Late Night VRML 2.0 with Java
Bernie Roehl, Justin Couch, Cindy Reed-Ballreich, Tim Rohaly, Geoff Brown
| More about the Book | About the Authors |
| Table of Contents | Updated software from the book |
| Detailed table of contents | Errata |
You can also access the complete contents of the CD-ROM.
The book is part of the "Late Night" series from Ziff-Davis Press.
Here are some bookstores that have links to the book:
"Late Night VRML 2.0 with Java" is the first advanced book aimed at developers who will be using both VRML and Java in their applications.While there have certainly been other books that have dealt with advanced topics in Java, and even some books that have addressed how Java and VRML can work together, none of them have focussed quite so specifically on advanced techniques.
We hope you'll find the book informative, entertaining, and above all useful. We've made every effort to make the content accessible, while still covering topics that few other programming books would attempt to deal with.
What The Book Is
First and foremost, the book is a collection of advanced techniques for using Java and VRML in combination to create powerful new applications. It's full of practical examples, code snippets, programming tips and complete applications. The book also provides an overview of some of the cutting-edge developments that will shape the future of Java and VRML.
The book is also very much a collaborative effort. While Bernie and Justin are the main authors, the material contributed by others is of very high caliber. Cindy Reed-Ballreich, in addition to being a well-known 3D modeler and animator, is recognized as one of the experts in the field of VRML texture mapping. Tim Rohaly, who also served as the technical editor for this book, brings expertise in both VRML and Java to the chapters he's contributed. All the other contributing authors have done a remarkable job of dealing with complex issues in a clear and readable way.
What The Book Is Not
It is not a beginner's book, or even an intermediate book. We have started from the assumption that you are already fluent in Java, and somewhat familiar with VRML. Justin provides a good, but brief, introduction to VRML in the first few chapters. However, these are mostly intended as a handy refresher, rather than a tutorial of any kind. If you're looking for an introduction to Java or an introduction to VRML, then look elsewhere.
A complete, detailed table of contents is available. Here's a quick overview:
Bernie Roehl is the senior software developer in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo.
Justin Couch is a software engineer at ADI Ltd, an Australia-based defence company. He also runs The Virtual Light Company, which does Java and VRML work.
Cindy Reed-Ballreich is an Animator and Technical Director at 3Name3D. She has done 3D modeling and animation for over ten years and has spent countless late nights learning texture mapping the hard way.
Tim Rohaly is a consulting computer programmer, trainer, and speaker. He has been involved with 3D graphics for more than 10 years.
Geoff Brown is a multimedia developer for Cosmo Software. He was involved in developing the audio support for Cosmo Player.
Updated Software from the Book
Some of the software from the book has been updated since it was published.
Although we have made every effort to ensure that the book is 100% accurate, it's inevitable that certain problems will creep in during production an post-production.
Page 341: The title for Part 5 is incorrect. It should be "The Power of Prototypes".
Page 452: the URL for updates to the software is incorrect. It should be http://ece.uwaterloo.ca/~broehl/vrml/lnvj
Page 609: The title for Part 7 is incorrect. It should be "Case Studies".
Typos:
Page v: last paragraph "He is well know" should be "he is well known".
Page viii: Title for Part 4 should have "Create" instead of "Creat".
Page xvii: Title for Part 7 should be "Case Studies" not "Multiuser Worlds"
Page ix: Title for Chapter 22 does not need to have the words "Case Study:" in front of it, since none of the other Case Study chapters do. Same problem on page xxviii.
Page 49: The url field is missing quote marks around the actual class file. Should read url "java_class_dir/my_script.class"
Page 454: The left-hand box in the diagram should be labeled "Filter Host" not "VRML Browser".
Last updated May 26, 1997
