Integrating Real Space and Virtual Space in the ‘Invisible Person’ Communication Support System

Abstract

The real space computing technologies, such as the mobile computing technology, enable users to make use of computers anywhere in the world. On the other hand, the virtual space computing technologies enable users to use remote computer resources from their desktop environments through intuitive operations. By combining these two kinds of computing technologies, we can construct a more flexible and general platform for computing in either space. Based on this viewpoint, we have realized a communication environment, called the ‘invisible person’ environment, where virtual space and real space are strongly associated. In this paper, we discuss the system architecture of this environment. The policies that we took in its design are 1) reduction to a feasible design at present, 2) wide-spread popularity to become an invisible person, and 3) emphasis on the realization of communication rather than the concrete analysis and accurate presentation of the real space. These policies are reflected on our system design where we provide users with several kinds of browsers for the flexibility of their operations.