Google appear to have 3D video conferencing in their sights, according to an article recently published on Patent Bolt (http://www.patentbolt.com/2012/08/google-invents-3d-video-conferencing-for-notebooks-beyond.html). According to the article, the US Patent & Trademark Office has published a patent application from Google that reveals that they’re working on a computing device which could either be a laptop or some form of hybrid notebook tablet that will incorporate dual cameras. The dual cameras which could be used in different configurations, appear to have been designed with video conferencing in mind: In fact, 3D video conferencing.

To enable 3D video conferencing, the device (notebook, tablet, smartphone, PDA, etc) would be fitted with dual cameras to produce a stereoscopic image. The dual cameras could also be used by two participants on the one device to display both image separately in the same video conferencing session. The party on the other end of the conference would simply see two side-by-side video boxes on their screen as if the individuals were actually sitting side by side.

Whilst the concept of having two cameras in a device is not new (ie, iPad, iPhone), no consumer available tablet or laptop device is able to render 3D images to the masses. For industry, 3D video conferencing may produce opportunities and applications where depth perception is important. One such example in the health arena may be with remote monitoring and assessments of wounds. Accurately identifying colour, depth, and measurement of wounds and ulcers is an important factor in their diagnosis and treatment.

No doubt time will tell if this technology his the mainstream, however the potential of this technology for industry and consumers is exciting.