Using VRML for Teaching and Training in Industry

This paper shows how World Wide Web-based technology using VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) can be applied-in an industrial education and training context. Following an introduction to the importance of lifelong learning and training in industry, the state of the art of VRML is discussed, including its features and integration into the Web environment. Possible scenarios for the application of three-dimensional (3D) animation and virtual reality for industrial training are summarized. The following VRML tools are then described: (1) the CASUS (Computer Animation of Simulation Traces) System, an object-oriented approach to linking a 3D visualization to an event-oriented simulator; (2) the VRML authoring tool, consisting of scene composing, structure, and animation editors; and (3) the VRML application builder, including relation, annotation relation, and composing editors. Four figures present the CASUS System architecture, visualizations of production and logistics scenarios, a VRML-based plant manual, and an overview of the applications structure. (Contains 11