A Java 3D API Tutorial

The Java 3D libraries allow programmers to manipulate shapes and images inside a virtual 3D environment complete with textures and lighting to simulate a true 3D experience. While jumping into the API is daunting, a few basic rules can help beginners understand the structure of a Java 3D program. By recognizing how to draw images, and that these images must be inserted into a "universe" or perspective that dictates how the 3D image appears to viewers, you can get a basic feel for how the Java 3D API works.

Things You'll Need

• Java Development Kit (JDK)
• Java 3D Libraries

Instructions

1. Import the Java 3D libraries into your project:

   import com.sun.j3d.*

   public class 3DTest extends Applet{

2. Create a simple canvas in which images will exist:

   setLayout(new BorderLayout());
   GraphicsConfiguration config = SimpleUniverse.getPreferredConfiguration();
   Canvas3D canvas3D = new Canvas3D(config);

3. Create a simple universe object:

   add("Center", canvas3D);
   BranchGroup scene = drawScene(); //method to create an image
   scene.compile();

   SimpleUniverse simpleU = new SimpleUniverse(canvas3D);

4. Insert content into the local universe:

   simpleU.getViewingPlatform().setNominalViewingTransform();
   simpleU.addBranchGraph(scene);

5. Define the "drawScene" method to draw "ColorCube" image in the created universe:

   public BranchGroup drawScene() {
   BranchGroup objRoot = new BranchGroup();

   objRoot.addChild(new ColorCube(0.4));
   return objRoot;
   }

References

• Java 3D API Tutorial