Notes on the lab:
The HP machines now have a VRML browser called "vrwave". To invoke it, login to a HP machine and type "vrwave". Unfortunately, the program often suffers from Bus errors when loading. Try setting xhost + or starting and then stopping another memory intensive program (like Netscape) before you invoke vrwave. Eventually, it should start.
To load the models used in lectures from an instructional machine, cd to the directory ~cs184/public_html. The lectures and models are in directories names "lec2", "lec3" etc.
There is a VRML mode for emacs installed on the instructional machines. It recognizes node names and keywords, and does indentation to produce standard-looking files. If you want to use the mode on a PC at home, download it from here and read the instructions inside.
This lab is also an individual lab. You should do it and hand it in on your own.
In this lab you will create a 3D environment with several models. You can depart from the recommended models, but your environment should make use of several 3D model types and grouping, and should include at least one extrusion or elevation-grid model.
The recommended world should include models for chairs, tables and a shade umbrella or awning. You can use DEF to define an object of each type, and then transform multiple copies to place them in different locations in the world. Make sure that your objects have equal minimum Y-coordinates (they are sitting on the ground).
Both elevation grids and extrusions are good for canvas material for umbrellas and canvas folding chairs. Elevation grids have the advantage that you can color the grid squares individually, so e.g. you can create striped canvas. To create smooth height fields or spines and cross-sections, its helpful to write a scheme program or to use Matlab. Matlab 5 is installed on the instructional machines.
The choice of color and square vs. round tables and furniture placements is up to you, but remember that you are creating a relaxed world. Avoid too much symmetry. Since you have shade umbrellas and/or awnings you may want to add a big yellow sun to emphasize the point.
Dont forget to group each furniture model and DEF it so that you can easily re-use it. You will not be able to recolor the models you USE. DEF-USE does not create a copy. The USEd model is actually a reference to the original. If you change any attribute (like color) of either the original or the referred-to model, both will change.