Remote gesture visualization for efficient distant collaboration using collocated shared interfaces

Remote gesture visualization contributes to the efficiency of distant collaboration tasks because it enables the coordination among participant's actions and talk. This paper presents an efficient collaborative system combining Computer Vision Techniques and Collaborative Tools applied to multi-site connected shared table interfaces (MERL Diamond Touch). This platform provides a fluid gesture visualization of each distant participant on or above the tactile table, whether he/she is moving virtual digital objects or is intending to do so. Our main contribution addresses technical improvements in the domain of the " side by side" metaphor for Computer Supported Cooperative Work (CSCW), in terms of real time computer vision processing, robustness, constraint relaxation on lightning conditions and shared workspace content (images, videos, manipulation of windows). This system may be extended to any kind of interactive displays (projection screens or tactile PC monitors.