A collaborative framework for simultaneous and seamless 3D graphics manipulation

ABSTRACT

Much research on 3D graphics collaboration has focused on improving collaborative viewing or enabling simple manipulations. There are, however, two major problems which are not yet resolved in collaborative environments. Simultaneous manipulation of a common 3D object by users can cause conflicts, and the integrity of the source 3D object will be compromised during updates. 3D objects can be locked for exclusive use to prevent conflicts, but this requires users to wait for their turn in order to perform manipulations. The capability of seamless and simultaneous manipulation raises several challenges such as how to resolve manipulation conflict and to deliver manipulation commands to users.

This paper will address these issues by introducing a new framework for collaborative 3D graphics manipulation. Collaborative manipulation is achieved by utilising manipulative command annotation, which allows the acceptance or rejection of the commands according to time stamps and context of actions. Conflicts are detected by comparing manipulation actions in the queue, and resolved by applying collaborative rules which govern what to reject and what to be updated. The solution presented in this paper will ensure effective and accurate collaboration between multi-modal 3D applications.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  I. Computing Methodologies
  I.3 COMPUTER GRAPHICS
      I.3.6 Methodology and Techniques

General Terms:
Algorithms, Design, Documentation, Experimentation, Human Factors, Management, Performance, Reliability, Standardization, Theory, Verification

Keywords:
3D graphics, collaboration, framework, manipulation, mobile