How VR
Works
Since
the invention of the computer people have been building virtual worlds, computer
models of real or imaginary worlds that allow the user to interact with objects
or other people. The first of these "virtual worlds" were text based.
Later they became image based .
Today virtual worlds are being developed in 3 dimensions, populated with 3D
objects that can be manipulated by the viewer
VRML defined
Virtual Reality Modeling Language - a programming language that
allows the
construction of 3 dimensional spaces and objects.
VRML Example
(view the source
code)
VR Worlds
The
3D spaces created with VRML are commonly referred to as "worlds." Theses "worlds" may be microcosms populated
by only a single object, or with multiple objects, or they may be expanded to
include huge numbers of objects and even VR communities populated with virtual
representations of real people, called avatars. When you visit a VR community
you see the avatars of other visitors - they see you! Your avatars interact,
even speak, like real people.
Thor the Avatar
VRML flavors
Despite the establishment of a "standard" - an accepted form of the
VRML programming language - VRML
code has been modified by a number of vendors to accommodate non-standard
features offered by various VRML developing tools. At some sites you may be
required to download specific browser plug-ins to view content.
[Schedule][Plug-ins][Definitions][Resources][Searching]