Virtual Real Worlds define a new interface for networked multimedia applications. The experience of ‘being there’ in the Virtual Real World is a necessary requirement for collaborative activities involving multiple remote users working with social interactions. Using virtual actors within the virtual environment is necessary to for the feeling of ‘being there’.
Software technology and the increasing performance of hardware and networks enable the establishment of more and more complex interfaces for networked multimedia applications. A networked Virtual Real World provides a natural shared environment, by supporting interactive human collaboration and integrating different media in real-time in a 3D surrounding. Its strength comes from the fact that it aids awareness of and interaction with other users; and it also provides an appropriate mechanism for interaction with the environment by aiding the visual and audio mechanisms for information sharing and protection.
Team MellaniuM has developed a system which supports a networked shared virtual environment (Virtual Real World) that allows multiple users to interact with each other in real time. 3D virtual human actors can represent the users, to serve as agents to interact with the environment and other agents. The agents will be of similar appearance and will have a behavior similar to real humans, this will enable the sense of ‘being there’ to the users in the virtual real world.
The Virtual Real World will incorporate different media; namely sound, 3D models, facial interaction among users, images represented by textures mapped on 3D objects, and real time videos. Instead of different windows or applications for each medium, the Virtual Real World will integrate all tasks in a single 3D surrounding, therefore it provides a natural interface similar to the real world. The Virtual Real World will work as a general purpose stream, allowing the usage of various models for different applications.
Virtual Real Worlds are the new media by which we will all have to except in the future (resistance to change will be enormous). Those who choose not to accept change will be left behind. This new media will affect everyone and change the way we live; entailing changes to culture, working practices, entertainment, etc.
Ken has been working in this area since leaving the aerospace industry were knowledge is predominately 2D.
See Web site http://mellanium.com/ for more information.
