Awareness and conversational context-sharing to enrich TV-based communication

ABSTRACT

This article discusses domestic video-calling over the TV and how such an experience might be enhanced through awareness and context-sharing. Video-based awareness will provide a visual sense of togetherness, such that users feel more connected and the perceived barrier to entering the call will be lowered. Rich contextsharing within the call allows conversations to flow more freely as callers throw items (photos, for example) from each others' lives onto the virtual "table" for discussion. We also discuss some mechanisms to transition between awareness and a context- enriched call; we structure the article around a family scenario.

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INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.4 COMPUTERS AND SOCIETY
      K.4.4 Electronic Commerce

Additional Classification:
  B. Hardware
  B.4 INPUT/OUTPUT AND DATA COMMUNICATIONS
      B.4.2 Input/Output Devices

  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.2 COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
      C.2.1 Network Architecture and Design

General Terms:
Design, Human Factors

Keywords:
TV, awareness, context sharing, conversational context, video-calling