Apparatus, system and method for enabling eye-to-eye contact in video conferences
US6882358B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 2, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 19, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 3, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N7/144
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus, system, and method for enabling eye-to-eye contact in video conferences. In general, the system and apparatus employ means for generating video images corresponding to real images that would be produced if a video camera were disposed at or behind a video display having a field of view directed toward a target object such as a participant. An image (either real, reflected, or holographic) is formed based on light reflected off of the target object, and object light corresponding to the image is received by the video camera, which produces a video signal containing the image. Typically, the means for generating the video images employs direct imaging, reflective imaging, or holographic imaging. The means for generating the video images are also configured in such a manner as to be substantially transparent to video conference participants viewing the display images on the video display. A similar configuration is deployed at two or more conference rooms, thereby enabling participants to communicate with one another using eye-to-eye contact.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.