University of Houston
Department of Computer Science
VRML(Virtual Reality Modelling Language), a state-of-the-art computer graphics standard, gives a powerful platform for authoring a variety of compelling enterprise applications, from complex data visualizations to intuitive decision support systems. One of the missing pieces in VRML 97 specification was the ability to communicate and manage external data source, such as relational and object-oriented databases. The thesis presents the methods and procedures that were employed to design and build the connectivity between Intercative Worlds built by VRML and an external data source such as Relational Databases.
The project defines the use of Structured Query Language within VRML worlds to communicate with databases. SQL is the ANSI standarad for defining, manipulating and controlling data in a relational database. We also define the syntax for embedding and executing arbitrary SQL commands within a VRML world.
The Embedded SQL defines a mechanism for executing arbitrary SQL commands as part of the logic flow of an executing VRML world. Creators of these Interactive Worlds can define SQL commands to select, update or delete data from the database using standard VRML routing and scripting mechanisms. This method of data access through VRML worlds is called SQL scripting.