Introduction

Abstract

Progress in computing and network performance, accompanied by development of platform independent 3D content standards, opens the way for application of interactive 3D technologies in a variety of domains such as cultural heritage, education, training, tourism, and e-commerce. However, the potential of 3D/VR/AR technologies in everyday applications can be fully exploited only if complemented by the development of efficient and easy-to-use methods of creation, management, search, and presentation of interactive 3D multimedia content, which could be used by both expert and non-expert users. The whole book is devoted to the above issues. In this introductory chapter, we describe motivation for conducting research in the domain of interactive 3D multimedia content technologies, which focuses on two broad areas: 3D content creation and management, and 3D search and presentation. Then, a detailed description of chapters composing this book is provided.