Introduction to 3D Graphics and VRML

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Interaction

  • Objects need to be able to receive event messages triggered by user actions, and react on them, in order to be able to support interaction

  • In VRML, sensor nodes are used to detect user actions and generate events

  • A TouchSensor is used to detect touch and can generate several different output events that describe how, when and where a user touched an object

  • A CylinderSensor, PlaneSensor, or SphereSensor can be used both to detect whether a shape is 'active' and to update it's position or orientation

  • Other sensor node types exist to detect proximity and visibility

  • Collision and Anchor nodes also detect user actions

  • Typical reactions include
    • Modifying a node's property
    • Starting an animation
    • Providing audio feedback
    • Deforming an object
    • Passing a value to a script node for processing
    • ...

Author: Michael Louka (Michael.Louka@of.telia.no)
Last Updated: 1 November 1997