[Paper] Holographic Video Communication System Realizing Virtual Image Projection and Frontal Image Capture

Abstract

Online video communication systems are widely used among users between remote locations, but the communication quality is still inferior to face-to-face communication. To enhance the quality of video communication systems, it is necessary to provide a sense of presence of the users at a high level and to realize eye contact for better non-verbal communication. The technologies that realize virtual image projection and frontal image capture are promising for such purposes. However, conventional systems require bulky display screens. Thus, we proposed a thinner system using a holographic optical element (HOE), which was utilized as a transparent off-axis mirror and helped increase the flexibility of the system configuration, thus reducing the depth of the space in front. To verify the feasibility of the proposed system, we established a proof-of-concept system with dispersion compensation optics and a full-color HOE, and the system simultaneously realized virtual image projection and frontal image capture.