Beginning VRML

[x01001x]

What is a good way to begin VRML programming? I need a programming
environment GUI and compiler software.
I specifically need software which will allow me to write 3-D worlds
and navigate through them while using a data input glove and a Heads-
Up display.

[Joerg Scheurich aka MUFTI]

> What is a good way to begin VRML programming? I need a programming
> environment GUI

There are graphical editors like white_dune, flux studio or mjbWorld.
If you want to create 3D objects from scratch, it may be usefull to use
3D mesh modellers with VRML/X3D export like 3D studio max, maya, cinema 4D,
blender, catia etc.
A powerfull, but easy to use 3D modeller for beginners with VRML/X3D export
is wings3d.

> and compiler software.

Usually, VRML/X3D is not compiled but loaded with libraries like OpenVRML
Cybergarage or xj3d.
Anyway, white_dune can convert VRML/X3DV to C/C++/java sourcecode, but
the result are only numbers. You would need to add code to display the
data with the graphicsengine of your choice.
The only (incomplete) currently working solution is for the
java Monkey Engine (jME).

> I specifically need software which will allow me to write 3-D worlds
> and navigate through them while using a data input glove and a Heads-
> Up display.

You may want to start with open source solutions.

Similar hardware has been used with the FreeWRL VRML/X3D browser.

http://mvip.sourceforge.net/

Ask the CRC for details.

If your Headup display can use shuttergraphics (or you if have a NVIDIA quadro
card to get two different VGA outputs on quadbuffer stereo visuals), you can
also try white_dune, but it's only supported headtracker is a flock of birds
with a extented range controller - usually not used in Headup display
environments 8-(

so long
MUFTI
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