VRML - Java/JavaScript - CGI

Jump to:

• VRML
• Java & Javascript
• CGI - Common Gateway Interface

I am very interested in all of the above, here are some programs I have written, NB some are quirky, some are useless and some are ...

VRML - Virtual Reality Modeling Language

NB you need a VRML browser to see these files.

My Final year project - A Data Visualisation tool for the Internet using VRML is now finished. Please take a look at it and send any comments or job oppurtunities you may have ;-). VRML Data Visualisation Tool

VRML is the future of the Internet, It will coexist quite happily with all those flat, featurelss, 2 dimensional HTML pages that are out there but it offers a 3 dimension - just like real life. My examples here are not much like real life, but thats because they are VRML version 1.0, coming out very soon is VRML 2.0 which will add magic to these - static - 3D worlds/objects. For more information about VRML try the VRML Repository. Browsers I recommend are Paperinc's Live3D and Chaco Systems excellent VR Scout.

• The Cyberclock

  This is the crowning glory of my VRML collection. Getting old now - I programmed it in May 1995, it is still accessed quite frequently. It is an example of VRML generated by a CGI binary. Follow the above link for more information.

• RGB cube Explorer

  NB - this is NOT really working, it tends to get confused over frames, but you will get the idea... This is an experimental VRML server to let the user explore a RGB colour cube. The user can move a 'sample point' around in the Cube and observe the colour changing in a frame in the lower right of the window. This is best viewed using an embedded VRML viewer such as WebFX/Live3D or VR Scout but it can still be used by a standalone browser - as long as supports the full VRML 1.0 spec. As the program uses frames Netscape 2.0 is required.

  The Cube is generated by a CGI binary written in C. It is an example of a recursive program where its output will be passed back to it self and a new output (update Cube) is generated.

  Try the above link!

• Segmented cube generator

  This generates a Segemented VRML cube with a specified number of segments across. The segments can be selected with the mouse, resulting in the cube being regenerated with the selected segment highlighted.

  It is an example of a CGI binary file written in C that calls it self once started. It is initially started by filling in the form below. Higher values result in a bigger 'input space' but degraded performance of the VRML viewer.

  This cube could be used as a 3D input parameter.

  No. of subcubes across
  

• Miscellaneous objects

  DNA
  This is an exmaple of a DNA strand generated by a program I wrote.
  Skynets 3D logo
  This is an example of a texture-mapped VRML file. It has extensions (non-standard) for Live3D but is still viewable by other VRML browsers. For the full effect your browser must support textures.

  Two versions are available:

  • Skynets 3D homepage with EMBEDed VRML Live3D or VR Scout
  • The actual VRML file - other browsers.

My Java examples here are limited, I am still developing at home. Expect to see more here in future.
• Mouse tracker
  This is a very simple applet that I wrote in under an hour.
  Mouse your mouse in the above area. I'm keeping an eye on you!

• JavaScript
  The only example of JavaScript I have available (to you!) is on my homepage. When uou move your mouse over a 'hotspot' i.e. the Table, more information automatically appears in the lower frame - with you having clicked your mouse button!.
  • Show me the homepage again!

Simple InFix Calculator i.e. Normal

Information
Enter in your mathematical expression as normal, Round Brackets '( )' May be used 1+2=3 1+(5.5*(2+3))= NB make you include '=' as the last character!

The above programs form a small part of my Final year project:

"A Data visualisation tool for the Internet using VRML"

More information - including the full project will be online soon.

The calculator above will is a parser that will soon be able to parse statements like:

X=sin(y/2*PI)
Z=cos(x*(1/z) )

This will allow the user to define parametrically the data that will be visualised. However data can also be 'pasted' into a FORM, e.g. a column could be selected from a spreadsheet and pasted into the X field of a FORM, then Y could be defined as:

Y=X/10*(1+Z)


Where Z is either user supplied data or another parametric function.

Guestbook

I have written a Guestbook which archives guest messages. I wrote it for a company called Multimedia Technologies Ireland, I also administer their webserver.
• Sign my Guestbook!
• See my guestbook Administration front end.

Call back soon for more CGIs! or email me if you want one programmed in ANSI C.