[by DigInfo]
At Interaction 2011, NTT demonstrated a 3D video communication system called MoPaCo, which is currently being developed.
This system enables 3D communication using a single-lens camera and a 2D display, by processing images in line with how the user’s viewpoint moves.
“The other person talking has a camera. The person and background are separated from those 2D pictures, to create a 3D space. The observer’s camera measures where the observer is, and it uses information about that person’s viewpoint and the other person’s space, to calculate in real time what sort of pictures it should generate for showing through the window.”
Depth information is obtained by calculating the observer’s position within the image. Faces are recognized using characteristic parts such as the eyes and mouth, and based on their size and position, the system estimates how far the person is from the camera.
“Basically, we think this system could be used for various types of video communication. For example, people could discuss projects while looking at each other’s desk, or they could see into each other’s room to talk about furniture they’ve bought. We think this system could be used to have conversations while sharing each other’s space.”
“As this is NTT research, we’d like to provide services with even higher added value for current videophones. But there are still a variety of issues to overcome, such as reproducing people in 3D more effectively. So we need to keep working on those aspects.”
Read the original post here: http://www.diginfo.tv/2011/03/17/11-0068-r-en.php