Using VRML 97 Animation Capabilities for Interactive 3D Visualization of Discrete Simulation Data

In this paper we show how the Virtual Reality Modeling Language VRML (ISO/IEC standard 14772) can be used for 3D visualization of discrete simulation data. This is accomplished by using certain capabilities of VRML 97: constructs for 3D animation, the Java external authoring interface and the PROTO mechanism. A VRML output generator has been integrated in an existing visualization tool, CASUS Anim and a VRML browser CASUS Presenter with specai VR features like head-tracking has been implemented. This enables interactive 3D visualization of simulation data with animation and interactive walk-throughs as well as a presentation using VR methodologies. However, since CASIS Presenter is based on VRML and fully implemented in Java, it can be used as a flexible VRML browser in various application scenarios.