3d application question

[Ravar05]

Hey guys, I need some suggestions about 3d programming.

I have an old 3d application written in java. It basically allows users to add and manipulate multiple 3d models (move, rotate, change surface colour).

The program uses swing and awt components and the graphics now seem rather primitive.

Is it possible to have better graphics output??

Am afraid it’s a stupid question, but are there other better graphics libraries that can replace these components?

I don’t know anything about 3d programming, so all suggestions are welcomed.

thanks..

[fireside]

There are two java engines you might want to look at. JME (jmonkey engine) and jPct. I use jPct. Good very small software engine (about 200k) and you can also use it in connection with lwjgl and get pretty good hardware acceleration, of which the author is making improvements that will make it even faster.

[Reedbeta]

If you don't mind getting into the nuts and bolts of graphics, you could use OpenGL - there are a couple of popular Java bindings of it. If you want a higher-level approach you could use a graphics engine - I'm sure there are some with Java bindings.

[fireside]

Yeah, the 2 popular java bindings for Opengl are lwjgl and jogl. I think jogl is the Sun backed up one, but they are both popular. lwjgl also has sound and input libraries so it's a little more comprehensive.