The Past

Nicknamed VRML (pronounced "vermal"), Virtual Reality Modeling Language was initially presented in 1994, and then again in 1997. The intent was to create realistic three-dimensional experiences for gamers, shoppers, and chat participants using the Web. Despite massive publicity, it simply never found an audience on the Web.

The idea met with several hurdles that proved to be insurmountable – lack of bandwidth, slow computers, and unsophisticated software on the user end. Developers of the new standard believe that now the time is right - end user technology has reached a point where it can perform the rapid transfer of massive files essential for Web 3D to fly.

The Present

While it’s not in common use just yet, the X3D standard is a well-thought out attempt to bring 3D to the Web. It’s based upon VRML-97, which at one point was poised to step in as the Web’s new 3D standard, but instead the VRML-97 concept evolved into X3D.

The new standard offers much smaller client software (around one eighth the size of VRML’s engine), which is good news for end users.

X3D possesses a component-based architecture that allows developers to use only required elements for specific applications. Because not all companies have the same requirements of X3D, it’s possible to add or remove various components on the clients. Use of components allows developers a great deal of flexibility, and its modularity is a major strength of X3D. Extensibility is another advantage - custom components can be created and added to existing clients.

Profiles provide X3D with general sets of components for particular applications. Three profiles are included in the specification, and these are:

Interchange

Interactive

Extensibility

The Interchange profile allows support for basic objects and allows for content exchange between X3D authoring systems; the Interactive profile builds upon the Interchange profile and allows users to interact and manipulate objects in three-dimensional worlds; the Extensibility profile allows for development of additional components. Custom profiles may be created for any specific use - they include only those components necessary to perform a given function.

X3D embraces many technologies. Its specification can be implemented in C, C++, Java, among other languages. X3D uses the XML document structure, including DTDs and tags. Since XML is already in place in many organizations, its familiarity will help make the step to X3D that much simpler.

Markets

X3D technology may sound enticing, but how will it make money on the Web? Developers of the X3D standard are optimistic for the future of 3D on the Web. They foresee Web surfers shopping and playing in 3D worlds, using 3D tools to navigate through sites.

3D eliminates the separation of users from objects by space, whether it’s a patron viewing a vase in a museum or a shopper contemplating the online purchase of a new coat. It’s now possible to see and hear elements of a virtual world; some other developers are also striving toward the ability to touch virtual world elements too. It’s possible that one day you’ll be able to pick up and touch the fabric of a shirt in a virtual store.

Currently, virtual 3D worlds enjoy popularity outside of the Web in limited spheres. VRML is useful for training people in situations too expensive or dangerous to replicate in the real world. The military uses 3D technology widely. So does private industry for 3D training manuals. It’s popular in specialized educational situations (like virtual surgeries), and in lower tech applications like interior design, as well.

Nearly any application where static CAD (Computer Aided Design) is useful, 3D design is even more useful. While these markets have not yet translated into profit on the Web, the new X3D proposal makes 3D profitability seem nearer than ever before.

Developers of the open X3D standard hope the computing world will embrace their Web 3D standard as widely as it has accepted others – notably, HTML and XML. Open standards encourage many vendors to create tools to use such technologies, making it easier for authors to create content.

One of the biggest challenges currently facing X3D is the development of an X3D-capable browser. The Java 3D Working Group is developing such a browser, called Xj3D. The prototype has been tested on Linux and Solaris so far with the Win32 platform coming soon. Additionally, Blaxxun, a long-time creator of virtual reality content, has released Contact VRML 97 browser, which is compatible with X3D applications.

Obviously Microsoft figures heavily into the acceptance of X3D – if Internet Explorer supports the standard without requiring an additional plugin, X3D would almost be assured success. However, Microsoft is slow to support open standards and it is still considering whether they will build X3D support into a future release of Internet Explorer.

Will 3D on the Web finally catch on? Certainly many of the old problems are less troublesome now that faster computers and Internet connections are becoming the norm. Only time will tell, however, if consumers are ready to at last step out of their 2D desktops and into a 3D Web surfing experience.

- Jackie Rosenberger