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5. VRML 2.0 Extensions and Enhancements


Compared to earlier versions 1.x five features seems remarkable.

What do we mean by enhanced static worlds? You can add realism to the static geometry of existings worlds using new features of VRML 2.0

Now it is possible to create ground-and-sky backdrops to scenes, add distant mountains, clouds. Worlds seem more realistic because of irregular terrain nad 3D spatial sound can be added.

With VRML 2.0 interaction with the world is possible. You do not move through worlds like a ghost who can not touch, i.e. interact with the world's objects. Sensor nodes set off events when you enter certain areas. Collision-detection ensures that you can not walk or fly through solid objects. When following terrain, i.e. walking, you travel up and down according to the surrounding terrain. Other sensors keep track of the passage of time or trigger events at previously specified times.

Different Interpolators can be used to animate objects. You can create objects that move from one point to another, doors that open, robots that walk and whatever you can think of. Color interpolation could be used to create a sun that slowly get red while setting.

Scripts are used to give certain objects a behaviour. Without scripts birds could not fly and dogs would not be able to follow you when you are moving through the world. Generally scripts take inputs from sensors and generate events that change the world. The statements that are used to achive this are called routes

Changes from VRML 1.0 toVRML 2.0

VRML 1. 0 - VRML 2.0

#VRML V1.0 ascii

Transform{

}

 

#VRML V2.0 utf8

Transform { translation T1

}]}]}]}]}]}]}

If you compare the VRML 1.0 code with the VRML 2.0 standard you see the differences. You should know by now what the VRML 1.0 listing does.

the difference in VRML 2.0 is that the grouping nodes (transform) have children (children [ ... ]). A list of nodes of descendant transformations are stored in those " children "


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This page was created by Helmut Doleisch and Edgar Weippl on November 26, 1996.