Spatial conferencing using a wearable computer

Wearable computers provide constant access to computing and communications resources; however, there are many unanswered questions as to how this computing power can be used to enhance communication. We describe a wearable augmented reality communication space that uses spatialised 3D graphics and audio cues to aid communication. The user is surrounded by virtual avatars of the remote collaborators that they can interact with using natural head and body motions. The use of spatial cues means that the conferencing space can potentially support dozens of simultaneous users. We report on two experiments that show users can understand speakers better with spatial rather than non-spatial audio, and that minimal visual cues may be sufficient to distinguish between speakers. Additional informal user studies with real conference participants suggest that wearable communication spaces may offer significant advantages over traditional communication devices.