Distributed Virtual Worlds [Hardcover]

Stephan Diehl (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 3540676244 | ISBN-13: 978-3540676249 | Publication Date: March 23, 2001 | Edition: 1

With the widespread use of VRML browsers, e.g., as part of the Netscape and Internet Explorer standard distributions, everyone connected to the Internet can directly enter a virtual world without installing a new kind of software. The VRML technology offers the basis for new forms of customer service such as interactive three-dimensional product configuration, spare part ordering, or customer training. Also, this technology can be used for CSCW in intranets. The reader should be familiar with programming languages and computers and, in particular, should know Java or at least an object-oriented programming language. The book not only provides and explains source code, which can be used as a starting point for own implementations, but it also describes the fundamental problems and how currently known solutions work. It discusses a variety of different techniques and trade-offs. Many illustrations help the reader to understand and memorize the underlying principles.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Recently with the success of Java and the existence of different interfaces between VRML and Java, it became possible to implement three-dimensional Internet applications on standard VRML browsers (PlugIns) using Java. With the widespread use of VRML browsers, e.g., as part of the Netscape and Internet Explorer standard distributions, everyone connected to the Internet can directly enter a virtual world without installing a new kind of software. The VRML technology offers the basis for new forms of customer service such as interactive three-dimensional product configuration, spare part ordering, or customer training. Also, this technology can be used for CSCW in intranets. The reader should be familiar with programming languages and computers and, in particular, should know Java or at least an object-oriented programming language. The book not only provides and explains source code, which can be used as a starting point for own implementations, but it also describes the fundamental problems and how currently known solutions work. It discusses a variety of different techniques and trade offs. Many illustrations help the reader to understand and memorize the underlying principles.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 178 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (March 23, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3540676244
• ISBN-13: 978-3540676249
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,578,981 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Its from 2001..., December 6, 2009

By 

R. ANTUNES "Rui" (Peru) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Distributed Virtual Worlds (Hardcover)

Though, it is a book published in 2001, right in the vortex of virtual worls, in other words, a quite long time ago. However excelent and clear as an historical perspective.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Overview !!!, November 18, 2002

By 

Marc Miller (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Distributed Virtual Worlds (Hardcover)

The book is well written with a wide and broad view of this area. The book has a practical and a theoretical part. In
the theoretical part it provides an overview of the methods and principles behind virtual worlds clearly presented with illustrations. The practical part introduces the Virutal Reality Modeling Language and gives examples of how to built virtual worlds using VRML and Java.

2 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars 3D Student, February 11, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Distributed Virtual Worlds (Hardcover)

This book contains a lot about the history of VRML, but is pretty short on the actual subject of distriubuted virtual environments (and that is the title-so you would assume a little more information). The examples are kind of useful, but some don't work and in general you can find much better stuff on the web.
This book is really only useful if you are desperate for a short introduction and not looking for any detail.