GB2370930A

GB2370930A - Video conference system ensuring natural eye contact between conference participants.

Info

Publication number: GB2370930A
Application number: GB0100321A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Didwith Lewis
Original assignee: INFORMATION NETWORK SOFTWARE L
Current assignee: INFORMATION NETWORK SOFTWARE L
Priority date: 2001-01-06
Filing date: 2001-01-06
Publication date: 2002-07-10
Anticipated expiration: 2021-01-06
Also published as: GB2370930B; GB0100321D0

Abstract

A housing 160 of a video conference or telephony system encloses a video camera 120 mounted on an adjustable platform 125. Camera 120 is mounted behind aperture 140 in light impermeable plastic panel 135. A partially reflecting screen 150 is positioned over panel 135 at approximately 45 degrees to a flat screen LCD 110. The image of a conference participant 101 is recorded by camera 120 through aperture 140 and transmitted to an equivalent housing 160 at a remote location. Likewise, images recorded in the same way at the remote location are transmitted, displayed on LCD 110 and reflected by screen 150 toward the participant 101. Thus screen 150 allows both partial reflection of incoming images from LCD 110, and partial transmission of outgoing images to camera 120. The arrangement allows eye-to-eye contact be maintained by conference participants. Screen 150 may be plastics or glass material, and have a reflective surface comprising silver, aluminium or titanium oxide. Further embodiments may comprise speaker and microphone systems (473, 475: see overall system shown in Figure 5).

Description

Video Telephone Housing

Technical Field The invention relates to a housing and a terminal for video telephony that enables eye-to-eye contact between two parties.

Background to the Invention Video telephony and conference systems are now available which allow face-toface communication between local and distant parties. While such systems greatly enhance communication between individuals and groups, one common problem frequently encountered is a lack of eye-to-eye contact between participants. This lack of eye contact significantly depersonalises communication and can prove distracting for the parties concerned. There is, therefore, a need for greater intimacy involving eye-to-eye contact in video telephony and conferencing systems.

The Applicants have found that a terminal, comprising a video camera located behind a reflective screen inclined at substantially 450 to the line of sight of the user and a microprocessor can enable eye-to-eye communication between two parties.

Furthermore, the terminal may be attached to a variety of microprocessor means, such as a personal computer, to enable it to function as a video telephone.

The need to improve intimacy in video telephony and conferencing by establishing eye-to-eye contact is recognised in the art. One means of achieving this end is to use partially reflective mirrors to transmit distant images from a monitor onto a screen and to transmit the image of the local party to a camera. A significant

technical problem encountered with this approach, however, is to balance the transmission and reflection of the image to provide a high quality of image resolution

to each party. The Applicant has found that the use of specific reflective screens, in combination with an inlet for light which reduces light interference to the video camera, greatly improves the resolution obtainable in such systems.

U. S. Patent Number 5,117, 285 provides an apparatus utilising partially silvered mirrors and polarisers which reflects an image of a local party and transmits an image of the distant party that is radiated from the terminal screen and passed by a first polariser.

U. S. Patent Number 5,801, 758 addresses the same problem and offers a solution whereby the loss of eye contact between system users is eliminated by time sharing a single optical path. A switching device regulates the usage of the optical path between a camera and a projector, thereby enabling eye-to-eye contact.

U. S. Patent Number 4,965, 819 describes a local module used in video conferencing closed circuit systems for courtroom applications. The module comprises a monitor, video camera and a partially reflective mirror concealed behind a screen that allows eye-to-eye contact between communicating parties. Only a brief description of the module and its component parts is given, and differs quite clearly from the present invention in terms of the nature and configuration of the mirror and monitor within the module. Furthermore, the module is for use in a closed environment and not over the public telecommunications network.

Summary of Invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a housing for a video camera comprising a body; a sheet forming part of said body enabling reflection of light from outwith said housing; and a portion which enables and directs transmission of light to said camera.

In one aspect, the reflective sheet comprises a plastic or glass material. Preferably one surface of the plastic or glass material additionally comprises a coating with a reflective material. More preferably the reflective material is selected from the group consisting of silver, aluminium and titanium oxide.

In another aspect, a second surface of the plastic or glass material comprises a coating with an anti-reflective material.

Preferably, the plastic or glass material transmits 0-40% of the incident light and reflects 60-100% of the incident light.

Preferably the sheet comprises a glass material. Suitable high quality glass is commercially available (e. g. from Kendall Hyde Limited, Basingstoke, UK) in a range of specifications. In one embodiment of the invention, titanium oxide coatings are applied to the face of commercial quality float glass under high vacuum, the thickness of the film being controlled to give the desired ratio of reflection to transmission. The resultant glass sheet acts as a'beamsplitter', reflecting approximately 30% of the incident light and transmitting the remaining 70% of light.

The second face of the glass is coated with an anti-reflective film under high vacuum (designed to reduce the surface reflection by 1.4%). The anti-reflective coating can be centred at any wavelength between 350 nm and 1550 nm. In a preferred embodiment the minima is within the range 490 nm to 530 nm.

Both coatings are robust and durable, being designed to meet the requirements for abrasion resistance and film adhesion as specified by BS-G-211 and U. S. MIL-M- 13508C. The thickness of the glass may vary, typically ranging from 2 mm to 10 mm in thickness; the glass being selected to ensure that it is flat (i. e. it does not exceed 2 fringes per 25mm) and free from scratches, stains, seeds and ripples. The dimensions of the essentially rectangular glass sheet range are dependent upon those of the display screen, typically being approximately 10% higher and approximately 42% longer than the display screen. Thus, for a typical 15 inch (38

cm) display screen, the height and length of the glass would be 23 cm and 46 cm, respectively.

Preferably the sheet is inclined at substantially 450 to the body of the housing.

In another aspect, the portion forms an inlet in the sheet.

In one aspect, the inlet transmits 20-40% of incident light and reflects 60-80% of incident light.

In another aspect, the portion is an aperture definable by the body of the housing.

Preferably, the aperture is definable by a light impermeable plastic or glass panel.

More preferably, the portion has a trapezium shape.

In another aspect, the internal surfaces of the housing comprise a light absorbing material. Preferably, the light absorbing material comprises a black coloration.

In a further aspect, the housing additionally comprises a video camera. Preferably, the video camera is capable of full screen image capture. The camera may be capable of black and white or colour format. More preferably, the camera may be a web cam video camera suitable for use over the Internet. More preferably, the camera enables full motion, television quality, full screen image capture.

In one aspect, the housing additionally comprises a. display screen. Preferably, the screen comprises a flat screen liquid crystal display (LCD). More preferably, the light from the screen is reflected in a horizontal plane onto the surface of the reflective sheet. More preferably, the mirror imaging on the sheet is correctable by the horizontal reflection of the image on the display.

In another aspect, the height of the video camera within the housing is adjustable to the optical path of the user.

In a further aspect, the housing additionally comprises a microphone for sensing and converting speech from the local party into an electrical signal for transmission to the distant party.

In a further aspect, the housing additionally comprises a loudspeaker for translating an electrical signal from the distant party into sound.

In a further aspect, the housing additionally comprises a keyboard for inputting data as electrical signals into the terminal. The keyboard may, for instance, be used to dial the address of the other terminal.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a terminal for enabling eye-to-eye contact between a local party and the image of a distant party comprising a housing according to the present invention and additionally comprising microprocessing means for processing the electrical signals from the microphone, loudspeaker, video camera and keyboard.

Preferably, the microprocessing means comprise a computer. More preferably, the computer comprises a personal computer.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for video telephony enabling eye-to-eye contact between a local party and the image of a distant party comprising two terminals according to the present invention for communicating electronic signals through the Public Telecommunications Network to said terminals.

In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided the use of a terminal according to the present invention for enabling eye-to-eye contact for video telephony.

Brief Description of the Invention Figures 1a & 1b are diagramatic representations illustrating the problem of eye-toeye contact with conventional video telephony systems.

Figure 2 is a plan perspective of a housing according to the present invention.

Figures 3a & 3b are diagramatic plan perspectives of a housing according to the present invention.

Figure 4 is a simplified front perspective of the principal components of a housing according to the present invention.

Figure 5 is a diagramatic representation illustrating the component parts of the video telephone terminal according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention Figures 1 a and b illustrate the problem of eye contact with conventional prior art video telephones. In viewing each other on flat screen liquid crystal display 10 (as shown by line of sight arrow 5), neither local party 1 (Figure 1 a) nor distant party 3 (Figure 1 b) make direct eye contact with video camera 20 (as seen by camera sight line 22). The resultant effect is that both parties 1, 3 appear to be looking away from each other when their image is displayed on flat screen liquid crystal display 10, and thus fail to make eye-to-eye contact.

A plan perspective of a housing 160 according to the present invention is shown in Figure 2. Body 130 encloses video camera 120 which is mounted on an adjustable platform 125. The lens of the camera 120 is positioned behind aperture 140 in light impermeable plastic panel 135. A partially reflective screen 150 is positioned over the surface of panel 135 at approximately 450 to flat screen liquid crystal display 110.

The screen 150 transmits and reflects light, thereby allowing video camera 120 to capture the image of local party 101 (camera sight line 122) while reflecting the image of a distant party (not shown) on liquid crystal display 110. The local party 101 can view the image of distant party reflected on screen 150 from flat screen liquid crystal display.

Plan perspectives, showing housing 260 according to the present invention being used by both local 201 and distant 203 parties, are depicted in Figures 3a & 3b. In Figures 3a and 3b a video camera 220 is located within body 230 behind partially reflective screen 250 and panel 235. Local party 201 (Figure 3a) is in video camera 222 sight line. Local party 201 focuses on partially reflective screen 250 to view the reflected image of the other party 203 (as described below). The interior of body 230 is covered with a light absorbing material to prevent the user 201,203 viewing the camera 220. Partially reflective screen 250 transmits light from the local party 201 (Figure 2a) to the video camera 220. Aperture 240 in panel 235 restricts the quantity of light received by the camera. The video camera 220 captures the image of the local party 201 and this is relayed by microprocessing means through the Public Telecommunications Network (not shown) to the liquid crystal display 210 of the distant party 203 (Figure 3b).

In Figure 3a the image of the distant party 203 (Figure 3b) on liquid crystal display 210 is projected (arrow 215) from display 210 to be reflected from screen 250 into the line of sight (not shown) of local party 201. In this way, both local 201 and distant 203 parties appear to be in eye-to-eye contact when viewing each other on reflective screens 250.

Figure 4 depicts the principal components of a video telephone housing 360. Liquid crystal display 310 is located to one side of body 330 which is supported on base 365. The base 365 is used to raise the height of the body 360 and bring it into a horizontal plane with liquid crystal display 310. In use, images on the liquid crystal display 310 are reflected from partially reflective screen 350 enclosed within body 330 towards a user (not shown). The image of the user would be captured by a video camera (not shown) located within body 330 behind screen 350. The height and/or position of the video camera (not shown) behind screen 350 is adjustable.

Figure 5 depicts the component parts of a video telephone terminal.

Microprocessing means 470, which may for example be a personal computer, connects to liquid crystal display 410, camera 420, loudspeaker (s) 473 and microphone 475. The microprocessing means 470 manipulates electrical input signals from the microphone 475 and video camera 420 and relays these either via a dedicated or switched primary rate ISDN connection 480 or via the Internet (not shown). These signals are relayed to a distant video telephone (not shown) where they are converted to sound and visual images by the loudspeaker (not shown) and liquid crystal display (not shown), respectively.

The image of the distant user is displayed on liquid crystal display 410 which is positioned such that the image is visible to the user on the partially reflective screen of housing 460, as described above.

It will be understood that the present disclosure is for the purpose of illustration only and the invention extends to modifications, variations and improvements thereto.

The application of which this description and claims form part may be used as a basis for priority in respect of any subsequent application. The claims of such subsequent application may be directed to any feature or combination of features described therein. They may take the form of product, method or use claims and may include, by way of example and without limitation, one or more of the following claims :

Claims

1. A housing for a video camera comprising a body ; a sheet forming part of said body enabling reflection of light from outwith said housing; and a portion which enables and directs transmission of light to said camera.

2. A housing according to claim 1, wherein said sheet comprises a plastic or glass material.

3. A housing according to claim 2, wherein one surface of said plastic or glass material additionally comprises a coating with a reflective material.

4. A housing according to claim 3, wherein said reflective material is selected from the group consisting of silver, aluminium and titanium oxide.

5. A housing according to either of claims 3 or 4, wherein a second surface of the plastic or glass material comprises a coating with an anti-reflective material.

6. A housing according to any of preceding claim, wherein the plastic or glass material transmits 0-40% of the incident light and reflects 60-100% of the incident light.

7. A housing according to any preceding claim, wherein the sheet is inclined at substantially 45'to the body of the housing.

8. A housing according to any preceding claim, wherein said portion forms an inlet in the sheet.

9. A housing according to claim 8, wherein said inlet transmits 20-40% of incident light and reflects 60-80% of incident light.

10. A housing according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the portion is an aperture definable by the body of the housing.

11. A housing according to claim 10, wherein said aperture is definable by a light impermeable plastic or glass panel.

12. A housing according to any preceding claim, wherein the portion has a trapezium shape.

13. A housing according to either of claims 11 or 12, wherein light from the screen is reflected in a horizontal plane onto the surface of the reflective sheet.

13. A housing according to any preceding claim, wherein the internal surfaces of the housing comprise a light absorbing material.

14. A housing according to claim 13, wherein said light absorbing material comprises a black coloration.

15. A housing according to any preceding claim, additionally comprising a video camera.

16. A housing according to claim 15, wherein said video camera is capable of full screen image capture.

17. A housing according to any preceding claim, additionally comprising a display screen.

18. A housing according to claim 17, wherein said screen comprises a flat screen liquid crystal display (LCD).

19. A housing according to either of claims 17 or 18, wherein light from the display is reflected in a horizontal plane onto the surface of the reflective sheet.

20. A housing according to any preceding claim, wherein the mirror imaging on the sheet is correctable by the horizontal reflection of the image on the display.

21. A housing according to any of claims 15 to 20, wherein the height of the video camera within the housing is adjustable to the optical path of the user.

22. A housing according to any preceding claim, additionally comprising a microphone.

23. A housing according to any preceding claim, additionally comprising a loudspeaker.

24. A housing according to any preceding claim, additionally comprising a keyboard.

25. A terminal comprising a housing according to any preceding claim and additionally comprising microprocessing means for processing electrical signals from said microphone, loudspeaker, video camera and keyboard.

26. A terminal according to claim 25, wherein said microprocessing means comprises a computer.

27. A terminal according to claim 26, wherein said computer comprises a personal computer.

28. A system for video telephony enabling eye-to-eye contact between a local party and the image of a distant party comprising two terminals according to any of claims 25 to 27 for communicating electronic signals through the Public Telecommunications Network to said terminals.

29. Use of a terminal according to any of claims 26 to 28 for enabling eye-to-eye contact for video telephony.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

1. A housing for a video camera comprising a body ; within said body, a sheet forming part of the body, said sheet enabling reflection of light from outwith said housing and transmission of light therethrough, the body and the sheet in combination defining an enclosure; and within said enclosure and adjacent to the sheet, a panel of light impermeable material having an aperture therein enabling transmission of light to said camera, wherein said aperture is trapezoidal in shape.

2. A housing according to claim 1, wherein the sheet is inclined at substantially 450 to the body of the housing.

3. A housing according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the sheet comprises a plastic or glass material.

4. A housing according to claim 3, wherein said plastic or glass material transmits approximately 70% of incident light and reflects approximately 30% of incident light.

5. A housing according to either of claims 3 or 4, wherein one surface of said plastic or glass material additionally comprises a coating with a reflective material.

6. A housing according to claim 5, wherein said reflective material is selected from the group consisting of silver, aluminium and titanium oxide.

7. A housing according to either of claims 5 or 6, wherein a second surface of the plastic or glass material comprises a coating with an anti-reflective material.

8. A housing according to any preceding claim, wherein the internal surfaces of the housing comprise a light absorbing material.

9. A housing according to any preceding claim, additionally comprising a video camera.

10. A housing according to claim 9, wherein said video camera is capable of full screen image capture.

11. A housing according to any preceding claim, additionally comprising a display screen.

12. A housing according to claim 11, wherein said screen comprises a flat screen liquid crystal display (LCD).