Over at the Queen's University, researchers have developed a 3D Augmented Reality teleconferencing system which they call Telehuman 2.
The machine uses real-time holograms of people that can be placed anywhere in the world. The system – which the researchers claims is the "first truly holographic video conferencing system" – is intended to bring video conferences to life, letting people see 360-degree replicas of call participants.
Designed by Queen's University in Ontario Canada, Telehuman 2 uses a ring of intelligent projectors mounted above and around a retro-reflective, human-sized cylindrical pod. The display projects light fields with many images, one for every degree of angle, the device looks set to transform how human's communicate with one another, offering a way of experiencing augmented reality without the need for a headset or 3D glasses.
It features a range of depth cameras that monitor the user’s movements in three dimensions, and this data is then sent to its sister device over the internet. Using light-field technology, projections appear as 3D as if inside the pod and can be walked around and viewed from all sides simultaneously by multiple users.
"Face-to-face interaction transfers an immense amount of non-verbal information," said Roel Vertegaal, professor of human-computer interaction at the Queen's University school of computing, and head of the queen’s human media lab. "In a professional environment like a meeting, our latest edition of Telehuman technology will do wonders for attendees looking to address colleagues with eye contact or to more effectively manage turn taking."
Have a look at the video below to see the Telehuman 2 in action.