GNU/MAVERIK: a micro-kernel for large-scale virtual environments

ABSTRACT

This paper describes a publicly available virtual reality (VR) system, GNU/MAVERIK, which forms one component of a complete 'VR operating system'. We give an overview of the architecture of MAVERIK, and show how it is designed to use application data in an intelligent way, via a simple, yet powerful, callback mechanism which supports an object-oriented framework of classes, objects and methods. Examples are given which illustrate different uses of the system, and typical performance levels.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.3 COMPUTER GRAPHICS
      I.3.7 Three-Dimensional Graphics and Realism
          Subjects: Virtual reality

Additional Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.3 COMPUTER GRAPHICS
      I.3.5 Computational Geometry and Object Modeling
          Subjects: Object hierarchies; Modeling packages
      I.3.6 Methodology and Techniques
          Subjects: Graphics data structures and data types

General Terms:
Design, Performance, Theory