Its really a matter of developing an intuitive method of interaction with the
environment. Its very feasible and something that is easily realised. The
methods are tried and tested in games systems, 3D editors and even 3D file
managers. Thus, there are no new technical aspects, its merely the packaging of
those features into a desktop interface. The business applications can be
helpful if used properly, however, the biggest usage will be the domestic home
user. The concept of a public desktop space (or virtual room), that can be
shared across the Internet, will add to social networking model. It will also
lead to new paradigms in terms of web interaction, navigation and information
exchange. One other major benefit will be the promotion of both X and the Linux
platform in general. To use these new features, end user's Operating
Systems will need to be compatible with X. Whilst I'm sure limited
interfaces could be designed for Windows desktops, it will function a lot better
as a native Linux user. There is a chance here to leave the competing Operating
Systems for dust and to force their hand in terms of inter-operability.Carpe
diem.
Date: Fri, 19 Oct 2007 08:02:47 -0400From: vperetokin at gmail.comTo:
markmccarron_itt at hotmail.comSubject: Re: [compiz] Feature RequestCC: srhlefty
at gmail.com ; compiz at lists.freedesktop.org
I had a similar idea, but I think they said it wasn't too feasible much on
the forums. Why do you capitalize "window" though?I really like your
business applications for this - they really do sound very good. This'll be
excellent.=20
On 10/19/07, Mark McCarron <markmccarron_itt at hotmail.com> wrote:=20
Good questions. I have a few suggestions that may help, I'm sure the Compiz
developers will be able to structure the controls much better. So, take this as
a basis from which to begin. There would be two basic modes, the first mode
would be free space, that is, your mouse guides you through the desktop space.
Upon selecting a window, you would enter the second mode, the mouse controls
would now act upon the selected Window. A simple left-click in free space would
return the user to the first mode. I would expect the user to be able walk
around the environment similar to any FPS. Movement can either be provided by a
mouse click providing acceleration, or via keyboard controls again similar to
any FPS. As windows are objects, perhaps they should have a small control on
the border of the windows that can be manipulated by the mouse. This control
would allow the user to alter each of dimensions independently. A small
clickable X,Y,Z object would work well. This control could be expanded to allow
for rotation and scaling of the object. A quick switch utility is something
that is definitely required. Whilst the freedom aspect is good, the desktop
must provide a productive environment. I like the wall utility too, I find it
very handy. I would expect this to look at the space from above and provide the
user with a sense of where each window is located as well as a bitmap preview.
There should also be support for the direct loading and rendering of meshes.
This is both for decoration and as a tool for work environments. Collaborative
design work, even across multiple vendors, would become very easy. Architects
would be able to work on designs with real-time client input, car designers
would be able to work as team, etc. I'm not suggesting a full editing
environment, just a basic viewer that supports major formats. =20
Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2007 20:33:58 -0700From: srhlefty at gmail.comTo:
markmccarron_itt at hotmail.com; compiz at lists.freedesktop.orgSubject: Re:
[compiz] Feature Request=20
This is an interesting idea. How would the user control how the windows move in
the depth dimension? Would the user actually "walk" around such a
space? With such a large space, how would one get to a particular window
quickly, i.e. is there still a switcher?A 2D slice of such a space reminds me a
lot of the current "Wall" plugin that compiz has, and is one of my
favorites.
On 10/18/07, Mark McCarron <markmccarron_itt at hotmail.com> wrote:=20
Hi Guys, I have been thinking of a new style of interface that could be added to
Compiz. Essentially, rather than having a desktop, the user would be presented
with a space in which to work. This space would be several meters wide in real
terms and the user could navigate the space in a similar fashion to a 3D game.
Windows could be grabbed and thrown throughout the space, providing a very large
workspace. This would also allow the user to physically arrange Windows in the
space according to particular tasks or functions. A simple double-click of a
Window would cause it to snap into full 2D view were the application can be
worked upon. The concept of multiple desktops, could be implemented as multiple
spaces. Given the network transparency of X, it would also allow for the
concept of a public space. A public space would be a desktop that is shared
either across a LAN or Internet. This has both business and personal
applications. In terms of business, it can be used for presentations, reviewing
designs, etc. In terms of personal use, it would open a new area to social
networking, desktop surfing. End users could store images, videos and a range
of interactive items that members of the public can view or download. I realise
that this can prove to be a bandwidth hog, but like everything in computer
world, this will only improve with time and become less of an issue.=20
The next generation of MSN Hotmail has arrived - Windows Live
Hotmail_______________________________________________ compiz mailing listcompiz
at lists.freedesktop.orghttp://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/compiz
Do you know a place like the back of your hand? Share local knowledge with
BackOfMyHand.com_______________________________________________ compiz mailing
listcompiz at
lists.freedesktop.orghttp://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/compiz
The next generation of MSN Hotmail has arrived - Windows Live Hotmail
_________________________________________________________________
Feel like a local wherever you go.
http://www.backofmyhand.com
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</head>
<body class=3D'hmmessage'>I was thinking of a black void into
which objects could be placed. For example, you would be able to
render an entire level of an FPS within the void and include basic collision
detection. I know that a void will add to the overhead as both the
inside and outside must be rendered. Also, most games use a form of
BSP tree that only renders what is visible as a method of
optimisation.<BR>
<BR>
I have a good sense of what I want to achieve in terms of visual and
interaction. For example, let's say you are using MySpace (or
Facebook, Newsvine, etc.) and there is a link that will direct you to
someone's public desktop. After clicking the link, the user will
be directed away from the current window to a seamless transition to the
the other users desktop. This depends on two factors, firstly
a dynamic DNS entry being available for the system in question and it being
powered on at the time. Each desktop could contain shortcuts that will
lead to other desktops, so that people can surf from desktop to
desktop.<BR>
<BR>
I would like to develop a prototype, but unfortunately I work and it leaves very
little time for anything else. That's why I thought I would try to
describe the interface here. Besides, its something that will need to
integrated into the overall architecture of Compiz and that's best left to
the developers.<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<HR id=3DEC_stopSpelling>
Date: Fri, 19 Oct 2007 11:08:28 -0700<BR>From: srhlefty at
gmail.com<BR>To: markmccarron_itt at hotmail.com<BR>Subject: Re:
[compiz] Feature Request<BR>CC: compiz at
lists.freedesktop.org<BR><BR>I agree that it wouldn't be
technically challenging to implement, at least the basic features. The
tricky part is definitely figuring out the best way to give the user control
over the space. Does the space look like an FPS level, with rooms and
architecture, or just a black void with windows floating around?
<BR><BR>The more specific of a vision you have, the easier it is to
write code for. Figuring out <SPAN style=3D"FONT-STYLE:
italic">what</SPAN> to do is often harder than <SPAN
style=3D"FONT-STYLE: italic">how</SPAN> to do it.
<BR><BR>If you can code in OpenGL, a good place to start is to just
write a standalone application with dummy blocks to represent the windows, and
FPS movement controls. I've actually written something like that
in the past for a different project. That would be a good sandbox to
play with control schemes. Windows are inherently 2D, so to keep them
from disappearing if the user is looking the wrong way I suggest it might be
useful to map them to cubes. <BR><BR><BR><BR>
<DIV><SPAN class=3DEC_gmail_quote>On 10/19/07, <B
class=3DEC_gmail_sendername>Mark McCarron</B> <<A
href=3D"mailto:markmccarron_itt at hotmail.com">markmccarron_itt at
hotmail.com</A>> wrote:</SPAN>
<BLOCKQUOTE class=3DEC_gmail_quote style=3D"PADDING-LEFT: 1ex">
<DIV><SPAN class=3Dq>From a technical perspective, its no more
complex than Compiz already is. Its really a matter of developing an
intuitive method of interaction with the environment. Its very
feasible and something that is easily realised. The methods are tried
and tested in games systems, 3D editors and even 3D file
managers. Thus, there are no new technical aspects,
its merely the packaging of those features into a desktop interface.
<BR> <BR>The business applications can be helpful if used
properly, however, the biggest usage will be the domestic home user.
The concept of a public desktop space (or virtual room), that can be shared
across the Internet, will add to social networking model. It will also
lead to new paradigms in terms of web interaction, navigation
and information exchange. <BR> <BR>One other major benefit
will be the promotion of both X and the Linux platform in general. To
use these new features, end user's Operating Systems will need to be
compatible with X. Whilst I'm sure limited interfaces could be
designed for Windows desktops, it will function a lot better as a native Linux
user. <BR> <BR>There is a chance here to leave the
competing Operating Systems for dust and to force their hand in terms of
inter-operability.<BR><BR>Carpe
diem.<BR><BR><BR></SPAN>
<BLOCKQUOTE><SPAN class=3Dq>
<HR>
Date: Fri, 19 Oct 2007 08:02:47 -0400<BR></SPAN>From: <A
href=3D"mailto:vperetokin at gmail.com">vperetokin at
gmail.com</A><SPAN class=3Dq><BR>To: <A
href=3D"mailto:markmccarron_itt at hotmail.com">markmccarron_itt at
hotmail.com</A><BR></SPAN><SPAN class=3Dq>Subject: Re:
[compiz] Feature Request<BR></SPAN>CC: <A
href=3D"mailto:srhlefty at gmail.com">srhlefty at gmail.com
</A>; <A href=3D"mailto:compiz at
lists.freedesktop.org">compiz at lists.freedesktop.org</A>
<DIV><SPAN class=3DEC_e
id=3DEC_q_115b908c9f363eed_8><BR><BR>I had a similar idea, but I
think they said it wasn't too feasible much on the forums.
<BR><BR>Why do you capitalize "window"
though?<BR><BR>I really like your business applications for this -
they really do sound very good. This'll be excellent. <BR><BR>
<DIV><SPAN>On 10/19/07, <B>Mark McCarron</B>
<<A href=3D"mailto:markmccarron_itt at
hotmail.com">markmccarron_itt at hotmail.com</A>>
wrote:</SPAN>=20
<BLOCKQUOTE style=3D"PADDING-LEFT: 1ex">
<DIV>Good questions. I have a few suggestions that may help,
I'm sure the Compiz developers will be able to structure the controls much
better. So, take this as a basis from which to
begin.<BR> <BR>There would be two basic modes, the first
mode would be free space, that is, your mouse guides you through the desktop
space. Upon selecting a window, you would enter the second mode, the
mouse controls would now act upon the selected Window. A simple
left-click in free space would return the user to the first mode.
<BR> <BR>I would expect the user to be able walk around the
environment similar to any FPS. Movement can either be provided by a
mouse click providing acceleration, or via keyboard controls again similar to
any FPS.<BR> <BR>As windows are objects, perhaps they
should have a small control on the border of the windows that can be manipulated
by the mouse. This control would allow the user to alter each of
dimensions independently. A small clickable X,Y,Z object would work
well. This control could be expanded to allow for rotation and scaling
of the object. <BR> <BR>A quick switch utility is something
that is definitely required. Whilst the freedom aspect is good, the
desktop must provide a productive environment. I like the wall utility
too, I find it very handy. I would expect this to look at the space
from above and provide the user with a sense of where each window is located as
well as a bitmap preview. <BR> <BR>There should also be
support for the direct loading and rendering of meshes. This is both
for decoration and as a tool for work environments. Collaborative
design work, even across multiple vendors, would become very easy.
Architects would be able to work on designs with real-time client input, car
designers would be able to work as team, etc. I'm not suggesting a
full editing environment, just a basic viewer that supports major formats.
<BR> <BR><BR><BR><BR><BR> <BR>
<BLOCKQUOTE>
<HR>
Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2007 20:33:58 -0700<BR>From: <A
href=3D"mailto:srhlefty at gmail.com">srhlefty at
gmail.com</A><BR>To: <A
href=3D"mailto:markmccarron_itt@hotmail.com">markmccarron_itt at
hotmail.com</A>; <A href=3D"mailto:compiz at
lists.freedesktop.org">compiz at
lists.freedesktop.org</A><BR>Subject: Re: [compiz] Feature
Request=20
<DIV><SPAN><BR><BR>This is an interesting
idea. How would the user control how the windows move in the depth
dimension? Would the user actually "walk" around such a
space? With such a large space, how would one get to a particular
window quickly, i.e. is there still a switcher?<BR><BR>A 2D slice of
such a space reminds me a lot of the current "Wall" plugin that compiz
has, and is one of my favorites.<BR><BR><BR><BR>
<DIV><SPAN>On 10/18/07, <B>Mark McCarron</B>
<<A href=3D"mailto:markmccarron_itt at
hotmail.com">markmccarron_itt at hotmail.com</A>>
wrote:</SPAN>=20
<BLOCKQUOTE style=3D"PADDING-LEFT: 1ex">
<DIV>Hi Guys,<BR> <BR>I have been thinking of a new
style of interface that could be added to Compiz. Essentially, rather
than having a desktop, the user would be presented with a space in which to
work. This space would be several meters wide in real terms and the
user could navigate the space in a similar fashion to a 3D game.
<BR> <BR>Windows could be grabbed and thrown throughout the
space, providing a very large workspace. This would also allow the
user to physically arrange Windows in the space according to particular tasks or
functions. A simple double-click of a Window would cause it to snap
into full 2D view were the application can be worked upon.
<BR> <BR>The concept of multiple desktops, could be
implemented as multiple spaces. Given the network transparency of X,
it would also allow for the concept of a public space. A public space
would be a desktop that is shared either across a LAN or Internet.
This has both business and personal applications. In terms of
business, it can be used for presentations, reviewing designs, etc. In
terms of personal use, it would open a new area to social networking, desktop
surfing. End users could store images, videos and a range of
interactive items that members of the public can view or download.
<BR> <BR>I realise that this can prove to be a bandwidth
hog, but like everything in computer world, this will only improve with
time and become less of an issue. <BR><SPAN><BR>
<HR>
The next generation of MSN Hotmail has arrived - <A
href=3D"http://www.newhotmail.co.uk/" target=3D_blank>Windows Live
Hotmail</A></SPAN></DIV><SPAN></SPAN><BR>_______________________________________________
<BR>compiz mailing list<BR><A href=3D"mailto:compiz at
lists.freedesktop.org">compiz at
lists.freedesktop.org</A><BR><A
href=3D"http://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/compiz"
target=3D_blank>http://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/compiz</A><BR><BR></BLOCKQUOTE></DIV><BR></SPAN></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE><BR>
<HR>
Do you know a place like the back of your hand? Share local knowledge with <A
href=3D"http://www.backofmyhand.com/"
target=3D_blank>BackOfMyHand.com</A></DIV><BR>_______________________________________________
<BR>compiz mailing list<BR><A href=3D"mailto:compiz at
lists.freedesktop.org">compiz at
lists.freedesktop.org</A><BR><A
href=3D"http://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/compiz"
target=3D_blank>http://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/compiz</A><BR><BR></BLOCKQUOTE></DIV><BR></SPAN></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE>
<DIV><SPAN class=3DEC_e id=3DEC_q_115b908c9f363eed_10><BR>
<HR>
The next generation of MSN Hotmail has arrived - <A
href=3D"http://www.newhotmail.co.uk/" target=3D_blank>Windows Live
Hotmail</A></SPAN></DIV></DIV></BLOCKQUOTE></DIV><BR></BLOCKQUOTE><br
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