What They Say
Google has released a video and blog post that combines very high resolution video conferencing combined with a light field display system that creates life-sized images of participants with a true depth perception. At the moment the system is just in Google’s offices but will be available on a trial basis with enterprises later this year although it has been already shared with some partners.
Steve Seitz, director of engineering at Google, said:
“There are really three breakthroughs coming together here, One is the ability to capture people as they are. The second is the ability to compress that information and send it over existing networks efficiently. And the third is the ability to render that person viewable through a three-dimensional display so it really feels like you’re talking with someone right in front of you.”
According to Wired, all the data captured is being transmitted using WebRTC, the same open-source infrastructure that powers Google Meet but Google has developed its own compression techniques that allow 3D video to be simultaneously streamed bidirectionally. The booth the magazine tested used Google’s own office network. In addition, Wired found that, at this stage of development, the light field display had a somewhat limited ideal viewing angle, and that moving too far to one side reduced the illusion that the other person was present in 3D.
What We Think
This system looks quite amazing. I thought it was worth drawing to your attention immediately, but I do need to dig into it. If it is as good as it looks, it could be very significant in developing early applications such as telemedicine. (BR)
