I'm in perfect agreement regarding the rational behind having a model tag as I agree with having more semantic tags in HTML. However, I don't think a model tag would work as described as it would provide no real extra benefits and would just confuse document authors.<br>
<br>The reason I feel this is basically down to the fact that 3d models don't have a visual representation in the same way that images do. A 3d model file is just a list of data that needs rendering into a 2d image for display. There isn't really a standardised way to do this (not in the same way as with images, with standardised png, jpg, bmp, etc. as well known and commonplace formats with commonplace methods of display), and on top of that it isn't a 3d model you a displaying, but a 2d representation (i.e. an <img>). If the representation is static, it isn't really a 3d model as it's just a 2d image, and if it isn't static then you need scripting support, drawing support, rendering and the whole host of items that require javascript hooks and would logically make such a model more suited to a 3d canvas (which I believe is to be supported eventually under a normal <canvas> tag). As such, I don't see a place for a <model> tag in the current environment as a merely semantic element, and adding more than just semantics to the tag would be overlapping it with other efforts.<br>
<br>David W.<br><br><div class="gmail_quote">2009/11/2 Brian Blakely <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:anewpage.media@gmail.com">anewpage.media@gmail.com</a>></span><br><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;">
Perfectly aware Simon, hence the proposition; a 3D model element is not an attempt to erase, but complement current efforts.<br><br>Let me take this opportunity to clarify. <model/> is neither redundant nor trampling current efforts, but filling an essential gap in the spec.<br>
<br>This is why:<br><br>1) O3D and Khronos/Mozilla's efforts are JavaScript-based hooks into OS-level rendering APIs. They are akin to <canvas/>, providing a non-semantic "viewport" into content. This is good, but a new element is still necessary, even if you were to draw all 3D content into a <canvas/>. The reason is JavaScript.<br>
<br>2) You should not have to write JavaScript to embed 3D content. Imagine if you had to set up a <canvas/> viewport every time you wanted to display an image. As it is in today's flatworld, developers should be able to convey content with only HTML and CSS knowledge.<br>
<br>3) X3D is a 3D equivalent to <svg/>, not <img/>, as I am proposing. <model/> does not define how your 3D content will look (how <font/>-like! <svg/> is already flying too close to that sun). It provides a hook into CSS, as well as granular, semantic control of content. The expectation is that it would link to a 3D model as defined in the "src"
attribute, no further code required. This source could be in X3D format, or 3DS, MA, etc. Whichever the vendors eventually decide to support (hopefully the same format :)<br><font color="#888888"><br>-Brian<br><br><br>
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On Sun, Nov 1, 2009 at 8:31 PM, Simon Fraser <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:smfr@me.com" target="_blank">smfr@me.com</a>></span> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; padding-left: 1ex;">
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<div>On Oct 30, 2009, at 6:09 PM, Brian Blakely wrote:<br>
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To ensure HTML remains semantic as the web makes its gradual transition to 3D rich interfaces and content, I am submitting a proposal for WHATWG's consideration. The below examples contain HTML as it exists now, the current working standard, and finally, a combination of both concepts.<br>
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Please lend your thoughts and let's discuss a more semantic and accessible use of 3D. The fictional HTML and CSS above are just proposals, and I am not at all asserting these ideas are the best possible solution, only that there is a very real problem.<br>
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Are you aware of the X3D and O3D efforts?<br>
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<<a href="http://www.web3d.org/x3d/specifications/" target="_blank">http://www.web3d.org/x3d/specifications/</a>><br>
<<a href="http://code.google.com/apis/o3d/" target="_blank">http://code.google.com/apis/o3d/</a>><br><font color="#888888">
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Simon<br>
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