Multimedia ambiance communication
The photo-realistic 3-D image space of multimedia ambiance communication offers enhanced interpersonal communication. Formed by taking the laws of perspective and the characteristics of human visual perception into account, the space provides a natural environment that users can feel to be a part of. It is based on the concept of a three-layer structure, with long-, mid-, and short-range views. We constructed a testbed for multimedia ambiance communication consisting of a high-speed graphics computer and a curved screen onto which images are stereoscopically projected from the rear, and developed a three-camera system for capturing environment images. In addition, we developed the two-plane expression for processing backdrop views and highly efficient mid-range views. Finally, we constructed a photo-realistic 3-D image space using these image processing techniques.