Abstract:
A videophone for communication with eye contact by means of image and/or sound includes image recording means for recording images, image reproducing means for reproducing an image recorded by another videophone, sound recording means for recording sound, sound reproducing means for reproducing sound recorded by another videophone, operating means for operating the functions of the videophone, and videophone enhancing means for enhancing image and/or sound quality, convenience of operation and/or use. Videophone enhancing means, in an option, includes a motor configured for moving the reflection device and/or the image reproducing device upward and/or downward for bringing to eye level an image reflected in the reflection device or a rotating unit configured for rotating the reflection device for the purpose of improving eye contact and enhancing convenience of use.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. 111(a) of PCT/NL02/00767, filed Nov. 26, 2002 and published in English on Jun. 5, 2003 as WO 03/047253 A1, which claimed priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 of The Netherlands Application No. 1019435, filed on Nov. 26, 2001, which applications and publication are incorporated herein by reference. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The present application is generally direct to videophones, and, more particularly, to videophones providing improved eye contact between the users. 
   Despite the possibilities of video conferencing, great distances are still very frequently travelled, mainly in the business world but also in the private sphere, in order to have a more personal contact, this in spite of the increased danger of flying. Video conferencing equipment is generally considered unsatisfactory. Known from for instance the U.S. Pat. No. 5,777,665 is a videophone which can be placed on the desk of an executive and with which a reasonably good eye contact can be obtained with the person who also has such a videophone available. In a number of respects however this known videophone must be improved, for which purpose such a primitive and expensive device must approach perfect quality. Such aspects relate to for instance the positioning of the face in the image, the picture quality per se, easy operation of the diverse functions and/or the appearance of the device on the desk and the recorded image in relation to the surroundings. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention therefore has for its object to improve the known videophone. 
   The present invention provides a videophone for communication with eye contact by means of image and/or sound, comprising:
         image recording means for recording images;   image reproducing means for reproducing an image recorded by another videophone;   sound recording means for recording sound;   sound reproducing means for reproducing sound recorded by another videophone;   operating means for operating the functions of the videophone; and   videophone enhancing means for enhancing image and/or sound quality, convenience of operation and/or use.       

   Communication with eye contact is possible with a videophone according to the present invention, wherein drawbacks of existing videophones are also obviated, an improved convenience of operation is provided and an enhanced image and/or sound quality. 
   In a preferred embodiment the videophone enhancing means comprise motor means for moving the reflection means and/or the image reproducing means upward and/or downward for bringing to eye level an image reflected in the reflection means, so that eye contact is improved. 
   In a further preferred embodiment the videophone enhancing means comprise rotating means for rotating the reflection means for the purpose of improving eye contact and enhancing convenience of use, wherein the rotating means comprise a motor which is arranged in a hinge connected to the image reproducing means and the reflection means for motorized rotation of the reflection means, for instance between a closed position and an opened position wherein the angle between the reflection means and the image reproducing means can be chosen between 40° and 60°. 
   In a further preferred embodiment the videophone enhancing means comprise at least one light source which is arranged lower than the image reproducing means for the purpose of lighting the face of a user. The recorded image of the face thereby comes across better on another videophone by eliminating shadows. 
   In a further preferred embodiment the operating means comprise a remote control for remotely controlling the videophone via a wire or in wireless manner, thereby enhancing convenience of use. 
   In a further preferred embodiment the reflection means have a tapering form so that the reflection means are narrower on the underside thereof than on the top side in order to improve the perspective view of the reflected image. 
   In a further preferred embodiment the edge of the reflection means is at least partially transparent in order to create virtual presence of the reflected image. 
   According to a second aspect the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a videophone, comprising the steps of:
         arranging at least partially transparent reflection means above image reproducing means in order to reflect the image reproduced by the image reproducing means;   arranging image recording means behind the reflection means;   arranging sound recording means for recording sound;   arranging sound reproducing means for reproducing sound recorded by another videophone;   arranging operating means for operating the functions of the videophone; and   arranging videophone enhancing means for enhancing image and/or sound quality, convenience of operation and/or use.       

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Further advantages and features of the present invention will be elucidated in the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof with reference to the annexed figures, in which: 
       FIG. 1  shows a schematic overview of a videophone according to the present invention in a first preferred embodiment; 
       FIG. 2  is a rear view in perspective of a part of the videophone of  FIG. 1  in a first state of use; 
       FIG. 3  is a front view in perspective of the part of the videophone of  FIG. 2  in a first state of use; 
       FIG. 4  is a rear view in perspective of the part of the videophone of  FIG. 2  in a second state of use; 
       FIG. 5  is a front view in perspective of the part of the videophone of  FIG. 2  in a second state of use; 
       FIG. 6  shows an exploded perspective view of a part of the videophone according to the present invention in a first preferred embodiment; 
       FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of means for moving upward or downward the image reproducing means of the videophone of  FIG. 1  in a first preferred embodiment; 
       FIG. 8  is a cut-away view in perspective of a lowest part of the videophone of  FIG. 1  in a first preferred embodiment; 
       FIG. 9  is a view in perspective of the image reproducing means of the videophone of  FIG. 1  in a first preferred embodiment; 
       FIG. 10  is a cut-away view in perspective of rotating means of the videophone of  FIG. 1  in a first preferred embodiment; 
       FIG. 11  is a view in perspective of the image recording means of the videophone of  FIG. 1  in a first preferred embodiment; 
       FIG. 12  is a view in perspective of a unit for separate placing for the videophone of  FIG. 1  in a first preferred embodiment. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   A videophone  1  according to the present invention makes it possible to communicate with eye contact ( FIG. 1 ). A picture signal received via a network  2 , for instance a LAN or the internet, is displayed for this purpose by the screen  3 , for instance an LCD with a light intensity in the order of 1000–2000 Cd/m 2 . In an option, the light intensity id about 1000–2000 Cd/m 2 . The picture displayed by screen  3  is reflected in the partly light-transmitting mirror  4  described later, with a reflection/transmission ratio in the order of 50%/50%, wherein the angle α between screen  3  and the partly light-transmitting mirror  4  lies between 40° and 60°. In an option, the angle α lies between about 40° and 60°. The partly light-transmitting mirror is connected via a hinge  5  to screen  3 , wherein a motor is arranged in the hinge so that the angle α between screen  3  and mirror  4  can be adjusted using the motor. A user of the videophone sees the reflected image, while a camera  6  arranged behind mirror  4  records the image of the user through the partly light-transmitting mirror. This camera arrangement enables users to have eye contact so that a more penetrating contact is possible than in known systems for video conferencing. For sound reproduction of received sound signals a loudspeaker  7  is arranged on the front of the videophone, just below the partly light-transmitting mirror  4  and the image reflected therein. The sound produced thus comes from the direction of the reflected image, so that the most natural possible situation is created. A microphone  8  picks up the sounds from a user. 
   The embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  further comprises a base  9 , described more extensively later, into which is incorporated a motor for moving upward or downward the screen  3 , partly light-transmitting mirror  4  and camera  6 , so that a user can bring the reflected image to a desired height using the motor so as to improve eye contact. Signals are transmitted from and to a separate enclosure  11  via a cable  10 , which can optionally be replaced by a wireless connection to reduce the space taken up by the videophone  1  on a desk. Enclosure  11  comprises hardware and software programmed therein, for instance a codec for communication with network  2  via cable  12 . Since enclosure  11  can be placed separately, it can be placed under a desk so that the occupied space on the desk is limited. Cable  12  is a so-called flat cable carrying both the picture and sound signals as well as the power supply signal of about 48 V. The connection for picture and sound signals to the network can likewise be made in wireless manner, for instance in order to enhance the appearance of the videophone. In order to achieve the enhanced image and/or sound quality large quantities of data must be transmitted, for instance in the order of magnitude of 0.5 to 2.5 Mbps (megabit per second). With future compression techniques these data speeds can be increased or decreased subject to the applications. 
   An external remote control  13 , for instance a handheld computer with a touch screen, such as for instance a COMPAQ l-pack, HP Jornada, Pocket PC or Palmtop with a foot  14  developed by applicant, (remotely) operates the videophone. The developed software makes it possible, among other things, to use the remote control for personalization and for display of status information. 
     FIG. 2  shows a part  20  of videophone  1  that is placed on a desk. The hood  22  of plastic covers the rear side of the partly light-transmitting mirror  4  to screen off light. One component of hood  22  is the camera cover  24 , which is optionally of transparent plastic to make the camera movements visible. A bellows (not shown) is in this case arranged round the camera to screen off light. 
     FIG. 3  shows the part  20  in an opened position of use. The fan shape of the partly light-transmitting mirror  4  is clearly shown, wherein it is narrower on the underside at hinge  5  than on the top side in order to improve the perspective view of the reflected image and to create a more open view. The edge  26  is made transparent so that, through the absence of a clear outline frame, the reflected image appears to transpose into the room setting, thereby creating a sense of virtual presence. The partly light-transmitting mirror  4  is of a transparent material, for instance glass or polycarbonate of 2–4 mm thick, to which a reflecting material is applied, for instance silver. This reflective surface is protected against scratching, among other things, by a coating applied thereto of glass with a thickness of about 5–50 μm. The rear or non-visual side of the transparent material is roughened by for instance sandblasting or etching to eliminate second reflections in the transparent material. Base  9  further has the later elucidated control buttons  28  and light source  30 . 
     FIGS. 4 and 5  show the part  20  in a closed state of use, wherein less space is taken up and the view is less obstructed, this being desirable if the videophone is not in use. The motor arranged in hinge  5  opens or closes hood  22  after operation of keys  28  or remote control  13 . In a preferred embodiment opening proceeds automatically up to an angle α of 40°, whereafter a user can further adjust angle α between about 40° and 60°. This possibility of setting the angle ensures that a user can assume a more informal posture, which is essential for a relaxed conversation. The hood can be further opened to an angle α of 90° for servicing purposes. 
     FIG. 6  shows the hood  22  over mirror  4  and the camera cover  24 , with the plate  32 . Plate  32 , for instance of a mixture of darker paint and plastic, is glued to the rear of the partly light-transmitting mirror  4  to exclude light. A recess  33  is arranged in plate  32  so that the camera (not shown) can be viewed therethrough. Casing  34  protects hinge  5 . Screen  3  is covered with a frame  36  and received in the box  38  described below. Further components are the protective housing  40 , the top  42  in which the box  38  is arranged with slots  43  to allow passage of sound from a loudspeaker (not shown). Situated thereunder is the protective base  44 . Base  9  comprises an upper cap  46 , a foot base  48 , a control panel  50  and a female scart connection  52  to which a male scart plug  54  connects for transfer of signals. 
   Situated inside base  9  is a mechanism  70  for adjusting the height ( FIG. 7 ). Plate  72  is connected with screws (not shown) to foot base  48 . A motor  74  can be activated by operating keys  28  or remote control  13 , so that toothed wheels (not shown) engage on gear rack  76  so that the plate  78  having screwed thereon the protective base and the further upper part of the videophone, including the screen and the partly light-transmitting mirror, is moved upward or downward along the guide beam  80  to bring a reflected image to eye level. 
   In addition to control keys  28 , there is arranged a light source  30  in base  9  ( FIG. 8 ). Light source  30  consists of a number of LEDs  82 , for instance  20 , with a light intensity of about 60 Cd/M 2 . The light therefrom is reflected upward through about 20° via a reflector  84  to light the face of a user, so that the recorded image thereof comes across better on another videophone by reducing shadows. LEDs  82  are screened by a cover  86  of transparent material, for instance plastic. The reflector and/or the LEDs can optionally be coloured for better lighting. There is also the possibility of dimming the LEDs to a desired light level. 
   Screen  3  is arranged in the box  38  ( FIG. 9 ) so that the screen can be easily replaced and in order to shield electromagnetic radiation. The light from screen  3  should leave the screen at a small angle, since a user otherwise sees the image reflected in the mirror as well as the image on the screen. For this purpose a foil for blocking lateral light incidence is arranged in or on the screen. Both methods suffice, although if the foil is arranged on the screen a coating of glass is arranged thereover with a thickness of about 5–50 μm to protect the foil against scratching. On the front side of box  38  is arranged a loudspeaker  90  and a knob  92  for adjusting the brightness of the screen. Situated on the rear side is a protrusion  94  with two threaded holes on which engages the motor for rotating the mirror. 
   Motor  100  is arranged in a tube  102  of hinge  5  in order to rotate the arm  104 , which is mounted on cover plate  32  round the partially light-transmitting mirror  4 , relative to the flattened rod  106  fastened with screws (not shown) to protrusion  94  ( FIG. 10 ). Tube  102  has for this purpose a slot-like recess  108  through which the arm  104  protrudes. Situated on arm  104  is a plug  110  for through-feed of signals and supply voltage. 
   Camera  6 , for instance from Sony, comprises two motors  112  and  114 , wherein motor  112  engages via a belt  116  onto the camera, so that the lens  118  can move upward or downward as well as to the left and right ( FIG. 11 ). A control module arranged in the separate enclosure  11  drives the motors  112  and  114  such that a user remains in the middle of the picture by causing the camera to follow all his/her movements. 
   The enclosure  11  for separate placing comprises an upper part  120  and a foot  122 , for instance of plastic. Arranged in the enclosure, among other things, are modules for actuating the camera movement, for actuating the screen and the loudspeaker, for receiving sound signals from the microphone and for coding and decoding image and sound signals for information exchange via a network (codec). Any codec which is suitable for audio/video, for instance from Sony, Tandberg or Polycom, is suitable for the videophone according to the present invention.  FIG. 12  further shows the flat cable  12  for the picture and sound signals and for the supply voltage with a scart connection  124 . 
   A videophone according to the above described preferred embodiment has the possibility of making eye contact, wherein existing systems are also improved, for instance in relation to image and sound quality and convenience of use. 
   Embodiments of the present invention further include methods for manufacturing a videophone as described herein. Some embodiments of the present invention include remotely actuating a videophone as described herein, for example with a portable electronic device. Options for a portable electronic device include a palmtop or similar device. 
   The present invention is not limited to the above described preferred embodiment thereof; the rights sought are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged. 
   All publications, patents, and patent documents are incorporated by reference herein, as though individually incorporated by reference. The invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention.