Crowd simulation in virtual worlds

• Main Author: Nah, Wu
• Other Authors: Tan Ah Hwee
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Computer science and engineering::Computing methodologies::Artificial intelligence
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/51996
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

NTU Co-Space is an online simulated 3D environment which emulates Nanyang Technological University (NTU). It is intended to allow visitors to experience the NTU campus without requiring them to actually be there in person. However, the virtual avatars in Co-Space were only designed to react to the player, hence creating a rather stagnant environment when the player does nothing. The aim of this project is to particularly further improve on the virtual crowd simulation aspect in NTU Co-Space. The main goal is to improve the virtual NPCs by adding a social layer, such that their minute behavioural patterns and interaction with each other becomes as natural and lifelike as possible to the user. The project proceeded by introducing the concept of NPCs having friends as a base. Friends are able to approach and chat with each other when they see each other, or simply greet shortly if either of them was busy. NPCs who are both friends and classmates will wait for each other before going for classes together as a group. There are also ways for groups of NPCs to autonomously form and disband as well. Firstly, during a conversation they have a probability to arrange a future appointment. And as the time of the appointment arrives, they will proceed from their different current locations to meet up with each other. Secondly, as an NPC goes about its schedule, it can join existing chats if it knows at least half of the chat participants as well. Thirdly, NPCs are able to make new friends. Finally, they will autonomously restructure their group, if there is someone who has a different schedule, as needed. The project had strongly met its objective of simulating virtual crowd in NTU Co-Space. The environment is now brimming with the possibilities of different social interactions between NPCs. The vibrant social scene with the NPC promises to give visitors a fresh and bustling campus feel whenever they visit NTU Co-Space. However, there are always ways to further push the project to fully utilize its potential. Given the knowledge of in-depth related content, the relationships between NPCs can be made to fluctuate during conversation, hence improving the dynamism of NPCs relationships.