Systems and methods for enhancing teleconferencing collaboration

• US 8,456,506 B2
• Filed: 02/22/2008
• Issued: 06/04/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 08/03/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Applied Minds LLC
• Original Assignee: Applied Minds LLC
• Inventors: Ferren, Bran, Hillis, W. Daniel
• Primary Examiner(s): Ramakrishnaiah, Melur
• Application Number:
  US12/036,134
• Publication Number:
  US 20080143818A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,929 Days
• Field of Search: 348 1401- 1416, 52/8, 521/731
• 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 teleconferencing site, comprising:

a first table for seating participants in a teleconference at a local site;

at least one additional table for seating participants in said teleconference at least one remote site;

a display at said local site for displaying an image of said at least one remote site; and

said at least one additional table positioned and/or shaped wherein an image of said additional table at a remote site appears on said local site as a continuation of said first table at said local site.

2. The teleconferencing site of claim 1, wherein:

one or both of said first table and said at least one additional table comprises a semicircular table;

said teleconferencing site further comprising;

a wall positioned a short distance behind participants seated near an apex of said semicircular table;

wherein clearance between said seated participants and said wall behind the participants ensures that any other individuals do not linger behind said seated participants and remain out of a field of view of video cameras showing said seated participants.

3. The teleconferencing site of claim 1, wherein said first table is substantially semicircular in shape and also has a straight edge;

and

wherein said display is aligned with said straight edge of said first table.