A swarm algorithm for wayfinding in dynamic virtual worlds

ABSTRACT

Wayfinding is a cognitive element of navigation that allows people to plan and form strategies prior to executing them. Wayfinding in large scale virtual environments is a complex task and even more so in dynamic virtual worlds. In these dynamic worlds everything, including the objects, the paths, and the landmarks, may be created, deleted, and moved at will. We propose a wayfinding tool using swarm creatures to aid users in such dynamic environments. The tool produces dynamic trails leading to desired destinations and generates teleport/warp gates. These are created as a consequence of swarm creatures exploring dynamic worlds. In this paper, we describe the swarm algorithms developed to create such a tool to generate wayfinding aids in dynamic virtual worlds.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.1 Multimedia Information Systems
          Subjects: Artificial, augmented, and virtual realities

Additional Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.2 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
        I.2.11 Distributed Artificial Intelligence
            Subjects: Multiagent systems

Keywords:
navigation, navigation/wayfinding aids, swarm intelligence, virtual worlds, wayfinding