[x3d-public] Shifting viewpoints (without PgUp PgDn) when on a tablet or handheld device

[Brutzman, Donald (Don) (CIV)]

Here is an interesting scene with two viewpoints, created for the X3D-Edit tutorial at the Web3D 2025 Conference.  The second viewpoint uses the isBound event to trigger (or disable) an animation behavior, rotating the flag of Portugal (but not the Hello Portugal text).


  *   X3D Example Archives: X3D4AM, X3D for Advanced Modeling, Hello World Scenes, Hello Portugal
  *   https://www.web3d.org/x3d/content/examples/X3dForAdvancedModeling/HelloWorldScenes/HelloPortugalIndex.html

It has never been obvious to me how to shift viewpoints when looking at a model on a tablet or phone.  Since PgUp PgDn keys are not provided on those devices, it doesn't seem possible.

While using X_ITE, I just happened to discover that holding your finger down on the X3D scene without motion (i.e. without navigating), and waiting a few seconds, pops up the X_ITE menu, which includes the viewpoint list.   This works on both tablet and phone.  Super useful! 😎

Wondering if there is a similar feature in X3DOM?

Wondering if we ought to specify support mechanisms for touch devices somewhere in the specification?  Or perhaps have some best-practice usability recommendations?  Viewpoint selection is the most important and effective way to navigate an X3D scene, directly reflecting author's intent to the user.


  *   X3D 4.0 Architecture, Recommended navigation behaviours
  *   https://www.web3d.org/specifications/X3Dv4/ISO-IEC19775-1v4-IS/Part01/behaviours.html

Thanks for all insights.  Have fun with X3D!  😊


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 https://faculty.nps.edu/brutzman
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