OPAL 0.4.0 review

OPAL is a high-level interface for low-level physics engines used in games, robotics simulations, and other 3D applications. Featu

License: LGPL (GNU Lesser General Public License) File size: 0K Developer: OPAL Team

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OPAL is a high-level interface for low-level physics engines used in games, robotics simulations, and other 3D applications.

Features a simple C++ API, intuitive objects (e.g. Solids, Joints, Motors, Sensors), and XML-based file storage for complex objects.

Here are some key features of "OPAL":
Open Source
Cross-platform
Tested on Linux, Irix, Windows, and Mac OS X
XML file loading
OPAL XML exporter for 3ds Max
Breakable joints
Linear and angular motion damping
Per-shape material settings
Contact groups (define which objects can interact physically)
Collision detection primitive shapes
Boxes
Spheres
Capsules (i.e. capped cylinders)
Planes
User-defined triangular mesh collision detection (best for terrains)
Joints
Hinge joints (one rotational degree of freedom)
Universal joints (two rotational degrees of freedom)
Ball joints (three rotational degrees of freedom)
Wheel joints (two rotational degrees of freedom)
Slider joints (i.e. prismatic joints; one translational degree of freedom)
Fixed joints (zero degrees of freedom)
Motors
Attractor motors (provide gravitational attraction between two objects)
Geared motors (simplified automobile engines)
Servo motors (use limited torque to achieve a desired angle or velocity; similar to PD/PID controllers)
Spring motors (simple damped springs; pull objects to a desired position and/or orientation)
Thruster motors (provide a constant force on an object)
Sensors
Acceleration sensors
Incline sensors
Raycast sensors
Volume sensors
Event handlers
Collision event handler (notified when objects collide)
Joint break event handler (notified when a joint breaks)
Post-step event handler (notified at the end of each time step)

What's New in This Release:
Many bugfixes, unit tests, and enhancements.
New features: handling a large number of object updates, a new motor, better joint damage monitoring, and enhanced event handling.
The project has been migrated to Subversion.