Distributed Knowledge Processing Group

Distributed Dynamic Terrain Modelling

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WAVE creates active dynamic semantic virtual worlds on top of which any rendering techniques may be used.

Introduction

Making use of Waves' distributed knowledge network (KN) structure, a simple terrain database is distributed across an arbitrary number of computers. In the examples below, a regular grid is used, each point in the grid having a height (z) value. Wave programs may then be launched to modify the data held in these nodes, causing changes to the terrain. The changes happen in parallel, and are made regardless of which machine the part of terrain they apply to is on. Multiple wave programs may be launched by different users from different machines in the network to effect many concurrent changes.

A paper concerning this topic will be published at the 15th DIS Workshop, September 1996, in Orlando, Florida.

(Adjust your browser width so you can view the shots side by side)


Growing crater

A crater grows up to a given size. Its centre is located on the boundary between the two computers.

Moving hill

A hill appears at the left hand side of the grid. It then procedes to move from left to right, despite the fact that it has to cross between the two computers on which the grid is held.

Multiple, parallel modifications

Many wave programs are launched in parallel, growing a crater and hills, and moving some hills. All work together on the same terrain database.