12World
Authoring versus Playback
A virtual world can be created, modified and experienced. Some VR systems may
not distinguish between the creation and experiencing aspects. However, there
is currently a much larger body of experience to draw upon for designing the
world from the outside. This method may use techniques borrowed from
architectural and other forms of Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems. Also the
current technologies for immersive VR systems are fairly limiting in
resolution, latency, etc. They are not nearly as well developed as those for
more conventional computer graphics and interfaces.
For many VR systems, it makes a great deal of sense to have a Authoring mode
and a Playback mode. The authoring mode may be a standard text editor and
compiler system, or it may include 3D graphic and other tools. Such a split
mode system makes it easier to create a stand alone application that can be
delivered as a product.
An immersive authoring ability may be desirable for some applications and some
users. For example, an architect might have the ability to move walls, etc.
when immersed, while the clients with him, who are not as familiar with the
system, are limited to player status. That way they can't accidentally
rearrange the house by leaning on a wall.
