X3D version 4.0 Development

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Revision as of 00:42, 20 June 2013 by Brutzman (Talk | contribs) (Backwards/forward compatibility)

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[X3D version 4.0 Development] efforts are considering potentially major additions to the baseline X3D architecture.

  • Major technology under consideration: HTML5/Declarative 3D/X3DOM
  • Major technology under consideration: Augmented Reality Continuum (ARC)
  • Relaxing prior design constraints can enable a broader new basis for X3D integration
  • Normalizing interaction semantics with HTML5 might further open up X3D for Web authors

Please contact us if you think additional technologies need to be considered. X3D futures planning is currently a Web3D Consortium member-only activity.

Backwards/forward compatibility

  • A major benefit of using the X3D standard is full backwards compatibility with prior VRML97 and X3D content
  • Continued growth for the current X3D architecture continues with X3D version 3.4 Development
  • Our goal is to maximize, but not necessarily require, backwards compatibility in version 4.0
    • A great majority of X3D nodes features are likely achievable without change
    • Some X3D features may require import/export conversion for compatibility (ROUTEs and sensors perhaps)
    • A few features might be refactored, deprecated or obsoleted (none yet identified)

The comprehensive forward compatibility of VRML97 and X3D with later-developed X3D versions shows that careful anticipatory design is achievable.