13.4 SUMMARY
For a 3D application, action and interaction are the lifeblood of its 3D UI. Without
spatial transforms, picking, and change detection, the virtual world would be a pretty
static place and the user would quickly become bored with the application. The
TransformGroup class and its closely associated Transform3D class form the basis for
all spatial manipulation. These classes, together with the getLocalToVworld
method of the Node class, are vital to many of the 3D techniques, such as DRM,
WRM, and world overlay. Picking in Java 3D is a rather decentralized process that
generally occurs in two stages, the first one getting you close and the second one adding
spatial precision. The behavior model, as embodied by the Behavior class, provides
the basis for automatic actions (interpolators), collisions, and general change
detection in Java 3D.
As Java extensions go, Java 3D is still quite young, which is evident from the problems
discussed here. Future releases will no doubt fix the bugs and even address some
of the API problems. Although one might question the specific approaches taken for
such critical UI functions as picking, collision, and event handling, Java 3D has definitely
cut a wider swath through these important areas than in previous 3D platforms,
and offers the greatest potential for quality support of 3D user interfaces.
Stop by in one week for the next installment!
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