Probabilistic smart terrain algorithm

Abstract

Smart Terrain is an algorithm that is used to find the object that meets the needs transmit signal to the non-player character with those needs influencing the character to move towards those objects. We describe how the probabilistic reasoning can be implemented on it deploying the object that it may meet a need with a given probability. The expected distance can be measured in terms of probability and distance that meet the needs, allowing the non-player character to follow the route in the game. This algorithm can be used to manage a character’s need to direct them which objective has a priority or which objectives are profitable to them. With a smart terrain, this algorithm defines how to find the goal in terms of probability and distance. This algorithm defines how the character is behaving as Human for making decisions. We implement the algorithm as a Unity 3D Game using Waypoint and Navigation Mesh where the objective is to find and collect some valuable objects and stay away from the guards guarding the objects, while navigating in a maze like game world. The algorithm finds a path based on the concept of adjacent routes in the game such that it makes it difficult for the player to stay away from the guards. The player on the other hand is controlled by the user. The algorithm searches for possible paths and then makes a decision based on the calculations on probabilities and distances as discussed in detail in the paper. Several features other than path finding such as ray casting and navigation mesh are also implemented to make the game feel life like. The guards behave intelligently and the algorithm changes the probabilities of player being in a particular area of the game world with time. This makes the game even tough to win.