Mcnelley, Steve H. (San Juan Capistrano, CA, US)
Machtig, Jeffrey S. (Lake Forest, CA, US)

Plaque It!

10/785820

08/26/2004

02/24/2004

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348/E07.080

348/14.160, 348/14.010, 348/14.080

(IPC1-7): H04N007/14

REED SMITH CROSBY HEAFEY LLP (1901 AVENUE OF THE STARS, SUITE 700, LOS ANGELES, CA, 90067, US)

What is claimed is:

1. An eye contact teleconferencing terminal for allowing a first conferee to maintain eye contact with a second conferee imaged by the teleconferencing terminal, the teleconferencing terminal comprising: an image display with an image bearing surface; a semireflective transparent panel forming an angle of between about 30 and 70 degrees with the image bearing surface for viewing by the first conferee a reflection of the image bearing surface of the image display on the semireflective transparent panel; a second conferee image isolated in a black background displayed on the image bearing surface; a video camera disposed on a side of the semireflective transparent panel opposite the image bearing surface, the video camera capturing, through the semireflective transparent panel, an image of the first conferee who is disposed on the image bearing surface-side of the semireflective transparent panel; and a room environment with common objects providing visual reference to a residing location of the reflection within the room environment when the room environment is viewed by the first conferee through the semireflective transparent panel and its reflection of the black background.

2. An eye contact teleconferencing terminal for allowing a first conferee to maintain eye contact with a second conferee imaged by the teleconferencing terminal, the teleconferencing terminal comprising: an image display with an image bearing surface; a semireflective transparent panel forming an angle of between about 30 and 70 degrees with the image display for viewing by the first conferee a reflection of the image bearing surface of the image display on the semireflective transparent panel; a second conferee image isolated in a black background displayed on the image bearing surface; a video camera disposed on a side of the semireflective transparent panel opposite the image display, the video camera capturing, through the semireflective transparent panel, an image of the first conferee who is disposed on the image display-side of the semireflective transparent panel; A room environment with common objects providing visual reference to a residing location of the reflection within the room environment when the room environment is viewed by the first conferee through the semireflective transparent panel and its reflection of the black background; and A portable background positioned in the room environment and disposed on the side of the semireflective transparent panel opposite the image display for providing a color controlled area with dark colors enabling at least one of enhancement to the contrast of the reflection of the image bearing surface and increased brightness of the reflection of the image bearing surface.

3. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 2 wherein the portable background is substantially the size of the reflection of the second conferee and positioned in the room environment so that first conferee views the portable background through the reflection of the second conferee image.

4. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 2 wherein the portable background has a selectable variability between states of transparency and opaqueness.

5. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 2 wherein the portable background substantially conceals the camera.

6. An eye contact teleconferencing terminal for allowing a first conferee to maintain eye contact with a second conferee imaged by the teleconferencing terminal, the teleconferencing terminal comprising: an image display consisting of a projector and a front projection screen; a semireflective transparent panel forming an angle of between about 30 and 70 degrees with the front projection screen for viewing by the first conferee a reflection of the front projection screen on the semireflective transparent panel; a second conferee image isolated in a black background displayed on the front projection screen; a video camera disposed on a side of the semireflective transparent panel opposite the front projection screen, the video camera capturing, through the semireflective transparent panel, an image of the first conferee who is disposed on the front projection screen-side of the semireflective transparent panel; and A room environment, with common objects providing visual reference to a residing location of the reflection within the room environment when the room environment is viewed by the first conferee through the semireflective transparent panel and its reflection of the black background.

7. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 6 wherein a support structure holds in position at least the front projection screen and the semireflective transparent panel and the support structures rests on a working surface that the first conferee is seated at and utilizing.

8. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 6 wherein the first conferee views the reflection through a projection beam of the projector the beam not intersecting the semireflective transparent panel and the video camera capturing through the projection beam the image of the first conferee.

9. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 6 wherein the first conferee views the reflection through a projection beam of the projector the beam intersecting the semireflective transparent panel and the video camera capturing through the projection beam the image of the first conferee.

10. An eye contact teleconferencing terminal for allowing a first conferee to maintain eye contact with a second conferee imaged by the teleconferencing terminal, the teleconferencing terminal comprising: an image display consisting of a projector and a front projection screen; a semireflective transparent panel forming an angle of between about 30 and 70 degrees with the front projection screen for viewing by the first conferee a reflection of the front projection screen on the semireflective transparent panel; a video camera disposed on a side of the semireflective transparent panel opposite the front projection screen, the video camera capturing, through the semireflective transparent panel, an image of the first conferee who is disposed on the front projection screen-side of the semireflective transparent panel; and a projection path means so that the first conferee views the reflection through a projection beam of the projector, the beam not intersecting the semireflective transparent panel and the video camera capturing through the projection beam the image of the first conferee.

11. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 10 wherein a support structure holds in position at least the front projection screen and the semireflective transparent panel and the support structures rests on a working surface that the first conferee is seated at and utilizing.

12. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 10 wherein an opaque material is disposed on the side of the semi reflective transparent panel opposite the image display for improving a quality of the reflection.

13. An eye contact teleconferencing terminal for allowing a first conferee to maintain eye contact with a second conferee imaged by the teleconferencing terminal, the teleconferencing terminal comprising: an image display with an image bearing surface; a semireflective transparent panel forming an angle of between about 30 and 70 degrees with the image display for viewing by the first conferee a reflection of the image bearing surface of the image display on the semireflective transparent panel; a video camera disposed on a side of the semireflective transparent panel opposite the image display, the video camera capturing, through the semireflective transparent panel, an image of the first conferee who is disposed on the image display-side of the semireflective transparent panel; and a flexible substrate forming the semireflective transparent panel made flat by at least one of attaching to a frame and shrinking, attaching to a frame and stretching, the substrate having a flat memory and will unroll flat and maintain that flatness mounted in a frame, and the flexible substrate affixed to a rigid transparent substrate.

14. An eye contact teleconferencing terminal for allowing a first conferee to maintain eye contact with a second conferee imaged by the teleconferencing terminal, the teleconferencing terminal comprising: an image display with an image bearing surface; a semireflective transparent panel forming an angle of between about 30 and 70 degrees with the image display for viewing by the first conferee a reflection of the image bearing surface of the image display on the semireflective transparent panel; a video camera disposed on a side of the semireflective transparent panel opposite the image display, the video camera capturing, through the semireflective transparent panel, an image of the first conferee who is disposed on the image display-side of the semireflective transparent panel; and a remote terminal control system operated by the second conferee to command the image display to select the type of image on the image bearing surface by controlling at least one of a computer image, a video image, a picture in picture image, simultaneous imaging of both computer and video images in differing parts of the image bearing screen, and a transparency overlay of the computer image and the video image.

15. An eye contact teleconferencing terminal for allowing a first conferee to maintain eye contact with a second conferee imaged by the teleconferencing terminal, the teleconferencing terminal comprising: an image display with an image bearing surface; a semireflective transparent panel forming an angle of between about 30 and 70 degrees with the image display for viewing by the first conferee a reflection of the image bearing surface of the image display on the semireflective transparent panel; a video camera disposed on a side of the semireflective transparent panel opposite the image display, the video camera capturing, through the semireflective transparent panel, an image of the first conferee who is disposed on the image display-side of the semireflective transparent panel; and a text presentation system controlled by the first conferee enabling the image bearing surface to display text in the reflection.

16. An eye contact teleconferencing terminal for allowing a first conferee to maintain eye contact with a second conferee imaged by the teleconferencing terminal, the teleconferencing terminal comprising: an image display with an image bearing surface; a semireflective transparent panel forming an angle of between about 30 and 70 degrees with the image display for viewing by the first conferee a reflection of the image bearing surface of the image display on the semireflective transparent panel; a video camera disposed on a side of the semireflective transparent panel opposite the image display, the video camera capturing, through the semireflective transparent panel, an image of the first conferee who is disposed on the image display-side of the semireflective transparent panel; and a light absorbing substrate disposed on the side of the semireflective transparent panel opposite the image display for darkening the color black in the reflection, the substrate consisting of black fibers serving as light traps to reduce light from reflecting upon the light absorbing substrate.

17. An eye contact teleconferencing terminal for allowing a first conferee to maintain eye contact with a second conferee imaged by the teleconferencing terminal, the teleconferencing terminal comprising: an image display with an image bearing surface; a semireflective transparent panel forming an angle of between about 30 and 70 degrees with the image display for viewing by the first conferee a reflection of the image bearing surface of the image display on the semireflective transparent panel; a video camera disposed on a side of the semireflective transparent panel opposite the image display, the video camera capturing, through the semireflective transparent panel, an image of the first conferee who is disposed on the image display-side of the semireflective transparent panel; and a horizontal terminal size reduction means for enabling the terminal to be transported through doorways by at least one of repositioning as a part of a supporting structure the image bearing surface to increase its vertical angle, the image bearing display to increase its vertical angle, and the semireflective transparent panel to increase its vertical angle.

18. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 17 wherein the terminal is constructed upon a wheel arrangement so that the terminal may be easily rolled about.

19. An eye contact teleconferencing terminal for allowing a first conferee to maintain eye contact with a second conferee imaged by the teleconferencing terminal, the teleconferencing terminal comprising: an image display with an image bearing surface; a semireflective transparent panel forming an angle of between about 30 and 70 degrees with the image display for viewing by the first conferee a reflection of the image bearing surface of the image display on the semireflective transparent panel; a video camera disposed on a side of the semireflective transparent panel opposite the image display, the video camera capturing, through the semireflective transparent panel, an image of the first conferee who is disposed on the image display-side of the semireflective transparent panel; a second display for observation by the local conferee, the second display positioned between the local conferee and the semireflective transparent panel and positioned so as to not obstruct the first conferee from viewing the reflection of the image bearing surface; and an interactive input means integral to the second display and controlled by the first conferee for controlling at least one of a collaborative computer hardware and software, a videoconferencing communication hardware and software, a speaker, a microphone, a light, the image display and its image bearing surface, and the camera.

20. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 19 wherein at least the second display is wireless and the interactive input means is wireless.

21. An eye contact teleconferencing terminal for allowing a first conferee to maintain eye contact with a second conferee imaged by the teleconferencing terminal, the teleconferencing terminal comprising: an image display with an image bearing surface; a semireflective transparent panel forming an angle of between about 30 and 70 degrees with the image display for viewing by the first conferee a reflection of the image bearing surface of the image display on the semireflective transparent panel; a video camera disposed on a side of the semireflective transparent panel opposite the image display, the video camera capturing, through the semireflective transparent panel, an image of the first conferee who is disposed on the image display-side of the semireflective transparent panel; and an image blocking means by orienting the image bearing surface in angular relation to the semireflective transparent panel so that the reflection of the image bearing surface is substantially vertical and the image bearing surface is angled substantially away from the first conferee so that the first conferee can not view the image bearing surface.

22. An eye contact teleconferencing terminal for allowing a first conferee to maintain eye contact with a second conferee imaged by the teleconferencing terminal, the teleconferencing terminal comprising: an image display with an image bearing surface; a semireflective transparent panel forming an angle of between about 30 and 70 degrees with the image display for viewing by the first conferee a reflection of the image bearing surface of the image display on the semireflective transparent panel; a video camera disposed on a side of the semireflective transparent panel opposite the image display, the video camera capturing, through the semireflective transparent panel, an image of the first conferee who is disposed on the image display-side of the semireflective transparent panel; and A removeable black opaque shield resting on the camera side of the semireflective transparent panel for increasing a quality of the reflection of the image bearing surface.

23. An eye contact teleconferencing terminal for allowing a first conferee to maintain eye contact with a second conferee imaged by the teleconferencing terminal, the teleconferencing terminal comprising: an image display with an image bearing surface; a semireflective transparent panel forming an angle of between about 30 and 70 degrees with the image display for viewing by the first conferee a reflection of the image bearing surface of the image display on the semireflective transparent panel; a video camera disposed on a side of the semireflective transparent panel opposite the image display, the video camera capturing, through the semireflective transparent panel, an image of the first conferee who is disposed on the image display-side of the semireflective transparent panel; and a supporting structure holding in position the image display and the semireflective transparent panel, the panel and the display having a separation space between them so that a room environment on the camera side of the semireflective transparent panel is visible by the first conferee through the separation space.

24. An eye contact teleconferencing terminal for allowing a first conferee to maintain eye contact with a second conferee imaged by the teleconferencing terminal, the teleconferencing terminal comprising: an image display with an image bearing surface; a semireflective transparent panel forming an angle of between about 30 and 70 degrees with the image display for viewing by the first conferee a reflection of the image bearing surface of the image display on the semireflective transparent panel; a video camera disposed on a side of the semireflective transparent panel opposite the image display, the video camera capturing, through the semireflective transparent panel, an image of the first conferee who is disposed on the image display-side of the semireflective transparent panel; and a controlled viewing angle means by shaping the semireflective transparent panel as a trapezoid with a narrow side closest to the image bearing surface and a widest side farthest away from the image bearing surface.

25. An eye contact teleconferencing terminal for allowing a first conferee to maintain eye contact with a second conferee imaged by the teleconferencing terminal, the teleconferencing terminal comprising: an image display with an image bearing surface; a semireflective transparent panel forming an angle of between about 30 and 70 degrees with the image display for viewing by the first conferee a reflection of the image bearing surface of the image display on the semireflective transparent panel; a video camera disposed on a side of the semireflective transparent panel opposite the image display, the video camera capturing, through the semireflective transparent panel, an image of the first conferee who is disposed on the image display-side of the semireflective transparent panel; and A positioning mechanism means for locating the camera closer and further away from the semireflective transparent panel.

26. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 25 wherein a camera lens of the camera is located substantially at a reflection plane of the reflection.

27. An eye contact teleconferencing terminal for allowing a first conferee to maintain eye contact with a second conferee imaged by the teleconferencing terminal, the teleconferencing terminal comprising: an image display with an image bearing surface; a semireflective transparent panel forming an angle of between about 30 and 70 degrees with the image display for viewing by the first conferee a reflection of the image bearing surface of the image display on the semireflective transparent panel; a video camera disposed on a side of the semireflective transparent panel opposite the image display, the video camera capturing, through the semireflective transparent panel, an image of the first conferee who is disposed on the image display-side of the semireflective transparent panel; and A first conferee illumination system for improving a camera image quality comprising at least a light affixed to a structure supporting the image display, the camera and the semireflective transparent panel.

28. An eye contact teleconferencing terminal for allowing a first conferee to maintain eye contact with a second conferee imaged by the teleconferencing terminal, the teleconferencing terminal comprising: an image display with an image bearing surface; a semireflective transparent panel forming an angle of between about 30 and 70 degrees with the image display for viewing by the first conferee a reflection of the image bearing surface of the image display on the semireflective transparent panel; a video camera disposed on a side of the semireflective transparent panel opposite the image display, the video camera capturing, through the semireflective transparent panel, an image of the first conferee who is disposed on the image display-side of the semireflective transparent panel; and An adhesion means for attaching the semireflective transparent panel to a substrate, wherein the adhesion attaches at least one of the following two sets of combinations 1) a film coated with a semireflective transparent coating attached to a transparent glass substrate and 2) a semireflective transparent panel constructed of glass and attached to a transparent safety film substrate.

29. An eye contact teleconferencing terminal for allowing a first conferee to maintain eye contact with a second conferee imaged by the teleconferencing terminal, the teleconferencing terminal comprising: an image display with an image bearing surface; a semireflective transparent panel forming an angle of between about 30 and 70 degrees with the image display for viewing by the first conferee a reflection of the image bearing surface of the image display on the semireflective transparent panel; a video camera disposed on a side of the semireflective transparent panel opposite the image display, the video camera capturing, through the semireflective transparent panel, an image of the first conferee who is disposed on the image display-side of the semireflective transparent panel; and a floor resting support structure supporting the camera, the image display and the semireflective transparent panel, wherein the image display is a flat panel display mounted with the image bearing surface aimed upward, the image display forming a canopy over a floor.

30. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 29 wherein a component rack integral with the support structure is located between the floor and the canopy of the image display.

31. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 29 wherein a component rack separate form the support structure docks in a location between the floor and the canopy of the image display.

32. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 29 Wherein the component rack is moveable upon wheels.

33. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 29 wherein the support structure is moveable upon wheels.

34. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 29 wherein the support structure can be raised from a substantially usable table height to a usable podium height.

35. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 29 wherein the support structure contains a removable front controlled reflection shield positioned to block a reflection of the floor in the semireflective transparent panel from the view of the first conferee.

36. An eye contact teleconferencing terminal for allowing a group of first conferees to maintain eye contact with a second conferee(s) imaged by the teleconferencing terminal, the teleconferencing terminal comprising: an image display with an image bearing surface; a semireflective transparent panel forming an angle of between about 30 and 70 degrees with the image display for viewing by the first conferees a reflection of the image bearing surface of the image display on the semireflective transparent panel; and a plurality of video cameras disposed on a side of the semireflective transparent panel opposite the image display, the video cameras capturing, through the semireflective transparent panel, images of the first conferees who are disposed on the image display-side of the semireflective transparent panel.

37. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 36 wherein the image display consists of multiple displays.

38. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 36 wherein at least one of the plurality of cameras is mounted upon a linear actuator track for positioning the plurality of cameras for various modes of use.

39. An eye contact teleconferencing terminal for allowing a first conferee(s) to maintain eye contact with a group of second conferees imaged by the teleconferencing terminal, the teleconferencing terminal comprising: a plurality of image displays with an image bearing surfaces; a semireflective transparent panel forming an angle of between about 30 and 70 degrees with the image displays for viewing by the first conferee(s) a reflection of the image bearing surfaces of the image displays on the semireflective transparent panel; and a video camera disposed on a side of the semireflective transparent panel opposite the image displays, the video camera capturing, through the semireflective transparent panel, an image of the first conferee(s) who is/are disposed on the image displays-side of the semireflective transparent panel.

40. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 39 wherein the plurality of image displays forms an arc.

41. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 39 wherein the displays share the same projection screen.

42. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 39 wherein the camera is one of a plurality of cameras disposed on a side of the semireflective transparent panel opposite the image displays.

43. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 39 wherein at least one of the plurality of cameras is mounted upon a linear actuator track for positioning the plurality of cameras for various modes of use.

44. A teleconferencing terminal for allowing a first conferee to view an image of a second conferee amongst the first conferee's room environment, the teleconferencing terminal comprising: an image display with an image bearing surface; a semireflective transparent panel forming an angle of between about 30 and 70 degrees with the image bearing surface for viewing by the first conferee a reflection of the image bearing surface of the image display on the semireflective transparent panel; a second conferee image isolated in a black background displayed on the image bearing surface; a video camera capturing an image of the first conferee; and a room environment with common objects providing visual reference to a residing location of the reflection within the room environment when the room environment is viewed by the first conferee through the semireflective transparent panel and its reflection of the black background.

45. A teleconferencing terminal for allowing a first conferee to view an image of a second conferee amongst the first conferee's room environment, the teleconferencing terminal comprising: a projector with a semi-transparent projection screen; a second conferee image isolated in a black background displayed on the semi-transparent projection screen; a video camera capturing an image of the first conferee; and a room environment with common objects providing visual reference to a residing location of the second conferee image on the semi-transparent projection screen within the room environment when the room environment is viewed by the first conferee through the semi-transparent projection screen and the black background projected upon the semi-transparent projection screen.

46. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 45 wherein a semireflective transparent panel is located in front of the semi-transparent projection screen and angled so that the camera can capture an eye contact image of the first conferee.

47. An eye contact teleconferencing terminal for allowing a first conferee to maintain eye contact with a second conferee imaged by the teleconferencing terminal, the teleconferencing terminal comprising: an image display with an image bearing surface; a semireflective transparent panel forming an angle of between about 30 and 70 degrees with the image display for viewing by the first conferee a reflection of the image bearing surface of the image display on the semireflective transparent panel; a second conferee image isolated in a black background displayed on the image bearing surface; a video camera disposed on a side of the semireflective transparent panel opposite the image display, the video camera capturing, through the semireflective transparent panel, an image of the first conferee who is disposed on the image display-side of the semireflective transparent panel; a room environment with common objects providing visual reference to a residing location of the reflection within the room environment when the room environment is viewed by the first conferee through the semireflective transparent panel and its reflection of the black background; a support structure holding in position at least the image display and the semireflective transparent panel; a background shield disposed on the side of the semireflective transparent panel opposite the image display and held in position by the support structure for improving a quality of the reflection, the shield blocking a portion of the room environment viewed by the first conferee through the semireflective transparent panel.

48. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 47 wherein the background shield is substantially the size of the reflection of the second conferee.

49. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 47 wherein the background shield has a selectable variability between states of transparency and opaqueness.

50. The teleconferencing terminal of claim 47 wherein the background shield substantially conceals the camera.

51. An eye contact teleconferencing fee based system connecting a plurality of eye contact terminals in a network, the system comprising: A plurality of eye contact terminals utilized by a plurality of conferees located at the plurality of terminals so that conferees can view eye contact images on an image display located at each terminal and have an eye contact image captured by a camera located at each terminal; A plurality of teleconferencing communication devices integral to each terminal having communication between terminals of at least voice so that conferees can hear each other and a image view capability so that the conferees can see each other; A teleconferencing network connecting the eye contact terminals; A teleconference session enabling the conferees to communicate by voice and by viewing each other utilizing the eye contact terminals; and A monetary transaction system for a temporary use of the eye contact terminals by the conferees.

52. The teleconferencing system of claim 51 wherein the terminals permit eye contact between the conferees with the use of at least a semireflective transparent panel component.

[0001] The present application is a Continuation In Part of application Ser. No. 10/033,655 (27 Dec. 2001) which is a Continuation In Part of application Ser. No. 09/878,813, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,481,651, which is, in turn, a Continuation In Part of application Ser. No. 09/777,145 (5 Feb. 2001), now abandoned, which is a Continuation In Part of application Ser. No. 09/262,974 (5 Mar. 1999), now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,243,130, which is a Continuation In Part of application Ser. No. 09/108,476, (1 Jul. 1998), now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,953,052, which is a Continuation In Part of Ser. No. 08/530,880, (20 Sep. 1995), and now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,777,665 which applications are hereby incorporated by reference into this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention concerns the area of teleconferencing and, more specifically, an improved video teleconferencing device that permits eye contact.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] A primary concern in video-teleconferencing ergonomics is a lack of eye contact between conferees. Eye contact is not possible with common terminal configurations, because the camera is placed at the perimeter of the display that images a distant conferee, so that the camera does not interfere with a local conferee's viewing of the display. With this configuration the conferees fail to look directly into the camera, which results in the appearance of the conferees looking away and appearing disinterested in the conversation.

[0006] Although numerous technologies have been proposed to correct the eye contact problem, many of these technologies suffer from poor image capture quality, poor image display quality, excessive expense, or unacceptably increased terminal bulk. One commonly used component in eye contact systems is a beamsplitter. A beamsplitter is a semireflective transparent panel sometimes called a one way mirror or a semisilvered mirror. Although even a plain sheet of transparent material such as glass can be employed, it is more common to apply coatings to a transparent substrate to increase its reflectivity.

[0007] A common beamsplitter eye contact arrangement consists of a beamsplitter that is mounted in front of a display oriented at about 45 degrees to the display surface. The conferee using the terminal looks through the beamsplitter to view the display. A camera is disposed in front of the beamsplitter and captures an image of the conferee reflected in the semireflective beamsplitter. This technology has a number of drawbacks. First, the 45-degree angle of the beamsplitter placed in front of the display necessarily increases the bulk of the display. Second, if the beamsplitter is illuminated by ambient light, the quality of the image captured by the camera may be seriously degraded. This problem may be avoided by a hood of an opaque material extending from the display to the edge of the beamsplitter so that ambient light does not degrade the reflected image. However, an opaque hood makes the beamsplitter appear even more intrusive with the angled beamsplitter forming a visible barrier in front of the display surface. Whether the display is a computer desktop monitor or a big screen television, the awkwardness of the protruding beamsplitter and camera remain an inefficient use of space.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,117,285 to Smoot attempted to reduce the bulk of this type of terminal by applying polarizers to the display and camera, so that the beamsplitter can be angled more acutely, approximately 30 degrees, without having light from the display interfere with the reflection of the conferee. A drawback to this arrangement is the inherent loss of light caused by the polarizer which further reduces the display image brightness, which has already been reduced by the beamsplitter. Even though this technology reduces the angle of the beamsplitter, it still adds considerable bulk to the terminal and a transparent barrier still remains in front of the display. Also, terminal bulk is further increased by the camera placement, which must protrude far from the display to capture the reflection of the conferee in the 30-degree angled beamsplitter. This becomes a nuisance with desktop conferencing, because the camera is positioned in the conferee's work space where a keyboard is usually placed.

[0009] Another eye contact beamsplitter arrangement resolves this protruding camera problem by mounting it behind the beamsplitter. In this arrangement, the display is reflected by the beamsplitter for viewing by the conferee. The light of the reflection conceals the camera behind the beamsplitter. The camera thus captures the image of the conferee through the beamsplitter. If a flat panel display is used or if a CRT display is mounted in a desk's surface and aimed upward, the bulk of this system can be reduced substantially.

[0010] However, even with these improvements this arrangement suffers from an additional significant problem: namely the conferee can simultaneously observe the displayed image both in two ways, either by directly viewing the display or by viewing the reflection of the display on the beamsplitter. That is, as the conferee looks at the reflected image, it is easy to glance at an angle and directly view the display below the beamsplitter. The dual visible images in this arrangement are a severe distraction, as the conferee's attention is divided between the light of two images. If the conferee gazes directly at the display (as opposed to the reflection of the display), eye contact will be disrupted because the camera will capture an image of the conferee that appears not to look at the face of the remote conferee.

[0011] Prior Art Beamsplitter Arrangements

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art eye contact beamsplitter arrangement in which the image of a conferee is captured by a camera 4 by means of a reflection in a beamsplitter 6 . At the same time the conferee's image is captured, that conferee is able to look through the beamsplitter 6 to view a display 2 . A hood 8 , usually covered with an opaque material, is typically included to shield the beamsplitter 6 from ambient light. The drawbacks to this arrangement include the increased bulk of the terminal (although a flat panel will minimize this problem), the addition of a transparent barrier in front of the display which affects viewing the display surface, the appearance of the display being recessed far into the terminal creating a tunnel effect and, lastly, the awkward positioning of the camera 4 which intrudes into the conferee's work space.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a prior art eye contact beamsplitter arrangement that attempts to reduce the protrusion of the beamsplitter 6 by adding a polarizer 9 . Here when properly configured with a second polarizer 11 on the camera 4 , the camera 4 can be aimed more directly toward the display 2 without picking up the image on the display 2 through the beamsplitter. Despite some reduction in the angle of the beamsplitter 6 , the unit still suffers from excessive bulk, a transparent barrier between the conferee and the viewing surface of the display 2 . Also, the camera 4 protrudes awkwardly from the terminal on a stand 12 , invading the conferee's work space.

[0014] FIG. 3 presents a beamsplitter arrangement in which the conferee views the reflection of the display 2 by the beamsplitter 6 . The camera 4 is substantially concealed from view behind the beamsplitter 6 and is aimed through the beamsplitter 6 to directly capture the image of the conferee. As is illustrated, the significant drawback of this arrangement is the fact that the light from the display 2 is visible to the conferee simultaneously at the display 2 and as the reflection of the display 2 in the beamsplitter 6 by the conferee. These two visible images compete for the conferee's attention and add distraction while conferencing, thereby reducing the quality of the conferencing experience.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] It is an object of the present invention to provide a teleconferencing beamsplitter eye contact terminal that is adaptable to a variety of teleconferencing uses and products.

[0016] It is a further object of this invention to provide visual references, such as common objects, in a room environment to associate the position of an imaged conferee in the room.

[0017] It is a further object of the present invention to enable multiple cameras and multiple displays in a single eye contact terminal and thereby permit an immersive teleconferencing environment.

[0018] It is a further embodiment of the present invention to provide unique fabrication methodologies to flexible beamsplitters for eye contact teleconferencing.

[0019] It is a further embodiment of the present invention to enhance the contrast of the reflected image by use of light trap material.

[0020] It is a further embodiment of the present invention to provide text scrolling utilized in an eye contact teleconferencing terminal.

[0021] It is a further embodiment of the present invention to provide a remote display control means to an eye contact terminal display.

[0022] It is a further embodiment of the present invention to provide a front projection pathway that reduces the space requirements for the pathway.

[0023] It is a further embodiment of the present invention to provide an eye contact terminal that can be reduced in size while not in use for storage and transport.

[0024] It is a further embodiment of the present invention to provide an eye contact terminal that is configureably versatile.

[0025] It is a further embodiment of the present invention to enable modified light illumination of the conferee.

[0026] It is a further embodiment of the present invention to enable a eye contact terminal to convert from a high contrast mode to a transparent mode of operation.

[0027] It is a further embodiment of the present invention to provide a false wall system for adapting the eye contact terminal to be an integral part of a room environment.

[0028] It is a further embodiment of the present invention to enable multi format display switchable for various modes of conferencing and collaborating use.

[0029] It is a further object of the present invention to conceal a camera housing in a terminal that converts to piece of furniture with a table surface.

[0030] Lastly, it is object of the present invention to provide an adjustable camera that can be positioned at the plane of reflection or in front of it.

[0031] The present invention enables eye contact between conferees during a teleconference using a terminal equipped with a beam-splitter for reflecting an image of a video display. The camera is positioned behind the viewing side of the beam-splitter to capture the conferee's image through the beam-splitter. The reflection of the video display appears to be positioned in a room environment with common room objects, serving to associate the position of the reflection in the room environment. The transparent quality of the beamsplitter is used not only for capturing eye contact images from one direction, but also revealing the room environment by enabling the conferee to see-through the beamsplitter. The invention can be configured to create the appearance that a life-size teleconference image of a remote conferee appears in the same room as the local conferee viewing the reflection and appears to be sitting on the other side of the desk or table—creating the experience of virtual presence with eye contact. Additional embodiments include adaptable features of the present invention which enable it to be configured into many specific types of eye contact display products with and without a see-through beamsplitter from the conferee's point-of-view. The invention also includes many additional versatility embodiments for desktop and group videoconferencing, as well as other videoconferencing applications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The objects and features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention, both as to its organization and manner of operation, together with further objects and advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0033] FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art beamsplitter arrangement in which the conferee views the display through a beamsplitter;

[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a prior art beamsplitter arrangement that is configured with polarizers to reduce the angle of the beamsplitter from the display;

[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates a prior art beamsplitter arrangement in which the conferee is intended to view only the reflection of the display yet can still see light emanating directly from the display;

[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates the present invention in which image blocking film is used to conceal the display from direct viewing by the conferee;

[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention that conceals view of the display of light from all four sides;

[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates the present invention configured with the display laying flat and aimed upwards;

[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates the present invention configured with the display aimed downward;

[0040] FIG. 8 illustrates the present invention configured as a display of a laptop computer;

[0041] FIG. 9 illustrates the present invention configured as a separate unit that can be added to a display;

[0042] FIG. 10 illustrates a display with modifications to assist in the positioning of the reflection for desired viewing;

[0043] FIG. 11 illustrates an extension arm system which permits numerous positioning options of the beamsplitter in relation to the display;

[0044] FIG. 12 illustrates opaque material placed behind the beamsplitter;

[0045] FIG. 13 illustrates a beamsplitter with image blocking film applied behind the viewing side, so that ambient light is substantially reduced;

[0046] FIG. 14 illustrates sound from a speaker bouncing off the beamsplitter;

[0047] FIG. 15 illustrates a beamsplitter that is bowed, so that a compressed image is expanded when reflected;

[0048] FIG. 16 illustrates image blocking film angled in relation to the display to prevent reflections back onto the image blocking film; and

[0049] FIG. 17 illustrates an alternative beamsplitter arrangement wherein the image blocking film is used to prevent light from the display from being captured by the camera.

[0050] FIG. 18 illustrates a terminal configuration with the reflected display position.

[0051] FIG. 19 illustrates a terminal configuration where the beamsplitter closed upon the display.

[0052] FIG. 20 illustrates a beamsplitter positioned out of an essential work area.

[0053] FIG. 21 illustrates a terminal configuration positioned out of an essential work area.

[0054] FIG. 22 illustrates a terminal configuration that has a reflected view mode and a direct view mode.

[0055] FIG. 23 illustrates a positionable display integral to a terminal.

[0056] FIG. 24 illustrates a terminal configuration that allows both the display and the beamsplitter to be positioned for maximum desktop usage.

[0057] FIG. 25 illustrates height adjustments of the terminal configuration and its effects on camera aiming.

[0058] FIG. 26 illustrates a human interface section that can be covered by the beamsplitter when in a closed position.

[0059] FIG. 27 illustrates a detachable camera and camera storage.

[0060] FIG. 28 illustrates a camera embedded inside the housing.

[0061] FIG. 29 illustrates a baffle to block reflections upon the camera lens.

[0062] FIG. 30 illustrates a liquid crystal shutter to block unwanted reflections upon the camera lens.

[0063] FIG. 31 illustrates a terminal configuration that is mounted to a wall.

[0064] FIG. 32 illustrates methods for dust removal from terminal components.

[0065] FIG. 33 illustrates an adjustable light source as a part of the terminal configuration.

[0066] FIG. 34 illustrates a conference table incorporating the present invention.

[0067] FIG. 35 illustrates a desk incorporating the present invention.

[0068] FIG. 36 illustrates a terminal configuration with a versatile camera housing.

[0069] FIG. 37 illustrates the preferred vertical viewing angle of a display as it relates to the present invention.

[0070] FIG. 38 illustrates a display which is constructed to image block when viewed from an oblique angle.

[0071] FIG. 39 illustrates a display that requires a remote polarizer to form a completed image.

[0072] FIG. 40 illustrates a beamsplitter with an undesirable double image.

[0073] FIG. 41 illustrates a beamsplitter that has been chemically hardened to reduce the thickness of the beamsplitter and thereby reduce the double image.

[0074] FIG. 42 illustrates the inability to converse with a person seated at the opposite side of the desk.

[0075] FIG. 43 illustrates the present invention with a foldable section to permit conversation from one side of the desk to the other.

[0076] FIG. 44 illustrates a beamsplitter with no contrast background permitting observation of another person on the other side of the desk.

[0077] FIG. 45 illustrates an LCD shutter contrast background.

[0078] FIG. 46 illustrates a fluid shutter contrast background.

[0079] FIG. 47 illustrates a solid removable contrast background.

[0080] FIG. 48 illustrates a polarizer arrangement serving as a contrast background.

[0081] FIG. 49 illustrates a polarizer arrangement with remote polarizer.

[0082] FIG. 50 illustrates a portable computer reflected eye contact configuration.

[0083] FIG. 51 illustrates a portable computer reflected eye contact configuration with separate beamsplitter.

[0084] FIG. 52 illustrates a normal view display.

[0085] FIG. 53 illustrates necessary image conversion for viewing the image upon a reflection.

[0086] FIG. 54 illustrates a physical positioning method of converting the image.

[0087] FIG. 55 illustrates a block diagram of an integrated eye contact computer with a module port.

[0088] FIG. 56 illustrates an integrated eye contact computer with replaceable modules.

[0089] FIG. 57 illustrates a back plane with a fabricated module port.

[0090] FIG. 58 illustrates a block diagram of an integrated eye contact computer that serves both as a single user desktop system and as a group conferencing system.

[0091] FIG. 59 illustrates an integrated eye contact computer with peripheral connection used in a single user mode.

[0092] FIG. 60 illustrates an integrated eye contact computer with peripheral connections used for group videoconferencing.

[0093] FIG. 61 illustrates an eye contact terminal with a beamsplitter that is positioned away from a keyboard area.

[0094] FIG. 62 illustrates a variation of a positionable beamsplitter.

[0095] FIG. 63 illustrates an eye contact terminal in which the display is positioned rearward so that the beamsplitter is away from a keyboard area.

[0096] FIG. 64 illustrates a side mounted display and beamsplitter arrangement.

[0097] FIG. 65 illustrates a side mounted display and beamsplitter arrangement closed and away from a keyboard area.

[0098] FIG. 66 illustrates an integrated transmissive display eye contact terminal with module port and peripheral connections for dual use as a single user terminal and group videoconferencing terminal.

[0099] FIG. 67 illustrates an integrated rear projection eye contact terminal with module port and peripheral connections for dual use as a single user terminal and group videoconferencing terminal.

[0100] FIG. 68 illustrates an integrated reflected camera-view eye contact terminal with module port and peripheral connections for dual use as a single user terminal and group videoconferencing terminal.

[0101] FIG. 69 illustrates a display built as a part of a personal computer and not forming a canopy over the desktop.

[0102] FIG. 70 illustrates a beamsplitter positioned away from a keyboard area when closed.

[0103] FIG. 71 illustrates a light concealed behind the beamsplitter.

[0104] FIG. 72 illustrates an antireflective coating and a hard coat to protect the reflective coating.

[0105] FIG. 73 illustrates the present invention built into a table surface and in a room environment.

[0106] FIG. 74 illustrates a roll-about variation of the present invention in a room environment.

[0107] FIG. 75 illustrates a tabletop variation of the present invention in a room environment.

[0108] FIG. 76 illustrates a perspective view of FIG. 75 .

[0109] FIG. 77 illustrates a micro camera and a micro shield

[0110] FIG. 78 illustrates a side view of FIG. 77 .

[0111] FIG. 79 illustrates a micro camera housing.

[0112] FIG. 80 illustrates a side view of FIG. 79

[0113] FIG. 81 illustrates a luminance intensity of a reflection of the remote conferee concealing a micro camera.

[0114] FIG. 82 illustrates a second beamsplitter for concealing a camera.

[0115] FIG. 83 illustrates the present invention built into a desk.

[0116] FIG. 84 illustrates the present invention built into a credenza.

[0117] FIG. 85 illustrates the present invention built into a table.

[0118] FIG. 86 illustrates multiple units of the present invention built into a table.

[0119] FIG. 87 illustrates multiple units of the present invention built into a desk.

[0120] FIG. 88 illustrates the present invention built into a coffee table.

[0121] FIG. 89 illustrates the present invention constructed as a podium.

[0122] FIG. 90 illustrates a highly directional speaker integrated into the present invention.

[0123] FIG. 91 illustrates the present invention built within a controlled cabinet environment.

[0124] FIG. 92 illustrates the present invention built within a large controlled environment.

[0125] FIG. 93 illustrates a top view of FIG. 92 .

[0126] FIG. 94 illustrates a camera tracking system as the conferee moves about.

[0127] FIG. 95 illustrates a polished edge beamsplitter.

[0128] FIG. 96 illustrates a very clear beamsplitter substrate.

[0129] FIG. 97 illustrates a safety layer on the beamsplitter.

[0130] FIG. 98 illustrates a laminated beamsplitter.

[0131] FIG. 99 illustrates an antireflective coated beamsplitter.

[0132] FIG. 100 illustrates a laminated reflective layer.

[0133] FIG. 101 illustrates a tinted beamsplitter.

[0134] FIG. 102 illustrates a camera hole fabricated into a laminated and tinted beamsplitter.

[0135] FIG. 103 illustrates a double clear substrate laminated image blocking layer.

[0136] FIG. 104 illustrates an image blocking layer laminated to a clear substrate and an image bearing screen.

[0137] FIG. 105 illustrates an image blocking layer laminated to an image bearing screen.

[0138] FIG. 106 illustrates a dimmable shutter.

[0139] FIG. 107 illustrates a frameless beamsplitter and a support.

[0140] FIG. 108 illustrates various positioning methods to align the camera with the reflection from the conferee's point of view.

[0141] FIG. 109 illustrates an integrated eye contact terminal with a remote PC and videoconferencing appliance.

[0142] FIG. 110 illustrates the present invention with a multi-format display screen that can display a television image and a computer image.

[0143] FIG. 111 illustrates the present invention with an integrated transparent projection screen and a portable backdrop.

[0144] FIG. 112 illustrates the present invention with multiple displays and multiple cameras.

[0145] FIG. 113 illustrates a heat stretched flexible beamsplitter.

[0146] FIG. 114 illustrates a tension stretched flexible beamsplitter

[0147] FIG. 115 illustrates a memory substrate flexible beamsplitter.

[0148] FIG. 116 illustrates light trap material for enhanced reflected image contrast.

[0149] FIG. 117 illustrates a scrolling text display output integrated with an eye contact videoconferencing display.

[0150] FIG. 118 illustrates a block diagram of a remote site control of an eye contact display.

[0151] FIG. 119 illustrates pass-by reflective projection.

[0152] FIG. 120 illustrates pass-by reflective projection on a desktop.

[0153] FIG. 121 illustrates a foldable version of the present invention in operational mode.

[0154] FIG. 122 illustrates the foldable version of the present invention folded up for ease of transport and storage.

[0155] FIG. 123 illustrates a typical camera placement over the beamsplitter in relation to the plane of reflection.

[0156] FIG. 124 illustrates a camera located at the plane of reflection.

[0157] FIG. 125 illustrates various camera positions when the camera is not located at the plane of reflection.

[0158] FIG. 126 illustrates a versatile platform eye contact display forming a canopy over the floor.

[0159] FIG. 127 illustrates the versatile platform with a separate equipment rack under the canopy.

[0160] FIG. 128 illustrates the versatile platform constructed with a pedestal column.

[0161] FIG. 129 illustrates the versatile platform raised to podium height.

[0162] FIG. 130 illustrates an adjustable conferee illumination device.

[0163] FIG. 131 illustrates reconfiguring the terminal between high contrast mode and transparent mode of use.

[0164] FIG. 132 illustrates a false wall so that the eye contact terminal appears to be integral to the room.

[0165] FIG. 133 illustrates the reflected image displaying a conference image.

[0166] FIG. 134 illustrates the reflected image displaying both a conference image and a data image side-by-side.

[0167] FIG. 135 illustrates the reflected image displaying a picture-in-picture conference image and data image.

[0168] FIG. 136 illustrates a folding down desktop terminal when closed.

[0169] FIG. 137 illustrates a folding desktop terminal in an operational mode.

[0170] FIG. 138 illustrates a height adjustment system for a fold down desktop terminal.

[0171] FIG. 139 illustrates the panning and titling space requirements of a digital pan/tilt and mechanical pan/tilt camera.

[0172] FIG. 140 illustrates slant display image blocking and a table top camera cavity.

[0173] FIG. 141 illustrates a thick table top camera cavity.

[0174] FIG. 142 illustrates an removable camera housing from a table top that can be stored in the housing.

[0175] FIG. 143 illustrates a reflected conferee eye contact terminal forming a canopy over the floor.

[0176] FIG. 144 illustrates a top mounted camera in a reflected conferee eye contact terminal.

[0177] FIG. 145 illustrates a side view of the configuration of FIG. 143 .

[0178] FIG. 146 illustrates a side view of the configuration of FIG. 144 .

[0179] FIG. 147 illustrates a fold up reflected conferee eye contact terminal.

[0180] FIG. 148 illustrates a terminal raising system for a reflected conferee eye contact terminal.

[0181] FIG. 149 illustrates a generic floor standing housing for a reflected conferee eye contact terminal.

[0182] FIG. 150 illustrates a generic floor standing housing for a reflected conferee eye contact terminal with a top mounted camera.

[0183] FIG. 151 illustrates a desk top resting reflected conferee eye contact terminal.

[0184] FIG. 152 illustrates a desk top resting reflected conferee eye contact terminal with top mounted camera.

[0185] FIG. 153 illustrates a component folding system for a reflected conferee eye contact terminal.

[0186] FIG. 154 illustrates a multiple camera and multiple display reflected conferee eye contact terminal.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0187] The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventors for carrying out their invention. Various modifications, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined herein specifically to provide an improved beamsplitter-based teleconferencing device that uses image blocking film to eliminate distracting images.

[0188] Versatile Teleconferencing Eye Contact Terminal

[0189] An eye contact beamsplitter arrangement has been invented to overcome the problem of a conferee simultaneously viewing both the display and its reflection. An image blocking film 10 permits a display 2 to be viewed from one or more directions and prevents the interference of unwanted images. As seen in FIG. 4, a conferee can view the reflection from the display 2 on a beamsplitter 6 . The conferee cannot, however, see the display 2 emitted directly, because direct light is blocked by the image blocking film 10 . The conferee's attention, as a result, is now focused solely on the reflection and not distracted by a view direct from the display 2 . A camera 4 in this arrangement is advantageously mounted behind the beamsplitter 6 away from the conferee's work space.

[0190] FIG. 5 illustrates the use of the image blocking film 10 to block the image when viewed from a side of the display 2 . The image blocking film 10 that makes the present invention possible is a material that exhibits the uncommon property of being selectively transparent depending on an angle at which the material is viewed. That is, when the gaze of an observer is normal to a surface of the image blocking film 10 , the film appears to be totally transparent and any object on the opposite side of the film, such as the display 2 , is readily visible. However, if the observer views the image blocking film 10 at an angle to the film's surface, the image blocking film 10 has an appearance ranging from opaque to translucent: the observer's view of any object on the opposite side of the image blocking film 10 is obscured. The image can be blocked from two, three, or all four sides, if desired. For the present invention, it is critical that the image blocking film 10 block the image from at least the angle from which the conferee is viewing the display reflection, so that the display viewing surface itself is concealed from direct view. An advantage to placing the image blocking film 10 on the right and left sides of display 2 is that the image will be blocked from the reflection on the beamsplitter 6 when the display 2 is viewed at an angle from either side. This feature adds security and privacy to a teleconference which proves useful in a busy office area, since a passersby cannot easily view the image.

[0191] The image blocking film 10 is available from several sources and can be based on various technologies. Whether the film is plastic or glass, the image blocking film as it is presented here is a material that permits transmission of light from at least one direction and reduces or eliminates light transmission from at least one other direction. Eyesaver International Inc. has an image blocking film named “Private Eye” that diffuses light from various directions. From the perspective of the conferee, when using this film, light directly from the display (as opposed to the reflected image) appears milky and diffused, eliminating the focused image. The diffused light, even though visible to the conferee, adequately conceals the image. Another image blocking film 10 is made by 3M Inc. and named “Light Control Film” and is preferred, because it can eliminate virtually all light transmission from a desired angle. This particular image blocking film 10 contains closely spaced black microlouvers and a wide selection of louver angles are available, and even more options are available by layering films. This means that the precise angle at which the image blocking film 10 “shuts off” can be selected in advance. When the image blocking film 10 “shuts off,” it ceases to transmit light so that if the observer views the image blocking film 10 from an angle greater than the “shut off” angle the film appears to be opaque. When using this film the conferee sees only the black surface of the microlouvers which entirely conceals the image from the display 2 when viewed from the position of the conferee. The same effect can be produced by an array of tiny microlouvers supported, for example, by their ends. In that case the image blocker would not actually be a “film” but would fall within the bounds of the present invention.

[0192] This arrangement is preferably used with a flat panel display such as an active matrix liquid crystal or plasma display, among others. Flat panels permit the size of the terminal to be reduced and offers aesthetic design opportunities not possible with other eye contact display systems. Of course, more bulky displays such as CRT displays and rear projection screen displays may also be used with the present invention. The added size of the terminal caused by bulky displays may not be a disadvantage in some circumstances. Also, a bulky display can be hidden by being built into a table with the screen surface flush with the table surface, giving the appearance that the entire terminal consists of a floating beamsplitter. Both flat panels and more bulky displays can be built into tables and into cabinets mounted sideways and even upside down. In each configuration, image blocking film 10 is applied to the display, blocking its image from the conferee's direct view and leaving only the reflection on the beamsplitter 6 in view. Custom applications of this invention will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0193] FIG. 6 illustrates the present invention configured as a flat panel self-contained unit. The display 2 rests on a surface, such as a desk or computer. On top of the display viewing surface is the image blocking film 10 that functions in the manner previously described. The beamsplitter 6 is attached to the display 2 by hinges 14 . The hinges 14 permit adjustment of the beamsplitter 6 in relation to the display 2 . Although 45 degrees is the “critical angle” for setting the beamsplitter 6 relative to the display 2 , positions between about 30 and 60 degrees are useful depending on the exact setup employed. A flexible rod 26 holds the camera 4 in place and also carries electronic signal wires to the display 2 which contains all electronic circuitry for the display and the camera 4 . The flexible rod 20 is attached to the display 2 by a connector 22 : The flexible rod 20 is one of many possible mechanisms that can position the camera 4 behind the beamsplitter 6 . Its advantage is that it can be bent into numerous positions, allowing the camera to be adjusted both vertically and horizontally. A power line 16 supplies current to both the display 2 and the camera 4 . A first port 18 allows the camera image to be cabled to the teleconferencing equipment so that the captured image may be viewed on a distant terminal. A second port 19 receives the incoming image signal, so that the distant conferee may be imaged on the display 2 .

[0194] FIG. 7 illustrates a self-contained unit as seen in FIG. 6 , except that the display 2 is mounted above the beamsplitter 6 with the display viewing surface aimed downward into the reflection of the beamsplitter 6 . In this configuration the display 2 is connected to and supported by the one end of the beamsplitter 6 and two support legs 24 that rest on the desktop, computer, or other flat surface. This configuration's operation is identical to the configuration of FIG. 6 , except that no means of adjusting the beamsplitter 6 in relation to the display 2 is provided.

[0195] The present invention may also be built into devices that have other functions besides image display and image capturing. An example of this is seen in FIG. 8 , where the present invention is built as a part of a laptop computer 26 with a keyboard 28 . In this configuration, the beamsplitter 6 folds down onto the image blocking film 10 with the built-in display underneath and integral with the laptop computer 26 . The beamsplitter 6 has a latch hook 25 connected to it, which is received in a latch hole 27 when the beamsplitter 6 is folded down by hinges 14 . The flexible rod 20 and camera 4 retracts into a slot (not shown) in the back when the device is not in use. Besides integrating the present invention into a laptop computer, it may, in addition, be built into numerous portable devices such as palmtops, personal digital assistants, teleconferencing camcorders, and wireless teleconferencing systems. Nonportable devices, as well, such as videophones, all-in-one home computers, and televisions, to name only a few, will benefit from the present invention.

[0196] FIG. 9 illustrates a configuration where the main parts of the current invention can be configured as a separate kit to be added by the consumer to upgrade the existing display 2 and provide the practicality of modularity with interchangeable elements. As illustrated, the kit would contain the image blocking film 10 which is placed on top of the viewing surface of the display 2 secured by a VELCRO® hook-in-loop fastener (not shown), or other appropriate fastening means can be used. The beamsplitter 6 used in the kit is free-standing and held in place by stand legs 32 which are attached to the beamsplitter 6 by screws 34 . The kit is completed by the camera 4 which is connected to the flexible rod 20 which, in turn, is connected to a flexible rod base 30 .

[0197] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the design options made possible by the present invention. For example, the display 2 can be mounted flush with a desk surface with the image blocking film 10 seamlessly part of the desk's surface. From the conferee's perspective, the entire terminal would appear to consist of only the beamsplitter 6 and the camera 4 . Also, the display 2 can be built into decorative housings and cabinetry and mounted aiming downward or sideways towards the beamsplitter 6 . It is also conceivable that the image blocking film 10 can be manufactured in designer colors.

[0198] Although desktop conferencing terminals will greatly benefit from this invention, it may also be configured into big screen displays. These larger displays are important when several conferees are imaged on one display. The ergonomics of a life-size image of the conferees greatly improves the teleconferencing experience.

[0199] Those in the optical coating art will understand the vast variations possible for the beamsplitter 6 in regards to its substrate, coating, and manufactured process. Both plastic and glass substrates, as well as stretched mylar, have been used for the beamsplitter 6 . The beamsplitter 6 can comprise a custom blend of optical coatings on a transparent substrate for superior reflectivity and transmission all the way down to off-the-shelf one-way mirrors with inconsistent and poor optical qualities. Also, the reflectivity and transmission, as well as other optical qualities of the beamsplitter 6 , can be adjusted as needed. Despite these vast variations in the beamsplitter 6 , the property of being both reflective and transparent remains the single most important constant.

[0200] The following description details the construction of one embodiment of this invention. A frame and stand for the beamsplitter 6 was constructed from acrylic plastic on which the beamsplitter 6 was mounted at about 40 degrees, so that the image is aimed slightly upward toward the face of the conferee. The beamsplitter 6 comprises a titanium coating on a float glass substrate. The coating was optically designed for approximately 40% reflectivity and 60% transmission. The plastic support frame was designed to straddle a Shard active matrix LCD panel Model QA-1750BL lying flat on a table top. The image blocking film 10 used was 3M Light Control Film (type LCF ABRO O OB90 CLR GLS 030) and was positioned on the viewing surface of the active matrix display, so that the image of the display is blocked from the conferee's direct view. Behind the beamsplitter 6 am ELMO CCD miniature camera Model TSN 402 was attached to a custom flexible rod 20 and base 30 . The terminal was arranged as seen in FIG. 9 and was operated on a compressed video (MPEG) teleconferencing system.

[0201] Depending upon the angle between the beamsplitter 6 and the display 2 , the reflection of the display 2 may have a trapezoidal shape. This subtle distortion is normally not a significant problem for most observers. However, if this distortion is unwanted, well-known image manipulation techniques can be used to “predistort” the image on the display 2 into a trapezoid with its longer side in a reversed position from a longer side of the trapezoid caused by the beamsplitter 6 angle. This way distortion caused by reflection will cancel out distortion imposed by image manipulation, and the reflected image will appear rectangular in shape. Also, manual controls may be provided for the conferee to choose the degree of predistortion so that the reflected image can be corrected at any angular setting of the beamsplitter 6 . An automatic system can also be provided to simplify this procedure by sensing the angular relation of the beamsplitter 6 to the display 2 and automatically applying the optimum amount of predistortion to the image. Since a bezel or outer edge of the display 2 may also appear in the reflected image, it may be necessary to either provide a trapezoidal bezel or make the bezel matte black so it is not apparent in the reflection. It may also prove advantageous to manufacture display panels in a trapezoidal shape.

[0202] The reflection in beamsplitter 6 can also reflect not only the display 1 , but also the surface on which the display 2 rests or is mounted, such as a desk top. If this reflection becomes an annoyance, a light-absorbing mat (not shown) extended around the display eliminates these unwanted reflections. Another method to eliminate these unwanted reflections is to put light-absorbing sides extended between the display 2 sides and the beamsplitter 6 .

[0203] For greater flexibility in orienting the display 2 to the beamsplitter 6 , the display 2 itself may be raised or lowered from the front or rear of the display 2 . In FIG. 10 adjustable extension legs 36 are connected with stiff pivot hinges 38 . The display 2 with these extension legs 36 can be raised and lowered from both the front and the rear. For even greater flexibility in positioning the beamsplitter 6 in relation to the display 2 , one can allow the beamsplitter 6 to be adjusted by tilting, moving backwards and forwards, and closer and further from the display 2 (see FIG. 11 ). Extension arms 42 and 40 provide all of these movements through the use of connected stiff pivot hinges 44 , 46 , and 48 . The conferee can adjust tilt, up and down and back and forth, with this positioning mechanism. Other positioning mechanisms, as well, may be integrated according to the needs of the particular configuration.

[0204] An additional amenity that can improve a free-standing eye contact terminal employing the present invention is the addition of a simple turntable beneath the unit. The turntable allows the entire unit to swivel to face the conferee. This is especially useful in the case of group teleconferences where a number of individuals want direct “one-on-one” contact with a person at a remote terminal. The turntable allows the display 2 and the camera 6 to be instantly aimed towards any participant. This can be accomplished either manually or automatically. The image blocking film 10 is selected so that no one in the group can directly view the display 2 . That is, two layers of image blocking film 10 are used so that the image is blocked from all viewing angles except for a line of sight normal to the surface of the display 2 .

[0205] To enhance the apparent reflectivity of the beamsplitter 6 , ambient light behind the beamsplitter 6 may be reduced, depending upon the optical properties of the beamsplitter 6 and the intensity of the ambient light. FIG. 12 illustrates the use of an opaque material 50 (such as black painted plastic) covering all of a rear surface of the beamsplitter 6 except for a small area through which the camera 4 is aimed. Ambient light is completely eliminated from behind the beamsplitter 6 and, thereby, substantially improves the apparent reflectivity of many types of the beamsplitter 6 . An optional camera housing 52 may be built of light absorbing material, as well. If only ambient light from a specific direction need be eliminated, then image blocking film 10 can be applied to the back side of beamsplitter 6 as seen in FIG. 13 . Other ambient light reduction methods may be used, such as mounting the present invention in an enclosed cabinet or providing a removable hood for the terminal.

[0206] Because the beamsplitter 6 is mounted at an angle toward the conferee it is possible to bounce sound off the beamsplitter 6 . By doing so teleconferencing audio is greatly improved, because sound will seem to originate from the center of the beamsplitter 6 where the image of the distant conferee's mouth is located. FIG. 14 illustrates a speaker 55 aimed toward the beamsplitter 6 so that sound is bounced toward the conferee. Special directional speakers may be used to enhance this effect. The speaker 55 can also be mounted on the side of the display 2 (not shown) and additional speakers 55 may be used in various placements around the display 2 .

[0207] An additional embodiment of the present invention employs a bowed beamsplitter 56 of FIG. 15 . This enables the display 2 to be configured more narrowly than the common aspect ratio display 2 . By squeezing the visible image with well-known image manipulation techniques, this smaller compressed image can be expanded to a larger image when reflected onto the bowed beamsplitter 56 . This configuration is especially useful when a large image is desired, but the desk surface which the display rests on is limited in area.

[0208] Antireflective coatings can be applied as needed to suppress unwanted reflections from any of the optical surfaces involved. On the back side of the beamsplitter 6 , opposite the reflection side, an antireflection coating can serve to eliminate the ghosting effect apparent with many types of beamsplitters. Also, an antireflective coating, substrate, film textures (i.e., matte finish), light-absorbing color, or similar functioning material can be applied on top of or as a part of the image blocking film 10 when it is necessary to reduce a “back reflection,” which is an image reflected from the beamsplitter 6 back onto the image blocking film 10 . FIG. 16 shows another method of dealing with back reflections. When the image blocking film 10 is angled (as opposed to parallel) in relation to the display 2 , the back reflections are diminished or eliminated. An angle between the image blocking film 10 and the display can range from a few degrees to a much as 30 degrees or more. At large angles the image blocking film 10 advantageously incorporate slanted microlouvers to compensate for a change in angular relationship between the conferee and the image blocking film 10 .

[0209] Another embodiment of the image blocking film 10 used for teleconferencing eye contact is seen in FIG. 17 . The image blocking film 10 has significantly improved the prior art beamsplitter 6 arrangement, as seen in FIG. 2 . Prior art technology based on polarizers significantly reduces the brightness of the display 2 since polarizers absorb at least half of the incident light. This, combined with the further brightness reduction caused by the beamsplitter 6 , creates a noticeably dim image. The image blocking film 10 has a higher transmissivity than the polarizer 9 , allowing a far brighter image. Also, a single substrate image blocking film 10 applied between the display 2 and the beamsplitter 6 does not suffer from the complexity of aligning the two polarizers 9 and 11 . The image blocking film 10 allows the conferee to look through a single substrate to the display 2 image behind. From the perspective of the camera 4 the image is concealed by the image blocking film 10 . Because the image is blocked, the camera 4 can be aimed more directly toward the display 2 , i.e. between about 20 degrees and about 40 degrees, without picking up the light of the display 2 passing through the beamsplitter 6 . As a result, the beamsplitter 6 can be angled more closely to the display 2 , thereby reducing the protrusion of the beamsplitter 6 . FIG. 17 shows the image blocking film 10 parallel to the front surface of the display 2 . The image blocking film 10 may also be located on the side of the beamsplitter 6 facing the display 2 or at any position between.

[0210] Although this terminal still suffers from a protruding camera 4 on the stand 12 , this protrusion can be reduced somewhat by using a small micro video camera. Instead of the stand 12 , the camera 4 can be mounted on a movable base (not shown) which rests directly on the table or desk surface. A second mirror (not shown) may be used near the camera to correct the image reversal caused by the reflection of the beamsplitter 6 . The hood 8 is an optional element and may be used if ambient light is excessive. Variations in terminal design made possible by this improved beamsplitter 6 arrangement will be apparent to those skilled in the art of teleconferencing ergonomics.

[0211] Depending upon the type of the beamsplitter 6 and the degree of transmissivity used, adjustments to the light sensitivity of the camera 4 may improve image quality. Also, adjustments to the brightness of the display 2 may improve the reflectivity of some types of beamsplitters. Such light sensitivity and brightness adjustments of camera 4 and display 2 will be apparent procedures to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0212] As is the case with all eye contact terminal technology, true eye contact cannot occur between conferees unless both conferees have an eye contact terminal. Even if only one conferee has an eye contact terminal, however, that conferee can transmit a eye contact signal for at least the other conferee to enjoy. In a multiple conferee session, portions of the screen can be designated for simultaneously displaying several incoming conferees. A more complex approach to multiple conferees is to use multiple cameras side by side in order to transmit different points of view of the conferees as if sitting around a table. Although not shown, it will be apparent as to how side-by-side cameras would be configured behind the beamsplitter 6 .

[0213] Because the display is reflected on the beamsplitter 6 , the image will appear to the conferee to be reversed. Image reversal techniques (either physical such as a mirror or electronic) can easily remedy this problem by appropriately reversing the image before it is displayed so that, when reflected on the beamsplitter, the image will assume its correct viewing orientation.

[0214] When viewing the reflection of the display 2 from the sides, the reflection of the display 2 will fall off the edge of the beamsplitter 6 when the beamsplitter 6 is the same size as the display 2 . A simple remedy for this is to make the beamsplitter 6 as wide as necessary, so that the entire image remains reflected even when viewing from the sides.

[0215] Numerous embodiments of the present invention have been originated to overcome significant limitations of the reflected display eye contact approach. These following embodiments improve and advance this configurational approach by attending closely to the conferee relationship with the device in typical working environments. These embodiments are ideally suited for use with the image blocking film 10 , but also serve to greatly advance the reflected display configuration even without the image blocking film 10 .

[0216] FIG. 18 illustrates a conferee 82 seated at a desk 70 with common posture for using a keyboard interface 60 . The configuration illustrated demonstrates a conferee to reflected display distance 76 of the reflected display position 79 . Since all reflected display configurations reflect an image to the rear of the terminal the reflected display position may appear too far away for the conferee's 82 viewing comfort. The current terminal configuration enables the display 2 to actually slightly overhang the essential work area 78 , if so desired, to bring the reflected display position 79 closer to the conferee (not shown). This ability to slightly overhang the essential work area 78 yet still allow the conferee 82 complete and unencumbered access to the keyboard interface 60 is permitted by a terminal construction with a base 62 supporting a terminal extension post 64 with display 2 positioned as a form of canopy over the desk 70 . Though not shown, this terminal configuration may be adapted with a shorter terminal extension post 64 so that the terminal can rest upon a case containing personal computer hardware. Various lengths of extension posts 64 can be provided to the consumer of which then the extension post 64 will be a replaceable structural element. Fundamentally, the extension post serves to raise the entire display as a form of canopy off the desk 70 allowing access under the entire display and allows the conferee 82 to reach under the display all the way beyond to the rear side of the terminal to books and files etc. on the desk 70 .

[0217] FIG. 18 also illustrates the conferee viewing radius 74 which extends through a beamsplitter terminal section 66 to the reflected image position 79 . The beamsplitter terminal section 66 is a support housing for the beamsplitter 6 (not shown) and the camera 4 (not shown) inside the camera housing 52 . The beamsplitter 6 (not shown) is of the approximate length of the beamsplitter terminal section 66 . The following configurations, though shown with beamsplitter terminal section 66 , may, as well, be configured solely of the beamsplitter 6 and various adaptations of beamsplitter 6