Java Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter XIII
A Web-Based 3D Real
Time Oscilloscope
Experiment
IntroductIon
In this final chapter, we will describe the use of Java 3D as a visualization technology in
the development of a Web-based 3D real time oscilloscope experiment.
Developed and launched under a research project at the National University of Singa-
pore, this application enables students to carry out a physical electronic experiment that
involves the use of an actual oscilloscope, a signal generator and a circuit board remotely
through the Internet (Ko 2000, and 2001). Specifically, this system addresses 3D visual-
ization schemes on the client side (Bund, 2005, Hobona, 2006, Liang, 2006, Ueda, 2006,
Wang, 2006), as well as Web-based real time control and 3D-based monitoring between
the client and server (Nielsen, 2006; Qin, Harrison, West, & Wright, 2004).
The control of the various instruments are carried out in real time through the use of
a Java 3D based interface on the client side, with the results of the experiment being also
reflected or displayed appropriately on 3D instruments in the same interface.
Basically, Java 3D is used to create a virtual 3D world or room in which the 3D instru-
ments reside. The mouse is used for both navigation in this world as well as to operate
the instruments through, say, dragging a sliding control or a rotary control or clicking
or switching appropriate buttons on the instruments. Associated commands that cause
the real instruments in a remote physical laboratory to operate accordingly are then sent
through the Internet in real-time. Experimental results corresponding to, say, a change in
the real oscilloscope display, are then sent from the instrument control server back to the
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