A 3D collaborative editor using WebGL and WebRTC

Abstract

In 3D collaborative environments, users needs interactivity and real-time updates. With web-based applications, such requirement implies that conventional client-server -alone- is no longer enough. To overcome this unmet need, we propose a hybrid client server peer-to-peer (P2P) communication model based on pluginless web standards enabling users to design collaboratively 3D scenes. The client part includes a WebGL editor to visualize and edit 3D scenes while the server side provides data and ensure persistence. Using the WebRTC protocol, a P2P mesh is generated to transmit directly the updates through a scenes working group. The feasibility of our approach is demonstrated with a web-based prototype submitted to a qualitative evaluation highlighting the usage of WebRTC for direct 3D data transmission with low latency and high throughput, and WebGL for 3D rendering.