VRML Clearly Explained, Second Edition: Bringing Virtual Reality to the Internet [Paperback]

John R. Vacca (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0127100083 | ISBN-13: 978-0127100081 | Publication Date: December 19, 1997 | Edition: 2nd

Contrary to popular belief, Virtual Reality Markup Language (VRML) is not a programming language. It is a set of descriptions of three dimensional scenes and the expected behavior of those scenes based on actions of the user. The code is like HTML in that it is written as plain ASCII text and displayed within a Web browser. The only difference is that the browser must be a VRML-compliant browser or one that has a VRML viewer installed. When a user displays a VRML-based Web page, the user sees a three dimensional world through which he/she can physically move.



* An intermediate to advanced rapid application developer's guide to creating distributed virtual reality environments and 3-D graphics on the Internet
* Thorough discussion of VRML 2.0 and VRML97 standards and specifications, the role of the VRML Consortium, and the latest innovative ideas that have emerged from the technology
* Complete guide to using VRML with numerous VRML applications used as examples throughout the book
* Practical tips on creating high performance 3-D content
* Extensive coverage of the latest Open Inventor and Open GL graphics standards, fundamentals, and libraries
* Covers the latest VRML Script Node Authoring Interface

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Vacca is an information technology consultant and internationally known best-selling author based in Pomeroy, Ohio. Since 1982, John has authored 60 books (some of his most recent books include: "Biometric Technologies and Verification Systems," /Publisher: Elsevier Science & Technology Books (March 16, 2007); "Practical Internet Security" (Hardcover), /Publisher: Springer (October 18, 2006); "Optical Networking Best Practices Handbook" (Hardcover), /Publisher: Wiley-Interscience (November 28, 2006); "Guide to Wireless Network Security,"/Publisher: Springer (August 19, 2006); "Computer Forensics: Computer Crime Scene Investigation (With CD-ROM), 2nd Edition"/Publisher: Charles River Media (May 26, 2005); "Firewalls: Jumpstart For Network And Systems Administrators," Publisher: Elsevier Digital Press (December, 2004); "Public Key Infrastructure: Building Trusted Applications and Web Services,"/Publisher: Auerbach Publications (May 11, 2004); "Identity Theft,"/Publisher: Prentice Hall PTR (September 12, 2002 ("Identity Theft: The Michelle Brown Story," Lifetime Television for Women, Starring Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Annabella Sciorra [Expert Source and Inspiration for: "Quiz: Are You At Risk," by Sara Eckel,Release Date: 11-1-2004.)); "The World's 20 Greatest Unsolved Problems"/Publisher: Pearson Education (was rated by Amazon as number 10 of their Best Books of 2004: Top 10 Editors' Picks: Computers & Internet and, more than 600 articles in the areas of advanced storage, computer security and aerospace technology (copies of articles and books are available upon request). John was also a configuration management specialist, computer specialist, and the computer security official (CSO) for NASA's space station program(Freedom) and the International Space Station Program, from 1988 until his early retirement from NASA in 1995. In addition, John is also an Independent online book reviewer. Finally, John was also one of the security consultants for the MGM

Product Details

• Paperback: 822 pages
• Publisher: Academic Press; 2nd edition (December 19, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0127100083
• ISBN-13: 978-0127100081
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.3 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,634,199 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Not for programmers., June 15, 2000

By 

Jason Taylor (UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: VRML Clearly Explained, Second Edition: Bringing Virtual Reality to the Internet (Paperback)

A lot of money for a book on the back ground of VRML and 3D in general. Doesn't really cover programming in VRML, not even the basics. Only chapter I could find was on VRMLSCRIPT which looks okay but I use JavaScript. Most of the referances are outdated or not available anymore and the CDROM has very little content, mostly URL links to deleted sites. The only programming chapter uses a 3rd party front end language tool which can export to VRML, alas this isn't on the CDROM and is no longer available at the URL. About 60-80% of the book is about what you can use VRML and 3D on the web for, I have an imagination so I can figure most of that out. I guess it's back to the dozen or so downloaded refs that I already have, I really wanted a book I could site down with and get a better understanding of some of the concepts and programming techniques in VRML, this isn't it. (If I had been able to find it in a bookstore to look at first it would have been left there.)

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars We use it as a daily reference, October 29, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: VRML Clearly Explained, Second Edition: Bringing Virtual Reality to the Internet (Paperback)

We manufacture VR Systems and we must costantly keep ourselves abrest of what happens in all secors related to our field. All of our SW developers have avidly read the book and preize it as a valuable work tool. I must say that all books written by John Vacca are clear, straight to the point, well documented and can easily turn into reference material for professionals as well as non specialist that want to know about the subjects John Vacca decides to write about

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting book about heavyweight subject, October 20, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: VRML Clearly Explained, Second Edition: Bringing Virtual Reality to the Internet (Paperback)

Vacca's 800-page review of a heavyweight subject is broken up into stages to allow the reader to dip in and out. The book cannot be classed as an 'idiot's guide' because it does assume some level of prior knowledge, but most readers with enough interest to read the book will have a grounding in the subject anyway. Vacca's style is accessible with interesting tangents mentioned such as science fiction and the influence of the sex industry. Conclusions and summaries are welcome, as is a guide to computer jargon. Also, one of the most appealing features of the publication is the use of pictures to illustrate the theories discussed. In summary, the possible technological applications and overall introduction to an in-depth subject are well covered and anyone with an interest in learning more about the Internet and how to harness it is advised to take a look.