Building Conceptually Rich Online VR Environments:

The ‘SimSafety’ case study

Kalaitzis D., Valeontis E., Delis V., Fountana M., Research Academic Computer Technology Institute, Patras, Greece

About SimSafety“SimSafety: The Flight Simulator for Internet Safety”

is a research project funded under the Lifelong Learning EU Program http://www.simsafety.eu/

Partners:◦ Hellenic Open University (HOU)◦ Research Academic Computer Technology Institute (RACTI) ◦ Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute (CNTI)◦ University of Minho (UMinho)◦ Transylvania University of Brasov (UTBv)◦ Dafnord Association (Dafnord)◦ The University of Hull (Hull University)

Project Aims The development of a on-line VR environment that will help

children achieve an in-depth understanding of Internet dangers and risks through:◦ Exposure to simulated internets risks (content, contact,

conduct) under a “safe” environment◦ Role playing games, aimed to address safety issues◦ Stand-alone activities◦ Participation in dynamic groups of young users that can

interact with this virtual environment The targeted user group: pupils 9-11 years old

Virtual Environments◦Attractive 3D graphics◦Persistent, comprehensive (realistic space-time

environments)◦Constantly evolving by the online residents◦Chat (public / private) ◦Appearance (body, clothing, gestures,

movement) ◦3D prims (artifacts) ◦teleporting◦OpenSimulator (http://opensimulator.org/)

Limitationsneed for conceptually rich constructstrack a walk, an advice, a suggestionspatial – temporal proximitybullying, encouragement, friendshiplevel of awareness

ModulesEstablish conceptual interaction tools

◦Touch an object◦Trigger an event on approach

ModulesProgrammable bots (NPC)

◦Simulate dangers◦Track user dialogs

ModulesScripted Dialogs

ModulesCustom database Centralized management

Existing functionality

Welcome area

Existing functionality

Comprehensive 3D SimSafety park

Existing functionality

Avatar customisation

Existing functionality

Information space

Existing functionalityMultiuser Role Playing Games

Existing functionalityQuiz

Existing functionalityCyber bullying emulationFriendshipSpamming

Existing functionalityIn-World Media3D Puzzles

Existing functionalityGadget zone (quest for hidden treasure…)

Existing functionalityFree expression areasScoring

Technology

Ubuntu linux operating system

◦ Mono – open source, cross-platform, implementation of

C# 

OpenSimulator platform (http://opensimulator.org)

◦ Custom .NET modules

Technology

Mysql RDBMS

◦ OpenSimulator database

◦ SimSafety game database – scores, quiz, tracking, mini

games etc

Apache / PHP custom web services

◦ Game frontend – database communication