Computers are often used as tools to design, implement, and even visualize a variety of narrative forms. Many researchers and artists are now further attempting to engage the computer actively throughout the development of the narrative itself. Any form of computational narrative authoring is at some level always mixed-initiative , meaning that the processing capabilities of the computer are utilized with a varying degree to automate certain features of the authoring process. We structure this survey by focusing on two key components of stories, plot and space , and more specifically the degree to which these are either automated by the computer or authored manually . By examining the successes of existing research, we identify potential new research directions in the field of computational narrative. We also identify the advantages of developing a standard model of narrative to allow for collaboration between plot and space automation techniques. This would likely benefit the field of automated space generation with the strengths in the field of automated plot generation.

/pdf/a-survey-on-story-generation-techniques-for-authoring-3kad5zl1wg.pdf

A Survey on Story Generation Techniques for Authoring Computational Narratives

This paper develops a holistic framework of questions which seem to motivate sustainability research in computing in order to enable new opportunities for critique. Analysis of systematically selected corpora of computing publications demonstrates that several of these question areas are well covered, while others are ripe for further exploration. It also provides insight into which of these questions tend to be addressed by different communities within sustainable computing. The framework itself reveals discursive similarities between other existing environmental discourses, enabling reflection and participation with the broader sustainability debate. It is argued that the current computing discourse on sustainability is reformist and premised in a Triple Bottom Line construction of sustainability. A radical, Quadruple Bottom Line alternative is explored as a new vista for computing research.

/pdf/exploring-sustainability-research-in-computing-where-we-are-4t6wq8xfp9.pdf

Exploring sustainability research in computing: where we are and where we go next

Transportation cyber–physical systems (TCPSs) require simulation-based testing and evaluation due to the prohibitive cost of building realistic test beds. Given the transdisciplinary nature of TCPSs, various simulation models and frameworks have been proposed in civil engineering, computer science, and related fields. Traditionally, researchers in different areas have developed their own set of simulation tools, which provide limited capability for TCPS research. In recent years, we have witnessed a growing interest of combining two or more features of traditional simulators to capture the unique characteristics of TCPSs. In this paper, we describe several mainstream simulation models used in transportation, communication, and human-factor studies in TCPS research. Moreover, we present our unique design and implementation of an integrated traffic–driving–network simulator (ITDNS). Finally, we discuss future enhancements that will promote best simulation practices for TCPS research.

Simulation-Based Testing and Evaluation Tools for Transportation Cyber–Physical Systems

Development and application of an integrated traffic simulation and multi-driving simulators

Exploring drivers' mental workload and visual demand while using an in-vehicle HMI for eco-safe driving.

In recent years, the use of computer-based simulations in the transportation domain has become increasingly important to analyze and test measures for Intelligent Transport System (ITS) policies. Simulators were built to address several aspects of transport, including traffic, driving experience, and pedestrian behavior. However, as the majority of available simulators are single-user stand-alone systems, traffic engineers cannot easily analyze more complex phenomena, such as the interaction between multiple human drivers or pedestrians. Furthermore, this limitation makes it difficult to collect large-scale behavioral data, which is necessary to draw valid conclusions on driving behavior. Emerging virtual world technology offers a convenient alternative. As a networked multi-user framework that allows users to immerse in the virtual world via a graphical self-representation (an 'avatar'), it allows to develop integrated simulation applications that are conveniently accessible by Internet. In this paper, we present OpenEnergySim, a virtual world based visualization application that integrates traffic simulation and immersive multi-user driving.

OpenEnergySim: A 3D Internet Based Experimental Framework for Integrating Traffic Simulation and Multi-User Immersive Driving

/pdf/openenergysim-a-3d-internet-based-experimental-framework-for-38feeahles.pdf

OpenEnergySim: a 3D internet based experimental framework for integrating traffic simulation and multi-user immersive driving

Eco-safe driving is a driving style that tries to minimize vehicle emissions and ensure the drivers' safety. It is an important contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions of transport. However, current methods do not scale to teaching eco-safe driving to many people, including the next generation of drivers. Consequently, we developed BeGreen, an application for practicing eco-safe driving based on our own massively multiuser networked 3D virtual environment. A feasibility study of our virtual environment technology was conducted at a Japanese High School with 41 participants, and two types of eco-feedback interfaces were compared.

Martin Lindner

Papers

OpenEnergySim: A 3D Internet Based Experimental Framework for Integrating Traffic Simulation and Multi-User Immersive Driving

OpenEnergySim: a 3D internet based experimental framework for integrating traffic simulation and multi-user immersive driving

Practicing eco-safe driving at scale