Hand-held computers incorporating reduced area imaging devices

• US 20020067408A1
• Filed: 08/23/2001
• Published: 06/06/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 10/06/1997
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cellect LLC (Micro-Imaging Solutions, LLC (f/k/a Micro-Imaging Solutions, Inc.; f/k/a Micro-Medical Devices, Inc.))
• Original Assignee: Micro-Imaging Solutions LLC
• Inventors: Adair, Edwin L., Adair, Randall S., Adair, Jeffrey L.
• Granted Patent: US 6,982,742 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 348/76
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00016 using wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00034 rechargeable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00048 Constructional features of the display
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00135 Oversleeves mounted on the endoscope prior to insertion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0051 with controlled bending of insertion part
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/05 characterised by the image sensor, e.g. camera, being in the distal end portion
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1616 with folding flat displays, e.g. laptop computers or notebooks having a clamshell configuration, with body parts pivoting to an open position around an axis parallel to the plane they define in closed position
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1671 Special purpose buttons or auxiliary keyboards, e.g. retractable mini keypads, keypads or buttons that remain accessible at closed laptop G06F1/1666 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1686 the I/O peripheral being an integrated camera
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1698 the I/O peripheral being a sending/receiving arrangement to establish a cordless communication link, e.g. radio or infrared link, integrated cellular phone details of antennas disposed inside a computer H01Q1/2266
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1634 Integrated protective display lid, e.g. for touch-sensitive display in handheld computer
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/005 Input arrangements through a video camera
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 25/167 comprising optoelectronic devices, e.g. LED, photodiodes
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/00 Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/0002 Not covered by any one of groups H01L24/00, H01L24/00 and H01L2224/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/3011 Impedance
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/51 Housings
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/555 for picking-up images in sites, inaccessible due to their dimensions or hazardous conditions, e.g. endoscopes or borescopes
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/66 Remote control of cameras or camera parts, e.g. by remote control devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/142 : Constructional details of the terminal equipment, e.g. arrangements of the camera and the display

Abstract

A reduced area-imaging device is provided for use with a miniature hand-held computer referred to in the industry as a PDA. In one configuration of the imaging device, the image sensor is placed remote from the remaining image processing circuitry. In a second configuration, all of the image processing circuitry to include the image sensor is placed in a stacked fashion near the same location. In the first configuration, the entire imaging device can be placed at the distal end of a camera module. In a second configuration, the image sensor is remote from the remaining image processing circuitry wherein available space within the PDA is used to house the remaining circuitry. In any of the configurations, the image sensor may be placed alone on a first circuit board, or timing and control circuits may be included on the first circuit board containing the image sensor. One or more video processing boards can be stacked in a longitudinal fashion with respect to the first board, or the video processing boards may be placed within the housing of the communication device. The PDA includes a miniature LCD-type video view screen which is capable of viewing not only the images taken by the camera module, but also can show incoming video images received from a personal computer connected to a global communications network. The camera module is of such small size that it can be easily stored within the housing of the PDA. In a first embodiment, the camera module communicates with the housing of the PDA by a wired connection utilizing a small retractable cable. In a second embodiment, the camera module communicates wirelessly with the PDA. In either embodiment, the camera module may be pointed at any desired object within sight of the user, and without having to actually point or move the phone housing in order to take an image. In the wireless embodiment, a user has total freedom to manipulate the positioning of the camera module without adjusting the position of the video telephone since there is not even a cable to contend with. Any acceptable wireless standard may be used for communication between the camera module and the video telephone. One particularly advantageous standard includes bluetooth.

Claims

1. In a PDA having capability to transmit and receive data in a communications network, the improvement comprising:

a video system integral with said PDA for receiving and transmitting video images, and for viewing said video images, said video system comprising;

a camera module housing an image sensor therein, said image sensor lying in a first plane and including an array of pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor further including circuitry means on said first plane and coupled to said array of pixels for timing and control of said array of pixels, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal, a first circuit board mounted in said camera module and electrically coupled to said image sensor, said first circuit board including circuitry means for converting said pre-video signal to a desired video format, said camera module further including a transceiver radio element mounted therein and electrically communicating with said first circuit board to transmit the converted pre-video signal;

a transceiver radio module mounted in said PDA for wirelessly communicating with said transceiver element in said camera module to receive said converted pre-video signal;

a video view screen attached to said PDA for viewing said video images, said video view screen communicating with said transceiver radio module for displaying video images processed by said first circuit board.

2. A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said image sensor defines a profile area in said first plane, and said first circuit board is positioned in longitudinal alignment with said image sensor such that said first circuit board does not extend substantially beyond said profile.

3. A device, as claimed in claim 1, further including:

a second circuit board electrically coupled with said first circuit board and said image sensor for further processing said pre-video signal, said second board being placed adjacent said first circuit board within said camera module.

4. A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said first and second planes are offset from and substantially parallel to one another.

5. A device, as claimed in claim 3, wherein:

said second circuit board lies in a third plane which is offset from and extends substantially parallel to said first and second planes.

6. A device, as claimed in claim 3, wherein:

said second circuit board includes means for digital signal processing enabling the pre-video signal conditioned by said first circuit board to be viewed by said video view screen.

7. A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said first circuit board converts said pre-video signal to a post-video signal for direct reception by a remote video device, said post-video signal being of a format selected from the group consisting of a NTSC/PAL video signal and a VGA video signal.

8. A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said pixels are CMOS pixels.

9. A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said transceiver radio element and said transceiver radio module communicate by a bluetooth communications standard.

10. A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said transceiver radio module and said transceiver radio element communicate by an IEEE 802.15.13 communications standard.

11. A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said array of pixels includes an array of passive CMOS pixels, wherein individual passive CMOS pixels of said array of passive CMOS pixels each include a photo diode for producing photoelectrically generated signals, and an access transistor communicating with said photo diode to control the release of photoelectrically generated signals.

12. A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

individual pixels within said array of pixels each include an amplifier.

13. A device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein:

said PDA includes a text screen mounted therein for viewing text which is manipulated by a user.

14. A device as claimed in claim 1, further including:

a wireless telephone attached to said PDA.

15. A device, as claimed in claim 1, further including:

a remote video device electrically coupled to said video system for further viewing said video images.

16. A device, as claimed in claim 15, wherein:

said remote video device is selected from the group consisting of a television and a computer monitor.

17. A device, as claimed in claim 1 wherein:

said PDA further includes a camera battery charge circuit mounted therein for recharging said camera module, said camera module having an integral source of power which electrically communicates with said charge circuit when said camera module is mounted in said PDA.

19. A device, as claimed in claim 18, wherein:

said pixels are CMOS pixels.

20. A device, as claimed in claim 18, wherein:

said transceiver radio element and said transceiver radio module communicate by a bluetooth communications standard.

21. A device, as claimed in claim 18, wherein:

said transceiver radio module and said transceiver radio element communicate by an IEEE 802.15.13 communications standard.

18. In a PDA having capability to transmit and receive data in a communications network the improvement comprising:

a video system integral with said PDA for receiving and transmitting video images, and for viewing said video images, said video system comprising;

a camera module housing an image sensor therein, said image sensor lying in a first plane and including an array of pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor further including circuitry means on said first plane and coupled to said array of pixels for timing and control of said array of pixels, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal, said camera module further including a transceiver radio element mounted therein and electrically communicating with said circuitry means to transmit the pre-video signal to the PDA;

a transceiver radio module mounted in said PDA for wirelessly communicating with said transceiver element in said camera module to receive said pre-video signal;

a first circuit board mounted in said PDA and electrically communicating with said transceiver radio module for converting said pre-video signal into a desired video format;

a video view screen attached to said PDA for viewing said video images, said video view screen communicating with said first circuit board for displaying video images processed by said first circuit board.

22. In a PDA having capability to transmit and receive data in a communications network, the PDA having a housing, and a video view screen for viewing the data which includes video signals, the improvement comprising:

a camera module for taking video images, said camera module communicating with circuitry within said PDA enabling viewing on said video view screen and enabling video signals to be transmitted from said camera module to said computer, said camera module including an image sensor housed therein, said image sensor lying in a first plane and including an array of pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor further including circuitry means on said first plane and coupled to said array of said pixels for timing and control of said array of pixels, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal, a first circuit board electrically connected to said image sensor, said first circuit board including circuitry means for converting said pre-video signal to a desired video format;

a transceiver radio element housed within said camera module and electrically coupled to said first circuit board for transmitting said converted pre-video signal; and

a transceiver radio module housed in the PDA and wirelessly communicating with said transceiver radio element for receiving said converted pre-video signal, and said transceiver radio element being electrically coupled to the video view screen of the PDA enabling viewing of the converted pre-video signals.

23. A device, as claimed in claim 22, wherein:

said pixels are CMOS pixels.

24. A device, as claimed in claim 22, wherein:

said transceiver radio element and said transceiver radio module communicate by a bluetooth communications standard.

25. A device, as claimed in claim 22, wherein:

said transceiver radio module and said transceiver radio element communicate by an IEEE 802.15.13 communications standard.

26. A device, as claimed in claim 22 wherein:

said PDA further includes a camera battery charge circuit mounted therein for recharging said camera module, said camera module having an integral source of power which electrically communicates with said charge circuit when said camera module is mounted in said PDA.

28. A device, as claimed in claim 27, wherein:

said pixels are CMOS pixels.

29. A device, as claimed in claim 27, wherein:

said transceiver radio element and said transceiver radio module communicate by a bluetooth communications standard.

30. A device, as claimed in claim 27, wherein:

said transceiver radio module and said transceiver radio element communicate by an IEEE 802.15.13 communications standard.

31. A device, as claimed in claim 27 wherein:

said PDA further includes a camera battery charge circuit mounted therein for recharging said camera module, said camera module having an integral source of power which electrically communicates with said charge circuit when said camera module is mounted in said PDA.

27. In a PDA having capability to transmit data between a computer connected to a global communications network, the PDA having a housing, and a video view screen for viewing the data which includes video signals, the improvement comprising:

a camera module for taking video images, said camera module communicating with circuitry within said PDA enabling viewing on said video view screen and enabling video signals to be transmitted from said camera module to said computer, said camera module including an image sensor housed therein, said image sensor lying in a first plane and including an array of pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor further including circuitry means on said first plane and coupled to said array of said pixels for timing and control of said array of pixels, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal;

a transceiver radio element housed within said camera module and electrically coupled to said image sensor for transmitting said pre-video signal;

a transceiver radio module housed in the PDA and wirelessly communicating with said transceiver radio element for receiving said pre-video signal; and

a first circuit board housed within the PDA and electrically coupled to said transceiver radio module for taking said pre video signal and conditioning it to be a post video signal in a desired format, and said transceiver radio element being electrically coupled to the video view screen of the PDA enabling viewing of the converted pre-video signals.

32. A PDA having capability to transmit and receive data in a communications network, said PDA comprising:

an image sensor lying in a first plane, and an array of pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor further including circuitry means on said first plane and coupled to said array of pixels for timing and control of said array of pixels, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal;

a first circuit board electrically communicating with said image sensor, said first circuit board including circuitry means for converting said pre-video signal to a desired video format;

a camera module housing said image sensor and said first circuit board;

a transceiver radio element mounted in said camera module communicating with said first circuit board for wirelessly transmitting the converted pre-video signal;

a transceiver radio module communicating wirelessly with said transceiver radio element for receiving the converted pre-video signal;

a transceiver/amplifier section electrically coupled to said transceiver radio module for amplifying and further transmitting the converted pre-video signal, and for receiving, and amplifying video and audio signals transmitted by another party;

a digital signal processor electrically coupled to said transceiver radio module and said transceiver/amplifier section, said digital signal processor further conditioning said converted pre-video signal, and also for conditioning video and audio signals received by said transceiver/amplifier section from the other party;

a microphone electrically communicating with said digital signal processor for recording sound and converting the sound to audio signals;

a speaker electrically communicating with said digital signal processor for broadcasting the audio signals;

a video view screen attached to said PDA, said video view screen for selectively displaying images from said imaging device, and for selectively displaying video images received by said transceiver/amplifier section from the other party;

a video switch communicating with said first circuit board and said digital signal processor for switching video images to be viewed on said video view screen; and

a PDA power supply mounted in said PDA for providing power thereto.

33. A device, as claimed in claim 32, wherein:

said pixels are CMOS pixels.

34. A device, as claimed in claim 32, wherein:

said transceiver radio element and said transceiver radio module communicate by a bluetooth communications standard.

35. A device, as claimed in claim 32, wherein:

said transceiver radio module and said transceiver radio element communicate by an IEEE 802.15.13 communications standard.

36. A device, as claimed in claim 32 wherein:

said PDA further includes a camera battery charge circuit mounted therein for recharging said camera module, and said camera module further includes a camera module source of power mounted in said camera module which electrically communicates with said charge circuit when said camera module is mounted in said PDA.

38. A device, as claimed in claim 37, wherein:

said pixels are CMOS pixels.

39. A device, as claimed in claim 37, wherein:

said transceiver radio element and said transceiver radio module communicate by a bluetooth communications standard.

40. A device, as claimed in claim 37, wherein:

said transceiver radio module and said transceiver radio element communicate by an IEEE 802.15.13 communications standard.

41. A device, as claimed in claim 37 wherein:

said PDA further includes a camera battery charge circuit mounted therein for recharging said camera module, and said camera module further includes a camera module source of power mounted in said camera module which electrically communicates with said charge circuit when said camera module is mounted in said PDA.

37. A PDA having capability to transmit and receive data in a communications network, said PDA comprising:

an image sensor lying in a first plane, and an array of pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor further including circuitry means on said first plane and coupled to said array of pixels for timing and control of said array of pixels, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal;

a camera module housing said image sensor;

a transceiver radio element mounted in said camera module communicating with said image sensor for wirelessly transmitting the pre-video signal;

a transceiver radio module communicating wirelessly with said transceiver radio element for receiving the pre-video signal;

a first circuit board electrically communicating with said transceiver radio module, said first circuit board including circuitry means for converting said pre-video signal to a desired video format;

a transceiver/amplifier section electrically coupled to said transceiver radio module for amplifying and further transmitting the converted pre-video signal, and for receiving, and amplifying video and audio signals transmitted by another party;

a digital signal processor electrically coupled to said transceiver radio module and said transceiver/amplifier section, said digital signal processor further conditioning said converted pre-video signal, and also for conditioning video and audio signals received by said transceiver/amplifier section from the other party;

a microphone electrically communicating with said digital signal processor for recording sound and converting the sound to audio signals;

a speaker electrically communicating with said digital signal processor for broadcasting the audio signals;

a video view screen attached to said PDA, said video view screen for selectively displaying images from said imaging device, and for selectively displaying video images received by said transceiver/amplifier section from the other party;

a video switch communicating with said first circuit board and said digital signal processor for switching video images to be viewed on said video view screen; and

a PDA power supply mounted in said PDA for providing power thereto.

42. In a PDA having capability to transmit and receive data in a communications network, the improvement comprising:

a video system integral with said PDA for receiving and transmitting video images, and for viewing said images, said video system comprising;

a camera module housing an image sensor therein, said image sensor lying in a first plane and including an array of pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal, a first circuit board lying in a second plane and electrically coupled to said image sensor, said first circuit board including circuitry means for timing and control of said array of pixels and circuitry means for processing and converting said pre-video signal to a desired video format, a transceiver radio element communicating with said firs circuit board for transmitting said converted pre-video signal;

a transceiver radio module mounted in said PDA for wirelessly receiving said converted pre-video signal; and

a video view screen attached to said PDA for viewing said video images, said video view screen communicating with said transceiver radio module, and displaying video images processed by said first circuit board.

43. A device, as claimed in claim 42, wherein:

said pixels are CMOS pixels.

44. A device, as claimed in claim 42, wherein:

said transceiver radio element and said transceiver radio module communicate by a bluetooth communications standard.

45. A device, as claimed in claim 42, wherein:

said transceiver radio module and said transceiver radio element communicate by an IEEE 802.15.13 communications standard.

47. A device, as claimed in claim 46, wherein:

said pixels are CMOS pixels.

48. A device, as claimed in claim 46, wherein:

said transceiver radio element and said transceiver radio module communicate by a bluetooth communications standard.

49. A device, as claimed in claim 46, wherein:

said transceiver radio module and said transceiver radio element communicate by an IEEE 802.15.13 communications standard.

46. In a PDA having capability to transmit and receive data in a communications network the improvement comprising:

a video system integral with said PDA for receiving and transmitting video images, and for viewing said images, said video system comprising;

a camera module housing an image sensor therein, said image sensor including an array of pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal, a transceiver radio element communicating with said image sensor for transmitting said pre-video signal;

a transceiver radio module mounted in said PDA for wirelessly receiving said pre-video signal;

a first circuit board electrically coupled to said transceiver radio module, said first circuit board including circuitry means for timing and control of said array of pixels and circuitry means for processing and converting said pre-video signal to a desired video format, and

a video view screen attached to said PDA for viewing said video images, said video view screen communicating with said transceiver radio module, and displaying video images processed by said first circuit board.

50. In a PDA having capability to transmit and receive data in a communications network the PDA including a video view screen for viewing video images, the improvement comprising:

a camera module for taking video images, said camera module wirelessly communicating with circuitry within said PDA enabling viewing on said video view screen and enabling video signals to be transmitted from said camera module to the personal computer, said camera module including an image sensor housed therein, said image sensor lying in a first plane and including an array of pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal, a first circuit board lying in a second plane and electrically connected to said image sensor, said first circuit board including circuitry means for timing and control of said array of pixels and circuitry means for processing and converting said pre-video signal to a desired video format, and a transceiver radio element housed in the camera module for wirelessly transmitting the converted pre-video signal to the PDA.

51. A device, as claimed in claim 50, wherein:

said pixels are CMOS pixels.

52. A device, as claimed in claim 50, wherein:

said transceiver radio element communicates with the PDA by a bluetooth communications standard.

53. A device, as claimed in claim 50, wherein:

said transceiver radio element communicates with the PDA by an IEEE 802.15.13 communications standard.

54. In a PDA having capability to transmit and receive data in a communications network, the PDA including a video view screen for viewing video images, the improvement comprising:

a camera module for taking video images, said camera module wirelessly communicating with circuitry within said PDA enabling viewing on said video view screen and enabling video signals to be transmitted from said camera module to the personal computer, said camera module including an image sensor housed therein, said image sensor including an array of pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal, and a transceiver radio element housed in the camera module for wirelessly transmitting the pre-video signal to the PDA.

55. A device, as claimed in claim 54, wherein:

said pixels are CMOS pixels.

56. A device, as claimed in claim 54, wherein:

said transceiver radio element communicates with the PDA by a bluetooth communications standard.

57. A device, as claimed in claim 54, wherein:

said transceiver radio element communicates with the PDA by an IEEE 802.15.13 communications standard.

59. A device, as claimed in claim 58, wherein:

said pixels are CMOS pixels.

60. A device, as claimed in claim 58, wherein:

said transceiver radio element communicates with the PDA by a bluetooth communications standard.

61. A device, as claimed in claim 58, wherein:

said transceiver radio element communicates with the PDA by an IEEE 802.15.13 communications standard.

58. In a PDA having capability to transmit and receive data in a communications network, the PDA including a video view screen for viewing the video images, the improvement comprising:

a camera module for taking video images, said camera module communicating with circuitry within said PDA enabling viewing of said video images on said PDA and enabling video signals to be transmitted from said camera module to the personal computer, said camera module including an image sensor housed therein, said image sensor lying in a first plane and including an array of pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor further including circuitry means electrically coupled to said array of said pixels for timing and control of said array of pixels, said circuitry means for timing and control placed remote from said array of pixels on a second plane, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal, a first circuit board electrically connected to said image sensor and lying in a third plane, said first circuit board including circuitry means for processing and converting said pre-video signal to a desired video format, and a radio transceiver element communicating with said first circuit board for wirelessly transmitting said converted pre-video signal.

62. In a PDA having capability to transmit and receive data in a communications network, the PDA including a video view screen for viewing the video images, the improvement comprising:

a camera module for taking video images, said camera module communicating with circuitry within said PDA enabling viewing of said video images on said PDA and enabling video signals to be transmitted from said camera module to the personal computer, said camera module including an image sensor housed therein, said image sensor lying in a first plane and including an array of pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor further including circuitry means electrically coupled to said array of said pixels for timing and control of said array of pixels, said circuitry means for timing and control placed remote from said array of pixels on a second plane, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal, and a radio transceiver element communicating with said image sensor for wirelessly transmitting said pre-video signal.

63. A device, as claimed in claim 62, wherein:

said pixels are CMOS pixels.

64. A device, as claimed in claim 62, wherein:

said transceiver radio element communicates with the PDA by a bluetooth communications standard.

65. A device, as claimed in claim 62, wherein:

said transceiver radio element communicates with the PDA by an IEEE 802.15.13 communications standard.

66. A PDA having capability to transmit and receive data in a communications network said PDA comprising:

an image sensor lying in a first plane including an array of pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal;

a first circuit board electrically communicating with said image sensor, said first circuit board including circuitry means for timing and control of said array of pixels and circuitry means for processing and converting said pre-video signal to a desired video format;

a radio transceiver element communicating with said first circuit board for wirelessly transmitting said converted pre-video signal;

a camera module housing said image sensor, said first circuit board, and said transceiver radio element therein;

a radio transceiver module housed within the PDA for wirelessly communicating with said radio transceiver element and receiving said converted pre-video signal;

a transceiver/amplifier section electrically coupled to said transceiver radio module for amplifying and further transmitting the converted pre-video signal, and for receiving, and amplifying video and audio signals transmitted by another party;

a digital signal processor electrically coupled to said transceiver radio module and said transceiver/amplifier section, said digital signal processor further conditioning said pre-video signal which is first conditioned by said first circuit board, and also for conditioning video and audio signals received by said transceiver/amplifier section from the other party;

a microphone electrically communicating with said digital signal processor for receiving sound and converting the sound to audio signals;

a speaker electrically communicating with said digital signal processor for broadcasting audio signals;

a video view screen attached to said PDA, said video view screen for selectively displaying images from said imaging device, and for selectively displaying video images received by said transceiver/amplifier section; and

a video switch communicating with said first circuit board and said digital signal processor for switching video images to be viewed on said video view screen; and

a power supply mounted to said PDA for providing power thereto.

67. A device, as claimed in claim 66, wherein:

said pixels are CMOS pixels.

68. A device, as claimed in claim 66, wherein:

said transceiver radio element and said transceiver radio module communicate by a bluetooth communications standard.

69. A device, as claimed in claim 66, wherein:

said transceiver radio module and said transceiver radio element communicate by an IEEE 802.15.13 communications standard.

70. A PDA having capability to transmit and receive data in a communications network, said PDA comprising:

an image sensor lying in a first plane including an array of pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal;

a first circuit board electrically communicating with said image sensor, said first circuit board including circuitry means for timing and control of said array of pixels;

a radio transceiver element communicating with said first circuit board for wirelessly transmitting said pre-video signal;

a camera module housing said image sensor, said first circuit board, and said transceiver radio element therein;

a radio transceiver module housed within the PDA for wirelessly communicating with said radio transceiver element and receiving said pre-video signal;

a second circuit board electronically communicating with said radio transceiver module, said second circuit board including circuitry means for converting said pre-video signal to a desired video format;

a transceiver/amplifier section electrically coupled to said transceiver radio module for amplifying and further transmitting the converted pre-video signal, and for receiving, and amplifying video and audio signals transmitted by another party;

a digital signal processor electrically coupled to said transceiver radio module and said transceiver/amplifier section, said digital signal processor further conditioning said pre-video signal which is first conditioned by said first circuit board, and also for conditioning video and audio signals received by said transceiver/amplifier section from the other party;

a microphone electrically communicating with said digital signal processor for receiving sound and converting the sound to audio signals;

a speaker electrically communicating with said digital signal processor for broadcasting audio signals;

a video view screen attached to said PDA, said video view screen for selectively displaying images from said imaging device, and for selectively displaying video images received by said transceiver/amplifier section;

a video switch communicating with said first circuit board and said digital signal processor for switching video images to be viewed on said video view screen; and

a power supply mounted to said PDA for providing power thereto.

71. A device, as claimed in claim 70, wherein:

said pixels are CMOS pixels.

72. A device, as claimed in claim 70, wherein:

said transceiver radio element and said transceiver radio module communicate by a bluetooth communications standard.

73. A device, as claimed in claim 70, wherein:

said transceiver radio module and said transceiver radio element communicate by an IEEE 802.15.13 communications standard.

74. A PDA having capability to transmit and receive data in a communications network, said PDA comprising:

an image sensor lying in a first plane, and an array of pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor further including circuitry means electrically coupled to said array of pixels for timing and control of said array of pixels, said circuitry means for timing and control being placed remote from said array of pixels on a second plane, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal;

a first circuit board electrically coupled with said image sensor and lying in a third plane, said first circuit board including circuitry means for processing and converting said pre-video signal to a desired video format;

a transceiver radio element communicating with said first circuit board to wirelessly transmit the converted pre-video signal;

a camera module housing said image sensor, said first circuit board and said transceiver radio element;

a transceiver/amplifier section electrically coupled to said transceiver radio module for amplifying and further transmitting said converted pre-video signal and for receiving and amplifying video and audio signals transmitted by another party;

a digital signal processor electrically coupled to said transceiver radio module and said transceiver/amplifier section, said digital signal processor further conditioning said converted pre-video signal which is first conditioned by said first circuit board, and also for conditioning video and audio signals received by said transceiver/amplifier section from the other party;

a microphone electrically communicating with said digital signal processor for receiving sound and converting the sound to audio signals;

a speaker electrically communicating with said digital signal processor for broadcasting audio signals;

a video view screen attached to said PDA, said video view screen for selectively displaying selectively displaying video images from said image device, and for selectively displaying video images received by said transceiver/amplifier section from the other party; and

a video switch communicating with said first circuit board and said digital signal processor for switching video images to be viewed on said video view screen; and

a power supply mounted to said PDA for providing power thereto.

75. A device, as claimed in claim 74, wherein:

said pixels are CMOS pixels.

76. A device, as claimed in claim 74, wherein:

said transceiver radio element and said transceiver radio module communicate by a bluetooth communications standard.

77. A device, as claimed in claim 74, wherein:

said transceiver radio module and said transceiver radio element communicate by an IEEE 802.15.13 communications standard.

79. A method, as claimed in claim 78, wherein:

said image sensor includes a CMOS pixel array.

78. In a method for conducting video conferencing communications through a global communications network, the improvement comprising the steps of:

providing a camera module having an image sensor housed therein;

removing the camera module from connection with the PDA;

pointing the camera module at a targeted object and taking video images of the targeted object;

wirelessly transmitting the video images taken by image sensor to the PDA;

processing the video images transmitted by the camera module; and

selectively viewing the video images on the PDA and selectively transmitting the video images to another party.

80. In a PDA having capability to transmit and receive data communications network, the improvement comprising:

a camera module housing an image sensor therein, said camera module for producing video images of a targeted object;

means for wirelessly interconnecting said camera module to said PDA, said means for wirelessly interconnecting enabling said camera module to be selectively displaced at a location remote from said PDA; and

a video view screen attached to said PDA for selectively viewing video images taken by said camera module, and for selectively viewing incoming video images received from the personal computer connected to the global communications network.

81. A device, as claimed in claim 80, wherein:

said PDA includes a housing, and an opening for receiving said camera module so as to place said camera module in a stored position.

82. In a PDA having a housing and a video view screen for viewing video images, the improvement comprising:

a camera module housing an image sensor therein, said camera module for producing video images of a targeted object; and

means for wirelessly interconnecting said camera module to said PDA, said means for wirelessly interconnecting enabling said camera module to be selectively displaced at a location remote from said PDA.

83. A device, as claimed in claim 82, wherein:

said PDA includes an opening in said housing for receiving said camera module so as to place said camera module in a stored position.

84. In a PDA, the improvement comprising:

a camera module housing an image sensor therein;

first circuitry means coupled to said image sensor for timing and control of said image sensor;

second circuitry means for processing images taken by said image sensor to create video signals of a desired video format; and

means for wirelessly interconnecting said camera module to a housing of said PDA, said means for wirelessly interconnecting enabling said camera module to be selectively displaced from said housing by the user for pointing the camera module at a targeted object without having to manipulating the PDA.

85. A device, as claimed in claim 84, wherein:

said PDA includes an opening in said housing for receiving said camera module so as to place said camera module in a stored position.

86. In a PDA having the capability to transmit data between a personal computer connected to a global communications network, the improvement comprising:

a camera module housing an image sensor therein;

a camera module battery housed within said camera module for providing power to said camera module;

a camera battery charge circuit housed within the PDA;

a PDA battery housed within the PDA for providing power to said camera battery charge circuit; and

wherein the camera module is received in the PDA so said camera module battery electrically communicates with said camera battery charge circuit to selectively charge said camera module battery.

87. A method of powering and recharging a camera module for use with a PDA, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a PDA housing a camera battery charge circuit therein;

providing a camera module housing an image sensor therein for taking video images, and a camera module battery housed within said camera module for selectively powering said camera module;

removing said camera module from seated engagement with the PDA resulting in activation of said camera module battery for powering said camera module; and

returning said camera module to its seated position with said PDA and in electrical communication with the battery charge circuit to charge said camera module battery.