Using Sketchfab to Create Interactive 3D Learning Objects (I3DLOs)
By Sketchfab For Science
Interactive 3D Learning Objects or I3DLO
Summary:
A learning object is defined by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) as “any entity, digital or non-digital, that may be used for learning, education or training”.[1]
In addition to traditional learning objects, studies have been published relating to the use of static 3D models in conjunction with interactive 3d platforms such as Second Life.[2] and virtual worlds in distance learning environments.[3] More recently, the Smithsonian Institute has incorporated the use of interactive 3D in conjunction with laser scans of their collections.[4]
Sketchfab, recently approved by Facebook for their 3D embed codes, has all the tools needed to create and share interactive 3D learning In addition to accepting a wide range of 3d formats and scientific data, one can annotate the models using their built-in tools. Recent upgrades to their system make it possible to upload animations generated in other professional animation and gaming software.
Here we describe a method of using Sketchfab as a tool in the design of interactive 3D learning objects (I3DLO). Likewise, we demonstrate ways of using these I3DLO in online publications, sharing via social media and within e-learning software platforms.
Case study no. 1
In the scientific community, many 3D viewers have been developed which allow the researchers to view molecular structures. Sometimes, background noise obscures the structure (Figure 1). Having found a method of reducing the noise level in 3DS Max, we examined if we could use Sketchfab to effectively communicate the results using interactive 3D learning objects.
Generation of Interactive 3D Learning ObjectsEMD 3109 was exported from Chimera in various formats (.dae, .obj, .stl) and imported into 3DS Max. Using the mesh editing tools, we found we could select and detach the viral structure (solid mesh object) from the background particle meshes. Once detached, the solid model could be separated from the background particles. An interactive animation of the process is seen in Figure 3.
Figure 3. Detaching Solid Mesh Objects from Particles.
After hiding or deleting the background meshes, the individual viral structure was exported as an .obj file and uploaded to Sketchfab (shown in Fig. 4)
Figure 4. EMD 3109 (minus background particles) imported into Sketchfab.
In addition to the animation, on can use scripts outside of the player to force changes within the viewer. For example, the end-user can hide the background from the primary EMD structure (Fig. 5). This was accomplished by naming the structure and background objects in 3DS Max and adjusting the API script accordingly.
View Adobe Captivate in Pop-Up WindowView Adobe Captivate in Pop-Up WindowFigure. 5 Hiding EMD 3019 Background Mesh ConclusionsWhile many viewers are available, it is sometimes difficult to see Cryo-EM structures at the author recommend viewing level without the background noise obscuring the structure. The method described here helps to solve this problem via 1) exporting from UCSF-Chimera 2) detaching the background mesh in 3D animation software and 3) uploading the detached model(s) to Sketchfab.This method can also be used with surface-colored structures (data not shown). In this case, you simply need to adjust the volume settings to take into account the added background mesh volume.Working with near-atomic resolution structures, we find the above method does not work at extremely high resolution settings. It was not possible to separate the background particles from the structure using the polygon select tools in 3DS Max.However, researchers in the field have found a way to reduce background noise of their near-atomic resolution structures directly in UCSF-Chimera using the zone / masking tool. This method will be discussed in the near future
Use of Sketchfab I3DLOs for online tutorials:
View Adobe Captivate in Pop-Up WindowView Adobe Captivate in Pop-Up WindowFigure. 5 Hiding EMD 3019 Background Mesh ConclusionsWhile many viewers are available, it is sometimes difficult to see Cryo-EM structures at the author recommend viewing level without the background noise obscuring the structure. The method described here helps to solve this problem via 1) exporting from UCSF-Chimera 2) detaching the background mesh in 3D animation software and 3) uploading the detached model(s) to Sketchfab.This method can also be used with surface-colored structures (data not shown). In this case, you simply need to adjust the volume settings to take into account the added background mesh volume.Working with near-atomic resolution structures, we find the above method does not work at extremely high resolution settings. It was not possible to separate the background particles from the structure using the polygon select tools in 3DS Max.However, researchers in the field have found a way to reduce background noise of their near-atomic resolution structures directly in UCSF-Chimera using the zone / masking tool. This method will be discussed in the near future
Generation of Interactive 3D Learning ObjectsEMD 3109 was exported from Chimera in various formats (.dae, .obj, .stl) and imported into 3DS Max. Using the mesh editing tools, we found we could select and detach the viral structure (solid mesh object) from the background particle meshes. Once detached, the solid model could be separated from the background particles. An interactive animation of the process is seen in Figure 3.
Figure 3. Detaching Solid Mesh Objects from Particles.
After hiding or deleting the background meshes, the individual viral structure was exported as an .obj file and uploaded to Sketchfab (shown in Fig. 4)
Figure 4. EMD 3109 (minus background particles) imported into Sketchfab.
In addition to the animation, on can use scripts outside of the player to force changes within the viewer. For example, the end-user can hide the background from the primary EMD structure (Fig. 5). This was accomplished by naming the structure and background objects in 3DS Max and adjusting the API script accordingly.
View Adobe Captivate in Pop-Up WindowView Adobe Captivate in Pop-Up WindowFigure. 5 Hiding EMD 3019 Background Mesh ConclusionsWhile many viewers are available, it is sometimes difficult to see Cryo-EM structures at the author recommend viewing level without the background noise obscuring the structure. The method described here helps to solve this problem via 1) exporting from UCSF-Chimera 2) detaching the background mesh in 3D animation software and 3) uploading the detached model(s) to Sketchfab.This method can also be used with surface-colored structures (data not shown). In this case, you simply need to adjust the volume settings to take into account the added background mesh volume.Working with near-atomic resolution structures, we find the above method does not work at extremely high resolution settings. It was not possible to separate the background particles from the structure using the polygon select tools in 3DS Max.However, researchers in the field have found a way to reduce background noise of their near-atomic resolution structures directly in UCSF-Chimera using the zone / masking tool. This method will be discussed in the near future
Use of Sketchfab I3DLOs for online tutorials: View Adobe Captivate in Pop-Up WindowView Adobe Captivate in Pop-Up WindowFigure. 5 Hiding EMD 3019 Background Mesh ConclusionsWhile many viewers are available, it is sometimes difficult to see Cryo-EM structures at the author recommend viewing level without the background noise obscuring the structure. The method described here helps to solve this problem via 1) exporting from UCSF-Chimera 2) detaching the background mesh in 3D animation software and 3) uploading the detached model(s) to Sketchfab.This method can also be used with surface-colored structures (data not shown). In this case, you simply need to adjust the volume settings to take into account the added background mesh volume.Working with near-atomic resolution structures, we find the above method does not work at extremely high resolution settings. It was not possible to separate the background particles from the structure using the polygon select tools in 3DS Max.However, researchers in the field have found a way to reduce background noise of their near-atomic resolution structures directly in UCSF-Chimera using the zone / masking tool. This method will be discussed in the near future
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