OmniGaze

Abstract

This paper introduces a telepresence system called OmniGaze, which displays a remote user's presence using a spherical display on an omnidirectional camera. In a telepresence system, gaze has a variety of important functions such as presenting the direction of attention and making simple eye gestures. An omnidirectional camera is an effective tool for gaze communication because it provides a wider range of view for remote users. OmniGaze is a telepresence system which leverages an omnidirectional camera. We designed a modular spherical LED matrix display that covers an omnidirectional camera and projects a spherical animation to visually convey remote user's gaze information. Telecommunication by gaze interaction differs from face-to-face communication in various aspects, so we conducted a user study to investigate practical applications of our system. This paper presents feedback and findings pertaining to the proposed gaze animation technique, advantages and disadvantages of asymmetric communication, and design implications. We also discuss applying our system to communication of humans and automated robots.