AI Agents in Virtual Reality Worlds

AI "agents" - specialized tools or programs used in software development - may be used to create characters for virtual reality games. Using a toolkit based on the technologies of neural networks and genetic algorithms, this text develops two games that demonstrate "intelligent" virtual reality.

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All the programming know-how and software tools you need to create INTELLIGENT characters for your games and virtual environments Are you becoming bored with VR characters who always do the expected? Want to interact with interesting, intelligent virtual opponents (and allies) who think, learn, and always offer new challenges? Now this book/CD supplies you with everything you need to create these kinds of entities. As he walks you through the development of a game, Mark Watson shows you how to inhabit it with characters who, like mini-intelligent systems, solve problems, analyze situations, make decisions, second guess you...and even cheat! The key to imbuing your characters with intelligence is a complete C++ VR Agent Toolkit that uses neural networks, genetic algorithms, rule-based programming, and plan management. Mark Watson carefully explains the design of the C++ library for the toolkit and, more importantly, provides a wealth of guidelines, tips, and expert advice on how to use the software tools contained in the toolkit for developing your own games.
CD-ROM includes: The VR Agent Toolkit C++ library implemented for a variety of platforms Complete example programs for Windows, Macintosh, OpenGL, RenderWare, and Unix X Windows