Mediating Presence in Browser Based Videoconferencing

The new technologies of the Open Web Platform (OWP) are currently redefining what is possible in a browser application, opening up a new world of possibilities for browser based videoconferencing. This paper explores new ways to combine these new web technologies with depth sensors. A prototype videoconferencing system was developed, featuring online remote collaboration exercises, collaborative viewing and manipulation of 3D models, and 3D motion parallax video. To enable intuitive interaction with the system, it was outfitted with a depth sensor based touch interface.Shared viewing and manipulation of 3D models was found to be a useful addition to classic videoconferencing and can be used to convey information in ways not possible with shared images or video. The motion parallax 3D view developed holds promise in the field of mediated gaze, but did not quite reach the goal due to technical limitations. The system shows promise for further investigation into collaboration on interactive surfaces.