Contigra: an XML-based architecture for component-oriented 3D applications

ABSTRACT

Even though numerous Web3D technologies exist, most of them do not support a high-level, multi-disciplinary authoring process. Moreover, concepts of reuse are rarely provided. A component-based approach is introduced with the CONTIGRA architecture to construct interactive, three-dimensional applications, either stand-alone or web-based. The approach is entirely based on declarative XML documents describing the component imple¿mentation, its interface, as well as component configuration and composition of 3D user interfaces and virtual environments. Extensible 3D (X3D) is used as the scene graph basis. However, the resulting applications can be translated to other 3D tech¿nologies, too. Another advantage of the approach is reuse both at the implementation level and the higher abstract component level. This paper introduces the overall architecture and the XML schemas used for the component documents. It finally outlines the associated authoring process and tools involved.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Graphical user interfaces (GUI)

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
        D.2.11 Software Architectures
            Subjects: Domain-specific architectures; Languages (e.g., description, interconnection, definition)
      D.2.2 Design Tools and Techniques
          Subjects: User interfaces

  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Standardization; Prototyping

  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.3 COMPUTER GRAPHICS
      I.3.7 Three-Dimensional Graphics and Realism
          Subjects: Virtual reality

Keywords:
3D components, 3D user interfaces, 3D widgets, XML schema, component-based development, contigra, extensible 3D (X3D), virtual environments