Vertical Optic Configuration 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, leading to distractions and poor user experience in both corporate and theatrical settings.
Innovation Solution
The development of a compact, retractable stage system with a vertical optic configuration that conceals residual projection beams and allows for improved eye contact through micro-camera technology and innovative display configurations, integrating videoconferencing with 3D projections and immersive displays for enhanced realism.
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 the people appear to be looking away rather than at the people they intend to converse with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the camera from its traditional position away from the eyes and relocates it to be mounted at or near the conferee's eyes. This extraction and relocation of the camera component resolves the contradiction by allowing the camera to capture images from the correct eye-level perspective while the display system maintains image quality through separate optical components like beamsplitters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces beamsplitters as intermediary optical components that enable the camera to be positioned at the conferee's eyes while still allowing the display image to be projected correctly. The beamsplitter acts as a mediator that separates the camera's viewing path from the display's projection path, resolving the conflict between camera positioning and display quality.
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 converts the harmful residual projection beam into a beneficial effect by using it to illuminate the foreground objects and the conferee. The same projection beam that was previously causing distraction is now directed to illuminate the physical environment and objects in the room, making them appear as if they are lit by ambient light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of the projection by using a rear-projection screen positioned behind the conferee and foreground objects. This dimensional change allows the projection beam to pass through the screen and illuminate objects in the physical space, creating a see-through effect while eliminating the distraction of the beam being visible in the direct viewing path.
3Adaptability or versatility
If LCD panels with backlight removed are used for see-through display, then the physical environment can be seen behind them aiding in conference realism, but the images of videoconferencing participants are dull
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-illuminating the conferee and foreground objects with the projection beam before the image is displayed. This preliminary illumination ensures that when the image appears on the see-through display, the physical environment is already lit, creating a realistic appearance and compensating for the reduced brightness of the LCD panel without backlight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the projection display system with the see-through LCD panel system. The projection beam and the LCD panel work together, with the projection providing both the image content and the illumination for the physical environment, while the LCD panel provides the see-through capability. This combination resolves the contradiction by distributing the functions across multiple components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If inclined optic is used for reflecting physical room or image display, then the illusion of stage objects and set is created, but the optic is delicate and takes days to set-up and takes up tremendous amount of space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional inclined optic configuration by using a vertical optic instead. This inversion changes the orientation from an angled surface that requires extensive setup and space to a vertical surface that can be more easily integrated into the stage structure. The vertical optic achieves the same reflection and illusion effects but with reduced complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the large inclined optic into smaller, more manageable vertical optic components. By dividing the optical system into smaller segments that can be vertically mounted, the overall space requirement is reduced and the setup complexity is minimized while maintaining the holographic effect capability.
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 enables a more immersive and realistic videoconferencing experience by aligning camera views, reducing distractions, and simplifying setup, allowing for life-like interactions and enhanced engagement in both corporate and theatrical environments.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention teaches the removal of the inclined optic and instead allows a vertical optic to reflect an illuminated foreground to create the illusion of stage objects and set behind a motion image
Implementation Method 2
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 the use of specially configured see-through displays. Imaged people can also be viewed amongst a reflected foreground. A dual mode large high-resolution display is inventively configured for watching and working. Methods for enterprise wide deployments for corporate, healthcare, education, and government communications, including hotel properties and a property management system are shown. The invention further discloses an online production system for events. Further, a black void illusion is described and is applicable to numerous displays including event and live theater stages and movie theaters. Numerous inventive features are described enabling and advancing the black void illusion. Virtual stage lighting is disclosed for simulating stage lights and coordination of virtual stage lights with real stage lights for live and recorded performances.