Videophone blocker
First Claim
1. In a videophone having a camera for producing a video signal representative of the local image encompassed by the camera lens, a shutter in front of the lens, and an actuator for moving the shutter to selectively cover or uncover the lens at the option of the local caller, the improvement comprising a video indicator which separately indicates that the shutter is open, said video indicator being located adjacent the lens in an area that is covered by the shutter when the shutter is closed, so that said video indicator is visible when the shutter is open, and is covered when the shutter is closed.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A videophone with selective privacy control of a caller'"'"'s transmitted image. The videophone has a shutter in front of the lens, and an actuator for moving the shutter to selectively cover or uncover the lens at the option of the local caller. A video indicator also may be included, which separately indicates that the shutter is open. The video indicator (which may be an LED) may be located adjacent the lens so that it is visible when the shutter is open, and is covered by the shutter when the shutter is closed. Alternatively, the videophone makes use of a visual signal (such as an icon) which is displayed when the shutter is closed, separately or in combination with a video indicator which indicates that the shutter is open.
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Citations
10 Claims
- 1. In a videophone having a camera for producing a video signal representative of the local image encompassed by the camera lens, a shutter in front of the lens, and an actuator for moving the shutter to selectively cover or uncover the lens at the option of the local caller, the improvement comprising a video indicator which separately indicates that the shutter is open, said video indicator being located adjacent the lens in an area that is covered by the shutter when the shutter is closed, so that said video indicator is visible when the shutter is open, and is covered when the shutter is closed.
Specification