A network design architecture for distribution of generic scene graphs
By: by Panagiotis Fiambolis, Georgios Prokopakis
Contributors: Prokopakis, Georgios
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School; Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 1999
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Number of pages: 146
Description: Sharing a common view while collaborating in networked virtual environments is complex. The SOFT project examines a new approach: using generic scene graphs as a bus, for graphics distribution. This thesis (as part of the SOFT project) examines network architecture for distribution of generic scene graphs. We design and implement the network architecture with a centralized Java server. This server provides scalability, persistence, reliability, and latecomer support. The server provides interoperability and can support any SSGs on any platform. The extraction of information from the network layer is implemented in two ways. In the first, we use Java's inherent serialization mechanisms; in the second, we use the Dial a Behavior (DaBP) protocol. We empirically test the server's overhead with both network mechanisms. We have concluded that using DaBP significantly reduces the server's overhead by a factor of six but only for less than 50,000 packets. Moreover, the use of DaBP provides implementation flexibility because data format can change dynamically without requiring recompilation. Finally, DaBP, while promising, must mature and be shown to reduce overhead for large number of packets before it is ready to be incorporated into the final architecture solution for SOFT.
Notes: "September 1999".

Thesis advisor(s): Michael J. Zyda, Michael V. Capps, John S. Falby.

Thesis (M.S. in Computer Science) Naval Postgraduate School, September 1999.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 141-144).

Approved for public release; distribution unlimited.

Also available online.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

System requirements: Adobe Acrobat reader.

Hellenic Army author.

dk/dk cc:9116 02/09/00