X3D ( Extensible 3D )是 Web3D Consortium 基於現有的虛擬實境建模語言 VRML ( Virtual Reality Modeling Language )所制定的新一代三維圖形之標準,使用 XML ( Extensible Markup Language )語法並相容於 MPEG-4 規格。由於 X3D 屬於開放標準的檔案格式,並具有跨平台及模組化的特性,因而能輕易的整合至網路環境或其他的應用程式之中,可望成為目前分歧的三維圖形技術中統一的工業標準。本文研究之範圍除探討 X3D 現有的相關軟體技術,包含: X3D 規範書( X3D Specification )、 XML 、 VRML 、創作及瀏覽工具之外,並以 J2EE 的平台結合原生型 XML 資料庫開發一套原型管理系統,提供使用者線上管理原型的檔案及撰寫說明文件。最後並實際應用 X3D 於網路環境中,包含動力學的 3D 模擬教材與駁船重型機件吊運模擬系統,提供能與外部應用程式相連結而動態產生 X3D 檔案的範例。
X3D(Extensible 3D)is the next-generation open standard for 3D on the web which is developed by Web3D Consortium. In addition to close ties with XML(Extensible Markup Language), X3D is the technology behind MPEG-4's 3D support and backwards-compatible with VRML(Virtual Reality Modeling Language). X3D is intended for use on a variety of hardware devices and in a broad range of application areas and is expected to be an universal interchange format for integrated 3D graphics and multimedia. The software technologies included in this research are X3D Specifications, XML, VRML, Authoring tools, X3D browsers and Java technology. In this paper, we will combine the relating technologies to develop a prototype management system which is designed for managing prototypes by a WWW browser in order to speed up 3D scene development. Some applications, including teaching materials for e-Learning and a simulation system of transporting heavy mechanical equipments on a barge, are also shown.