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Collaboration
Collaboration is a feature that allows multiple users to share the same virtual environment. The cluster master runs the Vizard application and manages communications between all cluster nodes (master + clients). Each user:
- Is represented by a head and hands avatar that can be seen by others in the simulation.
- Can use Vizard's built in tools (e.g. grabber, pencil) and extend these tools to interact with the environment.
- Specifies their own vizconnect file with display/tracker configuration. For example, one user can be inside a CAVE while the other is wearing an HMD.
- Can send their own tracker data to other users in the simulation. This is typically used for showing a representation of that data to other users (e.g. gaze point from eyetracking) or to record data on the master.
Requirements
- All users must be connected to the same local network.
- Each user must be connected to their own machine. Collaboration is not supported on a local cluster.
Syncing and Recording Data
Event handling, including all events triggered by clients, is done by the master. Therefore it is the master's job to sync events and data between clients. For example:
- Syncing a timer, animation, media event with all users’ tracking data
Typically, recording to file (e.g. events, tracking data) should be done on the master. Although it is possible to write to file from individual clients via their vizconnect files, additional complexity is introduced when data synchronization is required.
Files and Resources
The Vizard application code is executed across all cluster nodes and each client must have all resources saved in the same path as the master. The only code that is client specific is contained in the vizconnect file.
Limitations
- Hands only transmit discrete gestures defined in vizconnect, they do not transmit fully articulated hands.
- Unlike regular vizard events, collaborative event’s currently don’t allow for custom values to be passed along with the event.
- Voice communication between users is not supported.
See also
In this section:
Cluster basics
Connecting your cluster
Cluster masks
Cluster callbacks
Handling project resources
Clustering Command Table
