ABSTRACT
In this paper, we present an interaction model and architecture for the shared experiences of Collaborative Virtual Worlds (CVWs) over the Internet. By means of a directed graph, the model describes interaction between the entities that populate the virtual world. The nodes and edges of the graph can be easily mapped to entities (classes and interfaces) of the proposed architecture, reducing the time and effort needed to develop Distributed Virtual Worlds (DVWs). The architecture allows for easy distribution management of processes between clients and a server, or otherwise its centralization within a central server. These worlds then enable, through the Web browser, a shared understanding regarding many scientific and engineering subjects concerned with three-dimensional data.
