It has always been difficult to generate computer-generated crowd scenes in movies and video games. Until recently, an animated character moved almost like his its neighbors. But according to Technology Review, a computer scientist working at UCLA has designed software which gives personal behaviors to animated characters. For example, he simulated how 1,400 commuters might interact inside a virtual representation of Pennsylvania Station in New York City. The characters include law-enforcement officers, tourists and regular commuters. The article states that ‘computer-generated crowds in movies and video games could soon appear much more realistic.’ But I have some doubts. Have you seen a railway commuter without luggage?

Links: ZDNet, Primidi