Younosuke Furui

ConverStation/2: an extensible and customizable realtime multimedia conferencing system

Multimedia desktop conferencing systems provide several functions, such as connection, a shared chalkboard, a motion video and file transfer. For future extensions, the systems should provide the ability of adding or changing a module without affecting other modules. In addition, a user needs the ability of customizing each module and the ability of selecting modules. The paper describes the extensibility and customizability of the real time multimedia conferencing system called ConverStation/2. The conference kernel of ConverStation/2 is independent from conference tools, and provides an interface to tool modules. A new tool module can be added and work under the conferencing kernel by using the interface. The conferencing kernel provides a common communication interface so that tool modules are unaware of the difference of communication protocols. By developing a communication driver that works under the common communication interface, a new protocol will be easily supported. A chalkboard of ConverStation/2 also has the extensibility. A user can add a new function by writing a program in a script language or by providing the function as a dynamic link library. Moreover, a user can define parameters of each module. For example, the default size and position of the chalkboard window can be easily changed by specifying them in a parameter file.

Multimedia communication and collaboration for remote loan contracting

Multimedia conferencing systems have been applied to several areas. In their applications, multimedia conferencing functions are used only for a video phone and data sharing in explicit collaboration. This paper describes a new type of a multimedia system, which tightly integrates an information kiosk and a multimedia conferencing system. It provides local interactive data input, paper form processing, implicit and explicit remote collaboration, event monitoring by sensors, workflow control, and host communication. The architecture, configuration, and functions of the system are explained through an example of a remote contract system, which automates a loan contract procedure.

Turning pointer: a more effective presentation tool with orientation control

In computer-mediated human-to-human interactions, or presentations, an arrow-shaped pointer is used to indicate a graphical object displayed on the screen. While a conventional pointer has a fixed orientation, the graphical object has several dimensions, such as length and orientation. Thus, the user has to move the pointer around the object in order to show which dimension is being discussed, even when the object is not moving. This paper introduces a new type of pointer - the turning pointer - that allows users to take advantage of the orientation for more effective presentations. It has two important features. First, it provides users with more than one way to show which dimension of the object they are talking about. Second, it allows users to interact with the system at any time during the presentation without performing any switching operation, such as clicking a mouse button.

An asymmetric collaboration platform for novice-expert multimedia systems

This paper describes a platform for asymmetric collaboration, which is required in novice-expert systems. In novice-expert systems, a novice user operates the system for most of the time. When the user himself or his work process requires support from a remote expert, the expert provides guidance or support work. The platform for the novice-expert systems must have the following features: (i) remote execution of commands, (ii) communication support for call collision and key number handling, (iii) asymmetric user interface, (iv) control of each entity of collaborative tools. This paper explains the architecture functions, and applications of the asymmetric platform that has the above four features.

A chalkboard for asymmetric collaboration

Conventional stand-alone kiosk systems do not allow communication between people. However, customers sometimes needs help or advice from the expert in a complex kiosk, such as making a contract. By adding asymmetric collaboration functions to a kiosk system, we have made it possible for them to obtain such assistance. Asymmetric collaboration is a new type of collaboration, in which two or more people who have different environments or standpoints work together toward a common goal. We developed a remote collaboration platform that supports asymmetric collaboration, and created a remote loan-contracting system as the first application. The platform has conferencing functions such as a shared chalkboard, which allows two or more terminals to share graphical data in real time. In this paper, we focus on the shared chalkboard function. To handle asymmetry in the loan-contracting system, the shared chalkboard can dynamically switch user interface, and can be controlled by application programs through an API. We describe its design and implementation, and discuss its advantages.

A remote multimedia presentation system using a direct pointing stick

Desktop conferencing systems are used for discussions among participants seating at individual computers. The systems can be used for remote presentation or remote teaching if the computers are connected to a large screen. However, there are usability problems if a conventional input device such as a mouse or a tablet is used. This paper describes a remote multimedia presentation system that integrates a direct pointing stick with a multimedia conferencing system. The conferencing system has a shared chalkboard that supports script programs. The pointing stick has an optical sensor with a switch. While the presenter is pressing the switch, the sensor detects any changes in brightness, and transmits data by radio to a receiver connected to a personal computer. When an object being pointed at is detected by the shared chalkboard, a script program for functions such as turning pages, zooming, or changing graphic objects, is executed at the presenters site and the remote site. This approach makes it easy for the presenter to operate the system while standing beside a large screen, and for the audience to understand the presenters precise intentions.<<ETX>>