Das virtuelle Ozeanarium

The Virtual Oceanarium is a computer generated artificial underwater world. Using multidimensional interaction devices, e.g. data glove, head mounted display and tracking systems, the user is enabled to naviagate freely and interact with simulated creatures. Animals and plants are modeled as "Autonomous Objects" using techniques of "Artificial Life" based on knowledge derived from biology and behavior science. Using highend graphics workstations, parallel algorithms and applying the "Level of Detail" method to both rendering and simulation, the number of simulated creatures can be increased significantly. A constantly high degree of image quality is achieved. Analogous to a planetarium, the the Virtual Oceanarium can be served for both education and entertainment. Used as a simulation system, applications exist in biology and computer science. In the form of a mobile installation the system is already used for marketing purposes. The system is developed by order of EXPO '98 and will be installed on the World Fair 1998 in Lisbon, Portugal.