Systems and Methods for Enhancing Teleconferencing Collaboration

• US 20080204544A1
• Filed: 02/26/2008
• Published: 08/28/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 08/03/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Applied Minds LLC
• Original Assignee: Applied Minds LLC
• Inventors: Hillis, W. Daniel, FERREN, Bran
• Application Number:
  US12/037,902
• Publication Number:
  US 20080204544A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/14.08
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/013 Eye tracking input arrangements G06F3/015 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/1827 Network arrangements for conference optimisation or adaptation
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/1101 Session protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 65/403 Arrangements for multi-party communication, e.g. for conferences data switching systems for conference H04L12/18; arrangements for connecting several subscribers to a common circuit, i.e. affording conference facilities H04M3/56; television conferencing systems H04N7/15
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/142 Constructional details of the terminal equipment, e.g. arrangements of the camera and the display
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/147 Communication arrangements, e.g. identifying the communication as a video-communication, intermediate storage of the signals selecting H04Q
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/15 Conference systems

Abstract

An advanced video teleconferencing system facilitates an engaging and realistic video conferencing experience. Key design elements and video, audio, and control capabilities are provided for a video conferencing experience that cannot be attained with conventional methods, which elements and capabilities include careful design of the table and room at each site, supplementary displays showing imagery in a mirrored manner, networked environmental control, an AutoDirector with keyword and gesture recognition, and audio reflection from a display or beam splitter.

Claims

1. A one-person video teleconferencing station, comprising:

a display;

a beam splitter positioned within said station in front of said display to reflect an image of a local participant;

a video camera positioned above said beam splitter to capture said image of a local participant as reflected from a front surface of said beam splitter;

wherein said participant views said display through said beam splitter; and

a speaker mounted such that sound emanating from said speaker is reflected by said beam splitter towards said participant, providing an illusion that said sound originates from the center of said video display, coincident with imagery of remote participants.