Transparent Projection Surface Rear-Projection Camera Eye Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
In video calls and videoconferencing, the local user is not perceived as looking directly at the remote user due to the camera's placement, leading to an unnatural communication experience.
Innovation Solution
A system with a transparent projection surface and a mechanism that minimizes the reflection of the rear-projected image from the projector, allowing the camera to capture the local user's image while they appear to be looking directly at the remote user by using polarization filters, a rotating color wheel, a shutter, or a controller to control image projection and capture simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the camera is placed above the display, then the camera can capture the local user's image, but the local user does not look directly at the camera leading to an unnatural communication experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the camera from a conventional position above the display to a position behind the display, utilizing the third dimension (depth) to achieve both goals. The camera is placed in a recessed area behind the transparent projection surface, allowing it to capture the user's face while the user looks directly into the camera lens, creating natural eye contact perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transparent projection surface as an intermediary between the camera and the display. This transparent surface allows the camera to be positioned behind it while still enabling the user to see through it to the camera lens, and simultaneously allows the display to show content to the user. The transparent projection surface mediates the optical paths of both the camera and display.
2Measurement precision
If the projector and camera are both disposed behind the transparent projection surface, then direct eye contact can be achieved, but the camera may capture the rear-projected image as reflected back by the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a shutter that periodically opens and closes to alternately allow light from the projector to pass through and block light from the projector while allowing camera capture. This periodic action separates the projection and capture operations in time, preventing the camera from capturing the projected image while still enabling both functions to operate from behind the transparent surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses polarization filters with different polarization orientations for the projector and camera. The projector emits polarized light in one orientation, while the camera is equipped with a polarization filter that blocks this orientation but allows light from the user's face to pass through. This parameter change in polarization orientation allows both devices to coexist behind the transparent surface without the camera capturing the projected image.
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
This setup ensures a more natural video communication experience by allowing the remote user to perceive the local user as looking directly at them, enhancing the sense of direct eye contact.
Implementation Method 1
A polarization filter in the outgoing light path polarizes outgoing light from the projector. A polarization filter in the incoming light path polarizes incoming light to the camera at a different polarization than the outgoing light.
Implementation Method 2
A rotating color wheel rotates between a position in which the color wheel filters light of a first color for the projector and a second position in which the color wheel filters light of a second color for the camera.
Implementation Method 3
A shutter rotates between a position in which image projection is blocked and a position in which image capture is blocked.
Data Source
AI summary
A projector and a camera are each disposed behind a transparent projection surface. The projector is to rear-project a first image onto the transparent projection surface, whereas the camera is to capture a second image in front of the transparent projection surface. Capture by the camera of the first image as reflected back by the transparent projection surface after rearprojection by the projector, as part of the second image, is minimized.