Systems and methods for enhancing teleconferencing collaboration

• US 7,884,846 B2
• Filed: 02/26/2008
• Issued: 02/08/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 08/03/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Applied Minds LLC
• Original Assignee: Applied Minds, Inc.
• Inventors: Hillis, W. Daniel, Ferren, Bran
• Primary Examiner(s): Ramakrishnaiah; Melur
• Application Number:
  US12/037,894
• Publication Number:
  US 20080204542A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,078 Days
• Field of Search: 348 1408- 1416, 370260-261, 709/204, 715/753, 715/755, 715/751
• US Class Current: 348/14.16
• 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 video teleconferencing site, comprising:

a main display for showing images of teleconference participants at remote teleconferencing sites;

one or more supplementary displays for showing other information comprising any of maps, slides, text, or video;

means for mounting said supplementary displays at an angular offset from said main display for viewing by all participants;

wherein said supplementary displays are mounted sufficiently offset from said main display such that when a local participant is viewing a supplementary display, it is clear to remote participants viewing images of said local participant the local participant does not intend to make eye contact with them;

wherein said one or more supplementary displays are mounted to provide an intuitive cue to said remote participants that their attention should be directed somewhere other than the eyes of said local participant when they are viewing said one or more supplementary displays.

2. The video teleconference site of claim 1, wherein if more than one supplementary display is used, the displays are mounted side by side;

and

wherein information routed to a supplementary display at a local site is routed to a mirror image supplementary display at a remote site.