iWorlds: Building Mixed Reality Intelligent Environments Using Customisable 3D Virtual Worlds

Abstract

This paper summarises our research into creating mixed reality intelligent environments, specifically focussing on the quality and realism of the virtual components. We start with a description of the benefits of using virtual worlds as tools for intelligent environment research, highlighting the various categories of virtual world used by recent projects. We then provide a strategy for creating a high-detail three-dimensional world, to use as the virtual component of a mixed reality intelligent environment, resolving restrictive issues such as cost and experience in programming detailed graphics. Finally, we discuss the potential benefits of incorporating technologies from online computer games into the simulations.