Patent ID: 6172703
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
A video conference system, comprising:an input device detecting images and outputting a first video signal, said input device being movable to a location aligned with a line of vision of a user;a main unit transmitting said first video signal output by said input device to a first computer, receiving a second video signal transmitted by the first computer, outputting a first video control signal controlling reproduction of said second video signal, the first computer being separately located from said main unit;a monitor receiving said video control signal of said main unit, said monitor reproducing first images at a first site on said monitor where the line of vision of the user is not blocked by said input device, said first site corresponding to a place where the user can view the entirety of said first site without the user needing to change a position of the user, the first images corresponding to said second video signal;said main unit receiving a third video signal transmitted by a second computer, the second computer being separately located from said main unit and from the first computer;said monitor reproducing second images at a second site on said monitor where the line of vision of the user is not blocked by said input device, said second site corresponding to a place where the user can view the entirety of said second site without the user needing to change a position of the user the second images corresponding to said third video signal;said first and second sites being spaced apart allowing the user to view the entirety of said first and second sites substantially simultaneously;said input device comprising:an input part detecting images;an arm having a first end and a second end, said first end being connected to said input part;a support being attached to said main unit and being connected to said second end of said arm; anda microphone on said input part detecting sounds and outputting a first audio signal together with said first video signal.