— the 'Visual Assistant'

VRML + Art

VRML + Design

VRML + Performing Arts
 

VRML: the technology
  
Multi-User worlds

Wearable computing

> Visual Assistant
  

Project output

Project conclusions

Free downloadable versions of the application software are available from the Visual Assistant web-site.  The site also contains a User Guide, background information and over fifty VRML models developed by students using the software.

The main use to date has been in the field of theatre visualisation.  It was realised that a new type of 3D development environment was required to address the following needs:

• to have the 'look-and-feel' of a theatre;
• to be very simple to use;
• to be very simple to learn;
• to assist the transition from 2D to 3D;
• to enable the quick prototyping of ideas;
• to enable the exchange of ideas about visual and spatial matters;
• to provide a basis for further development if required.

The software is based upon the technique of using 2D images (with transparency) as flat 3D objects that can be manipulated with four degrees of freedom within a fixed space.  Various specialised techniques (such as projecting an object onto the floor) are added.  The designed space is then exported as a VRML 2.0 world.

The software was developed first on the Apple Macintosh platform.  A PC version is under development and a demonstration copy of this is downloadable.  It is intended that fully compatible versions will be available by the end of 2000.

The Visual Assistant was developed partly under the NVRCAD project and was partly supported by other institutions.