Implementation of a scripting language for VRML/X3D-based embodied agents

Abstract

Embodied agents or humanoid avatars may effectively be used to communicate with human users. Currently there is a wide range of specification formalisms and scripting languages for embodied agents, many of which are of a somewhat ad hoc nature lacking clear semantics. In this paper, we discuss the implementation of a scripting language for humanoid avatars in VRML/X3D-based environments. The scripting language STEP is based on dynamic logic, which provides a clear semantics for complex behavioral patterns. Moreover, the implementation of STEP is realized in a platform that extends VRML/X3D with distributed logic programming (DLP), which provides the computational support necessary to realize such complex behavioral patterns as well as the interaction with a (rich media) 3D environment. As an application example, we will discuss the development of an instructional VR for Tai Chi (the Chinese art of movement), illustrating how our approach allows for the creation of reusable libraries of behavioral patterns. We will discuss some implementation issues, in particular how to realize parallel actions and synchronization within an environment.