X3D Introduction to Web3D technology Enkhbold N. Information Communication University

2 meanings of “3D” the in web setting perspective and shadow on manufactured graphics to make them look more three-dimensional changeable perspective viewing of objects, the creation of virtual worlds usually staticusually dynamic

History of Web3D technology -Increasing popularity of 3D web technologies in 90ths -Incompatibility of the existing 3D modeling languages with web technologies -Need of universal 3D modeling language specifically for the web technology -New language was required to be compatible with existing technologies like HTML and HTTP

Solution: VRML - VRML stands for Virtual Reality Modeling Language. - ASCII-based description language for creating 3D interfaces to the World Wide Web. - The first version of VRML was developed between VRML=Silicon Graphics' Open Inventor ASCII format + HTML - In 1997 VRML2.0 was adopted as International Standard ISO/IEC :1997

Similarities VRML with HTML - They are written in a plain text format. - Multi-platform. VRML requires plug-in to run. - Hyperlinking to the other documents. - Inclusion of multimedia elements like images, sound, videos, scripts. - Open standards. HTML specification is controlled by the World Wide Web Consortium, VRML is an ISO international standard.

Problems with VRML -Big size of the plug-ins which makes it difficult to download on most common PCs. For example the size of the most popular VRML plug-in, Cosmo player, is 3.2 MB. -Extensive feature of the requirements -Difficult to be innovated because of the complexity -Problems with poor performance and reliability

Next generation of VRML: X3D The VR community has recognized the growing success of XML, compared to the very limited success of VRML. In response, the Web3D Consortium, in concert with the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium), has defined an XML-compliant 3D standard for the web: Extensible 3D.

What is Extensible 3D (X3D)? -X3D is a software standard for defining interactive web- based 3D content integrated with multimedia. -X3d is intended to use in broad range of application areas such as: Engineering and scientific visualization, Multimedia presentation, Entertainments, Shared virtual worlds -X3D is a universal interchange format for integrated 3D graphics and multimedia. -X3D is the successor to the VRML

Modular structure of X3D -Instead of monolithic plug-in as in VRML, X3D uses various separate “profiles”. -The user only uses the profiles needed to view the current content -Simple file can be view on the a small player -Core profiles are much lighter weight than full VRML specifications -Easy to download the profiles -Programmers can define their own profiles.

2 types of encoding in X3D - X3D content can be expressed in classic VRML encoding, nearly backward compatible with VRML97 - XML encoding, supported by Schema or DTD - Because the file is encoded in XML, it can be extended. - Compatible with cross-support with SVG, CML, and MathML due to multiple encoding methods

Features of X3D -3D graphics : crating and transformation of geometrical figures, lighting, materials and multi-stage texture mapping -Animation : Timers and interpolators to drive continuous animations -User interaction : Mouse-based picking and dragging; keyboard input -User-defined objects : Ability to extend built-in browser functionality by creating user-defined data types -Scripting : Ability to dynamically changed the scene via programming and scripting languages -Networking : Ability to compose a single X3D scene out of assets located on a network; hyperlinking of objects to other scenes or asset located on the World Wide Web

Example of XML syntax <!DOCTYPE X3D PUBLIC "ISO//Web3D//DTD X3D 3.0//EN" " <NavigationInfo headlight='false' avatarSize=' ' type='EXAMINE'/>

Actual Examples 3D.html

Applications - It is possible to use any kind of text editors to write X3D XML and VRML representations. Even Notepad is completely suitable for creating simple 3D environment. - But the special editor called “X3D Edit” which is recommended by the Web3D consortium. Also there are several applications with windows based GUI, such as Vizx3D, SwirlX3D. They provide simple, but powerful tools for creating advanced 3D Environment.

Web Viewers In order to access 3D environment on browser, it is required to install plug-in. They usually have small size and takes 1-2 minutes to be installed. Most popular and recommended by the Web3D consortium viewers are: BS Contact VRML/X3D Flux Player Balxxun3D Freewrl

Discussion -3D Web environments for shopping and marketing -3D worlds and avatars -3D chat rooms -3D web gaming

References Reference materials: Examples, authoring tools, editors: /msg00144.html