[compiz] Feature Request

Fri Oct 19 11:08:28 PDT 2007

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?

The more specific of a vision you have, the easier it is to write code for.
Figuring out what to do is often harder than how to do it.

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.

On 10/19/07, Mark McCarron <markmccarron_itt at hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> 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.
>
> 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 -0400
> From: vperetokin at gmail.com
> To: markmccarron_itt at hotmail.com
> Subject: Re: [compiz] Feature Request
> CC: 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.
>
> On 10/19/07, *Mark McCarron* <markmccarron_itt at hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> 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.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
> Date: Thu, 18 Oct 2007 20:33:58 -0700
> From: srhlefty at gmail.com
> To: markmccarron_itt at hotmail.com; compiz at lists.freedesktop.org
> Subject: Re: [compiz] Feature Request
>
> 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:
>
> 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.
>
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