring to Nissan, but now Toyota is taking the time to demonstrate its latest advancements in vehicle-infrastructure cooperative systems. Put simply, the aforementioned ITS technologies are being tapped to "enable communication between cars and elements of their surroundings in an effort to reduce collisions." Complementing the massive simulator also on display, the automaker was demonstrating its strides in implementing road-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian-to-vehicle communications, which can warn drivers via audio / visual cues and even slow the vehicle's speed in order to prevent an accident. Sadly, Toyota failed to mention when we'd see these newfangled safety features integrated into civilian rides, but we can't wait to wave such niceties in the face of our insurance companies as we campaign for lower rates.[Via FarEastGizmos]
Practice extreme Christmas shopping online
"Only in America can shopping be considered a contact sport. And Christmas is the Super Bowl for competitive consumers." With these words, Persuasive Games took this year's hottest toys and made them objects for Shockwave arcade game.Xtreme Xmas Shopping has you trying to collect all of this season's hottest toys before the other parents can snatch them all up. Scuffling with parents is alright, so long as its out of the line of sight of wandering children. Of the five gifts quested, two of them are -- surprise, surprise -- the Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 3. You can try the game out for yourself here. [Via collision detection]
Volvo's "City Safety" detects collisions, can steer out of the way
Volvo has just come out with its own version of collision detection technology, calling it "City Safety," and aims to release this new feature on some models within two years. The technology works via an optical radar in the upper windshield that calculates the distance and speed of the car immediately ahead of you (and it does it 50 times per second), then engages the brakes accordingly if the system detects that a crash is imminent. Of course, Toyota came out with a similar setup that was announced back in August, but Volvo's apparently has the added benefit of being able to "steer away from a potential collision" as well. We weren't really into the idea of turning over braking control to computers at first, either, but steering? We'll stick to walking, thanks.[Via Gizmag]
Intelligent wheelchair helps you avoid hazards
Late last month, we regaled you with a story about Toyota's advanced collision detection technology that uses sensory data to trigger an automatic slowdown in cars. Clearly, one of the research teams at Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology is paying attention to what their countrymen in Toyota are doing -- for they've just come up with a similar system in wheelchairs. Recently developed with the collaboration of the National Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities in Japan, the new "intelligent wheelchair" has a set of cameras pointed in all directions mounted above the head of the rider to provide a complete 360-degree field of view. If the cameras detect potential hazards nearby, the wheelchair will slow down or come to a complete stop. Beyond that, the new 'chair also is decked out with WiFi, eventually being able to transmit the amalgam of video feeds to a cell phone, while also providing a means of remote control. In addition, the wheelchair will look for signs of unusual posture (we're not sure how this message is conveyed in a polite, Japanese way) and will also feature a way for the rider to direct movement of the chair simply by gesturing -- you know, so you can get your moment of glory by striking your best Washington crossing the Delaware River pose. Be sure and catch a bigger pic of the camera orb on the flip side...[Via Slashgear]
