Subjectivity and the relaxing of synchronization in networked virtual environments

ABSTRACT

Lag in network technology prevents absolute synchronization of distributed Virtual Environments (VEs); our experience of them is in this sense inherently subjective. We describe how subjectivity of this kind provides a means of enabling coherent shared experience in a VE, and present an architecture based on this.

REFERENCES

• 1: Bruce, V. and Green R.G, "Visual Perception. Physiology, Psychology and Ecology". Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Hove and London (1990).
• 2: Dennett, D.C. "Consciousness explained". Penguin Books (1991)
• 3: Marsh, J. Pettifer S. and West A. "A Technique for Maintaining Continuity of Experience in Networked Virtual Environments". in Proc. 6'h UKVRSIG Conference, The University of Salford, 1999.
• 4: Pettifer, S.R. "An Operating Environment for Large Scale Virtual Reality". Phd Thesis, The University of Manchester. 1999.
• 5: Russel, B. "Human Knowledge, its scope and limits" Simon and Schuster. New York Press 1948.
• 6: Snowdon D, Greenhalg C and Benford S. "What You See is Not What I See: Subjectivity in Virtual Environments" in Framework for Immersive Virtual Enviroments (FIVE'95) 1995, QMW University of London, UK

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.1 Multimedia Information Systems
          Subjects: Artificial, augmented, and virtual realities

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.1 MODELS AND PRINCIPLES

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

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors, Performance, Theory

Keywords:
perception, shared environments, subjectivity, virtual reality