Video as a technology for interpersonal communications: a new perspective

Steve Whittaker

doi:10.1117/12.206055

14 March 1995 Video as a technology for interpersonal communications: a new perspective

Steve Whittaker

Proceedings Volume 2417, Multimedia Computing and Networking 1995; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.206055
Event: IS&T/SPIE's Symposium on Electronic Imaging: Science and Technology, 1995, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

Some of the most challenging multimedia applications have involved real- time conferencing, using audio and video to support interpersonal communication. Here we re-examine assumptions about the role, importance and implementation of video information in such systems. Rather than focussing on novel technologies, we present evaluation data relevant to both the classes of real-time multimedia applications we should develop and their design and implementation. Evaluations of videoconferencing systems show that previous work has overestimated the importance of video at the expense of audio. This has strong implications for the implementation of bandwidth allocation and synchronization. Furthermore our recent studies of workplace interaction show that prior work has neglected another potentially vital function of visual information: in assessing the communication availability of others. In this new class of application, rather than providing a supplement to audio information, visual information is used to promote the opportunistic communications that are prevalent in face-to-face settings. We discuss early experiments with such connection applications and identify outstanding design and implementation issues. Finally we examine a different class of application 'video-as-data', where the video image is used to transmit information about the work objects themselves, rather than information about interactants.

Citation Download Citation

Steve Whittaker "Video as a technology for interpersonal communications: a new perspective", Proc. SPIE 2417, Multimedia Computing and Networking 1995, (14 March 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.206055

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