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

2. I2 Virtual Panel (1/24/02)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. I2 Virtual Panel (1/24/02)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. I2 Virtual Panel (1/24/02)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. I2 Virtual Panel (1/24/02)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. I2 Virtual Panel (1/24/02)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. I2 Virtual Panel (1/24/02)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