Synthesis and Transmission of Realistic Sensation Using Virtual Reality Technology

Abstract

This paper describes a telecommunication system that can provide realistic sensations of remote place. To minimize the time delay between head movement and displayed image, the system named “Virtual Dome” was developed. This system consists of a rotating camera head that gathers surrounding images of remote place and a graphics workstation in which a virtual spherical screen for looking around is held. In this paper, firstly, the concept and implementation of the Virtual Dome are stated. Next, an approach to improve the efficiency of acquiring images is discussed. Finally, an extension of the Virtual Dome is discussed from 3D sensation view point. Depth information of a scene was extracted using a pair of stereo panoramic image. By making the virtual screen uneven based on the depth information, 3D sensation was synthesized.