A virtual information desk on the Internet

Abstract

Describes a detailed implementation method of building a virtual reality information desk using VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) and EAI (External Authoring Interface). VRML is a powerful language to build a virtual world on the Internet, and EAI can be used to communicate between a VRML world and its external interface program. A realistic and remotely-accessible information desk can be developed by combining the reality feature of VRML and the communication feature of EAI. A 3D modeling program is used to make realistic 3D buildings and objects in virtual space. A texture-mapping method is used to reduce the VRML file size and the rendering time. JavaScript, as well as VRML and EAI, is used to implement the communication channel between the VRML program and the external programs. Finally, the advantages of the developed system and future research directions are also described.