An Image Expression Room

Studies on techniques for multimedia work production and imagination expression have been insufficient. Developments in computer graphics and synthesis technologies, however, have resulted in new types of methods and systems for creating video scenes, i.e. virtual reality and virtual systems such as a virtual studio. The authors are engaged in research on tools and an environment using technologies for virtual systems that can help non-specialists effectively create and present the images they wish to convey. They propose a new image expression environment called IER (the Image Expression Room) which consists of two parts: a virtual studio with a large display and a new and integrated media handling system called COMI&CS (Computer Organized Media Integration and Communication System). IER allows people who do not have expert knowledge on the manipulation of media or techniques to express their images and to do so with a high degree of freedom. Moreover they introduce a new type of media handling technique that uses impressions. It is called KANSEI processing in Japan.