Robina Hetherington

Information rich temporal virtual models using X3D

This paper explores the use of eXtensible Mark-up Language (XML) technologies, including eXtensible three-Dimensions (X3D), Scene Application Interface (SAI), eXtensible path (Xpath) and eXtensible Stylesheet Language (XSL) to display and manipulate a model along with associated temporal data. X3D, which is the new standard for the display of three-dimensional models over the World Wide Web, offers significant improvements for real-time client-side manipulation over other methods available for use on the Internet. These improvements are due to X3D being an application of XML. Real-time client side manipulation and display of a model and associated textual information through use of a Web Browser and Plugin is demonstrated. A single file is employed to contain all data related to how the structure has evolved and developed over time. This allows the user to view and explore the model in different states (times) and to read relevant historical textural information.

Adding a fourth dimension to three dimensional virtual spaces

The development of new standards for distributed data offer new possibilities to combine and display multiple types of information. This paper is concerned with an architectural and historical application of X3D and XML to objects, such as buildings, which have an organic quality and tend to evolve over time. The display of a 3D computer model does not always adequately describe the building or artifact and additional data are often required.This paper describes and evaluates techniques for the integration of three-dimensional data in the form of X3D and other data contained in XML format, such as temporal data. The capabilities of X3D to display a model with associated temporal data in different states or times are outlined. The relationship of X3D to XML is considered and methods described to enable 3D models and temporal data to be meaningfully combined. The use of XML to represent temporal data is outlined along with the use of XSLT (eXtensible Stylesheet Language Transformations) and DOM (Document Object Method) to filter both model and temporal data. The use of an API (Application Programming Interface) to alter the state of an X3D model is described. These methods are applied to a simple model and data file to display temporal data along with a 3D model at different points in time. Conclusions are drawn as to the appropriate method to employ for client-side manipulation of different types of 3D models and related data.

Learning in a Multi-User Virtual Environment

New and innovative opportunities for teaching and learning are offered by MUVEs [multi user virtual environments]. Built on gaming technologies MUVEs are primarily a synchronous 3D social platform operating without goals and objectives wherein all content is user created and owned. They are increasingly being used by educators all around the globe as a new and more advanced platform for 3/4D data visualisation and e-learning. But how effective are these environments as learning platforms and what do the students and staff involved think of second life in particular as a platform? The research reported here analyzes the response of one group of students to a MUVE, in this case Second Life. This paper records the student experience of studying and completing assignments in Second Life, and an evaluation of the learning process by the teaching team.

Compiling 3D models of European heritage from user domain XML

Europe has a unique heritage and culture that is largely hidden from its young people. New information and communication technologies present an opportunity to involve the young people of Europe in discovering this heritage and presenting it to others in an exciting, dynamic way. This paper describes early work on the INHERIT project which involves the development of a set of tools, data and structures to build and manage historical and three-dimensional models. This enables school and college students to share in creating and exploring distributed simulations of dynamic aspects of history, geography, economics, politics and other subjects closely associated with European citizenship. With the tools developed, it is envisaged that school pupils are able to add, for example, landscape, buildings, avatars and a range of other objects, to a virtual world that models the heritage of Europe. The tools are based upon XML technologies to structure and distribute data and X3D or VRML to display that three-dimensional data.

Interactive Web Visualisation of Proposals for Site Developments

X3D (eXtensible 3 Dimensions), the international standard for Web 3D, offers opportunities for the dynamic display and interoperability of data over the World Wide Web. One potential application relates to the process of urban planning in which applications are required to be made readily available for public comment. Relevant information is typically presented in the form of site plans and a limited number of architectural drawings that can be difficult for the general public to fully comprehend. Web3D models of proposals in the context of the site and viewed from different directions have the potential to provide the general public and the planning authority with a better understanding of the visual impact of the proposals. This paper, through a case study of a proposed residential development, demonstrates the use of standard Web browser as a GUI (graphical user interface) to control the display of a 3D model. The interactive, client side, visualization is achieved using AJAX (asynchronous JavaScript and XML).

Embodying and Extracting Data in Web3D Models of Proposed Building Developments

As an application of XML (extensible markup language), X3D (extensible 3 Dimensions), offers opportunities for the embodiment, extraction, processing and display of data from 3D models of architectural proposals presented over the WWW. Client side manipulation of XML data using AJAX (asynchronous Javascript and XML), can be employed to provide contextual information about the project. In the context of urban planning the visualization of a proposal by means of a 3D model will not provide all information required by planning officials. Additional data, such as maximum height, the percentage of the site developed and building materials, are required. Relevant numerical data exist within an X3D model, but are not in the required form and techniques are described for its extraction. Descriptive information regarding the development can also be embedded into the model and techniques for this and its extraction and display are also described. The techniques are illustrated by means of a case study. Conclusions are drawn as to how the method could be applied to a large scale project.

Using 3D to visualise temporal data

Dynamic 3D models generated from historical, time stamped data provide opportunities for insights and understanding that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to gain in applications as diverse as the teaching and learning of history and the analysis of aerospace experiments. This paper describes how historical data in a temporal database can be used to generate dynamic 3D models expressed in VRML. The models include facilities to move back and forth in time, to hide or reveal groups of objects and their labels and to show the paths traced by individual objects as they move through space and time. The change of shape of objects over time can also be modelled. The tools described in this paper enable the user to create these 3D worlds automatically without needing to know anything about the underlying 3D modelling language employed.

Developing a Parametric Approach for 3D Modelling Software

The creation of 3D models is generally considered by newcomers to be a difficult activity requiring a number of skills and considerable practice. This paper describes work in the INHERIT project which aims to address these issues by providing a 3D modelling tool set which is easy to use, requiring few skills and little practice. This is achieved by the development of software tools which are customised to build particular types of model. The key aspect of these tools is the treatment of the underlying data of the 3D model as a tree structure of nodes which consist of parameterised representations of the components of the object being modelled. The tools then automatically generate the graphics primitives that enable the visualisation and interaction with the object. This paper describes the implementation of the first tool created following this principle which enables school children to model church structures

The Application of X3D to the Interactive Learning of Wave Optics

Advances in Internet connections speeds and computer hardware means that web content has grown richer and more interactive for users. One such area is Web3D which has seen the emergence of ISO standard technologies such as VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) and its XML-based (eXtensible Markup Language) successor X3D(eXtensible 3D). X3D, in particular, presents opportunities for further integration with existing web technologies for the extraction and display of meaningful data from 3D models. With the popularity of e-learning increasing among academic and training institutions, the use of Web3D content presents an opportunity to enhance learning for visually demanding subjects such as scientific disciplines.This paper applies this thinking to simulate a fundamental Physics topic with X3D and apply AJAX3D (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) techniques to develop an integrated web learning application.

Kiddy CAD: A Child Friendly Parametric Approach for 3D Modeling Software

D models are increasingly used to visualize objects for presentation in schools. Children are sophisticated consumers of 3D worlds and engaging creatively with ICT in the classroom is recognized as beneficial to developing multiple intelligences in children. Historically, the creation of 3D models by children has, however, been considered too difficult a process to master. This paper describes the development of a CAD tool, Church Builder, designed for use by children, which is fast, fun and easy to learn and has minimal system requirements. The tool treats the underlying data of the 3D models as a tree structure of nodes, consisting of parameterized representations of the components of the objects being modeled. The tool automatically generates graphics primitives that enable the visualization of and interaction with the object, allowing children to rapidly build sophisticated model church structures.