Immersive Meeting Point (im.point)

Abstract

The Heinrich-Hertz-Institute has developed the prototype of an immersive 3D videoconference system. Im.point is representing an advanced concept of a next generation videoconferencing system. The locale conference table will be seamlessly integrated in a virtual conference scene including other remote participants represented on a large display and under correct perspective. The natural and life sized 3D representation of the virtual scene and the remote participants mediates the impression of a real face-to-face meeting. By using the MPEG-4 standard, the newest video coding technology is applied and demonstrated in a real-time application. For the first time, it will be possible to communicate with geographically distributed participants in a virtual conference room without any difference to real meetings. This system will increase the usability and acceptance of future videoconference systems substantially.

Features of the system

• Immersive audio-visual scene reproduction
• Mixed reality approach, seamless transition between real and virtual world
• Shared virtual environment
• Natural representation of conferees
• Seamless integration of audio-visual objects in the virtual environment
• Realistic eye-to-eye contact
• Life-sized upper body images representing gestures and body language
• Flexible and modular software architecture for future extensions

Example

Our offer

• Provision of a prototype system for three party immersive video conferencing as inhouse solution
• Provision of im.point as test bed for future research tasks on presence research and collaborative work

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