This paper describes and evaluates three end-to-end workflows from capture to reconstruction including photogrammetry, 3D Gaussian splatting (GS), and extraction of textured meshes from splats. The explicit aim is to enable individuals unfamiliar with 3D reconstruction to create backdrops for virtual production with a central presenter by using a smartphone as capture device. We show that GS significantly outperforms the alternatives in our experiments.

This work investigates the use of Virtual Reality (VR) to present forensic evidence to the jury in a courtroom trial. The findings of a between-participant user study on comprehension of an expert statement are presented, examining the benefits and issues of using VR compared to traditional courtroom presentation (being still images). Participants listened to a forensic scientist explain bloodstain spatter patterns while viewing a mock crime scene in either VR or as still images in video format. Under these conditions, we compared understanding of the expert domain, mental effort and content recall. We found that VR significantly improves the understanding of spatial information and knowledge acquisition. We also identify different patterns of user behaviour depending on the display method. We conclude with suggestions on how to best adapt evidence presentation to VR.

This paper investigates the use of immersive virtual reconstructions as an aid for jurors during a courtroom trial. The findings of a between-participant user study on memory and decision-making are presented in the context of viewing a simulated hit-run-death scenario. Participants listened to the opening statement of a prosecutor and a defence attorney before viewing the crime scene in Virtual Reality (VR) or as still images. We compare the effects on cognition and usability of using VR over images presented on a screen. We found several significant improvements, including that VR led to more consistent decision-making among participants. This shows that VR could provide a promising solution for the court to present crime scenes when site visitations are not possible.

This paper showcases one way of how virtual reconstruction can be used in a courtroom. The results of a pilot study on narrative and spatial memory are presented in the context of viewing real and virtual copies of a simulated crime scene. Based on current court procedures, three different viewing options were compared: photographs, a real life visit, and a 3D virtual reconstruction of the scene viewed in a Virtual Reality headset. Participants were also given a written narrative that included the spatial locations of stolen goods and were measured on their ability to recall and understand these spatial relationships of those stolen items. The results suggest that Virtual Reality is more reliable for spatial memory compared to photographs and that Virtual Reality provides a compromise for when physical viewing of crime scenes are not possible. We conclude that Virtual Reality is a promising medium for the court.

In this paper we describe the concept of Social Panoramas that combine panorama images, Mixed Reality, and wearable computers to support remote collaboration. We have developed a prototype that allows panorama images to be explored in real time between a Google Glass user and a remote tablet user. This uses a variety of cues for supporting awareness, and enabling pointing and drawing. We conducted a study to explore if these cues can increase Social Presence. The results suggest that increased interaction does not increase Social Presence, but tools with a higher perceived usability show an improved sense of presence.