[X3D-Public] proposed feature: ability for scene to query browser regarding node support

[Rex Melton]

On 4/4/2013 12:16 PM, Don Brutzman wrote:
> Yes, excellent description of what is specified.  Thanks Rex!
>
> I certainly agree, it is an important and valuable feature that is 
> already provided in the specification.  However, the widespread and 
> difficult problem for authors is that browsers don't match their 
> internal conformance to what is required.. feature support is usually 
> a "work in progress."
>

If a browser lies to you about it's supported profiles and components - 
then it should be taken out to the wood shed and be flogged.

> So, am wondering if this potential added feature, asking about a 
> specific node, might help authors deal with this long-standing problem.
>
> Do you think such a Browser API call would be simple enough to 
> implement and maintain in Xj3D?
>

I can't imagine it being terribly difficult. But.... an additional api 
call is not going to prevent a browser from misrepresenting it's 
capabilities.

>
> On 4/4/2013 8:26 AM, Rex Melton wrote:
>>
>> Support information is available, but not in a 'is my node supported'
>> function call.
>>
>> An author can determine the supported components and levels by querying
>> the browser object through the SAI.
>>
>> The component info object contains the max supported level. Nodes and
>> their features are spec'ed for each component by level.
>>
>>
>>
>> On 4/4/2013 10:45 AM, Don Brutzman wrote:
>>> On 4/4/2013 7:37 AM, Joe D Williams wrote:
>>>> Hi Don,
>>>>
>>>>> query browser regarding node support
>>>>
>>>> As Leonard mentioned in the meeting, mostly much better to depend upon
>>>> existing declarations.
>>>
>>> Sorry Joe, but I'm not following, please elaborate.
>>>
>>> Regarding existing declarations:
>>>
>>> - Existing declarations of X3D version/profile/component in
>>> specification/schema/DTD are exact
>>> - Browser declarations in documentation are often missing or change
>>> over time
>>> - An author doesn't know in advance whose browser/player will be used
>>> for their scene, and so cannot be certain of support
>>>
>>> The idea that I'm suggesting is, should an authored script be able to
>>> check with the Browser to see if a given node is supported?
>>> - Being able to check this allows the author to provide an alternative
>>> - Also allows at least some form of graceful declaration
>>> - Example: "Sorry, your X3D browser is missing CAD support using
>>> NURBS, please click here to see the video instead"
>>>
>>>
>>> all the best, Don
>>
>>
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>
>
> all the best, Don