[X3D-Public] proposed feature: ability for scene to query browser regarding node support

[Don Brutzman]

Yes, excellent description of what is specified.  Thanks Rex!

I certainly agree, it is an important and valuable feature that is 
already provided in the specification.  However, the widespread and 
difficult problem for authors is that browsers don't match their 
internal conformance to what is required.. feature support is usually a 
"work in progress."

So, am wondering if this potential added feature, asking about a 
specific node, might help authors deal with this long-standing problem.

Do you think such a Browser API call would be simple enough to implement 
and maintain in Xj3D?


On 4/4/2013 8:26 AM, Rex Melton wrote:
>
> Support information is available, but not in a 'is my node supported'
> function call.
>
> An author can determine the supported components and levels by querying
> the browser object through the SAI.
>
> The component info object contains the max supported level. Nodes and
> their features are spec'ed for each component by level.
>
>
>
> On 4/4/2013 10:45 AM, Don Brutzman wrote:
>> On 4/4/2013 7:37 AM, Joe D Williams wrote:
>>> Hi Don,
>>>
>>>> query browser regarding node support
>>>
>>> As Leonard mentioned in the meeting, mostly much better to depend upon
>>> existing declarations.
>>
>> Sorry Joe, but I'm not following, please elaborate.
>>
>> Regarding existing declarations:
>>
>> - Existing declarations of X3D version/profile/component in
>> specification/schema/DTD are exact
>> - Browser declarations in documentation are often missing or change
>> over time
>> - An author doesn't know in advance whose browser/player will be used
>> for their scene, and so cannot be certain of support
>>
>> The idea that I'm suggesting is, should an authored script be able to
>> check with the Browser to see if a given node is supported?
>> - Being able to check this allows the author to provide an alternative
>> - Also allows at least some form of graceful declaration
>> - Example: "Sorry, your X3D browser is missing CAD support using
>> NURBS, please click here to see the video instead"
>>
>>
>> all the best, Don
>
>
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all the best, Don
-- 
Don Brutzman  Naval Postgraduate School, Code USW/Br       brutzman at nps.edu
Watkins 270,  MOVES Institute, Monterey CA 93943-5000 USA   +1.831.656.2149
X3D graphics, virtual worlds, navy robotics http://faculty.nps.edu/brutzman