e2vector is an illustration AIR application, that closes the gap between AIR and conventional desktop applications. Its powerful features include: Shapes, Polygons, Stars, Cogs, Spirals, arrows, Undo and Redo, Bezier pen tool, Filters, Gradient fills, Layers and mask layers, Blend-modes, Path splicing, Shape intersection and union, Import and export SVG files, etc. The challenge of this project is to port it to run on a mobile device.
This is a sophisticated piece of software, written in ActionScript3. Hence this proposal is aimed at future mobile handsets that support ActionScript3 / Flash 9 or 10 capabilities, or perhaps even a future version of the AIR platform for mobile.
Implementation
This project entails the creation of two new applications, and comprehensive online documentation about how to use the application.
1. e2vector for mobile: A mobile port of my existing e2vector application. This kind of application lends itself naturally to a Touch UI. But I'll still incorporate keypad navigation as an alternative (although this won't be nearly as intuitive as touch). This application is not suitable for devices with very small screens. The handset must support ActionScript3 / Flash 9 or 10 capabilities, or perhaps even a future version of the AIR platform for mobile.
2. PHP+mySQL: Server-side software. Allows for online storage and sharing of illustrations.
(e2vector for AIR already exists, but there will be some enhancements to this application)
Functions
|
e2vector AIR application Create new project Import images Import vector illustrations Create text Drag to position on the stage Resize and rotate elements Freehand lines Polygons and shapes Pen tool Search online image library Modify depths Align shapes Path splicing Union and intersect shapes Filters Layers |
e2vector Mobile application Create new project Import images Import vector illustrations Create text Drag to position on the stage Resize and rotate elements Freehand lines Polygons and shapes Pen tool Search online image library Modify depths Align shapes (Other functions if supported by mobile device) Touch and keypad navigation |
PHP+mySQL Store online directory Handle requests from AIR application Handle requests from mobile client |
Problems Solved
e2vector exists for the desktop. Although still a prototype, it is a seriously powerful application. Nevertheless. it has a very small footprint. Without code-signing, this application is only 200Kbytes. A previous version, with fewer features was only 64Kbytes big. There should be no memory issues porting this to a mobile device.
Watch a video introduction to e2vector here.
New Challenges
The focus of this project will be to make it attractive and intuitive to use on a mobile device. This projects lends itself naturally to a touch UI - and I'll aim to make this experience as "cool" as possible.
Transparency
While Nokia and Adobe have reassured developers about confidentially, we think that transparency would benefit the developer community. While we won't open our source code, we intend to blog and twitter about this project, so that other developers can learn from our approach.
The Team
Daniel Freeman will be the Lead developer.
Nivedita Patel will oversee the project. She is responsible for quality, testing, maintaining focus and deliverables.
We will involve another designer/developer who has specific responsibility for the appearance of this product.
There will be a team of volunteer online beta testers.
Milestones
The project entails an estimated 80 days of development over six months. There is a milestone at the end of each month.
Month 1: Proposed look-and feel. Icon designs. Create an online forum for beta testers.
Month 2: Updated AIR application with a new look and feel.
Month 3: Server-side software in place. First mobile prototype demonstrating touch UI and keypad UI schemes.
Month 4: Second e2vector mobile prototype incorporating more drawing functionlity.
Month 5: Updates to mobile client software. Now fully functional. Final beta-test trials.
Month 6: Project completion.
The Budget
US$48,000. (Estimated 80 days development)
Distribution
The mobile client will be distributed through Nokia's Ovi store (not free). The AIR application is already being distributed through the Adobe AIR Marketplace, and web downloads. This global service will be available in English.
Who Are We?
Daniel Freeman is an accomplished software expert with over 21 years professional experience. His experience of mobile telephony goes back to my early career when he was involved in the creation of the first GSM Mobile standard. He is the inventor and author of a patent for Voice Activity Detection. His algorithm is implemented in every GSM mobile handset. He has founded and directed two companies. He was an early pioneer of Rich Internet Applications. In 2001, he started using Flash and ActionScript to develop sophisticated applications.
Nivedita Patel has many years experience in management of Operations, Administration and IT projects. She has successfully managed the development of internet and intranet applications, predominantly within the medico-legal industry. An Administrator and Internal Auditor by profession, Nivedita considers and incorporates Risk and Quality Management issues into a customer's business requirements to ensure the implementation of “best case scenario” systems and processes. Nivedita's overall experience spans several industries including hospitality, retail, manufacture, medical, legal, industrial equipment installation, and information technology.