SUPPORTING 3D AND VR APPLICATIONS IN A METACOMPUTING ENVIRONMENT

3D and VR applications require large amounts of computing time. In mos t applications it has to be available in a specific time span. In Cave or Immersive desk environments the Fewer has to be available real-tim e. Much preparation can, however, be done on a longer time scale. Comp lex 3D applications in for instance the media industry require large c omputation power for rendering purposes in a timescale ranging from ho urs to a few days. Metacomputing environments, including a large numbe r of machines, can be a useful tool for supporting these Vk and 3D app lications. Within the EROPPA project, a software environment for use b y post production companies has been developed. Currently extensions t o virtual surgery applications are investigated. (C) 1998 Elsevier Sci ence B.V.