Implementation and Evaluation of a Virtual Conferencing System for Disaster Response Headquarters

Abstract

This study implemented a virtual conference system for the disaster response headquarters. The
system consists of a (a) virtual shared space construction technology of the disaster response headquarters,
(b) video avatar construction technology of the disaster response headquarters staff, and
(c) material presentation technology in the virtual shared space. In the virtual shared space construction
technology, the arrangement of desks and chairs in the disaster response headquarters were
reproduced. In the video avatar construction technology, a complete real-time avatar of the user was
created and then sent to the virtual shared space of the disaster response headquarters. This technology
uses three depth cameras placed in the cockpit (consisting of a PC and a three-sided display) to
generate a complete real-time avatar for the user. The three cameras generate three-way images of
the user from the left, right, and front directions. These images are then fused as one real-time video
avatar. In the material presentation technology, a virtual screen is arranged for information sharing
in the shared space to enable each participant to present various materials on the virtual screen.