The block-world data model for a collaborative virtual environment

Abstract

This paper reports preliminary results for a block-world data model for the realization of three-dimensional virtual work space. In the block-world data model, every real-world object is represented by a "block" which is a three-dimensional interval defined on three orthogonal spatial axes X, Y, and Z. Database users can enter the block-world database space and can see, touch, and move blocks. However, block representation error may occur. In order to minimize the error, a strict interference checking algorithm is developed by introducing null blocks. The block-world database can be realized by integrating a virtual reality system and an object-oriented database system. The virtual reality system is necessary to provide a three-dimensional virtual work space which users can enter to work, while the object-oriented database system is used to provide database function such as query and update processing. A prototype system is developed to evaluate the block-world data model.