An Internet-Based Conference System for Real-Time Distributed Design Evaluation

Abstract

Contemporary product design and manufacture put increasing emphasis on distributed collaboration. Our work in support of the “Artificial joint fast implanting” project of China National “863” High-Tech Programme has led us to research the problems associated with implementing a conference system for real-time distributed design evaluation. We designed and implemented a virtual reality (VR) based whiteboard using VRML to express 3D product design prototype. The whiteboard supports stereoscopic display with certain hardware. The system adopts distributed file system architecture and just transfers operating data, which leads to excellent real-time feature even under network of narrow bandwidth. The whole conference system takes client-server architecture. Each client is based on multi-agent system (MAS) for the merit of flexibility. The system also encapsulates Microsoft NetMeeting to facilitate multi-modal communication. We applied the system over Internet and the results were satisfying. The paper gives the theory basis and design contemplation of our system.