Online court hearings may soon undergo a significant transformation with the introduction of virtual avatars. As the world continues to adapt to the changes brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, video conferences have become a common tool in various fields.
Similarly, online court hearings have gained prominence, particularly in countries like Canada and Australia, where they have proven to be an effective alternative to lengthy trips.
A team of researchers at Fraunhofer Austria is currently developing software to revolutionize online court cases. Their objective is to create virtual avatars that can represent participants in the virtual courtroom.
Avatars in Court?
Through the use of webcams, the facial expressions and eye movements of the participants are captured and then transferred to the avatars.
The significance of online court hearings has been steadily increasing, especially since the onset of the coronavirus crisis. Courts worldwide have been transitioning to virtual hearings, offering numerous advantages such as quicker proceedings and reduced travel requirements.
However, critics argue that the technology necessary for such hearings has yet to fully materialize, and various procedural questions still need to be solved. Concerns are raised regarding the quality of video transmissions and how to ensure that digital hearings adhere to the detailed rules of conduct.
The researchers at Fraunhofer Austria Research GmbH, in collaboration with other scientists, including Prof. David Tait, a Western Sydney University researcher, are addressing these concerns as they work in optimizing and developing video technology applications for civil justice.
Unlike many video conference applications that rely on virtual reality (VR) glasses to create a sense of physical presence, the Fraunhofer researchers have taken a different approach.
The video output is displayed on a monitor, and participants interact in the virtual courtroom using 3D graphical avatars that represent real people. Before a hearing in the virtual courtroom, participants select their role specification, such as judge, defense attorney, prosecutor, witness, or defendant.
Eye Tracking Technology
Using a webcam, the participants' faces are recorded, and in collaboration with a 3D graphics engine, the software incorporates eye tracking technology to detect the direction of their gaze.
This captured eye movement is then translated into corresponding head movements of the avatars, effectively creating the impression of direct eye contact among participants.
Within the virtual representation of the courtroom, all users can see one another and ascertain where each participant is looking due to the seamless integration of eye tracking technology.
Furthermore, the webcam captures not only facial expressions but also mouth movements, allowing for valuable insights into the participants' emotional states.
The future plans involve tailoring the virtual courtrooms to meet specific country requirements and enhancing avatar animation. The team aims to incorporate participants' hand movements through gesture recognition.
Additionally, they envision a browser-based version of the software for wider accessibility. The software is currently undergoing beta testing, with initial workshops and user tests conducted at Harvard University's Visualization Research and Teaching Laboratory and the Cyberjustice Laboratory at the University of Montreal.
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