Progress
Hello everyone, I'll let you know how it's going, as it's Friday and some people might hope for a patch today.
The unified autocross system is going well, old tracks now load correctly with their old autocross objects deleted, but all objects still appearing because they automatically refer to the new ones in the list of unified objects. Some of the new objects have been changed a little, mostly in ways you can't see or won't notice but they are more optimised for graphics and physics, using fewer texture pages, no downward facing polygons on unmovable objects and that kind of thing.
On all tracks you can select tyre stacks 1, 2, 3 or 4 high and you can select natural black or white / red / green / yellow / blue painted tyre stacks, using the colours from the existing LFS tyre stacks. Also chalk objects can be coloured white / red / blue / yellow. The 6m and 10m speed humps from Kyoto are available at all tracks.
There are still various related small things to finish and the automatic conversion tables for old layouts still need to be done. The conversion tables can mostly be generated automatically but I need to do manual entries for some of the objects.
It seems like 1 or 2 days to get that fully functioning and safely loading old layouts, but I won't be ready to release the patch at that point because there are a few more things to be added to that incompatible patch. Such as allowing qualifying in open configs, enabling the random red lights, InSim reporting object collisions, InSim adding and removing objects.
I don't see any big problems ahead so it should be ready by next Friday at the latest. Hopefully sooner but sometimes tricky things come up.
The unified autocross system is going well, old tracks now load correctly with their old autocross objects deleted, but all objects still appearing because they automatically refer to the new ones in the list of unified objects. Some of the new objects have been changed a little, mostly in ways you can't see or won't notice but they are more optimised for graphics and physics, using fewer texture pages, no downward facing polygons on unmovable objects and that kind of thing.
On all tracks you can select tyre stacks 1, 2, 3 or 4 high and you can select natural black or white / red / green / yellow / blue painted tyre stacks, using the colours from the existing LFS tyre stacks. Also chalk objects can be coloured white / red / blue / yellow. The 6m and 10m speed humps from Kyoto are available at all tracks.
There are still various related small things to finish and the automatic conversion tables for old layouts still need to be done. The conversion tables can mostly be generated automatically but I need to do manual entries for some of the objects.
It seems like 1 or 2 days to get that fully functioning and safely loading old layouts, but I won't be ready to release the patch at that point because there are a few more things to be added to that incompatible patch. Such as allowing qualifying in open configs, enabling the random red lights, InSim reporting object collisions, InSim adding and removing objects.
I don't see any big problems ahead so it should be ready by next Friday at the latest. Hopefully sooner but sometimes tricky things come up.
To make sure I'm clear : the incompatible changes to come are still in this run of test patches.
I need to enable qualifying and random red lights on open configs. I also want to finish the unification of the autocross objects system for all tracks and allow InSim to add and remove objects, and also report object collisions. That's about it, shouldn't take too long though realistically it might not be ready on Friday.
After that lot is tested we can release an official patch then I'll be back on the tyre physics, and several loud voices will think I've given up on Live for Speed, must be on a beach in the Bahamas, etc.
Heh, this is like talking to my 5 year old son, who asks so many questions! And here it's not good, because each person who asks a question takes yet another 5 to 10 minutes of my time, so reducing the updates I can put in today's patch. It would be better to accept what I say, because I have thought it through.
This an INTERMEDIATE patch with the same old tyre physics. That means, the old hotlaps are staying valid. It's not a good time to delete all the old hotlaps, when the tyre physics is still the same. So, we are not releasing track updates that would make all the hotlaps go out of sync.
That is quite apart from the fact that Eric is working on S3 content at the moment. I think it is ok for me to say, that he doesn't like being asked to switch from one thing to another. Some people like to switch tasks all the time - I have no choice - but Eric does not like that, he likes to stay focussed on what is is doing. This is sort of "my" patch and I don't think he really wants to be involved. Not that I have asked him - I've already explained above, we don't want to put the hotlaps out of sync. I've gone into a lot of detail how one thing led to another on the road to this patch.
So, please, try to understand, I'm working very hard to try and get a patch out today and I don't want to explain every single decision on every step of the way.
I have had a look at that, because I now have the code to detect and modify the properties of segments. But I don't want to do that one, mainly because of that unconnected road surface (i.e. hole) at the end of that slip road. Also there would be some ugly shadows if I removed some of those segments.
I understand you may say that's not important, you can block off these things and you'd only drive down the road, not up, but today my focus is adding physics detection where there should be some (e.g. around the FE mini-oval) and replacing barriers where they are missing from open configs.
I'm trying to make the open configs less "flaky" so they are more up to professional standard. And that does mean blocking off things where the world of "driving in a virtual world" becomes "driving in an unfinished computer program". You see, opening that part of SO would simply enable another unfinished area. So that comes in the category of something that really needs to be updated with a real track update.
I can't add kerbs. I'm not really sure what you mean, that sounds like a track editor kind of thing, the autocross editor is really just about placing objects on top of existing tracks.
In the new system which I expect to release next week, I have included the distance to corner markers (like the ones from Aston) and the long and short speed humps from Kyoto.
I'm not taking any more requests for objects - I've spent long enough collecting them together and updating them for the new unified autocross objects file. They will require an incompatible test patch (which is needed anyway to enable qualifying and random start lights). But first (aiming for this evening) I will release a compatible patch with various fixes, excluding the new autocross objects.
I hope Z33 is the last compatible one. We then need to be in the incompatible stage for the shortest time possible so we can get the official patch out and I can get back to the tyre physics.
Most objects are exactly the same. Some are optimised for graphics and physics CPU time but you won't notice the difference. Some are a slightly different size, for example some cones varied in scale at the Autocross track but now they will have the same size as they are on the other tracks. Some objects are different - I've made new tyres objects (single and stacks of 2, 3, 4) because the tyre objects were different at all tracks and were a special type of object that cannot be used in the common autocross objects file. I'm planning to add a colour selection, so any of the existing tyre colours can be selected, so your tyres can match the colour scheme at whichever track you are creating a layout for. Some objects will be new to the autocross object system - I plan to include the speed humps from Kyoto and the corner markers from Aston.
I am taking a risk here saying what I plan to do, so whoever reads this - these are not promises, but plans - and plans change.
But to answer your question : conversion should be very accurate, though some tyre stacks will only have a 40 cm radius instead of a 43 cm radius, that kind of thing, and slightly different heights. I'll generate (and manually edit) conversion tables for all the tracks so that pre-Z33 layouts will look up in the table which object number should be used, and which tyre object and colour should be selected, while they are loading.
Yes, I won't be including lamp posts and buildings. I see those guys had fun at the car park with their mod, but that's not really what the autocross system is for.
Now, no more questions please, unless you have some real reason to ask me a question. For example now I've just taken 10 minutes out answering questions, when I had actually sat down to continue working on the objects. When the patch is released, you can find out what's in it.
I'm talking about an incompatible test patch in this run of test patches. I expect the next test patch will include this. But maybe not, if I do some other compatible fixes first (e.g. enabling physics on some track surfaces where you can fall underground in open configs) to be tested along with the tyre contact detection fix. It's possible those could be tested in one more compatible test patch before the incompatible one.
No, it's just that the new object numbers would make old guests have all the wrong objects and missing objects, so they would go OOS. Same with the enabling of qualifying. So I just have to add something that forces incompatibility - does not allow Z33 and previous versions to connect.
LFS has them but InSim does not - InSim has all its own packets, and does not yet contain anything for this. The new ones will share the object structures from the existing LFS packets and the layout file format. Of course I will add documentation when I add the packets to InSim.
Progress
You'll be pleased to know that one more "flying cars" issue seems to be fixed in my version. In the attached Z32 replay, I reverse my XR GT into a barrier so that it intersects (because the current car collision system doesn't notice that). Then the wheel detects a contact with the top of the barrier and the car goes flying (because the penetration is deep, the force is great).
The wheel contact test ray now starts from the centre of the wheel, instead of above the wheel, so this penetration is not detected and the car just gets nudged outwards. I guess this same type of collision might happen between cars sometimes. Also this will stop that strange looking bug where a car can be pinned to a fence by its tyres.
The main thing this week is that I'm trying to unify the autocross objects system into a single file that is shared between all tracks. This has a few advantages :
1) All objects will be available on all tracks.
2) Each object will have the same object number on all tracks, helpful for external autocross editors or InSim programs that can add or remove objects.
3) Some of the objects can be optimised for graphics and physics (CPU time reduction).
4) Helpful in the development track editor.
5) If a new object is added or improved, it will be available at all tracks.
It's a bit dangerous to say what I'm working on, just in case it turns out that it can't be done. But I think it will be OK. There needs to be a conversion function to repair all the old layouts to use the new object numbers, automatically when loading. It will be multiplayer incompatible, so it will be time to do some other things on my list as well, like allowing qualifying in open configs and enabling the randomised start lights time. So I guess a Friday patch looks unlikely at this point.
The wheel contact test ray now starts from the centre of the wheel, instead of above the wheel, so this penetration is not detected and the car just gets nudged outwards. I guess this same type of collision might happen between cars sometimes. Also this will stop that strange looking bug where a car can be pinned to a fence by its tyres.
The main thing this week is that I'm trying to unify the autocross objects system into a single file that is shared between all tracks. This has a few advantages :
1) All objects will be available on all tracks.
2) Each object will have the same object number on all tracks, helpful for external autocross editors or InSim programs that can add or remove objects.
3) Some of the objects can be optimised for graphics and physics (CPU time reduction).
4) Helpful in the development track editor.
5) If a new object is added or improved, it will be available at all tracks.
It's a bit dangerous to say what I'm working on, just in case it turns out that it can't be done. But I think it will be OK. There needs to be a conversion function to repair all the old layouts to use the new object numbers, automatically when loading. It will be multiplayer incompatible, so it will be time to do some other things on my list as well, like allowing qualifying in open configs and enabling the randomised start lights time. So I guess a Friday patch looks unlikely at this point.
After the official patch is released I will be back working on the tyre physics.
When the tyre physics is done it should not be long to the Scirocco.
Hopefully not long to some S3 content after that...
But... please ignore me when I say "soon" or "not long". That's just the belief in my mind that keeps me optimistic and on the case. It always takes much longer than I expect.
I don't think it is a networking problem, because the car's physics runs locally, it shouldn't be affected by dropped packets or anything like that. And they weren't near enough to another car to suggest that another car's lag was a likely cause.
I guess, and I hope, that this was just a problem with the Z30 collision system, something like the Fern Bay gantries (which, unlike these, were easily reproducable).
I haven't heard of any false collisions with objects or falling through the road in Z31. I found a genuine cause for the Fern Bay type of false collisions in Z30, detected and eliminated them in a way that seems clean and good, so I hope these are gone now.
I really wouldn't expect that to be the case. Tyre physics should be nearly the same, only the surface detection is more accurate now, so the road surface might appear to be in a different place by 1 or 2 mm (or a few mm if you are on a steep uphill or downhill slope, or several cm in odd places where the old detection really went wrong - though that was worst at the end of segments like the pit garage walls, so wouldn't usually affect tyres at all). But that difference is usually small for tyres and shouldn't affect the driving feel or lap times. I think it would need a more thorough test. You would have to take the same setup, and try it once in Z28 and again in Z31, to do a direct comparison. And you could post the setup here in case anyone else wants to test.
Z31 - some updates and fixes
Instead of waiting until tomorrow, I thought you might like to try these useful updates.
Many translation files have been updated
Connection list is now visible in SHIFT+U mode
Skid marks are now visible on open configurations
Multiplayer : Cars driving far out of bounds are spectated
Race positions list / map car colours now work on open configs
InSim : IS_BTN did not allow documented limit of 240 characters
FIX : False collisions that showed up near pit lanes at Fern Bay
http://www.lfsforum.net/showthread.php?t=74012
NOTE :
I have not yet tried to do anything about missing barriers or ground without physics enabled.
I still intend to look at some of those issues but this is an intermediate update.
Many translation files have been updated
Connection list is now visible in SHIFT+U mode
Skid marks are now visible on open configurations
Multiplayer : Cars driving far out of bounds are spectated
Race positions list / map car colours now work on open configs
InSim : IS_BTN did not allow documented limit of 240 characters
FIX : False collisions that showed up near pit lanes at Fern Bay
http://www.lfsforum.net/showthread.php?t=74012
NOTE :
I have not yet tried to do anything about missing barriers or ground without physics enabled.
I still intend to look at some of those issues but this is an intermediate update.
But that (GTR number plates) is totally off topic for this patch.
I'm not doing any unrelated requests, I'm just trying to get this patch finished, so I can carry on with the tyre physics.
I'm not doing any unrelated requests, I'm just trying to get this patch finished, so I can carry on with the tyre physics.
I know the reason for this now - the segments of those gantries are constructed in a way that is unsuitable for the physics detection. It was unsuitable in the old version as well but that just didn't result in an out of bounds collision. I need to write a little code to detect and switch off physics on unsuitably constructed segments.
That looks quite nasty, and I can't reproduce it with my test program. Because it's an MPR, it's not clear exactly how this happened. I would like to see an SPR of this, if anyone can reproduce it (a wheel falling underground on proper road) at this place or anywhere else.
Spinoff : Areas that need contact detection enabled
Hello Racers. The new open configurations open up some areas that have problems, because the collision detection has been switched off on some segments, for optimisation reasons.
Though I haven't investigated further, it may be possible for LFS.exe to switch on the contact detection in some areas. I hope that there aren't TOO many places like that... I can't just switch on *everything* - that would include overhead power cables, some inaccessible buildings and would reduce frame rates.
But if you could post a screenshot here of areas where you fall through the ground, maybe I can put some code into the exe that switches on those particular "no physics" segments.
For a start - this area at the Fern Bay mini-oval (posted by kart-36) :
FIXED IN Z33
Though I haven't investigated further, it may be possible for LFS.exe to switch on the contact detection in some areas. I hope that there aren't TOO many places like that... I can't just switch on *everything* - that would include overhead power cables, some inaccessible buildings and would reduce frame rates.
But if you could post a screenshot here of areas where you fall through the ground, maybe I can put some code into the exe that switches on those particular "no physics" segments.
For a start - this area at the Fern Bay mini-oval (posted by kart-36) :
FIXED IN Z33
Last edited by Scawen, .
Test Patch Z30 (NOW Z34 - old content / old physics / many updates)
WARNING : THIS IS A TEST
NOTE : THIS DOES NOT CONTAIN NEW TYRE PHYSICS / VW SCIROCCO / ROCKINGHAM
Hello Racers, here is a new Test Patch : Z34.
You can read the story behind this thread in the main forum thread :
http://www.lfsforum.net/showthread.php?t=73874
Z34 is semi-compatible with the official version Z28.
Z34 can play version Z28 replays.
Z34 can join Z28 hosts.
Z28 cannot join Z30 - Z34 hosts.
You cannot upload hotlaps made with Z30 - Z34 because they are test patches.
Please keep a backup of your LFS.exe from version Z28 so you can go back to Z28 if there are any problems.
Changes from Z33 to Z34 :
FIX : Occasional false collision detections near segment ends
FIX : Endless auto car reset after falling into the underworld
Blue flag detection function for racing on open configurations
Dedicated host window now adds new messages without flickering
KY : No humps / tyres in open configs entering GP Long from Oval
Translations :
Greek translation is now up to date for the SHIFT+U mode updates
New Ukrainian translation included for testing (nearly finished)
Hungarian translations of training lessons updated
Changes from Z32 to Z33 :
Improved wheel contact detection to reduce chance of flying cars
Speed limit no longer enforced if autocross start position exists
All languages updated except Trad. Chinese / Greek / Belarussian
BL : Repaired floating laptop on tool box in the first pit garage
BL : Enabled all the rallycross section barriers in open configs
SO : Repaired a sunken barrier closing pit lane (Sprint Track 1)
SO : Enabled various barriers that were missing from open configs
FE : Enabled contact detection around mini-oval and nearby walls
FE : Enabled a barrier in open configs (at corner near a bridge)
KY : Enabled some barriers at entry / exit to infield / outfield
KY : Enabled speedhumps and tyres at entry to GP Long from Oval
AS : Enabled missing barrier across side road near AS3 chicane
Attempted FIX : Occasionally refuelling did not match set amount
FIX : Momentary loss of TV camera at Fern Bay Club X turn one
Changes from Z31 to Z32 :
Optimised transparent objects (e.g. fences) to help open configs
Adding / removing autocross objects no longer resets all objects
Much better frame rate with many autocross objects (faster draw)
Reduced Z-buffer flickering of chalk objects and pit stop markers
Custom layouts race progress / history now displayed on LFS World
FIX : On joining host, cars not past finish line showed wrong lap
FIX : SHIFT+U follow mode now stays on car if you rewind a replay
Command /modified=yes allows a private host to avoid CP checks
InSim :
Command /cv now only cancels game votes (restart / end / qualify)
OutGauge : OG_SHIFT and OG_CTRL (keys) bits added to OutGaugePack
Lap timing info added to IS_RST (standard / custom / checkpoints)
Changes from Z30 to Z31 :
Many translation files have been updated
Connection list is now visible in SHIFT+U mode
Skid marks are now visible on open configurations
Multiplayer : Cars driving far out of bounds are spectated
Race positions list / map car colours now work on open configs
InSim : IS_BTN did not allow documented limit of 240 characters
FIX : False collisions that showed up near pit lanes at Fern Bay
Changes from Z28 to Z30 :
Contact detection and collisions :
Improved contact detection with road / walls / pit garages
Improved collisions with unmovable objects (e.g. red barriers)
Unmovable objects (e.g. ramps) now have concrete friction level
SHIFT+U mode :
New free view mode replaces the old "low" and "high" path modes
Object or ground targeted by the mouse pointer is now detected
Left mouse button moves view point by "dragging" target point
Double click to move view point directly towards target point
Mouse wheel moves view point towards or away from target point
Left + Right mouse buttons rotate view point around the target
Arrow key movement follows ground below view point when possible
Store up to 10 views per track configuration with SHIFT+NUMBER
Recall a stored view with CTRL+NUMBER (or click on the button)
Click on a car to follow it / look away to stop following
Added a new Ramp2 which is the same as Ramp1 but 2.8 metres wide
Ramp1 and Ramp2 are stored in the exe and loaded into all tracks
Autocross editor :
Maximum number of autocross objects is now 800 on all tracks
Object positioning is much better - using mouse target detection
Less CPU / better checks when adding / moving / deleting objects
FIX : Could click on invisible replay slider when buttons visible
FIX : Could add marshall circles out of bounds then undeletable
FIX : N key in SHIFT+U with options on caused overlapping text
FIX : High altitude layout objects appeared under ground on load
Open configurations :
New "drive anywhere" open configs (CTRL in track select screen)
Open configs can be selected with text command like /track=SO1X
Open configs can be used as racing circuits by adding checkpoints
Checkpoints can now be up to 62 metres wide to include pit lane
Optimisations :
Removed continual small memory leaks (materials list corruption)
Number plate generation is much faster - reducing pit-out glitch
Frame rate increased - drawing most world objects is much faster
Interface :
Unlock screen now renames unnamed player to user name on exit
Clicking selected track loads that track (like pressing ENTER)
Windows messages processed in a cleaner way (affects key presses)
Mouse movements are processed more efficiently (drag / slide)
FIX : Mouse look info could go off screen in some languages
FIX : An invalid view could be selected when no cars in race
FIX : Meeting room scroll bar was invisible in recent versions
FIX : Text commands could be used to load layout in hotlap mode
Graphics / Audio :
Improved display of help text / lesson text / welcome messages
F9 tyre diagram and SHIFT+L suspension diagrams now antialiased
Improved tyre optimisation - no missing parts of deflected tyres
Entry screen logo and frame are now drawn if a dialog box is open
FIX : In Driver Options the driver intersected with world objects
FIX : Reset from behind a barrier at South City could stop sound
FIX : Missing shadow on ground near fences at Autocross track
Multiplayer :
Wear limit for changing tyres can be set to 100% (never)
List of hosts can now show hosts you are not licensed to join
Host name is displayed in task bar and window title (if Latin)
Implemented VOB mod protection (physical changes will cause OOS)
Host options are now readable when opened from game setup screen
Default host IP address is now 127.0.0.1 (address of local host)
CTRL+SHIFT now displays time and date in all multiplayer replays
Removed TCP filter that allowed old versions in the list of hosts
FIX : Some problems resulting from multiple requests to join race
FIX : Pit stop did not end if car was knocked out of the pit lane
FIX : Some crashes that could result from an invalid unlock state
FIX : Some missing images (e.g. track select) caused LFS to crash
FIX : Suspension could incorrectly stay broken on remote computer
FIX : Host restart exploit found by Luigi Auriemma (join packets)
InSim :
New command /ck cancels any kick or ban votes in progress
New command /cv cancels any votes (kick, ban, restart, etc)
NLP / MCI minimum time interval reduced to 40 ms (was 50 ms)
New collision packet gives details of contact between two cars
Longer IS_MST now up to 128 chars / specify sound / send to all
FIX : Clutch axis / button was not reported from Controls screen
Misc :
Misc options : F9 / F10 accelerometer can be shown as one value
Improved detection of invalid window positions when starting LFS
URL command is now case insensitive - LFS:// or lfs:// both work
Security : InSim can no longer be initialised from a URL command
Cruise : no need to drive a lap before serving DT / SG penalty
Cruise : current lap is not displayed if lap timing is disabled
FIX : InSim camera with vertical pitch would cause LFS to crash
FIX : OutGaugePack ID was always zero regardless of ID in cfg.txt
DOWNLOADS :
NOTE : Z28 (or later) must already be installed! If it is not, please install Z28 before installing this test patch.
PATCH Z28 to Z34 (SELF EXTRACTING) (If you already have Z28) :
www.liveforspeed.net/file_lfs. ... =LFS_PATCH_Z28_TO_Z34.exe (1.6 MB)
PATCH Z28 to Z34 (ALTERNATIVE ZIP) (If you already have Z28) :
www.liveforspeed.net/file_lfs. ... =LFS_PATCH_Z28_TO_Z34.zip (2.0 MB)
NOTE : Z30 - Z34 are multiplayer compatible so if your host is running Z30 - Z33 you do not need to update it
DEDICATED HOST Z34 (non-graphical version for hosting only) :
www.liveforspeed.net/file_lfs.php?name=LFS_S2_DEDI_Z34.zip (1.6 MB)
NOTE : THIS DOES NOT CONTAIN NEW TYRE PHYSICS / VW SCIROCCO / ROCKINGHAM
Hello Racers, here is a new Test Patch : Z34.
You can read the story behind this thread in the main forum thread :
http://www.lfsforum.net/showthread.php?t=73874
Z34 is semi-compatible with the official version Z28.
Z34 can play version Z28 replays.
Z34 can join Z28 hosts.
Z28 cannot join Z30 - Z34 hosts.
You cannot upload hotlaps made with Z30 - Z34 because they are test patches.
Please keep a backup of your LFS.exe from version Z28 so you can go back to Z28 if there are any problems.
Changes from Z33 to Z34 :
FIX : Occasional false collision detections near segment ends
FIX : Endless auto car reset after falling into the underworld
Blue flag detection function for racing on open configurations
Dedicated host window now adds new messages without flickering
KY : No humps / tyres in open configs entering GP Long from Oval
Translations :
Greek translation is now up to date for the SHIFT+U mode updates
New Ukrainian translation included for testing (nearly finished)
Hungarian translations of training lessons updated
Changes from Z32 to Z33 :
Improved wheel contact detection to reduce chance of flying cars
Speed limit no longer enforced if autocross start position exists
All languages updated except Trad. Chinese / Greek / Belarussian
BL : Repaired floating laptop on tool box in the first pit garage
BL : Enabled all the rallycross section barriers in open configs
SO : Repaired a sunken barrier closing pit lane (Sprint Track 1)
SO : Enabled various barriers that were missing from open configs
FE : Enabled contact detection around mini-oval and nearby walls
FE : Enabled a barrier in open configs (at corner near a bridge)
KY : Enabled some barriers at entry / exit to infield / outfield
KY : Enabled speedhumps and tyres at entry to GP Long from Oval
AS : Enabled missing barrier across side road near AS3 chicane
Attempted FIX : Occasionally refuelling did not match set amount
FIX : Momentary loss of TV camera at Fern Bay Club X turn one
Changes from Z31 to Z32 :
Optimised transparent objects (e.g. fences) to help open configs
Adding / removing autocross objects no longer resets all objects
Much better frame rate with many autocross objects (faster draw)
Reduced Z-buffer flickering of chalk objects and pit stop markers
Custom layouts race progress / history now displayed on LFS World
FIX : On joining host, cars not past finish line showed wrong lap
FIX : SHIFT+U follow mode now stays on car if you rewind a replay
Command /modified=yes allows a private host to avoid CP checks
InSim :
Command /cv now only cancels game votes (restart / end / qualify)
OutGauge : OG_SHIFT and OG_CTRL (keys) bits added to OutGaugePack
Lap timing info added to IS_RST (standard / custom / checkpoints)
Changes from Z30 to Z31 :
Many translation files have been updated
Connection list is now visible in SHIFT+U mode
Skid marks are now visible on open configurations
Multiplayer : Cars driving far out of bounds are spectated
Race positions list / map car colours now work on open configs
InSim : IS_BTN did not allow documented limit of 240 characters
FIX : False collisions that showed up near pit lanes at Fern Bay
Changes from Z28 to Z30 :
Contact detection and collisions :
Improved contact detection with road / walls / pit garages
Improved collisions with unmovable objects (e.g. red barriers)
Unmovable objects (e.g. ramps) now have concrete friction level
SHIFT+U mode :
New free view mode replaces the old "low" and "high" path modes
Object or ground targeted by the mouse pointer is now detected
Left mouse button moves view point by "dragging" target point
Double click to move view point directly towards target point
Mouse wheel moves view point towards or away from target point
Left + Right mouse buttons rotate view point around the target
Arrow key movement follows ground below view point when possible
Store up to 10 views per track configuration with SHIFT+NUMBER
Recall a stored view with CTRL+NUMBER (or click on the button)
Click on a car to follow it / look away to stop following
Added a new Ramp2 which is the same as Ramp1 but 2.8 metres wide
Ramp1 and Ramp2 are stored in the exe and loaded into all tracks
Autocross editor :
Maximum number of autocross objects is now 800 on all tracks
Object positioning is much better - using mouse target detection
Less CPU / better checks when adding / moving / deleting objects
FIX : Could click on invisible replay slider when buttons visible
FIX : Could add marshall circles out of bounds then undeletable
FIX : N key in SHIFT+U with options on caused overlapping text
FIX : High altitude layout objects appeared under ground on load
Open configurations :
New "drive anywhere" open configs (CTRL in track select screen)
Open configs can be selected with text command like /track=SO1X
Open configs can be used as racing circuits by adding checkpoints
Checkpoints can now be up to 62 metres wide to include pit lane
Optimisations :
Removed continual small memory leaks (materials list corruption)
Number plate generation is much faster - reducing pit-out glitch
Frame rate increased - drawing most world objects is much faster
Interface :
Unlock screen now renames unnamed player to user name on exit
Clicking selected track loads that track (like pressing ENTER)
Windows messages processed in a cleaner way (affects key presses)
Mouse movements are processed more efficiently (drag / slide)
FIX : Mouse look info could go off screen in some languages
FIX : An invalid view could be selected when no cars in race
FIX : Meeting room scroll bar was invisible in recent versions
FIX : Text commands could be used to load layout in hotlap mode
Graphics / Audio :
Improved display of help text / lesson text / welcome messages
F9 tyre diagram and SHIFT+L suspension diagrams now antialiased
Improved tyre optimisation - no missing parts of deflected tyres
Entry screen logo and frame are now drawn if a dialog box is open
FIX : In Driver Options the driver intersected with world objects
FIX : Reset from behind a barrier at South City could stop sound
FIX : Missing shadow on ground near fences at Autocross track
Multiplayer :
Wear limit for changing tyres can be set to 100% (never)
List of hosts can now show hosts you are not licensed to join
Host name is displayed in task bar and window title (if Latin)
Implemented VOB mod protection (physical changes will cause OOS)
Host options are now readable when opened from game setup screen
Default host IP address is now 127.0.0.1 (address of local host)
CTRL+SHIFT now displays time and date in all multiplayer replays
Removed TCP filter that allowed old versions in the list of hosts
FIX : Some problems resulting from multiple requests to join race
FIX : Pit stop did not end if car was knocked out of the pit lane
FIX : Some crashes that could result from an invalid unlock state
FIX : Some missing images (e.g. track select) caused LFS to crash
FIX : Suspension could incorrectly stay broken on remote computer
FIX : Host restart exploit found by Luigi Auriemma (join packets)
InSim :
New command /ck cancels any kick or ban votes in progress
New command /cv cancels any votes (kick, ban, restart, etc)
NLP / MCI minimum time interval reduced to 40 ms (was 50 ms)
New collision packet gives details of contact between two cars
Longer IS_MST now up to 128 chars / specify sound / send to all
FIX : Clutch axis / button was not reported from Controls screen
Misc :
Misc options : F9 / F10 accelerometer can be shown as one value
Improved detection of invalid window positions when starting LFS
URL command is now case insensitive - LFS:// or lfs:// both work
Security : InSim can no longer be initialised from a URL command
Cruise : no need to drive a lap before serving DT / SG penalty
Cruise : current lap is not displayed if lap timing is disabled
FIX : InSim camera with vertical pitch would cause LFS to crash
FIX : OutGaugePack ID was always zero regardless of ID in cfg.txt
DOWNLOADS :
NOTE : Z28 (or later) must already be installed! If it is not, please install Z28 before installing this test patch.
PATCH Z28 to Z34 (SELF EXTRACTING) (If you already have Z28) :
www.liveforspeed.net/file_lfs. ... =LFS_PATCH_Z28_TO_Z34.exe (1.6 MB)
PATCH Z28 to Z34 (ALTERNATIVE ZIP) (If you already have Z28) :
www.liveforspeed.net/file_lfs. ... =LFS_PATCH_Z28_TO_Z34.zip (2.0 MB)
NOTE : Z30 - Z34 are multiplayer compatible so if your host is running Z30 - Z33 you do not need to update it
DEDICATED HOST Z34 (non-graphical version for hosting only) :
www.liveforspeed.net/file_lfs.php?name=LFS_S2_DEDI_Z34.zip (1.6 MB)
Last edited by Scawen, .
No, collisions between moving objects (including cars) are not affected.
There are three collision / contact changes :
1) Collisions with movable objects - they now have the same hardness as segments (track / walls / etc). Fixes the red barrier bug.
2) Objects (like autocross objects) have the friction of "concrete" when touching a tyre - was previously "ice". Helps on Ramp1 and Ramp2.
3) Accurate segment collisions - mainly affecting the contact detection at the *end* of segments and this fixes the pit garage exit bug.
Those speed bumps are now hard if you hit them with the car body so I don't think you will do that in a race. However, there is probably still luck involved, as they are thin you will probably still "miss" them sometimes, if they happen to be in a position between physics updates.
Sorry, but I won't be doing that kind of thing. I'm not really taking general requests. Not meaning to single out your post in particular, just replying to you but the same applies to a lot of requests that have been made in this thread. I've done loads for this patch in a short time, I'm quite tired and want to get it out. So I'm working very hard to clear my list of bugs and add some remaining improvements that I have noted, as quickly as possible. I do not want to add more things which could create more bugs. I know I did the tyre wear 100% option request, but that was easy to do, in a compatible way. And I did some other suggestions because they were easy enough and very on topic.
But we are getting to the point where people are starting to come up with more and more suggestions, which are really nothing to do with the subjects of this patch, while I'm struggling away trying to finish the things that are already in the patch!
I can't fix any of those kinds of bugs. That would be a simple thing to edit, if we were releasing a track update. But this patch will be just the exe and a few files. The tracks are remaining unchanged to retain compatibility, leaving all the hotlaps valid and so on. It's not time to delete the hotlaps tables - the time for that will be when the real physics updates come. So there are no track updates in this patch. The open configurations are a function of the EXE only, they are auto-generated so no tracks need to be released.
Today's updates so far :
- Objects in escape road at BL chicane removed from open configs
- List of Hosts now shows X or Y if an open config is selected
- Car reset now works on open configs (if reset is enabled)
- Wear limit for changing tyres can be set to 100% (never)
- Compatibility : new packets not sent if connected to old host
- Compatibility : new host does not allow old versions to connect
Sorry, but no, because that roundabout is closed off with "segments" rather than "objects". That SO section would need reworking in the track editor to allow access to all of that roundabout and the motorway.
Well, those do vary between configs - that means they are automatically not included in the open configs.
As the physics have not changed, there is not point making things incompatible (and deleting all the hotlaps) at this point - so no new tracks. And although this patch has taken me quite a few weeks, it's still a "quick" update, which it wouldn't be if we started to edit the tracks. It's quite convenient and helpful that when people get the test patch, they can still join all the old hosts.
- List of Hosts now shows X or Y if an open config is selected
- Car reset now works on open configs (if reset is enabled)
- Wear limit for changing tyres can be set to 100% (never)
- Compatibility : new packets not sent if connected to old host
- Compatibility : new host does not allow old versions to connect
Sorry, but no, because that roundabout is closed off with "segments" rather than "objects". That SO section would need reworking in the track editor to allow access to all of that roundabout and the motorway.
Well, those do vary between configs - that means they are automatically not included in the open configs.
As the physics have not changed, there is not point making things incompatible (and deleting all the hotlaps) at this point - so no new tracks. And although this patch has taken me quite a few weeks, it's still a "quick" update, which it wouldn't be if we started to edit the tracks. It's quite convenient and helpful that when people get the test patch, they can still join all the old hosts.
I opened the Blackwood one this morning, and the extra Fern Bay road I had already done.
All I can do in this version is make extra "objects" disappear, but not "segments" which are the curvy things used for walls, fences, tracks. The open configs are basically auto generated. Any objects which differ between configurations are excluded from an open configuration.
But, for example, at the BL chicane I just added some hard code to detect those cones and barriers when BL loads. It then switches them off in the Rallycross config (not affecting anything). So that means they are no longer shown in the open config.
If there are some more places where something that easy can be done (removal of "objects" that aren't needed in one of the real configs) do tell me about it.
No, I've had a look and there's nothing simple I can do in those places. Two problems : (1) they are not closed off simply by objects and (2) some areas were never designed to be driven on, some are incomplete or have physics collisions switched off.
I agree that there is a lot that could be done if we started editing the tracks specifically for this. I'm sure we will consider the open configs in future track releases and updates.
SO does have open configs (all tracks do, even if it is pointless, e.g. Westhill). I see that part you are talking about and it is a good idea but unfortunately those barriers are made of "segments" and there are some other problems I can see too.
InSim changes in new test patch
Dear Programmers, as you probably know there is a new test patch coming.
http://www.lfsforum.net/showthread.php?t=73874
Old InSim programs will still work with the new patch, but you can make use of some new functions.
1) Note the Track[6] fields will indicate the new configs like SO1X and FE3Y etc. Those two would indicate an open config using SO Classic Forward start grid / Fern Bay Gold Reversed grid.
2) New collision reporting. Please take a look at this packet specification and have a think about how you would use it, and if it needs any more info :
3) IS_MTC now can have up to 128 characters (including a zero at the end) in a variable sized packet. You can also specify the sound effect of the message and send a message to all connections with a single call.
4) I've had a look at EQ_Worry's suggestions in this post :
http://www.lfsforum.net/showthread.php?p=1337106#post1337106
Particularly suggestion (2) a traction control bit I'd like to include because that is something missing. And I'll have a look at (3). I have not studied them yet so I can't say for sure.
I really must keep any updates to the minimum, because I want to release the test patch as soon as possible so I can get back to the tyre physics. So if you have suggestions, please try to stick to very simple ones and think through how they would work.
Thanks
http://www.lfsforum.net/showthread.php?t=73874
Old InSim programs will still work with the new patch, but you can make use of some new functions.
1) Note the Track[6] fields will indicate the new configs like SO1X and FE3Y etc. Those two would indicate an open config using SO Classic Forward start grid / Fern Bay Gold Reversed grid.
2) New collision reporting. Please take a look at this packet specification and have a think about how you would use it, and if it needs any more info :
// CONTACT - reports contacts between two cars
// =======
struct CarContact // Info about one car in a contact - two of these in the IS_CON (below)
{
byte PLID;
byte Info; // like Info byte in CompCar (CCI_BLUE / CCI_YELLOW / CCI_LAG)
byte Sp2;
byte Speed; // m/s
byte Direction; // car's motion if Speed > 0 : 0 = world y direction, 128 = 180 deg
byte Heading; // direction of forward axis : 0 = world y direction, 128 = 180 deg
char AccelF; // m/s^2 longitudinal acceleration (forward positive)
char AccelR; // m/s^2 lateral acceleration (right positive)
short X; // position (1 metre = 16)
short Y; // position (1 metre = 16)
};
struct IS_CON // CONtact - between two cars (A and B are sorted by PLID)
{
byte Size; // 32
byte Type; // ISP_CON
byte ReqI; // 0
byte Zero;
byte Closing; // the closing speed of the collision in m/s (suggests severity)
byte Sp1;
byte Sp2;
byte Sp3;
CarContact A;
CarContact B;
};
3) IS_MTC now can have up to 128 characters (including a zero at the end) in a variable sized packet. You can also specify the sound effect of the message and send a message to all connections with a single call.
struct IS_MTC // Msg To Connection - hosts only - send to a connection / a player / all
{
byte Size; // 8 + TEXT_SIZE (TEXT_SIZE = 4, 8, 12... 128)
byte Type; // ISP_MTC
byte ReqI; // 0
byte Sound; // sound effect (see Message Sounds below)
byte UCID; // connection's unique id (0 = host / 255 = all)
byte PLID; // player's unique id (if zero, use UCID)
byte Sp2;
byte Sp3;
// char Text[TEXT_SIZE]; // up to 128 characters of text - last byte must be zero
};
4) I've had a look at EQ_Worry's suggestions in this post :
http://www.lfsforum.net/showthread.php?p=1337106#post1337106
Particularly suggestion (2) a traction control bit I'd like to include because that is something missing. And I'll have a look at (3). I have not studied them yet so I can't say for sure.
I really must keep any updates to the minimum, because I want to release the test patch as soon as possible so I can get back to the tyre physics. So if you have suggestions, please try to stick to very simple ones and think through how they would work.
Thanks
New test patch coming soon (not VWS or S3)
Dear LFS Racers,
Since the release of Z28 there have been various fixes and improvements that were not related to the new physics. Some of them were already added into my Z28 compatible version as well as the new version. But until now there weren't enough significant updates to release a new version, while Z28 was so stable.
NOTE : This patch is mainly compatible with Z28, so does NOT have the new tyre physics, the VW Scirocco or any S3 content. It is an intermediate update with some interesting improvements for LFS while I continue with the tyre physics. The new version can connect to Z28 hosts, but Z28 cannot connect to the new version's hosts.
The main things in this patch :
- New free view in SHIFT+U mode - not bounded by the path
- Improved collisions with unmovable objects (e.g. red barriers)
- Number of autocross objects increased to 800 (was 512)
- Open track configurations allowing you to drive anywhere
- Collision detection and reporting system (via InSim)
- Graphical optimisations improving frame rates
- Many other fixes and improvements
The story behind the new patch :
A few weeks ago I was working on some track editor improvements that Eric had requested, when I came across a fix that could possibly affect key presses in multi byte languages. An LFS user in Japan kindly tested the change, to make sure the fix didn't break the text input. I added a few updates from the new version into the patch before sending it to him.
Talking to Victor about possibly releasing the updates in a patch, he asked if it was possible to do a quick fix in SHIFT+U mode to help with his LFS Record program. I have long been a little frustrated in SHIFT+U mode so I got a bit carried away with that and rewrote all the camera control. It took a few weeks (that made me nervous as I really want to finish the new physics) but the result is a lot nicer to use. You can move the camera around freely, not bounded to the track path. The editor is fully aware of where your mouse is pointing and that helps with mouse movement and object positioning.
Because the new view is not locked to the path of the track, LFS does not know which objects are visible, so the whole track must be drawn. I managed to find several optimisations that improved the frame rate in this situation, and that gave me a thought : if you can be in SHIFT+U mode and draw everything, then how about allowing "open configurations" where you can drive around anywhere in a track area, with the barriers removed? I thought that would make the patch more interesting, and managed to get it done in a few days.
To make the open configurations useful, you need to put barriers up using the autocross system. But the unmovable barriers were famously troublesome, often throwing your car several metres in the air if you touched a red and white barrier. Looking into this, I found that I was able to improve these collisions a lot without any major changes. It doesn't seem to affect the hotlap replays (tested on all the world records).
Over last weekend I added a collision detection system, that can send information about collisions to InSim. And today I've increased the maximum length of message packets, which will be helpful for InSim programmers.
If all goes well, it should be possible to release this as a test patch within one to two weeks. There are a few things left on my list, including VOB mod protection and some small InSim updates. I am aiming for one week - I do want to get back to the physics - but I know that finishing things off sometimes takes longer than expected.
Here is the full list of updates :
SHIFT+U mode :
New free view mode replaces the old "low" and "high" path modes
Object or ground targeted by the mouse pointer is now detected
Left mouse button moves view point by "dragging" target point
Double click to move view point directly towards target point
Mouse wheel moves view point towards or away from target point
Left + Right mouse buttons rotate view point around the target
Arrow key movement follows ground below view point when possible
Store up to 10 views per track configuration with SHIFT+NUMBER
Recall a stored view with CTRL+NUMBER (or click on the button)
Click on a car to follow it / move away to stop following
Autocross editor :
Maximum number of autocross objects is now 800 on all tracks
Object positioning is much better - using mouse target detection
Less CPU / better checks when adding / moving / deleting objects
FIX : Could click on invisible replay slider when buttons visible
FIX : Could add marshall circles out of bounds then undeletable
FIX : N key in SHIFT+U with options on caused overlapping text
Open configurations :
New "drive anywhere" open configs (CTRL in track select screen)
Open configs can be selected with text command like /track=SO1X
Open configs can be used as racing circuits by adding checkpoints
Checkpoints can now be up to 62 metres wide to include pit lane
Optimisations :
Removed continual small memory leaks (materials list corruption)
Number plate generation is much faster - reducing pit-out glitch
Frame rate increased - drawing most world objects is much faster
Interface :
Unlock screen now renames unnamed player to user name on exit
Clicking selected track loads that track (like pressing ENTER)
Windows messages processed in a cleaner way (affects key presses)
Mouse movements are processed more efficiently (drag / slide)
FIX : Mouse look info could go off screen in some languages
FIX : An invalid view could be selected when no cars in race
FIX : Meeting room scroll bar was invisible in recent versions
FIX : Text commands could be used to load layout in hotlap mode
Graphics / Audio :
Improved display of help text / lesson text / welcome messages
F9 tyre diagram and SHIFT+L suspension diagrams now antialiased
Improved tyre optimisation - no missing parts of deflected tyres
Entry screen logo and frame are now drawn if a dialog box is open
FIX : In Driver Options the driver intersected with world objects
FIX : Reset from behind a barrier at South City could stop sound
FIX : Missing shadow on ground near fences at Autocross track
Multiplayer :
List of hosts can now show hosts you are not licensed to join
Host name is displayed in task bar and window title (if Latin)
Host options are now readable when opened from game setup screen
Default host IP address is now 127.0.0.1 (address of local host)
CTRL+SHIFT now displays time and date in all multiplayer replays
Removed TCP filter that allowed old versions in the list of hosts
FIX : Some problems resulting from multiple requests to join race
FIX : Pit stop did not end if car was knocked out of the pit lane
FIX : Some crashes that could result from an invalid unlock state
FIX : Some missing images (e.g. track select) caused LFS to crash
FIX : Suspension could incorrectly stay broken on remote computer
InSim :
NLP / MCI minimum time interval reduced to 40 ms (was 50 ms)
New collision packet gives details of contact between two cars
Longer IS_MST now up to 128 chars / specify sound / send to all
Misc :
Misc options : F9 / F10 accelerometer can be shown as one value
Improved detection of invalid window positions when starting LFS
URL command is now case insensitive - LFS:// or lfs:// both work
Security : InSim can no longer be initialised from a URL command
Cruise : no need to drive a lap before serving DT / SG penalty
Cruise : current lap is not displayed if lap timing is disabled
FIX : Improved collisions with unmovable objects (red barriers)
FIX : InSim camera with vertical pitch would cause LFS to crash
FIX : OutGaugePack ID was always zero regardless of ID in cfg.txt
Since the release of Z28 there have been various fixes and improvements that were not related to the new physics. Some of them were already added into my Z28 compatible version as well as the new version. But until now there weren't enough significant updates to release a new version, while Z28 was so stable.
NOTE : This patch is mainly compatible with Z28, so does NOT have the new tyre physics, the VW Scirocco or any S3 content. It is an intermediate update with some interesting improvements for LFS while I continue with the tyre physics. The new version can connect to Z28 hosts, but Z28 cannot connect to the new version's hosts.
The main things in this patch :
- New free view in SHIFT+U mode - not bounded by the path
- Improved collisions with unmovable objects (e.g. red barriers)
- Number of autocross objects increased to 800 (was 512)
- Open track configurations allowing you to drive anywhere
- Collision detection and reporting system (via InSim)
- Graphical optimisations improving frame rates
- Many other fixes and improvements
The story behind the new patch :
A few weeks ago I was working on some track editor improvements that Eric had requested, when I came across a fix that could possibly affect key presses in multi byte languages. An LFS user in Japan kindly tested the change, to make sure the fix didn't break the text input. I added a few updates from the new version into the patch before sending it to him.
Talking to Victor about possibly releasing the updates in a patch, he asked if it was possible to do a quick fix in SHIFT+U mode to help with his LFS Record program. I have long been a little frustrated in SHIFT+U mode so I got a bit carried away with that and rewrote all the camera control. It took a few weeks (that made me nervous as I really want to finish the new physics) but the result is a lot nicer to use. You can move the camera around freely, not bounded to the track path. The editor is fully aware of where your mouse is pointing and that helps with mouse movement and object positioning.
Because the new view is not locked to the path of the track, LFS does not know which objects are visible, so the whole track must be drawn. I managed to find several optimisations that improved the frame rate in this situation, and that gave me a thought : if you can be in SHIFT+U mode and draw everything, then how about allowing "open configurations" where you can drive around anywhere in a track area, with the barriers removed? I thought that would make the patch more interesting, and managed to get it done in a few days.
To make the open configurations useful, you need to put barriers up using the autocross system. But the unmovable barriers were famously troublesome, often throwing your car several metres in the air if you touched a red and white barrier. Looking into this, I found that I was able to improve these collisions a lot without any major changes. It doesn't seem to affect the hotlap replays (tested on all the world records).
Over last weekend I added a collision detection system, that can send information about collisions to InSim. And today I've increased the maximum length of message packets, which will be helpful for InSim programmers.
If all goes well, it should be possible to release this as a test patch within one to two weeks. There are a few things left on my list, including VOB mod protection and some small InSim updates. I am aiming for one week - I do want to get back to the physics - but I know that finishing things off sometimes takes longer than expected.
Here is the full list of updates :
SHIFT+U mode :
New free view mode replaces the old "low" and "high" path modes
Object or ground targeted by the mouse pointer is now detected
Left mouse button moves view point by "dragging" target point
Double click to move view point directly towards target point
Mouse wheel moves view point towards or away from target point
Left + Right mouse buttons rotate view point around the target
Arrow key movement follows ground below view point when possible
Store up to 10 views per track configuration with SHIFT+NUMBER
Recall a stored view with CTRL+NUMBER (or click on the button)
Click on a car to follow it / move away to stop following
Autocross editor :
Maximum number of autocross objects is now 800 on all tracks
Object positioning is much better - using mouse target detection
Less CPU / better checks when adding / moving / deleting objects
FIX : Could click on invisible replay slider when buttons visible
FIX : Could add marshall circles out of bounds then undeletable
FIX : N key in SHIFT+U with options on caused overlapping text
Open configurations :
New "drive anywhere" open configs (CTRL in track select screen)
Open configs can be selected with text command like /track=SO1X
Open configs can be used as racing circuits by adding checkpoints
Checkpoints can now be up to 62 metres wide to include pit lane
Optimisations :
Removed continual small memory leaks (materials list corruption)
Number plate generation is much faster - reducing pit-out glitch
Frame rate increased - drawing most world objects is much faster
Interface :
Unlock screen now renames unnamed player to user name on exit
Clicking selected track loads that track (like pressing ENTER)
Windows messages processed in a cleaner way (affects key presses)
Mouse movements are processed more efficiently (drag / slide)
FIX : Mouse look info could go off screen in some languages
FIX : An invalid view could be selected when no cars in race
FIX : Meeting room scroll bar was invisible in recent versions
FIX : Text commands could be used to load layout in hotlap mode
Graphics / Audio :
Improved display of help text / lesson text / welcome messages
F9 tyre diagram and SHIFT+L suspension diagrams now antialiased
Improved tyre optimisation - no missing parts of deflected tyres
Entry screen logo and frame are now drawn if a dialog box is open
FIX : In Driver Options the driver intersected with world objects
FIX : Reset from behind a barrier at South City could stop sound
FIX : Missing shadow on ground near fences at Autocross track
Multiplayer :
List of hosts can now show hosts you are not licensed to join
Host name is displayed in task bar and window title (if Latin)
Host options are now readable when opened from game setup screen
Default host IP address is now 127.0.0.1 (address of local host)
CTRL+SHIFT now displays time and date in all multiplayer replays
Removed TCP filter that allowed old versions in the list of hosts
FIX : Some problems resulting from multiple requests to join race
FIX : Pit stop did not end if car was knocked out of the pit lane
FIX : Some crashes that could result from an invalid unlock state
FIX : Some missing images (e.g. track select) caused LFS to crash
FIX : Suspension could incorrectly stay broken on remote computer
InSim :
NLP / MCI minimum time interval reduced to 40 ms (was 50 ms)
New collision packet gives details of contact between two cars
Longer IS_MST now up to 128 chars / specify sound / send to all
Misc :
Misc options : F9 / F10 accelerometer can be shown as one value
Improved detection of invalid window positions when starting LFS
URL command is now case insensitive - LFS:// or lfs:// both work
Security : InSim can no longer be initialised from a URL command
Cruise : no need to drive a lap before serving DT / SG penalty
Cruise : current lap is not displayed if lap timing is disabled
FIX : Improved collisions with unmovable objects (red barriers)
FIX : InSim camera with vertical pitch would cause LFS to crash
FIX : OutGaugePack ID was always zero regardless of ID in cfg.txt
OK, thanks for the comments.
I think that nearly all possible points have been made now (from the community's side).
I'm sure it would have been different if we had known in advance how long this development stage would take, I guess we could have tried to plan other releases in the meantime. But it has always seemed like I was near to finishing the tyre physics, so no change of plan was required.
Remember it was the Scirocco that showed up the issues in the tyre physics (there were already known tyre physics issues but we couldn't get the Scirocco to drive as safely as a real one does while restricting ourselves to a realistic setup). So, releasing the Scirocco has been out of the question until the tyre physics system is quite close to reality.
Releasing Rockingham has also been out of the question. We want to release a real track when the behaviour of the cars is right (not perfect, just close enough so the bumps feel right and the lap times are just like real ones).
Who knows, if I had known in advance that the tyre model would take so long, maybe Eric would have thought that he should focus on some S1 / S2 content updates. With the benefit of hindsight, it's easy to pick holes in what we have done and point out the mistakes we have made. But as I said, we always thought that in a few weeks or a couple of months, the new tyres would be ready to roll.
But the carcass simulation, which I had to look into because the tread simulation model clearly ignored too much of how a tyre actually behaves, took me in a whole new direction for a good part of last year. A long time of studying and finding out a lot more about tyres than I knew before, and had never thought I'd need to know. It made my head spin quite often, I'm not an eighteen year old on a university course. I couldn't even read this stuff for full eight hour days, had to take it a bit easy at times.
But still I usually thought I was near the end. So that is probably the reason for our dreadful "strategy" and lack of communication. It wasn't a strategy at all, and I didn't want to communicate until I got solid results.
I am fully aware that this post isn't going to convince many people. But I thought I'd write it anyway, to help you see slightly more from my point of view.
I will unsubscribe from this thread now, which I followed up to this point. But it's a bit too distracting to receive the email notifications and too tempting to come in here and read the latest posts, which takes me away from research and development.
I think that nearly all possible points have been made now (from the community's side).
I'm sure it would have been different if we had known in advance how long this development stage would take, I guess we could have tried to plan other releases in the meantime. But it has always seemed like I was near to finishing the tyre physics, so no change of plan was required.
Remember it was the Scirocco that showed up the issues in the tyre physics (there were already known tyre physics issues but we couldn't get the Scirocco to drive as safely as a real one does while restricting ourselves to a realistic setup). So, releasing the Scirocco has been out of the question until the tyre physics system is quite close to reality.
Releasing Rockingham has also been out of the question. We want to release a real track when the behaviour of the cars is right (not perfect, just close enough so the bumps feel right and the lap times are just like real ones).
Who knows, if I had known in advance that the tyre model would take so long, maybe Eric would have thought that he should focus on some S1 / S2 content updates. With the benefit of hindsight, it's easy to pick holes in what we have done and point out the mistakes we have made. But as I said, we always thought that in a few weeks or a couple of months, the new tyres would be ready to roll.
But the carcass simulation, which I had to look into because the tread simulation model clearly ignored too much of how a tyre actually behaves, took me in a whole new direction for a good part of last year. A long time of studying and finding out a lot more about tyres than I knew before, and had never thought I'd need to know. It made my head spin quite often, I'm not an eighteen year old on a university course. I couldn't even read this stuff for full eight hour days, had to take it a bit easy at times.
But still I usually thought I was near the end. So that is probably the reason for our dreadful "strategy" and lack of communication. It wasn't a strategy at all, and I didn't want to communicate until I got solid results.
I am fully aware that this post isn't going to convince many people. But I thought I'd write it anyway, to help you see slightly more from my point of view.
I will unsubscribe from this thread now, which I followed up to this point. But it's a bit too distracting to receive the email notifications and too tempting to come in here and read the latest posts, which takes me away from research and development.
Progress Report December 2010
News from www.lfs.net :
Dear LFS Racers,
We hope you have had a good year.
The stable Z28 has been the latest version for a long time now, while we have been working on things for the long term future of LFS. As many of you know, the tyre physics system is being updated so all the cars will behave that bit closer to reality. It has proved to be a challenging and unpredictable project, involving a lot of studying, mathematics, testing and rewriting.
Sometimes, we had a version that felt good to drive and it seemed that soon we would be able to release it to the community. But then we found situations where the simulation produced incorrect results, leading to further investigations into the way tyres perform in various circumstances and why they do so. One thing tends to lead to another and for a while it seems that the more you learn about tyres, the more you realise that there is so much more to find out!
Scawen has written a little more about tyre design and simulation in case you would like to get a bit more technical.
The VW Scirocco and Rockingham have seemed quite close to release for some time now, but we decided to wait for the updated tyres because these things from the real world will be best experienced with the most realistic physics system. Eric has been working on some more S3 content but he would like to get nearer to finishing before we show any new pictures.
Victor has recently produced a special program "LFS Record" which can help you to produce smooth movies from Live for Speed, using advanced camera control. It is still in a beta stage at the moment. The program has a lot of features - too much to describe here, so if you do make movies or would like to have a go, take a look at the LFS Record thread on our forum.
- LFS Developers
Dear LFS Racers,
We hope you have had a good year.
The stable Z28 has been the latest version for a long time now, while we have been working on things for the long term future of LFS. As many of you know, the tyre physics system is being updated so all the cars will behave that bit closer to reality. It has proved to be a challenging and unpredictable project, involving a lot of studying, mathematics, testing and rewriting.
Sometimes, we had a version that felt good to drive and it seemed that soon we would be able to release it to the community. But then we found situations where the simulation produced incorrect results, leading to further investigations into the way tyres perform in various circumstances and why they do so. One thing tends to lead to another and for a while it seems that the more you learn about tyres, the more you realise that there is so much more to find out!
Scawen has written a little more about tyre design and simulation in case you would like to get a bit more technical.
The VW Scirocco and Rockingham have seemed quite close to release for some time now, but we decided to wait for the updated tyres because these things from the real world will be best experienced with the most realistic physics system. Eric has been working on some more S3 content but he would like to get nearer to finishing before we show any new pictures.
Victor has recently produced a special program "LFS Record" which can help you to produce smooth movies from Live for Speed, using advanced camera control. It is still in a beta stage at the moment. The program has a lot of features - too much to describe here, so if you do make movies or would like to have a go, take a look at the LFS Record thread on our forum.
- LFS Developers
I don't know, you'd have to ask Eric.
As I said before, this thread is Tyre Physics Progress Report + Scirocco discussion.
If you are starting to think this is random question time for Scawen, please think again... maybe it's time to close the thread.
FGED GREDG RDFGDR GSFDG