Television – Camera – system and detail – Remote control
Reexamination Certificate
1998-02-23
2001-03-27
Garber, Wendy (Department: 2712)
Television
Camera, system and detail
Remote control
C348S211130, C348S211130, C348S014160
Reexamination Certificate
active
06208378
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to communication systems and, more particularly, to video communication systems and arrangements.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Video communication systems have become increasingly popular. Videoconferencing, for example, is becoming more common in both business and residential applications. Videoconferencing permits audio as well as visual live communication between two remotely located terminals communicating over a single channel. Videoconferencing has had limited success due to, for example, unavailability of a common network interface, overly complex controls, or video quality, limited functionality, inconvenience, and high cost. Improving functionality while simultaneously decreasing costs has proven to be a seemingly unobtainable goal. For this reason, there have been opposing pressures to develop certain more expensive systems having increased functionality and certain other systems that forgo the convenience and quality criteria for the sake of reducing costs.
One recent approach, that attempts to addresses some of the above-mentioned issues, uses a digital video camera coupled to the input port of a PC which is programmed to provide videoconferencing over a communications channel, such as the Internet. This approach is useful for applications where a PC is readily available and the user is fully familiar with downloading the software and using the PC to control the videoconferencing. However, the approach is disadvantageous for environments directed to those who are not as computer literate or not interested in using a computer for videoconferencing.
The above types of implementations are, of course, a compromise. Ideally, videoconferencing systems and equipment can be provided for both business and residential applications at reasonable costs and without sacrificing video quality, functionality, or convenience. The present invention is directed to accommodating this ideal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to methods and arrangements for use in videoconferencing. According to one embodiment, the invention is directed to a video arrangement that, via a communications channel, provides for storage of locally captured digital images and remote activation of appliances coupled to infrared receiver arrangements. The video arrangement comprises: a processor configured and arranged to generate control signals in response to control signals received through the communications channel and selectively store the locally captured digital images; a camera circuit arrangement coupled to the processor, configured and arranged to provide digital video images to the processor; a first storage element coupled to the processor; and an infrared transmitter coupled to the processor and responsive to the control signals from the processor.
In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided for storage of locally captured digital images and remote activation of appliances coupled to infrared receiver arrangements in a videoconferencing arrangement coupled to a communications channel. The apparatus comprises: means for generating control signals in response to control signals received via the communications channel; means for providing the control signals from the generating step to an infrared transmitter; means for transmitting infrared signals to the infrared receiver arrangements; means for capturing digital images in response to the control signals received via the communications channel; means for storing the digital images for selective playback.
In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for storage of locally captured digital images and remote activation of appliances coupled to infrared receiver arrangements in a videoconferencing arrangement coupled to a communications channel. The method comprises the steps of: generating control signals in response to control signals received via the communications channel; providing the control signals from the generating step to an infrared transmitter; transmitting infrared signals to the infrared receiver arrangements; capturing digital images in response to the control signals received via the communications channel; and storing the digital images for selective playback.
The above summary of the invention is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment of the present invention. An overview of other example aspects and implementations will be recognized from the figures and from the detailed description that follows.
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Barraclough Keith
Martin Bryan R.
Garber Wendy
Netergy Networks
White Mitchell
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