In the early days of the Web a need was recognized for a language to display 3D objects through a browser. An HTML-like language, VRML, was proposed in 1994 and became the standard for describing interactive 3D objects and worlds on the Web. 3D Web courses were started, several best-selling books were published, and VRML continues to be used today. However VRML, because it was based on HTML, is a stodgy language that is not easy to incorporate with other applications and has been difficult to add features to. Meanwhile, applications for interactive 3D graphics have been exploding in areas such as medicine, science, industry, and entertainment. There is a strong need for a set of modern Web-based technologies, applied within a standard extensible framework, to enable a new generation of modeling & simulation applications to emerge, develop, and interoperate. X3D is the next generation open standard for 3D on the web. It is the result of several years of development by the Web 3D Consortium's X3D Task Group. Instead of a large monolithic specification (like VRML), which requires full adoption for compliance, X3D is a component-based architecture that can support applications ranging from a simple non-interactive animation to the latest streaming or rendering applications. X3D replaces VRML, but also provides compatibility with existing VRML content and browsers. Don Brutzman organized the first symposium on VRML and is playing a similar role with X3D; he is a founding member of the consortium. Len Daly is a professional member of the consortium and both Len and Don have been involved with the development of the standard from the start. The first book on the new way to present interactive 3D content over the Web, written by two of the designers of the standard Plentiful illustrations and screen shots in the full color text Companion website with extensive content, including the X3D specification, sample code and applications, content creation tools, and demos of compatible Web browsers

This is the first book devoted to both SVG and X3D as a new and universal means of visualizing information. It presents the state-of-the-art research emerging in this novel area and introduces SVG and X3D fundamentals and leading authoring tools. The key topics covered include: - The foundations of SVG and X3D - Data, information, knowledge and network visualization - Advanced and distributed user interfaces - Visualizing metadata and the Semantic Web - Visual interfaces to Web services - New trends and paradigms in publishing and Interactive TV - Displaying geographically referenced data and chemical structures - Advanced use of Adobe Illustrator and X3D-Edit authoring tools This book will be essential reading not only for researchers, Web developers and graduate students but also for undergraduates and everyone who is interested in using the next-generation computer graphics on their websites.

Build four projects using Blender for 3D Printing, giving you all the information that you need to know to create high-quality 3D printed objects. About This Book A project based guide that helps you design beautiful 3D printing objects in Blender Use mesh modeling and intersections to make a custom architectural model of a house Create a real world 3D printed prosthetic hand with organic modeling and texturing painting Who This Book Is For If you're a designer, artist, hobbyist and new to the world of 3D printing, this is the book for you. Some basic knowledge of Blender and geometry will help, but is not essential. What You Will Learn Using standard shapes and making custom shapes with Bezier Curves Working with the Boolean, Mirror, and Array Modifiers Practicing Mesh Modeling tools such as Loop Cut and Slide and Extrude Streamlining work with Proportional Editing and Snap During Transform Creating Organic Shapes with the Subdivision Surface Modifier Adding Color with Materials and UV Maps Troubleshooting and Repairing 3D Models Checking your finished model for 3D printability In Detail Blender is an open-source modeling and animation program popular in the 3D printing community. 3D printing brings along different considerations than animation and virtual reality. This book walks you through four projects to learn using Blender for 3D Printing, giving you information that you need to know to create high-quality 3D printed objects. The book starts with two jewelry projects-- a pendant of a silhouette and a bracelet with custom text. We then explore architectural modeling as you learn to makes a figurine from photos of a home. The final project, a human hand, illustrates how Blender can be used for organic models and how colors can be added to the design. You will learn modeling for 3D printing with the help of these projects. Whether you plan to print at-home or use a service bureau, you'll start by understanding design requirements. The book begins with simple projects to get you started with 3D modeling basics and the tools available in Blender. As the book progresses, you'll get exposed to more robust mesh modeling techniques, modifiers, and Blender shortcuts. By the time you reach your final project, you'll be ready for organic modeling and learning how to add colors. In the final section, you'll learn how to check for and correct common modeling issues to ensure the 3D printer can make your idea a reality! Style and approach The profile pendant teaches background images, Bezier Curves, and Boolean Union. The Mirror Modifier, Boolean Difference, and Text objects are introduced with the coordinate bracelet. Mesh modeling, importing SVG files, and Boolean Intersection help make the house figurine. The human hand illustrates using the Subdivision Surface Modifier for organic shapes and adding color to your designs.