The Annotated VRML 2.0 Reference Manual

The Annotated VRML 2.0 Reference Manual is the definitive reference written by the architects of the technology. Webmasters, programmers, and graphic designers will learn how to use VRML 2.0 as its creators envisioned.

Intended to complement existing tutorial books on VRML 2.0, The Annotated VRML 2.0 Reference Manual will dig down into the crucial details of the specification, explaining critical corners of the technology and documenting the foundation on which the technology was created.

This complete specification for the Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) version 2.0 (as of Feb, '97), contains the design notes and rationale for VRML 2.0, the 3D analog to HTML, and presents key concepts, syntax, structure and protocols. It discusses events, scripting and extensions. Alphabetized node references include examples and tips, as do field and event references. The book concludes with an examination of conformance and support requirements. Appendices contain grammar definitions, examples, and Java scripting guide. Companion CD-ROM contains this publication in HTML format. The user must be familiar with VRML.

The Annotated VRML 2.0 Reference Manual is ideal for Web authors and implementers who are interested in creating dynamic, interactive, 3D Web pages and virtual worlds. This is the definitive guide to the VRML 2.0 specification, written by two of its creators. VRML, or Virtual Reality Modeling Language, is a 3D analog to HTML. Both VRML and HTML are easy-to-use, multi-platform languages for creating Web pages and virtual worlds. VRML also provides a method of interchanging 3D files, as well as the technology that integrates 3D, 2D, text, and multimedia applications.

This book explains the ins and outs of VRML 2.0--why it was designed in the way that it was, how to use it most effectively, how to implement it, and what to avoid. Rikk Carey and Gavin Bell give you expert advice and inside knowledge about:

• Architectural fundamentals, such as prototypes, routing, scripting execution models, and binding node behavior
• Syntax and semantics of every node, field, and event in the specification
• Practical examples of each node, along with helpful annotations and tips
• Baseline requirements to which VRML must adhere
• Integrating Java and Javascript with VRML.

Rikk Carey is the former Director of Engineering at SGI, where he was responsible for a variety of 3D interactive graphic projects including Open Inventor, Showcase 3D, Annotator, VRML, WebSpace, Cosmo Player, and many others. Rikk is one of the three authors of the VRML 2.0 specification.

Gavin Bell is a former member of Technical Staff at Silicon Graphics, one of the chief architects of the Open Inventor toolkit, and a technical leader within SGI. Gavin is one of the three authors of the VRML 2.0 specification.

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