A framework for multi-user distributed virtual environments: a telerobotics application

A framework for multi-user distributed virtual environments (VEs) is proposed. The proposed framework, incorporating the functional and the interconnection models, attempts to represent common functionality communication issues, and requirements found in distributed multi-user VEs. The functional model concentrates in the distributed VE functionality, while the interconnection model concentrates in how the components are interconnected to realize the required functionality. The models have been specified using the unified modeling language. A telerobotics application case study, implemented based on distributed simulation and virtual reality standards, demonstrates the applicability and generality of this approach.