System and method for managing optics in a video environment

• US 8,542,264 B2
• Filed: 11/18/2010
• Issued: 09/24/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 11/18/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc. (Cisco Systems, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc. (Cisco Systems, Inc.)
• Inventors: Lu, Torence, Knotts, Monica Shen, Desai, Ashok T., Wales, Richard T., Berkhout, Jacobus M., Makay, Michael C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Ramakrishnaiah, Melur
• Application Number:
  US12/949,614
• Publication Number:
  US 20120127257A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,041 Days
• Field of Search: 348 1401- 1416, 370260-261, 709204-205
• US Class Current: 348/14.08
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/046 adapted to upward-downward translation movement
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/18 with mechanism for moving the apparatus relatively to the stand
• CPC Class Codes: F16M 11/28 Undercarriages for supports with one single telescoping pillar
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/142 Constructional details of the terminal equipment, e.g. arrangements of the camera and the display
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/144 camera and display on the same optical axis, e.g. optically multiplexing the camera and display for eye to eye contact

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 further includes a display configured to interface with the camera. The camera and the display cooperate such that the apparatus can initiate the video session involving the end user, and activate a retracting mechanism configured to move the camera such that the camera is retracted from a view of the display and the camera moves to an inactive state.

Claims

1. A method, comprising:

initiating a video session involving an end user, wherein a camera is configured to receive image data associated with the video session; and

activating a retracting mechanism configured to move the camera such that the camera is retracted from a view of a display into a housing unit and the camera moves to an inactive state;

wherein the display is configured to illuminate a portion of the display when the video session is initiated.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

activating the retracting mechanism such that the camera is moved to a position in the view of the display and the camera moves to an active state.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the housing unit includes the retracting mechanism, which includes a motor configured to provide a retracting force to the camera.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein a motor control element signals a motor to provide a retracting force to the camera.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the retracting mechanism includes a sensor configured to monitor a position of the camera.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein a wireless controlling element is configured to activate the retracting mechanism.

7. Logic encoded in one or more non-transitory tangible media that includes code for execution and when executed by a processor operable to perform operations comprising:

initiating a video session involving an end user, wherein a camera is configured to receive image data associated with the video session; and

activating a retracting mechanism configured to move the camera such that the camera is retracted from a view of a display into a housing unit and the camera moves to an inactive state;

wherein the display is configured to illuminate a portion of the display when the video session is initiated.

8. The logic of claim 7, the operations further comprising:

activating the retracting mechanism such that the camera is moved to a position in the view of the display and the camera moves to an active state.

9. The logic of claim 7, wherein a motor control element signals a motor to provide a retracting force to the camera.

10. The logic of claim 7, wherein the retracting mechanism includes a sensor configured to monitor a position of the camera.

11. The logic of claim 7, wherein a wireless controlling element is configured to activate the retracting mechanism.

12. An apparatus, comprising:

a camera configured to receive image data associated with an end user involved in a video session; and

a display configured to interface with the camera, wherein the camera and the display cooperate such that the apparatus is configured to;

initiate the video session involving the end user; and

activate a retracting mechanism configured to move the camera such that the camera is retracted from a view of the display into a housing unit and the camera moves to an inactive state;

wherein the display is configured to illuminate a portion of the display when the video session is initiated.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising:

the housing unit that includes the retracting mechanism, wherein the retracting mechanism includes a motor configured to provide a retracting force to the camera.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the apparatus is further configured to:

activate the retracting mechanism such that the camera is moved to a position in the view of the display and the camera moves to an active state.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the display includes a perimeter configured to illuminate when the video session is initiated.

16. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising:

a motor control element configured to signal a motor to provide a retracting force to the camera, and wherein the retracting mechanism includes a sensor configured to monitor a position of the camera.

17. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising:

a controlling element configured to activate the retracting mechanism; and

a retracting module configured to receive a wireless signal from the controlling element in order to activate the retracting mechanism.

18. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising:

a telescopic stand coupled to the display and configured to be adjusted in a horizontal plane such that the display moves in concert with adjustments to the telescopic stand.