Description of algorithms of Floating World
by Jack Seay - Sept. 25, 2006
Current state:
Floating windows with colored translucent links connecting spans of text, audio, video, graphics. (This is just one of many possible views)
Requirements:
Versioning, transclusional quotation, option to sell any portion of any document, unbreakable 2 way links between spans, automatic encryption and authentication, everything editable and browsable at all times, some things (bank statements) cannot be edited and saved to server, but can be saved locally (to use in budget planning), all "deletions", additions, and re-arrangements accessible.
Big goal:
Serve as a virtual filing system for all types of software to access. Works on any common OS (ones that run Python). Provide several key features that all programmers can include.
Behaviour:
Clicking once brings window into focus (or if already, follows link).
Double clicking pops up menu of choices: edit, follow link, create link, add note, etc.
Keyframes = versions.
Layers = dimensions and formats.
Data structures (Python):
Dictionaries {mutable, nesting, unordered, key value pairs}
Lists [mutable, nesting, ordered]
Strings "immutable"
Tuples ( )
Script of the movie:
What if:
I could edit and browse a document, work collaboratively on it with others while keeping track of who wrote what and freely sharing everything, compare all parts of every saved version of a document.
I could have links; they would be bi-directional through time; they would be span to span instead of point to document or point; they wouldn't break because of file, server, and directory name changes.
Any form of data could be freely mixed and viewed in any conceivable form: plain text, styled text, floating sub-windows with filtered and selected differing types of links, audio, video, images, layers, timelines, freeform mindmaps, outlines, webs, grids, mathematical animations, VR, gesture interfaces, mixed human and machine intelligence,
Description of Xanadu movie - Sept. 23, 2006
Emphasize what you want to do, not just eye candy.
What do you want to do?
Reading email about a movie, I wish I could link this to just one 15 second scene. I also want to see what others have said about that segment. Did the director have other takes of it? How does the screenplay read? What does the novel or book say here? I want to write a review and include it.
I'm studying math. I see some strange symbols in a strange equation. What does each symbol mean? Show examples of it's use. Show a graphic or animation using it, and how it contributes.
I'm reading a passage from the Bible. Show me translator nots, cross-references, alternate translations, definitions, commentaries, original languages, diagrams, notes, opinions, annotations, controversies, (in any combination) - all modifiable. Show links visibly connecting spans.
I'm creating an ad for my product. I want video demonstrating it, user reviews, where to buy with seller ratings, user guides, descriptions, alternate (unpublished) versions, collaborative editing of text, graphics, video, and sound.
I'm designing an arcology. I want various 2D and 3D views with selectable layers, import into Second Life, show Gantt charts, materials list, budgets, energy use, waste disposal.
I'm reading and editing a collaborative encyclopedia. It resembles the wikipedia, except there is no official editorial board. Any person or group is free to create their own totally biased edition of the encyclopedia (as contraversial and politically incorrect as they want). And anyone can create a slight variation of that. Anyone is also free to create an index of the many versions.
I'm chatting with friends (text and audio). I can be online shopping in a VR mall with just my selection of favorite stores. Someone I'm chatting with can be playing a game, shopping in their own or my mall, reading, or just chatting.
I'm trying to organize my apartment/home. I photograph, classify, describe, sort, and organize my things. Some items are listed on the local Freecycle network, eBay, or other similar sites. I can do keyword searches and have a list (with pictures) shown of matches. I can easily find receipts and waranties, identify what needs periodic maintenance, add tasks and to-do lists to my calendar.
I want to see a movie and let advertisers pay for it. But I want to exclude unwanted ads, and give preference to my interests. I can watch them all at the beginning, or spread them out. I can change my mind part way through and pay for the last part of the movie. I can pause and resume it at any time.