Time Management for virtual worlds based on constrained communication model

Time Management (TM) is an integral part of the parallel and distributed systems that maintains the temporal order of events in a system. In this paper, we present a decentralised TM approach using a constrained communication model based on the inherent properties of virtual worlds. The proposed method uses a flat communication model and a region synchronises itself with a set of regions that share boundaries with it. It is evaluated with the help of a simple simulation model and compared with non-synchronised and decentralised scenarios. The simulation results show that it maintains local causality constraint and reduces communication of messages over the network. It is potentially more scalable and minimises longer delays and complexity compared with hierarchical strategies with multiple levels.