What is Telepresence

Telepresence refers to two things. In the first sense, this is a noun referring to being in the act of taking part in a Telepresence conference. The second sense refers to the technology that allows humans to participate in such a conference. To simplify the way we understand this emerging and possibly multibillion dollar technology is by taking a look at different types of communication.

Telephone:

How humans feel when we talk on the phone is due to a bypass of an object. When a person speaks on the phone to another, he or she usually doesn't think that they are speaking into a telephone, per se. The caller might simply say, "I'm talking to John Smith." A person will bypass the telephone object to speak directly to the person on the other end. We register the person we are speaking to and not what we are speaking through. We do so in real-time and this is one reason why it is easier to communicate via telephone, than say, letter. It mimics live interaction.

Television:

In contrast, when we watch television, even if it is a live broadcast, we do not bypass the television set. We are always aware that it is a television, even subconsciously. One reason is because whatever we watch is not interactive. It is one-way communication. We see the person but they do not see us, or hear us. There is no way for our brain to prove that the human in the screen can react to what we do or say. It is not real time.

Teleconference:

This is a phone call that allows for multiple people to interact in real time with each other in many multiple locations and each has their own call into the telephone meeting. This allows for people to experience the reality of an interaction and yet the person is not present in the room.

Telepresence:

This is a videoconference during which many users can call in or drop in on the meeting, much like in a teleconference. It allows each of the participants to have an individual line, so to speak, a televised video image of themselves appear on a screen, located miles away from where they are. Like a phone call on a speakerphone, except in video form. Likewise, the other participants can be seen and heard as well. The benefit of this is that people can be at different locations and be at the same meeting. They are able to see all the people participating, as well. It offers the advantage of seeing body language and facial expressions, which is such a crucial part of human interaction. Our brains bypass the televised image and the person appears to be present when they are not.

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