Shadow maps and projective texturing in X3D

Abstract

We propose a number of X3D extensions to enable shadows in the virtual worlds. Our higher-level extensions are an easy way to request shadows independently of their implementation. Lower-level extensions allow to control the details of shadow maps generation and projective texture mapping. Together, they allow the authors to activate real-time dynamic shadows on 3D scenes. The extensions expose also projective texture mapping for purposes other than shadows, for example we can cast a color texture from a light source. Introduced concepts map naturally to any basic shadow maps implementation, and integrate nicely with existing X3D components like textures and shaders.