Immersive telecommunication using stereo video avatar

Immersive projection displays such as CABIN and COSMOS have been connected through the broad band network. This kind of network environment is expected to be used as a multimedia virtual laboratory. In particular, video avatar technology has been developed in order to realize high presence communication in this multimedia virtual laboratory. A video avatar is a computer-synthesized three-dimensional image created using live video. This method has the characteristics of being a natural, accurate and convenient communication tool. In this study, communication capabilities of the video avatar were experimentally evaluated. In addition, the video avatar technology was applied to several communications applications, such as that of guiding colleagues and undertaking design work in networked immersive projection displays.