Unit 9: Java 3D

Unit Overview

This unit will teach you to develop Java programs that use the facilities of Java 3D. Java 3D is a package separate from the standard Java SDK. You will have to download and install the package from the Java 3D website before you can begin to program Java 3D. There are different versions of Java 3D available for different graphic environments, from GPL for Unix/Linux to Windows and Mac. Refer to the Java 3D FAQ (frequently asked questions) for more information. You should also refer to the documents on the Java 3D website for installation help and other information. This unit only covers the main tutorial trails; the rest will be left unexplored. These are for you to follow as time permits.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this unit, you should be able to

1. explain the concepts of Java 3D;
2. develop a simple 3D program.

Learning Activities

1. Read the Learning Notes and follow the links to read the recommended online materials.
2. Complete the Unit Exercises and share the experience with your peers on the discussion board. [Note: Do not post assignment-relevant pseudocodes or source codes at any time; however, you can post your thoughts, ideas, and problem-solving steps.]

Learning Notes

1. Download and install the Java 3D package from the Java 3D website: https://www.oracle.com/java/technologies/javase/java-3d.html
2. Read: Hopkins, G. (2011). Java 3D™ Tutorial. From The Joy of Java 3D.
3. Read: Bouvier, D. J. (2000). Getting Started with the Java 3D API™. Mountain View, CA: Sun Microsystems.
4. If you encounter compile error when building 3D project with NetBeans, you could try:
   1. Right-click your project in the Projects window and select "Properties".
   2. Go to "Run" category.
   3. In the "VM Options" field, enter JVM argument:
      --add-opens java.desktop/sun.awt=ALL-UNNAMED
5. Watch: 3D Game Programming at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL656DADE0DA25ADBB
6. Read: Fundamentals of three.js at https://threejs.org/manual/#en/fundamentals
7. Read: Guides and Tutorials of WebGL at https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/API/WebGL_API#guides_and_tutorials