3D Post Processing Methods for Web Based Integration
Marcos Rodrigues · SHURA (Sheffield Hallam University Research Archive) (Sheffield Hallam University) · 2009
Adding interactive 3D contents to a web application can significantly enhance the learning experience. The difficulty with current technology is that it is not fast enough to provide the same level of experience as with current 2D images and video streams, so most 3D contents on the Web are simulated, or “flat” 3D. OpenGL is the standard graphics library for 3D visualization and it comes pre‐ installed on all operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux, and Unix). JavaScript is the most popular scripting language on the Internet and it is compatible with all browsers. Standards for 3D contents are evolving and by early 2010 Mozilla will release their open standards based on JavaScript and OpenGL, which will not require additional plug‐ins. Google O3D is based on the same concepts of using JavaScript for developing dynamic content and then interfacing these to the underlying OpenGL libraries taking full advantage of client’s hardware. This tutorial will cover an introduction to JavaScript and the development of 3D models using tools such as Google SketchUp and the display of interactive scenes within a web browser using O3D. Once a model is created using a 3D modelling tool (e.g. SketchUp, Studio Max, or Maya) it can then be exported to COLLADA file format and converted into a compressed file that can be loaded by O3D and displayed in the web browser. By using the mouse, the user can rotate, zoom‐in and out, and translate the scene in a very responsive way. A 3D scene can be as elaborated as desired including texture and light effects.