Conclusions

In this paper we have presented a system that merges multi-agent systems and virtual

environments in order to model roles, activities and norms characterizing a social virtual

world. We contribute with an intelligent object framework to enforce established norms and

provide feedback and guide the participants on their activities. We propose a generic

behaviour management for these objects populating a virtual world. We get behaviour

handling out of the VW platform so that it is performed in an external module named

iObjects manager allowing to be exploited by different virtual world platforms. An iObject is

a 3D entity populating the virtual environment which is exploited in two ways: it allows

normal interaction as it would do in the real world (e.g. approach/touch a door to open)

and its virtual nature gives an added value to the provided information (e.g. adapts

dynamically color or size depending on the client). We have the interoperability between

different virtual world technologies in mind and so provide a general solution in which

participants can be connected from different immersive environment platforms.

As future research, there is an interesting work to do regarding iObjects role at design time,

i.e. when the 3D virtual world is generated from an institution specification. Shape

grammars, semantic annotation and template based techniques could help us to generate

and populate an initial design efficiently. In particular, we are in an initial stage of shape

grammar exploitation as an alternative method for layout plan generation. As another issue

of future research, iObjects could also incorporate sound sensors to obey voiced commands.

We also plan to extend the iObject module with new types of intelligent objects (e.g. noticeboard,

brochure) and test its functionality in other VW platforms such as SL or Active

Worlds.

X

A Dynamic Healthcare Portal Design and

Enhancements

Yung-Ching Weng1, Sheau-Ling Hsieh2, Kai-Ping Hsu1, Chi-Huang Chen1,

Po Hsun Cheng3 and Feipei Lai1

1National Taiwan University, 2National Chiao Tung University,

3National Kaohsiung Normal University

Taiwan