Three-dimensional video distance education system between indoor and outdoor environments

We have developed a prototype system for 3D video distance education using satellite communications and IP multicasting. Our system is based on personal computers and software codecs. The system is inexpensive and flexible for various configurations because it utilizes software modules. Our system can be easily installed outdoors since it does not use special hardware to encode, decode, or transmit multimedia data. Testing of our system implemented between a horticulture farm and an indoor studio, approximately 140 km apart, showed that it effectively supports distance education between indoor and outdoor environments and that it provides an enhanced 3D educational environment.