Hyper-NPSNET: embedded multimedia in a 3D virtual world

Abstract

As virtual world systems continue to evolve, the need exists to embed multimedia information into the world so users can query objects for additional information while maintaining frame rates greater than 15 frames per second. The need also exists for software tools to aid in the creation of multimedia documents intended for virtual worlds. This thesis addresses the problems of how to attach/query multimedia information to/from 3D locations in a virtual world and the design of a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to facilitate the creation of multimedia documents. The method chosen is to attach the multimedia information files to fixed 3D locations called Anchors. The anchors can be queried by the user and the multimedia information retrieved. Through the same interface, users can create multimedia documents by creating and/or editing anchor properties. The approach used differs from previous work in that navigation through the virtual world is unconstrained and a variety of information types may be attached to a single anchor. With video running and fully interactive navigation underway, the implementation presented gives rendering performance greater than 15 frames per second for high-end graphics workstations