System and methods for facilitating virtual presence
A virtual presence system includes a display having a structural matrix configured to arrange a plurality of spaced pixel elements. A plurality of spaced pixel elements collectively form an active visual area wherein an image is displayable. At least one image capture device is disposed within the active visual area for capturing an image. The system is able to sense the environment in front of the display and, in response to what is sensed, is able to change one or more attributes of a displayed image, or, is able to change the displayed image or a portion of the displayed image.
1. A virtual presence system responsive to its environment, the system comprising:
a) a display having a structural matrix configured to arrange a plurality of spaced pixel elements, said plurality of spaced pixel elements collectively forming an active visual area wherein an image is displayable; said active visual area capable of being continuously active for continuously displaying a displayed image;
b) at least one sensor device disposed within the active visual area and among said spaced pixel elements, said sensor not obstructed by any of the said spaced pixel elements; said sensor device operable to sense data from the environment in front of said active visual area and communicate to a signal processor;
c) said sensor device operable to capture sensor data while said display is simultaneously operable for displaying said displayed image, said spaced pixel elements and said sensor device capable of being simultaneously operative for simultaneously displaying said displayed image and simultaneously sensing data; and,
d) said signal processor operative to: receive sensed data from said sensor device; and, respond to said sensed data by modifying a visible attribute of said displayed image.
2. The system of claim 1 further characterized in that the sensor device is operable to sense visible light from the environment in front of said active visual area.
3. The system of claim 2 further characterized in that the visible attribute of said displayed image that is modified is brightness.
4. The system of claim 2 further characterized in that the visible attribute of said displayed image that is modified is selected from the list consisting of {contrast, color, sharpness}.
5. The system of claim 1 further characterized in that the displayed image is a first image, and in that the signal processor is further operative to: receive sensed data from said sensor device; and, respond to said sensed data by displaying a second image.
6. The system of claim 1 further characterized in that the sensor device is operable to sense motion from the environment in front of said active visual area.
7. The system of claim 6 further characterized in that the displayed image is a first image, and in that the signal processor is further operative to: receive sensed data from said sensor device; and, respond to said sensed data by displaying a second image.