A data-efficient collaborative modelling method using websockets and the BlobTree for over-the air networks

Collaborative modelling has become more important in the last few years, especially now that mobile devices show processing power to support 3D modelling in real-time. Current mobile networks, such as 3G and LTE, unfortunately are not as fast as traditional wired internet and have higher latency. The problem with collaborative modelling using triangle meshes is that complex models are slow to synchronize and require large network resources depending on the amount of data needed to update a model. Synchronizing thousands of triangles over the network between all participating users can introduce substantial lag between the transactions, especially on over-the air networks, making fine grained and rapid updates at interactive rates hard to achieve. In contrast the BlobTree is based on combining skeletal primitives and sketched-shapes using standard CSG and various blending operators. Using this methodology complex models can be encoded with a smaller memory footprint than mesh based systems, thus allowing for less traffic across a network to synchronize two or more workstations with one model. As a result fine grained and rapid updates are possible, improving the visual communication between all participating users.