System and method for providing retracting optics in a video conferencing environment

• US 9,313,452 B2
• Filed: 05/17/2010
• Issued: 04/12/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 05/17/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc. (Cisco Systems, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Cisco Technology, Inc. (Cisco Systems, Inc.)
• Inventors: Friel, Joseph T., Mauchly, J. William
• Primary Examiner(s): Teshale, Akelaw
• Application Number:
  US12/781,722
• Publication Number:
  US 20110279630A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,157 Days
• Field of Search: 348 1401- 1416, 370260-261, 709204-205
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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 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.

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 wherein the camera is positioned to interface with an optics element that reflects the image data associated with the end user positioned in front of the display; and

upon completion of the video session, activating a retracting mechanism configured to retract the optics element such that the camera is moved into a housing and the optics element is removed from a view of the display from the perspective of the end user.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein an effective optical distance from the camera to the end user is increased by manipulating a position of the optics element.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the camera is configured above the display such that its lens points downward toward the optics element.

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

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the optics element is a mirror configured to reflect the image data toward the camera.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the optics element is a half mirror that includes a transparent surface and a reflective surface.

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

8. 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 wherein the camera is positioned to interface with an optics element that reflects the image data associated with the end user positioned in front of the display; and

upon completion of the video session, activating a retracting mechanism configured to retract the optics element such that the camera is moved into a housing and the optics element is removed from a view of the display from the perspective of the end user.

9. The media of claim 8, wherein an effective optical distance from the camera to the end user is increased by manipulating a position of the optics element.

10. The media of claim 8, wherein a housing unit includes the retracting mechanism, which includes a motor configured to provide a retracting force to the optics element.

11. An apparatus, comprising:

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

a display configured to interface with the camera;

an optics element configured to interface with the camera, wherein the optics element reflects the image data associated with the end user positioned in front of the display; and

a retracting mechanism configured to retract the optics element such that the camera is moved into a housing and the optics element is removed from a view of the display from the perspective of the end user upon completion of the video session.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising:

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

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein an effective optical distance from the camera to the end user is increased by manipulating a position of the optics element.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the camera is configured above the display such that its lens points downward toward the optics element, and wherein the optics element retracts in an upward direction.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the optics element is a mirror configured to reflect the image data toward the camera.

16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the optics element is a half mirror that includes a transparent surface and a reflective surface.

17. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising:

a housing unit configured to store the camera and the optics element when the camera moves to the inactive state.

18. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising:

a controlling element configured to activate the retracting mechanism, wherein the controlling element is further configured to communicate a signal that deploys the optics element.

19. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising:

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

20. The apparatus of claim 11, 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.