From carson@siggraph.org Fri Oct 24 16:41:44 1997 Received: from htg-is.vianet.net (htg-is.vianet.net [165.247.47.18]) by dkuug.dk (8.6.12/8.6.12) with ESMTP id QAA07847 for ; Fri, 24 Oct 1997 16:41:39 +0100 Received: from study.huntleigh.net by htg-is.vianet.net (8.8.4/SMI-4.1) id JAA00811; Fri, 24 Oct 1997 09:43:37 -0600 (MDT) Message-Id: <3.0.32.19971024094717.009755c0@siggraph.cgrg.ohio-state.edu> X-Sender: carson@siggraph.cgrg.ohio-state.edu X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Pro Version 3.0 (32) Date: Fri, 24 Oct 1997 09:47:27 -0600 To: SC24@dkuug.dk From: Steve Carson Subject: Liaison statement to SC 29 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ISO/IEC JTC 1/ SC 24 N 1790 Date: 24 October 1997 Title: Second Joint Statement from ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 24 and the VRML Consortium to ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 29 This is a joint statement from ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 24 and the VRML Consortium to ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 29. It has been approved by both the P-members of SC24 and by the Board of Directors of the VRML Consortium. First, we want to thank SC 29, its WG 11 and in particular the Ad Hoc Group on Binary Formats for Scenes (BIFS) for the cooperation it has shown throughout our recent mutual discussions regarding the application of VRML (DIS 14772-1) within MPEG-4. Both ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 24 and the VRML Consortium are encouraged by the progress made to date in resolving problems with the manner in which earlier Working Drafts of the BIFS sought to utilize VRML. Both JTC 1/SC 24 and the VRML Consortium are committed to continuing work with SC29 to insure that proper, normative references to DIS 14772-1 (VRML) are made within CD 14496-1, MPEG-4 Systems, Scene Description. Based on the ongoing technical discussions that our respective experts are holding, we believe that the following points define an appropriate cooperative framework for further cooperative work: 1) MPEG-4/BIFS is a conforming application of DIS 14772-1 (VRML). 2) MPEG-4/BIFS conforms to the abstract syntax defined in DIS 14772-1. 3) MPEG-4/BIFS may choose to define one or more "generator profiles" that restrict those elements of DIS 14772-1 that are used in MPEG-4/BIFS data streams. 4) There is a single binary encoding for VRML (which we offer to jointly develop with SC 29 and which will become both an ISO/IEC Standard and a VRML Consortium Standard). 5) MPEG-4/BIFS fully conforms to DIS 14772-1 semantics. We note that no special processes or procedures are necessary for SC 29 to apply DIS 14772-1 (VRML) to the MPEG-4/BIFS application by normative reference in accordance with Clause 7 of 14772-1. On the other hand, we believe that there are substantial benefits to both communities if other ongoing work could be accomplished cooperatively. This would begin with the development of a binary encoding of VRML where we have the opportunity to combine work in process within SC 29 with that in process within the VRML Consortium and SC 24 to produce a single binary encoding. We believe that the following points define a cooperative framework for this future cooperative work: 1) All work is to be accomplished in accordance with the terms of the approved Cooperative Agreement between the VRML Consortium and both ISO and IEC. 2) When required to meet unique circumstances, amendments to the Cooperative Agreement will be developed and agreed to by all three parties (SC 29, SC 24 and the VRML Consortium.) 3) All three parties agree to clearly identify any Intellectual Property Rights that are or will be asserted by any owners of MPEG-4 or VRML technologies at the time that such technologies are first submitted for consideration as joint, cooperative work. 4) SC 29 and SC 24 mutually agree to joint circulation within both committees of WD text, to joint balloting within both committees of CD text, and to joint resolution of comments on the DIS ballots for all documents to be developed under this cooperative framework. This includes, but is not limited to, future amendments to DIS 14772-1 (VRML), the binary encoding of VRML (whether it becomes a part of the VRML standard or a part of the MPEG-4 standard), and MPEG-4 Scene Description (CD 14496-1). We note that the terms of the Cooperative Agreement already prescribe coordinated procedures between ISO/IEC JTC 1 and the VRML Consortium. We reiterate our position that all improperly included material must be completely removed in the published CD version of 14496-1 (that is, the version that is circulated for first CD ballot within SC 29) and that no normative text from DIS 14772-1 be repeated within CD 14496-1 except those brief portions required for expository purposes, such as in describing a conforming extension that is prototyped on an existing VRML node. The removed material should be replaced with a normative reference to the appropriate material within 14772-1. Further, should our mutual efforts to convert BIFS into a conforming VRML application fail, we will insist that BIFS be modified so that it is not a "derivative work" of VRML. Finally, we thank SC 29/ WG 11 for taking initial steps to comply with the request made in our previous liaison statement (ISO/IEC JTC 1/ SC 24 N 1766, Joint Statement from ISO/IEC JTC1/SC24 and the VRML Consortium to ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 29, dated 14 July 1997) to remove improperly used, copyrighted material from your Working Drafts. We note that we have now granted SC 29/ WG 11 permission to retain this material in your Working Drafts to aid in dialog with VRML experts to convert BIFS to a proper VRML application. signed: Steve Carson Neil Trevett Chair, ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 24 3D Labs Computer Graphics and Image Processing President, VRML Consortium Steve Carson Chair, ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 24 Computer Graphics and Image Processing --------------------------------------------------------- Steve Carson phone: +1-505-521-7399 GSC Associates Inc. fax: +1-505-521-9321 5272 Redman Road e-mail: carson@siggraph.org Las Cruces, NM 88011 USA ---------------------------------------------------------