computational complexity versus virtual worlds
The ability to simulate complex physical situations in real-time is a critical element of any "virtual world" scenario, as well as being key for many engineering and robotics applications. Unfortunately the computation cost of standard physical simulation methods increases rapidly as the situation becomes more complex. The result is that even when using the fastest supercomputers we are still able to interactively simulate only small, toy worlds. To solve this problem I propose changing the way we represent and simulate physics in order to reduce the computational complexity of physical simulation, thus making possible interactive simulation of complex situations.
computation computational complexity complexity virtual world simulation physical situated real-time critic scenario engine robotics applications cost standardization physical simulation method supercomputer interaction order