Shaadhoc
Description of the software mechanism
Shaadhoc is a software which allow the users to modify a map in a collaborative manner using a Wi-Fi Ad-Hoc network.
The map can be splitted in many areas and every user can display, move and zoom the map on his device. But for each map's area, only one user has the right to modify it at the same time.
Shaadhoc use colors and shapes to represent the state of an area.
If the area is black, then it is locked.
If the area is white, then it is unlocked.
If the area is crossed-out, then it is disabled and the user can't modify it.
If the area is not crossed-out, then it is enabled and the user can modify it.
If the area has an ellipse in it, then it is likely to change its lock state.
Warning : unlocked/locked and enabled/disabled are not the same feature. An area can be unlocked AND disabled.
System Requirement
Shaadhoc is a .Net software which works on every device which can run .Net Framework, .Net Compact Framework or Mono Framework. Here is a list of compatible and tested device :
PDA/Pocket PC/Smartphone with Windows Mobile (5 or 6) and .Net Compact Framework
PC with a Linux based OS and Mono Framework
PC with a Windows Based OS and .Net Framework
(Mono does not work well yet with MacOS)
Main Demonstration
Detailed Features
Automatic Lock Assignment
Area Drawing Capabilities
Automatic Map Update
Smart Item Move
Items can be moved only in the an unlocked area.
Zooming and Moving Map Capabilities
Large Picture Display
The Shaadhoc software can use pictures up to 3M pixel.
Smart Lock Assignment
When a new user launch the software and connect his PDA to an existing ad-hoc network, the software detect him as a new user and erase his data to give him the most recent data. The empty data of a new user will never erase data of existing users.
GPS Position Sharing
The software can works with an internal GPS chip or an external bluetooth GPS devices. The user can see his position and the position of the other users on the screen and the software can detect and manage GPS signal loss. The first video shows what happen when a PDA without GPS and a PDA with GPS are connected together. The second video shows two GPS-enable PDA.
Error Display
When the user does not use the software correctly, the component which is not well used blink in red to help the user to understand the software mechanism. For example, it happen when a user try to put an item on a locked area.
Wi-Fi Connection Loss Management
The software is not disturbed by connection loss. The reconnection time can vary from one to ten seconds, considering interferences and distance between each PDA. The following video shows a connection loss, you can see the connection icon of Windows Mobile on the top of the PDA
Long Range Wi-Fi
The lightness of the shared data allow PDA's to communicate up to 130 meters. The following picture show the result obtained in a test at the LABRI.