Patent ID: 6847403
Filing Date: 2005-01-25
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. A portable, integrated videoconferencing unit comprising an integral housing having an electronics containing interior chamber, an electronics board contained within said chamber, said electronics board performing video and audio processing including at least one of initiating or receiving a video conference call, a video camera integrally mounted on said housing and having a video output connected to said electronics board, a microphone assembly having at least one microphone mounted on said housing and having an audio output connected to said electronics board, said electronics board receiving and processing said video output and said audio output and generating a compressed video output signal and a compressed audio output signal for transmission over a communications channel, said electronics board further receiving videoconferencing signals from the communications channel, said videoconferencing signals representing compressed video and audio from a far end unit, and decompressing said compressed video and audio of said videoconferencing signals to generate decompressed far end audio and video signals, a connection integral with the housing for enabling an electrical access to said decompressed video and audio signals, an answer actuation device on the exterior of said housing, said activation device being connected to said electronics board, and said electronics board, in response to activation of said device, connecting to the communications channel to establish a videoconference call, a channel connection integral with the housing for enabling an electrical connection to the communications channel, and an interiorly mounted air movement unit wherein said housing interior chamber has at least two compartments separated by the interiorly mounted air movement unit, said air movement unit mounted for moving air from one compartment to another compartment while not adversely affecting operation of said microphones, and said compartments each being substantially airtight except for at least on ambient air opening in each compartment whereby in operation, said air movement unit causes air cooling of said electronics board.