Introduction

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) audiovisual content is nowadays the driving force of many multimedia applications and services as well as development of different support technologies. The recent evolution of 3D media technologies has been quite diverse and progressing in different directions, not only enhancing existing technology but also developing and pushing forward new and richer content-driven applications. The main goals of using 3D multimedia have been maintained over the years as the ability to provide users with perceptual elements (mostly audiovisual) capable of providing an immersion feeling of being part of the scene, interacting and perceiving the 3D nature of the real physical environments conveyed by 3D content. More recently, the search for better technology, more pleasant user experiences and growing consumer markets have been driving a lot of research projects and new results with high potential impact in future evolution of 3D multimedia services and applications. This book presents recent developments in the field of 3D visual communications, departing from current technologies and analyzing their evolution to reveal the constraints that still limit the ultimate 3D user experience.