DESIGN:

VRML:

Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML, 'Vermel').

VRML is a multi-platform text based language that describes 3 dimensional objects, their physics and representation. VRML can be generated by simply coding the characteristics into a text file or by exporting a modelled form from a 3D modelling application, such as 3D Studio Max (PC) and Strata Studio (Mac). VRML files are usually small and compact and can therefore be transferred using internet technologies between machines. VRML objects and environments are usually viewed using a web browser with an appropriate plugin. They can be embedded inside ordinary HTML pages and manipulated using programming languages such as Java. VRML files can be identified by .wrl after the file name. External files such as JPEG's and GIFF's can be incorporated into a VRML environment or mapped onto a VRML object. The External Authoring Interface (EAI)has been developed in order that scripts and interactions can be generated to externally control VRML environments.

VRML 1.0 presented static objects. VRML 2.0 enables animation, interaction and advanced features such as multiuser interactions and autonomous objects with embedded intelligence. Primarily VRML 1 and 2 have been developed outside of the mainstream corporate software manufacturers. Initiated in 1989 by Silicon Graphics Inc. as a generic 3D authoring tool it wasnÕt until 1994 that the format emerged as VRML 1.0 and the first VRML savvy web browsers appeared. After much tinkering VRML 2.0 emerged in 1996, and obtained ISO standard status as VRML97.

As a file format it has not lived up to the aspirations of its early developers who saw it as the structural language of Cyberspace, offering a rich and dynamic 3D interface. However as the brief history below indicates, it is still early days. The VRML community has already proposed a new, backward compatible, innovative 3D standard for the Internet. With greater Internet bandwidth, improved handling of 3D renders by modern computers, the dream of Cyberspace as a 3D matrix with its own physical laws may soon be realised.