Web-based Interaction on Feature Models
van den Berg, E., Bidarra, R. and Bronsvoort, W.F. (2000) Web-based interaction on feature models. In: From Geometric Modeling to Shape Modeling, Cugini, U. and Wozny, M. (Eds.), Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, pp. 99-112; Also in: Proceedings of the Seventh IFIP WG 5.2 International Workshop on Geometric Modelling: Fundamentals and Applications, 2-4 October, Parma, Italy, Cugini, U. and Wozny, M. (eds), University of Parma, pp. 113-123
Abstract
The opportunities offered by Internet technologies have resulted in numerous new types of applications, among which so-called collaborative systems, i.e. distributed multiple-user systems that are both concurrent and synchronised. During a collaborative session, several users are connected to each other in order to perform activities, such as design or evaluation, together. This paper discusses how interactive modelling facilities can be offered to the clients of such an environment. Several techniques for interaction with feature models, ranging from display of sophisticated feature model images to interactive selection facilities, have been implemented in webSPIFF, a new web-based, collaborative modelling system. In particular, maintenance of model data at the clients, and their effective utilisation for enhancing user interaction and collaboration are described. The system has a well-balanced distribution of functionality between the server and the clients, and a good compromise between interactivity on the clients and network load has been achieved.