Inverted Telescope Camera for True Eye Contact in Videoconferencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current videoconferencing systems fail to create realistic eye contact between participants due to the parallax phenomenon, which is exacerbated by limited conference space, leading to a false eye-contact experience that can hinder sensitive negotiations.
Innovation Solution
A videoconferencing system incorporating an optical input unit with an inverted telescope, a transparent barrier skewed at an angle, and optionally a mirror to increase the optical distance and reduce parallax, ensuring a true and life-size image experience by using a surface foiled polyester film for the screen and a processing unit to enhance image brightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mirrors are used to increase the optical distance from the conference space to the camera, then the parallax angle is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam splitter as an intermediary optical element that divides the optical path into two channels: one for the camera to capture the conference space with increased optical distance, and another for the conferee to view the remote party. This mediator enables the system to achieve reduced parallax without requiring multiple mirrors or complex optical arrangements, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the camera is placed close to the conference space to capture detailed images, then the image quality is improved, but the parallax error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by transitioning from a direct spatial relationship to an extended optical path. The beam splitter enables the camera to be positioned at a distance while maintaining image quality through the optical routing mechanism. This dimensional change in the optical path allows simultaneous achievement of close-up image quality and reduced parallax error.
3Measurement precision
If the optical distance is increased to reduce parallax, then the eye contact accuracy is improved, but the required space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by integrating multiple optical functions within a compact configuration. The beam splitter nested within the conference room setup enables extended optical distance and reduced parallax without proportionally increasing the physical space required. The optical paths are nested and routed efficiently to achieve eye contact accuracy while maintaining space efficiency.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively reduces parallax error, allowing for natural and life-size image rendering, enabling true eye contact and enhancing the negotiation experience by maintaining image quality and clarity despite limited space constraints.
Implementation Method 1
an optical input unit in form of a camera (30) provided with an image forming system in form of an inverted telescope through which visible light of objects to be filmed travel to create images
Implementation Method 2
The screen (60) is provided skewed, with an angle alpha in relation to the optical output unit (40), between the transparent barrier (38) and the optical output unit (40) in such a way that it totally reflects the image of the local conference space into the optical input unit (30)
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~2c
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for life-size video conferencing provided in studio having a local conferee space (100). The video conferencing system comprises an optical input unit (30), an optical output unit (40), a screen (60), a network unit (34) and a transparent barrier (38). The transparent barrier (38) is arranged to seal and protect the video conferencing system from the local conference space (100) and the screen (60) is provided skewed, with an angle a in relation to the optical output unit (40), between the transparent barrier (38) and the optical output unit (40) in such a way that it totally reflects the image (31) of the local conference space into the optical input unit (30) and is transparent for a conferee sitting in the local conference space (100) and viewing the optical output unit (40). The optical input unit (30) is a camera provided with a lens system in form of an inverted telescope.