Following the interesting report from Roland Piquepaille, covered videostreaming of a subject with 48 cameras, transmitting the images over a network, and implanting them in a virtual world, here is more information about what can be achieved with videoconferencing when arrays of webcams are utilized so that one can see the remote partner from multiple viewpoints, just like you would do when meeting face to face.

The project, called MultiView and coordinated by Berkeley Professors David Nguyen and John Canny.

In this project, traditional video teleconferencing systems are enhanced by adding multiple dimensions to the experience.

In essence, with the approach used by the two professors is meant to enhance traditional videoconferencing systems with a more advanced technological approach capable of reproducing spatial clues more faithfully while exchanging multiple streams of video.

You can see a short video that well exemplifies the MultiView concept right here (Windows Media file - 6.5 MB).

Recently, the two Berkeley professors have ventured beyond MultiView already advanced idea and have launched an even more ambitious project called InterView.

InterView aims to improve the effectiveness of remote communication by adding increased spatial fidelity to video conferencing systems. It is a continuation of the MultiView project that utilizes higher quality optics to achieve even more realistic and effective results.

InterView is currently under the process of being patented.

More information.