Abstract:
An illuminator device for illuminating one or more users in front web camera and a communication terminal having a bulb for emitting light; a reflector operatively associated with the bulb for projecting the emitted light; and an arm disposed between the bulb and the terminal for connection to the terminal are provided. The bulb is positionable relative to the web camera to provide optimal viewing of the user through the web camera. An illuminator device for illuminating one or more users in front of a webcamera and a communications terminal having a frame and a screen having a plurality of bulbs, wherein the plurality of bulbs are disposed in the frame of the terminal to provide illumination to the face or faces of the users.

Description:
This application claims the benefit to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/897,600 filed on Jan. 26, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to an illuminator device. More particularly, this invention relates to an illuminator device for a web camera (hereinafter “webcam”) that illuminates the face of the person who is viewed using a webcam. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Video conference calls are a common method for people to communicate when the parties are remote and wish to be simultaneously viewed. Generally, during video conferencing, the parties are not concerned about the appearance of the individuals, because the purpose of the call is of greater importance than the individuals&#39; appearance. 
     However, as online viewing using the Internet has become more popular, users are now able to have their image files uploaded to a website for online viewing. While these uploaded images can be for business purposes, they are increasingly used for social purposes. For example, in online chatting or dating sites, a user desires to appear as attractive as possible during communications using personal computers equipped with a webcam. 
     Poor lighting is one of the primary reasons for the poor appearance of facial images that are viewed online from webcams. The individual does not appear as attractive as they otherwise would in person. The proper lighting ensures an aesthetically pleasing appearance of an individual&#39;s face. 
     Accordingly, there is a need to provide proper lighting for users that are viewed through a webcam to ensure that they appear aesthetically pleasing. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure provides for an illuminator device for the face of the user viewed through a webcam, wherein the illuminator provides diffuse illumination to the face of the user. 
     The present disclosure also provides for an illuminator device for the face of the user viewed through a webcam, in which the illuminator device has a bulb that is shaped as one of a toroid, a sphere and a semi-sphere. 
     The present disclosure further provides for an illuminator device for the face of the user viewed through a webcam in which the illuminator device is embedded in the periphery of a screen of a monitor to provide illumination to the face of a user. 
     The present disclosure yet further provides for an illuminator device for the face of the user viewed through a webcam, in which the illuminator device has a bulb that is surrounded by a reflector to reflect the light of the bulb towards the face of the user. 
     The present disclosure yet still further provides for an illuminator device for the face of the user viewed through a webcam, in which the illuminator is movable on a surface relative to the user and the webcam for optimal adjustability. 
     The present disclosure still yet further provides for an illuminator device that is covered by a diffusion cover to provide diffuse light to the face of the user when the face is viewed through a webcam. 
     An illuminator device for illuminating one or more users in front web camera and a communication terminal having a bulb for emitting light; a reflector operatively associated with the bulb for projecting the emitted light; and an arm disposed between the bulb and the terminal for connection to the terminal are provided. The bulb is positionable relative to the web camera to provide optimal viewing of the user through the web camera. 
     An illuminator device for illuminating one or more users in front of a webcamera and a communications terminal having a frame and a screen having a plurality of bulbs, wherein the plurality of bulbs are disposed in the frame of the terminal to provide illumination to the face or faces of the users. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other and further benefits, advantages and features of the present invention will be understood by reference to the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters denote like elements of structure and: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a front view of the first embodiment of the webcam illuminator of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a front view of the webcam illuminator of  FIG. 1  of the present invention proximate the webcam; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a front view of the webcam illuminator according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate a perspective view of a third embodiment of the present invention in which the illuminator is integrated into the frame of the screen and surrounds the webcam; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the present invention in which the illuminator has a diffusion fabric. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a webcam illuminator of the present invention is shown and is generally represented by reference numeral  10 . Illuminator  10  of the present invention is a connected frame  15  of screen  12  of a computer proximate a webcam  20 . A webcam  20  is a video camera that is used to send periodic images or continuous frames to a Web site for display. Webcam software typically captures the images as JPEG or MPEG files and uploads them to the Web server. Illuminator  10  has a bulb  25  for illumination of the user, and particularly of the face of the user of the webcam  20 . Illuminator  10  preferably has a flexible arm  30  and a clamp  55  that permit adjustment of the location of bulb  25  relative to webcam  20 . While illuminator  10  is shown as having an alternating current power cord  35 , illuminator  10  could also be battery powered to enable portable use of webcam  20  and illuminator  10 . 
     Illuminator  10  further has a reflector  40  that surrounds or encases bulb  25 . Bulb  25  has a toroidal or ring configuration that is capable of diffusing and shaping light through its surface. Such a configuration permits light illuminating the face of the user to be as diffuse as possible. Further, reflector  40  reflects the light of bulb  25  back onto the face of the user. Illuminator  10  has a base  45  that is capable of receiving different sized or shaped bulbs and reflectors. Illuminator  10  has a switch  50  for easy activation of the bulb during use. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the illuminator  10  is shown in use in a position surrounding and in front of webcam  20 . By surrounding webcam  20 , the direct light from bulb  25  and the reflected light from bulb  25  illuminate the face with diffuse light. The diffuse light is the most flattering light to view a person&#39;s face because it prevents any shadows from being cast on a user&#39;s face. Diffuse light also prevents any facial imperfections from being highlighted on the face of the user. Illuminator  10  can be affixed to screen  15  of computer at any point along the edge to maximize direct and diffuse light from bulb  25 . Because illuminator  10  is movable along the length of screen  15 , a recipient of the image over the internet may request that the user adjust the location of the illuminator  10  for enhanced viewing of the user. The ability to move the device allows for the user to adjust how they want to be seen, as well. The different positions that the device can be positioned will create different looks and effects allowing for more choice and control. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , second embodiment of the illuminator present invention is shown and generally reference with reference numeral  60 . Similar features of the first embodiment will be referred to using the same reference numerals in the second embodiment. In  FIG. 3 , illuminator  60  has similar elements as the first embodiment except that bulb  65  has a semi-spherical or spherical shape. The reflector  70  of this embodiment has an umbrella shape that is capable of reflecting light onto the users face from bulb  65 . Bulb  65  is substantially a point source and its light is reflected by the relatively large umbrella reflector. Similar to the first embodiment, the purpose of the second embodiment is to move light forward onto the user&#39;s face and to create as much diffuse light as possible so that the user&#39;s face will be illuminated in the most flattering manner during webcam use. In the absence of a mechanism to diffuse light, the user&#39;s face would appear harsh with many shadows. In the absence of diffuse light, wrinkles or crevices would be deepened and highlighted on the surface of the skin making the user appear not as attractive when viewed by a recipient via webcam  20 . Further the diffuse light makes the whites and the color of the eyes appear clearer. By casting the light on to the user&#39;s face the overall illumination of the face is achieved. 
     Reflectors  40  and  70  of the first and second embodiment, respectively, have an inside surface that is preferably coated with a thin film of silver or a white film to maximize reflective capability. Additionally, reflectors  40  and  70  are able to direct the light to the user&#39;s face and away from screen  15 . By highlighting the user&#39;s face and projecting the maximum amount of light on to the user&#39;s face, the resolution of webcam  20  is optimized. A brighter subject enhances the resolution of webcams  10  and  60 . Further, the readability of screen  15  is increased because the light that would otherwise be directed toward the screen is minimized and redirected to the face to enhance the contrast of colors on the screen. Illuminators  10  and  60  simulate the lights are used in photographic studios that use professional lighting to enhance a user&#39;s appearance. 
     A further benefit of the webcam illuminator  10 ,  60  and reflectors  40  and  70 , respectively, is that they together simulate natural light. Natural light or average noon daylight has a temperature of 5500 degrees Kelvin. Light at 5500 degrees Kelvin is has the quality of white light that is identical to the color of the sun at midday. The temperature that reflectors  40 ,  70  of the present invention reflect on the face of the user is approximately 5500 Kelvin, a value that is neither too hot like blue light or too cold like orange light. A user seen using the webcam will have a flattering appearance. 
     In the third embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , illuminator  80  is built into a frame  85  of screen  15  of computer. Illuminator  80  is in the form of a plurality of lights  90  configured to achieve a similar effect to the bulbs of earlier embodiments. Plurality of lights  90  surround the webcam  20  and cast diffuse light on the face of the user to minimize any shadows that would not be as flattering to the user. Lights  90  are set back from the screen  15  of computer to enhance the contrast of the screen with the background for easier viewing by the user. By highlighting the face of the user, the function of the webcam  20  is maximized. By providing a greater degree of light to the user&#39;s face, the resolution of the webcam is increased. 
       FIG. 5  shows a more decorative arrangement of lights or electrodes  100  much like a make-up mirror. The illuminators shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  can be automatically activated when webcam is brought into service. Lights  90  are mounted in the frame are compact and thus very convenient. Lights  90  occupy less space and are more discreet, than a frame mounted illuminator of embodiment one or two. Furthermore, the third embodiment is useful for people who travel and work exclusively with laptops, thus eliminating the need of carrying around an additional device. 
     A benefit of the illuminator of the present invention is to provide the most flattering lighting and viewing of a user of a webcam during conference calls or any on-line scenario using a webcam such as an on-line dating scenario. 
     In the embodiments described above, the illuminator is shown as being connected to or integral with the computer screen. Referring to  FIG. 6 , it is also within the scope of the instant invention to have a fourth embodiment in which an illuminator  115  is placed on a table surface proximate user and webcam  20  to illuminate the face of user. In this embodiment, a user is able to position illuminator as desired on a flat surface flat surface relative to webcam  20 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown, and generally referenced using reference numeral  130 . The fifth embodiment shows illuminator  130  on a surface adjacent to computer screen  135  with web camera  140 . Illuminator  130  has a base  145  having a dimmer switch  150  to adjust the brightness of bulb  155 . Base  145  has a power cord  158  and a switch  160  to enable operation. Bulb  155  is connected to base by an adjustable arm  165  to adjust the position of bulb  155  relative to user and webcamera. In this embodiment, bulb  155  is surrounded by and attachable box  170  that is covered with a diffusion fabric  175 . Inside surface of attachable box  170  is lined with a white reflective film to reflect light from bulb  155 . The shape of box  170  ensures that light from bulb  155  will project forward from bulb  155  towards diffusion fabric  175 . Diffusion fabric  175  provides a diffuse light to the face of the viewer positioned proximate webcamera and computer screen. The diffusion fabric minimizes the harshness that direct light being projected from box  170  would cast on the face of the user. Diffusion fabric  175  is able to scatter directional light rays that pass therethrough to enable scattering. The resulting light on the user&#39;s face appears softer and more general, to minimize or even eliminate shadows. The resultant softer light that is achieved by passing through diffusion fabric  175  has several advantages. The resultant light is natural and more like daylight or uniform overhead office lighting. This light flatters subjects by diplomatically suppressing wrinkles and other facial blemishes. Further, the light that passes through diffusion fabric  175  reduces uncomfortable glare in a subject&#39;s eyes. The diffusion fabric is preferably made from a material such as silk or white muslin. 
     While the instant disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope thereof. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.