User`s guide

5 Build Virtual Reality Worlds
5-2
VRML Editors
Editors for Virtual Worlds
There is more than one way to create a virtual world defined with VRML code. For
example, you can use a text editor to write VRML code directly, or you can use a VRML
editor to create a virtual world without knowing anything about the VRML language.
However, you must understand the structure of a VRML scene to connect your virtual
world to Simulink blocks and signals.
For a description of the tools to view virtual worlds, see “View Dynamic System
Simulations”.
As you create a virtual world, you can use different editors for different phases of the
process. Choose the editor that best meets your needs.
Many people prefer to create simple virtual worlds using MATLAB Editor or other text
editor. For more information, see “Text Editors”.
The primary way to create a virtual world is with a 3-D editing tool. These tools allow
you to create complex virtual worlds without a deep understanding of the VRML
language. These 3-D editing tools offer the power and versatility for creating many types
of practical and technical models. For example, you can import 3-D objects from some
CAD packages to make the authoring process easier and more efficient.
The Simulink 3D Animation software includes the 3D World Editor, which you can
use on all supported platforms for Simulink 3D Animation. The 3D World Editor is the
default VRML editor for Simulink 3D Animation. For details about specifying a VRML
editor, see “Set the Default Editor”.
For Windows platforms, you can also use Ligos V-Realm Builder software to create and
edit VRML code. For information on using V-Realm Builder software with the Simulink
3D Animation product, see “Ligos V-Realm Builder” on page 5-6.
For a description of the benefits and limitations of different types of editors, see the next
section.
• “Text Editors” on page 5-3
• “General 3-D Editors” on page 5-3