VRML Research Articles

Generative Visualization System for Subject Matter Experts

Subject matter experts are often faced with the need to make decisions based on dynamic and complex data. In fields such as program management and intelligence analysis, the decision maker may not have the time or background to use computational tools to assist their analysis. Background research associated with genetic algorithms is reviewed leading to the need to apply cognitive modeling technology to improve the usability of interactive genetic algorithms. This work details a system applied to support missile defense mission planning referred to as the Generative Visualization System. The tool integrates an interactive genetic algorithm and a computational model of cognition with virtual reality modeling language based visualizations.

Virtual Menus on VRML

The Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) has allowed the expansion of resources and possibilities for architectural applications. In order to take even more advantage of VRML, we developed an application of virtual menus within VRML using Java Script as a first step to the creation of a Synthetic Environment Laboratory for architectural design. This paper briefly presents the criteria used to define the menus, the utilization of Visual Basic programming to allow the addition of said virtual menus to any file with extension *.wrl, specific examples of applicability of the menus developed, and how they were inserted in a methodological model of architectural design.

Integrating antenna modeling codes in Web-based visualization environments

The development of an interactive online asynchronous environment for advanced antenna modeling is presented. Electromagnetic (EM) codes are coupled with the World Wide Web (WWW), and the Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) is used for the creation of a flexible visual pre- and post-processor. The adoption of object-oriented methodologies, in conjunction with the employment of platform independent standards, contributes to the flexibility of the developed application. It is generic enough so that various numerical codes for antenna modeling can be easily integrated under a common multi-disciplinary environment. A case study regarding the modeling of conformal microstrip arrays is presented.

Development of 3D graphics and VRML libraries for Web3D platform by using Java

AbstractThis paper proposes a new 3D graphics programming environment for Web3D on the Internet. To develop 3D graphics programs on the Internet is not easy because there is no popular 3D graphics library like OpenGL. For this purpose, we developed a 3D graphics library called jGL by using Java exclusively. jGL is a general‐purpose 3D graphics library, and its API (Application Programming Interface) is defined in a manner quite similar to that of OpenGL. Since jGL offers the same functionalities as OpenGL, programmers can use it easily. Furthermore, since people have recently been able to use simple Java programs on cellular phones, migration experimentation toward i‐αppli is also described in this paper. Moreover, VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) is a standard file format for describing 3D models on the Internet. To display a 3D model on the Internet, people may like to use the VRML file format. Therefore, we also developed a VRML library called jVL by using Java exclusively as an extension of jGL. In this paper, the results and some detailed descriptions are updated compared with those in Ref. 3. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 34(10): 47–55, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.10393

The internet and medical collaboration using virtual reality

Computed Tomography (CT) provides a large amount of data but the presentation of the data to a physician can be less than satisfactory. Ideally, the image data should be available to physicians in interactive 3D to allow for improved visualization, planning and diagnosis. A virtual reality representation that not only allows for the manipulation of the image but also allows for the user to, in effect, move inside the image remotely would be ideal. In this paper the research associated with virtual reality is discussed. A formalism is then presented to create, from the CT data, the virtual reality world in the Virtual Reality Modeling Language. An implementation is described of this formalism that uses the Internet to allow for users in remote locations to view and manipulate the virtual worlds.

Toward effectively generating environment maps

We explore a cost-effective approach to creating envi- ronment maps. Unlike other environment map generating systems that use specially designed mirrors or sensing devices, our system uses off-the-shelf digital cameras. This makes our system poten- tially acquirable by average consumers. In our design, the two digital cameras are displaced vertically with parallel optical axes, and the rotation axis passes through the focal points of the two cameras. This vertical displacement arrangement overcomes the problem of having inconsistent occlusions in two adjacent stereo image sets that happen in a horizontally displaced stereo camera system. To obtain dense spatial images, our system uses color-information- based algorithms to propagate disparity values from matched fea- ture points to unmatched feature points and featureless areas. Schemes of transforming local 3-D (X,Y,Z) data to a world coordi- nate system are also devised to smoothly stitch 3-D data from indi- vidual frames for virtual reality modeling language graphics display.

A web-enabled PDM system in a collaborative design environment

For manufacturers, profitability always depends upon the orderly and efficient development, production and distribution of their products. Product Data Management (PDM) is a unique technology, which integrates and manages all applications, information and processes that define a product, from design to manufacture, and to end-user support. The recent advance in Web-based technologies has the potential to greatly enhance PDM's functionality and capability, and to overcome the obstacles that many traditional PDM systems are confronted. It is found in this research that a multi-tiered, collaborative environment with advanced Web technologies is well suited for a PDM system to operate in. In this research, the overall architecture of a Web-enabled PDM system in the Collaborative Design environment is proposed. The architecture is based on the use of open data standards to allow users on a wide variety of platforms to access the product data and other related information. It enables product visualisation using interactive 3-D graphics by the disparate members of a collaborative PDM team. Integral elements of the proposed architecture include object-oriented database (OODB), object-oriented DataBase management system, common gateway interface script and visualisation applications. The use of standard for the exchange of product model data standard effectively integrates different CAD and PDM systems. The advantage of OODB is its efficiency and effectiveness in handling complex data structures often found in engineering applications. Virtual reality modelling language provides a 3-D dynamic visualisation capability. The system, which is implemented using Microsoft Visual Basic, runs in the Windows environment with the basic Internet connections.

3D Geographic Reconstruction and Visualization Techniques Applied to Land Resource Management

Optimized land resource management depends on reliable and detailed information describing the spatial distribution of soils, geology, topography, and land use. Soil–landscapes are three–dimensional (3D) systems commonly represented using 2D maps utilizing geographic information systems. Addressing 3D soil–landscape reality is crucial for land resource management in terms of crop growth and transport processes (e.g. nitrate leaching) that are driving soil and water quality. Our objective was to investigate the usefulness of 3D geographic information technology (GIT) applied to land resource management. Our approach is based on 2D and 3D ordinary kriging interpolating surface and subsurface attributes to reconstruct soil–landscapes. We used Virtual Reality Modeling Language, which is a web–based 3D graphics language, to visualize objects (e.g. voxels, polyhedrons) representing soil and landscape attributes. We produced a 3D block model showing the spatial distribution of bulk densities and relief for a site in southern Wisconsin and a 3D stratigraphic model showing the spatial distribution of soil horizons and relief for a site in northern Florida. Emerging GIT was used to develop 3D soil–landscape models describing continuous changes of soil and landscape attributes. Combining multimedia elements (e.g. WWW, 3D visualization, and interactivity) can produce insight that would not arise from use of the elements alone. Three–dimensional scientific visualization is a powerful tool to help us see what is invisible from above the ground.

Nerve garden: germinating biological metaphors in net‐based virtual worlds

Nerve Garden is a biologically‐inspired multi‐user collaborative 3D virtual world available to a wide Internet audience. The project combines a number of methods and technologies, including L‐systems, Java, cellular automata, and virtual reality modeling language. Nerve Garden is a work in progress designed to provide a compelling experience of a virtual terrarium which exhibits properties of growth, decay and energy transfer reminiscent of a simple ecosystem. The goals of the Nerve Garden project are to create an on‐line “collaborative artificial life laboratory” which can be extended by a large number of users for purposes of education and research.

Using Virtual Reality technologies for manufacturing applications

This paper describes several methods for using the Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) as the visualisation integration technology for manufacturing simulation systems. One of our goals was to develop an integration methodology based on the Web-Based Manufacturing translators to produce reusable VRML assembly components and Simulation. Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer-generated environment that gives the illusion of being immersed in a real system. VR can be handled as improved animation operated by a simulation system. Simulation provides help in planning and analysis of physical systems, which are rather expensive or sophisticated to experiment with. Manufacturing basically comprises four basic classes of engineering tasks: product design, production design, implementation of production system, and operation of the actual production system. These tasks could benefit from the application of VR through the high-fidelity visualisations, providing model and situation representation in the 3D space, and the power of interactive handling of large data sets in real-time or near real-time. The underlying principles of VR via VRML are described and applications in design and manufacturing tasks are illustrated by Assembly Planning and Intelligent Robotic examples. The final, we propose Robotic-Simulator software design and a framework for the Web-Based Manufacturing Simulation.

Rose coloured glasses: VR and the opportunities for humane education

An abundance of research and resources can be found on the web for the teaching and learning of humane education. Lacking, are the rich experiences necessary to engage the learner. This paper documents the first stage of a research plan aimed at designing a virtual reality experience in humane education. This stage of the plan spans from conception through to creation of a web prototype, using the virtual reality modelling language (VRML), of an environment in which the human participant experiences the life of a captive animal. The paper is presented in four main parts: Part I: 'setting the scene', provides an overview of the research plan, the inspiration behind the research and background information on VR and current research and projects; Part II: 'rehearsal' describes opportunities and challenges in using a web-based 3D (web3D) technology like VRML to produce a prototype for a VR environment, further opportunities and challenges unique to web3D environments and inspiration discovered through experimentation; Part III: 'critical revue' summarises the findings in this preliminary stage of research and outlines opportunities and potential for current and subsequent research projects; Part IV: 'future productions' focuses on accessibility with a look at the opportunities available now and those on the horizon with regard to VR and VRML technologies.

Parallel multiplication-free algorithm and architecture for affine-based motion compensation

Affine transformation is widely used in image processing. Re- cently, it has been recommended by MPEG-4 for video motion compen- sation. We present a novel low-power parallel architecture for texture warping using affine transformation (AT). The architecture uses a novel multiplication-free algorithm that employs the algebraic properties of the affine transformation. Low power has been achieved at different levels of the design. At the algorithmic level, replacing multiplication operations with bit shifting saves the power and delay of using a multiplier. At the architecture level, low power is achieved by using parallel computational units. At the circuit level, using low-power cells contributes to the power savings. The proposed architecture is used as a computational kernel in video object coders. It is compatible with MPEG-4 and virtual reality modeling language (VRML) standards. The architecture has been proto- typed in 0.6-mm CMOS technology with three layers of metal. The per- formance of the proposed architecture shows that it can be used in mo- bile and handheld applications. © 2003 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation

Construction of Three-Dimensional Pharmaceutical Structure Database and Its Posting to the Internet

Our database contains three-dimensional pharmaceutical structures simulated and optimized with the molecular modeling software Macromodel. The database has been compiled from the compounds contained in Drug in Japan: Ethical Drugs, edited by the Japan pharmaceutical information center (Tokyo, Japan) in the initial stage of its development. The three-dimensional models were stored on the Web server where they can be viewed, rotated, and animated by the client with either the plug-in, Chemscape Chime, or the Java Applet, Chemis3D. We applied a molecular dynamics simulation to the molecular motion trajectories; three-dimensional animation demonstrates the actual movement and rotation of molecules on their bond axes. This database provides both zipped coordination files indicating conformational distribution for each drug and zipped virtual reality modeling language (VRML) files indicating its electrostatic potential mapped on the electron density surface. A search of the pharmaceutical structures can be conducted through drawing of partial plane structures or input of general names with JChem software to the SQL server containing fully optimized structural data.

Three-dimensional visualization forest of landscapes by VRML

Computer technology has been used to develop three-dimensional (3D) forest landscape visualization systems that include the function of three-dimensional digital plant modeling. While the earlier systems accurately simulated forest landscapes, they lacked sufficient speed and could not adequately perform walk-through simulations. The objective of this study is to describe the forest landscape visualization procedure capable of walk-through simulations and its application. We developed a forest landscape visualization system using virtual reality modeling language (VRML). This visualization system works with data of forest stands rather than individual trees. To confirm the feasibility of the system, we visualized an actual forest landscape with thousands to tens of thousands of trees. We also simulated a variety of forest landscapes and showed how this system can be used to simulate the changes of forest landscapes that occur as a result of natural processes or man-made disturbances such as planting, thinning, and harvesting. This visualization system was capable of walk-through simulation and the three-dimensional images rendered by the system enabled us to effectively visualize the forest landscape resources. The visualization by computer graphics also made it possible to confirm the accuracy of forest data.

MAT3D: a virtual reality modeling language environment for the teaching and learning of mathematics.

Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) is an independent platform language that allows the creation of nonimmersive virtual environments (VEs) and their use through the Internet. In these VEs, the viewer may navigate and interact with virtual objects, moving around and visualizing them from different angles. Students can benefit from this technology, because it permits them access to objects, which describe the topics covered in their studies in addition to oral and written information. In this work, we investigate the aspects involved in the use of VEs in teaching and learning and propose a conceptual model, called MAT3D, as a learning environment that can be used for the teaching and learning of mathematics. A case study is also presented, in which students use a virtual environment modeled in VRML. Data resulting from this study is analyzed statistically to evaluate the impact of this prototype when applied to the actual teaching and learning of mathematics.

Using a multi-user desktop-based virtual reality system to recreate the São Miguel das Missões ruins.

This paper presents a project initiated back in 1999, in which Virtual Reality is applied in order to create a virtual community over the Internet. The desktop-based multi-user virtual reality system recreates a three-dimensional environment based on photogrammetric maps from the São Miguel das Missões church ruins. The ruins correspond to one of the Jesuit Mission (settlement) which was active in the south of Brazil in the 17th and 18th centuries. It has a great importance to the local region in terms of cultural, historic, and tourist aspects. It has also been inscribed in the UNESCO's world heritage list since 1983. This electronic mock-up allows several interactive operations such as community chats, electronic message exchanging, message boards, walking-through, discussion groups, and embedding of other media such as movies, sound, and html pages. The only requirement necessary to access the community is a web browser powered with any Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) plug-in freely available over the Internet. It is expected that such a solution improves the conservation and dissemination of the Brazilian historic patrimony, congregating history, art, and tourist information in one place on the Internet.

From an Uncalibrated Image Sequence of a Building to Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML)

In this article we address the problem of the recovery of a realistic textured model of an image sequence without any prior knowledge either about the parameters of the cameras, or about their motion. Firstly, using various computer vision tools, we establish correspondences between the image pairs and estimate the fundamental matrix. Secondly, using epipolar geometry constraints, we can obtain the rectified image pairs by a novel rectification method, where the epipolar lines coincide with the image scan-line. Furthermore, we can make dense stereo matching original image pairs rapidly and simply. Thirdly, in self-calibration, the prior knowledge of orthogonal wall planes and the orthogonal and parallel lines are formulated as constraints on the absolute quadric. Finally, the 3D Euclidean model can be built through self-calibration, matching Delaunay triangulation. In producing a 2-D mesh for VRML, an algorithm for the depth adaptive mesh is proposed to give a more detailed description of the reconstructed 3-D surface of a building. A large number of experimental results show that this method increases the speed and accuracy of the reconstructed 3D model and the obtained 3D models are more realistic.

Using VRML To Visualise Landscape Change and Process

The paper describes the development of a spatial modeling language and visualisation environment that simulates landscape processes. The virtual reality modeling language (VRML) is evaluated as a suitable technology for visualising landscape models. Examples for water runoff and landform evolution are given.

A virtual reality application for geometry classes

Abstract In communicating information about geometric figures, one drawing may be worth many hundreds of words and, therefore, visualisation aids for complicated three‐dimensional (3‐D) solid objects are very helpful for both teacher and students. This paper describes the use of the Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) to visualise 3‐D objects for middle school geometry classes in a networked environment and shows its usefulness for both teacher and students. In class, the teachers use VRML objects retrieved from their server and students are allowed to explore these objects accessing the teachers' server via the world‐wide web. A comparison of the test results from VRML‐based geometry classes and traditional classes, that solely depend on verbal explanation with paper and pencil, show that the application of VRML‐based 3‐D objects has a positive affect on students' learning of geometric topics.

Evaluating Conservation Practices Using GIS and Virtual Reality Modeling Language

In order for conservation practices to be installed most effectively,watershedplannersneedtoconsidernumerousfactors such as hydrology, topology, and farming practices. Flat maps, however, may not give decision-makers sufficient perspective to determine the best location for a particular conservation practice. Geographic information systems (GIS) and virtual reality modeling language (VRML) can be used to generate a three-dimensional environment for a watershed. This view identifies spatial relationships in the watershed and can help direct the planning, installation, and maintenance of conservation practices. This paper explains the usefulness of VRML in the promotion of properly placed best management practices (BMPs). A three-dimensional environment for the Lake Springfield Watershed, in central Illinois, was created using GIS and VRML. A30-mresolutiondigitalelevationmodel(DEM)wasutilizedas the base for creating the topological layer for the three-dimensional environment. Other spatial points of interest included slope, land use, hydrology, soil type, roads, and cropping type. An additional benefit of viewing an environment in three-dimensions is that it provides watershed groups with a visual inventory of existing BMPs. This can be used to highlight conservationachievementsanddemonstratetheneedforadditionalefforts.