Videophone apparatus with privacy protection
US6590601B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 21, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 8, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 21, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N7/147
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A videophone takes a live picture of the user, sends the live picture during part of a call, generates a processed picture different from the live picture, and sends the processed picture during another part of the call. The processed picture may be prepared in advance, or may be generated by combining the live picture with a prepared picture. Alternatively, the processed picture may be obtained by increasing a quantization coefficient of the live picture, producing a mosaic effect that disguises the live picture. The processed picture can be sent to protect the privacy of the videophone user, or to provide appropriate transition at the beginning or end of the call. The processed picture can also be sent when the call is placed on hold.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.