VRML appears to be making some headway:
zdnet.co.uk
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VRML tool brings 3D Web closer
Sat, 20 Jan 2001 07:20:08 GMT
Arif Mohamed, IT Week
Reality bytes from ParallelGraphics
Web-based 3D graphics specialist, ParallelGraphics, has released
Cortona 3, the latest version of its client to render scenes, for the
Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML). The product is
aimed at firms that want to add detailed interactive scenes to their
Web sites. The 500kB VRML client can autoinstall itself into a
browser. Complex VRML sites can be as small as 200kB.
ParallelGraphics creates bespoke visual applications, including
Web-based room assemblers for estate agents or furniture
vendors, which allow users to create scale models of rooms and
add objects to them online. The user can then view the result in
any direction.
ParallelGraphics has also created 3D virtual exhibitions, medical
simulations, entertainment sites and interactive online training
manuals.
Connell Gallagher, the firm's president, said there is a particular
need for 3D technology in the engineering sector. "We have been
working with quite large industrial companies, and most have large
libraries of 3D computer-aided designs," he said. "Ultimately,
engineers will be able to go off with a mobile phone and download
a 3D manual on the road. In six to 12 months you will start to see
this."
Cristiano Bianchi, creative director for ParallelGraphics, added
that cost savings can be made by using VRML with business
partners, for example to walk through a 3D engineering model
with remote engineers to solve a parts problem.
Gallagher admitted that 3D models have not yet entered
mainstream business use, beyond visualising networks, but said
that processor power, bandwidth and software compression are
now sufficient to support wider use of 3D systems.
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