Concepts

3D / X3D

3D is short for three dimensional. Computers are able to create virtual worlds with three dimensional effects. This is often used in computer games but is also very useful with medical and technical applications (development of cars for example). As 3D becomes available not only to high end computer systems it gets more and more used as an additional media for information. Creating virtual exhibitions is one of those possibilities.

Browser Plugin

To view 3D content with your browser a plugin like Flux (now Vivaty Player) needs to be installed.

Project

A project is a container for one or more rooms.

Room

A room is the place where you want your exhibition to be. Unlike physical rooms it is not defined by walls. A room only limits the space you have available to place exhibits.

Viewpoint

A viewpoint can be understood as a camera. Using viewpoints makes your objects visible.

Connection

Viewpoints can be connected to create virtual tours of your room.

Repository

A repository defines the location of your media files. The repository path will be the starting point for your content.

Content

Once you have defined a repository with its path you can load files into the content tab. Those files can then be used for your exhibits. These formats can be used for your 3D rooms.

Export

The export function creates either an HTML file with an embedded X3D file or just an X3D file. The HTML file can be viewed with the Internet Explorer when the Vivaty (f.k.a. Flux) Plugin is installed. (Download)
The X3D file can be opened with a standalone player or, when the filetype is associated with it, also with the browser.