Method and apparatus for overcoming the limitations of camera angle in video conferencing applications

A method for providing a virtual viewpoint of a first video conference participant, comprising:

• obtaining first image information of the first video conference participant from at least a first physical viewpoint using at least a first camera;
• receiving location information related to a first virtual viewpoint;
• processing said first image information of the first video conference participant to create a first virtual image, wherein said first virtual image represents the first video conference participant from said first virtual viewpoint, wherein said first virtual viewpoint is different from said first physical viewpoint;
• providing said first virtual image to a video conferencing system;
• displaying said first virtual image to a second video conference participant.

A video conferencing system, comprising:

• a first camera having a first viewpoint with respect to an imaged object, wherein first image information is obtained;
• a first input device, wherein a desired viewpoint of said imaged object can be input;
• a processor;
• image processing software operable on said processor, wherein a desired viewpoint of said imaged object is created from said first image information;
• a first output device, wherein said desired viewpoint of said imaged object is output.