U.S. patent application number 10/281419 was filed with the patent office on 2003-03-20 for mobile communications.
Invention is credited to King, Oliver, Lewis, Sean, Priestman, Paul.
Application Number | 20030052964 10/281419 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 10831769 |
Filed Date | 2003-03-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030052964 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Priestman, Paul ; et
al. |
March 20, 2003 |
Mobile communications
Abstract
A mobile videophone is capable of transmitting and receiving
information in mobile telecommunications systems, particularly
cellular radio networks. The videophone includes a display panel on
which an image is formed by selectively activating a matrix or
array of electrodes; and a video camera located immediately behind
the display panel. The matrix or array of electrodes are
selectively activated during operating of the video camera to
create relatively opaque portions of the display panel so as to
create an image on the panel and to maintain a relatively
transparent portion of the display panel immediately in front of
the camera so as to improve the picking up of images by the camera
through the display panel.
Inventors: |
Priestman, Paul; (London,
GB) ; King, Oliver; (London, GB) ; Lewis,
Sean; (London, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET
FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
10831769 |
Appl. No.: |
10/281419 |
Filed: |
October 25, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10281419 |
Oct 25, 2002 |
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09700248 |
Nov 8, 2000 |
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09700248 |
Nov 8, 2000 |
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PCT/GB99/01383 |
May 4, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/14.02 ;
348/E7.079; 348/E7.08; 348/E7.081; 348/E7.082 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04M 1/03 20130101; H04M
2250/52 20130101; H04N 7/142 20130101; H04M 1/0216 20130101; H04N
7/148 20130101; H04N 2007/145 20130101; H04M 1/0247 20130101; H04N
7/147 20130101; H04M 1/0214 20130101; H04N 7/144 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/14.02 |
International
Class: |
H04N 007/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 8, 1998 |
GB |
9809976.5 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A videophone comprising: a display panel on which an image is
formed by selectively activating a matrix or array of electrodes;
and a video camera located immediately behind the display panel,
wherein the matrix or array of electrodes are selectively activated
during operation of the video camera to create relatively opaque
portions of the display panel so as to create an image on the
display panel and to maintain a relatively transparent portion of
the display panel immediately in front of the camera so as to
improve the pick up of images by the camera through the display
panel.
2. The videophone of claim 1, wherein the relatively transparent
portion of the display panel immediately in front of the camera has
an image displayed with lesser intensity than other portions of the
display panel, during image capture using the camera.
3. The videophone of claim 1, wherein the relatively transparent
portion of the display panel located immediately in front of the
camera has substantially no image displayed, during image capture
using the camera and the display of an image on a remaining portion
of the display panel.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/700,248,
filed on Nov. 8, 2000, which is a national phase application, filed
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.371, of international application No.
PCT/GB99/01383, which published in English and claims priority of
British application No. 9809976.5, filed on May 8, 1998.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to mobile communication
terminals. More specifically but not exclusively, the invention
relates to portable videophones capable of receiving and
transmitting information in mobile telecommunications systems, such
as cellular radio networks. Such devices may be referred to as
mobile videophones.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED TECHNOLOGY
[0003] This inclusion of a video camera and display in a mobile
telephone handset so as to allow mobile video-conferencing has been
proposed in various documents.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,414,444 (AT&T) describes a communicator
having an openable cover which contains an LCD-type display and a
video camera. In this document, the video camera is reorientable
when the cover is open, and the communicator includes mechanical
apparatus interactive with the closing of the cover to reset the
camera to a standard position after use.
[0005] A further form of mobile videophone is proposed in PCT
publication number W097/26744. This document describes a portable
telephone having a display and a camera mounted in the main body of
the phone. The camera is mounted on a rotational pivot to enable it
to receive images from various directions.
SUMMARY OF CERTAIN INVENTIVE ASPECTS
[0006] The present invention aims to provide improvements, in the
constructions and the functionality of mobile terminals.
Accordingly, a videophone includes a display panel on which an
image is formed by selectively activating a matrix or array of
electrodes; and a video camera located immediately behind the
display panel. The matrix or array of electrodes are selectively
activated during operating of the video camera to create relatively
opaque portions of the display panel so as to create an image on
the panel and to maintain a relatively transparent portion of the
display panel immediately in front of the camera so as to improve
the picking up of images by the camera through the display
panel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Further aspects and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following, in which embodiments of the invention
will now be described, by way of example only, with references to
the accompanying drawings in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the functional
elements of a videophone;
[0009] FIG. 2A is a plan view of one embodiment of a
videophone;
[0010] FIG. 2B is a schematic front view of the videophone of FIG.
2A;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic rear view of the videophone of FIGS. 2
A&B;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a further embodiment of a
videophone, in an open position;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a side view of the videophone of FIG. 4, in a
fully closed position;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a side view of the videophone of FIG. 4, in an
open position; and
[0015] FIG. 7 is a side view of the videophone of FIG. 4, in a
fully open position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0016] FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of the main
functional elements which may be included commonly to the different
embodiments of the invention, which elements are each individually
known and will not be described in detail herein. A main processor
36 may be a conventional programmable microprocessor, or a special
purpose of specially configured unit (e.g., a digital signal
processor) could alternatively be used. A read-only memory (ROM) 38
is connected to the processor 36 for the storage of control
programs, data and images. The ROM 38 can be implemented by any
appropriate technology, for example, by a flash PROM. A
random-access memory (RAM) 40 is connected to the processor 36 via
a bus 42, is used as a working storage and for the storage of the
data and images capturing using a CCD video camera 24.
[0017] Signals relating to the data captured by the camera are
passed via a camera interface 44 to the processor 36 to be
processed. The camera interface 44 also provides the video codec 46
with a digital representation of the captured data from the camera
24, where it can be suitably processed for display and/or
transmission to the mobile communications system an indicator light
may be connected to the processor to report successful capture of
data and/or images from the camera 24 and may also be used during
video conferencing to indicate the correct usage of the device.
[0018] The camera interface 44 carries out all the signal
conditioning as required on receiving images from the camera 24.
Signal conditioning will depend on the exact configuation of the
camera but preferably comprises signal conditioning to enable
accurate analogue to digital conversion with sufficient buffering
of the captured data. The camera 24 will include all the support
circuitry to produce a fully functional camera delivering a fully
formatted video signal. The camera 24 may also include circuitry to
regulate the voltage for power supply control and a suitable output
buffer to directly drive a standard VDU should the videophone
connected to an external device.
[0019] The camera 24 may be fixed in a predetermined orientation in
the central portion 10. Alternatively, the camera 24 may be
provided with suitable mechanism to allow adjustment of the
orientation of the camera to enable the user to point the camera in
alternative directions. The positioning of the camera 24 can be
adjusted manually or a servo motor may be provided to alter the
positioning. The servo motor is connected to the processor 36 via a
controller 48.
[0020] The on/off button 29 is connected via a suitable interface
to a power control module 50. The power control module 50 responds
to the operation of this button in a powered down state to connect
the batter 32 to the processor 36. The power control module 50 may
also control the charging of the battery 32. The power control
module 50 will also control the power requirements when a standard
AC/DC power supply is connected to the videophone.
[0021] A display interface 52 connects the display 26 via the bus
42 to the processor 36. The display interface 52 responds to
instructions from the processor 136 to drive the built-in display
26 in a conventional manner. The display interface 52 may also
incorporate the circuitry to drive a standard external video
display unit via a suitable connector 54.
[0022] The display 26 is provided with a touch-screen. A
touch-screen interface 55 couples the touch-sensitive display 26 to
the processor 36 via the bus 42. The touch-screen is a device
independent of the video display 26, for example, a transparent
touch-screen membrane is placed over the display 26 and connected
appropriately.
[0023] The processor 36 can be arranged to transmit to the display
26 a menu of user selectable items, and to be responsive to a
location at which the screen is touched for input of the user
selection of an item. The touch-sensitive screen can then thus be
used as a dynamic and reconfigurable user interface. Touch-screen
entry can be used in place of or in addition to the entry's
commands from an external keyboard or voice command if appropriate.
Additionally, the touch-screen area can be configured as a general
purpose scribing area to allow entry of data and written
commands.
[0024] An audio interface 56 connects the audio receiver means,
consisting of one or more microphones 18 and audio transmitter
means such as one or more ear-pieces and/or speakers 16 to the
processor 36 and carries out all of the signal conditioning as
required to output audio signals and to receive audio signals.
[0025] The videophone includes infrared data reception and
transmission capabilities and a suitable infrared interface 60 is
provided. The infrared interface connects an infrared port to the
processor 36 via the bus 42.
[0026] A radio-frequency (RF) interface 62 is also connected via
the bus 42 to convert any data to be transmitted into signals for
driving an RF transmitter 64, and converts signals from an RF
receiver 66 into data to be passed via the bus to the relevant
interfaces. The RF transmitter 64 and the RF receiver 66 are
connected to a radio antenna 28. This RF interface 62 consequently
enables wireless communications between the videophone and the
mobile communications system.
[0027] The processor 36 is programmed by means of control programs
and data stored in the ROM 38 and in use, the RAM 40, to receive
signals from the camera 24 via camera interface 44, to the
interpret those signals and to derive data therefrom which are
displayed on display 26 which can be stored in the RAM 40 or any
other suitable memory device.
[0028] Other interfaces may be included to increase the flexibility
of the unit, for example, RS232 interface 58 may be included, for
transmitting and receiving data in RS232 format. The RS232
interface enables the processor 36 to be connected via the bus 42
to allow the connection of other compatible devices to the
videophone through a standard RS232 cable.
[0029] Depending on the refresh rate used and the number of pixels
used in the images, video image data transmitted and received by
the videophone may require compression for transfer via s low data
rate radio channel, such as those currently available in known
cellular radio networks. The video data may be compressed using the
MPEG-4 standard. Alternatively, the video images captured may be
compressed into a different format suitable for transmitting the
data derived across the mobile communications system, such as that
disclosed in the International Patent Publication W095/20296.
[0030] FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic views from above and from the
front of a first embodiment of the portable videophone. The
videophone 100 is capable of transmitting and receiving audio and
visual data in a mobile communications system. The videophone 100
comprises a central portion 110 and two doors 112, 114. The doors
112, 114 are hingeably attached to the central portion 110 by
hinging means, for example a dowel arrangement. The doors 112, 114
in FIGS. 2A and 2B are shown in their open position. Each door 112,
114 includes a speaker 116, 118 and a microphone 120, 122, to
provide stereo sound reception and transmission when open. The
central portion 110 includes a video camera 124.
[0031] On the front surface of videophone 100 as shown in FIG. 2B,
a display screen 126 is provided to convey video images or
functional information to the user. The display screen preferably
comprises a suitable two-dimensional colour liquid crystal display
which may be back-lit. Furthermore, the display screen in this
embodiment is preferably a touch-screen which allows the user to
input commands and raw data using a removable stylus 134. The
touch-screen is used to display video images received. It will be
appreciated that any other form of display capable of displaying
functional information or video images may be used.
[0032] An antenna 128 is located in the body of the videophone 100.
The antenna 128 is connected to associated radio transmitter and
receiver components also contained within the videophone.
[0033] The videophone is powered using a DC battery 132, located in
the rear of the central portion of 110 of the videophone 100 as
shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. The battery 132 can be recharged from a
standard AC/DC power supply (not shown). In the embodiment shown,
the battery is additionally removable and may be charged in an
appropriate charging receptacle. However, a jack-plug and socket
arrangement may be provided to enable the batter to be charged in
situ on the videophone 100.
[0034] The videophone 100 has an infrared communications part 129
to provide proximal wireless transfer of data with compatible
devices.
[0035] A removable ear-piece 130 is located in the rear of the
central portion 110 as shown in FIG. 3A. The removable ear-piece
130 in the example shown is connected to the central portion 110 by
a wire connection (not shown). Removal of the ear-piece from the
body of the videophone automatically disables the speakers 116, 118
and activates the earpiece, to allow a user privacy of hearing if
desired.
[0036] The infrared port 129 may also be used to transfer signals
between the videophone 100 and the removable ear-piece 130, which
then need not be connected to the central portion 110 by means of a
wire connection.
[0037] The camera 124 may also be removable and connected to the
videophone 100 by the infrared communications port 129.
[0038] The videophone 100 may also be provided with suitable
connection means for connection of the videophone to an external
video display unit external speakers, external microphones or an
external video camera, if required.
[0039] The doors 112, 114 when in the open position as shown in
FIG. 2B advantageously provide the videophone 100 with support in
various orientations if, for example, a user wished to stand the
unit on a horizontal surface the doors 112, 114 are movable from
the open position as shown in FIG. 2B to a closed position (not
shown) in which the two doors abut and cover the entire front of
the videophone 100 thereby protecting the display 126 and the
camera 124. In one embodiment the doors are independently movable
and it is possible to shut door 112 whilst leaving door 114 in the
open position. Alternatively, the doors 112, 114 may be linked
together by a linking device to ensure that the doors move together
and to the same extent such a mechanism may be a rack and pinion
linking device enclosed within the casing of the videophone 100.
The doors 112, 114 may be used to shield the video display and the
camera literally whilst the videophone is in use.
[0040] Should the user not wish to be overlooked or overheard,
movement of the doors to an intermediate position between the fully
open and closed positions will provide the user with increased
privacy.
[0041] The hinges attaching the doors 112, 114 to the central
portion 110 may have a predetermined number of settings, for
example, a fully open setting, an intermediate setting and a closed
setting. The predetermined settings may be defined by a cam
mechanism in each of the hinges.
[0042] Alternatively, the movement of the doors may be continuous
from the fully open position to the fully closed position.
[0043] The inside of the doors 112, 114 in the embodiment described
are made of a lighter coloured material to improve the lighting
conditions by reflecting ambient light into the face of the use to
improve the video image captured by the video camera 124.
[0044] In use, the user will open the doors 112, 114 of the
videophone 100, and position it at an appropriate height to capture
the required image. Using the removable stylus and the
touch-screen, the user will input the requested number and initiate
the call. When connected, the user may choose to use the integral
speakers and microphone, or alternatively may use the removable
ear-piece 130 if the user does not wish the telephone conversation
to be broadcast through the speakers 116, 118. Furthermore,
although the videophone 100 provides the ability for the user to
transmit the video images stored and captured by the camera 124
should the user not wish to take advantage of this, the video
camera 124 can be disabled. With the doors 112, 114 in the fully
open position the videophone will stand on a suitable surface and
the user can conduct the telephone conference in an open manner.
The display will display any video image received from the other
party to the call if that party is also using a videophone. The
microphones 120, 122 will pick up stereo sound from the area
immediately adjacent the videophone 100. In this open manner it is
envisaged that the videophone may be used as a video conferencing
device where several users may communicate with the other party to
the conversation at the same time.
[0045] If the videophone 100 is being used in a more public
environment, the user may partially close in the doors 112, 114 to
shield the display 126 from public view and/or to allow the other
party to the call to view only a relatively narrow field of view
from the video camera 124.
[0046] Thus, the videophone 100 may be used as a portable handheld
multi-user video conferencing terminal or in the alternative for an
individual user to conduct more private video conversations, even
when in public, as required.
[0047] It will be appreciated that different stand mechanisms to
that disclosed above can be employed. The battery 132 may pivot out
from the central portion 110 of the videophone 100 to create a rear
stand for the videophone.
[0048] It will be appreciated that the videophone may only comprise
one microphone and one speaker. Furthermore, the microphone and or
speaker need not be mounted on the door portions, but may be
mounted on the central portion 110.
[0049] Additionally, the camera 124 need not be mounted above the
display 126 but may be mounted in any position capable of receiving
an image of the user.
[0050] FIGS. 4 to 7 illustrate a second embodiment of a videophone.
In this embodiment, a mobile videophone 200 consists of an upper
half 202 and a lower half 204 connected via a hinge mechanism 206.
The functional elements illustrated in FIG. 1, other than the IR
interface (which may, however, by provided) are contained within
and distributed between the upper half 202 and the lower half 204
of the device.
[0051] The hinge mechanism 206 includes abutting surfaces 208, 210
on each of the upper and lower halves 202, 204, which include an
outer covering of rubberized material and display a circular sector
in cross section where the two abutting surfaces contact through a
range of relative positions of the first half 202 with respect to
the second half 204. The abutting surfaces 208, 210 are rubberized
in order to provide non-slipping frictional contact between the two
surfaces 208, 210. In an alternative arrangement, the abutting
surfaces may be cogged to prevent mutual slippage.
[0052] A hinge clip 212 connects the upper half 202 and the lower
half 204, and maintains the abutting surfaces 208, 210 in contact
throughout the range of relative positions of the upper and lower
halves 202, 204. Flexible electrical contacts between the
functional elements illustrated in FIG. 1 contained within the
upper and lower halves 202, 204 are routed through the hinge clip
212.
[0053] The upper and lower halves 202, 204 are substantially
identical in outer shape, save for two features. A call status
button 214 is provided on the upper half 202. The call status
button 214 is exposed on the inner surface of the upper half 202,
as shown in FIG. 4, and is also exposed on the outer surface of the
upper half 202, in location 216 illustrated in FIG. 5. Therefore,
the call status button 214 is visible both when the videophone 200
is in a closed state, as illustrated in FIG. 5 on the outer surface
of the videophone 200, and when the videophone is in an open state,
as illustrated in FIG. 4, when viewed from the lower surface of the
upper half 202.
[0054] The call status button 214 contains three differently
coloured light emitting diodes, and is translucent. The light
emitting diodes consist of a green light emitting diode, a red
light emitting diode and a blue light emitting diode, such that
selective actuation of the light emitting diodes in different
combinations provide a range of colours on the call status button
214 whereby the call status may be ascertained. For example, the
green light emitting diode may be actuated alone in order to
indicate an incoming call. The red light emitting diode may be
actuated alone in order to indicate the end of a call. Other call
status states may be indicated by actuation of the light emitting
diodes in different combinations.
[0055] The call status button 214 is also operable either from the
inside surface of the upper half 202 or from the outside surface of
the upper half 202. That is to say, the button may be pressed in
order to alter the call status either when the videophone 200 is in
an opened state or in a closed state. Pressing of the button may
for example act to place the videophone in an off-hook call status
when an incoming call is signaled by actuation of the green light
emitting diode.
[0056] The lower half 204 is provided with support projections 218,
located on either side of the lower half 204 at the rear of the
lower half 204, in order to provide stability when the videophone
is placed on a horizontal surface. The lower half 204 of a
videophone therefore adopts a predetermined disposition when placed
on a horizontal surface.
[0057] The upper half 202 is provided with a liquid crystal display
220 for displaying video image received via a radio interface of
the mobile communications system. The liquid crystal display panel
220 may consist on any suitable known LCD-type display, these being
of the type whereby voltages are selectively applied across pixels
of the display, via transparent electrodes running through the
plane of the display, in order to display a desired image. The
display 220 may be either a colour display or a black and white
display.
[0058] A CCD video camera 222 is located substantial in the center
of the display panel 220, immediately behind it within the body of
the upper half 202. At least when the video camera 222 is actuated,
at least a portion of the display panel 220 located immediately in
front of the video camera 222 is maintained in a transparent
state.
[0059] The video display 220 may be actuated to display an image
simultaneously with operation of the video camera 222. During such
simultaneous operation of the video camera and the display 220, for
example during a video conference, a small area of the display 220,
being the area situated immediately in front of the video camera
222, is maintained in a transparent state by selectively addressing
pixels of the LCD display located in that small area so as to
maintain the small area in a constantly transparent state during
image reception at the video camera 222. Thus, the image displayed
on video display 220 is a conventional video image, with a small
part, located in the small area described, in which no image
information is displayed.
[0060] Alternatively, the image may be displayed with lesser
intensity in the small area described that in the remainder of the
display panel 220, so as to improve the quality of the image
displayed to the user whilst allowing the video camera to receive
sufficiently constant levels of light via the small area of the
display panel 220 to provide a desired quality of image pick
up.
[0061] The upper half 202 also comprises an audio portion 224,
behind which a microphone and a loudspeaker are located.
[0062] The lower half 204 comprises an LCD video display 226
essentially identical to the video display 220 described as
contained in the upper half 202, save that no video camera is
provided in the lower half 204, and therefore that a full image may
be displayed over the entire display 226.
[0063] The lower half 20 also contains an audio portion 228, which,
similar to audio portion 224, has an audio loudspeaker and an audio
microphone located behind it.
[0064] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the videophone 200 corresponding
with a side view illustrated in FIG. 6. In the positioning
illustrated in these views, the videophone 200 may be used in
various alternative modes of use.
[0065] In a first mode of use, the lower half 204 of the videophone
is placed on a horizontal surface, or is hand held, such that the
upper half 202 is oriented vertically and such that the display
panel 220 faces the user. In this mode, an image of the user may be
picked up on the video camera 222 and transmitted via the radio
interface of the mobile communications system, and a video image of
a remote party received via the radio interface of the mobile
communications system may be displayed on the display panel 220. In
addition, the view of the user picked up by the video camera 222
may be displayed on the lower display panel 226, in order to
provide a means whereby the user may monitor the image picked up by
the video camera 222 during and prior to video image transmission
during a call.
[0066] The upper and/or lower display panels 220 and 226 are
provided with a touch-sensitive membrane. Either the upper display
panel 220 and/or the lower display panel 226 may also therefore be
used as a man machine interface, combined with iconic and/or
alphanumeric displays of videophone functions displayed on the
respective panel, in order to allow control of the videophone
functions before and during a call transmitted via the
videophone.
[0067] During a video conference, audio signals consisting of the
voice of the user may be picked up on either, or both of, the
microphones contained in the audio portions 224, 228. Audio
signals, consisting of the voice of the remote party, received via
the radio interface of the mobile communications system, may be
output via the loudspeakers contained in either or each of the
audio portions 224, 228.
[0068] In a second mode of operation, the videophone 200 is used as
a conventional mobile telephone handset, namely the videophone 200,
when oriented in a state similar to that illustrated in FIG. 6, is
held against the head of the user such that one of the audio
portions 224, 228 rests adjacent the ear of the user and the other
of the audio portions 224, 228 rests adjacent the mouth of the
user. Since a microphone and a loudspeaker are provided in each of
the audio portions 224, the videophone 200 may be oriented in two
alternative positions during usage in this mode. That is to say,
either the audio portion 224 may be held against the ear of the
user, with the audio portion 228 held adjacent the mouth of the
user, or the audio portion 228 may be held against the ear of the
user, with the audio portion 224 held adjacent the mouth of the
user. The videophone 200 is preferably arranged to actuate only a
single combination of microphone and loudspeaker in the audio
portions 224, 228, as required, when operating in this mode.
[0069] In a further mode of use, the videophone 200 may be oriented
in a direction normal to that described above, namely with the
videophone extending horizontally when opened out, with the upper
half 202 located on the right, and the lower half 204 located on
the left, with respect to the user. In this mode, one or more
images may be shown on the display panels 220, 226 simultaneously.
Furthermore, the microphones and/or loudspeakers provided in each
of the audio portions 228 and 224 provide either stereophonic audio
output or stereophonic audio reception, or both.
[0070] The mode of usage, namely any of the videophone modes
described above or the conventional mobile telephone handset mode
described above, may be selected by the user via the man machine
interface, i.e., by touch-screen selection in a control portion of
the display panels 220, 226.
[0071] In one embodiment, the videophone is provided with Internet
browsing capabilities. Namely, by providing the videophone 200 with
an Internet browser application, and appropriate data
communications capabilities via the radio interface of the mobile
communications system, the mobile videophone 200 may provide
Internet access. For example, a Word Wide Web page may be retrieved
and displayed one or more the display panels 220, 226. Hyperlinks
may be selected by appropriate interaction with the touch-screen
man machine interface. With a suitable radio interface, both HTML
pages and video data may be received and displayed simultaneously
on different of the display panels 220, 226.
[0072] A further feature of the videophone 200 relates to
functionality enabled by the hinge mechanism 206. Namely, the hinge
206 allows pivoting of the upper half 202 relative to the lower
half 204 from the closed position in which both halves are located
in parallel planes, as illustrated in FIG. 5, continuously through
intermediate positions, in which the upper half is stably oriented
with respect to the lower half (so that the halves maintain their
relative positions even when free-standing), such as that shown in
FIG. 6, continuously through to a fully open position as
illustrated in FIG. 7. The lower half 204 is therefore stably
positionable at any of a large number of positions between the
closed position of FIG. 5 and the fully open position of FIG.
7.
[0073] As will be appreciated, with the videophone 200 hand-held
and arranged as illustrated in FIG. 7, the user may direct the
video camera 222 in a direction facing directly away from the user,
quite comfortably, such that the image transmitted by the
videophone 200 over the radio interface of the mobile
communications network consists not of an image of the user, but of
an image of objects located directly in front of the user. In this
manner, the user may readily illustrate to a remote party what he
himself can view. Thus, during a single video conference, the user
may orient the upper half 202 relative to the lower half 204 in a
plurality of different positions, whilst continuously holding the
lower half 204 in one hand and to face the user, thereby allowing
the remote party to view various different objects whilst the user
himself may continue to view the image displayed on the lower
display panel 226. As discussed above, this image may consist of
the image picked up by the video camera 222. Alternatively, or
additionally, this image may consist of the image of the remote
party communicated over the ratio interface of the mobile
communications system.
[0074] Thus, it will be appreciated that the videophone 200
provides a wide variety of modes of usage, and modes of video
display and display of control graphics in a man machine interface,
which remains convenient to the user. The user may select any of
the modes of usage, via the man machine interface, as per a
personal preference, or in accordance with the type of images to be
displayed on the videophone 200. In addition to the video
conferencing mode of usage described above, and the Internet
browsing display still images received via the radio interface of
the mobile communications network. Correspondingly, the video
camera 222 may be used to pick up still images for transmission via
the radio interface of the mobile communications system.
[0075] The videophone 200 may also be used to receive television
programs, in which case the videophone 200 is preferably oriented
in the horizontal position described above, to provide stereophonic
audio sound, with the television program displayed on either, or
each of, the display panels 220, 226.
[0076] By providing the capability of orienting the upper half 202
with respect to the lower half 204 at a whole variety of
operational positions, including the position illustrated in FIGS.
4 and 6 and positions in which the upper half 202 is positioned
more closely to the lower half 204, the user may select a degree of
privacy of viewing as desired. Thus, the videophone 200 may be used
as a portable multi-user video conferencing terminal or in the
alternative for an individual user to conduct more private video
conversations, even when in public, as required.
[0077] It will be appreciated that it is not necessary for there to
be two speakers and two microphones, and that the microphone and
speaker need not be positioned at different audio portions of the
device for use as a videophone.
[0078] The camera 222 need not be mounted centrally of the display
panel 220. Indeed, although it is preferred, the camera need not be
mounted immediately behind the display panel 220, but may be
located adjacent it on the housing of the upper half 202.
alternatively, the camera may be mounted in the lower half 204. In
all the alternatives described, the video camera should be readily
orientable to capture a view of the user.
[0079] Finally, the invention is not limited in application to
videophones. Aspects if the invention may be implemented in other
types of mobile terminal, such as mobile telephone handsets,
cordless telephone handsets, portable television receivers,
etc.
[0080] It is to be understood that the embodiments described above
are preferred embodiment only. Namely, various features may be
omitted, modified or substituted by equivalents without departing
from the scope of the present invention, which is defined in the
accompanying claims.
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