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rfc:rfc2077

Network Working Group S. Nelson Request for Comments: 2077 LLNL Category: Standards Track C. Parks

                                                                NIST
                                                               Mitra
                                                          WorldMaker
                                                        January 1997
                 The Model Primary Content Type for
               Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions

Status of this Memo

 This document specifies an Internet standards track protocol for the
 Internet community, and requests discussion and suggestions for
 improvements.  Please refer to the current edition of the "Internet
 Official Protocol Standards" (STD 1) for the standardization state
 and status of this protocol.  Distribution of this memo is unlimited.

Introduction

 The purpose of this memo is to propose an update to Internet RFC 2045
 to include a new primary content-type to be known as "model". RFC
 2045 [1] describes mechanisms for specifying and describing the
 format of Internet Message Bodies via content-type/subtype pairs. We
 believe that "model" defines a fundamental type of content with
 unique presentational, hardware, and processing aspects.  Various
 subtypes of this primary type are immediately anticipated but will be
 covered under separate documents.

Table of Contents

    1. Overview.............................................  2
    2. Definition...........................................  2
    3. Consultation Mechanisms..............................  4
    4. Encoding and Transport...............................  5
    5. Security Considerations Section......................  6
    6. Authors' Addresses...................................  7
    7. Expected subtypes....................................  7
    8. Appendix.............................................  9
    9. Acknowledgements..................................... 13

Nelson, et. al. Standards Track [Page 1] RFC 2077 Model Primary MIME Types January 1997

1. Overview

 This document will outline what a model is, show examples of models,
 and discuss the benefits of grouping models together.  This document
 will not directly deal with the intended subtypes since those will be
 covered by their separate registrations.  Some immediately expected
 subtypes are listed in section 7.
 This document is a discussion document for an agreed definition,
 intended eventually to form a standard accepted extension to RFC
 2045.  We are also targeting developers of input/output filters,
 viewer software and hardware, those involved in MIME transport, and
 decoders.

2. Definition of a model

 A model primary MIME type is an electronically exchangeable
 behavioral or physical representation within a given domain.  Each
 subtype in the model structure has unique features, just as does each
 subtype in the other primary types.  The important fact is that these
 various subtypes can be converted between each other with less loss
 of information then to that of other primary types.  This fact groups
 these subtypes together into the model primary type.  All of the
 expected subtypes have several features in common and that are unique
 to this primary type.
 To loosely summarize: models are multidimensional structures composed
 of one or more objects.  If there are multiple objects then one
 object defines the arrangement/setting/relationship of the others.
 These objects all have calibrated coordinate systems but these
 systems need not be in the same units nor need they have the same
 dimensionality.  In detail:
 1. have 3 or more dimensions which are bases of the system and
    form an orthogonal system (any orthogonal system is sufficient).
    This system is specifically defined in terms of an orthogonal
    set of basis functions [for a subspace of the L^2 function space]
    over a coordinate system of dimension 3 or more. Note that this
    does not preclude regular skewed systems, elliptical coordinates,
    different vector spaces, etc.
 2. contain a structural relationship between model elements.
 3. have scaling or calibration factors which are related to physical
    units (force, momentum, time, velocity, acceleration, size, etc.).
    Thus, an IGES file will specify a building of non-arbitrary size,
    computational meshes and VRML models will have real spatial/

Nelson, et. al. Standards Track [Page 2] RFC 2077 Model Primary MIME Types January 1997

    temporal units. This allows for differing elements to be combined
    non-arbitrarily.
 4. Models can be single objects or composed of a collection of
    objects.  These normally independent objects are arranged
    in a master/slave scenario so that one object acts as the
    reference, or primary object, which defines how the other
    objects interrelate and behave.  This allows for the creation
    of mathematical, physical, economic, behavioral, etc. models
    which typically are composed of different elements.  The key is
    in the description: these types describe how something
    "behaves"; contrasted to typical data types which describe
    how something "is".
    The inclusion of this "collective" system works similar to the
    Email system's multipart/related type which defines the actions
    of the individual parts.  Further specification of the model/*
    subtypes utilizing these properties is left to the subtype
    authors.
 With these assumptions:
 a. the default dimensionality will be spatial and temporal (but
    any are allowed).
 b. it is presumed that models will contain underlying structure
    which may or may not be immediately available to the
    user. (fluid dynamics vector fields, electromagnetic
    propagation, interrelated IGES dimensional specifiers, VRML
    materials and operators, etc.)
 c. it is assumed that basis set conversion between model domains
    is lossless.  The interpretation of the data may change but
    the specification will not.  i.e. convert the model of the
    U.S.A.  Gross Domestic Product into a VRML model and navigate
    it to explore the variances and interrelationships.  The model
    has many dimensions but also "passages" and "corridors"
    linking different parts of it.  A similar situation is true
    for meshes and CAD files. The key is identifying the basis set
    conversion which makes sense.
 d. models are grouped to assure LESS loss of information between
    the model subtypes than to subtypes of other primary
    types. (i.e.  converting a chemical model into an image is
    more lossy than concerting it into a VRML model).

Nelson, et. al. Standards Track [Page 3] RFC 2077 Model Primary MIME Types January 1997

 Items c and d above define the grouping for model similar to the way
 that "images" and "videos" are grouped together; to assure less loss
 of information.  Obviously converting from a GIF image to a JPEG
 image looses less information than converting from a GIF image to an
 AU audio file.

3. Consultation Mechanisms

 Before proposing a subtype for the model/* primary type, it is
 suggested that the subtype author examine the definition (above) of
 what a model/* is and the listing (below) of what a model/* is not.
 Additional consultations with the authors of the existing model/*
 subtypes is also suggested.
 Copies of RFCs are available on:
                      ftp://ftp.isi.edu/in-notes/
 Copies of Internet-Drafts are available on:
                  ftp://ftp.ietf.org/internet-drafts/
 Similarly, the VRML discussion list has been archived as:
                      http://vrml.wired.com/arch/
 and discussions on the comp.mail.mime group may be of interest.
 Discussion digests for the existing model/* subtypes may be
 referenced in the respective documents.
 The mesh community presently has numerous different mesh geometries
 as part of different packages.  Freely available libraries need to be
 advertised more than they have been in the past to spur the
 development of interoperable packages.  It is hoped that by following
 the example of the VRML community and creating a freely available
 comprehensive library of input/output functions for meshes [11] that
 this problem will be alleviated for the mesh community.  A freely
 available mesh viewer conforming to these standards is available now
 for various platforms.  Consulations with the authors of the mesh
 system,
          http://www-dsed.llnl.gov/documents/tests/mesh.html
 will be beneficial.
 The IGES community has a suite of tests and conformance utilities to
 gauge the conformance to specifications and software authors are
 encouraged to seek those out from NIST [14].

Nelson, et. al. Standards Track [Page 4] RFC 2077 Model Primary MIME Types January 1997

4. Encoding and Transport

 a. Unrecognized subtypes of model should at a minimum be treated
    as "application/octet-stream".  Implementations may optionally
    elect to pass subtypes of model that they do not specifically
    recognize to a robust general-purpose model viewing
    application, if such an application is available.
 b. Different subtypes of model may be encoded as textual
    representations or as binary data.  Unless noted in the
    subtype registration, subtypes of model should be assumed to
    contain binary data, implying a content encoding of base64 for
    email and binary transfer for ftp and http.
 c. The formal syntax for the subtypes of the model primary type
    should look like this:
    Media type name:          model
    Media subtype name:       xxxxxxxx
    Required parameters:      none
    Optional parameters:      dimensionality, state
                              (see below)
    Encoding considerations:  base64 encoding is recommended when
                              transmitting model/* documents through
                              MIME electronic mail.
    Security considerations:  see section 5 below
    Published specification:  This document.
                              See Appendix B for references to some of
                              the expected subtypes.
    Person and email address to contact for further information:
                              Scott D. Nelson <nelson18@llnl.gov>
                              7000 East Ave.
                              Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
                              Livermore, CA  94550
 The optional parameters consist of starting conditions and variable
 values used as part of the subtypes.  A base set is listed here for
 illustration purposes only and will be covered in detail as part of
 the respective subtypes:
dimension := string ; a number indicating the number of dimensions.
                      This is used as a "hint" in selecting
                      applicable viewer programs.

Nelson, et. al. Standards Track [Page 5] RFC 2077 Model Primary MIME Types January 1997

state     := string ; "static" or "dynamic".  In "static", the
                      observer may move about, thus effecting
                      translations, rotations, pans, zooms, etc.
                      but the data does not change.  In "dynamic",
                      the data itself is manipulated via
                      skews, elongations, scales, etc.  Note that
                      time evolution is still a static operation
                      since it is just a translation along one of
                      the principal dimensions while the elongation
                      of a cube or object deformation are dynamic
                      operations.
    Note that this optional parameter list does not limit those
    specified by the various subtypes.
 d. The specific issues relating to the various subtypes are covered
    as part of the description of those specific subtypes.  The
    following is an example of a typical MIME header used for mail
    transport purposes:
       To:   you@some.org
       From: nelson18@llnl.gov
       Date: Fri, 30 Aug 96 13:33:19 -0700
       Content-Type: model/mesh; dimension="4"; state="static"
       Content-Transfer-Encoding: base64
       MIME-Version: 1.0
       Subject: model data file
       I1ZSTUwgVjEuMCBhc2NpaQojIFRoaXMgZmlsZSB3YXMgIGdlbmVyY...
       byBDb21tdW5pY2F0aW9ucwojIGh0dHA6Ly93d3cuY2hhY28uY29tC...
       IyB1c2VkIGluIHJvb20gMTkyICh0ZXN0IHJvb20pCiAgIAojIFRvc...
       .
       .
       .

5. Security Considerations Section

 Note that the data files are "read-only" and do not contain file
 system modifiers or batch/macro commands.  The transported data is
 not self-modifying but may contain interrelationships.  The data
 files may however contain a "default view" which is added by the
 author at file creation time.  This "default view" may manipulate
 viewer variables, default look angle, lighting, visualization
 options, etc.  This visualization may also involve the computation of
 variables or values for display based on the given raw data.  For
 motorized equipment, this may change the position from the hardware's
 rest state to the object's starting orientation.

Nelson, et. al. Standards Track [Page 6] RFC 2077 Model Primary MIME Types January 1997

 The internal structure of the data files may direct agents to access
 additional data from the network (i.e. inclusions); the security
 limits of whom are not pre-supposed.  Actions based on these
 inclusions are left to the security definitions of the inclusions.
 Further comments about the security considerations for the subtypes
 will be contained in each subtype's registration.

6. Authors' Addresses

    S. D. Nelson
    Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory,
    7000 East Ave., L-153,
    Livermore CA 94550, USA.
    E-Mail: nelson18@llnl.gov
    C. Parks
    National Institute of Standards & Technology
    Bldg 220, Room B-344
    Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA.
    E-Mail: parks@eeel.nist.gov
    Mitra
    WorldMaker
    1056 Noe
    San Francisco, CA 94114
    E-Mail: mitra@earth.path.net

7. Expected subtypes

 Table 1 lists some of the expected model sub-type names.  Suggested 3
 letter extensions are also provided for DOS compatibility but their
 need is hopefully diminished by the use of more robust operating
 systems on PC platforms.  The "silo" extension is provided for
 backwards compatibility.  Mesh has an extensive list of hints since
 the present variability is so great.  In the future, the need for
 these hints will diminish since the files are self describing.  This
 document is not registering these subtypes.  They will be handled
 under separate documents.

Nelson, et. al. Standards Track [Page 7] RFC 2077 Model Primary MIME Types January 1997

Table 1.

 Primary/sub-type           Suggested extension(s)    Reference
 model/iges                         igs,iges              [8]
 model/vrml                         wrl                   [9]
 model/mesh                         msh, mesh, silo       [10]
 It is expected that model/mesh will also make use of a number of
 parameters which will help the end user determine the data type
 without examine the data.  However, note that mesh files are self-
 describing.
    regular+static, unstructed+static, unstructured+dynamic,
    conformal+static, conformal+dynamic, isoparametric+static,
    isoparametric+dynamic
 The sub-types listed above are some of the anticipated types that are
 already in use.  Notice that the IGES type is already registered as
 "application/iges" and that RFC states that a more appropriate type
 is desired.  Note that the author of "application/iges" is one of the
 authors of this "model" submission and application/iges will be re-
 registered as model/iges at the appropriate time.
 The VRML type is gaining wide acceptance and has numerous parallel
 development efforts for different platforms.  These efforts are
 fueled by the release of the QvLib library for reading VRML files;
 without which the VRML effort would be less further along.  This has
 allowed for a consistent data type and has by defacto established a
 set of standards. Further VRML efforts include interfaces to other
 kinds of hardware (beyond just visual displays) and it is proposed by
 those involved in the VRML effort to encompass more of the five
 senses.  Unlike other kinds of "reality modeling" schemes, VRML is
 not proprietary to any one vendor and should experience similar
 growth as do other open standards.
 The mesh type is an offshoot of existing computational meshing
 efforts and, like VRML, builds on a freely available library set.
 Also like VRML, there are other proprietary meshing systems but there
 are converters which will convert from those closed systems to the
 mesh type.  Meshes in general have an association feature so that the
 connectivity between nodes is maintained.  It should be noted that
 most modern meshes are derived from CAD solids files.

Nelson, et. al. Standards Track [Page 8] RFC 2077 Model Primary MIME Types January 1997

8. Appendices

8.1 Appendix A – extraneous details about expected subtypes

VRML Data Types

 The 3D modeling and CAD communities use a number of file formats to
 represent 3D models, these formats are widely used to exchange
 information, and full, or lossy, converters between the formats exist
 both independently and integrated into widely used applications. The
 VRML format is rapidly becoming a standard for the display of 3D
 information on the WWW.

Mesh Data Types

 For many decades, finite element and finite difference time domain
 codes have generated mesh structures which attempt to use the
 physical geometry of the structures in connection with various
 physics packages to generate real world simulations of events
 including electromagnetic wave propagation, fluid dynamics, motor
 design, etc.  The resulting output data is then post processed to
 examine the results in a variety of forms.  This proposed mesh
 subtype will include both geometry and scalar/vector/tensor results
 data.  An important point to note is that many modern meshes are
 generated from solids constructed using CAD packages.
 Motivation for mesh grew out of discussions with other communities
 about their design requirements.  Many CAD or scene descriptions are
 composed of a small number of complex objects while computational
 meshes are composed of large numbers of simple objects.  A 1,000,000
 element 3D mesh is small.  A 100,000,000 element 3D structured mesh
 is large.  Each object can also have an arbitrary amount of
 associated data and the mesh connectivity information is important in
 optimizing usage of the mesh.  Also, the mesh itself is usually
 uninteresting but postprocessing packages may act on the underlying
 data or a computational engine may process the data as input.
 Meshes differ principally from other kinds of scenes in that meshes
 are composed of a large number of simple objects which may contain
 arbitrary non-spatial parameters, not all of whom need be visible,
 and who have an implicit connectivity and neighbor list.  This latter
 point is the key feature of a mesh. It should be noted that most
 meshes are generated from CAD files however.  The mesh type has
 association functions because the underlying physics was used to
 calculate the interaction (if you crash a car into a telephone pole,
 you get a crumpled car and a bent pole).  Most interesting
 computational meshes are 4D with additional multidimensional results
 components.

Nelson, et. al. Standards Track [Page 9] RFC 2077 Model Primary MIME Types January 1997

IGES CAD Data Types

 (The following text, reproduced for reference purposes only, is from
 "U.S. Product Data Association and IGES/PDES Organization Reference
 Manual," June 1995; by permission.)
 IGES, the Initial Graphics Exchange Specification, defines a neutral
 data format that allows for the digital exchange of information among
 computer-aided design (CAD) systems.
 CAD systems are in use today in increasing numbers for applications
 in all phases of the design, analysis, and manufacture and testing of
 products. Since the designer may use one supplier's system while the
 contractor and subcontractor may use other systems, there is a need
 to be able to exchange data digitally among all CAD systems.
 The databases of CAD systems from different vendors often represent
 the same CAD constructs differently. A circular arc on one system may
 be defined by a center point, its starting point and end point, while
 on another it is defined by its center, its diameter starting and
 ending angle. IGES enables the exchange of such data by providing, in
 the public domain, a neutral definition and format for the exchange
 of such data.
 Using IGES, the user can exchange product data models in the form of
 wireframe, surface, or solid representations as well as surface
 representations. Translators convert a vendor's proprietary internal
 database format into the neutral IGES format and from the IGES format
 into another vendor's internal database. The translators, called pre-
 and post-processors, are usually available from vendors as part of
 their product lines.
 Applications supported by IGES include traditional engineering
 drawings as well as models for analysis and/or various manufacturing
 functions. In addition to the general specification, IGES also
 includes application protocols in which the standard is interpreted
 to meet discipline specific requirements.
 IGES technology assumes that a person is available on the receiving
 end to interpret the meaning of the product model data. For instance,
 a person is needed to determine how many holes are in the part
 because the hole itself is not defined. It is represented in IGES by
 its component geometry and therefore, is indistinguishable from the
 circular edges of a rod.
 The IGES format has been registered with the Internet Assigned
 Numbers Authority (IANA) as a Multipurpose Internet Mail Extension
 (MIME) type "application/iges". The use of the message type/subtype

Nelson, et. al. Standards Track [Page 10] RFC 2077 Model Primary MIME Types January 1997

 in Internet messages facilitates the uniform recognition of an IGES
 file for routing to a viewer or translator.
 Version 1.0 of the specification was adopted as an American National
 Standards (ANS Y14.26M-1981) in November of 1981. Versions 3.0 and
 4.0 of the specification have subsequently been approved by ANSI. The
 current version of IGES 5.2 was approved by ANSI under the new
 guidelines of the U.S. Product Data Association. Under these
 guidelines, the IGES/PDES Organization (IPO) became the accredited
 standards body for product data exchange standards. This latest
 standard is USPRO/IPO-100-1993.

8.2 Appendix B – References and Citations

 [1] Freed, N., and N. Borenstein, "Multipurpose Internet Mail
 Extensions (MIME) Part One: Format of Internet Message Bodies", RFC
 2045, Innosoft, First Virtual, November 1996.
 [2] Fitzgerald P., "Molecules-R-Us Interface to the Brookhaven Data
 Base", Computational Molecular Biology Section, National Institutes
 of Health, USA; see http://www.nih.gov/htbin/pdb for further details;
 Peitsch M.C, Wells T.N.C., Stampf D.R., Sussman S. J., "The Swiss-3D
 Image Collection And PDP-Browser On The Worldwide Web", Trends In
 Biochemical Sciences, 1995, 20, 82.
 [3] "Proceedings of the First Electronic Computational Chemistry
 Conference", Eds. Bachrach, S. M., Boyd D. B., Gray S. K, Hase W.,
 Rzepa H.S, ARInternet: Landover, Nov. 7- Dec. 2, 1994, in press;
 Bachrach S. M, J. Chem. Inf. Comp. Sci., 1995, in press.
 [4] Richardson D.C., and Richardson J.S., Protein Science, 1992, 1,
 3; D. C. Richardson D. C., and Richardson J.S., Trends in Biochem.
 Sci.,1994, 19, 135.
 [5] Rzepa H. S., Whitaker B. J., and Winter M. J., "Chemical
 Applications of the World-Wide-Web", J. Chem. Soc., Chem. Commun.,
 1994, 1907; Casher O., Chandramohan G., Hargreaves M., Murray-Rust
 P., Sayle R., Rzepa H.S., and Whitaker B. J., "Hyperactive Molecules
 and the World-Wide-Web Information System", J. Chem. Soc., Perkin
 Trans 2, 1995, 7; Baggott J., "Biochemistry On The Web", Chemical &
 Engineering News, 1995, 73, 36; Schwartz A.T, Bunce D.M, Silberman
 R.G, Stanitski C.L, Stratton W.J, Zipp A.P, "Chemistry In Context -
 Weaving The Web", Journal Of Chemical Education, 1994, 71, 1041.
 [6] Rzepa H.S., "WWW94 Chemistry Workshop", Computer Networks and
 ISDN Systems, 1994, 27, 317 and 328.

Nelson, et. al. Standards Track [Page 11] RFC 2077 Model Primary MIME Types January 1997

 [7] S.D. Nelson, "Email MIME test page", Lawrence Livermore National
 Laboratory, 1994. See http://www-dsed.llnl.gov/documents/WWWtest.html
 and http://www-dsed.llnl.gov/documents/tests/email.html
 [8] C. Parks, "Registration of new Media Type application/iges",
 ftp://ftp.isi.edu/in-notes/iana/assignments/media-types/
 application/iges, 1995.
 [9] G. Bell, A. Parisi, M. Pesce, "The Virtual Reality Modeling
 Language",
 http://sdsc.edu/SDSC/Partners/vrml/Archives/vrml10-3.html, 1995.
 [10] S.D. Nelson, "Registration of new Media Type model/mesh",
 ftp://ftp.isi.edu/in-notes/iana/assignments/media-types/model/
 mesh, 1997.
 [11] "SILO User's Guide", Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory,
 University of California, UCRL-MA-118751, March 7, 1995,
 [12] E. Brugger, "Mesh-TV: a graphical analysis tool", Lawrence
 Livermore National Laboratory, University of California,
 UCRL-TB-115079-8, http://www.llnl.gov/liv_comp/meshtv/mesh.html
 [13] S. Brown, "Portable Application Code Toolkit (PACT)", the
 printed documentation is accessible from the PACT Home Page
 http://www.llnl.gov/def_sci/pact/pact_homepage.html
 [14] L. Rosenthal, "Initial Graphics Exchange Specification
 (IGES) Test Service",
 http://speckle.ncsl.nist.gov/~jacki/igests.htm

8.3 Appendix C – hardware

 Numerous kinds of hardware already exist which can process some of
 the expected model data types and are listed here for illustration
 purposes only:
    stereo glasses, 3D lithography machines, automated manufacturing
    systems, data gloves (with feedback), milling machines,
    aromascopes, treadmills.

Nelson, et. al. Standards Track [Page 12] RFC 2077 Model Primary MIME Types January 1997

8.4 Appendix D – Examples

 This section contains a collection of various pointers to examples of
 what the model type encompasses:
 Example mesh model objects can be found on this mesh page:
    http://www-dsed.llnl.gov/documents/tests/mesh.html
 Various IGES compliant test objects:
    http://www.eeel.nist.gov/iges/specfigures/index.html
 VRML Test Suite:
    http://www.chaco.com/vrml/test/
 An image of a model of a shipping cage crashing into the ground:
    http://www.llnl.gov/liv_comp/meiko/apps/dyna3d/cagefig2.gif
 An image of a 100,000,000 zone mesh:
    http://www.llnl.gov/liv_comp/meiko/apps/hardin/PMESH.gif
 A video of a seismic wave propagation through a computational mesh:
    http://www.llnl.gov/liv_comp/meiko/apps/larsen/movie.mpg

9. Acknowledgements

 Thanks go to Henry Rzepa (h.rzepa@ic.ac.uk), Peter Murray-Rust
 (pmr1716@ggr.co.uk), Benjamin Whitaker
 (B.J.Whitaker@chemistry.leeds.ac.uk), Bill Ross (ross@cgl.ucsf.EDU),
 and others in the chemical community on which the initial draft of
 this document is based.  That document updated an IETF Internet Draft
 in which the initial chemical submission was made, incorporated
 suggestions received during the subsequent discussion period, and
 indicated scientific support for and uptake of a higher level
 document incorporating physical sciences[2-7].  This Model submission
 benefited greatly from the previous groundwork laid, and the
 continued interest by, those communities.
 The authors would additionally like to thank Keith Moore
 (moore@cs.utk.edu), lilley (lilley@afs.mcc.ac.uk), Wilson Ross
 (ross@cgl.ucsf.EDU), hansen (hansen@pegasus.att.com), Alfred Gilman
 (asg@severn.wash.inmet.com), and Jan Hardenbergh (jch@nell.oki.com)
 without which this document would not have been possible.  Additional
 thanks go to Mark Crispin (MRC@CAC.Washington.EDU) for his comments
 on the previous version and Cynthia Clark (cclark@ietf.org) for
 editing the submitted versions.

Nelson, et. al. Standards Track [Page 13]

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