Cool spinning view effects (Java)

Anybody know an easy way for this effect

[TomJones]

I've seen several sites with the small 360 degree spinning view window of restaurants, etc. They can be scolled in any direction you choose and, can zoom in/out. Seems like they are all produced with Java. As stated in a previous post, I know squat about Java. I know Flash OK.

Is this a simple effect? Can I do it with any programs (Flash?)that anybody knows of? It's really an interesting effect. Thx much

[SethCall]

From what I know about applets, it woudn't be simple by any means. But it woudln't be very difficult either.

You would definatly have to learn java though to do it. No cut and pasting. making an applet is nothing like making flash.. its all programming.

With that said, it still wouldn't be terribly hard.

The only information tht would be difficult to get would be all the images it would take to make a 360 shot of a building. But scaling, flipping images is trivial using javas grahics routines... but you still gotta learn java :)

you could always scour the net for a free applet, where u simply put the images in a ceratin directory that some sort of generic applet accesses it.. fat chance of that though :)

[benihana]

althoguh ive never done it myself, i think you can make a similar effect using quicktime. Ill sticky you a link to a site with lots of examples and tutorials.

hth
ben

[Alternative Future]

Hi all,

Ben would it be possible to sticky me that link also?

Many thanks,

-gs

[jpjones]

You might want to check out IBM's HotMedia product. Based in Java, it does 360 degree Panoramas, and a lot more.

I tried it a few years ago for a client, and it certainly did the business.
HTH,
JP

[TomJones]

THanks, Ben-

I'll check that out. Quicktime would be much easier. I don't know how many users have QT installed so, I wonder about accessability. Of course most of us have ever multimedia app now to man installed but, I don't know about my parents.

About HotMedia, I checked that out awhile back. It looked very interesting but, it did not seem to be a standalone product. Do you know if it is and, how you go about ordering it? IBM's site is confusing as hell, it's like they have a different designer for each page. Come to think of it, they probably do!

[jpjones]

I've just had a look on IBMs site, and theres a download button which should take you through the process. ASAIK HotMedia is a standalone product.

You get a design tool, which then makes up a package suitable for distribution via the web. The distribution comes complete with a media file, containing all your hard work, and then the java applet which does the business.

JP

[TomJones]

Thanks, JP

I'll head over there now and see what's what. I think HotMedia could live up to it's name if I can get a basic understanding of it. TJ

[tbear]

Hi Tom
I just did a quick search for 'image spinning java script' and found a whole host of JS free download sites.
:)

[SethCall]

well i might as well closemy mouth about not finding it ;)

[TomJones]

Tbear-

Never thought about using a search. I just had a prospective client today ask me about doing a virtual tour with the spinning effect so, I've got to get it down. I've downloaded the HotMedia trial but, I hadn't thought about doing a search on free downloads. It seems like anything you find using a search engine requires payment or their logo/promotion in the effect. That's what made me decide to take up learning FLash. I'll do that search, Thanks!