Welcome to 3D-HuBEd

Introduction
The Walk Through system
The Cyber World Toolkit
Contents
3D-Index

Introduction

3D-HuBEd(3D-based textbook for Human Body Education) is a prototype of educational software which uses real-time three-dimentional computer graphics models. It was created as a trial at developing educational tools. It incorporates important technologies of the computer age, such as three-dimensional visualization, interactivity and the use of computer networks. Such features cannot be seen in conventional textbooks used in current educational facilities. As the subject of this system, we chose the most mysterious of all life on Earth: the human body.

At the heart of this system is the "Walk Through(WT) system." It provides many of the functions that are thought to be effective but not available in conventional textbooks. It enables users to see 3D computer models interactively from any angle. The use of this system makes it easier to understand the complex, three-dimensional structure of various objects inside the human body. Interactive simulation programs and animated figures help the student understand functions, movements, changes and deformations of the objects.

The WWW version of 3D-HuBEd lets you access the system and execute the various programs which it provides. You can get a copy of the programs and execute them on your workstation. For detailed information see the instructions in Running HuBEd Applications on Your Machine.

This project has been funded by the Information Technology Promotion Agency of Japan (IPA).

The Walk Through system

The Walk Through System plays an important part in 3D-HuBEd. This system allows the user to "walk" through the virtual space which it provides. The user can see graphical representations of objects from any angle and manipulate them interactively in the three-dimensional cyberspace. Interactive and dynamic simulation tools dramatically enhance the understanding of the objects' functions and movements. Such features could not be provided with conventional paper-based textbooks.

You can call the Walk Through systems at various points in 3D-HuBEd. Download the data required and pick the images labeled "Call The WT World". The 3D viewer should pop up on your screen.

In order to run the Walk Through system on WWW, you have to set up in advance. See the following document for more information on setting up and running this system on your workstation.

Running HuBEd Applications on Your Machine

The Cyber World Toolkit

The WT system was developed using our Cyberworld Toolkit(CWT). It is a C++ class library that makes the creation of application programs, such as animated figures and simulation systems, easy and systematic. Some features of this toolkit are: