A GPU-assisted hybrid model for real-time crowd simulations


Haciomeroglu M., Barut O., ÖZCAN C., Sever H.

COMPUTERS & GRAPHICS-UK, vol.37, no.7, pp.862-872, 2013 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 37 Issue: 7
  • Publication Date: 2013
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.cag.2013.05.006
  • Journal Name: COMPUTERS & GRAPHICS-UK
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.862-872
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In this paper, we propose two new techniques for real-time crowd simulations; the first one is the clustering of agents on the GPU and the second one is incorporating the global cluster information into the existing microscopic navigation technique. The proposed model combines the agent-based models with macroscopic information (agent clusters) into a single framework. The global cluster information is determined on the GPU, and based on the agents positions and velocities. Then, this information is used as input for the existing agent-based models (velocity obstacles, rule-based steering and social forces). The proposed hybrid model not only considers the nearby agents but also the distant agent configurations. Our test scenarios indicate that, in very dense circumstances, agents that use the proposed hybrid model navigate the environment with actual speeds closer to their intended speeds (less stuck) than the agents that are using only the agent-based models. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.