Building database applications of virtual reality with X-VRML

ABSTRACT

A new method of building active database-driven virtual reality applications is presented. The term "active" is used to describe applications that allow server-side user interaction, dynamic composition of virtual scenes, access to on-line data, continuous visualization, and implementation of persistency.The use the X-VRML language for building active applications of virtual reality is proposed. X-VRML is a high-level XML-based language that overcomes the main limitations of the current virtual reality systems by providing convenient access to databases, object-orientation, parameterization, and imperative programming techniques. Applications of X-VRML include on-line data visualization, geographical information systems, scientific visualization, virtual games, and e-commerce applications such as virtual shops. In this paper, methods of accessing databases from X-VRML are described, architectures of X-VRML systems for different application domains are discussed, and examples of database applications of virtual reality implemented in X-VRML are presented.

REFERENCES

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.3 COMPUTER GRAPHICS
      I.3.6 Methodology and Techniques
          Subjects: Interaction techniques

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.3 INFORMATION STORAGE AND RETRIEVAL
      H.3.5 On-line Information Services
          Subjects: Web-based services
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.1 Multimedia Information Systems
          Subjects: Artificial, augmented, and virtual realities

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.3 COMPUTER GRAPHICS
      I.3.6 Methodology and Techniques
          Subjects: Languages; Standards
      I.3.7 Three-Dimensional Graphics and Realism
          Subjects: Virtual reality

General Terms:
Design, Languages, Standardization

Keywords:
Java, MPEG-4, VRML, Web3D, XML, databases, multimedia