TeCo3D—Sharing Interactive and Dynamic 3D Models

In this paper we present a method for sharing interactive and dynamic 3D models that are collaboration-unaware, i.e., models that have not been designed to be used by multiple users at the same time. This functionality is an essential requirement for the inclusion of arbitrary 3D models, as generated by standard CAD or animation software, into teleconferencing sessions. A key aim of this work is to show that a large part of the required functionality can be developed in a way so that it is reusable for other applications such as shared whiteboards or networked computer games. Our method therefore consists of both an application dependent part that handles the specific tasks required for sharing 3D models, and of a number of generic services such as synchronization, scalable support for latecomers, and the ability to record and replay sessions. The generic services are based on an abstract media model and the RTP/I application level protocol for distributed interactive media. Any other application for a medium that shares this model and that uses RTP/I may reuse these generic services. We have implemented a prototype called TeCo3D demonstrating the feasibility of our approach.