X-VRML-XML based modeling of virtual reality

A new method of dynamic generation of virtual scenes for use in Internet virtual reality applications is presented. The virtual scenes are dynamically generated from virtual scene models coded in a high-level XML-based language called X-VRML. The language consists of a set of XML tags introducing new elements to programming of virtual reality. These new elements include object-orientation, access to databases, and programming techniques known from procedural languages like variables, conditions, and loops. The X-VRML language overcomes the main limitations of current virtual reality systems. Use of X-VRML simplifies the code of virtual scene models, allows retrieval of data from databases, selection of virtual scene contents, customization of virtual scenes, and efficient coding of elements that have repetitive structure. Applications of X-VRML include on-line data visualization, geographical information systems, scientific visualization, virtual games, and e-commerce applications such as virtual shops