Framework for remote collaborative interaction in virtual environments based on proximity

This paper presents a framework for remote collaborations within distributed teams where there is a need to communicate, share and modify information. The use of virtual environments is proposed to enhance Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW). The current framework gravitates along the concepts of self-representation and proximity to implement different levels of interactivity both in the communication and in the collaboration axis. Proxemics is used as the rule for communications allows a high scalability for densely populated collaborative scenarios. Furthermore the use of proximity as the main rule to interact with the shared content establishes different levels of collaboration.

[1]  Steve Whittaker,et al.  Rethinking video as a technology for interpersonal communications: theory and design implications , 1995, Int. J. Hum. Comput. Stud..

[2]  Kris Luyten,et al.  Addressing Challenges in Crowded Proxemics-Aware Installations , 2014, DIS 2014.

[3]  George Dragoi,et al.  New Perspectives of Virtual Teams’ Collaboration , 2011 .

[4]  John C. Tang,et al.  Liveboard: a large interactive display supporting group meetings, presentations, and remote collaboration , 1992, CHI.

[5]  Mel Slater,et al.  Proxemics with multiple dynamic characters in an immersive virtual environment , 2010, TAP.

[6]  Bjørn Erik Munkvold,et al.  The wheel of collaboration tools: a typology for analysis within a holistic framework , 2006, CSCW '06.

[7]  John Bowers,et al.  Talk and embodiment in collaborative virtual environments , 1996, CHI.

[8]  Mel Slater,et al.  Persuading people in a remote destination to sing by beaming there , 2013, VRST '13.

[9]  Jonathan Grudin,et al.  Computer-supported cooperative work: history and focus , 1994, Computer.

[10]  Philip A. Chou,et al.  Non-linear modeling of eye gaze perception as a function of gaze and head direction , 2014, 2014 Sixth International Workshop on Quality of Multimedia Experience (QoMEX).

[11]  Diane H. Sonnenwald,et al.  Information behavior in dynamic group work contexts: interwoven situational awareness, dense social networks and contested collaboration in command and control , 2000, Inf. Process. Manag..

[12]  Carl Gutwin,et al.  KinectArms: a toolkit for capturing and displaying arm embodiments in distributed tabletop groupware , 2013, CSCW.

[13]  Hiroshi Ishii,et al.  Emerging frameworks for tangible user interfaces , 2000, IBM Syst. J..

[14]  S. Freitas.  Serious Virtual Worlds: a Scoping Study , 2008 .

[15]  Mar González-Franco,et al.  The contribution of real-time mirror reflections of motor actions on virtual body ownership in an immersive virtual environment , 2010, 2010 IEEE Virtual Reality Conference (VR).

[16]  John C. Tang,et al.  What video can and cannot do for collaboration: A case study , 2005, Multimedia Systems.

[17]  Mikkel Rønne Jakobsen,et al.  Information Visualization and Proxemics: Design Opportunities and Empirical Findings , 2013, IEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics.

[18]  Mel Slater,et al.  Comparison of SSVEP BCI and Eye Tracking for Controlling a Humanoid Robot in a Social Environment , 2014, PRESENCE: Teleoperators and Virtual Environments.