Specifying generic depictions of language constructs for 3D visual languages

Several modeling domains make use of three-dimensional representations, e.g., the “ball-and-stick” models of molecules. Our generator framework DEViL3D supports the design and implementation of visual 3D languages for such modeling purposes. The front-end of a language implementation generated by DEViL3D is a dedicated 3D graphical structure editor, which is used to construct programs in that domain. DEViL3D supports the language designer to describe the visual appearance of the constructs of the particular language in terms of generic 3D depictions. Their parameters specify where substructures are embedded, and how the graphic adapts to space requirements of nested constructs. This paper motivates 3D visual languages and illustrates the specification process for 3D languages using DEViL3D with focus on generic depictions.