The challenge that I encountered in using the UMTV equipment was remote coaching via tele-conference. I will start out by explaining the specific scenario in which I encountered the problem and why I think that it is a pertinent challenge. Then I will discuss three possible solutions to facilitate the task.

The scenario is as follows: I was in a tele-conference with Person X using the UMTV equipment. Person X had a puzzle to solve. I had the solution to the puzzle and was attempting to coach Person X to the solution.

The puzzle is to arrange the following pieces into the shape of a "T."

  **Add Puzzle images HERE**

Person X had the puzzle and was able to place it on the VIZ. Therefore we could both see the pieces and their orientations. The main challenge that prevented me from easily accomplishing my goal the awkwardness in referencing each piece and the correct orientation that I wanted Person X to place each piece for the solution.

Anticipating a technological advance in the current telephone industry to provide both video and audio connections in the future, I believe that remote coaching with the aid of visual as well as audio communications will become more common. Consider for a minute how hard this task would be without the aid of the visual connection. So while this puzzle is a rather meaningless task, I think that remote coaching, using both video and audio, will become a common challenge which will have many useful applications. For example, one could see educational applications where teachers can provide better explanations to an individual because they can directly 'see' the students progress. A similar concept arises in technical support applications where the support person can get a much better idea of the customer' s problem and the necessary guidance once they have seen the present state of the customer' s problem.

The obvious solution to the above puzzle would be that I draw out the solution on a piece of paper, and transmit it back to Person X via my VIZ. However, one can imagine that the solution for many applications might not be this simple.

Another solution was to use Person X's finger as a pointer. He was able to move his finger around under the VIZ, and I was able to reference the desired piece as his finger traveled over the desired piece. Then I had him rotate it until it was in the desired position and I told him to "stop." While this method was very effective for the application, one could also imagine more complex situations that this method would awkward. Also, if Person X was not comfortable using his finger as a pointer this method would be ineffective.

The third solution that I have is to spend time identifying each piece with a given orientation, setting up a common vocabulary. Once this 'common vocabulary' is established, it is much easier to explain the solution.