Planar Reflective Panel Indentations for Telepresence Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telepresence systems require bulky reflector structures to direct light effectively onto participants, which occupy significant space and appear massive, compromising the aesthetic and immersive experience of videoconferencing.
Innovation Solution
A planar panel with a reflective front surface featuring indentations of varying depth is used to direct light from a light source towards participants, eliminating the need for bulky reflector structures and enhancing the immersive experience by providing uniform lighting without shadows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a curved surface reflector structure is used to direct light onto participants, then lighting effectiveness is improved, but the reflector occupies significant space and appears massive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the reflective surface of the panel, transforming it from a flat plane to a contoured surface that optically functions like a curved reflector. This curved reflective surface directs light onto participants effectively while maintaining the panel's thin, space-efficient form factor, resolving the contradiction between lighting effectiveness and structural volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the lighting function with the display monitor itself by integrating a light source and reflective surface directly into the monitor structure. This eliminates the need for separate bulky reflector structures, as the monitor serves dual purposes: displaying content and providing effective lighting, thereby reducing overall system volume while maintaining lighting effectiveness
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 solution allows for a more compact and aesthetically pleasing lighting system that effectively directs light towards participants, enhancing the immersive experience of teleconferencing by reducing shadows and maintaining a natural dialogue, while also accommodating multiple participants in a smaller space.
Implementation Method 1
a planar panel having a vertical height, a transverse width, and a longitudinal thickness. The planar panel has a rear surface and a reflective front surface... The reflective front surface includes indentations that are shaped in depth to direct light from the light source frontwards towards one or more participants
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include a telepresence system operative to carry out a teleconference, a lighting arrangement for a telepresence system operative to carry out a teleconference, and a planar panel having a reflective front surface that includes indentations having variable depth operative such that that when the reflective surface is illuminated by a light source, light is directed towards one or more participants in a telepresence system that is operative to carry out a teleconference.