System and method for providing retracting optics in a video conferencing environment
US9313452B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 17, 2010 |
| Grant date | Apr 12, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 9, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N7/144
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus is provided in one example and includes a camera configured to receive image data associated with an end user involved in a video session. The apparatus also includes a display and an optics element configured to interface with the camera. The optics element reflects the image data associated with the end user positioned in front of the display. A retracting mechanism is also provided and is configured to retract the optics element in a direction such that the camera moves to an inactive state and the optics element is removed from a view of the display from the perspective of the end user. An effective optical distance from the camera to the end user is increased by manipulating a position of the optics element. In more detailed embodiments, the camera can be configured above the display such that its lens points downward toward the optics element.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.