HTML5 and WebSockets; challenges in network 3D collaboration

The emergence of HTML5 and other associated web technologies have turned browser applications to cross-platform and device independent ones. In particular HTML5, WebSockets and X3Dom can shape a diversity of future applications, where the client-server operations will be obsolete. The X3Dom technology combines JavaScript, HTML5 and X3D to provide 3D graphics visualization and interaction in a web-browser without a plug-in. Enriched with a WebSockets implementation for maintaining a persistent and bidirectional TCP connection with a server, a web application can communicate, stream and transfer events or other data to its clients creating a full collaborative 3D environment. In this paper, we introduce an architecture for interactive 3D scenes streaming over the web. We also demonstrate a collaborative 3D web-application for preschool children's education that capitalizes on the above technologies. Small classes, real or virtual, can be arranged around an instructor who can control the main 3D scenery. The application can provide a positive and encouraging environment for toddlers to interact with computers while recognizing and playing with 3D animated models of popular animals.