Simulation theory and anticipation for interactive virtual character in an uncertain world

摘要

This paper deals with simulations of real-time interactive character behavior. The underlying idea is to take into accountnprinciples from cognitive science, in particular, the human ability to anticipate and simulate the world behavior. For thatnpurpose, we propose a conceptual framework where the entity possesses an autonomous world of simulation withinnsimulation, in which it can simulate itself (with its own model of behavior) and the environment (with an abstractnrepresentation, which can be learnt, of the other entities behaviors). This principle is illustrated by the development of annartificial juggler, which predicts the motion of balls in the air and uses its predictions to coordinate its own behavior whilenjuggling. Thanks to this model it is possible to add a human user to launch balls that the virtual juggler can catch whilstnjuggling. Copyright # 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.