Collaboration support system by using viewpoint switching for 3D shape evaluation in virtual space

Collaboration mainly consists of two tasks; one is each partner´s task that is performed by the individual, the other is communication with each other. Both of them are very important objectives for the collaboration support system. In this paper, a collaboration support system for 3D shape evaluation in virtual space is developed on the basis of studies in 3D shape evaluation and communication support in virtual space. The present system provides the two viewpoints for each task. One is the viewpoint of back side of user´s own avatar for the smooth communication. The other is that of avatar´s eye for 3D shape evaluation. Switching the viewpoints satisfies the task conditions for 3D shape evaluation and communication. In this paper, the some characteristics of the present system are described and the effectiveness of them is also demonstrated by the sensory evaluation and questionnaires analysis.