The Extended Window Metaphor for Large High-Resolution Displays

Abstract

We present a novel tele-presence approach that extends the window metaphor by combining large high-resolution LCD walls with multi-camera 3D video. We propose to integrate an array of cameras into the bezels of the wall to support flexible camera placement for optimized video acquisition. The users's 3D video representation combined with the high-resolution LCD wall provides local and remote users with a shared virtual space in an extended life-size window metaphor. We discuss important system design aspects such as camera placement strategies, resolution, field of view, and dynamic camera selection for different 3D video reconstruction approaches, such as stereo and visual hulls. Finally, we describe our current prototype system based on the design guidelines described in this paper.