End-user viewpoint control of live video from a medical camera array

The design and implementation of a camera array for real-time streaming of medical video across a high speed research network is described. Live video output from the array, composed of 17 Gigabit Ethernet cameras, must be delivered in low-latency, simultaneously, to many students at geographically disparate locations. The students require dynamic control over their individual viewpoints not only from physical camera positions, but potentially, of a real-time interpolated view. The technology used to implement the system, the rationale for its selection, scalability issues, and potential future improvements, such as recording and offline playback, are discussed.