Collaborative Shockwave 3D

[tedevang]

We have developed a real time 3D simulator for vehicle accidents using
Shockwave 3D. Our client wants to know if it is possible to build a
collaborative version running on the internet or a local LAN so that several
people can have the Projector file on their systems and do the following:
Observe another user manipulating the scene
Manipulate the scene for the benefit of other users
We are using fairly straightforward keyboard commands and buttons to navigate
the 3D space and to start/stop animation sequences. We would need to send the
commands to all attached viewers so everyone's Project file runs in unison.

I know there was a multi-user XTRA in earlier versions of Director but am not
sure if it would accomplish this goal, or if there is anything available
currently that would give us this capability. Any ideas?

[openspark]

Although the Shockwave Multiuser Server is no longer being developed, the
Multiuser Xtra is still available. If you prefer to work with a product that
is actively supported, you could use [url]http://xtras.tabuleiro.com/[/url]
[url]http://xtras.tabuleiro.com/products/nebulae/index.tdb[/url]. This has the advantage
of running on Mac OS X and on Linux and Solaris as well as on Windows.

[Karl Sigiscar]

OR You can use Flash Remoting MX through an embedded Flash movie.

[tedevang]

Hi Karl - love your ChromeLib Behaviors.

Can you give me an idea of how I accomplish this with Flash Remoting MX -
specifically sending the keystrokes or button commands to all attached viewers
via the Flash movie embedded in my Director projector? Also, what kind of
performance should I expect over the internet (assuming DSL or better)

[Karl Sigiscar]

Thanks.

You have to import your SWF then tell Director what will be the Flash
connection object.

You have some work on the server side as well as you will have to define and
implement some methods in order to exchange data between the clients and the
server.

The local connection object will allow you to send requests to the server.

The callback handlers in Director (defined by setCallback()) will allow you
to get the response from the Flash Remoting server. The Director handlers
will be called instead of the Flash methods bearing the same name.

It would be too long to explain all you have to do but a good pointer is the
livedocs:
[url]http://livedocs.macromedia.com[/url]

Click on Flash MX 2004
Click on Search
Type Local Connection Object

You will get all the information you need.

Best regards,
Karl.