U.S. patent application number 12/418299 was filed with the patent office on 2009-07-30 for integrated desktop videoconferencing system.
This patent application is currently assigned to POLYCOM, INC.. Invention is credited to Anthony M. Duys, Daniel R. Phelps, Timothy Root.
Application Number | 20090189973 12/418299 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35095865 |
Filed Date | 2009-07-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090189973 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Root; Timothy ; et
al. |
July 30, 2009 |
INTEGRATED DESKTOP VIDEOCONFERENCING SYSTEM
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a videoconferencing system that has been
integrated into a flat panel display or computer monitor. The
integration provides an improved form factor for the
videoconferencing system. In addition, the integration offers the
dual use as a computer monitor and as a videoconferencing system.
The system includes a videoconferencing module attaching to a back
of the flat panel display. The videoconferencing module has
videoconferencing electronics that electronically connect to
integral electronics of the display. The system also includes a
microphone/camera module attaching to a top of the flat panel
display. The microphone/camera module has a camera and microphone
that both electronically connect to the videoconferencing
electronics.
Inventors: |
Root; Timothy; (Nashua,
NH) ; Duys; Anthony M.; (Merrimac, MA) ;
Phelps; Daniel R.; (N. Conway, NH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WONG, CABELLO, LUTSCH, RUTHERFORD & BRUCCULERI,;L.L.P.
20333 SH 249 6th Floor
HOUSTON
TX
77070
US
|
Assignee: |
POLYCOM, INC.
Pleasanton
CA
|
Family ID: |
35095865 |
Appl. No.: |
12/418299 |
Filed: |
April 3, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11108105 |
Apr 18, 2005 |
RE40283 |
|
|
12418299 |
|
|
|
|
60563181 |
Apr 16, 2004 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/14.08 ;
348/E7.083 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04R 5/02 20130101; H04N
7/142 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/14.08 ;
348/E07.083 |
International
Class: |
H04N 7/14 20060101
H04N007/14 |
Claims
1. A videoconferencing system for equipping a flat panel display to
conduct a video conference, the display having integral
electronics, the system comprising: videoconferencing electronics;
means for enclosing at least part of the videoconferencing
electronics; means for attaching an exterior surface of the means
for enclosing to an exterior surface of the flat panel display; and
means for electronically connecting the videoconferencing
electronics to the integral electronics of the flat panel desktop
display.
2. The videoconferencing system of claim 1, wherein the
videoconferencing electronics includes means for interfacing with a
network.
3. The videoconferencing system of claim 1, wherein the
videoconferencing electronics includes means for obtaining an image
for the video conference.
4. The videoconferencing system of claim 1, wherein the
videoconferencing electronics includes means for obtaining audio
for the video conference.
5. The videoconferencing system of claim 1, wherein the means for
attaching the exterior surface of the means for enclosing to the
exterior surface of the flat panel display includes means for
affixing the videoconferencing electronics to a back of the flat
panel display.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application and claims
priority to U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 11/108,015 filed Apr.
15, 2005 and to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/563,181
filed Apr. 16, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference in
its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a
videoconferencing system, and more particularly to a
videoconferencing system integrated into a computer display.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Prior to around 1988, videoconferencing systems were too
large to build into a cart. Videoconferencing systems were designed
into custom rooms for, with the equipment placed in equipment
closets, or otherwise concealed in custom furniture (shelves, etc).
For example, the original PictureTel product (the C2000) weighed in
excess of 250 pounds. This was only the codec, it did not include
audio amplification/echo cancellation, video switching equipment,
or the network interfaces needed to connect to the WAN.
[0006] Around 1988, standalone codec technology, echo cancellation
systems, monitors, cameras, standalone network interface units were
integrated into carts. For PictureTel the first such unit was the
V2100. The C3000 codec was used in these systems, which was
functionally equivalent to the C2000 system, but weighed around 72
lbs. The unit was massive. The second generation unit (the V3100)
had a cabinet that weighed 240 lbs, electronics (including the
codec) added another 240 lbs, the monitor added about another 120
lbs-700 lbs altogether.
[0007] In about 1991, fully integrated cart systems were
introduced. In these systems, there was a camera element, a
monitor, and a single electronics module. In the case of the S4000
model by PicutreTel, there was at least one model that completely
integrated the electronics module into the base of the cart. The
S4000 model 400 was functionally equivalent to the V3100, but
weighed "only" 200 lbs (not including monitor). The electronics
module weighed only 45 lbs, compared to 240 lbs in the V3100. A
good chunk of the cart weight was to keep the cart from tipping
when a heavy monitor was placed on the top.
[0008] In 1996, the Swiftsite (again PictureTel) was the first
set-top unit. The electronics module and the camera were integrated
into a unit small enough to place on top of the monitor, thereby
eliminating the need for a cart at all. Swiftsite weighed in at 10
lbs. Today, even this form factor is becoming large and unwieldy
compared to advances in flat panel displays and computer monitors.
Additionally, the need for videoconferencing equipment has moved
from custom designed and built conference rooms to individual
offices. Therefore, what is needed is an even smaller
videoconferencing form factor that better integrates with its
surroundings in a modern office.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0009] Disclosed herein is a videoconferencing system that has been
integrated into a flat panel display or computer monitor. The
integration provides an improved form factor for the
videoconferencing system. In addition, the integration offers the
dual use as a computer monitor and as a videoconferencing system.
The system includes a videoconferencing module attaching to a back
of the flat panel display. The videoconferencing module has
videoconferencing electronics that electronically connect to
integral electronics of the display. The system also includes a
microphone/camera module attaching to a top of the flat panel
display. The microphone/camera module has a camera and microphone
that both electronically connect to the videoconferencing
electronics.
[0010] The foregoing summary is not intended to summarize each
potential embodiment or every aspect of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The foregoing summary, preferred embodiments, and other
aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure will be
best understood with reference to a detailed description of
specific embodiments, which follows, when read in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an integrated desktop
videoconferencing system in accordance with certain teachings of
the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a face-on view of an embodiment of an
integrated desktop videoconferencing system in accordance with
certain teachings of the present disclosure.
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the videoconferencing
system of FIG. 2.
[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the videoconferencing
system of FIG. 2.
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the videoconferencing
system of FIG. 2.
[0017] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate detailed views of a microphone/camera
module of the videoconferencing system of FIG. 2.
[0018] FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate exploded rear views of the
videoconferencing system of FIG. 2.
[0019] While the disclosed integrated desktop videoconferencing
system is susceptible to various modifications and alternative
forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of
example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. The
figures and written description are not intended to limit the scope
of the inventive concepts in any manner. Rather, the figures and
written description are provided to illustrate the inventive
concepts to a person skilled in the art by reference to particular
embodiments, as required by 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 112.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, an integrated desktop videoconferencing
system 50 in accordance with certain teachings of the present
disclosure is schematically illustrated in a side view. The
videoconferencing system 50 includes a display 51, display and
audio electronics 52, one or more speakers 53, videoconferencing
electronics 60, a camera 62, and one or more microphones 64. The
display 51 is preferably a flat panel, LCD-type personal computer
monitor. The display and audio electronics 52 are integral to the
display 51 and can be similar to those found in a PC type monitor.
The videoconferencing electronics 60 are mounted on the system 50
for conducting videoconferencing. Electronics for videoconferencing
are known in the art so that details are not described herein.
[0021] The videoconferencing unit 60 has a network connection 61
for connecting to a network for videoconferencing. Details of such
network connections for videoconferencing are known in the art and
are not described herein. The videoconferencing electronics 60 are
connected to the integral electronics 52 of the display 51 so that
the display 51 can show images of a video conference and the
speakers 53 can produce the audio of the conference.
[0022] The camera 62 is mounted on the system 50 for obtaining
images of a user and is electronically connected to the
videoconferencing electronics 60. The camera 62 can be stationary,
but the camera 62 is preferably capable of pan, tilt, and/or zoom
operation. Accordingly, the camera 62 can have either a manual
pan/tilt/zoom mechanism or alternatively electrically driven
pan/tilt/zoom mechanism. Subsets of these operations, such as pan
and tilt only may also be provided. As still another alternative,
electronic pan and tilt may be provided for the camera 62 as
described in co-pending and co-owned U.S. patent application Ser.
Nos. 09/141,057 and 10/425,535, which are hereby incorporated by
reference in their entireties.
[0023] Finally, the microphone 64 is mounted on the system 50 for
obtaining audio for the video conference and is electronically
connected to the videoconferencing unit 60. Preferably, more than
one microphone 64 is used with the system 50, and the microphones
64 are directed toward the front of the display 51 to obtain audio
from the user at the display 51.
[0024] Preferably, the display 51 includes function buttons 54 for
controlling various functions of both the display 51 and other
portions of the videoconferencing system 50. Among the functions
controlled by the function buttons 54 are: a display mode (source
switch) function, a display setup function, a speaker volume
function, and a power switching (on/off) function. The button 54
for the display mode function allows the user to select the
operation of the system between a computer monitor mode and a
videoconferencing mode. The button 54 for the display setup
function allows the user to enter a menu driven system of the
display 51 in which various parameters of the display 51 and/or
other portions of the videoconferencing system 50 may be
manipulated. The button 54 for the power switching function
preferably provides independent power switching to allow the
computer display 51 to be used independently of other portions of
the videoconferencing system 50.
[0025] The videoconferencing system 50 described herein can be used
additionally as a personal computer monitor. Accordingly, the
display 51 includes a video input 55 (e.g., VGA input) for
receiving the video signal from a personal computer. In addition,
the integrated desktop videoconferencing system 50 also preferably
includes a video output (e.g., VGA output) (not shown), which
allows the connection of an additional monitor or display (not
shown). This additional display may be used for use in a
multiple-display videoconferencing mode, for example, a mode in
which one monitor displays the participants at a remote location
and the other monitor displays documents, such as a computer-based
presentation. Multi-monitor videoconferencing systems are known to
those skilled in the art, and therefore details of such systems are
not reproduced here. Additionally, a video source pass-through (not
shown) may be included with the electronics 52 of the display 51 so
that the image displayed on the display 51 may be shown on an
additional display. Additional combinations of display modes are
possible and would be apparent to one skilled in the art having the
benefit of this disclosure. Furthermore, it is also possible to use
the display 51 in accordance with other video signal standards, and
thus the videoconferencing system 50 may include other forms of
video signal inputs, such as an S-Video input, a composite video
input, a DVI input, and/or a component video input. Any and all of
these and a variety of other video formats are adaptable for use
with the system 50.
[0026] It is also possible for the audio components of the
integrated desktop videoconferencing system 50 to be used to
provide PC audio functionality. Obviously, this necessitates some
form of audio input (not shown), various forms of which are known
to those skilled in the art. Additionally, it is preferable to
provide a headset plug (not shown) on the front bezel of display
51, so that a user may use the audio functions of the
videoconferencing system 50 and/or personal computer without
disturbing others in the vicinity and/or with improved privacy.
[0027] The display 51 also preferably includes an integrated
infrared detector 56 and associated electronics in the integral
electronics 52 of the display. (In a preferred embodiment described
below, the display 51 is an LCD computer monitor that also
functions as an LCD television in which a remote control is
practically a standard feature). The infrared detector 56 allows an
infrared remote control to control various features of the display
51 and/or the videoconferencing system 50. However, the
videoconferencing system 50 described herein may also be used in
conjunction with displays lacking an infrared detector, or this
functionality may be provided on the system 50 by separately
integrating infrared receiver electronics with the
videoconferencing electronics 60, for example.
[0028] Further additional features may also be included
advantageously in the integrated desktop videoconferencing system
50 disclosed herein. For example, the base of the display 51 may
include a dialing pad 57 to facilitate the placement of video
and/or audio calls with the system 50. Additionally, the
videoconferencing system 50 may include a telephone jack 70 for
connection of a standard telephone extension or a Voice over
Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone, which would then connect to the
network for videoconferencing. As an alternative form of network
connection, the videoconferencing unit 60 may include a wireless
network interface, such as would comply with one or more of the
IEEE 802.11a/b/g standards. Such a module would allow the
integrated desktop videoconferencing system 50 to be used in
varying locations and/or by a mobile user.
[0029] Referring to FIGS. 2-5, an embodiment of an integrated
desktop videoconferencing system 100 in accordance with certain
teachings of the present disclosure is illustrated in front, side,
rear, and top views, respectively. The videoconferencing system 100
includes a display 110, a videoconferencing module 120, and a
microphone/camera module 130. The display 110 is preferably a flat
panel type personal computer monitor, such as an LCD or plasma
display. The videoconferencing module 120 and the microphone/camera
module 130 are mounted on the display 110 to form an integrated
assembly with the display 110.
[0030] Given current size and form factor constraints of the
display 110 and electronics technology, it is considered preferable
to mount the videoconferencing module 120 to the back of display
110. However, differences or changes in the typical, standard, or
available sizes and/or form factors of either the display 110 or
the videoconferencing module 120 could result in a situation in
which it would be more preferable to attach the videoconferencing
module 120 in an alternate position. As illustrated, it is
currently considered preferable to attach the microphone/camera
module 130 to the top of the display 110. However, as with
videoconferencing module 120, differences or changes in the
typical, standard, or available sizes and/or form factors of the
equipment could present a case in which it would be preferable to
attach the microphone/camera module 130 in a different
position.
[0031] As noted above, the display 110 is preferably a standard
flat panel display. The display 110 has integral electronics (not
shown) within its housing for operating the display 110. Such
integral electronics are known in the art and not described herein.
Yet, various additional features are preferred for the display 110,
and the inventors have found that LCD monitors produced by Sampo
Corporation are particularly well suited for use in accordance with
the integrated desktop videoconferencing system 100 described
herein. One example of a suitable Sampo monitor is the 17'' LCD
display having model number LME-17S3. Various features are
integrated with the Sampo monitors, some of which are particularly
advantageous in constructing the videoconferencing system 100
described herein. An example of such a feature is an amplified
stereo sound system, including an audio amplifier (not shown) and
speakers 112 in the Sampo monitor. Speakers 112 may be positioned
in various positions on the display 110, and the speaker grilles
are preferably integrated with the display bezel in such a way as
to provide a functional, yet attractive system. Additional physical
features that are advantageously part of the display 110 are a tilt
or tilt/swivel base 114 and an integrated carrying handle 118
(illustrated most clearly in FIG. 6C).
[0032] The display 110 preferably includes function buttons (not
shown) for controlling various functions of both the display and
videoconferencing system. The function buttons are preferably
located on the front bezel of the display 110 and may be provided
with a cover 116 so that they are covered when not in use. Among
the functions controlled by the function buttons are: the display
mode (source switch) function, the display setup function, the
speaker volume function, and the power switching (on/off) function,
described previously with reference to FIG. 1. Moreover, the
display 110 can include a VGA input, a VGA output, a VGA source
pass-through, an S-Video input, a composite video input, a DVI
input, a component video input, and additional features described
previously with reference to FIG. 1.
[0033] As noted above, the videoconferencing module 120 is mounted
on the display 110. As best shown in FIG. 4, the videoconferencing
module 120 is attached to the back of the display 110. The
videoconferencing module 120 includes an enclosure 122 having a
main portion 124 and an intermediate portion 126. The main
enclosure portion 124 houses videoconferencing electronics and
other components (shown in detail in FIGS. 7A-7B). The intermediate
enclosure portion 126 extends from the main portion 124 to the
microphone/camera module 130 mounted on top of the display 110. An
end of the intermediate portion 126 abuts the microphone/camera
module 130, and the intermediate portion 126 hides various
connections between electronics of the modules 120 and 130. In one
embodiment, the main and intermediate portions 124 and 126 are
integrally connected together. In an alternative embodiment, the
portions 124 and 126 are separate and attached together by
fasteners or the like. The intermediate portion 126 is preferably
formed to allow access to an integrated handle 118 (illustrated
most clearly in FIG. 6C) of the display 110.
[0034] The videoconferencing module 120 is designed to be similar
in color, materials, and general shape of the display 110 such that
the integrated videoconferencing system 100 appears to be a single
design. Additionally and as best shown in FIGS. 3-5, the enclosure
122 for the videoconferencing module 120 is preferably designed to
be clean looking and to provide an integrated appearance with the
display 110 because, as a desktop system, individuals may be
sitting behind the display 110. As shown in FIG. 4, the vent
pattern on the main enclosure portion 124 is preferably designed to
maximize vertical convection so that the vertical convection along
with the vertical mounting allows the system 100 to run without a
fan.
[0035] Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6C, the microphone/camera module
130 is illustrated in perspective, face-on, and exploded rear view,
respectively. As best shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, the microphone/camera
module 130 is designed to fit along the top edge of the flat panel
display 110. The microphone/camera module 130 can be attached to
the display 110 using various techniques, such as fasteners,
clamps, tape, adhesive, etc. The microphone/camera module 130
includes a microphone unit 140 and a camera unit 150. The
microphone unit 140 includes a body that houses microphones 142 for
the audio portion of a videoconference. The camera unit 150, which
is necessary for the video portion of the videoconference, is
centrally positioned on the body of the microphone unit 140 so that
the microphones 142 are positioned on either side of the camera
unit 150.
[0036] In the present embodiment, the module 130 integrates the
location of the microphones 142 with the camera unit 150.
Alternatively, it is possible to provide separate assemblies for
the microphone unit 140 and camera unit 150 that attach to the
display 110. In any case, the modularized construction of the
videoconferencing module 120 and the microphone/camera module 130
enables construction of the integrated desktop videoconferencing
system 100 using standard personal computer (PC) type displays,
such as the preferred Sampo monitor of the present embodiment. This
reduces the development time and cost necessary to produce such a
system, which ultimately reduces the cost of the system to the end
user. Additionally, if a standard PC monitor is used for the
display 110, the integrated desktop videoconferencing system 100
may perform double duty as a personal computer monitor, as
described previously.
[0037] The microphone/camera module 130 is preferably designed
cosmetically to match the materials, shapes, colors, etc. of the
display 110 to provide an integrated appearance. For example,
grills 143 shown in FIG. 6B cover the microphones 142 housed in the
microphone unit 140. These grills 143 are preferably vertically
aligned with the grill of the speakers (112; FIG. 2) on the display
110.
[0038] The camera unit 150 includes a body 152, which houses an
electronic camera (not shown) and has an opening for a lens 160 of
the camera to capture images for videoconferencing. In the
disclosed embodiment, the camera unit 150 has a manual pan/tilt
mechanism 154 that attaches the body 152 to the microphone unit
140. As best shown in FIG. 6C, the manual pan/tilt mechanism 154 is
attached to a central location 155 of the microphone unit 140 with
a fastener and washers, and the mechanism 154 allows the camera
body 152 to pan and tilt. Preferably, the camera body 152 is
allowed to pan and tilt about +/-20-degrees. In an alternative
embodiment, however, the camera unit 150 can have an electrically
driven pan and tilt mechanism or can have electronic pan and tilt
capabilities, such as described previously. Additionally, manual
electric or electronic zoom capabilities may also be provided.
[0039] As best shown in FIG. 6C, a connector 165 connects the
camera unit 150 to other electronics (not shown) of the system. As
best shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, the camera unit 150 also preferably
incorporates a privacy shutter 158, which may be manually or
electrically actuated to conceal or expose the lens 160. An
infrared detector 162 is also housed in the camera unit 150 and is
preferably visible whether the shutter 158 is open or closed. This
infrared detector 162 when used with a remote control can be used
to control various functions of the display 110 and/or
videoconferencing system. As best shown in FIG. 6B, a manual focus
wheel 156 on the camera unit 150 allows the user to focus the
camera without needing to touch the lens 160 when the camera unit
150 is in operation. Alternatively, electric manual focusing or
automated focusing may also be provided. The camera unit 150 can
also support an electronic zoom capability, although cameras with
normal optical zoom capabilities may also be included.
[0040] As for the microphone unit 140 of the microphone/camera
module 130, each microphone 142 is preferably a cardioid microphone
angled at about 20-degrees towards the central location 155 of the
module 130 to maximize the stereo pickup of the system 100. The
cavity for the microphones 142 and the placement of the microphones
142 are shaped to maximize the pickup of the cardioid microphones
142 on each side. As shown in FIG. 6C, an electronic unit 144
coupled to the microphones 142 is attached to the back of the
central location 155 of the unit 140. This electronic unit 144 is
used for processing audio signals and is coupled to other
electronics (not shown) of the videoconferencing system. This
electronic unit 144 is covered by the end of the intermediate
enclosure portion (126; FIG. 4) so that it is not visible when the
system is assembled.
[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7B, further details of the system
100 will be discussed. As best shown in FIG. 7A, the vertically
orientated videoconferencing module 120 is preferably attached to
the display 110 via the standard mounting hole pattern 224
according to the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) on
the back of the display 110. This arrangement has numerous
advantages, such as allowing for conversion of a standard computer
monitor type display with minimal custom tooling and allowing for
wall mounting of the integrated videoconferencing system 100 using
standard brackets, including various tilt/swivel arrangements.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 7A, the videoconferencing module 120
includes an electronics module 200 and an electronics tray 220. The
electronics module 200 contains all the necessary electronics for a
videoconferencing system, including processors, memory,
communication interfaces (LAN/WAN/ISDN), etc. Construction and
implementation of such electronics for videoconferencing systems
are known to those skilled in the art, thus the details are not
reproduced here.
[0043] The electronics tray 220 mounts to the back of the display
110 with fasteners 222 connecting to the VESA mounting holes 224 of
the display 110. At least two of the fasteners 222 allow for
adjustment of the tray 220. The electronics module 200 mounts in
the tray 200 with fasteners (not shown). In the present embodiment,
a connector 210 has multiple connection members on one end 212,
which connect to inputs 214 on the display 110. A cover 215 may be
used to hide the connector end 212. The connector 210 also has
connectors on another end 216, which connects to outputs 218 on the
electronics module 200 so that video and audio signals can be
transmitted from the electronics module 200 to the display 110.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 7B, the camera unit 150 connects to the
electronics module 200 with connector 164 and cable 165, and the
microphone electronic unit 144 connects to the module 200 with a
cable 250. The videoconferencing module 120 also includes a cage
member 230, heat sinks 240, and the enclosure 122. With the
electronics module 200 and tray 220 mounted to the display 110 as
shown in FIG. 7B and described previously, the heat sinks 240 mount
to the electronics module 200, and the cage member 230 attaches to
the electronics tray 220 to protect the module 200. Finally, the
enclosure 122 attaches with fasteners to the electronics tray 220
to complete the assembly. Once the module 120 is assembled, the
electronic module 200, connector 210 between the electronic module
200 and the display 110, the microphone electronic unit 144, and
other components, cables, and connectors are hidden under the
enclosure 122.
[0045] The disclosed integrated desktop videoconferencing system
has been explained with reference to exemplary embodiments. It will
be evident to those skilled in the art that various modifications
may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and
scope of the invention. Further, although the invention has been
described in the context of its implementation in particular
environments and for particular applications, those skilled in the
art will recognize that the present invention's usefulness is not
limited thereto and that the invention can be beneficially utilized
in any number of environments and implementations. The foregoing
description and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an
illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
* * * * *