Difference between revisions of "X3D and Augmented Reality"

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== History ==
+
= Calendar: Meetings and Events =
Web3D Consortium has a special interest in the recent AR initiatives and creating the AR Technology Road Map.
+
  
We have several member projects showcasing the feasibility of AR in X3D, particularly [http://www.x3dom.org X3DOM] open source produced by [http://www.igd.fhg.de/www/igd-a4 Fraunhofer IGD].
+
== Meetings ==
 +
Our monthly teleconference meeting for X3D and Mixed/Augmented Reality is usually:
 +
On 3rd Wednesday of a month, at 12am (00:00) US Pacific / 9am Germany / 5pm Korea
  
* X3DOM can serve as an out of the box, standards-based solution for AR developers.
+
The schedule is subject to change based on the time zone for most expected attendees. The meeting is held on Web3D Consortium teleconference line.
  
* X3D and X3DOM continue to improve scripting options for X3D with HTML5 and this has good promise for AR applications.
+
Our next teleconference meeting is:
 +
TBA
  
* X3DOM is being considered for potential standardization in a Mobile and/or Augmented Reality (AR) profile for X3D.
+
== Events ==
 +
*Web 3D and ISO/IEC JTC1 SC24 WG9 meetings, Jan 26-28, 2015, Seoul, Korea
 +
*Web 3D and ISO/IEC JTC1 SC24 WG9 meetings, Jan 20-22, 2014, Seoul, Korea
 +
*[http://www.perey.com/ARStandards/eighth-ar-standards-community-meeting AR Standards Community Meeting, March 1-2, 2013, Barcelona, Spain]
 +
*Web 3D and ISO/IEC JTC1 SC24 WG9 meetings, Jan 28-31, 2013, Seoul, Korea
 +
*AR Standards Community Meeting - November 8-9, 2012 - Atlanta, US.
 +
*ISO/IEC JTC1 SC24 Plenary and WG6, WG9 meetings, August 20-24, 2012, Brussels, Belgium
 +
*[http://s2012.siggraph.org/attendees/birds-feather Augmented and Mixed Reality Web3D BOF at SIGGRAPH 2012, August 8, 2012, Los Angeles, CA, USA]
 +
*[http://web3d2012.org Web3D Conference, August 4-5, 2012, Los Angeles, CA, USA]
 +
*OGC TP/PC Meeting - AR Working Group - Sept 19-23, 2011, Boulder, CO
 +
*W3C TPAC Meeting W3C AR Community Group - Oct 31- Nov 4, 2011, Santa Clara, CA
 +
*AR Standards Community Meeting - Oct 24, 25, 2011 - Basel, Switzerland
 +
*ISO JTC Meeting - Nov 7 - 10, 2011 - San Diego, CA
 +
*[http://www.perey.com/ARStandards/third-international-ar-standards-meeting/ Third International AR Standards Community Meeting, June 15-17, Taichung, Taiwan]
 +
*[http://web3d2011.org/ Augmented/Mixed Reality Workshop at Web3D Conference, 10:50AM-12:10PM Local Time, June 21, Paris, France]
 +
*[http://www.siggraph.org/s2011/for_attendees/birds-feather Augmented and Mixed Reality Web3D BOF at SIGGRAPH 2011, August 2011, Vancouver, Canada]
 +
*SC24 Augmented and Mixed Reality Study Group Meeting @ SC24 Plenary and Working Group Meetings, August 21 2011, Rapid City, South Dakota, USA
  
Our [http://www.web3d.kr Web3D Korea Chapter members] from ETRI are working on Mixed Reality visualization in X3D.
+
<!-- [[Upcoming X3D events]] -->
 
+
* The Consortium as been working closely within W3C HTML5 WG to align our standards for 3D visualization on the Web.
+
 
+
Additional details are available at:
+
 
+
* [http://www.web3d.org/x3d/wiki/index.php/X3D_and_HTML5 X3D and HTML5]
+
 
+
* [http://www.web3d.org/x3d/wiki/index.php/X3D_and_HTML_FAQ X3D and HTML FAQ]
+
 
+
* [http://www.x3dom.org X3DOM]
+
 
+
Web3D Consortium is also engaged with the [http://www.arstandards.org AR standards], [http://opengeospacial.org  OGC], [http://www.khronos.org Khronos] and [http://w3c.org W3C] organizations for applying and adapting X3D.
+
 
+
* Web3D Consortium will be starting an AR working group in March 2011 to develop a roadmap for AR standardization. We encourage your participation.
+
 
+
* The technology discussions and meetings will be conducted publicly so that the widest possible comment and reaction can be considered from the Community. Feedback from this community will help X3D quickly and stably adopt new technologies to provide ongoing archival value for all 3D graphics.
+
 
+
* Meanwhile Web3D Members still retain important membership rights of proposing significant new technology and considering patented technologies within a "safe haven" prior to public release.
+
 
+
[http://www.web3d.org/x3d/wiki/images/3/32/X3dProfilePossibilitiesMobileHtml5AR.2010June29.pdf Slideset summary]
+
from last summer's Mobile X3D ISO Workshop has also been
+
linked: how Mobile, HTML5 and possibly Augmented Reality (AR) components
+
might be alignable together as an X3D Mobile Profile.
+
 
+
Many new Web3D capabilities are becoming available.  There has been no better time to discuss X3D technologies and also join the [http://web3d.org/membersip/join Web3D Consortium]. Get involved in these early discussions to create the AR Technology Road Map. We look forward to your participation.
+
 
+
= Draft Charter =
+
  
Adding points to this section will be the subject of the next meetings.
+
= Charter =
  
 
== Overview ==
 
== Overview ==
The Augmented Reality Working/Special Interest Group focuses on utilizing/extending X3D functions to support augmented and mixed reality applications.
+
The Mixed and Augmented Reality (MAR) Working Group focuses on utilizing and extending X3D capabilities to support augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) applications.
  
== Discussions ==
+
''Discussion.'' These X3D AR discussions were initially held as part of a special interest group. Now that we have determined sufficient exists to modify the X3D Specification, this effort is moving forward by forming the X3D AR Working Group.
These X3D AR discussion are part of a special interest group. This effort is moving forward by forming the X3D AR Working Group. The charter, roles and responsibilities are being defined.
+
  
 
== Goals ==
 
== Goals ==
Planned goals of AR WG/SIG include:
+
Planned goals of MAR WG include:
* Collect requirements and describe typical use cases of using X3D for AR/MR application.
+
*Collect requirements and describe typical use cases for using X3D in AR/MR applications
* Develop and extend functions and nodes for X3D specification required to support AR/MR
+
*Produce and propose X3D components for AR/MR scenes and applications
* Produce sample AR/MR applications with X3D
+
*Produce sample AR/MR applications using X3D to demonstrate how this functionality can work correctly
  
 
== Tasks ==
 
== Tasks ==
 
+
*Investigate state-of-the-art technologies related to X3D and AR/MR to collect requirements and use cases
 
+
**Archive and distribute collected requirements and use cases through MAR WG wiki page
 +
*Hold regular meetings and workshops to motivate discussions and editing of AR/MR related X3D specification proposals
 +
**Regular meetings will be held through teleconferencing and workshops will be planned through regular meetings
 +
*Promote X3D in AR/MR field by developing and distributing promotional materials of AR applications based on X3D
 +
**Promotional materials include sample applications, video clips, documents, images distributed on the web
  
 
== Deliverables and Timeline ==
 
== Deliverables and Timeline ==
* Use cases of X3D for AR/MR application - May, 2011 TBD
+
[http://web3d.org/x3d/wiki/index.php/Plans_for_Merging_X3D_AR_Proposals Plans for Merging X3D AR Proposals] describes our detailed path forward through this challenging space.
* Requirements for X3D to support AR/MR applications - May, 2011 TBD
+
*August 2011: [http://www.web3d.org/x3d/wiki/index.php/X3D_AR_Requirements_and_Use_cases Use cases and requirements of X3D for AR/MR application]
* Proposed new/extended functions and nodes for X3D specification - TBD
+
*March 2012: [http://web3d.org/x3d/wiki/index.php/Comparison_of_X3D_AR_Proposals Comparison of existing proposals] from Fraunhofer team, Dr. Gun Lee and Dr. Gerry Kim
* Sample AR/MR applications with X3D - TBD
+
*August 2012: SIGGRAPH public progress review
 +
*February 2013: [http://www.web3d.org/wiki/index.php?title=AR_Proposal_Public_Review Merged proposal for X3D AR Extensions] draft ready for member review
 +
*March 2013: Public expert review and comment period [http://www.web3d.org/wiki/index.php?title=AR_Proposal_Public_Review this link]
 +
*March 2014: Proposal revision
 +
*~ June 2015: build example scenes and draft specification prose for new functionality and encodings, including XML validation
 +
*July 2015 ~ : Start discussion at X3D WG for inclusion in a future version of X3D
  
== Meetings ==
 
  
Our twice-monthly teleconference for X3D and Augmented Reality is usually
+
== Participants ==
* Together with Korea Chapter Meeting:
+
*Anita Havele
1710-1810 (Pacific time)/2010-2110 (Eastern time)  on 1st Wednesday, which is 0910-1010 (Korea time) on 1st Thursday.
+
*Don Brutzman
* AR only Meeting:
+
*Gerard J. Kim
1710-1810 (Pacific time)/2010-2110 (Eastern time)  on 3rd Tuesday, which is 0910-1010 (Korea time) on 3rd Wednesday.
+
*Gun Lee
 +
*Leonard Daly
 +
*Myeongwon Lee
 +
*Oliver Neubauer
 +
*Sabine Webel
 +
*Timo Engelke
 +
*Yvonne Jung
  
Participation is open to everyone via the Web3D teleconference line. Non-members can [mailto:anita.havele@web3d.org?subject=AR%20teleconference%20request request access information] for this call, or [http://web3d.org/membership/join Join Web3D]!
+
== Working Group Meeting Routine ==
 +
Regular meetings are held monthly via teleconference.
 +
Participation is open to everyone via the Web3D teleconference line.  
  
Our next public teleconference is 15/16 March 2011.
+
Non-members can [mailto:anita.havele@web3d.org?subject=AR%20teleconference%20request request access information] for this call, or [http://web3d.org/membership/join Join Web3D] for full member priveleges!
  
Meeting agenda:
+
Meeting agenda and minutes are also distributed on the [mailto:x3d-public@web3d.org?subject=X3D%20AR%20Working%20Group x3d-public@web3d.org] mailing list and [http://www.web3d.org/membership/login/list_archives archived online].
TBA through the mailing list.
+
  
Discussions occur on the [mailto:x3d-public@web3d.org x3d-public@web3d.org mailing list].  If the email traffic becomes very busy then we can create a separate email list.
+
= Augmented Reality Roadmap for X3D =
 +
The [[Augmented Reality Roadmap for X3D]] is a description document charting shared strategies and our way forward.
  
Meeting minutes are also distributed on the X3D-Public mailing list and [http://web3d.org/pipermail/x3d-public_web3d.org/ archived online].
+
= History and Background Information =
 +
Web3D Consortium formed a special interest group on AR initiatives in July 2009 worked to help create the AR Technology Road Map.
  
 +
Several Web3D Consortium member projects showcase the feasibility of AR in X3D, particularly [http://www.x3dom.org X3DOM] open source produced by [http://www.igd.fhg.de/www/igd-a4 Fraunhofer IGD].
 +
*X3DOM can serve as an out of the box, standards-based solution for AR developers.
 +
*X3D and X3DOM continue to improve scripting options for X3D with HTML5 and this has good promise for AR applications.
 +
*X3DOM is being considered for potential standardization in a Mobile and/or Augmented Reality (AR) profile for X3D.
  
== Existing Proposals ==
+
Our [http://www.web3d.kr Web3D Korea Chapter members] from ETRI are working on Mixed Reality visualization in X3D.
 +
*The Consortium as been working closely within W3C HTML5 WG to align our standards for 3D visualization on the Web.
  
=== Instant Reality ===
+
Additional details are available at:
 +
*[http://www.web3d.org/x3d/wiki/index.php/X3D_and_HTML5 X3D and HTML5]
 +
*[http://www.web3d.org/x3d/wiki/index.php/X3D_and_HTML_FAQ X3D and HTML FAQ]
 +
*[http://www.x3dom.org X3DOM]
  
A Mixed Reality framework developed and maintained by Fraunhofer IGD, which uses X3D as application description language and which thus also provides corresponding nodes and concepts for developing AR/MR applications. The full documentation is on [http://doc.instantreality.org/documentation/ IR-Docs].
+
Web3D Consortium is also engaged with the [http://www.arstandards.org AR Standards Community], [http://opengeospacial.org OGC], [http://www.khronos.org Khronos] and [http://w3c.org W3C] organizations for applying and adapting X3D.
 +
*Web3D Consortium will be starting an AR working group in March 2011 to develop a roadmap for AR standardization. We encourage your participation.
 +
*The technology discussions and meetings will be conducted publicly so that the widest possible comment and reaction can be considered from the Community. Feedback from this community will help X3D quickly and stably adopt new technologies to provide ongoing archival value for all 3D graphics.
 +
*Meanwhile Web3D Members still retain important membership rights of proposing significant new technology and considering patented technologies within a "safe haven" prior to public release.
  
There also exist several tutorials on vision-based tracking with Instant Reality, which e.g. describe specific nodes like the IOSensor for retrieving the camera streams and the tracking results of the vision subsystem, as well as the PolygonBackground for displaying the camera images behind the virtual objects or some useful camera extensions to the X3D Viewpoint node etc: [http://doc.instantreality.org/tutorial/ Tracking-Tutorial].
+
[http://www.web3d.org/x3d/wiki/images/3/32/X3dProfilePossibilitiesMobileHtml5AR.2010June29.pdf X3D Mobile Profile slideset]
 +
from last summer's Mobile X3D ISO Workshop has also been
 +
linked: how Mobile, HTML5 and possibly Augmented Reality (AR) components
 +
can be aligned together.
  
In addition, some papers on AR and MR rendering already were pubished at the Web3D conferences. Here, e.g. occlusions, shadows and lighting in MR scenes were discussed in the context of X3D:
+
Many new Web3D capabilities are becoming available. There has been no better time to discuss X3D technologies and also join the [http://web3d.org/membersip/join Web3D Consortium]. Get involved in these early discussions to create the AR Technology Road Map. We look forward to your participation.
* [http://www.web3d.org/x3d/wiki/images/6/63/07X3DforMR.pdf MR-Paper-2007]
+
* [http://www.web3d.org/x3d/wiki/images/0/0d/07X3DforMR_slides.pdf MR-Paper-Slides]
+
* [http://www.web3d.org/x3d/wiki/images/0/0a/08PRTforX3D.pdf MR-Paper-2008]
+
There are moreover some more ideas on realistic MR rendering in X3D outlined in chapter 6 (p. 163 ff.), and especially in section 6.4, in the following PhD thesis:
+
[http://tuprints.ulb.tu-darmstadt.de/2489/ Pdf].
+
  
 +
[http://www.web3d.org/wiki/index.php/Summary_Of_Old_AR_Proposals Summary of Old AR Proposals]
  
=== Korean Chapter ===
+
== Developing X3D AR Specification - Proposals ==
 +
The working group has reviewed the existing proposals and have summarized in [[Comparison of X3D AR Proposals]].
 +
Based on this comparison, the working group is now preparing [[Plans for Merging X3D AR Proposals]].
 +
The working group is looking for public feedback on the unified AR proposal that captures essential features for MR/AR visualization.
 +
The unified AR proposal for public review can be found [http://www.web3d.org/wiki/index.php?title=AR_Proposal_Public_Review here].
  
Will fill in something before the meeting on April 7th, 2011 (G. J. Kim).
+
== X3D Earth Working Group ==
 +
The X3D Earth Working Group has expanded and refined a proposal by Dr. Myeong Won Lee for a new
 +
[http://www.web3d.org/membership/login/memberwiki/index.php/X3D_v3.3_Specification_Changes#GpsSensor_node GpsSensor node].
 +
Due to several overlapping technical issues, the group has asked to collaborate with the Augmented Reality group on final design for this node.
  
== Participants ==
+
= Interoperability with other AR and Web Standards =
 +
Several discussions at the Web3D Conference, SIGGRAPH and ISO-SC24 meeting about the recent AR standards developments continue to improve and refine our strategy on interoperability with other standards.
  
* Anita Havele
+
Establishing common implementations and examples is important to demonstrate successful interoperable capabilities for the spec. Continued collaboration and reaching out to other AR standards groups is essential. Our common goal remains maximum interoperability with all Web standards.  
* Damon Hernandez
+
*W3C Augmented Reality Community Group
* Don Brutzman
+
*OGC ARML WG
* Gerard J. Kim
+
*AR Standards Community Group
* Gun Lee
+
*ISO-SC24
* Len Daly, Daly Realism
+
*KHRONOS
* Timo Engelke
+
* Sabine Webel
+
* Yvonne Jung
+
  
 +
The recent work in the Web3D MAR WG and the realization that the Current status of AR content models is not comprehensive, the ISO Standards Committee - SC24, which administers X3D review as an ISO standard has established a new Working Group for Augmented and Mixed Reality.
  
== References ==
+
This Group conducted a survey of the current state of the art in AR/MR standardization, Here is a summary of the main findings.
 +
*A need for making clear and precise definition of terms
 +
*A need for a reference architecture with the following feature
 +
*Separation of the content and browser/player/application
 +
*Extendible and general enough to accommodate new future technologies (e.g. display devices, tracking algorithms, sensors, etc.)
 +
*Defined at the right abstraction level to be platform/vendor independent
 +
*Clear interface definition among the subsystems
 +
*A proposal to develop a protocol between AR/MR engine and the object tracking/recognition subsystem independently from the algorithms used
 +
*Reusing of existing standards as much as possible (see below)
 +
*A content model based on the underlying reference architecture that is
 +
*Comprehensive (e.g. scene/world model, interaction, rich augmentation methods and styling options, representation of extensive types of physical real world objects)
 +
*A need for rich and sophisticated scene/world model
 +
*X3D-based approach seems promising for providing a sophisticated world model (scene graph structure) and many media objects for augmentation. A proposal to extend X3D standards
 +
*A need for representation of sensors and physical objects
 +
*A proposal for a merged abstraction of physical objects and separate sensors as “objects with virtual sensors” and extend virtual sensors of X3D
 +
*A need for sophisticated representation of “places of interests (POI)”
 +
*A proposal to use and extend OGC/KML standards
 +
*A need for extensive styling for 2D/3D information
 +
*A proposal to use and extend HTML 5
 +
*A need to abstract AR/MR interaction behaviors
 +
*Complicated behaviors to be handled by scripts and DOM like approach
 +
*A proposal to extend X3DOM for this purpose
 +
*Needs other supporting functionalities
 +
*Inclusion and specification of real world capture camera/sensors
 +
*Moving texture/background functionality for video see through AR
 +
*Handling of depth data and occlusion effects
 +
*Specification of virtual/real light sources and rendering methods
 +
Based on these findings the group proposes to derive a AR content model as an extension of a virtual world with provisions for representing the physically-sensed objects. The provisions refer to ways to specify the physical augmentation “targets” without specific sensor information and ways to (intuitively) tie or associate them to their virtual counterparts. This will result in vendor independence, use convenience and support for extensibility.
  
== Participation and Liaisons ==
+
The ISO AR standardization proposal recommends
 +
*Merging HTML and X3D (X3dom (Declarative 3D) for abstract content components for 2D and 3D Augmentation.
 +
*The OGC and K-Mart for describing POIs and sensed physical objects.
 +
*The Scripting approach for non-standard complex content behaviors and the use of remote cloud services.
 +
Current technical work within the Web3D MAR WG includes harmonizing these proposals for best fitting AR capabilities into X3D scenes. This work will be formally written up as the Augmented Reality (AR) Component for the X3D Specification.
  
* Other partnerships can also be considered as appropriate.
+
= Participation and Liaisons =
 +
*Christine Perry's AR Standardization Community group
 +
*Other partnerships can also be considered as appropriate.
  
* Of interest is that Web3D Consortium Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy insists on open, royalty free (RF) specifications. These coexist effectively with the Web Architecture and many different business models.
+
Of interest is that Web3D Consortium Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy insists on open, royalty free (RF) specifications. These coexist effectively with the Web Architecture and many different business models.

Latest revision as of 05:53, 24 February 2015

Calendar: Meetings and Events

Meetings

Our monthly teleconference meeting for X3D and Mixed/Augmented Reality is usually: On 3rd Wednesday of a month, at 12am (00:00) US Pacific / 9am Germany / 5pm Korea

The schedule is subject to change based on the time zone for most expected attendees. The meeting is held on Web3D Consortium teleconference line.

Our next teleconference meeting is: TBA

Events


Charter

Overview

The Mixed and Augmented Reality (MAR) Working Group focuses on utilizing and extending X3D capabilities to support augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) applications.

Discussion. These X3D AR discussions were initially held as part of a special interest group. Now that we have determined sufficient exists to modify the X3D Specification, this effort is moving forward by forming the X3D AR Working Group.

Goals

Planned goals of MAR WG include:

  • Collect requirements and describe typical use cases for using X3D in AR/MR applications
  • Produce and propose X3D components for AR/MR scenes and applications
  • Produce sample AR/MR applications using X3D to demonstrate how this functionality can work correctly

Tasks

  • Investigate state-of-the-art technologies related to X3D and AR/MR to collect requirements and use cases
    • Archive and distribute collected requirements and use cases through MAR WG wiki page
  • Hold regular meetings and workshops to motivate discussions and editing of AR/MR related X3D specification proposals
    • Regular meetings will be held through teleconferencing and workshops will be planned through regular meetings
  • Promote X3D in AR/MR field by developing and distributing promotional materials of AR applications based on X3D
    • Promotional materials include sample applications, video clips, documents, images distributed on the web

Deliverables and Timeline

Plans for Merging X3D AR Proposals describes our detailed path forward through this challenging space.


Participants

  • Anita Havele
  • Don Brutzman
  • Gerard J. Kim
  • Gun Lee
  • Leonard Daly
  • Myeongwon Lee
  • Oliver Neubauer
  • Sabine Webel
  • Timo Engelke
  • Yvonne Jung

Working Group Meeting Routine

Regular meetings are held monthly via teleconference. Participation is open to everyone via the Web3D teleconference line.

Non-members can request access information for this call, or Join Web3D for full member priveleges!

Meeting agenda and minutes are also distributed on the x3d-public@web3d.org mailing list and archived online.

Augmented Reality Roadmap for X3D

The Augmented Reality Roadmap for X3D is a description document charting shared strategies and our way forward.

History and Background Information

Web3D Consortium formed a special interest group on AR initiatives in July 2009 worked to help create the AR Technology Road Map.

Several Web3D Consortium member projects showcase the feasibility of AR in X3D, particularly X3DOM open source produced by Fraunhofer IGD.

  • X3DOM can serve as an out of the box, standards-based solution for AR developers.
  • X3D and X3DOM continue to improve scripting options for X3D with HTML5 and this has good promise for AR applications.
  • X3DOM is being considered for potential standardization in a Mobile and/or Augmented Reality (AR) profile for X3D.

Our Web3D Korea Chapter members from ETRI are working on Mixed Reality visualization in X3D.

  • The Consortium as been working closely within W3C HTML5 WG to align our standards for 3D visualization on the Web.

Additional details are available at:

Web3D Consortium is also engaged with the AR Standards Community, OGC, Khronos and W3C organizations for applying and adapting X3D.

  • Web3D Consortium will be starting an AR working group in March 2011 to develop a roadmap for AR standardization. We encourage your participation.
  • The technology discussions and meetings will be conducted publicly so that the widest possible comment and reaction can be considered from the Community. Feedback from this community will help X3D quickly and stably adopt new technologies to provide ongoing archival value for all 3D graphics.
  • Meanwhile Web3D Members still retain important membership rights of proposing significant new technology and considering patented technologies within a "safe haven" prior to public release.

X3D Mobile Profile slideset from last summer's Mobile X3D ISO Workshop has also been linked: how Mobile, HTML5 and possibly Augmented Reality (AR) components can be aligned together.

Many new Web3D capabilities are becoming available. There has been no better time to discuss X3D technologies and also join the Web3D Consortium. Get involved in these early discussions to create the AR Technology Road Map. We look forward to your participation.

Summary of Old AR Proposals

Developing X3D AR Specification - Proposals

The working group has reviewed the existing proposals and have summarized in Comparison of X3D AR Proposals. Based on this comparison, the working group is now preparing Plans for Merging X3D AR Proposals. The working group is looking for public feedback on the unified AR proposal that captures essential features for MR/AR visualization. The unified AR proposal for public review can be found here.

X3D Earth Working Group

The X3D Earth Working Group has expanded and refined a proposal by Dr. Myeong Won Lee for a new GpsSensor node. Due to several overlapping technical issues, the group has asked to collaborate with the Augmented Reality group on final design for this node.

Interoperability with other AR and Web Standards

Several discussions at the Web3D Conference, SIGGRAPH and ISO-SC24 meeting about the recent AR standards developments continue to improve and refine our strategy on interoperability with other standards.

Establishing common implementations and examples is important to demonstrate successful interoperable capabilities for the spec. Continued collaboration and reaching out to other AR standards groups is essential. Our common goal remains maximum interoperability with all Web standards.

  • W3C Augmented Reality Community Group
  • OGC ARML WG
  • AR Standards Community Group
  • ISO-SC24
  • KHRONOS

The recent work in the Web3D MAR WG and the realization that the Current status of AR content models is not comprehensive, the ISO Standards Committee - SC24, which administers X3D review as an ISO standard has established a new Working Group for Augmented and Mixed Reality.

This Group conducted a survey of the current state of the art in AR/MR standardization, Here is a summary of the main findings.

  • A need for making clear and precise definition of terms
  • A need for a reference architecture with the following feature
  • Separation of the content and browser/player/application
  • Extendible and general enough to accommodate new future technologies (e.g. display devices, tracking algorithms, sensors, etc.)
  • Defined at the right abstraction level to be platform/vendor independent
  • Clear interface definition among the subsystems
  • A proposal to develop a protocol between AR/MR engine and the object tracking/recognition subsystem independently from the algorithms used
  • Reusing of existing standards as much as possible (see below)
  • A content model based on the underlying reference architecture that is
  • Comprehensive (e.g. scene/world model, interaction, rich augmentation methods and styling options, representation of extensive types of physical real world objects)
  • A need for rich and sophisticated scene/world model
  • X3D-based approach seems promising for providing a sophisticated world model (scene graph structure) and many media objects for augmentation. A proposal to extend X3D standards
  • A need for representation of sensors and physical objects
  • A proposal for a merged abstraction of physical objects and separate sensors as “objects with virtual sensors” and extend virtual sensors of X3D
  • A need for sophisticated representation of “places of interests (POI)”
  • A proposal to use and extend OGC/KML standards
  • A need for extensive styling for 2D/3D information
  • A proposal to use and extend HTML 5
  • A need to abstract AR/MR interaction behaviors
  • Complicated behaviors to be handled by scripts and DOM like approach
  • A proposal to extend X3DOM for this purpose
  • Needs other supporting functionalities
  • Inclusion and specification of real world capture camera/sensors
  • Moving texture/background functionality for video see through AR
  • Handling of depth data and occlusion effects
  • Specification of virtual/real light sources and rendering methods

Based on these findings the group proposes to derive a AR content model as an extension of a virtual world with provisions for representing the physically-sensed objects. The provisions refer to ways to specify the physical augmentation “targets” without specific sensor information and ways to (intuitively) tie or associate them to their virtual counterparts. This will result in vendor independence, use convenience and support for extensibility.

The ISO AR standardization proposal recommends

  • Merging HTML and X3D (X3dom (Declarative 3D) for abstract content components for 2D and 3D Augmentation.
  • The OGC and K-Mart for describing POIs and sensed physical objects.
  • The Scripting approach for non-standard complex content behaviors and the use of remote cloud services.

Current technical work within the Web3D MAR WG includes harmonizing these proposals for best fitting AR capabilities into X3D scenes. This work will be formally written up as the Augmented Reality (AR) Component for the X3D Specification.

Participation and Liaisons

  • Christine Perry's AR Standardization Community group
  • Other partnerships can also be considered as appropriate.

Of interest is that Web3D Consortium Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy insists on open, royalty free (RF) specifications. These coexist effectively with the Web Architecture and many different business models.