Robert Steven Owor
ABSTRACT
In this paper, a proposal is made for a data model and architecture which facilitates the use of a 3D graphical user interface to navigate and query hypermedia and database systems. Currently there exist no integrated virtual environments that combine the visual strength of 3D, with the powerful query features of databases and the navigation flexibility of hypermedia systems.A model and architecture in which hyperlinks are treated as data relationships (which can be normalized) embedded with data manipulation and programmable 3D interfaces is presented. The model is based on a combination of object oriented databases and VRML as the 3D interface.
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Index Terms
- A data model and architecture for hypermedia database visualization
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Reviews
Alan M Arnfeld
The author considers alternative approaches to presenting complex data sets, proposing a more digestible format than traditional database interfaces. The project described explores the application of object-oriented databases and Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) to develop a 3D interface for complex data. Structured query language (SQL) and Internet search databases are also considered. The first section of this paper is an introduction. Sections 2 and 3 provide insight into the rationale for the proposal, namely, that traditional database queries can be complex; results can be difficult to interpret (especially when they contain complex relationships); and users need alternative sources of help. This last point is of great interest; the author considers the possibility of developing links between simultaneous users to gain assistance. Unfortunately, this idea is not elaborated in detail. Sections 4 and 5.3 provide useful insight into how the user interface could be implemented, including screen shots. The paper is well written. Its main contribution is the specification of requirements for a 3D visualization system, and a discussion of technical problems encountered during implementation, along with planned future work to overcome these limitations. Its main weakness is its limited information about the interface implemented in the demonstration. It is hard to demonstrate a 3D user interface in a short paper, but more examples of how users would interact with such a system would be very valuable. Furthermore, there appears to be no user feedback or user research on the performance of the design reported in this paper. This would be most useful in evaluating its effectiveness. I look forward to more detailed information in the future. Online Computing Reviews Service
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