Transparent Communication Terminals for Immersive Videoconferencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current videoconferencing technologies face challenges in simulating in-person interactions due to camera placement issues, residual projection beams in see-through displays, and the complexity of setting up inclined optics for holographic effects, which detract from the realism and practicality of communication and entertainment systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of a compact, retractable stage system with a vertical optic configuration for holograms, combined with advanced camera positioning and lighting solutions to enhance eye contact and immersion, and the integration of image mapping technology for 3D projections, allowing for life-size, high-resolution displays that can be easily set up and used in various environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a camera is mounted away from the conferee's eyes on the screen, then the display image quality can be maintained, but people appear to be looking away rather than at the people they intend to converse with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a beamsplitter as an intermediary optical element positioned at a 45-degree angle to the display screen. This beamsplitter reflects the camera image onto the screen while allowing the camera to be positioned at the edge of the screen rather than directly in front of it. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the camera to be mounted away from the conferee's eyes (maintaining display quality) while still achieving proper eye contact alignment through the optical mediation of the beamsplitter.
2Adaptability or versatility
If projection screens are used for see-through display, then the ability to display a person in the physical room is achieved, but residual projection beam illuminates portions of the meeting room environment creating distraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful residual projection beam from the viewer's field of vision by positioning the projection system and screen in a configuration where the residual beam is directed away from the meeting room environment. The screen is positioned and angled such that the projection beam passes through it without illuminating distracting portions of the room, thereby maintaining see-through display capability while eliminating the harmful distraction effect.
3Adaptability or versatility
If inclined optic is used for holographic effects, then the illusion is created, but the optic is very delicate and can take days to set-up in venue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static, delicate inclined optic with a dynamic, retractable stage system that can be quickly deployed and retracted. The stage includes a retractable platform and positioning mechanisms that allow the holographic display components to be rapidly set up and taken down without requiring days of installation. This dynamic system maintains the holographic effect capability while dramatically reducing setup time through mechanized deployment rather than manual assembly of delicate optics.
4Adaptability or versatility
If inclined optic is used for holographic effects, then the illusion is created, but it takes up a tremendous amount of space on stage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the holographic display components are integrated into a compact, multi-layered stage structure. The retractable stage allows components to be nested within each other when not in use, and the vertical arrangement of optical elements minimizes the horizontal footprint on stage. This nested doll approach enables the holographic effect to be achieved while occupying minimal stage space through efficient spatial organization and retraction capabilities.
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 solution improves eye contact during videoconferencing, reduces distractions from residual projection beams, and simplifies the setup of holographic effects, creating a more immersive and realistic communication experience while reducing costs and logistical complexities.
Implementation Method 1
The Pepper's Ghost Illusion combined with videoconferencing has greatly resolved this problem
Data Source
AI summary
Enterprise communication display systems enable life-like images for videoconferencing and entertainment productions. Life-like images appear in a 3D environment where imaged people are visible through specially configured see-through displays. Imaged people can be viewed amongst a reflected foreground. Methods for enterprise-wide deployments for corporate, healthcare, education, theater which includes cinema and government communications, including hotel properties and a property management system are shown. Direct projection see-through screen configurations are created that eliminate unwanted secondary images in the room, conceal exposed projector lenses, reduce lens flare, makes practical multi-use room installations, images conferees among a room environment, enables touch screen interactivity, and utilizes extreme and other types of short throw projectors to reduce cost and bulk of common throw projectors. Of these transparent screens inventive configurations of substantially invisible mesh screens for both front and rear projection are described.