Towards 3 D-Aware Telepresence : Working on Technologies Behind the Scene

Telepresence has gone a long way since first seminal works on shared task and person spaces [1]. After a number of technologies, such as broadband internet, high quality HD lowdelay video compression, or web applications, have become mature enough, several products have been able to irrupt into the market establishing a solid step forward towards practical true Telepresence solutions. Despite these advances, there is still work to do in what concerns naturality and usability. For instance, current systems are limited to 2D visual communication, limiting proper transmission of body language, and, in general, gaze and eye contact awareness. Telepresence spaces need also more immersive and intuitive interaction with documents and applications for more natural telecollaboration and task sharing. In order to tackle these and other shortcomings, emerging technologies such as 3D imaging and multi-touch screens, respectively, are seen to be key for further progress in Telepresence. In this paper, ongoing work in these areas is presented. In particular, the approach taken in EU 3DPresence project is presented as example.