CA2200477C - Teleconferencing method and system - Google Patents

Teleconferencing method and system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2200477C
CA2200477C CA002200477A CA2200477A CA2200477C CA 2200477 C CA2200477 C CA 2200477C CA 002200477 A CA002200477 A CA 002200477A CA 2200477 A CA2200477 A CA 2200477A CA 2200477 C CA2200477 C CA 2200477C
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
image
teleconferencing
recited
station
screen
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
CA002200477A
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
CA2200477A1 (en
Inventor
David Lee Allen
Herold Williams
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Polycom Inc
Original Assignee
Telesuite Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Telesuite Corp filed Critical Telesuite Corp
Publication of CA2200477A1 publication Critical patent/CA2200477A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2200477C publication Critical patent/CA2200477C/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00Television systems
    • H04N7/14Systems for two-way working
    • H04N7/141Systems for two-way working between two video terminals, e.g. videophone
    • H04N7/142Constructional details of the terminal equipment, e.g. arrangements of the camera and the display
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/56Arrangements for connecting several subscribers to a common circuit, i.e. affording conference facilities
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04MTELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/42Systems providing special services or facilities to subscribers
    • H04M3/56Arrangements for connecting several subscribers to a common circuit, i.e. affording conference facilities
    • H04M3/567Multimedia conference systems
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00Television systems
    • H04N7/14Systems for two-way working
    • H04N7/141Systems for two-way working between two video terminals, e.g. videophone
    • H04N7/147Communication arrangements, e.g. identifying the communication as a video-communication, intermediate storage of the signals
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H04ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04NPICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00Television systems
    • H04N7/14Systems for two-way working
    • H04N7/15Conference systems

Abstract

A method and system (10) provides a face-to-face video conference utilizing a video mirror comprising a first station having a first predetermined sensory setting; a second station having a second predetermined sensory setting; and an imaging system for capturing an image or sub-image at the first station, displaying at least a portion of said image or sub-image at the second station. The imaging system includes a differentiator for generating a differential signal (101) in response to a comparison of a differential reference signal to an input signal generally corresponding to the image captured at the first station. The imaging system also include a compositor for compositing the differential signal with one or more other image signals and/or a predetermined composite signal to provide a composited video image (97) which appears visually contiguous and seamless.

Description

TELECONFERENCING METHOD AND SYSTEM
Background of the Invention The present invention is related to a video conferencing system and method and, more particularly, to a teleconferencing system which is capable of producing a "video mirror" at a station such that any participants at one or more remote stations may be imaged and displayed in the video mirror at the station so that they appear to be present or face-to-face with any participants at the station.
Visual telephone systems presently provide communication between at least two locations for allowing a video conference among participants situated at each station. An objective in some video conferencing arrangements is to provide a plurality of television cameras at one location. The outputs of those cameras are transmitted along with audio signals to a corresponding plurality of television monitors at a second location such that the participants at the first location are perceived to be present or face-to-face with participants at the second location. In achieving good face-to-face presence, the number of conferees included in the video picture from each camera is normally limited to a few people, typically one to four. There are usually a like number of monitors at the receiving station, each strategically focused, aligned and positioned so that their displays appear contiguous, seamless and properly aligned. The apparatuses and methods employed heretofore to achieve proper positioning, focus and alignment have been complex and costly.
Further, the images captured by the plurality of cameras must be arranged and displayed so that they WO 96/09722 pCT/US95111802 generate a non-overlapping and/or contiguous field of view, for example, as described in U. S. Patent No.
4,809.314 which issued to Judd et al. on December 26, 1989.
The prior art systems have also been deficient because they have failed to provide means for generating an image, such as an image of a plurality of participants, at one station, differentiating the image to provide a differentiated image and subsequently compositing the differentiated image with a predetermined composite image to provide a composited image which complements or becomes visually complementary, contiguous or integrated with the remote station when the image is displayed at the remote station.
Another~problem with prior art video conferencing systems is eye contact among participants at the stations. Typically, a camera is placed somewhere above the display monitor at which a participant is observing a display of the participant from the remote station. Consequently, the camera.captures the participant at an angle above the participants viewing level or head. Thus, when an image of that participant is displayed at the remote station, it appears as if the participant is looking down (e. g., towards the ground).
Previous solutions to this problem have required complex optical systems and methods using, for example, a plurality of lenses and mirrors. The solutions have usually been designed for use when the camera is capturing an image of a single participant, and they fall short when simultaneously capturing images of multiple participants.
The prior art stations themselves were not architecturally designed in a modular form so that they could be easily assembled, decorated and combined with a video image or sub-image from the remote station in a manner which would enhance the virtual presence environment.
Summary of the Invention It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to provide a face-to-face teleconferencing system which enables a plurality of participants at a plurality of stations to teleconference such that the participants generally appear face-to-face with one or more participants at remote stations in the teleconferencing system.
Another object of this invention is to provide a differentiator or differentiating means which facilitates differentiating at least one image captured at a station into a differentiated image which will ultimately be transmitted to at least one remote station.
Another object of this invention is to provide a method and system for compositing an image or sub-image received from a remote station with a predetermined composite image to provide a composited image, at least a portion of which is displayed at the station.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a system or method which provides a display having wide aspect ratio while utilizing cameras which generate images having smaller aspect ratios.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a method and system for defining a predetermined sensory setting at one or more stations in order to enhance the virtual presence environment at that station.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for imaging subjects at one station, processing such images, and displaying such images at a remote station such that such images complement and become and/or become visually integrated with the remote station.
Another object of this invention is to provide a method and apparatus which is capable of generating a composite image having a plurality of different resolutions.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a "video mirror" at a station.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide an imaging system which provides a simplified means capturing substantially eye level images of participants at stations while also providing means for simultaneously displaying images at such stations.
Still another object of this invention is to provide a system and method for compositing a plurality of signals corresponding to a plurality of images from at least one station to provide a contiguous or seamless composite image.
Still another object is to provide a method and system for providing a plurality of teleconferencing stations that have complementary predetermined sensory settings which facilitate creating a face-to-face environment when images of such settings and participants are displayed at remote stations.
Another object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus for generating a video mirror such that an image having a predetermined sensory setting of participants or subjects captured at one station may be displayed at a remote station having a different predetermined sensory setting, yet the remote participants will appear face-to-face in the same predetermined setting as the participants or subjects at the one station.

WO 96/09722 PC"T/US95/11802 In one aspect, this invention comprises an image generator for use in a teleconferencing system comprising a differentiator for comparing a differential reference image to an input video image from a station and for generating a differential image in response thereto, and a compositor associated with a remote station for receiving the differential image and for combining that differential image with a predetermined composite image to provide a composite image.
In another aspect, this invention comprises a conferencing system comprising a first station comprising a first sensory area defining a first aura, a second station comprising a second sensory area defining a second aura, and an image system for generating a first station image of at least a portion of the first sensory area and also for displaying a composite image corresponding to the first station image at the second station such that the first and second auras become visually combined to provide an integrated face-to-face environment at the second station.
In another aspect, this invention comprises an image system for use in a conference environment comprising a station having a first conference area and a remote station having a remote video area, the image system comprising a compositor for compositing a first signal which generally corresponds to a video image of a portion of the first conference area with a composite reference signal to provide a composite image signal; and a display for displaying the composited image signal at the remote video area such that the first and second stations appear complementarily integrated.
In still another aspect, of the invention, this invention comprises a teleconferencing system comprising a sensory setting, a second station having a second predetermined sensory setting; and an imaging system for capturing an image at the first station and displaying at least a portion of the image at the second station such that it becomes generally visually integrated with the second predetermined sensory setting.
In another aspect of this invention, this invention comprises a station for use in a teleconferencing environment comprising a first station predetermined setting, first image sensing means associated with the first station predetermined setting for capturing images at the station for transmission to a remote station, audio means for transmitting and/or receiving audio signals from at least one remote station, and display means for displaying an image including at least one sub-image transmitted to the station from the remote station so that the image becomes integrated with the first station predetermined setting to facilitate providing a face-to-face presence teleconference.
In still another aspect of the invention, this invention comprises a method for providing a virtual presence conference in a teleconferencing system having a first station and a second station comprising the step of displaying an image formed from at least one sub-image from the first station at a predetermined location in the second station such that the image becomes visually integrated with the second station to define a single predetermined aura at the second station.
In yet another aspect of the invention, this invention comprises a method for teleconferencing comprising the steps of teleconnecting a first station having a first setting to a second station having a second setting; and displaying a composite image including an image of at least a portion of the first station at the second station such that when the composite image is displayed at the second station it cooperates with the second setting to facilitate providing a face-to-face environment at the second station.
In still another aspect, this invention comprises a method for teleconferencing comprising generating at least one first station signal generally corresponding to a first station image of the first station, comparing the at least one first station signal to a differential reference signal corresponding to a first reference image and generating at least one differential signal comprising a portion of the first station image in response thereto, compositing the at least one differential signal with a predetermined composite signal corresponding to a predetermined image to provide at least one composite image, and displaying the at least one composite image corresponding to the composite signal at a second station.
In yet another aspect, this invention comprises a method for generating a seamless image at a station from a plurality of sub-images at least one of which is received from a remote station comprising the steps of generating the plurality of sub-images, and combining the plurality of sub-images with a predetermined composite image to provide the seamless image.
These advantages and objects, and others, may be more readily understood in connection with the following specification, claims and drawings.
Brief Description of the Accompanving Drawings Figs. 1A and 1B, taken together, show a teleconferencing system according to one embodiment of this invention;

- g _ Fig. 2 is a partly broken away top view of a first station of the teleconferencing system shown in Fig. 1A;
Figs. 3A and 3B, taken together, show another embodiment of the present invention wherein the stations have different predetermined sensory settings;
Figs. 4A and 4B, taken together, show still another embodiment of the invention having stations which have predetermined sensory settings which are designed, decorated and defined to be complementary and/or substantially identical;
Figs. 5A and 5B, taken together, provide a visual illustration of the images corresponding to some of the signals generated by the teleconferencing system;
and Figs. 6A-6D, taken together, show a schematic diagram of a method according to an embodiment of this invention.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiment Referring now to Figs. 1A and 1B, a teleconferencing system 10 is shown having a first station or suite 12 and a second station or suite 14.
The first station 12 comprises a first conference or sensory area 16, and the second station 14 comprises a second conference or sensory area 18-1, respectively.
The first and second stations 12 and 14 also comprise a first video area 20 and a second video area 22-1, respectively, associated with the first and second conference areas 16 and 18-1. The first video area 20 is generally integral with a wall 32h in the first station 12. Likewise, the second video area 22-1 is generally integral with a wall 32h-1 in the second station 14. In the embodiment being described, the first and second _ g stations are geographically remote from each other, but they could be situated on the same premises if desired.
For ease of illustration, the construction and modular assembly of the stations in teleconferencing system 10 will be described in relation to the first station 12. As shown in the sectional top view of Fig.
2, the first station 12 is shown assembled or constructed into a generally elongated octagonal shape. The first station 12 comprises a plurality of modular members 32a-32h which include walls 32a, 32c-e, 32g-h, doors in wall members 32b and 32f and entry facade 32f-1. The first station 12 also comprises a ceiling 34 (Fig. 1A) which is mounted on the members 32a-32h with suitable fasteners, such as nuts, bolts, adhesives, brackets, or any other suitable fastening means. Notice that the ceiling 34 has a dropped or sunken portion 34a which supports appropriate lighting fixtures 56.
In the embodiment being described, each of the members 32a-32h and the ceiling 34 is molded or formed to provide or define an environment having a unique architectural setting and/or sensory setting. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 1A, the wall member 32a may be formed to provide a plurality of stones 36, a plurality of columns 38, and an arch 40 to facilitate defining a first predetermined setting 12a having a Roman/Italian motif, theme or aura. One or more of the members 32a-32h may be provided with inlays, wall decorations (like picture 58 in Figs. 1A and 2), or even a permanent frosted glass window and frame arrangement 42 mounted therein. Furthermore, members 32b and 32f (Fig.
2) may be provided with sliding doors 44 which facilitate entering and exiting the first station 12 and which are designed to complement or further enhance the Roman/Italian motif.

WO 96/09722 PCTlUS95/11802 In the embodiment being described, notice that member 32h (Figs. 1A and 2) is formed to provide a stone and pillar appearance and texture complementary to the stone and pillar appearance and texture of the wall members, such as member 32a. Also, the member 32a may be shaped to frame or mask a rear projection screen 46, as shown. The function and operation of the rear projection screen 46 will be described later herein. In the embodiment being described, the rear projection screen 46 comprises a high resolution lenticular rear projection screen which is either integral with or mounted directly to member 32h to provide a first video area 20 having a usable projection area of about 52 inches by 92 inches with an associated aspect ratio of 16:9.
Each of the members 32a-32h and ceiling 34 are created in separate modular units using a plurality of molds (not shown). In the embodiment being described, a suitable material for molding the members 32a-32h and ceiling 34 to provide a granite-like appearance may be Gypsum, but they could be formed from other suitable material such as stone or clay-based materials, ceramic, paper, cardboard, foam, wood, Styrofoam and the like. As illustrated in 1A and 2, the member 32d may be provided with a shelf or mantle 33. The various members 32a-32h are assembled together as shown in Fig. 2 and secured together with suitable support-braces 48 which may be secured to the walls 32a-32h with any suitable fastener such as screws, bolts, an adhesive or the like. After the first station 12 is assembled and the ceiling 34 is secured thereto, it has a length of about 14 feet, 6 inches (indicated by double arrow L in Fig. 2) and a width of about 12 feet, 0 inches (indicated by double arrow W in Fig. 2). The first station 12 has an approximate height from floor to ceiling 34 of about 8 feet, 6 inches. Further, the members 32a, 32c, 32e and 32g have a width (indicated by double arrow Y in Fig. 2) of about 5 feet, 0 inch. Finally, the back wall member 32d and front wall member 32h comprises a width of about 7 feet, 8 inches (indicated by double arrow X in Fig. 2).
After the members 32a-32h and ceiling 34 are assembled, the first station 12 may be further decorated, designed or ornamented with a plurality of subjects, decorations or ornaments which facilitate providing the first predetermined sensory setting 12a which defines a first aura, motif or theme. Likewise, the second station 14 maybe further provided or ornamented with a plurality of subjects, decorations or ornaments which facilitate providing a second predetermined sensory setting 14a which defines a second aura, motif or theme. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 1A, the predetermined sensory setting 12a of the first station 12 may be further decorated with a table-50, table decorations, pillar and wall decorations, carpet (not shown), plants 54 and other wall decorations (not shown) to further enhance the Roman/Italian motif, theme or aura. The first and second predetermined sensory settings 12a and 14a may also comprise appropriate lighting fixtures 56 and appropriate furnishings, such as chairs 60 and tables 61, which complement the predetermined setting to further facilitate defining the Roman/Italian theme or motif for the stations 12 and 14.
It should be appreciated that once the first and second stations 12 and 14 are assembled and ornamented or decorated to provide their respective first and second predetermined sensory settings 12a and 14a, they define an aura, theme or motif which facilitates providing or creating a very sensual and impressionable environment. Providing such a station, such as station WO 96/09722 PGTlUS95/11802 12, with a strong sensory environment facilitates enhancing the virtual presence illusion created by teleconferencing system 10 of the present invention.
It should also be appreciated, however, that although the first station 12 and second station 14 are shown in the embodiment in Figs. 1A and 1B as having complementary or similar first and second predetermined sensory settings 12a and 14a, :they could be provided with first and second predetermined sensory settings 12a and 14a having different themes, motifs or auras. Thus, while the embodiment described in relation to Figs. 1A
and 1B illustrate a first and second set of stations 12 and 14 having a Roman/Italian motif, another set of stations, such as station 12~ and station 14~ in the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 3A and 3B, may have at least one station having a different predetermined setting. For example, the second station 14~ in Fig. 3B
provides a setting 14a' which defines a Chinese aura, theme or motif.
It should also be appreciated that the members 32a-32h, ceiling 34 and associated predetermined sensory setting are provided to be transportable and capable of being assembled at any suitable location, such as an existing rectangular room, suite or conference area having dimensions of at least 20 feet x 20 feet x 9 feet.
While it may be desirable to provide the first and second stations 12 and 14 in the teleconferencing system 10 with substantially the same dimensions, it should be appreciated that they could be provided with differing dimensions, depending on, for example, the number of participants at each station. It should also be appreciated that the second station 14 and other stations described herein would preferably be manufactured and assembled in the same or similar manner as the first WO 96!09722 PG"T/US95/11802 station 12. Also, the stations in the teleconference system 10 may be decorated with wall, ceiling and floor coverings to provide, for example, the first predetermined sensory setting 12a without using the pre-y formed or molded modular members 32a-32h described above, although the use of such members may be preferable in this embodiment.
The teleconferencing system 10 also comprises conferencing means or a conferencing system means for teleconnecting the first and second stations 12 and 14 together to facilitate capturing an image or images at one of said stations and displaying at least a portion of the image or~a sub-image at another of the stations such that it becomes generally visually integrated with the predetermined sensory setting at that station, thereby facilitating creating a "video mirror" and a "face-to-face" environment for the participant situated at that station. As shown in Fig. 1A, the conferencing system associated with the first station 12 comprises image sensor means, imager or image sensors for sensing images at the first station 12. For the embodiment shown in Figs. 1A and 2, the image sensor means comprises a plurality of cameras which are operably associated with the rear projection screen 46 of first station 12. In this regard, the plurality of cameras comprise a first camera head 62 and second camera head 64 which are operatively coupled to a first camera control unit 66 and second camera control unit 68, respectively. Notice that the first and second camera control units 66 and 68 are remotely situated from the first and second camera heads 62 and 64. This facilitates permitting the first and second cameras 62 and 64 to be placed directly in the projection path of the rear projection screen 46, without substantially interfering with the video image being projected.
In the embodiment being described, the first camera head 62 and second camera head 64 are situated approximately 16 inches above the surface of table 50 which generally corresponds to the eye level of the seated participants situated at table 50. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the first and second cameras 62 and 64 are situated behind the rear projection screen 46 in operative relationship with a pair of 1-1/4 inch diameter openings 66 and 68, respectively. The first and second cameras 62 and 64 are mounted on a suitable narrow or non-interfering bracket (not shown) such that they can be positioned behind the rear projection screen 46 in operative relationship with openings 66 and 68, respectively. In the embodiment being described, the first and second cameras 62 and 64 are 1-1/4 inch by 1-1/4 inch 3-CCD camera heads which generate images having an aspect ratio of about 3:4 and a picture resolution of about 494 x 700 pixels. One suitable 3-CCD camera heads 62 and 64 and associated camera control units 66 and 68 may be Model No. GP-US502 manufactured by Panasonic Broadcast and Television Systems Company of Japan. It should be appreciated that while the teleconferencing system 10 shown and described in relation to Figs. 1A and 1B show image sensor means comprising a plurality of camera heads 62 and 64 and camera control units 66 and 68 situated at a station, a single camera may be used (as shown and described relative to the embodiment shown in Figs, 4A and 4B) or even multiple cameras could be used depending on such things as the size of the station, the number of participants situated at the station, and/or the aspect ratio of each camera head selected. It should also be appreciated that the camera heads 62 and 64 and WO 96/09722 PG"f/US95/11802 associated camera control units 66 and 68 are configured and positioned at the first station 12 to facilitate providing maximum vertical eye contact among participates in the teleconference, while minimally interrupting the substantially life-size video projection on the rear projection screen 46.
The conferencing means also comprises a first differentiator or differential key generator 70 (Fig. 1A) and a second differentiator or differential key generator 72, respectively. The camera control unit 66 generates an RGB analog signal I-62 which is received by the first differentiator 70, and the camera control unit 68 generates an RGB signal I-64 which is received by the second differentiator 72. The first and second differentiators 70 and 72 provide means for processing the image signals generated by the camera control units 66 and 68 to remove or differentiate any undesired portion of the images corresponding to the signals I-62 and I-64. For example, as described in detail later herein, it is desired in~ this embodiment to separate the image of the participants situated at the first station 12 from at least a portion of the first predetermined sensory setting 12a, such as the background behind the participants, in order to provide a differential signal VS-1 that has that portion of the first predetermined sensory setting 12A removed. This, in turn, facilitates transmitting the video image of the participants at the first station 12 to the remote second station 14 and also facilitates compositing the image with other images, as described below.
Suitable differentiators 70 and 72 may comprise the differential key generator shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 4,800,432, issued on January 24, 1989 to Barnett et al. and assigned to The Grass Valley Group, Inc . .
The differential key generators 70 and 72 convert the I-62 and I-64 signals from RGB.analog signals to digital image signals having corresponding images 104 and 106 (Fig. 5A), respectively. The differential key generators 70 and 72 compare the digital image signals to an associated differential reference signals DRS-62 and DRS-64, respectively, which generally corresponds to images 108 and 110 in Fig. 5A. As described in detail later herein, these images 108 and 110 comprise at least a portion of the first predetermined sensory setting 12a such as the background. The differential reference signals DRS-62 and DRS-64 are stored in appropriate storage 74 and 76 (Fig. 1A) associated with the differential key generators 70, 72, respectively. In the embodiment being described, the differential reference signals DRS-62 and DRS-64 comprise a reference frame of a video image grabbed by one or both cameras 62 or 64 situated at the first station l2 from a video sequence of the first predetermined sensory setting 12a of the first station 12 background where no participants, chairs, or other foreground elements are in place.
In response to the comparison, the first and second differentiators 70 and 72 generate differentiated video signals VS-1 and VS-2 (Fig. 1A), respectively. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the VS-1 and VS-2 signals generally correspond to the individuals situated at the first station 12 when viewed in the direction of arrow A
in Fig. 2. As illustrated in the images 112 and 114 (Fig. 5) associated with the VS-1 and VS-2 signals, respectively, notice that the background area shown in . images 104 and 106 has been removed and is tagged as a "zero" image area.

- 17 _ Advantageously, tagging at least a portion of the image represented by the VS-1 signal as "zero"
background facilitates compressing the VS-1 and VS-2 signals and providing corresponding compressed CDS-1 and CDS-2 signals, thereby reducing the amount of transmission band width needed. This tagging also facilitates compositing or overlaying another predetermined image to provide a seamless composited image as described in detail below.
The video signals VS-1 and VS-2 are received by a first compression/decompression means or CODEC 78 and a second compression/decompression means or CODEC 80, respectively. The CODECs 78 and 80 also receive an audio signal AS-A1 and AS-A2 from suitable microphones 82 and 83, respectively, which may be positioned or concealed at an appropriate location in the first station 12, such as underneath or on top of table 50, as illustrated in Fig.
1A. The function of the first and second CODEC 78 and 80 is to compress video and audio signals for transmitting to remote stations, such as the second station 14, and also to decompress compressed video and audio signals received from remote stations. Consequently, the CODECs 78 and 80 are configured with suitable compression and decompression algorithms which are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The CODEC Model No. Rembrandt II VP available from Compression Labs, Inc. of San Jose, California is suitable for use in the embodiment described herein, but it should be noted that other suitable compression/decompression means may be employed.
The CODEC 78 receives the video signal VS-1 and audio signal AS-A1, and CODEC 80 receives the video signal VS-2 and audio signal AS-A2. The CODECs 78 and 80, generate digital signals CDS-1 and CDS-2, respectively, in response thereto which are in turn transmitted to remote station 14 via a transmission network 84.
The transmission network 84 may be configured as a private network, public circuit switch service, and it may utilize telecommunication and/or satellite technology. In the embodiment being described, the transmission network 84 preferably includes a plurality of T-1 lines (not shown) which are capable of accommodating bit streams having a suitable band width, such as 1.544 megabytes per second.
The teleconferencing system 10 and conference means associated with the first station 12 also comprises enhancing means for enhancing the resolution of an image or sub-image received from a remote station, such as the second station 14. In the embodiment being described, enhancing means comprises a first line doubler 86 and a second line doubler 88 which are operatively coupled to the first CODEC 78 and second CODEC 80, respectively. In this embodiment, the first and second line doublers 86 and 88 enhance the resolution and picture quality of at least a portion of the image corresponding to video signals VS-3 and VS-4 received from the CODECs 78 and 80, respectively, by about 50-1500. The VS-3 and VS-4 signals correspond to images or sub-images received from remote station(s), such as station 14, as described in detail below. One suitable line doubler is' the Model No. LD 100 available from Faroudja Laboratories, Inc. of Sunnyvale, California, but other suitable enhancing means may be provided to provide greater or less enhancement of the images to be displayed. For example, lenses, mirrors, optical pixel interpolation or other electrical means may be employed as desired. It should also be noted that the present invention may be performed without the use of any enhancing means without departing from the scope of the invention.
The first and second line doublers 86 and 88 generate enhanced video signals which are input into compositing means, compositor or video compositing multiplexer 92 for compositing the enhanced video signals associated with the images or sub-images received from the remote stations) with one or more predetermined composite signals, such as predetermined composite signal A, corresponding to a predetermined composite image or sub-image which are stored in a suitable storage device 94 associated with the compositor 92. In the embodiment being described, the predetermined composite signal A
corresponds to an image of at least a portion of first predetermined sensory setting 12a, such as the background of the first station 12. The video compositing multiplexer 92 composites the signals received from the first and second line doublers 86 and 88 with the predetermined composite signal A and generates a RGB
analog composite signal in response thereto. It has been found that Model No. E-Space-1 available from Miranda Technologies, Inc. of Montreal and Quebec, Canada, is one suitable video compositing multiplexer 92.
The teleconferencing system 10 comprises a projector 96 coupled to the video compositing multiplexer 92 which receives the RGB composite signal and projects a corresponding image 90 (Fig. 1A) corresponding to the composite signal on the rear projection screen 46. The Model No. 3300 available from AMPRO Corporation of Titusville, Florida has been found to be a suitable projector 96. Although the embodiment has been described using projector 96 and rear projection screen 46, other suitable means may be employed for projecting or displaying the composited image. For example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or 'other electronic screen may be suitable to display images at a station. This may eliminate the need for the projector 96.
The projector 96 could be used with an optical system or a plurality of mirrors (not shown), or prisms (not shown) such that the projector can be positioned, for example, to the side or below the rear projection screen 46 or in a manner that permits the projector 96 to project the image towards a mirror (not shown), which causes the image to be projected on the rear projection screen 46.
As described in detail below, the composite signal and its corresponding image 90 generally comprise a video image of at least a portion of the first predetermined sensory setting 12a combined or composited with a differentiated image, such as an image of the participants from the second station 14 which correspond to the VS-3 and VS-4 (Fig. 1B) signals. Consequently, the resultant image 90 projected on screen 46 at the first station 12 complements or blends with the architectural motif, aura, theme or design defined by the first predetermined sensory setting 12a at the first station 12, such that the projected image 90 appears visually integrated with the first predetermined sensory setting 12a of the first station 12. This, in turn, causes any image of the participants situated at the second station 14 and included in the image 90 to appear to be face-to-face with participants at the first station 12 during the teleconference. The operation of the compositor 92 is described in more detail later herein.
It should be appreciated that the sub-images or images received from the remote stations) typically have a resolution on the order of about 352 x 288 pixels and the predetermined composite signal A comprises a resolution on the order of about 1280 x 1024 pixels.
Thus, the resultant composite image 90 may comprise, for example, an image of the participants situated at the second station 14 having a first resolution and a background image of the first station 12 having a second resolution, which is higher than the first resolution.
This enables compositor 92 to provide a composite image 90 which, when displayed on screen 46, gives the illusion or effect of a "video mirror" to the participants situated at the first station 12.
The teleconferencing system 10 also includes audio means comprising a plurality of speakers 100 and 102 (Figs. 1A and 2) which, in turn, receive audio signals AS-B1 and AS-B2 from CODECs 78 and 80, respectively. It should be appreciated that the audio signal AS-B1 and AS-B2 generally correspond to the audio associated with the sound (e.g., voices, music and the like) associated with the remote station(s), such as second station 14.
It should also be appreciated that the rear projection screen 46 and projector 96 are configured and selected to enable the teleconferencing system 10 to project the composited image 90 (Fig. A) at a predetermined scale, such as substantially full scale.
In this regard, the compositor 92 comprises a scaler 95 which is integral therewith for scaling the composited signal associated with the composited image 90 to a desired or predetermined scale, such as substantially full scale.
Referring now to Fig. 1B, the second station 14 comprises similar components as the first station and such like components are labelled with the same reference numeral as their corresponding component in the first station 12, except that the components associated with the second station 14 have a "-1" designator added thereto. Such components operate and function in substantially the same manner as described above with regard to the first station 12 with the following being some differences. The differential reference signals DRS-3 and DRS-4 (Fig. 5) associated with the second station 14 generally correspond to an image or sub-image of at least a portion of the second predetermined sensory setting 14a, such as the background 98-1, of the second station 14. Such sub-image or image may include at least a portion of the background 98-1 without any participants, chairs or other foreground subjects situated in the second station 14. Also, like the predetermined composite signal A stored in the storage 94 associated with the first station 10, a predetermined composite signal B may be stored in the storage 94-1 associated with the compositor 92-1 second station 14.
The predetermined composite signal B may correspond to an image or sub-image of at least a portion of the second predetermined sensory setting 14a of the second station 14. Such sub-image or image may include, for example, an image of the walls 32a-1 to 32h-1 and conference area 18 or background of the second station 14. Notice that in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1A and 1B, the second station 14 has a second predetermined sensory setting 14a which mirrors or is complementary to the first predetermined sensory setting 12a. As described above, however, the first and second predetermined sensory settings 12a and 14a may be different.
A method of operating the teleconferencing system 10 will now be described in relation to Figs. 6A-6D. The modular components, such as members 32a to 32h and ceiling 34 for first station 10, decorations and the like, are configured, assembled and decorated (block 99 in Fig. 6A) at a desired location to provide a conference station comprising a predetermined sensory setting defining a predetermined theme, motif or aura. As mentioned earlier herein, the theme, motif or aura may be complementary (as shown in Figs. 1A and 1B) or they can be completely different, as shown in Figs. 3A and 3B
(described below). For ease of illustration, it will be assumed that the stations are assembled and decorated as shown and described relative to the embodiment in Figs.
1A and 1B.
Once the modular stations 12 and 14 are assembled and decorated, it may be desired (decision point 101 in Fig. 6A) to use differentiator (e. g., differentiator 72 in Fig. 1A). As discussed herein relative to the embodiments shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, it may not always be desired to generate a differential reference image, thereby making it unnecessary to generate the differential reference signal. If differentiation is desired, then the camera heads 62 or 64 generate at least one video image (block 103) of at least a portion of the first predetermined sensory setting 12A at the first station 12. The differentiators 72 and 74 grab or capture at least one differential reference image or sub-image from those images and generate (block 107) the differential reference signals DRS-62 and DRS-64, respectively. These signals are stored in suitable storage 74 and 76 for use by the differentiators 70 and 72, respectively. Likewise, cameras 62-1 and 64-1 at the second station 14 generate video images of at least a portion of the second predetermined setting 14a at the second station 14. The differentiators 70-1 and 72-1 grab or capture at least one differential reference image or sub-image from those images and generate differential reference signals (not shown) corresponding thereto. These signals are then stored (block 109) in suitable storage 74-1 and 76-1 for use by differential key generators 70-1 and 72-1, respectively.
As mentioned above, it is preferred that the differential reference signals DRS-62 and DRS-64 comprise an image of at least a portion of the first predetermined sensory setting 12a, such as an image of the first station 12 without any participants, chairs or other subjects which are not stationary during the teleconference. Likewise, it is preferred that the differential reference signals associated with the differentiators 70-1 and 72-1 comprise at least a portion of the second predetermined sensory setting 14a at the second station 14, such as an image of the background 98-1 without the participants, chairs and other subjects which are not stationary during the teleconference.
If differentiation of signals is not selected or at the end of the differentiation process, it may be desired to generate a composite image (decision point 97) for one or more of the stations. As discussed below, however, this may not always be required to achieve certain advantages of the invention. Such predetermined composite image would preferably include a substantial portion of the first predetermined sensory setting 12a, including the background and/or conference area 16 of the first station 12. If compositing is desired, then the predetermined composite signal A is generated (block 111 in Fig. 6B). The corresponding predetermined composite signal A may then be stored in suitable storage 94. In the same manner, the predetermined composite image at the second station 14 and corresponding predetermined composite signal B may be generated and stored as predetermined composite signal B in suitable storage 94-1. In the embodiment being described, the predetermined composite image associated with the second station 14 includes an image of at least a portion of the second predetermined sensory setting 14a, including the background 98-1.
In the embodiment being described, the predetermined composite signals A and B are generated by a suitable still camera (not shown) to provide a still image (not shown) of the station 12 or 14 being photographed. The still image would subsequently be scanned and digitized for storage by a suitable scanner (not shown). The still camera and scanner would preferably be capable of generating images having a resolution on the order of about 1280 x 1024 pixels.
Thus, if compositing is performed, the resultant composite image (such as image 90 in Fig. 1A) may comprise an image having a high resolution background, for example, combined with a comparatively lower resolution image of the remote station participants.
This, in turn, facilitates enhancing the "video mirror"
effect wherein a mimic or replication of a common architectural technique of mirroring a wall of a given room which makes the overall room appear to be extended beyond its actual wall line.
Once the stations 12 and 14 are configured and the differential reference signals and predetermined composite signals A and B are generated and stored, the first and second suites 12 and 14 may then be teleconnected (block 113) or connected by satellite or other suitable means via the transmission network 84.
Next, one or more participants may be situated at the first and second stations 12 and 14. As illustrated in Fig. 2, notice that the participants seated at the first station 12 are situated a predetermined distance B from a participant s side 46a of the rear projection screen 46. The predetermined distance B generally corresponds to a preferred or optimum focal distance at which optimum imaging by cameras 62 and 64 may be performed. In the embodiment being described, it has been found that the predetermined distance should be about 5 feet, 6 inches. The participants are situated at the second station 14 in a similar manner and the face-to-face teleconference may then begin.
For ease of illustration, the imaging and display of first station 12 participants at the second station 14 will be described. The first and second cameras 62 and 64 capture (block 117 in Fig. 6B) live images of the participants situated at the first station 12 and generate corresponding RGB analog signals I-62 and I-64 which are received by the differential key generators 70 and 72, respectively. If differentiation was selected (decision point 147 in Fig. 6C), processing continues at block 119 otherwise it proceeds at block 123. The differential key generators 70 and 72 generate (block 121 in Fig. 6C) the digital differential signal VS-1 and VS-2, respectively, after comparing (block 119 in Fig. 6C) the I-62 and I-64 signals received from cameras 62 and 64 to their respective differential reference signals DRS 62 and DRS-64 which are received from storages 74 and 76.
The differential signals VS-1 and VS-2 are then received by CODECs 78 and 80 which also receive the audio signals AS-A1 and AS-A2 which correspond to the audio, including sounds, music and voices, associated with the first station 12. The CODECs 78 and 80 digitize the audio signals AS-A1 and AS-A2, combine the audio signals with their respective video signal VS-1 or VS-2, and WO 96/09722 PC"T/US95/11802 generate (block 123) the compressed CDS-1 and CDS-2 signals in response thereto. The CDS-1 and CDS-2 signals are then transmitted (block 125) to the second station 14 via the transmission network 84 (Fig. 1B).
The CDS-1 and CDS-2 signals are received and decompressed (block 127 in Fig. 6C) by CODECs 78-1 and 80-1, respectively, associated with the second station 14 to provide decompressed VS-1 and VS-2 signals. The CODECs 78-1 and 80-1 also decompress the audio signals AS-A1 and AS-A2 received from the first station 10 which are transmitted to speakers 100-1 and 102-1, respectively, at the second station 14.
Substantially simultaneously with the broadcasting of the audio signals at the second station 14, CODECs 78-1 and 80-1 decompress the CDS-1 and CDS-2 signals to provide VS-1 and VS-2 signals. The decompressed video signals VS-1 and VS-2 are then received by line doublers 86-1 and 88-1. If it is desired to enhance the signals (decision point 129), then the line doublers 86-1 and 88-1 process or manipulate the signals (block 131) in order to enhance the resolution of the image corresponding to those signals. After the signals VS-1 and VS-2 are processed, it may be desired to composite (decision point 133 in Fig. 6D) those signals with one or more other signals. In this illustration, for example, the video compositor 92-1 composites images (block 135) corresponding to those signals with at least one predetermined composite image, such as image 122 (Fig. 5B) corresponding to the predetermined composite signal B provided from storage 94-1 (Fig. 1B) to provide a composite signal. As mentioned above, the composite signal generally corresponds to the composited image 91-1 to be displayed on the rear projection screen 46-1 at the second station 14.

The compositor 92-1 may (decision point 137, block 139 in Fig. 6D) scale the composited image to a desired scale, such as full scale, using scaler 95-1.
Thereafter, the compositor 95-1 transmits a corresponding RGB analog signal to projector 96-1 which displays (block 141) the scaled, composited image on the rear projection screen 46-1 (Fig. 1B).
The teleconference may then be continued or terminated as desired (decision point 143, block 145).
Because the composited image is substantially full scale when projected and includes a high resolution image of at least a portion of the second predetermined sensory setting 14a, the image appears to blend or become visually integrated with the second predetermined sensory setting 14a. This, in turn, gives the participants situated at the second station 14 the perception that the first station participants are present or face-to-face with them in the second station 14.
In the same or similar manner, images and signals relative to the second station 14 images are captured, processed and displayed at the first station 12. So that images of the participants at the second station 14 are displayed at the first station 12 such that they appear to have a face-to-face presence at the first station 12. Thus, images of the second station 14 participants may be differentiated and composited such -that, when they are displayed at the first station 12, the image completes or provides "the other half" of the first station 12 and becomes generally visually integrated therewith. Although not required, it may be desirable to enhance the face-to-face presence by providing, for example, first and second predetermined sensory settings 12a and 14a which define a dining environment wherein food or meals may be served. For example, the face-to-face presence may be further enhanced if the participants at both stations 12 and 14 order food and drinks from identical menus. Also, trained maitre-de and/or waiters may be used to actively promote the perception of a face-to-face dinner using a scripted dialog and interaction with remote participants, maitre-de and/or waiters.
Once the teleconferencing is terminated, the stations 12 and 14 may be used by the same or different participants without the need to reconstruct or re-assemble the stations.
Figs. 5A and 5B provide a visual illustration of the images corresponding to some of the signals described above utilizing the method and embodiment described above. In this regard, images 104 and 106 generally correspond to the actual images captured by the first and second cameras 62 and 64, respectively. As described above, associated image signals I-62 and I-64 are transmitted to the differential key generators 70 and 72, respectively. The differential key generators 70 and 72 compare the images 104 and 106 to the images 108 and 110 associated with the differential reference signals DRS-62 and DRS-64 which are received from storages 74 and 76, respectively, and which were previously generated by cameras 62 and 64 from an identical fixed camera position.
As illustrated in Fig. 5A, the differential key generators 70 and 72 generate differential signals VS-1 and VS-2 which have corresponding images 112 and 114.
Notice that these images 112 and 114 comprise an image of the participants which are situated at the first station 12 with the background area having been removed or tagged as a "zero" area. As described herein, this "zero" area becomes "filled-in" with the desired or predetermined composite image which may~include, for example, an image of at least a portion of the predetermined setting or background of the second station 14. It has been found that removing a portion of the image, such as the background, by tagging it as zero, in the manner described herein, facilitates compressing the signals VS-1 and VS-2 and reducing the amount of bandwidth needed to transmit the images over transmission network 84 and between the first and second stations 12 and 14.
As mentioned above, the video signals VS-1 and VS-2 are fed into CODECs 78 and 80 which compresses the signals along with audio signal AS-A1 and AS-A2 and generates signals CDS-1 and CDS-2. The CDS-1 and CDS-2 signals are then transmitted, via transmission network 84, to the second station 14 and received by the CODECs 78-1 and 80-1 associated with the second station 14. As illustrated in Fig. 5B, the CODEC 78-1 and 80-1 decompresses the CDS-1 and CDS-2 signals, respectively, from the first station 12 and feeds them into associated line doublers 86-1 and 88-1. As mentioned earlier herein, the line doublers 86-1 and 88-1 facilitate enhancing the images associated with the video signals to provide enhanced video signals EVS-1 and EVS-2 (Fig. 5B), respectively.
As stated earlier, the enhanced video signals EVS-1 and EVS-2 are then received by the video compositing multiplexes 92-1 associated with the second station 14 wherein the signals are combined to provide an intermediate composite signal ICS having an associated intermediate composite signal image 120 having an aspect ratio of about 8:3.
The video compositing multiplexes 92-1 also receives the predetermined composite signal B having a predetermined composite signal B image 122 from storage WO 96/09722 PCTlUS95/11802 94-1. The video compositing multiplexer 92-1 composites or combines the images 120 and 122 to generate the composite signal having an associated or corresponding composite image 124 as shown in Fig. 5B. As stated earlier, the predetermined composite signal B image 122 generally corresponds to at least a portion of the predetermined setting or background of the second station 14 and has an aspect ratio of 16:9.
Notice that when the predetermined composite signal B image 122 is combined with the intermediate composite signal image 120, the video compositing multiplexer 92-1 causes the "zero" area of the intermediate composite signal image 120 to be "filled in"
with the predetermined composite signal B image.
The composite image 124 may then be scaled to a predetermined size or scale, such as full scale, using scaler 94-1, so that the composite image 124 may be scaled to a substantially full scale or real-life size image as desired. The composite image signal corresponding to the composite image 124 is transmitted to the projector 96-1 and then displayed on the rear projection screen 46-1 at the second station 14. As illustrated in Figs. 1B and 5B, the composite image 124 may be appropriately framed or masked (such as with an archway 125 in Figs. 1B and 5B) when it is projected at the second station 14 to enhance the face-to-face, real time environment.
The audio and video signals transmitted between the first and second stations 12 and 14 may be, in this illustration, transmitted over separate T-1 lines (not shown) in the transmission network 84 in order to effect a substantially simultaneous and/or "real time" video conference. Thus, in the illustration shown in Figs. lA
and 1B, the participants may be geographically remotely located, yet the participants situated at the first station 12 will feel as if the second station 14 participants are located face-to-face or present with them at the first station 12, while the participants situated at the second station 14 will feel as if the first station participants are face-to-face or present with them at the second station.
It should be appreciated that when the predetermined composite signal B and associated predetermined composite signal image 122 is composited with the intermediate composite signal and associated intermediate composite signal image 120, it overlays that signal to provide a seamless composite image 124, which facilitates reducing or eliminating the need to match up the borders or seams of the camera images with any high degree of accuracy. In this regard, it is preferable that cameras 62 and 64 and 62-1 and 64-1 preferably be situated such that they capture an entire participant rather than, for example, half of a participant. Thus, it may be desired to position the participants in a location such that any particular participants will not be in the field of view of more than one camera.
Advantageously, the invention provides an apparatus and method for providing a video mirror at each station 12 and 14 which facilitates creating a face-to-face and non-interrupted image of any participants in the video conference. Because the image of the participants is differentiated, less transmission bandwidth, computer memory and the like is required. Also, the differentiators and compositors of the present invention enable a user to create a composite image 124 (Fig. 5B) having at least a portion thereof imaged at a greater resolution than the portion which was transmitted over transmission network 84. This facilitates reducing the WO 96/09722 PC"fIUS95/11802 effect of limitations or transmission restrictions of the transmission network 84 which, in turn, facilitates increasing the quality of images displayed at a station.
In addition, notice that the composite image 124 (Fig. 5B) may have an aspect ratio which is different from the aspect ratio of the cameras 62 and 64. This enables the system and method of the present invention to utilize cameras which generate images having smaller or even larger aspect ratios. This also enables the system and method to use cameras having standard or common aspect ratios, such as 4:3.
Figs. 3A and 3B, when taken together, illustrate another embodiment of the invention. The operation and components of the embodiment shown in Figs.
3A and 3B are substantially the same as the operation of components of the embodiment described above relative to Figs. 1A and 1B with the same reference numerals being used for the same components with the addition of single prime (') designator. Consequently this embodiment is similar to the embodiment shown in Figs. 1A and 1B, except that the second predetermined setting 14a' in Fig.
3B and its associated theme, aura or motif is substantially different from the second predetermined setting 14a shown in Fig. 1B. In Fig. 3B, the first predetermined sensory setting 12a' comprises a plurality of decorations 120 defining the Chinese theme, motif or aura. Also, the predetermined composite signal A stored in storage 94-1' and the differential reference signals stored in storages 74-1' and 76-1 would generally correspond to an image of least a portion of that setting 14a'.
As with the illustration described above relative to Figs. 1A and 1B, the video and audio signals would be processed in substantially the same manner. In WO 96!09722 PCT/US95/11802 general, an image of the participants situated at the first station 12' is composited by compositor 92-1' with a predetermined composite image of at least a portion of the second predetermined sensory setting 14a' of the second station 14' and projected onto the rear projection screen 46-1' at the second station 14'. The first station 12' participants appear to be face-to-face with the second station 14' participants because they have a relatively high resolution video image behind them which complements or becomes integrated with the second predetermined sensory setting 14a'. Thus, as shown in Fig. 3B, the image 91-1' (Fig. 3B) of the ladies at the first station 12' includes a Chinese background which blends or complements the actual predetermined sensory setting 14a'.
Likewise, when the image of the participants situated at the second station 14' is projected on the rear projection screen 46' at the first station 12', they appear to be in the same room as the participants situated at the first station 12' because the Roman/Italian video background which is seen behind the second station 14' participants generally complements and becomes visually integrated with the actual Roman/Italian theme, motif or aura defined by the first predetermined sensory setting 12' of the first station 12'.
Figs. 4A and 4B, when taken together, illustrate another embodiment of the invention. The components of the embodiment shown in Figs. 4A and 4B
which are substantially identical to the components in the embodiment shown in Figs. 1A and 1B which have the same reference numerals with the addition of a double prime ("" ") designators. As illustrated in Figs. 4A and 4B, two remote modular stations such as stations 12" and 14 " may be provided and designed to have first and second predetermined sensory settings 12a " and 14a "
which are substantially identical. Thus, as shown in Figs. 4A and 4B, images may be captured in the manner described above at station 12" received by CODECs 78 "
and 80" and then transmitted, via transmission 84" , to associated CODECs 78-1 " and 80-1 " , respectively. The CODECs 78-1 " and 80-1 " then generate a decompressed signal which may be enhanced by line doublers 86-1" and 88-1 " , respectively; scaled to an appropriate scale by scaler 95-1" ; and then projected by projector 96-1"
onto rear projection screen 46-1 " .
Notice that the image comprising the second station 14" participants and second predetermined sensory setting 14a " is displayed on screen 46" at the first station 12" . Thus, this embodiment does not utilize the differentiating and compositing features of the previous embodiment, but may still achieve a face-to-face conference environment because the second predetermined sensory setting 14a " is configured to be identical to or complementary with the first predetermined sensory setting 12a " . In this embodiment, entire images or sub-images of the stations 12 and 14 (including images of both participants and background) are displayed at remote station(s). Because the stations 12" and 14 " are assembled, decorated and designed to be complementary or identical, they appear visually integrated to participants situated in the stations 12 and 14. Accordingly, the first and second predetermined sensory settings 12a" and 14a", including the background, are designed and arranged in a geometric fashion such that as cameras 62" and 64" capture images of the participants, they also capture images of the first and second predetermined sensory setting 12a" and 14a", respectively, at the most advantageous perspective for display at the remote station(s). As with prior embodiments, this causes the first station 12"
participants to perceive that the second station 14 "
participants are situated or present with the first station 12" participants at the first station 14 " .
Likewise, the first station 12" participants appear to be face-to-face with the second station 14" participants at the second station 14" when the images associated with the first station 12" are displayed on screen 46-1" . Consequently, by providing complementary or identical first and second predetermined sensory settings 12a " and 14a " , a face-to-face conference may be created. As with previous embodiments, it may also be desired to differentiate, enhance, composite or scale the images as described with previous embodiments, but this is not required with the embodiment being described.
Thus, it should be apparent that stations can be provided with predetermined settings which are completely different, yet, by utilizing the apparatus and method of the present invention, the images of the participants in these stations may be projected at remote stations so that they appear to be virtually face-to-face with the remote station participants at or one more remote station.
Various changes or modifications in the invention described may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, the screen 46 for station 12 has been shown as being integral with a portion of a wall 32h (Figs. 1A and 2A), it could comprise a larger or smaller portion of that wall 32h, or it could be provided as part of one or more other walls, or even as part of the ceiling 34.

It should also be appreciated that while the embodiments have been shown and described comprising two stations, images from more than two remote stations may be displayed at a station, thereby permitting a teleconference convention among more than two stations.
Although not shown, one or more of the compositors, such as compositors 12 or 12-1 (Fig. 1A) may comprise a stationary or moving image database (not shown) for providing a plurality of predetermined composite signals which define a particular or desired video background. For example, participants may elect to use the arched background of their proximity, choose an event-related scene, or decide to meet in a setting completely unrelated to their site or station. For example, a station having a Manhattan eatery motif may be provided with a screen configured as a window (not shown). Certain moving video backgrounds of a busy New York avenue may be deposited and displayed on the screen to give the illusion that the participants situated at the station are dining in a popular Manhattan eatery.
It should also be appreciated that while the embodiments being shown and described herein refer to teleconferencing environments that have predetermined settings and motifs or auras relating to dining, the predetermined settings could define any type of aura, theme or motif which is suitable for video conferencing and in which it is desired to provide a "real-life" or face-to-face presence illusion. For example, the apparatus and method of this invention could be used in a business setting, education setting, seminar setting, home environment, religious setting, celebration setting (such as a birthday, retirement party, holiday or anniversary), or any other suitable setting as desired.

The above description of the invention is intended to be illustrative and not limiting, and is not intended that the invention be restricted thereto but that it be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
What is claimed is:

Claims (242)

CLAIMS:
1. An image generator for use in a teleconferencing system comprising:
a differentiator for comparing a differential reference image to an input video image from a first station and for generating a differential image in response thereto;
and a compositor associated with a remote station for receiving said differential image and for combining that differential image with a predetermined composite image to provide a composite image which may be displayed at the remote station to provide a single, complementary, integrated, non-cartoon-animated and face-to-face environment.
2. The image generator as recited in claim 1 wherein said differentiator comprises a differential key generator.
3. The image generator as recited in claim 1 wherein said differential image generally corresponds to an image of subjects situated at said first station.
4. The image generator as recited in claim 1 wherein said differential reference image generally corresponds to at least a portion of said first station.
5. The image generator as recited in claim 1 wherein said predetermined composite image generally corresponds to at least a portion of said remote station in the teleconferencing system.
6. The image generator as recited in claim 1 wherein the image generator further comprises:
at least one CODEC coupled to said differentiator and said compositor for facilitating exchanging signals therebetween.
7. The image generator as recited in claim 1 wherein said image generator further comprises an image enhancer coupled to said compositor for enhancing the resolution of said composite image by a predetermined amount.
8. The image generator as recited in claim 7 wherein said image enhancer is a line doubter.
9. The image generator as recited in claim 7 wherein said predetermined amount is on the order of about 50-150%.
10. The image generator as recited in claim 1 wherein said compositor comprises a sealer for scaling the composite image.
11. The image generator as recited in claim 3 wherein said subjects comprises at least one participant and at least one predetermined subject.
12. The image generator as recited in claim 5 wherein said portion comprises a background image.
13. A conferencing system comprising:
a first station comprising a first sensory area defining a first aura;
a second station comprising a second sensory area defining a second aura; and an image system for generating a first station image of at least a portion of said first sensory area and also for displaying said first station image at said second station such that said first and second auras become visually combined to provide a single, complementary, integrated, non-cartoon-animated and face-to-face presence environment at said second station.
14. The conferencing system as recited in claim 13 wherein said first station image comprises at least one sub-image of predetermined subjects situated in said first sensory area.
15. The conferencing system as recited in claim 13 wherein said image system comprises:
a compositor for compositing said first station image with a predetermined composite image to generate a composite image.
16. The conferencing system as recited in claim 15 wherein said compositor comprises a sealer for scaling the first station image.
17. The conferencing system as recited in claim 15 wherein said first station image comprises an image of at least a portion of said second sensory area of said second station.
18. The conferencing system as recited in claim 13 wherein said image system further comprises a differentiator for comparing said first station image with a differentiator reference image and generating said first station image in response thereto.
19. The conferencing system as recited in claim 18 wherein said differentiator comprises a differential key generator.
20. The conferencing system as recited in claim 13 wherein said conferencing system further comprises:
an audio transceiver device associated with said first and second stations for exchanging and broadcasting audio signals between said first and second sensory areas.
21. The conferencing system as recited in claim 13 wherein said first and second sensory areas are complementary.
22. The conferencing system as recited in claim 14 wherein said predetermined subjects are at least one participant and a plurality of predetermined decorations.
23. The conferencing system as recited in claim 13 wherein said image system further comprises:
a differentiator for generating a differential signal by comparing a first station image signal generally corresponding to said first station image to a differential reference image signal;
compositing means for combining said differential signal with at least one other signal to provide a display image for displaying at said second station.
24. The system as recited in claim 13 wherein said first and second auras are substantially identical.
25. The conferencing system as recited in claim 23 wherein said compositing means comprises:
a compositor associated with said differentiator for compositing said first station image with a predetermined reference image to provide a composite image for displaying at either said first or second station.
26. An image system for use in a conference environment comprising a station having a first conference area and a remote station having a remote video area, said image system comprising:
a compositor for compositing a first signal which generally corresponds to a video image of a portion of said first conference area with a composite reference signal to provide a composite image signal; and a display for displaying said composited image signal at said remote video area such that said first and second stations appear complementarily integrated to provide a single and non-cartoon-animated teleconference environment.
27. The image system as recited in claim 26 wherein said image system comprises:
a differentiator for generating the first signal in response to a comparison of a differential reference signal to an input signal corresponding to an image of said first conference area.
28. The image system as recited in claim 27 wherein said differential reference signal generally corresponds to an image of any desired subjects situated at said first conference area.
29. The image system as recited in claim 27 wherein said differentiator is a differential key generator.
30. The image system as recited in claim 26 wherein said image system further comprises:
an audio transceiver device for exchanging and broadcasting audio signals between said station and said remote station.
31. The image system as recited in claim 26 wherein said compositor comprises a scaler for scaling the composite image signal.
32. The image system as recited in claim 26 wherein said composite image signal corresponds to a composite image comprising a first image having a first resolution and a second image having a second resolution wherein said first and second resolutions are different.
33. The image system as recited in claim 32 wherein said first image corresponds to a background and said first resolution is higher than the second resolution.
34. The image system as recited in claim 26 wherein at least one of said station or said remote station is a modular construction.
35. A method for providing a virtual presence conference in a teleconferencing system having a first station and a second station comprising the step of:

capturing an image at said first station;
situating a background behind said image, said background defining a first aura; and displaying said image at a predetermined location in the second station comprising a second aura such that said image becomes visually integrated with said, thereby causing said first image to become complementarily integrated to provide a single, non-cartoon-animated and face-to-face teleconference environment at said second station.
36. The method as recited in claim 35 wherein said displaying step further comprises the steps of:
differentiating between an actual image of said first station and a reference image to generate said image.
37. The method as recited in claim 36 wherein said differentiating step further comprises the step of:
storing an image of at feast a portion of said first station as said reference image.
38. The method as recited in claim 36 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
using a differential key generator.
39. The method as recited in claim 35 wherein said displaying step further comprising the steps of:
compositing said image with a predetermined image to provide a composite image; and displaying said composite image.
40. The method as recited in claim 39 wherein said compositing step further comprises the step of:
scaling the image.
41. The method as recited in claim 35 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
enhancing the resolution of said image.
42. The method as recited in claim 39 wherein said enhancing step comprises the step of:
using a line doubter to enhance the resolution of said image.
43. The method as recited in claim 35 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
displaying said image on a rear projection screen integrally associated with said second station.
44. The method as recited in claim 35 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
using a CODEC to facilitate exchanging images between said first and second stations.
45. The method as recited in claim 35 wherein said method further comprises the steps of:
generating an audio signal associated with the image;
broadcasting said audio signal at said second station in general synchronization with said image.
46. The method as recited in claim 35 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
generating an image having a first image having at least a first resolution and a second image having at feast a second resolution, said first and second resolutions being different.
47. The method as recited in claim 46 wherein said first resolution is higher than said second resolution, said first resolution corresponding to a background of said second station.
48. A method for teleconferencing comprising the steps of;
teleconnecting a first station having a first setting to a second station having a second setting; and displaying an image of at least a portion of said first setting, at said second station such that, when said image is displayed at said second station, a single, complementary, integrated, non-cartoon-animated and face-to-face presence environment is provided at said second station.
49. The method as recited in claim 48 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
comparing an actual image of said first station to a differential reference image and generating said image in response thereto.
50. The method as recited in claim 49 wherein said method comprises the step of:
using a differential key generator to generate said image.
51. The method as recited in claim 50 wherein said differential reference image comprises at least a portion of said first setting.
52. The method as recited in claim 48 herein said method further comprises the step of:
compositing said image with a predetermined composite image to provide a seamless composite image.
53. The method as recited in claim 52 wherein said predetermined composite image comprises composite sub-images comprising a plurality of predetermined subjects.
54. The method as recited in claim 52 wherein said compositing step further comprises the step of:
scaling said seamless composite image to a predetermined scale.
55. The method as recited in claim 49 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
compositing said image with a second reference image to provide a seamless composite image.
56. The method as recited in claim 53 wherein said plurality of predetermined subjects comprise a background of said second setting.
57. The method as recited in claim 48 wherein said method comprises the step of:
providing a first setting which generally complements said second setting such that when said image is displayed at said second station, said first and second settings become visually integrated to a participant situated at said second station.
58. The method as recited in claim 48 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
using a CODEC to effect facilitate transmitting images between said first and second stations.
59. The method as recited in claim 48 wherein said displaying step further comprises the step of:
compositing said image to have an aspect ratio of at least 4:3;
projecting said image in substantially full scale on a rear projection screen at said second station.
60. The method as recited in claim 48 wherein said displaying step further comprises the stew of:
enhancing the resolution of said image.
61. The method as recited in claim 60 wherein said enhancing step further comprises the step of using a line doubler.
62. A method for generating a single, complementary, visually integrated and seamless image at a station using at least one remote image received from a remote station comprising the steps of:
(a) capturing said remote image at said remote station;
(b) generating a predetermined composite image;
(c) combining said remote image with said predetermined composite image to provide said seamless image, said seamless image not including any cartoon animation;
and (d) displaying said seamless image at said station to provide a single, complementary and visually integrated teleconference environment.
63. The method as recited in claim 62 wherein said step (a) comprises the step of:
capturing said remote image using a plurality of image sensors.
64. The method as recited in claim 62 wherein said step (b) comprises the step of:
generating a predetermined composite image using at least a portion of the background of said station.
65. The method as recited in claim 62 wherein said step (a) further comprises the step of:
differentiating between an actual image and a differential reference image in order to generate said remote image.
66. The method as recited in claim 65 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
using a differential key generator to effect said differentiating step.
67. A method of generating an image for a video conference comprising the steps of:
capturing a non-cartoon-animated image of a person at one station, filtering said captured image to provide a non-cartoon-animated filtered image;
compositing the non-cartoon-animated filtered image with a predetermined composite image to provide a composite image;
displaying the composite image at a remote station, such that a single, integrated, complementary and non-cartoon-animated teleconferencing environment is created in said at least one of said stations or said remote station.
68. The method of claim 67 wherein said captured image comprises a participant image of at least one participant and a background image, said faltering step comprising the step of:
differentiating said captured image to separate the background image from the participant image to provide said filtered image.
69. A method for generating a video scene at a station comprising the steps of:
capturing a first image;
combining at least one remote image with the first image to provide a non-cartoon-animated combined image; and displaying the non-cartoon-animated combined image at the station to facilitate providing a predetermined aura at the station where said non-cartoon-animated combined image facilitates providing a single, integrated, complementary, non-cartoon-animated environment at said station.
70. The method as recited in claim 69 wherein said first image comprises a portion of the background of the station; said combining step comprising the step of:
differentiating an image captured at a remote station to provide said at least one remote image.
71. The method as recited in claim 70 wherein said combining step further comprises the step of using a compositor to combine said at least one remote image with the first image.
72. The method as recited in claim 35 further comprising the step of:
generating said background using at least a portion of said first station.
73. The method as recited in claim 35 further comprising the step of generating said background using at least a portion of said second station.
74. A video mirror system for use in a video conference, comprising a plurality of stations comprising:~
a display; and an imager coupled to said display for generating a superimposed image which is not a cartoon animation, said superimposed image comprising at least a portion of one of said plurality of stations combined with an image of at least one participant from said one of said plurality of stations and also for causing said display to display said superimposed image such that when said superimposed image is displayed at a non-remote station having a predetermined motif during the video conference the at least one that participant appears life-size and face-to-face in the presence of a participant at the non-remote station.
75. The video mirror system as recited in claim 74 wherein said imager comprises a differentiator.
76. The video mirror system as recited in claim 74 wherein said imager comprises a compositor coupled to said differentiator.
77. A teleconferencing method comprising the steps of:
capturing image data corresponding to an image;
processing the image data to provide differentiated image data, said differentiated image data corresponding to a portion of said image;
transmitting said differentiated image data to a teleconferencing station defining a motif;
and displaying a non-cartoon animated differentiated image corresponding to said differentiated image data at said teleconferencing station such that said image complements said motif of said teleconferencing station so that subjects in the image appear to be present at said teleconferencing station.
78. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 77 wherein said image comprises a portion which is desired to be removed from said image prior to said transmitting step, said method further comprising the step of:
differentiating said portion from said image prior to said transmitting step.
79. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 78 wherein said portion is a background.
80. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 77 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
compressing said differentiated image data to provide compressed image data prior to said transmitting step.
81. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 78 wherein said method further comprises the step of:

compressing said differentiated image data prior to said transmitting step.
82. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 80 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
decompressing said compressed image data at said teleconferencing station.
83. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 77 wherein said method further comprises the steps of:
combining said differentiated image data with a second set of data corresponding to a second image to provide combined image data;
displaying a combined image corresponding to said combined image data at said teleconferencing station.
84. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 77 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
combining said differentiated image data with a second set of data corresponding to a second image to provide combined image data, said second image having a resolution which is higher than said image.
85. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 77 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
combining said differentiated image data with a second set of data corresponding to a background of said teleconferencing station.
86. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 77 wherein said method further comprises the steps of:
capturing said image data at a remote station;
differentiating said image data to remove a portion of the image.
87. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 77 wherein said method further comprises the steps of:
capturing said image data at a remote station;
differentiating said image data to remove a background in the image.
88. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 77 wherein said method further comprises the step of:

displaying said differentiated image corresponding to said differentiated image data on a rear-projection screen at said teleconferencing station.
89. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 77 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
displaying said differentiated image corresponding to said differentiated image data at said teleconferencing station, wherein said teleconferencing station comprises a screen having a participant table situated in proximity therewith, said participant table being configured to cause said participants to be situated a predetermined distance from said screen.
90. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 89 wherein said screen is a rear-projection screen.
91. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 89 wherein said predetermined distance is not less than about 5 feet.
92. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 89 wherein said participant table comprises a convex edge opposed relationship to said screen.
93. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 77 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
enhancing the differentiated image at said teleconferencing station from a first resolution to a second resolution, wherein said second resolution is higher than said first resolution.
94. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 77 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
displaying said differentiated image such that subjects in said image appear at substantially full scale.
95. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 94 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
enhancing the differentiated image at said teleconferencing station from a first resolution to a second resolution, wherein said second resolution is higher than said first resolution.
96. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 77 wherein said method further comprises the step of:

displaying said differentiated image such that subjects in said image appear substantially full scale.
97. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 77 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
transmitting said differentiated image data at a rate of at least 1.544 megabytes per second.
98. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 77 wherein said method further comprises the steps of:
decorating said teleconferencing station to comprise a predetermined motif.
99. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 98 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
decorating said teleconferencing station to comprise a roman motif.
100. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 77 wherein said method further comprises the steps of:
situating a plurality of subjects in said teleconferencing station to define a predetermined sensory setting.
101. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 100 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
providing said plurality of subjects to comprise at least one of the following: a pillar, a plant, a table, a wall decoration or a carpet.
102. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 77 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
displaying said differentiated image at a teleconferencing station having dimensions of at least 20 feet × 20 feet × 9 feet.
103. A teleconferencing method comprising the steps of:
generating image data corresponding to an image, said image not being a cartoon animation;
transmitting at least a portion of said image data corresponding to at least a portion of said image to a teleconferencing station; and displaying said at least a portion of said image at said teleconferencing station during a teleconference such that when said image is displayed during the video conference objects in said image appears to be in the presence of participants situated at the teleconferencing station during the teleconference.
104. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 103 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
differentiating said image data to provide said at least a portion of said image data.
105. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 103 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
processing said image data to provide differentiated image data, said differentiated image data corresponding to an unwanted portion of said image.
106. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 103 wherein said image comprises an unwanted portion which is desired to be removed from said image prior to said transmitting step, said method further comprising the step of:
differentiating said unwanted portion from said image prior to said transmitting step.
107. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 103 wherein said objects comprises at least one participant.
108. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 106 wherein said unwanted portion of said image is a background.
109. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 105 wherein said method further comprises the steps of:
compressing said differentiated image data to provide compressed image data prior to said transmitting step.
110. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 103 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
compressing said at least a portion of said image data to provide compressed image data prior to said transmitting step.
111. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 109 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
decompressing said compressed image data at said teleconferencing station.
112. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 103 wherein said method further comprises the steps of:
combining said at least a portion of said image data with a second set of data corresponding to a second image to provide combined image data;
displaying a combined image corresponding to said combined image data at said teleconferencing station.
113. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 105 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
combining said differentiated image data with a second set of data corresponding to a second image to provide combined image data, said second image having a resolution which is higher than a resolution of said differentiated image.
114. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 103 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
combining said at least a portion of said image data with a second set of data corresponding to a background of said teleconferencing station.
115. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 103 wherein said method further comprises the steps of:
capturing said image at a remote station;
removing an unwanted portion of said image prior to said transmitting step.
116. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 106 wherein said method further comprises the steps of:
capturing said image at a remote station;
removing said unwanted portion of said image prior to said transmitting step.
117. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 103 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
displaying said at least a portion of said image on a rear-projection screen at a teleconferencing station.
118. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 103 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
displaying said at least a portion of said image at said teleconferencing station, wherein said teleconferencing station comprises a screen having a participant table situated in proximity therewith, said participant table being configured to cause said participants to be situated a predetermined distance from said screen.
119. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 118 wherein said screen is a rear-projection screen.
120. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 118 wherein said predetermined distance is not less than about 5 feet 6 inches.
121. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 118 wherein said participant table comprises a convex edge in opposed relationship to said screen.
122. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 103 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
enhancing said at least a portion of said image displayed at said teleconferencing station from a first resolution to a second resolution, wherein said second resolution is higher than said first resolution.
123. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 103 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
displaying said at least a portion of said image such that subjects in said image appear at substantially full scale at said teleconferencing station.
124. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 103 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
transmitting said at least a portion of said image data at a rate of at least 1.5 megabytes per second.
125. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 103 wherein said method further comprises the steps of:
decorating said teleconferencing station to comprise a predetermined motif.
126. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 125 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
decorating said teleconferencing station to comprise a roman motif.
127. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 103 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
situating a plurality of subjects at said teleconferencing station to define a predetermined sensory setting.
128. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 127 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
providing said plurality of subjects to comprise at least one of the following: a pillar, a plant, a table, a wall decoration or a carpet.
129. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 103 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
displaying said at least a portion of said image in a teleconferencing station having dimensions of at least 20 feet × 20 feet × 9 feet.
130. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 103 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
situating a camera behind a teleconferencing screen at a remote station;
capturing said at least a portion of said image at said remote station through an opening in said teleconferencing screen.
131. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 130 wherein said capturing step further comprises the step of:
capturing said at least a portion of said image using two cameras.
132. A teleconferencing system comprising:
generating means for generating image data corresponding to an image;
transmitting means coupled to said generating means for transmitting at least a portion of said image data corresponding to at least a portion of said image to a teleconferencing station; and display means situated at said teleconferencing station for receiving said at least a portion of said image data and also for displaying a non-cartoon animated transmitted image corresponding to said at least a portion of said image at said teleconferencing station during a teleconference such that when said transmitted image is displayed at the teleconferencing station, any participants in the image appear in the presence to participants at the teleconferencing station.
133. The teleconferencing system as recited in claim 132 wherein said teleconferencing system further comprises:
differentiating means for receiving said image data and for differentiating said image data to provide differentiated image data.
134. The teleconferencing system as recited in claim 132 wherein said teleconferencing system further comprises:
processing means for processing said image data to provide differentiated image data, said differentiated image data excluding an unwanted portion of said image.
135. The teleconferencing system as recited in claim 132 wherein said image comprises an unwanted portion, said system further comprising:
a differentiator for receiving said image data and for removing said unwanted portion from said image data.
136. The teleconferencing system as recited in claim 132 wherein said at least a portion of said image comprises at least one participant.
137. The teleconferencing system as recited in claim 135 wherein said unwanted portion comprises a background.
138. The teleconferencing system as recited in claim 132 wherein said transmitting means further comprises:
a compressor for compressing said at least a portion of said image data prior to transmission to said teleconferencing station.
139. The teleconferencing system as recited in claim 132 wherein said teleconferencing system further comprises:
a compositor situated at said teleconferencing station for combining said at least a portion of said image data with a second set of data corresponding to a second image to provide combined image data;

said display means displaying a combined image corresponding to said combined image data at said teleconferencing station.
140. ~The teleconferencing system as recited in claim 133 wherein said teleconferencing system further comprises:
a compositor for combining said differentiated image data with a second set of data corresponding to a second image to provide combined image data, said second image having a resolution which is higher than a resolution of said differentiated image.
141. ~The teleconferencing system as recited in claim 132 wherein said teleconferencing system further comprises:
a compositor for combining said at least a portion of said image data with a second set of data corresponding to a background of said teleconferencing station.
142. ~The teleconferencing system as recited in claim 132 wherein said generating means further comprises:
video means for capturing said image at said remote station and also for removing an unwanted portion of said image.
143. ~The teleconferencing system as recited in claim 142 wherein said video means further comprises:
a differentiator for removing an unwanted portion of said image prior to said transmitting step.
144. ~The teleconferencing system as recited in claim 132 wherein said display means further comprises:
a rear-projection screen situated at said teleconferencing station.
145. ~The teleconferencing system as recited in claim 123 wherein said teleconferencing system further comprises:
a screen situated at said teleconferencing station;
a participant table situated adjacent said screen and configured to cause said participants to be situated a predetermined distance from said screen.
146. ~The teleconferencing system as recited in claim 145 wherein said screen is a rear-projection screen.
147. ~The teleconferencing system as recited in claim 145 wherein said predetermined distance is not less than about 5 feet 6 inches.
148. ~The teleconferencing system as recited in claim 145 wherein said participant table comprises a convex edge opposite said screen.
149. ~The teleconferencing system as recited in claim 132 wherein said teleconferencing system further comprises:
an enhancer situated at said teleconferencing station for enhancing said at least a portion of said image displayed at said teleconferencing station from a first resolution to a second resolution, wherein said second resolution is higher than said first resolution.
150. ~The teleconferencing system as recited in claim 132 wherein said at least a portion of said image is displayed such that subjects in said image appear substantially full scale at said teleconferencing station.
151. ~The teleconferencing system as recited in claim 132 wherein said transmitting means transmits said at least a portion of said image data at a rate of at least 1.5 megabytes per second.
152. ~The teleconferencing system as recited in claim 132 wherein said teleconferencing station comprises a predetermined motif.
153. ~The teleconferencing system as recited in claim 152 wherein said predetermined motif comprises a roman motif.
154. ~The teleconferencing system as recited in claim 132 wherein said teleconferencing station further comprises a plurality of subjects which define a predetermined sensory setting.
155. ~The teleconferencing system as recited in claim 154 wherein said teleconferencing station comprises a plurality of subjects including at least one of the following: a pillar, a plant, a table, a wall decoration or a carpet arranged to provide a predetermined motif.
156. ~The teleconferencing system as recited in claim 132 wherein said teleconferencing station comprises a modular construction defining a teleconference environment comprising dimensions of at least 20 feet × 20 feet × 9 feet.
157. ~The teleconferencing system as recited in claim 132 wherein said generating means further comprises:
a camera situated behind a teleconferencing screen at a remote station;
said teleconferencing screen comprising an aperture through which said camera captures said image at said remote station.
158. ~The teleconferencing system as recited in claim 157 wherein said generating means further comprises:
a plurality of cameras situated at a remote station for generating said image data.
159. ~A teleconferencing station comprising:
a screen for displaying a first remote image of at least one first subject and a second remote image of at least one second subject; wherein said at least one first subject includes a remote participant who is not included in said at least one second subject and said first and second remote images are not entirely overlaid on top of each other when they are displayed on said screen;
a plurality of cameras situated behind a first side of the screen for capturing a plurality of images at said teleconferencing station, each of said plurality of cameras capturing images of different participants situated on a second side of said screen, said second side being opposite said first side;
a plurality of audio devices for facilitating the exchange of audio between said teleconferencing station and a remote station; and a plurality of furnishings on which participants situated at said teleconferencing station may be seated, said plurality of furnishings also being situated on said second side;
wherein said first remote image and said second remote image are displayed on said screen to give any of the participants seated on said plurality of furnishings the feeling of being in the same room and face-to-face with said remote participant.
160. ~The teleconferencing station as recited in claim 159 wherein said plurality of furnishings comprises at least one table having one side associated with said screen and configured to cause said participants to be situated a predetermined distance from said screen.
161. ~The teleconferencing station as recited in claim 160 wherein said predetermined distance is not less than about 5 feet 6 inches.
162. ~The teleconferencing station as recited in claim 160 wherein said at least one table is arcuately shaped.
163. ~The teleconferencing station as recited in claim 159 wherein said screen comprises at least one aperture, said plurality of cameras being situated behind said screen and capturing said plurality of images through said at least one aperture.
164. ~The teleconferencing station as recited in claim 159 wherein said first remote image comprises at least one remote participant which is substantially life size when it is shown on said screen.
165. ~The teleconferencing station as recited in claim 159 wherein said screen is a rear-projection screen.
166. ~The teleconferencing station as recited in claim 163 wherein said screen is a rear-projection screen.
167. ~The teleconferencing station as recited in claim 159 wherein said screen comprises a usable projection area of at least 52 inches by 92 inches.
168. ~The teleconferencing station as recited in claim 159 wherein said screen comprises an aspect ratio of about 16:9.
169. ~The teleconferencing station as recited in claim 167 wherein said screen is integral with a wall in said teleconferencing station.
170 ~The teleconferencing station as recited in claim 159 wherein said plurality of cameras are situated directly in a projection path of said screen.
171. ~The teleconferencing station as recited in claim 170 wherein said screen is integral with a wall in said teleconferencing station.
172. ~The teleconferencing station as recited in claim 159 wherein said plurality of cameras comprise CCD camera heads situated to capture images through the screen.
173. ~The teleconferencing station as recited in claim 172 wherein each of said CCD camera heads comprise a resolution of at least 700 x 494 pixels.
174. ~The teleconferencing station as recited in claim 172 wherein each of said CCD camera heads generate an image having an aspect ratio of about 4:3.
175. ~A method for teleconferencing at a teleconferencing station comprising the steps of:
providing a screen for displaying a first remote image of at least one first subject and a second remote image of at least one second subject; wherein said at least one first subject includes a remote participant who is not included in said at least one second subject and said remote images are not entirely overlaid on top of each other when they are displayed on said screen;
situating a plurality of cameras behind said screen for capturing a plurality of images of different participants at said teleconferencing station;
situating a plurality of audio devices at said teleconferencing station for facilitating the exchange of audio between said teleconferencing station and a remote station;
and providing a plurality of furnishings on which participants situated at said teleconferencing station may be seated;
wherein said first remote image and said second remote image are displayed on said screen to give participants seated on said plurality of furnishings the feeling of being in the same room and face-to-face with said remote participant.
176. ~The method as recited in claim 175 wherein said providing a plurality of furnishings step further comprises the step of:
providing said plurality of furnishings comprising at least one table having one side associated with said screen and configured to cause said participants to be situated a predetermined distance from said screen.
177. ~The method as recited in claim 176 wherein said predetermined distance is not less than about 5 feet 6 inches.
178. ~The method as recited in claim 176 wherein said step further comprises the step of:
providing at least one table which is arcuately shaped.
179. ~The method as recited in claim 175 wherein aid screen comprises at least one aperture, wherein said situating a plurality of cameras step further comprises the step or:

situating said plurality of cameras behind said screen and capturing said plurality of images through said at least one aperture.
180. ~The method as recited in claim 175 wherein either said first remote image or said second remote image comprises at least one remote participant which is substantially life size when said first remote image or said second remote image, respectively, is shown on said screen.
181. ~The method as recited in claim 175 wherein said providing a screen step further comprises the step of:
providing a rear-projection screen.
182. ~The method as recited in claim 180 wherein said providing a screen step further comprises the step of:
providing a rear-projection screen.
183. ~The method as recited in claim 175 wherein said providing a screen step further comprises the step of:
providing said screen comprising a usable projection area of at least 52 inches by 92 inches.
184. ~The method as recited in claim 175 wherein said screen comprises an aspect ratio of about 16:9.
185. ~The method as recited in claim 175 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
situating said screen integrally with a wall in said teleconferencing station.
186. ~The method as recited in claim 175 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
situating said plurality of cameras directly in a projection path of said screen.
187. ~The method as recited in claim 186 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
situating said screen integrally with a wall in said teleconferencing station.
188. ~The method as recited in claim 175 wherein said providing a plurality of cameras step further comprises the step of:
providing a plurality of CCD camera heads.
189. ~The method as recited in claim 188 wherein each of said step further comprises the step of:
providing a plurality of CCD camera heads comprising a resolution of at least 700 × 494 pixels.
190. ~The method as recited in claim 188 wherein said providing a plurality of cameras step further comprises the step of:
providing a plurality of CCD camera heads which each generate an image having an aspect ratio of about 4:3.
191. ~A teleconferencing method comprising the steps of:
capturing a plurality of images from a remote station;
receiving compressed data corresponding to said plurality of images at a teleconferencing station 2 decompressing said compressed data to provide decompressed data;
enhancing said decompressed data to increase a resolution of said plurality of images to provide an enhanced plurality of images when they are displayed at said teleconferencing station;
displaying said enhanced plurality of images on said at least one screen at said teleconferencing station so that at least one participant at said teleconferencing station views an image of at least one person who appears substantially life size; and wherein said enhancing step occurs after said decompression step and during a teleconference.
192. ~The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 191 wherein at least one of said plurality of images comprises a portion which is desired to be removed from said image prior to said displaying step, said method further comprising the step of:
differentiating said portion from said image prior to said compositing step.
193. ~The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 192 wherein said portion is a background.
194. ~The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 191 wherein said method further comprises the step of:

compressing said image data to provide compressed image data after said compositing step.
195. ~The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 194 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
decompressing said compressed image data at said teleconferencing station prior to said displaying step.
196. ~The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 191 wherein said compositing step further comprises the steps of:
combining a first set of image data for a first image of at least one first person with a second set of image data corresponding to a second image of at least one second person to provide combined image data;
displaying a combined image corresponding to a combined image data at said teleconferencing station; wherein said first and second persons are both located at one of said plurality of remote stations.
197. ~The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 191 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
compositing said plurality of images from a plurality of remote suites prior to said displaying step.
198. ~The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 191 wherein said method further comprises the steps of:
capturing said image data at a remote station;
differentiating said image data to remove a portion of the image prior to said displaying step.
199. ~The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 191 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
capturing said plurality of images at a single remote location.
200. ~The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 191 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
displaying said composited plurality of images on a rear-projection screen at said teleconferencing station.
201. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 191 wherein said method further comprises the steps of:
displaying said on a screen;
situating at least one participant situated a predetermined distance from said screen.
202. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 201, wherein said predetermined distance corresponds to a focal distance of a camera situated in said teleconferencing station.
203. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 192 wherein said transmitting step comprises the step of:
transmitting said image data after compressing the data.
204. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 191 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
displaying said composited plurality of images such that subjects in said composited plurality of images appear at substantially full scale.
205. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 191 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
displaying said composited plurality of images after image data corresponding to said composited plurality of images has been decompressed.
206. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 191 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
receiving image data corresponding to said composited plurality of images at said teleconferencing station at a rate of at least 1.544 megabytes per second.
207. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 191 wherein said method further comprises the steps of:
situating a plurality of subjects in said teleconferencing station to define a predetermined sensory setting.
208. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 207 wherein said plurality of subjects include furniture and said predetermined sensing setting defines a business or education setting.
209. ~The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 191 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
displaying said image at a teleconferencing station having dimensions of at least 20 feet x 20 feet x 9 feet.
210. ~A teleconferencing method comprising the steps of:
generating image data corresponding to a plurality of images from a remote station;
receiving compressed data corresponding to said image data at a teleconferencing station;
decompressing said compressed data to provide decompressed data;
enhancing said decompressed data to increase a resolution of said plurality of images to provide an enhanced plurality of images when they are displayed at said teleconferencing station;
displaying said enhanced plurality of images on at least one screen at said teleconferencing station so that at least one participant at said teleconferencing station views said enhanced plurality of images comprising an image of at least one person who appears substantially life size; and wherein said enhancing step occurs after said decompression step and during a teleconference.
211. ~The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 210 wherein said image comprises an unwanted portion which is desired to be removed from said image, said method further comprising the step of:
differentiating said unwanted portion from said image after said generating step.
212. ~The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 210 wherein said at least a portion of each of said plurality of images comprises at least one participant.
213. ~The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 211 wherein said unwanted portion of said image is a background.
214. ~The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 210 wherein said method further comprises the steps of:
compressing said image data to provide compressed image data after said generating step.
215. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 214 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
decompressing said compressed image data at said teleconferencing station prior to said displaying step.
216. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 210 wherein participants at said teleconferencing station view said image at a predetermined distance of not less than about 5 feet 6 inches.
217. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 210 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
transmitting said image data to said teleconferencing station at a rate of at least 1.5 megabytes per second.
218. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 210 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
decorating said teleconferencing station to comprise an education motif.
219. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 210 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
decorating said teleconferencing station to comprise a business motif.
220. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 210 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
situating a plurality of subjects at said teleconferencing station to define a predetermined sensory setting.
221. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 220 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
providing said plurality of subjects to comprise at least one table and a background.
222. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 210 wherein said capturing step further comprises the step of:
capturing said [at least a portion of said] image using a plurality of cameras.
-29-~
223. A conferencing system comprising:
a conferencing station defining a predetermined motif;
an image system for displaying at said conferencing station a substantially full scale image of a plurality of persons located at a remote conferencing station so that participants at said conferencing station feel that any images of persons displayed by said image system at said conferencing station are life-size and face-to-face during a teleconference between said conferencing station and said remote conferencing station, said image system comprising:
a plurality of CODECs for compressing and decompressing image data transmitted between said conferencing station and said remote conferencing station; and an image data enhancer for enhancing image data received at said conferencing station after the image data is decompressed and during said teleconference in order to enhance the resolution of the image displayed at said conferencing station.
224. The conferencing system as recited in claim 223 wherein said conferencing system comprises:
a CODEC for receiving remote image data corresponding to said substantially full scale composite image;
said CODEC being capable of accommodating bit streams of at least 1.544 megabytes per second.
225. The conferencing system as recited in claim 224 wherein said substantially full scale composite image comprises a resolution of at least 352 × 288 pixels.
226. The conferencing system as recited in claim 224 wherein said substantially full scale composite image comprises a resolution of at least 1280 × 1024 pixels.
227. The conferencing system as recited in claim 224 wherein said conferencing system further comprises:
an analog signal generator for receiving bit streams from said CODEC and for generating an analog signal corresponding to said substantially full scale composite image.
228. The conferencing system as recited in claim 227 wherein said system further comprises:
a projector coupled to said analog signal generating for projecting said substantially full scale composite image in response to said analog signal.
229. The conferencing system as recited in claim 223 wherein said system further comprises a rear projection screen;
said projector projecting said substantially full scale image onto said rear projection screen.
230. The conferencing system as recited in claim 225 wherein said conferencing station defines an education setting.
231. The conferencing system as recited in claim 225 wherein said conferencing station defines a business setting.
232. The conferencing system as recited in claim 225 wherein said substantially full scale composite image includes a plurality of persons are situated in a plurality of remote stations each having a camera for capturing an image, said images captured at said plurality of remote stations being combined to provide said substantially full scale composite image.
233. The conferencing system as recited in claim 229 wherein said projector displays said substantially full scale composite image on a projection area of at least 52 inches by 92 inches to said rear projection screen.
234. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 210 using a single screen to perform said displaying step.
235. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 234 wherein said screen is a rear-projection screen.
236. A method for providing a teleconference environment, said method comprising the steps of:
providing a plurality of modular members and at least one screen;
assembling said at least one screen and said plurality of modular members to provide a teleconferencing station;
receiving image data at said teleconferencing station; said image data including compressed data corresponding to an image of at least one person at a remote station;
decompressing said compressed data to provide decompressed data; enhancing said decompressed data to increase a resolution of said image to provide an enhanced image when it is displayed at said teleconferencing station;

displaying said enhanced image on said at least one screen at said teleconferencing station so that at least one participant at said teleconferencing station views said image of said at least one person who appears substantially life size; and wherein said enhancing step occurs after said decompression step and during a teleconference.
237. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 236 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
providing said teleconferencing station with decorations and furniture to define a desired setting.
238. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 237 wherein said desired setting is an education setting.
239. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 237 wherein said desired setting is a business setting.
240. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 236 wherein said plurality of modular members are pre-formed.
241. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 240 wherein said plurality of modular members are pre-formed from at least one of the following: gypsum, stone or clay-based materials, ceramic, paper, cardboard, foam, wood or Styrofoam.
242. The teleconferencing method as recited in claim 236 wherein said method further comprises the step of:
decorating said teleconferencing station with a plurality of subjects to facilitate providing said desired setting; said plurality of subjects comprising at least one of the following: a table, a table decoration, a pillar and a plurality of wall decorations, a carpet, or at least one plant.
CA002200477A 1994-09-19 1995-09-18 Teleconferencing method and system Expired - Fee Related CA2200477C (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/308,603 US5572248A (en) 1994-09-19 1994-09-19 Teleconferencing method and system for providing face-to-face, non-animated teleconference environment
US08/308,603 1994-09-19
PCT/US1995/011802 WO1996009722A1 (en) 1994-09-19 1995-09-18 Teleconferencing method and system

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2200477A1 CA2200477A1 (en) 1996-03-28
CA2200477C true CA2200477C (en) 2005-02-08

Family

ID=23194627

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002200477A Expired - Fee Related CA2200477C (en) 1994-09-19 1995-09-18 Teleconferencing method and system

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (7) US5572248A (en)
EP (2) EP0806115B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH10508990A (en)
KR (1) KR100403885B1 (en)
AT (2) ATE311724T1 (en)
AU (1) AU697578B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2200477C (en)
DE (2) DE69527440T2 (en)
WO (1) WO1996009722A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (302)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5818616A (en) * 1993-08-23 1998-10-06 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Optical communication apparatus and conference system
US7301536B2 (en) * 1993-09-10 2007-11-27 Geovector Corporation Electro-optic vision systems
US5802281A (en) 1994-09-07 1998-09-01 Rsi Systems, Inc. Peripheral audio/video communication system that interfaces with a host computer and determines format of coded audio/video signals
US5572248A (en) * 1994-09-19 1996-11-05 Teleport Corporation Teleconferencing method and system for providing face-to-face, non-animated teleconference environment
US5815197A (en) * 1995-02-16 1998-09-29 Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd. Two-way interactive system, terminal equipment and image pickup apparatus having mechanism for matching lines of sight between interlocutors through transmission means
US5754190A (en) * 1995-06-07 1998-05-19 Advanced Micro Devices System for reproducing images utilizing image libraries
JPH09134319A (en) * 1995-10-03 1997-05-20 Sony Electron Inc User interface for personal communication routing system and rule processing
US6219045B1 (en) 1995-11-13 2001-04-17 Worlds, Inc. Scalable virtual world chat client-server system
US5880731A (en) * 1995-12-14 1999-03-09 Microsoft Corporation Use of avatars with automatic gesturing and bounded interaction in on-line chat session
US5757424A (en) * 1995-12-19 1998-05-26 Xerox Corporation High-resolution video conferencing system
WO1997022918A1 (en) * 1995-12-20 1997-06-26 Mediamaxx Incorporated Computer-controlled system for producing three-dimensional navigable photographs of areas and method thereof
US6011587A (en) * 1996-03-07 2000-01-04 Kokusai Denshin Denwa Kabushiki Kaisha Packet video bitrate conversion system
US5956491A (en) 1996-04-01 1999-09-21 Marks; Daniel L. Group communications multiplexing system
WO1997039581A1 (en) * 1996-04-18 1997-10-23 Campbell Jack J Method and apparatus for presenting in a computer display images representing remote moving objects
US5959667A (en) * 1996-05-09 1999-09-28 Vtel Corporation Voice activated camera preset selection system and method of operation
US5808613A (en) * 1996-05-28 1998-09-15 Silicon Graphics, Inc. Network navigator with enhanced navigational abilities
US5856842A (en) * 1996-08-26 1999-01-05 Kaiser Optical Systems Corporation Apparatus facilitating eye-contact video communications
US6545700B1 (en) * 1997-06-25 2003-04-08 David A. Monroe Virtual video teleconferencing system
US6388654B1 (en) * 1997-10-03 2002-05-14 Tegrity, Inc. Method and apparatus for processing, displaying and communicating images
US6259470B1 (en) * 1997-12-18 2001-07-10 Intel Corporation Image capture system having virtual camera
US6844893B1 (en) * 1998-03-09 2005-01-18 Looking Glass, Inc. Restaurant video conferencing system and method
US8446449B1 (en) 1998-03-09 2013-05-21 Looking Glass, Inc. Restaurant videoconferencing system and method
US6593955B1 (en) * 1998-05-26 2003-07-15 Microsoft Corporation Video telephony system
EP0961523B1 (en) * 1998-05-27 2010-08-25 Sony France S.A. Music spatialisation system and method
US6339842B1 (en) 1998-06-10 2002-01-15 Dennis Sunga Fernandez Digital television with subscriber conference overlay
US6414707B1 (en) * 1998-10-16 2002-07-02 At&T Corp. Apparatus and method for incorporating virtual video conferencing environments
US6346950B1 (en) * 1999-05-20 2002-02-12 Compaq Computer Corporation System and method for display images using anamorphic video
US6292713B1 (en) * 1999-05-20 2001-09-18 Compaq Computer Corporation Robotic telepresence system
EP1203489B1 (en) * 1999-08-10 2008-07-09 Teleportec Inc Communications system
GB9918704D0 (en) * 1999-08-10 1999-10-13 White Peter M Device and method for eye to eye communication overa network
US20040193722A1 (en) * 1999-08-30 2004-09-30 Donovan Kevin Remington Joseph Bartholomew Universal instant messaging system for the internet
US7057635B1 (en) * 2000-01-27 2006-06-06 Atheros Communications, Inc. High-speed RF link for a multi-user meeting
KR100366384B1 (en) * 2000-02-26 2002-12-31 (주) 고미드 Information search system based on communication of users
WO2002029513A2 (en) * 2000-10-04 2002-04-11 Ezonics Corporation A method and system for internet-based video chat
RU2225025C2 (en) * 2000-12-06 2004-02-27 ОПТИВА, Инк. Liquid-crystal device for information display
US6361173B1 (en) 2001-02-16 2002-03-26 Imatte, Inc. Method and apparatus for inhibiting projection of selected areas of a projected image
WO2002084590A1 (en) * 2001-04-11 2002-10-24 Applied Minds, Inc. Knowledge web
US6930702B1 (en) * 2001-04-11 2005-08-16 Applied Minds, Inc. Device for positioning and operating audio and video equipment
JP4803906B2 (en) * 2001-06-07 2011-10-26 株式会社キーエンス Method for generating barcode for setting optical information reader, method for changing setting of optical information reader, program for generating barcode for setting, and recording medium
US7333726B2 (en) * 2001-07-05 2008-02-19 Wave7 Optics, Inc. Method and system for supporting multiple service providers within a single optical network
DE10132568A1 (en) * 2001-07-10 2003-01-30 Holger Berthold communication system
US6798457B2 (en) 2001-09-26 2004-09-28 Digeo, Inc. Camera positioning system and method for eye-to-eye communication
US6943843B2 (en) * 2001-09-27 2005-09-13 Digeo, Inc. Camera positioning system and method for eye-to eye communication
US7892088B2 (en) * 2001-10-18 2011-02-22 Steve Brandstetter Gaming device having a second separate bonusing event
FR2832282B1 (en) * 2001-11-12 2004-07-30 France Telecom MODULAR AUDIOVISUAL SYSTEM WITH CONCATENABLE MODULES FOR PRESENTING A LOCAL SCENE AND A REMOTE SCENE
US20040207718A1 (en) * 2001-11-14 2004-10-21 Boyden James H. Camera positioning system and method for eye -to-eye communication
US20030112325A1 (en) * 2001-12-13 2003-06-19 Digeo, Inc. Camera positioning system and method for eye-to-eye communication
US7126627B1 (en) 2002-03-06 2006-10-24 Lewis Thomas B Video conferencing device and method
US6783247B2 (en) 2002-03-14 2004-08-31 White Peter Mcduffie Life-size communications systems with front projection
US20030195834A1 (en) * 2002-04-10 2003-10-16 Hillis W. Daniel Automated online purchasing system
US7844610B2 (en) * 2003-12-12 2010-11-30 Google Inc. Delegated authority evaluation system
US8069175B2 (en) * 2002-04-10 2011-11-29 Google Inc. Delegating authority to evaluate content
US7386799B1 (en) 2002-11-21 2008-06-10 Forterra Systems, Inc. Cinematic techniques in avatar-centric communication during a multi-user online simulation
US8012025B2 (en) * 2002-12-13 2011-09-06 Applied Minds, Llc Video game controller hub with control input reduction and combination schemes
US7765206B2 (en) 2002-12-13 2010-07-27 Metaweb Technologies, Inc. Meta-Web
US20040135880A1 (en) * 2003-01-13 2004-07-15 Royer George R. Integrated televised meeting procedure
US7525576B2 (en) * 2003-02-17 2009-04-28 Axis, Ab Method and apparatus for panning and tilting a camera
US7352809B2 (en) * 2003-02-21 2008-04-01 Polycom, Inc. System and method for optimal transmission of a multitude of video pictures to one or more destinations
US7593546B2 (en) * 2003-03-11 2009-09-22 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Telepresence system with simultaneous automatic preservation of user height, perspective, and vertical gaze
US6888562B2 (en) 2003-03-26 2005-05-03 Broadcom Corporation Integral eye-path alignment on telephony and computer video devices using a pinhole image sensing device
JP4855930B2 (en) * 2003-05-02 2012-01-18 アラン ロバート ステイカー、 Interactive system and method for video composition
US8299979B2 (en) * 2003-05-14 2012-10-30 Broadcom Corporation Integral eye-path alignment on telephony and computer video devices using two or more image sensing devices
US20050021620A1 (en) * 2003-05-30 2005-01-27 Todd Simon Web data conferencing system and method with full motion interactive video
JP4292891B2 (en) * 2003-06-26 2009-07-08 ソニー株式会社 Imaging apparatus, image recording apparatus, and image recording method
US20050010874A1 (en) * 2003-07-07 2005-01-13 Steven Moder Virtual collaborative editing room
US7119829B2 (en) * 2003-07-31 2006-10-10 Dreamworks Animation Llc Virtual conference room
US20050131918A1 (en) * 2003-12-12 2005-06-16 W. Daniel Hillis Personalized profile for evaluating content
US7305078B2 (en) * 2003-12-18 2007-12-04 Electronic Data Systems Corporation Speaker identification during telephone conferencing
US8824730B2 (en) * 2004-01-09 2014-09-02 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. System and method for control of video bandwidth based on pose of a person
US8599239B2 (en) 2004-04-21 2013-12-03 Telepresence Technologies, Llc Telepresence systems and methods therefore
US7057637B2 (en) 2004-04-21 2006-06-06 White Peter Mcduffie Reflected backdrop for communications systems
US8208007B2 (en) 2004-04-21 2012-06-26 Telepresence Technologies, Llc 3-D displays and telepresence systems and methods therefore
US20050271194A1 (en) * 2004-06-07 2005-12-08 Woods Paul R Conference phone and network client
US7865834B1 (en) * 2004-06-25 2011-01-04 Apple Inc. Multi-way video conferencing user interface
US7500795B2 (en) * 2004-09-09 2009-03-10 Paul Sandhu Apparatuses, systems and methods for enhancing telemedicine, video-conferencing, and video-based sales
US7692683B2 (en) * 2004-10-15 2010-04-06 Lifesize Communications, Inc. Video conferencing system transcoder
US20060136979A1 (en) * 2004-11-04 2006-06-22 Staker Allan R Apparatus and methods for encoding data for video compositing
US7619658B2 (en) * 2004-11-15 2009-11-17 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Methods and systems for producing seamless composite images without requiring overlap of source images
US7515174B1 (en) 2004-12-06 2009-04-07 Dreamworks Animation L.L.C. Multi-user video conferencing with perspective correct eye-to-eye contact
US7524119B2 (en) * 2005-02-03 2009-04-28 Paul Sandhu Apparatus and method for viewing radiographs
US9269157B2 (en) 2005-03-01 2016-02-23 Eyesmatch Ltd Methods for extracting objects from digital images and for performing color change on the object
US8982109B2 (en) 2005-03-01 2015-03-17 Eyesmatch Ltd Devices, systems and methods of capturing and displaying appearances
US8976160B2 (en) 2005-03-01 2015-03-10 Eyesmatch Ltd User interface and authentication for a virtual mirror
US8982110B2 (en) 2005-03-01 2015-03-17 Eyesmatch Ltd Method for image transformation, augmented reality, and teleperence
US7986335B2 (en) * 2005-05-02 2011-07-26 Lifesize Communications, Inc. Set top box videoconferencing system
US20060248210A1 (en) * 2005-05-02 2006-11-02 Lifesize Communications, Inc. Controlling video display mode in a video conferencing system
US20070165106A1 (en) * 2005-05-02 2007-07-19 Groves Randall D Distributed Videoconferencing Processing
US20060268360A1 (en) * 2005-05-12 2006-11-30 Jones Peter W J Methods of creating a virtual window
US20060291637A1 (en) * 2005-06-13 2006-12-28 David Erickson Systems and methods for a reliable teleconferencing system
US20070030984A1 (en) * 2005-08-02 2007-02-08 Gotfried Bradley L Conference system
CN101496387B (en) 2006-03-06 2012-09-05 思科技术公司 System and method for access authentication in a mobile wireless network
GB0718706D0 (en) 2007-09-25 2007-11-07 Creative Physics Ltd Method and apparatus for reducing laser speckle
US7707247B2 (en) * 2006-04-20 2010-04-27 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for displaying users in a visual conference between locations
US7532232B2 (en) * 2006-04-20 2009-05-12 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for single action initiation of a video conference
US7679639B2 (en) * 2006-04-20 2010-03-16 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for enhancing eye gaze in a telepresence system
US7710448B2 (en) 2006-04-20 2010-05-04 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for preventing movement in a telepresence system
US20070250567A1 (en) * 2006-04-20 2007-10-25 Graham Philip R System and method for controlling a telepresence system
US7692680B2 (en) * 2006-04-20 2010-04-06 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for providing location specific sound in a telepresence system
US8601379B2 (en) * 2006-05-07 2013-12-03 Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Methods for interactive communications with real time effects and avatar environment interaction
US20070279483A1 (en) * 2006-05-31 2007-12-06 Beers Ted W Blended Space For Aligning Video Streams
US7889225B2 (en) * 2006-07-12 2011-02-15 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Videoconferencing environment
US20080055554A1 (en) * 2006-08-30 2008-03-06 Keith Tubin Full Scale Plan Projection
US7924306B2 (en) * 2006-09-15 2011-04-12 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Videoconferencing with enhanced illusion of physical presence in a common space
US7924305B2 (en) * 2006-09-15 2011-04-12 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Consistent quality for multipoint videoconferencing systems
KR101328950B1 (en) * 2007-04-24 2013-11-13 엘지전자 주식회사 Image display method and image communication terminal capable of implementing the same
US8330791B2 (en) * 2007-04-30 2012-12-11 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Video conference system with symmetric reference
WO2009005901A2 (en) 2007-05-18 2009-01-08 The Uab Research Foundation Virtual interactive presence systems and methods
US8063929B2 (en) * 2007-05-31 2011-11-22 Eastman Kodak Company Managing scene transitions for video communication
US8253770B2 (en) * 2007-05-31 2012-08-28 Eastman Kodak Company Residential video communication system
US8154578B2 (en) * 2007-05-31 2012-04-10 Eastman Kodak Company Multi-camera residential communication system
US8159519B2 (en) * 2007-05-31 2012-04-17 Eastman Kodak Company Personal controls for personal video communications
US8154583B2 (en) * 2007-05-31 2012-04-10 Eastman Kodak Company Eye gazing imaging for video communications
US8633962B2 (en) * 2007-06-22 2014-01-21 Lifesize Communications, Inc. Video decoder which processes multiple video streams
US8139100B2 (en) * 2007-07-13 2012-03-20 Lifesize Communications, Inc. Virtual multiway scaler compensation
WO2009049192A1 (en) * 2007-10-12 2009-04-16 Polycom, Inc. Integrated system for telepresence videoconferencing
US8074581B2 (en) 2007-10-12 2011-12-13 Steelcase Inc. Conference table assembly
US8379076B2 (en) 2008-01-07 2013-02-19 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for displaying a multipoint videoconference
US8355041B2 (en) 2008-02-14 2013-01-15 Cisco Technology, Inc. Telepresence system for 360 degree video conferencing
US8797377B2 (en) 2008-02-14 2014-08-05 Cisco Technology, Inc. Method and system for videoconference configuration
US8319819B2 (en) 2008-03-26 2012-11-27 Cisco Technology, Inc. Virtual round-table videoconference
US8390667B2 (en) 2008-04-15 2013-03-05 Cisco Technology, Inc. Pop-up PIP for people not in picture
US8270075B2 (en) 2008-05-08 2012-09-18 Musion Ip Limited Projection apparatuses and associated methods
US8643691B2 (en) * 2008-05-12 2014-02-04 Microsoft Corporation Gaze accurate video conferencing
US8824861B2 (en) * 2008-07-01 2014-09-02 Yoostar Entertainment Group, Inc. Interactive systems and methods for video compositing
GB0910117D0 (en) 2008-07-14 2009-07-29 Holicom Film Ltd Method and system for filming
GB0821996D0 (en) 2008-12-02 2009-01-07 Musion Ip Ltd Mobile studio
US20100031152A1 (en) * 2008-07-31 2010-02-04 Microsoft Corporation Creation and Navigation of Infinite Canvas Presentation
US8108777B2 (en) 2008-08-11 2012-01-31 Microsoft Corporation Sections of a presentation having user-definable properties
US8694658B2 (en) 2008-09-19 2014-04-08 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for enabling communication sessions in a network environment
US8514265B2 (en) * 2008-10-02 2013-08-20 Lifesize Communications, Inc. Systems and methods for selecting videoconferencing endpoints for display in a composite video image
US20140361954A1 (en) 2013-06-07 2014-12-11 Lewis Epstein Personal control apparatus and method for sharing information in a collaboration workspace
US10631632B2 (en) 2008-10-13 2020-04-28 Steelcase Inc. Egalitarian control apparatus and method for sharing information in a collaborative workspace
US20100110160A1 (en) * 2008-10-30 2010-05-06 Brandt Matthew K Videoconferencing Community with Live Images
NZ593969A (en) 2008-12-19 2013-11-29 Vertex Pharma Pyrazine derivatives useful as inhibitors of atr kinase
US9563115B2 (en) 2008-12-24 2017-02-07 Musion Ip Limited Method of manufacturing foil for producing a pepper's ghost illusion
GB0918115D0 (en) 2009-10-16 2009-12-02 Musion Ip Ltd A method of manufacturing foil for producing a pepper's ghost illusion
US20100188476A1 (en) * 2009-01-29 2010-07-29 Optical Fusion Inc. Image Quality of Video Conferences
US8456510B2 (en) * 2009-03-04 2013-06-04 Lifesize Communications, Inc. Virtual distributed multipoint control unit
US8643695B2 (en) * 2009-03-04 2014-02-04 Lifesize Communications, Inc. Videoconferencing endpoint extension
US8477175B2 (en) 2009-03-09 2013-07-02 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for providing three dimensional imaging in a network environment
US8659637B2 (en) 2009-03-09 2014-02-25 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for providing three dimensional video conferencing in a network environment
US8274544B2 (en) * 2009-03-23 2012-09-25 Eastman Kodak Company Automated videography systems
US8237771B2 (en) * 2009-03-26 2012-08-07 Eastman Kodak Company Automated videography based communications
US8860775B2 (en) 2009-04-14 2014-10-14 Huawei Device Co., Ltd. Remote presenting system, device, and method
CN101534413B (en) 2009-04-14 2012-07-04 华为终端有限公司 System, method and apparatus for remote representation
US11726332B2 (en) 2009-04-27 2023-08-15 Digilens Inc. Diffractive projection apparatus
US9335604B2 (en) 2013-12-11 2016-05-10 Milan Momcilo Popovich Holographic waveguide display
US8830293B2 (en) * 2009-05-26 2014-09-09 Cisco Technology, Inc. Video superposition for continuous presence
US10127524B2 (en) * 2009-05-26 2018-11-13 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Shared collaboration canvas
US20100306018A1 (en) * 2009-05-27 2010-12-02 Microsoft Corporation Meeting State Recall
US8514260B2 (en) * 2009-05-28 2013-08-20 Microsoft Corporation Establishing eye contact in video conferencing
US10884607B1 (en) 2009-05-29 2021-01-05 Steelcase Inc. Personal control apparatus and method for sharing information in a collaborative workspace
US8659639B2 (en) 2009-05-29 2014-02-25 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for extending communications between participants in a conferencing environment
US9082297B2 (en) 2009-08-11 2015-07-14 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for verifying parameters in an audiovisual environment
US11300795B1 (en) 2009-09-30 2022-04-12 Digilens Inc. Systems for and methods of using fold gratings coordinated with output couplers for dual axis expansion
US10795160B1 (en) 2014-09-25 2020-10-06 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Systems for and methods of using fold gratings for dual axis expansion
US11320571B2 (en) 2012-11-16 2022-05-03 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Transparent waveguide display providing upper and lower fields of view with uniform light extraction
US8233204B1 (en) 2009-09-30 2012-07-31 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Optical displays
US8625769B1 (en) 2009-10-13 2014-01-07 Signal Perfection, Ltd. System for managing, scheduling, monitoring and controlling audio and video communication and data collaboration
US8350891B2 (en) * 2009-11-16 2013-01-08 Lifesize Communications, Inc. Determining a videoconference layout based on numbers of participants
US8659826B1 (en) 2010-02-04 2014-02-25 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Worn display system and method without requiring real time tracking for boresight precision
US8471889B1 (en) 2010-03-11 2013-06-25 Sprint Communications Company L.P. Adjusting an image for video conference display
US9225916B2 (en) 2010-03-18 2015-12-29 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for enhancing video images in a conferencing environment
USD626102S1 (en) 2010-03-21 2010-10-26 Cisco Tech Inc Video unit with integrated features
USD626103S1 (en) 2010-03-21 2010-10-26 Cisco Technology, Inc. Video unit with integrated features
GB201007580D0 (en) 2010-05-06 2010-06-23 Im Sense Ltd Making robust images
US9630956B2 (en) 2010-05-12 2017-04-25 Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated Compounds useful as inhibitors of ATR kinase
WO2011143425A2 (en) 2010-05-12 2011-11-17 Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated Compounds useful as inhibitors of atr kinase
US9313452B2 (en) 2010-05-17 2016-04-12 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for providing retracting optics in a video conferencing environment
CN102300043B (en) * 2010-06-23 2014-06-11 中兴通讯股份有限公司 Method for adjusting meeting place camera of remote presentation meeting system
US8896655B2 (en) * 2010-08-31 2014-11-25 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for providing depth adaptive video conferencing
US8599934B2 (en) 2010-09-08 2013-12-03 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for skip coding during video conferencing in a network environment
US8599865B2 (en) 2010-10-26 2013-12-03 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for provisioning flows in a mobile network environment
US8699457B2 (en) 2010-11-03 2014-04-15 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for managing flows in a mobile network environment
US9143725B2 (en) 2010-11-15 2015-09-22 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for providing enhanced graphics in a video environment
US8902244B2 (en) 2010-11-15 2014-12-02 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for providing enhanced graphics in a video environment
US9338394B2 (en) 2010-11-15 2016-05-10 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for providing enhanced audio in a video environment
US8730297B2 (en) 2010-11-15 2014-05-20 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for providing camera functions in a video environment
US8542264B2 (en) 2010-11-18 2013-09-24 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for managing optics in a video environment
US8723914B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2014-05-13 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for providing enhanced video processing in a network environment
US9111138B2 (en) 2010-11-30 2015-08-18 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for gesture interface control
US8446455B2 (en) 2010-12-08 2013-05-21 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for exchanging information in a video conference environment
US8553064B2 (en) 2010-12-08 2013-10-08 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for controlling video data to be rendered in a video conference environment
US9118612B2 (en) 2010-12-15 2015-08-25 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Meeting-specific state indicators
US9383888B2 (en) 2010-12-15 2016-07-05 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Optimized joint document review
USD682294S1 (en) 2010-12-16 2013-05-14 Cisco Technology, Inc. Display screen with graphical user interface
USD682293S1 (en) 2010-12-16 2013-05-14 Cisco Technology, Inc. Display screen with graphical user interface
USD682864S1 (en) 2010-12-16 2013-05-21 Cisco Technology, Inc. Display screen with graphical user interface
USD678894S1 (en) 2010-12-16 2013-03-26 Cisco Technology, Inc. Display screen with graphical user interface
USD678320S1 (en) 2010-12-16 2013-03-19 Cisco Technology, Inc. Display screen with graphical user interface
USD678307S1 (en) 2010-12-16 2013-03-19 Cisco Technology, Inc. Display screen with graphical user interface
USD678308S1 (en) 2010-12-16 2013-03-19 Cisco Technology, Inc. Display screen with graphical user interface
USD682854S1 (en) 2010-12-16 2013-05-21 Cisco Technology, Inc. Display screen for graphical user interface
US9864612B2 (en) 2010-12-23 2018-01-09 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Techniques to customize a user interface for different displays
US8384757B2 (en) 2011-01-11 2013-02-26 Baker Hughes Incorporated System and method for providing videoconferencing among a plurality of locations
US8692862B2 (en) 2011-02-28 2014-04-08 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for selection of video data in a video conference environment
US8698872B2 (en) 2011-03-02 2014-04-15 At&T Intellectual Property I, Lp System and method for notification of events of interest during a video conference
EP2506568A1 (en) * 2011-03-30 2012-10-03 Alcatel Lucent A method, a system, a device, a computer program and a computer program product for conducting a video conference
WO2012136970A1 (en) 2011-04-07 2012-10-11 Milan Momcilo Popovich Laser despeckler based on angular diversity
US8670019B2 (en) 2011-04-28 2014-03-11 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for providing enhanced eye gaze in a video conferencing environment
US8786631B1 (en) 2011-04-30 2014-07-22 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for transferring transparency information in a video environment
US8934026B2 (en) 2011-05-12 2015-01-13 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for video coding in a dynamic environment
US8767586B2 (en) 2011-06-20 2014-07-01 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Methods, systems, and products for network topology
US9886552B2 (en) 2011-08-12 2018-02-06 Help Lighting, Inc. System and method for image registration of multiple video streams
WO2013027004A1 (en) 2011-08-24 2013-02-28 Milan Momcilo Popovich Wearable data display
WO2016020630A2 (en) 2014-08-08 2016-02-11 Milan Momcilo Popovich Waveguide laser illuminator incorporating a despeckler
US10670876B2 (en) 2011-08-24 2020-06-02 Digilens Inc. Waveguide laser illuminator incorporating a despeckler
US10050800B2 (en) 2011-09-14 2018-08-14 Barco N.V. Electronic tool and methods for meetings for providing connection to a communications network
EP3761634A1 (en) * 2011-09-14 2021-01-06 Barco N.V. Electronic tool and methods for meetings
US8756348B2 (en) 2011-09-14 2014-06-17 Barco N.V. Electronic tool and methods for meetings
SG11201507377SA (en) * 2011-09-14 2015-10-29 Barco Nv Electronic tool and methods with audio for meetings
US9083769B2 (en) 2011-09-14 2015-07-14 Barco N.V. Electronic tool and methods for meetings
US11258676B2 (en) 2011-09-14 2022-02-22 Barco N.V. Electronic tool and methods for meetings
WO2013037981A1 (en) * 2011-09-14 2013-03-21 Barco N.V. Electronic tool and methods for meetings
US10965480B2 (en) 2011-09-14 2021-03-30 Barco N.V. Electronic tool and methods for recording a meeting
JP2014532330A (en) * 2011-09-23 2014-12-04 タンゴメ,インコーポレイテッド Strengthen video conferencing
US9715067B1 (en) 2011-09-30 2017-07-25 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Ultra-compact HUD utilizing waveguide pupil expander with surface relief gratings in high refractive index materials
US9599813B1 (en) 2011-09-30 2017-03-21 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Waveguide combiner system and method with less susceptibility to glare
BR112014007721B1 (en) 2011-09-30 2022-11-01 Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated PROCESSES FOR PREPARING COMPOUNDS USEFUL AS ATR KINASE INHIBITORS
US8634139B1 (en) 2011-09-30 2014-01-21 Rockwell Collins, Inc. System for and method of catadioptric collimation in a compact head up display (HUD)
BR112014007690B1 (en) 2011-09-30 2022-10-04 Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated Uses of ATR inhibitors in the treatment of pancreatic cancer and non-small cell lung cancer
US9366864B1 (en) 2011-09-30 2016-06-14 Rockwell Collins, Inc. System for and method of displaying information without need for a combiner alignment detector
US8682973B2 (en) 2011-10-05 2014-03-25 Microsoft Corporation Multi-user and multi-device collaboration
US9544158B2 (en) 2011-10-05 2017-01-10 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Workspace collaboration via a wall-type computing device
US9996241B2 (en) 2011-10-11 2018-06-12 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Interactive visualization of multiple software functionality content items
US10198485B2 (en) 2011-10-13 2019-02-05 Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc Authoring of data visualizations and maps
US8947493B2 (en) 2011-11-16 2015-02-03 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for alerting a participant in a video conference
CN102368816A (en) * 2011-12-01 2012-03-07 中科芯集成电路股份有限公司 Intelligent front end system of video conference
US8682087B2 (en) 2011-12-19 2014-03-25 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for depth-guided image filtering in a video conference environment
US20150010265A1 (en) 2012-01-06 2015-01-08 Milan, Momcilo POPOVICH Contact image sensor using switchable bragg gratings
US9523852B1 (en) 2012-03-28 2016-12-20 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Micro collimator system and method for a head up display (HUD)
NZ726671A (en) 2012-04-05 2018-04-27 Vertex Pharma Compounds useful as inhibitors of atr kinase and combination therapies thereof
GB2501471A (en) 2012-04-18 2013-10-30 Barco Nv Electronic conference arrangement
WO2013163347A1 (en) 2012-04-25 2013-10-31 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Holographic wide angle display
US9020203B2 (en) 2012-05-21 2015-04-28 Vipaar, Llc System and method for managing spatiotemporal uncertainty
US8804321B2 (en) 2012-05-25 2014-08-12 Steelcase, Inc. Work and videoconference assembly
DK2904406T3 (en) 2012-10-04 2018-06-18 Vertex Pharma METHOD OF DETERMINING THE ATR INHIBITION, INCREASED DNA DAMAGE
US9151150B2 (en) 2012-10-23 2015-10-06 Baker Hughes Incorporated Apparatus and methods for well-bore proximity measurement while drilling
US9933684B2 (en) * 2012-11-16 2018-04-03 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Transparent waveguide display providing upper and lower fields of view having a specific light output aperture configuration
US9681154B2 (en) 2012-12-06 2017-06-13 Patent Capital Group System and method for depth-guided filtering in a video conference environment
WO2014100250A2 (en) * 2012-12-18 2014-06-26 Nissi Vilcovsky Devices, systems and methods of capturing and displaying appearances
US9710968B2 (en) 2012-12-26 2017-07-18 Help Lightning, Inc. System and method for role-switching in multi-reality environments
WO2014130977A1 (en) 2013-02-25 2014-08-28 Herold Williams Nonlinear scaling in video conferencing
US9392225B2 (en) * 2013-03-14 2016-07-12 Polycom, Inc. Method and system for providing a virtual cafeteria
US10062106B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2018-08-28 Mirza M. AHMAD Menu sharing systems and methods for teledining
US9674413B1 (en) 2013-04-17 2017-06-06 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Vision system and method having improved performance and solar mitigation
US10332560B2 (en) 2013-05-06 2019-06-25 Noo Inc. Audio-video compositing and effects
US9843621B2 (en) 2013-05-17 2017-12-12 Cisco Technology, Inc. Calendaring activities based on communication processing
US9603457B2 (en) 2013-05-31 2017-03-28 Steelcase Inc. Lounge assemblies for supporting portable electronics devices
US9940750B2 (en) 2013-06-27 2018-04-10 Help Lighting, Inc. System and method for role negotiation in multi-reality environments
WO2015015138A1 (en) 2013-07-31 2015-02-05 Milan Momcilo Popovich Method and apparatus for contact image sensing
US9244281B1 (en) 2013-09-26 2016-01-26 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Display system and method using a detached combiner
US9210377B2 (en) 2013-10-30 2015-12-08 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Methods, systems, and products for telepresence visualizations
US10075656B2 (en) 2013-10-30 2018-09-11 At&T Intellectual Property I, L.P. Methods, systems, and products for telepresence visualizations
US10732407B1 (en) 2014-01-10 2020-08-04 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Near eye head up display system and method with fixed combiner
US9524588B2 (en) 2014-01-24 2016-12-20 Avaya Inc. Enhanced communication between remote participants using augmented and virtual reality
US9519089B1 (en) 2014-01-30 2016-12-13 Rockwell Collins, Inc. High performance volume phase gratings
US9479730B1 (en) 2014-02-13 2016-10-25 Steelcase, Inc. Inferred activity based conference enhancement method and system
US9244280B1 (en) 2014-03-25 2016-01-26 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Near eye display system and method for display enhancement or redundancy
US10348724B2 (en) 2014-04-07 2019-07-09 Barco N.V. Ad hoc one-time pairing of remote devices using online audio fingerprinting
US10074374B2 (en) 2014-04-07 2018-09-11 Barco N.V. Ad hoc one-time pairing of remote devices using online audio fingerprinting
WO2016020632A1 (en) 2014-08-08 2016-02-11 Milan Momcilo Popovich Method for holographic mastering and replication
WO2016042283A1 (en) 2014-09-19 2016-03-24 Milan Momcilo Popovich Method and apparatus for generating input images for holographic waveguide displays
US9715110B1 (en) 2014-09-25 2017-07-25 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Automotive head up display (HUD)
US10088675B1 (en) 2015-05-18 2018-10-02 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Turning light pipe for a pupil expansion system and method
EP3245444B1 (en) 2015-01-12 2021-09-08 DigiLens Inc. Environmentally isolated waveguide display
US9541998B2 (en) 2015-01-29 2017-01-10 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Electronic system with gaze alignment mechanism and method of operation thereof
US9632226B2 (en) 2015-02-12 2017-04-25 Digilens Inc. Waveguide grating device
US9628754B2 (en) 2015-04-02 2017-04-18 Telepresence Technologies, Llc TelePresence architectural systems and methods therefore
US10126552B2 (en) 2015-05-18 2018-11-13 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Micro collimator system and method for a head up display (HUD)
US11366316B2 (en) 2015-05-18 2022-06-21 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Head up display (HUD) using a light pipe
US10247943B1 (en) 2015-05-18 2019-04-02 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Head up display (HUD) using a light pipe
US10108010B2 (en) 2015-06-29 2018-10-23 Rockwell Collins, Inc. System for and method of integrating head up displays and head down displays
EP3355926A4 (en) 2015-09-30 2019-08-21 Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. Method for treating cancer using a combination of dna damaging agents and atr inhibitors
US10690916B2 (en) 2015-10-05 2020-06-23 Digilens Inc. Apparatus for providing waveguide displays with two-dimensional pupil expansion
KR20170042431A (en) 2015-10-08 2017-04-19 삼성전자주식회사 Electronic device configured to non-uniformly encode/decode image data according to display shape
US10598932B1 (en) 2016-01-06 2020-03-24 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Head up display for integrating views of conformally mapped symbols and a fixed image source
CN108780224B (en) 2016-03-24 2021-08-03 迪吉伦斯公司 Method and apparatus for providing a polarization selective holographic waveguide device
WO2017178781A1 (en) 2016-04-11 2017-10-19 GRANT, Alastair, John Holographic waveguide apparatus for structured light projection
USD862127S1 (en) 2016-04-15 2019-10-08 Steelcase Inc. Conference table
USD808197S1 (en) 2016-04-15 2018-01-23 Steelcase Inc. Support for a table
USD838129S1 (en) 2016-04-15 2019-01-15 Steelcase Inc. Worksurface for a conference table
US10219614B2 (en) 2016-04-15 2019-03-05 Steelcase Inc. Reconfigurable conference table
WO2017195514A1 (en) * 2016-05-13 2017-11-16 ソニー株式会社 Image processing device, image processing system, and image processing method, and program
US9729820B1 (en) 2016-09-02 2017-08-08 Russell Holmes Systems and methods for providing real-time composite video from multiple source devices
US10089793B2 (en) 2016-09-02 2018-10-02 Russell Holmes Systems and methods for providing real-time composite video from multiple source devices featuring augmented reality elements
US11513350B2 (en) 2016-12-02 2022-11-29 Digilens Inc. Waveguide device with uniform output illumination
US10264213B1 (en) 2016-12-15 2019-04-16 Steelcase Inc. Content amplification system and method
US10545346B2 (en) 2017-01-05 2020-01-28 Digilens Inc. Wearable heads up displays
US10295824B2 (en) 2017-01-26 2019-05-21 Rockwell Collins, Inc. Head up display with an angled light pipe
BR112019017554A2 (en) * 2017-02-27 2020-04-07 Del Rosario Ortin Ramon Maria display of a three-dimensional record in a rehabilitation system
CN116149058A (en) 2017-10-16 2023-05-23 迪吉伦斯公司 System and method for multiplying image resolution of pixellated display
WO2019136476A1 (en) 2018-01-08 2019-07-11 Digilens, Inc. Waveguide architectures and related methods of manufacturing
EP3710893A4 (en) 2018-01-08 2021-09-22 Digilens Inc. Systems and methods for high-throughput recording of holographic gratings in waveguide cells
JP2019180027A (en) * 2018-03-30 2019-10-17 株式会社リコー Communication terminal, image communication system, display method, and program
US11402801B2 (en) 2018-07-25 2022-08-02 Digilens Inc. Systems and methods for fabricating a multilayer optical structure
JP2022520472A (en) 2019-02-15 2022-03-30 ディジレンズ インコーポレイテッド Methods and equipment for providing holographic waveguide displays using integrated grids
JP2022525165A (en) 2019-03-12 2022-05-11 ディジレンズ インコーポレイテッド Holographic Waveguide Backlights and Related Manufacturing Methods
WO2020247930A1 (en) 2019-06-07 2020-12-10 Digilens Inc. Waveguides incorporating transmissive and reflective gratings and related methods of manufacturing
WO2021021926A1 (en) 2019-07-29 2021-02-04 Digilens Inc. Methods and apparatus for multiplying the image resolution and field-of-view of a pixelated display
KR20220054386A (en) 2019-08-29 2022-05-02 디지렌즈 인코포레이티드. Vacuum Bragg grating and manufacturing method thereof
KR102426374B1 (en) * 2022-01-11 2022-07-27 최해용 Virtual face-to-face table device

Family Cites Families (71)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US525306A (en) * 1894-08-28 Charles a
US3233346A (en) * 1962-09-13 1966-02-08 Cornberg Sol Carrel
US3869992A (en) * 1972-09-11 1975-03-11 Edward J Kramer Clusterable learning module
JPS5250611A (en) * 1975-10-22 1977-04-22 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Imagery communication method
US4004084A (en) * 1976-03-03 1977-01-18 Bell Telephone Laboratories, Incorporated Video conferencing system using spatial reduction and temporal resolution
USD252635S (en) * 1977-04-27 1979-08-14 Control Data Corporation Portable learning unit
US4400724A (en) * 1981-06-08 1983-08-23 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Virtual space teleconference system
FR2529044B1 (en) * 1982-06-18 1986-06-20 Inst Nat Rech Inf Automat VISUAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS METHODS AND DEVICES, ESPECIALLY FOR THE USE OF THE DEAF
DE3566208D1 (en) * 1984-02-29 1988-12-15 Hertz Inst Heinrich Video conference system
SE465347B (en) * 1984-04-25 1991-08-26 Matsushita Electric Works Ltd PICTURE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM FOR SAMPLING AND COMPRESSING PICTURE DATA IN A TV PICTURE FIELD
DE3578298D1 (en) * 1984-07-20 1990-07-19 Nec Corp REAL-TIME PROCESSING SYSTEM FOR VIDEO SIGNALS.
DE3536044A1 (en) * 1985-10-09 1987-04-16 Weyel Kg CONFERENCE TABLE
US4707077A (en) * 1986-01-30 1987-11-17 Hughes Aircraft Company Real time image subtraction with a single liquid crystal light valve
US4823194A (en) * 1986-08-01 1989-04-18 Hitachi, Ltd. Method for processing gray scale images and an apparatus thereof
US4845636A (en) * 1986-10-17 1989-07-04 Walker Mark E Remote transaction system
US4800432A (en) * 1986-10-24 1989-01-24 The Grass Valley Group, Inc. Video Difference key generator
JPS63125241A (en) * 1986-11-14 1988-05-28 株式会社東芝 Image processor
US4931872A (en) * 1986-11-24 1990-06-05 Gte Laboratories Incorporated Methods of and apparatus for the generation of split-screen video displays
US4986194A (en) * 1986-11-26 1991-01-22 Bollman Clifford J Multi-adjustable, multi-functional, space saving workplace system
JPS63142986A (en) * 1986-12-05 1988-06-15 Nec Corp Television telephone set
FR2623955B1 (en) * 1987-11-27 1990-04-27 Labo Electronique Physique METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ESTIMATING AND COMPENSATING MOTION IN AN IMAGE SEQUENCE AND THEIR APPLICATION IN A HIGH DEFINITION TELEVISION IMAGE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM
US5079627A (en) * 1988-06-15 1992-01-07 Optum Corporation Videophone
US5032901A (en) * 1988-06-28 1991-07-16 Petro Vlahos Backing color and luminance nonuniformity compensation for linear image compositing
US4991009A (en) * 1988-07-08 1991-02-05 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Dynamic image transmission system
JPH0813126B2 (en) * 1988-08-12 1996-02-07 沖電気工業株式会社 Image communication device
US4890314A (en) * 1988-08-26 1989-12-26 Bell Communications Research, Inc. Teleconference facility with high resolution video display
US5055927A (en) * 1988-09-13 1991-10-08 Deutsche Thomson-Brandt Gmbh Dual channel video signal transmission system
NL8902005A (en) * 1988-09-15 1990-04-02 Samsung Electronics Co Ltd COLOR TONE GENERATOR FOR A VIDEO LAYOUT.
US4965819A (en) * 1988-09-22 1990-10-23 Docu-Vision, Inc. Video conferencing system for courtroom and other applications
US5157491A (en) * 1988-10-17 1992-10-20 Kassatly L Samuel A Method and apparatus for video broadcasting and teleconferencing
US5691777A (en) * 1988-10-17 1997-11-25 Kassatly; Lord Samuel Anthony Method and apparatus for simultaneous compression of video, audio and data signals
US4928301A (en) * 1988-12-30 1990-05-22 Bell Communications Research, Inc. Teleconferencing terminal with camera behind display screen
US5014267A (en) * 1989-04-06 1991-05-07 Datapoint Corporation Video conferencing network
US5016405A (en) * 1989-04-18 1991-05-21 Rosemount Office Systems, Inc. Modular workstations
JPH02307059A (en) * 1989-05-23 1990-12-20 Seiko Instr Inc Reaction vessel
US5024398A (en) * 1989-06-28 1991-06-18 The Boeing Company Office module for passenger aircraft
US5038224A (en) * 1989-12-22 1991-08-06 Bell Communications Research, Inc. Video imaging device in a teleconferencing system
US5282027A (en) * 1990-04-27 1994-01-25 U.S. Philips Corporation Image projection display and pick-up apparatus with optical shutter
JPH0433490A (en) * 1990-05-30 1992-02-04 Sony Corp Television conference system
JPH0468986A (en) * 1990-07-09 1992-03-04 Sony Corp Moving picture difference detector
US5168528A (en) * 1990-08-20 1992-12-01 Itt Corporation Differential electronic imaging system
WO1992007327A1 (en) * 1990-10-12 1992-04-30 Tpi, Inc. Telecommunications booth and method of use
US5117285A (en) * 1991-01-15 1992-05-26 Bell Communications Research Eye contact apparatus for video conferencing
US5187571A (en) * 1991-02-01 1993-02-16 Bell Communications Research, Inc. Television system for displaying multiple views of a remote location
US5214512A (en) * 1991-02-11 1993-05-25 Ampex Systems Corporation Keyed, true-transparency image information combine
US5127078A (en) * 1991-02-13 1992-06-30 Terry Weed Integrated display for image presentation and receiving using fiber optics
US5159451A (en) * 1991-03-19 1992-10-27 Faroudja Y C Field memory expansible line doubler for television receiver
JP3292248B2 (en) * 1991-05-29 2002-06-17 富士通株式会社 Teleconferencing system
JP3289730B2 (en) * 1991-07-12 2002-06-10 日本電信電話株式会社 I / O device for image communication
JPH0568246A (en) * 1991-09-06 1993-03-19 Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> Display and image pickup system for video communication
US5280540A (en) * 1991-10-09 1994-01-18 Bell Communications Research, Inc. Video teleconferencing system employing aspect ratio transformation
US5249039A (en) * 1991-11-18 1993-09-28 The Grass Valley Group, Inc. Chroma key method and apparatus
JP3513160B2 (en) * 1991-12-06 2004-03-31 キヤノン株式会社 Video signal encoding apparatus and method
KR940010241B1 (en) * 1991-12-14 1994-10-22 산성전자 주식회사 Motion vector detecting method
US5315633A (en) * 1991-12-20 1994-05-24 Unisys Corporation Digital video switch for video teleconferencing
US5282341A (en) * 1992-01-10 1994-02-01 Steelcase Inc. Dynamic workspace module
US5261735A (en) * 1992-02-03 1993-11-16 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration Deployable video conference table
US5352033A (en) * 1992-03-27 1994-10-04 Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc. Operator work station having a monitor support assembly
US5275526A (en) * 1992-04-20 1994-01-04 Superior Handling Equipment, Inc. Truck freight loading and dock device
US5541640A (en) * 1992-06-23 1996-07-30 Larson; Craig R. Videophone for simultaneous audio and video communication via a standard telephone line
WO1994007392A1 (en) * 1992-09-25 1994-04-14 Burns J Robert Work-study carrell
US5394198A (en) * 1992-12-22 1995-02-28 At&T Corp. Large-screen display system
US5400069A (en) * 1993-06-16 1995-03-21 Bell Communications Research, Inc. Eye contact video-conferencing system and screen
US5397133A (en) * 1993-09-30 1995-03-14 At&T Corp. System for playing card games remotely
US5689641A (en) 1993-10-01 1997-11-18 Vicor, Inc. Multimedia collaboration system arrangement for routing compressed AV signal through a participant site without decompressing the AV signal
US5438357A (en) * 1993-11-23 1995-08-01 Mcnelley; Steve H. Image manipulating teleconferencing system
US5347306A (en) * 1993-12-17 1994-09-13 Mitsubishi Electric Research Laboratories, Inc. Animated electronic meeting place
US5850250A (en) 1994-07-18 1998-12-15 Bell Atlantic Maryland, Inc. Video distance learning system
US5572248A (en) * 1994-09-19 1996-11-05 Teleport Corporation Teleconferencing method and system for providing face-to-face, non-animated teleconference environment
US5784843A (en) * 1994-12-30 1998-07-28 Steelcase Inc. Integrated prefabricated furniture system for fitting-out open plan building space
US7710448B2 (en) * 2006-04-20 2010-05-04 Cisco Technology, Inc. System and method for preventing movement in a telepresence system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69527440T2 (en) 2003-02-20
US20070120954A1 (en) 2007-05-31
US20040100553A1 (en) 2004-05-27
WO1996009722A1 (en) 1996-03-28
EP0806115A4 (en) 1998-03-11
US6445405B1 (en) 2002-09-03
US6654045B2 (en) 2003-11-25
DE69534660T2 (en) 2006-07-27
JPH10508990A (en) 1998-09-02
EP0806115B1 (en) 2002-07-17
EP1187480A1 (en) 2002-03-13
CA2200477A1 (en) 1996-03-28
US5751337A (en) 1998-05-12
ATE220838T1 (en) 2002-08-15
DE69534660D1 (en) 2006-01-05
US7116350B2 (en) 2006-10-03
US6160573A (en) 2000-12-12
US5572248A (en) 1996-11-05
EP0806115A1 (en) 1997-11-12
US20030020805A1 (en) 2003-01-30
DE69527440D1 (en) 2002-08-22
KR100403885B1 (en) 2004-04-03
EP1187480B1 (en) 2005-11-30
ATE311724T1 (en) 2005-12-15
AU697578B2 (en) 1998-10-08
AU3634495A (en) 1996-04-09

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CA2200477C (en) Teleconferencing method and system
US9819907B2 (en) Communication stage and related systems
US7119829B2 (en) Virtual conference room
Mouzourakis Remote interpreting: a technical perspective on recent experiments
US5793415A (en) Videoconferencing and multimedia system
US20060181607A1 (en) Reflected backdrop display and telepresence network
US11317057B2 (en) Advanced telepresence environments
WO2010033036A1 (en) A control system for a local telepresence videoconferencing system and a method for establishing a video conference call
US20170237941A1 (en) Realistic viewing and interaction with remote objects or persons during telepresence videoconferencing
Böcker et al. Communicative presence in videocommunications
US20220247971A1 (en) Virtual Digital Twin Videoconferencing Environments
US11831454B2 (en) Full dome conference
JP2001503221A (en) Video conferencing equipment
Jouppi et al. Bireality: mutually-immersive telepresence
US7190388B2 (en) Communication terminal and system
JPH08256316A (en) Communication conference system
JPH0832948A (en) Line of sight coincidental video conference system
JP2008301399A (en) Television conference apparatus, television conference method, television conference system, computer program and recording medium
JP2708490B2 (en) Multipoint video conference system
EP4203464A1 (en) Full dome conference
McClellan 3Putting Words in Your Mouth and Images in Your Eyes
JPH11122592A (en) Video conference system
JPH05268688A (en) Microphone for television conference

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
EEER Examination request
MKLA Lapsed

Effective date: 20150918