Don Allison

GTW: a time warp system for shared memory multiprocessors

The design of the Georgia Tech Time Warp (GTW, version 2.0) executive for cache-coherent shared-memory multiprocessors is described. The programmers interface is presented. Several optimizations used to efficiently realize key functions such as event list manipulation, memory and buffer management, and message passing are discussed. An efficient algorithm for computing GVT on shared-memory multiprocessors is described. Measurements of a wireless personal communication services (PCS) network simulation indicate the GTW simulator is able to sustain performance as high as 335,000 committed events per second for this application on a 42-processor KSR-2 machine.

The Educational Value of an Information-Rich Virtual Environment

Information-rich virtual environments consist not only of three-dimensional graphics and other spatial data but also information of an abstract or symbolic nature that is related to the space. An environment of this type can stimulate learning and comprehension, because it provides a tight coupling between symbolic and experiential information. In our virtual zoo exhibit, students can explore an accurate model of the gorilla habitat at Zoo Atlanta and access information related to the design of the exhibit. This paper discusses the design of the application and the interaction techniques used to obtain information. We also present the results of a formal evaluation. Although no statistically significant differences were found, results indicate that students who used the virtual environment had higher test scores than those who only attended a lecture on the material. Trends suggest that the virtual experience allowed students to learn information directly and also equipped them to better learn and understand material from a traditional lecture.

Virtual reality for education

It is still unclear what, if any, impact virtual reality will have on public education. The virtual reality gorilla system is being used as a testbed to study if and how virtual reality might be use ful as an aid in educating middle school children, and to investigate the issues that arise when building virtual reality systems for knowledge acquisition and concept formation.

Gorillas in the bits

The Virtual Reality Gorilla Exhibit is a system for teaching users about gorilla behaviors and social interactions. The system includes an accurate model of the Zoo Atlanta gorilla habitats, anthropometrically correct gorilla models and true-to-life behaviors. In the virtual environment the user assumes the persona of an adolescent gorilla. By exploring the habitat and interacting with other gorillas, the user learns about issues in gorilla habitats and about gorilla social hierarchies. Results from preliminary user testing indicate that the system successfully accomplishes its goals.