vhdPLUS Development Framework is an advanced simulation engine and middleware solution. It utilizes a component-oriented approach and provides modern software development capabilities.
One of the main advantages of vhdPLUS is its flexibility and extendibility. It supports component-based development for interactive audio-visual simulation applications, with a particular focus on virtual character simulation technologies. vhdPLUS uses C++ as the implementation language and Python as a scripting language, which allows for easy system prototyping and testing.
The VHD++ framework is built around three key elements: vhdRuntimeEngine, vhdServices, and vhdProperties. The vhdRuntimeEngine is a high-performance, application domain-neutral, operational kernel that supports a range of fundamental services. These include runtime loading of simulation-specific vhdServices, configuration and content loading, containment, serialization, concurrent data sharing, multi-threading and synchronization, service scheduling, event handling, networking, event and service brokering, object referencing, garbage collecting, and more.
The vhdServices are plugable, freely extendible components that encapsulate a range of simulation technologies. These include 3D stereoscopic rendering, 3D surround sound, VR navigation using tracking devices, real-time motion capture, virtual human animation, skin deformation, real-time physical clothes, face animation, speech, behaviors, interactive scenario authoring and execution, and more.
With an open architecture targeting extendibility and scalability, vhdPLUS features runtime flexibility through XML-based system and content configuration. Additionally, the use of multiple object-oriented design patterns improves clarity while abstraction levels simplify implementation constructs.
The vhdPLUS Development Framework offers large-scale design and code reuse. The generic vhdRuntimeEngine defines an architectural core of each VHD++ based application, enabling broad design reuse characteristic of framework-oriented development methodologies.
To use vhdPLUS, requirements include GNU Tools, Python & Scons, OpenThreads, QT, OpenSceneGraph & OpenSG, SWIG, and Xerces.
In summary, vhdPLUS Development Framework offers a versatile, component-based, and scalable solution for creating interactive audio-visual simulation applications with a focus on virtual character simulation technologies. With a range of fundamental and simulation-specific services, and support for multiple design patterns, vhdPLUS offers significant benefits to software developers looking for a flexible and powerful middleware solution.
Version April 25th 2008: N/A