Teleconference method and system for providing face-to-face teleconference environment
US6160573A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 25, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 12, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 25, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N7/15
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and system provides a face-to-face video conference utilizing a video mirror. The method and apparatus comprise a first station having a first predetermined sensory setting; a second station having a second predetermined sensory setting; and an imaging system for capturing an image or sub-image at the first station, displaying at least a portion of the image or sub-image at the second station such that it becomes generally visually integrated with the second predetermined sensory setting. Also, disclosed is apparatus and method for effecting a face-to-face presence environment regardless of whether the first and second predetermined sensory settings are the same or different. The stations may be portable and/or modular such that they can be easily constructed or assembled. The stations may also be architectured and/or decorated to further enhance the face-to-face environment created by the video conferencing system and method. Each station may be provided with a plurality of cameras arranged to capture images in a manner which facilitates reducing or eliminating the need to match up borders or seams of the captured images when they are displayed at a remote station.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.