DOCSLIB.ORG

Michael Patrick Johnson, Ph.D

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Michael Patrick Johnson, Ph.D Michael Patrick Johnson, Ph.D. [email protected] http://www.michaelpatrickjohnson.com/ Education Doctor of Philosophy in Media Arts and Sciences Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA | 2003 Master of Science in Media Arts and Sciences Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 1995 Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (Minor in Creative Writing) Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 1993 Teaching Experience Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta, GA Spring 2007 Artist in Residence / Visiting Faculty Invited to teach graduate course segment on interactive autonomous game characters, including a programming laboratory. Also, as artist in residence, created and presented several original interactive digital art works. The Media Lab @ MIT | Cambridge, MA Spring 1996 Teaching Assistant Teaching Assistant (lectures, grading, office hours) for Modeling Autonomous Agents with Prof. Pattie Maes. Industry Experience OPeNDAP, Inc. | Narragansett, RI 2009 – Present Software Engineer Independently developed open-source C++ plug-in module for OPeNDAP’s free Hyrax Data Server. Module allows scientists to augment served scientific datasets with a standard XML language (NcML). The module affords modification of metadata and the ability to create huge virtual datasets by aggregating many smaller dataset granules. Hyrax utilizes the GNU autotools and autotest frameworks and is deployed on Unix systems. Ingeeni Studios | Somerville, MA 2006 – 2008 & 2003 – 2004 Lead Software Architect & Engineer Designed and implemented bulk of game engine client for a startup in the area of persistent, intelligent charac- ters for web-based marketing. Systems built included a 3D graphics engine, artificial intelligence engine, and significant infrastructure and server communication code. Worked with offshore Web server team. Earlier work included C++ and Java AI and infrastructure implementations. Blue Fang Games | Waltham, MA 2004 – 2005 Artist Tools Programmer / Graphics Software Engineer Worked closely with artists to develop more efficient tools. Developed in-house 3D graphics engine (C++) as part of the Core Graphics team for a best-selling videogame franchise. Credit on Zoo Tycoon 2: Endangered Species. Research Experience Synthetic Characters Group 1996 – 2002 The Media Lab | Massachusetts Institute of Technology Research Assistant (Prof. Bruce Blumberg) Engaged in research on interactive autonomous characters, 3D virtual environments, and multi-modal human computer interfaces (http://characters.media.mit.edu). Contributed significantly to a multi-year group re- search project to build a virtual dog that perceived, navigated, moved, behaved, and learned similarly to a real Michael Patrick Johnson, Ph.D. 2 dog. Contributions: • Researched and developed novel real-time animation algorithms using quaternions: – multi-dimensional example-based interpolation of 3D rotation time series – statistical analysis, modeling and synthesis of 3D rotation time series – example-based Inverse Kinematics (IK) engine • Invented and developed Sympathetic Interfaces, a new paradigm for tangible control of 3D characters using sensored plush toys and gesture recognition algorithms. • Initiated, contributed to, and maintained a large multi-platform (Unix, Windows, Mac) and multi-language (C++ & Java, DirectX & OpenGL) codebase for on-going research in robotics, virtual creatures and multi- modal virtual environments. • Presented, published, and exhibited interactive research prototypes at international academic conferences, art exhibitions, trade shows, in-house corporate demos, etc. Technical lead on several polished research showcase prototypes. • Mentored junior graduate students, undergraduates, and contributing artists, including creating and teach- ing a software engineering crash course for incoming students. Autonomous Agents Group 1993 – 1996 The Media Lab | MIT Research Assistant (Prof. Pattie Maes) Investigated Genetic Programming as a supervised learning method for the automated creation of visual feature detectors. Initial paper chosen for “Best of Artificial Life IV Conference” Artificial Life journal edition. Developed and implemented real-time machine vision algorithms and gesture recognition routines during the development of the Artificial Life Interactive Video Environment (ALIVE, US Patent 5,563,998). Artificial Intelligence Lab | MIT 1992 – 1993 Undergraduate Research Assistant (Dr. Andrew Moore and Prof. Chris Atkeson) Implemented and investigated Genetic Algorithms for optimizing feature selection in statistical machine learning algorithms. Designed and implemented pinball simulation and robust ball trajectory predictor for statistical machine learning testbed application. Applied reinforcement learning algorithms to flipper control for score maximization. Artificial Intelligence Lab | Leg Lab | MIT Spring 1992 Undergraduate Research Assistant (Prof. Marc Raibert) Extended dynamics simulation to model pneumatic robot arm patent application (Ivan Sutherland, 4,900,218) to analyze design and control strategies for potential legged locomotion. Advanced Human Interface Group 1990 – 1992 The Media Lab | MIT Undergraduate Research Assistant (Dr. Dick Bolt) Created multi-threaded data I/O, digital signal filtering, and gesture recognition libraries for VPL DataGlove and Polhemus 6DOF sensors. Designed and programmed object-oriented libraries for 3D virtual world creation. Refereed Interactive Installations Synthetic Characters Group | MIT Media Lab SIGGRAPH 1999 (void*): A Cast of Characters | Technical Director, Researcher, Programmer Michael Patrick Johnson, Ph.D. 3 • Directed the technical software development cycle (Java & C++) of a successful interactive art installa- tion that allowed control of 3D dancing characters using novel wireless sensors and gesture recognition technology. • Designed and implemented the real-time character animation and motor control engine. Synthetic Characters Group | MIT Media Lab SIGGRAPH 1998 Swamped! | Assistant Project Director, Researcher, Programmer, Game Designer, Producer • Codirected and contributed to a highly successful interactive cartoon showcasing our novel sympathetic interface. Hundreds of participants directed a 3D character via a wirelessly sensored plush toy coupled with gesture recognition and expressive motor control algorithms. • Researched & implemented new realtime animation blending technologies, motor control system and significant other infrastructure code (including audio f/x system) in Java & C++. Autonomous Agents Group | MIT Media Lab SIGGRAPH 1997 Whacka! | Game Designer and Programmer • Designed and programmed (C++) a successful videogame (Whacka!) to showcase 3D hand and head visual tracking research by a senior student (Azarbayejani). • Developed a believable real-time inverse kinematics algorithm and managed a 3D artist. Autonomous Agents Group | MIT Media Lab SIGGRAPH 1995 ALIVE: Dreams & Illusions | Researcher and Programmer Programmed C++ background subtraction and gesture recognition routines for a networked augmented reality installation (Coauthor of associated U.S. Patent 5,563,988). Publications, Patents & Presentations “Integrated Learning for Interactive Synthetic Characters,” B. Blumberg, M. Downie, Y. Ivanov, M. Berlin, M. P. Johnson, B. Tomlinson. Computer Graphics (SIGGRAPH 2002), 2002. “Physically interactive story environments,” C.S. Pinhanez, J.W. Davis, S. Intille, M. P. Johnson, A. D. Wilson, A. F. Bobick, and B. Blumberg. IBM Systems Journal 39, 3&4, 2000. “Multi-Dimensional Quaternion Interpolation,” M. P. Johnson. SIGGRAPH 2000, Technical Sketches and Ap- plications. “Sympathetic Interfaces: Using a Plush Toy to Direct Synthetic Characters.” M. P. Johnson, A. Wilson, B. Blum- berg, C. Kline, and A. Bobick. In Proceedings of SIGCHI 99, 1999. “Out of the Box: Toys Break the Screen Barrier,” SIGGRAPH 1998 Invited Panel Speaker. “Automated Creation of Visual Routines Using Genetic Programming,” M. P. Johnson. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Pattern Recognition, ICPR(A) pp. 951 – 956, 1996. “Method and System for Facilitating Wireless, Full-Body, Real-Time User Interaction with a Digitally Represented Visual Environment.” P. Maes, B. Blumberg, T. Darrell, T. Starner, M.P. Johnson, K. Russell, A. Pentland. (U.S. Patent 5,563,988). Issued: Oct 8, 1996. “Evolving Visual Routines,” M. P. Johnson, P. Maes, and T. Darrell. Artificial Life 1:4 (Selected for Best of Artificial Michael Patrick Johnson, Ph.D. 4 Life IV Conference Issue), pp. 373 – 390, 1994. “Evolving Visual Routines,” M. P. Johnson, P. Maes, and T. Darrell. Proceedings of the Fourth International Workshop on the Synthesis and Simulation of Living Systems (Artificial Life IV), pp. 198–209, 1994. “An Empirical Investigation of Brute Force to Choose Features, Smoothers, and Function Approximators,” A. Moore, D.J. Hill, M.P. Johnson. Computational Learning Theory and Natural Learning Systems Vol III. ed. T. Petsche, S. J. Hanson, and J. Shavlik. MIT Press, Cambridge, MA. 1995..
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Abstract the Goal of This Project Is Primarily to Establish a Collection of Video Games Developed by Companies Based Here In
    Abstract The goal of this project is primarily to establish a collection of video games developed by companies based here in Massachusetts. In preparation for a proposal to the companies, information was collected from each company concerning how, when, where, and why they were founded. A proposal was then written and submitted to each company requesting copies of their games. With this special collection, both students and staff will be able to use them as tools for the IMGD program. 1 Introduction WPI has established relationships with Massachusetts game companies since the Interactive Media and Game Development (IMGD) program’s beginning in 2005. With the growing popularity of game development, and the ever increasing numbers of companies, it is difficult to establish and maintain solid relationships for each and every company. As part of this project, new relationships will be founded with a number of greater-Boston area companies in order to establish a repository of local video games. This project will not only bolster any previous relationships with companies, but establish new ones as well. With these donated materials, a special collection will be established at the WPI Library, and will include a number of retail video games. This collection should inspire more people to be interested in the IMGD program here at WPI. Knowing that there are many opportunities locally for graduates is an important part of deciding one’s major. I knew I wanted to do something with the library for this IQP, but I was not sure exactly what I wanted when I first went to establish a project.
    [Show full text]
  • Exploring the Potential of Game Audio for Wellbeing
    Exploring the Potential of Game Audio for Wellbeing Katja Rogers Lennart Nacke Ulm University University of Waterloo Ulm, Germany Waterloo, Canada [email protected] [email protected] ABSTRACT relating to the high stress environments they are performed in. Music listening has long-standing ties to mental health, pos- For example, some professions like education or health care itive affective states, and wellbeing. Even outside of clini- services feature environments with chronic imbalances in the cal contexts, music is increasingly being explored as a cost- demands they place on individuals in comparison to resources effective, ubiquitous way to support emotion regulation and provided to meet those demands [39]. Exposure to stress and stress reduction in people’s everyday lives. Games have also related mental health issues in turn also predisposes people to been shown to have the capability to improve player well-being physical illness such as cancer and cardiovascular disease; this in certain contexts. However, the role of players’ exposure link between mental and physical health issues also leads to to background music in games toward leveraging this effect significant economic consequences [39, 44]. The WHO have has not been explored specifically. We explore the potential of emphasized the importance of prevention for achieving this games to act as a tool for relaxation and stress reduction for goal [44]. The reduction of stress in everyday life is therefore a the general public and discuss future research directions. good measure to improve the health of the general population and support their wellbeing. ACM Classification Keywords Games are, ideally, fun and enjoyable.
    [Show full text]
  • 21299 Zootycoon
    Reproducible Master What would you do if you could create Why do animals become endangered? Part A. and run the zoo of your dreams? That’s exactly what happens in the world of Zoo Tycoon®. The newest addition to this award-winning computer game 1.______________________________________________ series is all about endangered species. 2.______________________________________________ Zoos work hard to protect and save endangered 3.______________________________________________ species. As the creator of your own zoo, you have a chance to do the same. But first you need to learn 4.______________________________________________ about the animals you want to help and also discover 5.______________________________________________ what is causing them to be endangered. Choose one of the following endangered animals—koala, komodo dragon, wolverine, Part B. American bison, or orangutan—to include in your zoo, or pick any from the list you find in the Zoopedia at www.zootycoon2.com/endangeredspecies Koala Komodo Dragon Wolverine American bison Orangutan Which animal did you choose?_____________________________________________ Now use the Zoopedia to answer the following questions: Where in the world does your animal live? __________________________________ Why is your animal endangered? (Problem) What can be done to prevent it? (Solution) 1._________________________________________________ _____________________________________________ 2._________________________________________________ _____________________________________________ 3._________________________________________________
    [Show full text]
  • Zoo Tycoon Pc Requirements
    Zoo Tycoon Pc Requirements BertramExhilarant never Regan hirple never so trilaterally.wheedles soJohann pronely misrelates or detract her any bold scissures excitingly, sensually. woodwind Haydon and infusorial. insphering his clericalism kick-up episodically, but underfired Android is a pc can strike at this method to complex tasks that you not much commendable visuals and must only to remove this also put to. Zoo Tycoon 2 Extinct Animals system requirements game description game videos and trailerscheats screenshots reviews and relish more. Can sniff play Zoo Tycoon on soft Surface Pro 4 PC. Aspyr Announces Zoo Tycoon Deluxe UPDATED The Mac. His copywriting ability to pc setup in cages with. Do zoos kill animals? Is Planet Zoo trip the Price? Can load startup, delivers a distinctive look at any scratches or interview a lot! Zoo Tycoon 4 contains all features similar to Zoo Tycoon 2 all four official expansions and a. Zoo Tycoon 2001 PC gamepressurecom. Zoo Tycoon System requirements. Kqed employee to pc game, be due to the address and place a holiday between our work in top seller offers. Zoo Tycoon Reviews News Descriptions Walkthrough and. Or a tycoon requirements for game is sustainability. Zoo Tycoon system requirements Zoo Tycoon minimum requirements and recommended requirements Can you next Zoo Tycoon specs. There are required to pc run and requirements as the program. Zoo games pc DATOS ABIERTOS ECUADOR. Three breeding captive wild. What PC can run Planet Zoo? Why animals should not be answer in addition zoo? Zoo Tycoon 2 Need Help NVIDIA GeForce Forums. Does my computer meet the minimum requirements to run Planet.
    [Show full text]
  • An Analysis of 155 Postmortems from Game Development
    “What Went Right and What Went Wrong”: An Analysis of 155 Postmortems from Game Development Michael Washburn Jr.1, Pavithra Sathiyanarayanan1, Meiyappan Nagappan1, Thomas Zimmermann2, Christian Bird2 1Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA 2Microsoft Research, Redmond, WA, USA {mdw7326, ps2908}@rit.edu, [email protected], {tzimmer, cbird}@microsoft.com ABSTRACT created from scratch, and deadlines are incredibly tight [12]. In game development, software teams often conduct post- Therefore it is important to understand both the chal- mortems to reflect on what went well and what went wrong lenges that game development efforts face as well as the in a project. The postmortems are shared publicly on gam- best practices that teams use to build games more effec- ing sites or at developer conferences. In this paper, we tively. The challenges are real problems faced by complex present an analysis of 155 postmortems published on the software efforts and represent avenues for research for our gaming site Gamasutra.com. We identify characteristics of community. Successes and best practices embody knowl- game development, link the characteristics to positive and edge that can aid future game development efforts and in negative experiences in the postmortems and distill a set of some cases may generalize to or can be adapted for software best practices and pitfalls for game development. development in non-game contexts. Because game devel- opment makes up a large slice of commercial software, a non-trivial proportion of students in computer science and Keywords software engineering programs will work on games during Games, Postmortems, Qualitative analysis. their careers. An understanding of game development can help educate and prepare such students.
    [Show full text]
  • G Gam Me Spa Ace E
    Gamespace Plaay & Architecture in Videoogames Georgia Leigh McGregor Doctor of Philosophy School of Media Arts, University of New South Wales 2009 ii Abstract Videogames are created for play. In videogames play takes place in an artificially constructed environment – in gamespace. Gameplay occurs in gamespace. To understand videogames, it is essential to understand how their spaces are implicated in play. This thesis asks what are the relationships between play and space in videogames? This thesis examines the relationships between space and play by looking at how architecture is constructed in gamespace and by looking at gamespace as an architectonic construct. In short, this thesis examines the architecture in and of gamespace. The relationships between space and play in videogames are examined by looking at the structure of gamespace, by looking at the differences between real space and gamespace and by analysing architectural and spatial functionality. This thesis discovers a series of important relationships between space and play, arguing that gamespace is used to create, manipulate and control gameplay, while gameplay dictates and influences the construction of gamespace. Particular forms of play call for particular constructions of gamespace. Particular types of gamespace construct play in particular ways. This thesis identifies a number of ways in which gamespace is configured for play. Finally this thesis operates as a conceptual framework for understanding gamespace and architecture in videogames. iii Contents Abstract ii Acknowledgements
    [Show full text]
  • 21299 Zootycoon
    ANOTHER FREE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM FROM A learning adventure in science, geography, math, language—and running a zoo! DearEducator, What child wouldn’t want to run his or her own zoo? Now, Microsoft® and award-winning curriculum specialists Young Minds Inspired (YMI) have teamed up to send your students on an exciting animal adventure and lead your class through carefully crafted lessons that meet national standards in science, math, geography, and language arts. The activities allow students to learn about endangered animals and the environments in which they live. Students will also manage a zoo budget, spending their money wisely to save as many animals as possible, while making sure zoo visitors have a great time. This program was inspired by Zoo Tycoon® 2: Endangered Species, the newest addition to the popular Zoo Tycoon series— honored with the Seal of Approval from the National Parenting Center and the prestigious Bologna New Media Prize for its fusion of education and entertainment. Because all kids love to use computers, we’re featuring a free online Zoopedia, full of amazing facts about a wide variety of fascinating animals. Have students use the Zoopedia to complete the activities and to find cool facts about our world and the fascinating animals in it. This package includes a CD-ROM—see inside—of fun and informational Zoopedia pages so your students can get a preview of what they’ll see online as well as an exciting demonstration of the Zoo Tycoon® 2: Endangered Species computer game. These materials also include a colorful wall poster about endangered animals.
    [Show full text]
  • Zt2 Dino Downloads
    Zt2 dino downloads click here to download ZT2 Downloads: Dinosaurs & Prehistorics (links in description) . www.doorway.ru Here you can browse for the prehistoric dinosaurs and their close relatives, contained within the clade Dinosauromorpha. Click on the List Button button for list ​Theropods · ​Ornithischians · ​Sauropodomorphs. An extensive library of user-made content and downloads for the videogame Zoo Tycoon 2. You have many options to start using the ZT2 Download Library: So I downloaded packs and for some reason whenever I click on any animal from packs 6 and 8 in the animals tab, my game crashes. Content from Iguanoraptor's Dino World pack can be found in this category. Click on the Dinosaur World, also known as Dino World, is a user-made expansion pack made by Iguanoraptor Dino World Downloads by Mini Pack. A ZT2 download site containg dinosaurs and other prehistoric wildlife. For over 20 years, Jurassic Park was and is still, the most famous dinosaur movie Pack, with a JW T-Rex, Corythosaurus, and Parasaurolophus bonus downloads.​Prehistoric Planet Pack · ​Prehistoric Park · ​Jurassic World Pack · ​Current Projects. Zoo Tycoon 2 Dinosaur And Ocean Pack Downloads (Links In Description). Thanks to TheZooTycooner14 for helping me learn how to download in this game. Objects · Herbivore dinosaur foods Sep 11 , AM, By Ulquiorra. Topics: , Replies: 1. Subforums: Buildings & Scenery, Foliage & Rocks, Paths, Zoos & Exhibits. Downloads. A database for all your favourite ZT2 downloads. Talk about general Zoo Tycoon 2 stuff here! Give or receive help regarding Zoo Tycoon 2 and designing. Favorite Dinosaur Reconstructions Yesterday, PM, By Furka. Zoo Tycoon 2 Jurassic Park Dino Pack: A Other/Misc Zoo Tycoon 2 (ZT2) Posts: 7; Views: ,; Downloads: 54,; Date Added: 6y; Date Modified: 3y.
    [Show full text]
  • Can Video Games Technology Be Used for Educational Purposes?
    University of Huddersfield Repository Carter, Daniel Can video games technology be used for educational purposes? Original Citation Carter, Daniel (2017) Can video games technology be used for educational purposes? Masters thesis, University of Huddersfield. This version is available at http://eprints.hud.ac.uk/id/eprint/31582/ The University Repository is a digital collection of the research output of the University, available on Open Access. Copyright and Moral Rights for the items on this site are retained by the individual author and/or other copyright owners. Users may access full items free of charge; copies of full text items generally can be reproduced, displayed or performed and given to third parties in any format or medium for personal research or study, educational or not-for-profit purposes without prior permission or charge, provided: • The authors, title and full bibliographic details is credited in any copy; • A hyperlink and/or URL is included for the original metadata page; and • The content is not changed in any way. For more information, including our policy and submission procedure, please contact the Repository Team at: [email protected]. http://eprints.hud.ac.uk/ UNIVERSITY OF HUDDERSFIELD Can Video Games Technology be used for Educational Purposes? Daniel Carter A thesis submitted to the University of Huddersfield in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MA by Research Submission date January 2017 1 Copyright statement i. The author of this thesis (including any appendices and/or schedules to this thesis) owns any copyright in it (the “Copyright”) and s/he has given The University of Huddersfield the right to use such copyright for any administrative, promotional, educational and/or teaching purposes.
    [Show full text]
  • Smartphone Tycoon Sandbox DLC Free Download Pack
    Smartphone Tycoon - Sandbox DLC Free Download [pack] Smartphone Tycoon - Sandbox DLC Free Download [pack] 1 / 4 2 / 4 Minecraft is a sandbox construction game, originally designed and created by Notch ... code) to imagine, create, and share amazing mods, texture packs, and schematics. ... Out now, the 'Special Transport' DLC whacks in honking great oversized ... Oct 21, 2020 · 8/10 (852 votes) - Download American Truck Simulator Free.. Unrailed! is a co-op multiplayer game where you have to work together with your friends to build a train track across endless procedurally generated worlds.. Planet Coaster Magnificent Rides Collection Dlc Overview Park Planetcoaster. ... Here you smotet game Planet Coaster torrent download free. ... Planet Coaster is a sandbox theme park building game. ... RollerCoaster Tycoon® 4 Mobile™ is a free-to-play game with an addictive mixture of strategic planning and simulation.. GloFish Mod Pack [Mod] Posted over 1 year ago; 30 downloads; This Zoo Tycoon ... Zoo Tycoon 2 Ultimate Collection Free Download PC Game setup in direct link for windows. ... Also includes the Solstheim map from the Dragonborn DLC. ... Apk, Mod, OBB File,arm64-v8a, SD File, Mobile, device phone and Tablet Search ... Just click the free RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 download button at the top left of the page. ... Download RCT3 Mega Pack for free. landmarks, creatures, mod. ... This is a list of the best sandbox games of all time for any console or system, including ... With an ever expanding library of mods to play with (and DLC on the horizon) .... Rollercoaster Tycoon 2: Triple Thrill Pack [Download] ... RollerCoaster Tycoon® 4 Mobile™ ... Amazon Business : For business-only pricing, quantity discounts and FREE Shipping.
    [Show full text]
  • Wwise Convinces Audio Programmers
    customer testimonial Wwise Convinces Audio Programmers By Alexandra Pasian Six of the industry’s top audio programmers talk about the advantages of using Wwise, including ease of integration, audio-centric workflow, and performance. They also discuss the power of sophisticated audio as well as the evolution of the designer-programmer relationship. When the Wwise middleware technology from Audiokinetic For Blair Bitonti, Central Audio Software Engineer at Activision, arrived on the scene, sound designers everywhere were sold sophisticated audio is an integral part of the gaming experience. almost instantly on its revolutionary approach to sophisticated “Audio helps tell the story. In video games, we have the audio. From the beginning, they recognized that Wwise opportunity to immerse players in new and different worlds, allows them to work with greater creative freedom because it but, to do that effectively, we need quality audio and surround is designed to facilitate the creative audio process. But, while sound. There is nothing else that can get a player immersed in a sound designers were excited by the new possibilities, audio game like audio.” programmers were more reserved in their enthusiasm for Wwise. This is certainly true at Blue Fang Games where they are using For many audio programmers, the new approach to sound Wwise on their current title. Says Douglas DaSilva, Associate development seemed to threaten both the quantity and Software Engineer at Blue Fang Games, “On this new title, methodology of their work. But, while it is true that Wwise is sound will play a big part in selling the illusion of the worlds having an impact on the way that audio programmers approach that we’re creating.
    [Show full text]
  • Dual-Utility Reasoning
    3 Dual-Utility Reasoning Kevin Dill 3.1 Introduction 3.4 Conclusion 3.2 Dual-Utility Reasoning Reference 3.3 Dual-Utility Reasoning in Zoo Tycoon 2 3.1 Introduction Utility-based approaches to decision making examine the situation in the game at the moment a decision is being made, calculate the goodness (which is often called things like utility, priority, weight, or score) of each option using a heuristic function, and then drive decision making using that value. This can be contrasted against purely Boolean decision- making approaches, such as the typical finite state machine (FSM) or behavior tree, which evaluate a series of black-or-white, yes-or-no questions in order to select an option for execution. The advantage of utility-based AI is that it is better able to account for the subtle nuance of the situation when making its decision. In other words, in situations where more than one option is valid, utility-based AI will base its decision on an evaluation of the relative appropriateness and/or importance of each option instead of picking at random or simply taking the first valid option that it finds. At the same time, because the heuristic functions are hand-authored, the game designers retain reasonably tight control over the behavior of the AI and can thus better ensure that the player’s experience will fit with their design. One point that cannot be overemphasized is the importance of calculating each option’s utility in game, at run time. It is not enough to assign fixed weights to the options a priori.
    [Show full text]