MAJIC and DesktopMAJIC conferencing system (video program) (abstract only)

This video shows a multiparty videoconferencing system “MAJIC” and a multiparty desktop conferencing system “DesktopMAJIC”. MAJIC is composed of 2 video cameras, 2 video projectors, a one-way transparent screen, and a tilted workstation forming a desk. Life-size video images of participants are projected without boundaries onto a large curved screen as if users in remote locations are sitting around a table attending a meeting together. MAJIC supports gaze awareness and multiple eye-contact among the participants. Moreover, a shared work space is provided at the center, enabling users to carry on a discussion in a manner comparable to face-to-face meetings.

Although MAJIC is very effective, it needs a high speed network and special facilities. DesktopMAJIC is implemented on a convential computer workstation, and supports pseudo gaze awareness and pseudo hand action. Still-picture portraits of the user in 9 different gaze directions are sent to every DesktopMAJIC in advance, and an appropriate one is dynamically selected during the conference to reflect where the user is paying attention. Moreover, other participants' mouse cursors on the shared application window are linked to their portrait window, allowing each user to intuitively see which cursor belongs to whom. Since DesktopMAJIC does not need a high speed network, it may work smoothly even in a telephone or wireless network environment.