Open Standards for Real-Time 3D Communication

It seems to me that the past two or three Siggraph’s were all about cool content and media entertainment. I mostly only saw tools for creating and managing (and converting) content. For one, just how many motion capture tools does the industry need?! I also saw the usual huge batch of competing modeling tools, training on how to make content, and many cute 3D animations. However, even though I talked to at least three other trade association involved in 3D one way or another, I did not see much in the way of “serious” 3D application tools or development. IBM and AvarSYS had one very cool demo on oil exploration and testing, but beyond that, I did not see any new CAD tools nor did I see much in the way of medical imaging, beyond Sense Graphics haptics tools in our booth, although I know they exist. It’s worth noting however that games and casual online entertainment are carrying the flag in the new digital content parade and that is something we should all be aware of and use to get X3D products some attention in the 3D markets. Even if only for marketing purposes, much of what Web3D members do can be shown and explored in a casual game for new clients to get a feel for what they will be buying or licensing. I for one, at least think it’s worth considering. Read on to see what I mean about how popular games are online…