[npsnetv-developers] Plans for NPSNET-V

[Kapolka, A. U. <ak...@np...>]

All--

     Last week, Don B. asked me to outline for the group my plans for =
NPSNET-V.

     My main priority at the moment is fleshing out the browser/builder =
application.  In the near future, I'd like to get to the point where a =
potential end user can very easily download the browser (using an =
InstallAnywhere installer or WebStart), connect to and participate in =
existing worlds, and create and publish additional worlds.  I'm =
targeting the upcoming CVE-focused special issue of Presence as a paper =
venue.  The title of the paper will be something along the lines of, "A =
Dynamically Extensible Platform for Browsing, Building, Hosting, and =
Publishing Component-Based Networked Virtual Worlds."

     Other priorities mostly involve making sure that it will be =
possible to include engaging content in the worlds.  This means adding =
support for physical modeling (including collision detection and =
response), improved control mechanisms, provisions for user avatars, =
etc.  My vision of success for this is basically NPSNET-IV: a =
multicast-based virtual world with several different types of pilotable =
vehicles, simple terrain, simple area of interest management, etc.

     At some point, I'm going to have to start focusing heavily on my =
thesis project, the XRTI (http://www.npsnet.org/~npsnet/xrti).  When =
complete, this will provide an abstracted, type-safe, extensible means =
of communicating state information between peers that's =
backwards-compatible with the HLA.

     I've also agreed to work with Rudy and his group on their efforts.  =
To this end, I'll probably start attending their meetings on Tuesdays =
instead of the Savage ones.  I'll continue meeting on Friday with Brian, =
Don M., and anyone else interested in discussing NPSNET-V on a regular =
basis.

     --Andrzej