INFLUENCING VIRTUAL ACTORS IN AN INTERACTIVE ENVIRONMENT

The described methods are directed to influencing movement of virtual actors in an interactive theater. This interactive theater can be in the shape of a dome. A method for generating a behavior vector for a virtual actor in an interactive theatre by interpreting stimuli from visitors is provided. The method comprises: providing a plurality of sensors detecting and sensing at least one physical characteristic at a plurality of positions within a theater area within which a number of visitors are free to move about, the sensors generating sensor signals; interpreting the sensor signals to provide at least one physical characteristic signal including position information, wherein the physical characteristic signal provides information on visitor activity and location within the theater area; providing a behavior model for at least one virtual actor; analyzing the at least one physical characteristic signal and the behavior model for the at least one virtual actor to generate a behavior vector of the at least one virtual actor using the position information and the at least one physical characteristic signal, whereby a virtual actor reacts and interacts with visitors. The methods also comprise using a generated virtual environment stimulus and generating new actors.