ExtSim: A Flexible Data Mapping and Synchronization Middleware for Scientific Visualization in Virtual Worlds

Authors

  • Johan Berntsson 3Di Inc, Japan
  • Norman Lin 3Di Inc, Japan
  • Zoltan Dezso 3Di Inc, Japan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4101/jvwr.v2i5.786

Keywords:

scientific visualization, simulation, OpenSim, ExtSim

Abstract

In this paper we present a general-purpose middleware, called ExtSim that allows OpenSim to communicate with external simulation software, and to synchronize the in-world representation of the simulator state. We briefly present two projects in ScienceSim where ExtSim has been used; Galaxsee which is an interactive real-time N-body simulation, and a protein folding demonstration, before discussing the merits and problems with the current approach. The main limitation is that we until now only have been limited to a third-party viewer, and a fixed server-client protocol, but we present our work on a new viewer, called 3Di Viewer
Cover of v2 i5

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Published

2010-02-09

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 5 (2009): The Metaverse Assembled

Section

Assembled (rush to press papers)

License

The JVWR is an academic journal. As such, it is dedicated to the open exchange of information. For this reason, JVWR is freely available to individuals and institutions. Copies of this journal or articles in this journal may be distributed for research or educational purposes only free of charge and without permission. However, the JVWR does not grant permission for use of any content in advertisements or advertising supplements or in any manner that would imply an endorsement of any product or service. All uses beyond research or educational purposes require the written permission of the JVWR. Authors who publish in the Journal of Virtual Worlds Research will release their articles under the Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivative Works 3.0 United States (cc-by-nd) license. This journal utilizes the LOCKSS system to create a distributed archiving system among participating libraries and permits those libraries to create permanent archives of the journal for purposes of preservation and restoration. The publisher perpetually authorizes participants in the LOCKSS system to archive and restore our publication through the LOCKSS System for the benefit of all LOCKSS System participants. Specifically participating libraries may: