A little more than a year ago, we became interested in adding some 3D rotating photo
cubes from TriVista to a web site. Unfortunately, at
that time, Java was really the only way to handle this type of special effect. We felt the
world was just beginning to embrace Java and Javascript enabled web browsers, so we shied
away from implementing this technology. Now that the majority of people have adopted
Microsoft Explorer 5.0, adopting this type of technology for a web site is no longer a
limiting factor as virtually anyone can view the effects.
So we recently wandered back to visit TriVista to
see what they were up to, and boy, were we excited. The company has recently put together
a suite of five different graphics products that can really add a ton of value to
any web-based project.
The first tool in the suite is 3D Image Cube, and it allows you to place six photos or
graphics on a rotating cube (other shapes are also available). The user can change the
direction the cube spins, and the 3D object may be used for web site navigation. The
entire construction process takes only a few minutes. You pick the type and size of 3D
object you desire, and then drag and drop pictures onto a flattened view of the object.
With a few extra clicks you can edit the photos (with A Square View -- a built-in
mini-graphics editor), and preview your spinning cube in your web browser.
You will need a VRML plug-in to see and enjoy this graphic, but more and more browsers
are coming already VRML-enabled. If you don't have it, or are afraid your visitors may not
have one, you can offer a non-VRML navigation bar with a link to download a free,
popular VRML plug-in such as Cosmo. This is a first rate tool. It loads and runs fast
because it is Java-based, and it's wizard interface enables you to get it right the first
time. It's a winner.
The second tool in the suite is 3D Image Scene. If you have ever used 3D Maze, the
scrolling maze-like screen saver which comes with Win 98 (Second Edition), you will have
an idea of what this tool can do. It enables you to build a virtual photo gallery which
can be strolled, or you can build a photo album with pages that really turn gracefully.
There are many other scenes including a highway with picture billboards. What's neat about
this is that it gives the user a highly interactive environment to view thumbnails. Click
on a thumbnail to launch a new window with a larger view of the picture. I can see
terrific applications for e-commerce sites. This is a natural fit, and like 3D Image Cube,
it's wizard interface will enable you to build this scene in minutes. Note that this tool
also requires a VRML 2.0 plug-in.
The third tool in the suite is A Smaller Image which allows you to quickly resize
pictures on-the-fly. What's different about this is that it's very fast and very easy. It
also has the ability to add a fade around the edges of a photo, add captions, and preview
your results before you save them. It works well alongside the rest of the suite.
The fourth tool in the suite is Paper Photo Cube which uses a similar interface to 3D
Image Cube. It allows you to drag and drop six pictures onto a flattened cube. You then
print this on a color printer and fold and tape to form it into a 3D cube. These can make
nice gifts or desktop displays, and your kids will probably love it.
The fifth tool in the suite is Photo Gallery. This provides you with multiple ways to
present thumbnail viewers to your web site visitors. You can run a film strip of
thumbnails either vertically or horizontally and make the thumbnails clickable to view the
photos in full-size. If you wanted to show a portfolio of web sites or custom graphics or
even a family vacation, this will help create the ultimate interface for you.
This is a fun set of tools which are as unlimited in their application as your
imagination. They are all very fast and easy to use. In looking at similar Java design
tools, I found their interfaces awkward and quite a bit of Java experience was required to
integrate the end results within your web pages. TriVista's
approach is to make the process very simple. In fact, they include a special Transfer
button which helps you to move the required files to your web server. What could be
easier?
TriVista sells these five tools separately for
about $90 or as a suite for only $50. Obviously, purchasing the suite is the way to go.
Webmasters can apply to offer two of these tools -- A Smaller Image and Paper Photo Cube
-- in "special editions"
for download from their web site if they have a high traffic web site.
Drop by their web site for a look-see. You'll be glad you did!
