Patent ID: 7071967
Filing Date: 2006-07-04
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A PC (personal computer) camera adapted to operate as a digital camera and a digital audio reproducing apparatus both independently of, and in connection with a PC, comprising: a first on/off switch for opening and closing a lens cap; a second switch for detecting whether the camera is, or is not, connected to the PC; a video conferencing mode of camera operation; a digital mode of camera operation for photographing a still image; a still image transmission mode of camera operation; a memory means for storing digital audio and video data; and a controller that determines that the camera (1) is in a still image transmission mode when the first switch is off and the second switch is on; (2) is in the digital mode of camera operation for photographing a still image when the first switch is on and the second switch is off; and (3) is in the videoconferencing mode when the first and second switches are on.