The Future of Virtual Collaboration

1. The Future of Virtual Collaboration Internet2 Virtual PanelJanuary 24, 2002 Lawrence A. Rowe Computer Science Division – EECS University of California, Berkeley http://bmrc.berkeley.edu/~larry

2. Assumptions • Computation cycles are free • Install multiple computers to provide services • Bandwidth will be free • Think about new uses of bandwidth • Use of the Internet • Publication – the web • Communication – email, newsgroups, chat, etc. • Shopping transactions

3. Problems or Opportunities • Poor audio/video quality • Improve algorithms, use more CPU cycles, and use more network bandwidth • Larry’s mantra: “multiple video streams with varying quality” • Too complex to setup and use • Install permanent facilities • Automate common operations • Build gateway services to support alternative technologies • Too expensive • Ride technology cost curve • Look for integrated solutions

4. Research Problems • Audio processing • Audio balancing, noise reduction, echo cancellation, spatial imaging, etc. • Seamless interaction • “Sense of Presence” – see all participants • Floor control – as easy to learn and use as raising hand

5. Problems (cont.) • Production automation • Start/stop • Camera control/stream switching • Special-effects processing • Scale to large conferences? • 4-up video composition for small conferences • Webcasts for large conferences • Something else between? • Support more dynamic operation

6. My Opinion • Access Grid is emerging standard • More flexible than H.32x conferencing • Hard problems • Operation and control • Remote participation • Audio support and processing • 10-20 years from now… • N-way videoconferencing will ubiquitous like telephones

7. Research Links • Internet Webcasting Overview • http://bmrc.berkeley.edu/papers/2001/159/ • Lecture Webcasting • http://bmrc.berkeley.edu/papers/bibs-report.html • Berkeley Lecture Webcasting System • http://bmrc.berkeley.edu/projects/lb • RTPtv Technology • http://bmrc.berkeley.edu/papers/rtptv.html