Virtual 3D Map for Library User. (vSearch)

This report describes the architecture and preliminary design of a prototype system
to enhance services/tasks of the current online digital library system through the
integration of virtual 3d map. The aim for a virtual map is to further assist the end
user on location a book's physical location in the library. Customarily, an online
catalogue search for books/journals/magazine would provide the user with details
of the books/journals/magazines including information on books' locations; none
have shown the user how to get to the exact location visually. This capability only
can be done by integrating a virtual 3D map into a simulation of current online
system. The main purpose of adding the virtual element is to provide the user with
the interactive virtual environment that can help user navigate through the library
environment to find desired location. Instead of knowing where the material
location is, user also will get to know how to get 'there' and which path can aid the
user to get 'there '. An initial survey has been done on library users' reveals that
locating the library material takes up much of their time. A virtual 3d map was
proposed to be incorporated into the system to reduce the amount of time to acquire
the library material. Modeling the virtual 3D map into current online system will
make for an extremely useful resource. User will be able to access the 3D map as a
Flash application via the online system. This will allow users to easily locate
specific material within the actual library, to determine the best way to get to a
location and possibly to get suggestions on what route to take. The major challenge
of the design is the integration of a simulated database of the current system to the
virtual 3D map applications. Other enhancements done in current library includes
a more user friendly interface.
Keywords : vSearch, virtual navigation, navigation aids