| Author: | Cheng, Chi-ho |
| Title: | Graphical representation of 4-dimensional information space (4DIS) using virtual reality modelling language (VRML) |
| Degree: | M.Sc. |
| Year: | 1999 |
| Subject: | Database design Databases Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Department: | Multi-disciplinary Studies Department of Computing |
| Pages: | v, 73 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | In recent database researches and developments, it is found that semantic data models allow users to model the real world more closely than the relational data model. In some of those models, databases structures and their relationships are represented clearly in terms of diagrams. 3-Dimensional Information Space (3DIS) belongs to one of those semantic data model. It provides a framework for the uniform representation and handling of database information. Meta-data are stored uniformly with data. Every user will need to learn only one kind of language for data definition, data manipulation and data querying. Also a geometric representation is included in the model to let novice and experience database users "view" data graphically within the database system. With the additional of the temporal dimension, we can extend 3DIS to 4DIS (4-Dimensional Information Space). The temporal domain added can be used to keep track of changes for data and meta-data. The 4DIS will retain the benefit of graphical representation that allows data to be presented using multiple 3-dimensional x-y-z axis graph. Internet is among one of the hottest topic within recent years; nearly every new computer will have a Web browser installed. The functionality of the Web browser can be extended easily by adding plug-ins. With the addition of Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML) plug-in, one can allow users to view the 3-dimensional space more clearly. Users will also be able to immerse and navigate within the 3-dimensional space. In the project, we discuss different aspects of the 3DIS database model. Adding temporal dimension to the 3DIS model, the 4DIS database model is then introduced to handle database information with temporal aspect. We conduct a study on various ways of representing the 4DIS database model in Virtual Reality Modelling Language (VRML), from a user point of view. Finally, we build a 4DIS database back-end to support the basic core 4DIS operations, namely, manipulation of objects and mappings. We then exploit the state-of-the-art VRML Web-based presentation language for visual exploration of the 4DIS model with user interaction using client-server and Internet technology. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b14792795.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 2.89 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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