Java Open Community (JOC)

Java provides a rich object-oriented model for building distributed systems. In this project we have been studying how to exploit and extend Java's distributed object mechanisms for building scalable, multi-user applications.  Â    Java Open Community should provide a low-cost platform for the development of large-scale distributed virtual environments, with a low entry barrier for application developers.

Background & Objective:  In the past, we and our collaborators have built distributed, virtual environments in C, using the Spline and Open Community platforms developed at MERL Cambridge Research and MERL Cambridge Systems. Our goal in Java Open Community is to provide similar services to application developers, but to do so with simpler, more powerful mechanisms by taking advantage of Java's object model.

Technical Discussion:  JOC is an alternative to Spline, so this section compares the two. Some fundamental concepts and the API's for the two systems are different. JOC separates control of sharing context from the geometric relationships of objects, replacing the spLocale construct of Spline.

JOC advantages:Note that JOC does not yet have 3D logic, audio, or rendering.

Contact:  Richard (Dick) Waters

Technology Area:  Networks

Modification Date:  July 14, 2004