 Biomedical Imaging and Visualization
The MEDUSA (Multiparticipant Engagement through Desktop Unimedia Systems and
Applications) project was created to advance the state of the art in unimedia
desktop systems, and to develop a prototype system for supporting multipoint
collaborative interactions with special emphasis on visual information
exchange. There are several distinct advantages to the concept of allowing
multiple participants to engage in remote communications through such desktop
systems:
- the participants can communicate from their desktops without the need to
leave their offices or to schedule and use a special teleconferencing
facility;
- the use of a complementary set of different media and modes of
interactivity will increase the sense of (tele-)presence by, and exchanges
between, the participants;
- the use of a computationally rich environment will allow diverse types of
information to be retrieved, captured, and exchanged among the participants.
Conference Table Paradigm
The conference table paradigm is intended to serve as a framework through which
to conduct the collaborative, desktop-based interactions. Participants "sit"
around a table, allowing them to communicate in a manner that provides an
intuitive and scalable base, with multiple communications capabilities.
Different metaphors apply for different instances of conferencing: a round
table for equal-partners communication, rectangular table conferencing for
moderated discussion (where the moderator sits at the end of the table), and a
classroom lay-out for a teaching environment. Basic methods of communication
include motion gesture, file sharing, audio, and text. Side chats would be
supported, as well as "late" conference arrivals and post-conference users who
may wish to index the conference deliberations.
Project Members:
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