Importance

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Abstract

Apparatus for gathering a frontal facial image of an individual observing a display area includes a light-conductive waveguide, transferring the image from a first light-redirecting region to a second light-redirecting region to output the image. The element is supported at least partially in front of the display, such that the input region overlies the display area, and all portions of the element overlying the display area, including the input region, are sufficiently transparent so as not to substantially interfere with the individual's observation of the display. In a preferred embodiment, at least the input region is a holographically derived optical grating, and the element is a transparent panel constructed of glass and/or plastic. In use in a communications system, the invention would preferably further include an optoelectronic image sensor disposed to receive the image from the output region, enabling the image to be transferred, for example, to a display at a remote location, which may also incorporate the invention to facilitate two-way eye-contact communications.

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First Claim