An efficient virtual tour : a merging of path planning and optimization

Abstract

Users navigating in virtual environment normally suffers from getting lost and lost of interest. Furthermore in a large and complicated virtual environment, users are tending to plan their path and navigate in an automatic manner. This paper describes the result of a research project aimed to integrate a path-planning optimization-algorithm and produce an efficient tour in a virtual environment. The visitors can simply identify the locations they wish to visit and the system will automatically generate a tour plan and guide the user to walk through the desired locations. The results are presented using a 3D model of several different rooms and booths in a virtual exhibition area. This paper presents to the development of efficient virtual tour that later will contribute to an efficient design of the building or environment and also optimal solution of the path finding. We expect the result of this research project to be used as a new navigation assistance for visitors to plan their tours in a large exhibition area.