From: alvoeiro@mail.esoterica.pt (Jorge Heitor C. Silva Alvoeiro)
Subject: Re: APPS: VRML in Space 
Date: Fri, 3 Oct 1997 11:22:48 GMT


Hi all,

On the whole I agree with what Robin said on his e-mail, but I 
would like to point out that VRML is mainly use within network
systems. Even though other software, as pointed by Robin below,
can and has done similar jobs to the one suggested just below, the
main difference is that VRML programs can be used in almost any
computer which has a VRML browser and is connected to a network system.
The other point is that it is free. Dedicated software like SuperScape
or WTK and others are very expensive whereas VRML is usually supplied
in most VRMLs books and it is fairly easy to learn.

I am sure that one of the reasons why Robin's book is so popular is
not only because it has interesting projects but also because it has 
a CD-Rom with useful software for free. ;-)


Jorge
alvoeiro@mail.esoterica.pt

>> Perhaps in the future, VRML could be utilized by engineers donning
>> motion-capture suits to interact with other VRML objects or avatars in
>> remote environments, such as Mars, with graphics fed from a remote
>> site as well. Or am I pushing it?
>> At the risk of sounding harsh, this is hardly a new idea.
> 
> The example given above implies a dedicated, special purpose link
> between the engineer and a highly specialised site. Why use VRML? What
> advantages does that language bring that say, dVS, WTK or even
> Superscape wouldn't?  Ingenious solutions to make VRML perform tasks
> it is not well suited to may well be of benefit to the general VRML
> community, but if an alternative software package would have bypassed
> the problem, then it would be good engineering practice to use
> it. Keep the VRML hacks for specialist VRML workshops.