A prototype of the web-based marine training environment

Abstract

This paper demonstrates an attempt to implement a training platform for marine education and training on the web. A 3D Web virtual training environment for marine education and training is created by re-using high fidelity shiphandling simulation software from existing marine simulators, combining e-learning tools and distributed virtual environment technology. The paper focuses on the 3D modeling, the creation of 3D worlds, the interaction design and the user interface layout of this system. A real-time interactive VR marine environment is critical to this training system. However, 3D multi-user online training on the web is a real challenge for the low network bandwidth and high network latency, which will certainly affect the interactivity of training. Many approaches are employed to optimize the usage of network bandwidth and to minimize the effect of network latency, such as LOD and image-based impostor (billboard) modeling technique, dead reckoning algorithm, partition the VE into areas of interest (AOI) and 2D visibility culling. Finally, a prototype system is implemented based on VRML and Java cooperation. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2005.