Journal · 2024
Understanding Privacy Awareness in Immersive Spatial Sharing System
Abstract
With the advancement of point cloud collection technology and high-performance computing, immersive remote spatial sharing systems that enhance caregiving and family interaction are highly anticipated.In particular, advanced spatial sharing systems are being developed to scan and merge each other's spaces into a virtual environment.However, this new form of interaction may raise privacy concerns distinct from those associated with traditional telephone or video conferencing.In this study, we investigated the privacy concerns arising from highly immersive spatial sharing systems.We developed a spatial sharing system consisting of multiple depth cameras and servers designed for use in two or more remote locations.Each location's surrounding environments and objects are captured and represented as point clouds, then mapped into a shared virtual space.Thirty-nine participants attended an experience session on the spatial sharing system and responded to a questionnaire.The survey collected information on privacy awareness during the use of the spatial sharing system, the quality of the system's equipment and interactions, and some basic user attributes.Additionally, it inquired how users' awareness changes when some parts of the space related to subjective privacy are modified.Furthermore, data was segmented into clusters based on age group and gender, and statistical tests were conducted between two groups within each cluster.The results showed several statistically significant differences, including differences in privacy awareness and the usefulness of the proposed spatial sharing system.
Research Note
Advances in point cloud capture and in computing power have brought immersive spatial sharing systems within reach, in which distant places are merged inside a virtual environment so that participants can behave as if they shared a room. Applications in caregiving and family interaction are anticipated.
This form of interaction differs in kind from a telephone call or a video conference. In a video call the user controls what is visible by pointing the camera, whereas spatial sharing reads the room itself, so an untidy shelf, the spines of books, or the objects that reveal someone's tastes are transmitted without being chosen. Privacy concerns arise in a new form.
The system built for this study consists of multiple depth cameras and servers and is designed for use across two or more remote locations. The surroundings and objects at each location are captured as point clouds and mapped into a shared virtual space. Thirty-nine participants attended an experience session and answered a questionnaire covering privacy awareness during use, the quality of the equipment and the interaction, and basic user attributes. They were also asked how their awareness changed when parts of the space they regarded as private were modified.
Segmenting responses into clusters by age group and gender and applying statistical tests between two groups within each cluster revealed several statistically significant differences, in privacy awareness and in the perceived usefulness of the system alike. What people find sensitive is evidently not uniform.
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