Scaling CAD software and enabling collaboration via operational transforms

Abstract

Across all disciplines, the modern work environment requires one to collaborate with others. Whether it be a news office or an engineering firm, real-time collaboration, specifically through software tools, is becoming the norm rather than the exception. Currently, there are many different software tools available that allow for real-time collaboration. The ubiquitous Google service Google Docs allows for several people to enter data into a spreadsheet or text document simultaneously, greatly increasing productivity. More recently, mechanical CAD tools have been developed that allow for multiple users to edit object models simultaneously. In the same vein as these tools, this research set out to create a robust implementation of collaborative CAD for circuit design, with applications in education. Within this thesis, I set out to implement a scalable and robust collaborative CAD software through the partial revision of JaDE, an existing circuit design tool. JaDE (Javascript Design Environment) is a web-based software tool used in MIT classes to teach both analog and digital circuit design. In upgrading the software, I set out to achieve several goals, ultimately leading to a lightweight, scalable version of JaDE which supports caching of large static elements and includes a revised database as well as modular schematic updates. Upon establishing these features, operational transforms were then added in order to allow for real-time collaboration. The intended application of this technology is for education, allowing teaching assistants and instructors to help students and demonstrate concepts in a collaborative manner.