User controlled video switching in multipoint videotelephony

This paper concerns video switching in multipoint videotelephony integrated with PC facilities. The investigation evaluates two innovative video switching modes both performed using the mouse. The first adopts a set of picture icons (frozen icons) displayed on the user screen, while the second makes use of a pull-down menu bar. This research was carried out emulating IBC (Integrated Broadband Communication) network capabilities in a laboratory environment with real users. Subjective assessment method and observation record method were employed for data collection. The results clearly demonstrate that picture icon method to perform video switching improves the usability of the integrated system and represents the first step towards the creation of a virtual shared workspace. The clarity of the results obtained allows their extension to overall office application.