Visual communication system

• US 8,179,382 B2
• Filed: 08/14/2008
• Issued: 05/15/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 05/30/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation (Steelcase Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Steelcase Development Corporation (Steelcase Incorporated)
• Inventors: Hildebrandt, Peter W., Dunn, Michael H., Hutchinson, Ian G., Wilson, Scott E., Williams, Guy L., Mintz, Jake, Brown, Stephen L., Cote, Marie, Michalski, James L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Shankar, Vijay
• Application Number:
  US12/191,858
• Publication Number:
  US 20080297595A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,370 Days
• Field of Search: 345156-179, 178 1801- 1809, 178 1901- 1906
• US Class Current: 345/175
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00127 Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00347 with another still picture apparatus, e.g. hybrid still picture apparatus circuits or arrangements for control or supervision between image input and image output device H04N1/32
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00493 Particular location of the interface or console
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00496 Constructional details of the interface or console not otherwise provided for, e.g. rotating or tilting means
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2101/00 Still video cameras
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0041 Point to point H04N2201/0039 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0044 Connecting to a plurality of different apparatus; Using a plurality of different connectors connection via a network H04N2201/0039
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0049 By wire, cable or the like
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0055 By radio
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0063 Constructional details
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0082 Image hardcopy reproducer H04N2201/0091 - H04N2201/0094 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0084 Digital still camera
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0087 Image storage device

Abstract

A visual communication system that is suitable for use in connection with a display surface is disclosed. The system includes a camera or other data-capturing device that can be remotely positioned from the display surface. A control unit receives image data from the camera or data-capturing device and processes the image data to create an electronic image of the display surface.

Claims

1. A visual communication system for acquiring an image associated with a display surface, the system comprising:

a data-capturing device that includes an operable drive unit and a sled moved under control of the drive unit, the sled including an optical-to-electronic imager; and

a control unit in communication with the data-capturing device, the control unit configured to receive image data from the optical-to-electronic imager and process the image data to create an electronic image of the display surface.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein movement of the sled is guided by at least one guide member.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the sled is capable of moving in a reciprocating manner to scan at least a portion of the display surface.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the optical-to-electronic imager includes a charged coupling device.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the data capturing device includes a stabilization mechanism.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the stabilization mechanism includes a pin and slot arrangement.

7. The system of claim 1, further including a drive mechanism functionally linking the drive unit to the moveable sled.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the drive mechanism includes a rack and pinion, a screw type, or a worm drive arrangement.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising an arrangement of optically interactive lens components organized in the form of an optical stack.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the optical stack exhibits a focal length of approximately 4.5.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein at least one of the lens components includes infrared filtering capability.

12. The system of claim 9, including an infrared filter that is external to the camera.

13. A system for obtaining information from a display surface, the system comprising:

a camera;

a selectively operable drive unit;

an arrangement of optically interactive lens components organized in the form of an optical stack; and

a sled moved under control by the drive unit, the moveable sled including an optical-to-electronic imager.

14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a control unit in communication with the camera, the control unit configured to receive image data from the optical-to-electronic imager and process image data to create an electronic image of the display surface.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein movement of the sled is guided by at least one guide member.

16. The system of claim 13, wherein the sled is capable of moving in a reciprocating manner to scan at least a portion of the display surface.

17. The system of claim 13, wherein the optical-to-electronic imager includes a charged coupling device.

18. The system of claim 13, further comprising a drive mechanism functionally linking the drive unit to the moveable sled.

19. The system of claim 13, wherein the optical stack exhibits a focal length of approximately 4.5.

20. The system of claim 13, wherein at least one of the lens components includes infrared filtering capability.