GB2465196A

GB2465196A - Multi-Mode Display Device

Info

Publication number: GB2465196A
Application number: GB0820549A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stephen Barrett
Original assignee: CONNEXECO Ltd
Current assignee: STEPHEN BARRETT
Priority date: 2008-11-11
Filing date: 2008-11-11
Publication date: 2010-05-12
Also published as: GB0820549D0

Abstract

A multi-mode display device has a display 14 and beam splitter 12 mounted on a stand 28 whereby in a first mode display 14 faces a user and beam splitter 12 is parallel to and adjacent a non-display side of display 14 and in a second mode (figure 34) the display and beam splitter are at an acute angle and the display surface of the display 14 faces the beam splitter 12. In various independent claims the display moves forwards, towards a user, by rotation of a display mounting 24 about a display mounting point 26, the beam splitter and display are mounted at opposite ends of a mounting arm which is rotatably mounted to the stand at an intermediate point (figures 36-38) or the beam splitter and display are coupled to move in a synchronised manner between the two modes. The upper edge of beam splitter 12 may be at the same height or lower than display 14, and the beam splitter may be moved upwards in moving to the second mode (figure 24). The display and beam splitter may be linked by a cable 232 or a gear arrangement (figures 24-27). The device may be used to maintain eye contact in teleprompting or video conferencing.

Description

MULTI MODE DISPLAY DEVICE

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a multi mode display device, which is operable in one mode as a display and is operable in another mode as an apparatus suitable for capturing an image of a user while enabling a user to view the display. Such a multi mode display device may be used in desk top eye contact video conferencing and teleprompting applications, for example.

Background of the invention

The ability to capture a face-on image of a person whilst that person is themselves viewing an image can be useful in a number of well known applications. One such exemplary application is in video conferencing where a face-on video image of a first conferee may be taken, and relayed to the second conferee whilst at the same time the image of the second conferee is displayed to the first conferee. If both conferees use the same techniques then the quality of video communication is enhanced by enabling them both to achieve eye contact with one another. Another exemplary application known as teleprompting is often used in the broadcasting industry. In teleprompting applications the ability is provided for an individual, such as a newsreader, to read words which have been composed in advance and which are scrolled across a display apparatus whilst at the same time the individual's image is being captured. Yet another well known exemplary application is that which enables someone to take a photograph of themselves. In this application an image of the viewer is displayed, which enables the viewer to adjust their expression or position prior to the image being captured. Other applications for this technology will be apparent to a skilled person, and all such applications are intended to be encompassed by the present application.

In recent years, advances in information communication technology have made it possible for many more people to benefit from these applications using webcam augmented personal computing equipment. In the area of video-conferencing, some service providers such as SkypeTM provide free video and audio codecs which have been implemented in software which may be downloaded to a personal computer. Services such as that provided by SkypeTM have enabled personal computer users to conduct video conferencing sessions with one another over the Internet. In the area of teleprompting, it has become increasingly common for personal computer users to post videos of themselves onto internet web servers. In the area of photography, it has become increasingly common for personal computer users to have access to personal colour printers and related software applications which enable them to take and print photographs of themselves.

A partially reflective, partially transmissive, panel known as a beam splitter is used in one well known method for taking a face-on image of a person whilst at the same time enabling that person to view a displayed image. An example of a method for using a beam splitter to achieve eye contact video conferencing is provided in US7173647. The technique has also been incorporated in commercially available products, for example the EyecatcherTM product which is manufactured by Ex'ovision. In this approach, a flat screen video display is oriented horizontally, projecting an image of the far video conferencing party onto the beam splitter, which is situated above the flat screen display at an approximately 45 degree orientation.

The local video conferee can then view the remote conferee in the reflection from the beam splitter. A video camera is placed behind the beam splitter and in this way the camera can collect a face-on view of the local video conferee.

One problem with this method for face-on video image capture when used in a personal computing environment is that the apparatus takes up a significant amount of desk space.

Some suggestions have been proposed to address these requirements.

In US5953052 a method is described by which a flat screen display may be viewed directly in a first display mode and used as a projector of images onto a beam splitter in a second video conferencing mode. The lower edge of a beam splitter is mounted on a hinge and the lower edge of a display panel is mounted by a hinge on to a mobile platform which can be moved along a track extending forwards from the beam splitter hinge. In the second video conferencing mode the mobile platform is positioned at the furthest forward extent of the track away from the beam splitter hinge and the display panel is rotated backwards towards the beam splitter into a horizontal orientation. The beam splitter is rotated forwards above the display panel at an angle of 45 degrees from the horizontal. To move into the first mode, the beam splitter is initially raised to a vertical position; then the display is rotated forwards to a vertical position and finally the mobile platform carrying the display may be moved along the track to a desired display position, where the display can be fixed in the desired display position with a bolt.

One disadvantage of this technique is that a multi step action is required in order to move between the first display mode and the second video conferencing mode.

Another problem is that even with the flat screen display moved as far back as possible along the track there is still the disadvantage that the track itself remains in place between the viewer and the display. This intrusion into the viewer's workspace restricts the ease with which the viewer can make use of the desk space in front of the display for purposes such as using a keyboard or writing. The presence of the track also detracts from the experience aesthetically. Another problem is that the partially reflective top of the beam splitter is visible above the top edge of the display which may prove distracting to the viewer.

US 6104424 describes a method whereby a beam splitter and camera can be folded behind a vertically oriented display when the display is being used in a first mode as a conventional computer monitor. In order to move to a second video conferencing mode the beam splitter is folded forwards about the top edge of the display panel using a hinge mechanism. The beam splitter panel is then supported in a 45 degree orientation in front of the still vertically oriented display. The local conferee looks through the beam splitter to view the image of the distance conferee on the display panel, whilst a reflection of the local conferee is captured by a video camera which is located between the local conferee and the display panel at a height which is above the display panel.

One disadvantage of this approach is that where the beam splitter and display panel are integrated in one piece of apparatus then significant spare space is required behind the flat panel display in order to allow for the beam splitter to be folded approximately 315 degrees from its position behind the display to its position in front of the display. This can be problematic since desk space is often limited and it is often undesirable to bring such a piece of apparatus forwards on a desk since the desk space between the terminal and the viewer may be required for the use of a keyboard. Another disadvantage is that multiple actions are required on behalf of the user in order to position the beam splitter panel, camera panel and their supports, which makes the process more time consuming and complex.

US200810088696 Al describes a device that can be clipped over the top of a flat panel display. It consists of two mirrors arranged in a periscope configuration. The upper mirror is a beam splitter and a video camera is positioned on the side of the beam splitter which is distant from the viewer. The image projected by the display is reflected from the lower fully silvered mirror up to the partially reflective, partially transmissive beam splitter mirror where it is visible to the viewer. A similar periscope based technology has been commercialised by Bodelin technologies under the trade name See Eye2EyeTM'.

One disadvantage of this scheme is that the user must find somewhere to store the device when the user does not require video conferencing functionality and instead wants a direct view of the full display. Another problem is that if a large image of the distant video conferencing party is to be provided then the first mirror must cover a substantial proportion of the display. Since the beam splitter mirror will be positioned above the top of the display and will be of significant size the viewer will be required to make adjustments to the height of their display or to the height of their chair if the camera is to take a face-on picture. In addition, the detachable equipment is bulky and more difficult to store. Another issue is that if loss of brightness in the beam splitter is compensated for by turning up the brightness of the display then the brightness of the whole display is increased not just the brightness of the part of the display being captured in the periscope mechanism.

A type of flat panel display in which a screen, for example a liquid crystal display, can be rapidly switched between a first translucent state, in which images may be captured by a camera positioned behind the screen and a second state in which the screen performs a role in the display of the images and during which time there is no image capture is known from US4928301 and EP0493893A2, for example. In order to avoid the perception of flickering, the rate of switching between the states would have to be relatively high with switching between states occurring many tens of times per second. Such a device would function both as a video-conferencing terminal and/or tele-prompter as well as working for standard display purposes. Such a terminal would require no moving parts and would require a minimal amount of desk space. However, the lack of commercially available products since the inception of these ideas in the late 80's and early 90's suggests that currently the technology is not commercially realisable.

US 6481851 describes a multi mode video display and video-conferencing terminal which makes use of a two sided display panel. When the display panel is folded up, a projection from the rear side of the display may be viewed directly by the viewer.

When the display panel is folded down, a front side of the display panel provides a projection onto a beam splitter, behind which the camera is located. This approach has the disadvantage that a multi sided display panel is more costly to manufacture than a single sided panel. In addition there is the disadvantage that the viewer will still be able to see the top of the beam splitter above the top of the display panel when in direct view mode and since the beam splitter may be partially reflective this could prove distracting.

The present invention seeks to provide a multi mode display device that overcomes at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art.

Embodiments of the invention may provide a multi mode display device requiring only a one-sided display, in which the difference in the height of the viewed image in each of the modes is minimised.

Embodiments of the invention may provide a multi mode display device requiring only a one-sided display in which the apparatus is as compact as possible in the two modes and when moving between the two modes.

Embodiments of the invention may provide a multi mode display device requiring only a one-sided display in which reduced manipulations of the apparatus when moving between modes are required.

Summary of the invention

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multi mode display device, comprising a single-sided display, having a display surface and a non-display surface, a beam splitter, a stand and at least one display mounting for mounting the display to the stand at a display mounting point, wherein the multi mode display device is operable at least: in a first mode in which the display is in a first mode display position in which the display surface of the display faces towards a user viewing position and the beam splitter is arranged substantially parallel to the display and generally adjacent the non-display surface of the display; and in a second mode in which the beam splitter and the display are arranged at an acute angle to one another with the display surface of the display facing towards the beam splitter, the display being in a forward display position in which at least part of the display is closer to the user viewing position than when the display is in the first mode display position; wherein forward movement of the display between the first mode display position and the forward display position is achieved by a rotation of the display mounting about the display mounting point.

In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a multi mode display device, comprising a single-sided display, having a display surface and a non-display surface, a beam splitter, a stand and at least one mounting arm, the beam splitter being mounted at or near a first end of the mounting arm and the display being mounted at or near a second end of the mounting arm, and the mounting arm being rotatably mounted at a mounting point intermediate the first and second end of the mounting arm to the stand, wherein the multi mode display device is operable: in a first mode in which the display is in a first mode display position in which the display surface of the display faces towards a user viewing position and the beam splitter is arranged substantially parallel to the display and generally adjacent the non-display surface of the display; and in a second mode in which the beam splitter and the display are arranged at an angle to one another with the display surface of the display facing towards the beam splitter; wherein the rotation of the mounting arm about the mounting point causes the re-positioning and/or the re-orientation of at least one of the display or the beam splitter during the transition between the first mode and the second mode.

In a third aspect of the invention there is provided a multi mode display device, comprising a single-sided display, having a display surface and a non-display surface, a beam splitter, a stand and at least one display mounting for mounting the display to the stand at a display mounting point, wherein the multi mode display device is operable: in a first mode in which the display is in a first mode display position in which the display surface of the display faces towards a user viewing position and the beam splitter is arranged substantially parallel to the display and generally adjacent the non-display surface of the display; and in a second mode in which the beam splitter and the display are arranged at an angle to one another with the display surface of the display facing towards the beam splitter; wherein the beam splitter and the display are directly or indirectly coupled so that in at least part of a transition between the first mode and the second mode the beam splitter and the display move in a synchronised manner.

Brief description of drawings

Embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a well known method by which a face on image of a viewer may be captured whilst the viewer observes another projected image.

Figures 2, 3 and 4 illustrate side views of one of the embodiments of the present invention showing a sequence of movements by which the display panel may be re-oriented.

Figures 5, 6 and 7 illustrate side views of one of the embodiments of the present invention showing another sequence of movements by which the display panel may be re-oriented.

Figures 8, 9 and 10 illustrate side views of one of the embodiments of the present invention showing a sequence of movements by which the display panel may be re-oriented.

Figures 11 and 12 illustrate, respectively a side view and face on view of the present invention wherein the beam splitter panel and display panel are mounted to the stand at both their left and right hand sides, with top edge of beam splitter at a height which is at or below the top edge of the display panel.

Figure 13 and Figure 14 illustrate how a screen may be used to obscure a direct view of the bottom part of the beam splitter panel.

Figures 15 and 16 illustrate side views of one of the embodiments of the present invention showing a sequence of movements by which the height of the beam splitter panel may be increased using a pivoted rigid arm.

Figures 17 and 18 illustrate side views of one of the embodiments of the present invention showing a sequence of movements by which the height of the beam splitter panel may be increased using a slider.

Figure 19 illustrates a side view of one of the embodiments of the present invention showing how the height of the display panel may be reduced further in the second mode compared to the first mode.

Figures 20, 21 and 22 illustrate side views of one of the embodiments of the present invention showing a sequence of movements by which the height of the display panel may be reduced further in the second mode compared to the first mode.

Figures 23 and 24 illustrate side views of one of the embodiments of the present invention showing a sequence of movements by which the height of the beam splitter panel may be increased through use of a cable based linkage to the display panel.

Figures 25 and 26 illustrate side views of one of the embodiments of the present invention showing a sequence of movements by which the height of the beam splitter panel may be increased through use of a rack and pinion based approach.

Figure 27 illustrates a detailed view of the transmission system employed in the apparatus of Figures 25 and 26.

Figures 28, 29 and 30 illustrate side views of one of the embodiments of the present invention showing a sequence of movements by which forward movement of the display mounting arm can automatically cause an additional re-orientation of the display panel.

Figure 31 illustrates a detailed view of the transmission system employed in the apparatus of Figures 28, 29 and 30.

Figures 32 and 33 illustrate side views of one of the embodiments of the present invention showing a sequence of movements by which the beam splitter panel may be rotated through 45 degrees Figure 34 illustrates a side view of one of the embodiments of the present invention, where the apparatus is configured in the second mode position, showing how inter panel linkages can be used to achieve a synchronised movement of the beam splitter and display panels.

Figure 35 shows the apparatus of Figure 34 re-configured into the first mode position.

Figures 36, 37 and 38 illustrate side views of one of the embodiments of the present invention showing a sequence of movements by which re-orientation of the display panel results in automatic re-orientation of the beam splitter panel.

Figure 39 illustrates a face on view of the apparatus of Figure 36.

Figures 40 and 41 illustrate, respectively a side view and face on view of the present invention wherein the beam splitter panel and display panel are mounted centrally on the stand.

Figures 42, 43 and 44 illustrate side views of one of the embodiments of the present invention showing a sequence of movements in which a rotating body attached to the display panel meshes with a rotating cog.

Figure 45 illustrates a camera mounted on a camera support which itself is mounted onto the beam splitter panel.

Figure 46 illustrates how the camera may be detachable from the camera support.

Figure 47 illustrates how the multi mode display device may be used as a computer peripheral Figure 48 illustrates how the multi mode display device may be integrated with application functionality to provide a stand-alone configuration.

Detailed Description of Some Embodiments of the Invention Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a well known method for capturing a face on image of a viewer whilst at the same time displaying an image to the viewer. This is achieved using a horizontally oriented display panel 14 which projects an image onto the partially reflective beam splitter panel 12. The beam splitter panel 12 is oriented at an angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the display panel 14. In this way the reflection of the display panel 14 in the beam splitter panel 12 is observable by the viewer. The beam splitter panel 12, as well as being partially reflective, is also partially transmissive and this enables a camera 10 to capture a face-on image of the viewer. It can be observed that the beam splitter panel 12 may need to be longer than the display panel 14 if the entire image projected by the display panel 14 is to be observable by the viewer in the reflection from the beam splitter panel 12.

Multi mode display devices in accordance with embodiments of the invention will now be described. The exemplary multi mode devices have a beam splitter panel and a single-sided display panel, and are able to transition between a first mode, in which the beam splitter panel and the single-sided display panel have a first relative configuration, and a second mode, in which the beam splitter panel and the single-sided display panel have a second relative configuration.

In the first mode the multi mode display devices in accordance with embodiments of the invention are configured to operate in a simple display mode. In this mode, the display panel is arranged so that the display surface of the display panel faces a user viewing position. The beam splitter panel is arranged substantially parallel to the display and generally adjacent the non-display surface of the display panel. In this way a user at the user viewing position is able to view directly images on the display surface of the display panel and the configuration of the beam splitter panel behind but close to the display panel results in a compact multi mode display.

In the second mode, the multi mode display devices in accordance with embodiments of the invention are configured to operate in a mode suitable for enabling capture of an image of a user, using either a camera separate from the multi mode display device or using an integral camera, while the user views the display. In this mode the beam splitter panel and the display panel are arranged at an acute angle to one another, with the display side of the display panel facing towards the beam splitter panel, where the display panel is in a forward display position in which at least part of the display panel is closer to the user viewing position than the display panel position in the first mode.

In this respect it should be noted that in some embodiments of the invention, the multi mode display device also includes a camera mounted to and incorporated within or integral with the beam splitter panel, or otherwise mounted to enable image capture in the second mode operation. However, as will be apparent to a skilled person, in other embodiments the camera may be separately mounted, for example in some embodiments may be detachably mounted to the beam splitter panel.

In this way in use of the apparatus in the second mode position, an image of a user at the user viewing position can be captured by a camera mounted on the beam splitter panel while the user is able to view the display.

In the exemplary embodiments, in the first mode the display panel and the beam splitter panel are oriented generally vertically towards a viewing position, and in the second mode the display panel is oriented generally horizontally, with the beam splitter panel extending at an angle above the display panel so as to reflect an image from the upwardly facing display surface of the display panel towards the same or similar viewing position. This orientation is typical in multi display device applications as discussed above; however, other orientations of the multi mode display device are possible and all such variations are intended to be encompassed by the accompanying claims.

Moreover, as will be appreciated by a skilled person, in some embodiments of the invention (not shown) in the second mode position the display panel may be arranged at an angle to the horizontal, typically 15 degrees but possibly as much as degrees in some embodiments, with the display surface of the display panel facing away from the viewing position, in order to prevent a user being able to simultaneously view the display surface of the display panel directly and view the reflection of the display surface of the display panel in the beam splitter panel. The term "generally horizontal" as used herein with reference to the forward display position of the display panel is intended to include all such modifications of the position and orientation of the display panel.

A forward movement of the display panel from the first mode display panel position to the forward display panel position in the second mode is achieved in embodiments of the invention by a rotation of the display mounting about a display mounting point.

The display mounting may be rotated about the display mounting point by any suitable angle to achieve the required forward movement of the display panel, and the invention is not intended to be limited to the angles employed in the exemplary embodiments. Typically, the display mounting may be rotated by between 75 degrees and 140 degrees, although these angles are not critical and are not intended to be limiting, and an angle of rotation of between 60 degrees and 180 degrees can be envisaged for some embodiments.

In some embodiments the display panel may be mounted on a display mounting rotating about a single display mounting point; and in other embodiments the display panel may be mounted on a display mounting that rotates about an axis through two mounting points. In a similar manner, in some embodiments the beam splitter panel may be mounted on a beam splitter mounting rotating about a single beam splitter mounting point and in other embodiments the beam splitter panel may be mounted on a beam splitter mounting that rotates about an axis through two mounting points.

The references in the description and in the claims to a "mounting point" are therefore to be read as applying to the or each of the mounting points, as will be apparent to a skilled person, and references to rotation about a mounting point are to be read as rotation about a single mounting point or rotation about an axis joining two mounting points, as appropriate.

It should be noted that the term "forward display panel position" is intended to refer to the position achieved by the display panel after the rotation of the display mounting about the display mounting point. In some embodiments further re-orientation of the display panel, for example from a downwardly facing display surface to an upwardly facing display surface, may be required to achieve the full configuration of the second mode. In other embodiments, the rotation of the display mounting about the display mounting point to achieve the forward display panel position also results in the display surface of the display panel being re-orientated to face the beam splitter, and in these embodiments no further re-orientation of the display panel is required to achieve the full configuration of the second mode.

A lowering of the display panel from the first mode display panel position to the forward display panel position in the second mode is achieved in embodiments of the invention by a rotation of the display mounting about a display mounting point.

In the following description, exemplary arrangements suitable for moving the display panel and the beam splitter panel during transitions between the first mode and the second mode, and exemplary arrangements for synchronising the movements of the display panel and the beam splitter panel will be described. In the drawings, elements in succeeding Figures have been given the same reference numerals as the same or similar elements in preceding Figures for clarity.

Embodiments of the invention showing different arrangements for movement of the display panel will now be described. Figures 2-4 illustrate side views of one embodiment of the present invention showing the sequence by which the display panel 14 can be manipulated from a vertical position of the first mode to a lowered horizontal, forward display position of the second mode. In Figures 2-4 display panel 14 is pivotably mounted to a display mounting arm 24 at a pivot point 22, and the display mounting arm is pivotably mounted to a stand 28 at pivot 26. The display panel 14 has the capability to project an image from one surface only, and that surface is the surface facing the viewer in Figure 2.

Figure 2 shows the display panel 14 in the first mode display position, Figure 3 shows the display panel 14 in an intermediate state between the first mode and the second mode and Figure 4 shows the display panel 14 in the lowered forward display position in the second mode. The forward movement of the display panel 14 to the forward display position of the display panel 14 shown in Figure 4 is achieved by a rotation of the rigid display mounting arm 24 about the pivot 26 connecting the display mounting arm to the stand 28. In this exemplary embodiment the rigid display mounting arm 24 is rotated 90 degrees. In addition, the rotation of the display panel 14 about the pivot point 22 at the distal end of the display mounting arm moves the display panel 14 to the face up display surface orientation of the second mode. Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4 illustrate the case where rotation about both pivots 22 and 26 occurs simultaneously.

Figure 5, Figure 6 and Figure 7 illustrate side views of one embodiment of the present invention showing another sequence by which the display panel 14 can be manipulated from the vertical position of the first mode to the horizontal, display side face up position of the second mode. In this sequence, there is firstly a rotation of the rigid display mounting arm 24 about the pivot point 26 of 90 degrees in this exemplary embodiment, which moves the display panel to the forward display position as shown in Figure 6. The forward display position has a generally horizontal orientation in the exemplary embodiment. Then in a second step there is a rotation of the display panel 14 about the distal pivot point 22 which when completed leaves the display panel 14 in the second mode position shown in Figure 7 in which the display surface of the display panel 14 is re-orientated from a downwardly facing orientation to an upwardly facing orientation.

Figure 8 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of the present invention.

Elements in Figure 8 have been given the same reference numerals as the same or similar elements in Figures 2-4. A rigid body 84 having an arc shaped outer edge is attached to the display panel 14. One or more rollers 80 are mounted on the stand 28 and support the rigid body 84 and the display panel 14 on the stand 28. A roller axle 86 is mounted to the stand 28 by a roller axle mount 88. The rigid body 84 is provided with an arc-shaped track 82 formed therein which co-operates with the roller axle 86. The connection between the stand 28 and the rigid body 84 mediated by the roller axle 86, the roller axle mount 88 and the track 82 has the benefit of supporting the rigid body 84 and the display panel 14 as they are rotated.

Figure 8, Figure 9 and Figure 10, when taken together illustrate the sequence in the movement of rigid body 84 and attached display panel 14 during forward movement of the display panel 14 from a first mode position, illustrated in Figure 8 to a lowered forward display position illustrated in Figure 10, via an intermediate state illustrated in Figure 9. The skilled person will note that in this embodiment, as in the embodiment shown in Figures 2-4, the re-orientation of the display surface of the display panel 14 between the generally vertical outwardly facing orientation of the first mode and the generally horizontal upwardly facing orientation of the second mode is achieved in one movement and simultaneously with the change in position of the display panel 14 between the first mode display position and the forward display position of the second mode.

The relative positions of the beam splitter panel 12 and the display panel 14 in the first mode will now be described with reference to Figures 11-14.

Figure 11 illustrates a side view of an exemplary multi mode display device in a first mode position and Figure 12 shows the face on view of the exemplary multi mode display device illustrated in Figure 11. As will be appreciated by a skilled person, the means for mounting the beam splitter panel 12 to the rest of the exemplary multi mode display device are not shown. Figure 11 and Figure 12 illustrate how the display panel 14 may be connected to the terminal stand 28 via rigid display mounting arms 24 at both the left and right hand sides of the display panel 14.

Although not shown, it will also be appreciated that the beam splitter panel 12 may also be connected to the terminal stand 28 at both the left and right hand sides of the beam splitter panel 12.

Figure 11 and Figure 12 illustrate one embodiment of the present invention in which in the first mode it is arranged that the height of the top edge of the beam splitter panel 12 is at the same height as, or is below the height of, the upper edge of the display panel 14. If, as discussed previously, the beam splitter panel 12 is longer than the display panel 14 so that the entire image projected by the display panel 14 is observable by the viewer in the reflection from the beam splitter panel 12 in the second mode, the beam splitter panel 12 will extend below the bottom edge of the display panel 14, as shown in Figures 11 and 12.

Figure 13 and Figure 14 show modified versions of the apparatus illustrated in Figures 11 and 12 respectively, in which a non transparent screening plate 130 is attached to the terminal stand 28. This blocks the view of the bottom part of the beam splitter panel 12 from the user viewing position, which might otherwise prove distracting to the user during use of the multi mode display device because of the partially reflective nature of the beam splitter 12.

It will be appreciated that in the second mode the bottom edge of the beam splitter panel 12 may be at the same height or at a greater height than the horizontally oriented display panel 14 so that all the area of beam splitter panel 12 can be used to view the reflection of the display panel 14. Hence where the bottom edge of the beam splitter panel 12 is lower than the bottom edge of the display panel 14 in the first mode for the reasons mentioned above it is therefore necessary, when moving from the first mode to the second mode, to increase the height of the beam splitter panel 12 relative to the display panel 14. This change in relative height may be achieved by raising the absolute height of the beam splitter panel 12 relative to the height of the display panel 14, or by lowering the absolute height of the display panel 14 relative to the beam splitter panel 12 or by a combination of both.

Embodiments of the invention showing different arrangements for raising the absolute height of the beam splitter panel 12 relative to the height of the display panel 14 or for lowering the absolute height of the display panel 14 relative to the beam splitter panel 12 will now be described.

Figure 15 and Figure 16 illustrate an exemplary beam splitter panel support which allows the height of the beam splitter panel 12 to be increased during a transition from the first mode to the second mode of the multi mode display device. The beam splitter panel support comprises a rigid arm 154 to which the beam splitter panel is mounted via a pivot 150, the rigid arm 154 being rotatably mounted to the stand 28 by a second pivot 152. Figure 15 shows the exemplary beam splitter panel support in the first mode position and Figure 16 shows the exemplary beam splitter panel support in the second mode position.

Figure 17 and Figure 18 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the height of the beam splitter panel 12 may be increased by attaching the beam splitter panel 12 to a slider 174 via a pivot 170. The slider 174 co-operates with a track 172 which is formed in the stand 28, and moves between a lower position when the multi mode display device is in the first mode and a higher position when the multi mode display device is in the second mode. Figure 17 shows the exemplary beam splitter panel support in the lower position and Figure 18 shows the beam splitter panel 12 elevated to the higher position at a height required in the second mode.

It will be appreciated that there are many other possible beam splitter panel support mechanisms by which the beam splitter panel 12 could be moved vertically with respect to the stand 28 during transition between the first mode to the second mode.

In particular, arrangements such as those shown in Figures 34-39, which will be described in more detail later, in which the beam splitter panel 12 is mounted on a beam splitter mounting arm formed as an extension of the display panel mounting arm are also possible and are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the invention.

Figure 19 illustrates a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention showing the display panel 14 in the forward display position of the second mode. In this embodiment the absolute height of the display panel 14 in the second mode is arranged to be lower than the absolute height that any part of the display panel 14 occupied in the first mode. This is achieved by placing a kink in the display mounting arm 190. It will also be appreciated that if mounting arms were to be attached to the left and right hand sides of the display panel 14 then it would be possible to lower the absolute height of the display panel 14 without the need for the kink in the mounting arm.

Figures 20, 21 and 22 show side views of another embodiment. Figure 20 shows the display panel in the first mode position, Figure 22 shows the display panel in the second mode position and Figure 21 shows the display panel in an intermediate position between the two modes. In this embodiment, a rigid display mounting arm 208 is attached to a pinion 200 which rotates about a pivot 202. The pinion meshes with a rack 204 which is attached to the stand 28. The pinion 200 and the rack 204 are kept together by a connector, which for clarity is not shown. The connector forms a sleeve which surrounds the rack 204 in such a way that the connector may move up and down relative to the rack 204. The connector is also attached to the pinion 200 at the pivot point 202, forming the display mounting point in this embodiment.

In moving from the first mode position shown in Figure 20 to the forward display position in the second mode shown in Figure 22, the display mounting arm 208 and the pinion 200 rotate through 90 degrees about the pivot point 202. The rotation of the pinion 200 about the pivot point 202 causes a downward movement of the pinion relative to the rack 204, to which it is coupled via the connector (not shown), and thus relative to the stand 28 to which the rack 204 is mounted. Thus the rotation of the display mounting arm 208 moves the display panel 14 from the first mode display position to the forward display position whilst causing the absolute height of the display panel 14 at the same time to be reduced to a level which is lower than that which any part of the display panel 14 occupied in the first mode.

In this embodiment, in addition to the rotation of the display mounting about the display mounting point it is noted that the display mounting point moves relative to the stand 28 during a transition between the first mode and the second mode, Other embodiments of the invention in which the display mounting point moves relative to the stand during a mode transition may be envisaged, and are intended to be covered by the accompanying claims.

In moving the multi mode display device between the first mode and the second mode it will be appreciated that both beam splitter panel 12 and display panel 14 need to be moved into different positions. It may be ergonomically beneficial in some embodiments of the invention if, when a user re-positions one panel, then the other panel gets automatically re-positioned, either partially or fully, at the same time. This can be achieved by establishing linkages between the panels and/or between their mountings to the stand. This has the effect of minimising the manipulations required on the part of the user, such that a movement between modes can be achieved more easily. In addition it will be appreciated that the re-positioning of any one panel may be performed in multiple steps, hence it is envisaged that force applied in one direction to one panel can be used to cause other re-orientations of that same panel, which again would have ergonomic benefits.

It will also be appreciated that movement between modes could be achieved using motors and in this case once again there is a benefit in establishing linkages between and within panels such that the panels move into the required positions in synchrony since this can reduce the number of motors required.

A number of methods for establishing at least partially synchronous re-positioning or re-orientation of panels are now described.

Figure 23 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of the invention in which the apparatus is arranged in the first mode position. In this embodiment the beam splitter panel 12 is supported by a slider 174 which co-operates with a track 172 which is formed in the stand 28, as discussed above with reference to Figures 17 and 18. The slider 174 is attached to one end of a cable 232 whilst the lower edge or lower region (as shown in Figures 23 and 24) of the display panel 14 is attached to the other end of the cable 232. The cable 232 runs through a pulley 230 that is supported on the stand 28. Outward movement of the display panel 14 causes the cable 232 to exert an upward force on the slider 174, and as the height of the slider 174 is increased the beam splitter panel 12 is raised relative to the display panel 14. Figure 24 illustrates the apparatus of Figure 23 arranged in an intermediate position between the first mode and the second mode, showing the beam splitter being raised up as a result of the movement of the display panel 14 owing to the coupling between the display panel 14 and the beam splitter panel via the slider 174 supporting the beam splitter panel 12. As will be apparent to a skilled person, once the beam splitter panel 12 has been raised with respect to the display panel 12, and the display panel 14 has reached the forward display position of the second mode, the beam splitter panel 12 may be pivoted forward about pivot point 170 to form an acute angle with the display panel 14.

Figures 25 and 26 illustrate a side view of another exemplary embodiment. The display panel 14 is rotatably supported at a pivot point 22 on a rigid display mounting arm 251. The other end of the rigid display mounting arm 251 is coupled to a cog 250 which in turn is coupled to a geared transmission comprising cogs 272, 252 and pinion 254. The pinion co-operates with a rack 258 to which the bottom edge of the beam splitter panel 12 is pivotably mounted.

Figure 25 illustrates a mechanism by which a geared transmission system converts a degree rotation of the rigid display mounting arm 251, when moving from first mode to the second mode, into an upward movement of the beam splitter panel 12.

Figure 26 illustrates the apparatus of Figure 25 with the display panel 14 in the second mode position and the beam splitter panel in a raised position prior to rotation of the beam splitter panel 12 to the second mode position. From a comparison of Figures 25 and 26 it can be seen that the height of the beam splitter panel 12 has been increased. During transition from the first mode to the second mode, rotation of the rigid arm 251 causes the cog 250 to rotate, which drives the geared transmission system causing the pinion 254 to rotate which then drives the rack 258 upward. The beam splitter panel 12 is attached to a pivot point 256 which in turn is attached to the rack 258.

Figure 27 is a more detailed view of the geared transmission system of Figures 25 and 26. The cog 250 is attached to the rigid display mounting arm 251, such that when the rigid display mounting arm 251 rotates when the apparatus is moved between modes the cog 250 also rotates. In the exemplary embodiment, the rigid display mounting arm 251 rotates through 90 degrees during transition between the modes, but in other embodiments the rotation may be smaller or greater. In the exemplary embodiment, cog 250 drives a smaller cog 272, so that the 90 degrees of rotation of cog 250 results in many more degrees of rotation of cog 272. Cog 272 is attached to cog 252, hence cog 252 will go through the same number of degrees of rotation as cog 272. Cog 252 drives a pinion 254 which in turn drives the toothed rack 258 supporting the lower end of the beam splitter panel 12. As will be apparent to a skilled person the cog 252 cannot be used to drive the toothed rack 258 directly, because the direction of rotation is incorrect. The use of the pinion 254 to drive the toothed rack provides the necessary reversal of the direction of rotation. The cogs and pinion are mounted on shafts which run through bearings which are embedded in the stand 28. Although not shown, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that means exist to keep the rack 258 parallel to the stand 28 and in mesh contact with the pinion 254.

During a transition from the first mode to the second mode in the exemplary embodiment, the display panel mounting arm 251 rotates from a vertical position to a horizontal position, and this rotation is converted by the geared mechanism as described above to an upward movement of the beam splitter panel 12 supported by the toothed rack 258. As will be apparent to a skilled person, once the correct vertical height of the beam splitter panel 12 is obtained, the beam splitter panel 12 may be rotated forward about pivot point 256 to form an acute angle with the display panel 14.

Figures 28, 29 and 30 show side views of another embodiment of the invention, in which the display panel mounting and the display panel are coupled such that movement of the display panel mounting to move the display panel 14 between its first mode position and its second mode position automatically results in the re-orientation of the display panel 14 with respect to the display panel mounting and with respect to the beam splitter panel 12. Figure 28 shows the display panel 14 in the first mode position, Figure 30 shows the display panel in the second mode position and Figure 29 shows the display panel in an intermediate position between the two modes.

In this embodiment, a rigid display mounting arm 288 is rotatably mounted to a stand 28 and a display panel 14 is rotatably mounted to the distal end of the rigid mounting arm 288. A cog 282 and a transmission system 280 are provided mounted to the stand. The transmission system is coupled to the rigid display mounting arm 288 and to the cog 282, the transmission system 280 and the cog 282 being arranged such that rotation of the rigid display mounting arm 288 causes, through the action of the transmission system 280, the rotation of cog 282. A cog 286 is provided at the distal end of the rigid display mounting arm and is connected to display panel 14 in such a way that rotation of cog 286 causes the same degree of rotation in display panel 14.

Cog 282 is connected to cog 286 by a chain 284 or other similar rotational coupling.

In this way as the rigid display mounting arm 288 is moved between its first mode position to its second mode position, in the exemplary embodiment through a 90 degree rotation, the display panel 14 is at the same time automatically rotated between its first mode orientation with respect to the display mounting arm 288 and its second mode orientation with respect to the display mounting arm 288, in the exemplary embodiment through 180 degrees so that it is correctly oriented in the target mode.

Figure 31 illustrates in more detail the transmission system referred to in Figures 28, 29 and 30. The transmission system serves two purposes: firstly there is a gearing effect to convert the 90 degrees of rotation of the rigid display mounting arm 288 into degrees of rotation of the display panel 14; and secondly the transmission system serves the purpose of converting the direction of rotation so that as the rigid display mounting arm 288 rotates in one direction the display panel 14 rotates in the opposite direction.

In the transmission system shown in Figure 31, cogs 310, 314, 316, 319 and 282 are rotatably mounted to the stand 28. Rigid display mounting arm 288 is connected to cog 310 and rotates therewith and cog 282 is rotatably coupled with cog 286 (not shown in Figure 31) by the chain 284 or other similar rotational coupling. Cog 310 is connected to a smaller cog 314 by a chain 312, which has the effect of providing the necessary gearing. Cog 314 is connected to cog 316. Both cogs 314 and 316 will rotate in synchrony. Cog 316 meshes with cog 319, these 2 cogs provide the required reversal in the direction of rotation. Cog 319 is connected to cog 282 in such a way that the cogs move in synchrony. Note that in the exemplary embodiment cogs 310, 319 and 282 rotate about the same axes line so that no tensioner on the chain 284 is required, which might otherwise be the case.

Figures 32 and 33 show side views of another exemplary embodiment. Figure 32 shows the beam splitter panel 12 in the first mode position and Figure 33 shows the beam splitter panel 12 in the second mode position. In this embodiment, the beam splitter panel 12 is attached to a cog 320 which rotates about a pivot 322. The cog is mounted to a rigid arm 324 at the pivot point 322. The cog 320 can be kept close to the stand 28 and a rack 326 mounted on the stand 28 by use of a connector, which for clarity is not shown. The connector forms a sleeve which surrounds the stand 28 and rack 326 in such a way that the connector may move up or down relative to the stand 28 and rack 326. The connector may also be attached to the cog 320 at the pivot point 322. Upward movement of the rigid arm 324 causes the cog 320 to mesh with the rack 326, which in turn causes the cog 320 and hence the beam splitter panel 12 to rotate forward to form an acute angle with the display panel (not shown in Figures 32 and 33) required in the second mode configuration. In the exemplary embodiment, the beam splitter panel 12 rotates through an angle of approximately degrees, although other angles between the beam splitter panel 12 and the display panel 14 are possible, as will be appreciated by a skilled person.

It will be appreciated that upward movement of the rigid arm 324 might be achieved in a number of ways, one example of which is shown in the mechanism of Figures 25, 26 and 27. In this example the rigid arm 324 of Figure 32 and 33 would be attached to the rack 258 shown in Figure 25.

Figure 34 illustrates a side view of a further exemplary embodiment of a multi mode display device which is shown configured in the second mode.

In this embodiment, display panel 14 is pivotally mounted at a pivot point 22 to a rigid mounting arm 340, and the mounting arm 340 is pivotally mounted to the stand 28 at a pivot point 26. The portion of the mounting arm 340 between the pivot point 26 on the stand 28 and the pivot point 22 can be considered a display mounting arm 340a.

In this respect this embodiment is the same as the embodiment described with reference to Figures 2-4, or the embodiment described above with reference to Figure 5-7. However, in the present invention, the display mounting arm 340a also extends on the other side of pivot point 26 from the display panel 14 to form a beam splitter mounting arm 340b on which the beam splitter 12 is mounted and supported using a beam splitter support 341, 342, 343.

In this exemplary embodiment the beam splitter support 341, 342, 343 is formed by a hinge comprising rigid arms 342 that are inter-connected by pivots 341. In the exemplary embodiment a first rigid arm 342b is pivotally coupled to the mounting arm 340a and to a second rigid arm 342c which is adjoined to the beam splitter panel 12, a third rigid arm 342a is pivotally mounted on a slider 343, which runs in a slider track 345 formed on the beam splitter mounting arm 340b, and is pivotally coupled to the arm 342c and a further rigid arm 342d is pivotally mounted at one end to a slider 343 and pivotally coupled at its other end to the first rigid arm 342b at a point intermediate the mounting arm 340 and the beam splitter panel 12.

In the second mode position shown in Figure 34 the angle between the beam splitter panel 12 and the mounting arm 340 is at its maximum and the slider 343 is at a position within the slider track 345 closest to the pivot point 26. The beam splitter panel 12 is therefore in a position which is immediately above the display panel 14 at a correct angle with respect to the display panel 14.

Figure 35 illustrates the multi mode display device of Figure 34 re-configured into the first mode position.

As the exemplary multi mode display device shown in the second mode in Figure 34 is moved to the first mode position as shown in Figure 35, the mounting arm 340 pivots about pivot point 26 in an anti-clockwise direction by approximately 90 degrees. During the transition from the second mode to the first mode the display panel 14 pivots about pivot point 22 as described with reference to Figures 2-7 to move from the forward display position of the display panel 14 in the second mode shown in Figure 34 to the first mode display position of the display panel 14 as shown in Figure 35. During the transition from the second mode to the first mode the slider 343 slides along the slider track 345 away from pivot point 26. Owing to the configuration of the rigid arms, the movement of the slider 343 along the slider track results in the angle between the beam splitter panel 12 and the mounting arm 340 reducing until in the first mode position shown in Figure 35 the beam splitter panel 12 and the mounting arm 340 are arranged at a minimal angle. Since the display panel 14 is also arranged at a minimal angle to the mounting arm 340 in the first mode, as described above with reference to Figures 2-7 the display panel 14 and the beam splitter panel 12 are therefore substantially parallel to each other and generally adjacent each other in the first mode as shown in Figure 35.

The mounting of the beam splitter panel 12 on a beam splitter mounting arm 340b formed as an extension of the display mounting arm 340 in this exemplary embodiment enables a relative change in heights of the beam splitter panel and the display panel during the transition between the first and second modes to be achieved automatically. It should be noted that in the first mode position of this exemplary embodiment as shown in Figure 35 the top edge of the beam splitter panel 12 is at the same height as the top edge of the display panel 14.

Furthermore the mounting of the beam splitter panel 12 on the beam splitter mounting arm 340b by the slide-able beam splitter support enables the lower edge of the beam splitter panel 12 to be moved along the beam splitter mounting arm 340b towards the pivot point of the mounting arm 340 on the stand during transition from the first mode to the second mode, and enables the lower edge of the beam splitter panel 12 to be moved along the beam splitter mounting arm 340b away from the pivot point of the mounting arm 340 on the stand during transition from the second mode to the first mode. This has the effect firstly that in the second mode the lower edge of the beam splitter panel 12 is as close as possible to the inner edge of the display panel 14, so that the area of the beam splitter panel is used effectively. In addition, the beam splitter support 341, 342, 343 automatically reorients and repositions the beam splitter panel 12 relative to the mounting arm 340, and therefore relative to the display panel 14 during transition between the first and second modes.

Further automatic synchronisation of the movement of the panels may be optionally achieved in some embodiments by using a rigid arm 346 which is connected to the beam splitter panel 12 by a pivot 347 at one end and which connects to the display panel 14 through a pivot 348 at the other end. Thus a user can cause the exemplary multi mode display device shown in Figures 34 and 35 to transform between the first and second modes merely by applying force to one of the panels, since the change in the position and orientation of one panel during a mode transition will automatically cause the required change in the position and orientation of the other panel. For example, a backward force (in the direction towards the beam splitter panel 12 and away from the viewing position) applied to the top edge of the display panel 14 in Figure 35 will result in the automatic synchronised transition of the exemplary multi mode display device from the first mode shown in Figure 35 to the second mode shown in Figure 34.

Furthermore, in some embodiments a stopper 349 may be affixed to the stand 28 in order to limit the angle to which the rigid arm 340 may rotate during a transition from the first mode to the second mode.

Figures 36, 37 and 38 show side views of another exemplary embodiment of a multi mode display device. Figure 36 shows the multi mode display device in the first mode position, Figure 38 shows the multi mode display device in the second mode position and Figure 37 shows the multi mode display device in an intermediate position between the two modes. Figure 39 illustrates a face on view of the multi mode display device illustrated in Figure 36.

In this embodiment, a rigid mounting arm 363 is provided which is pivotally mounted at a point intermediate the ends of the mounting arm about a pivot point 26 on stand 28. A display panel 14 is pivotally mounted at a distal end of the mounting arm 363 at a pivot point 22. The portion of the mounting arm 363 between the pivot point 26 on the stand 28 and the pivot point 22 can be considered a display mounting arm 363a.

The beam splitter panel 12 (not shown in Figures 36-39) is mounted onto a beam splitter mounting frame 368 and the beam splitter mounting frame 368 is mounted on the slotted body 362. The slotted body 362 is attached to the rigid mounting arm 363 at a pivot point 364. The portion of the mounting arm 363 between the pivot point 26 on the stand 28 and the pivot point 364 can be considered a beam splitter mounting arm 363b. The slotted body 362 has a slot 366 formed therein through which is routed a roller 361, which is attached to the stand 28. A non transparent screen 360 obscures the view of the bottom of the partially reflective beam splitter 12 from a user viewing position when the apparatus is arranged in the first mode. The screen 360 is attached to the rigid mounting arm 363.

During a transition between the first mode shown in Figure 36 and the second mode shown in Figure 38 the display mounting arm 363a moves the display between the first mode display position and the forward position of the second mode in a similar manner to the movement of the display in embodiments discussed previously.

However in this embodiment, the display mounting arm 363a is rotated by more than degrees when moving between modes. An angle of rotation of the display mounting arm up to 180 degrees may typically be used: however, the angle is not considered to be limiting and a skilled person may select an appropriate angle of rotation of the display mounting arm. This greater rotation results in the display panel 14 being at a lower height in the forward display position in the second mode (as shown in Figure 38) than the height of any part of the display in the first mode display position (shown in Figure 36).

As the beam splitter arm 363b rotates from the first mode position to the second mode position the beam splitter mounting frame 368 is elevated, at the same time the absolute angular orientation of the beam splitter panel 12 is modified as the slotted body 362 is forced to move in the direction dictated by the curve of the slot 366 through which the roller 361 must run. In this way the beam splitter 12 is automatically oriented into the correct second mode position, both from a height perspective and from an angular orientation perspective through the process of moving the display panel 14 into the second mode position.

Figure 40 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of the present invention and Figure 41 illustrates the corresponding face on view of the same embodiment. The figures illustrate the possibility of mounting the beam splitter panel 12 to the stand 28 through a mounting on the middle of the bottom part of the beam splitter panel 12. In the example of Figure 40 this mounting means uses a slider 174 which runs through a slider track 172, however, it will be appreciated that other mounting means could also be used.

Figures 40 and 41 also illustrate the possibility of connecting the display panel 14 to the stand 28 through a central point on the back of the display panel 14. In Figure the example is given of mounting the centre of the back of the display panel 14 to the rigid display mounting arm 24, however, it will be appreciated that other mounting means could also be used. Since the beam splitter panel 12 and display panel 14 are mounted in these ways then only one centrally located strut on the terminal stand 28 is required. This may be contrasted with Figure 11 and Figure 12 where terminal stand 28 supporting struts at both the left and right hand side of the panels are shown. The advantage of the centrally mounted strut shown in Figure 40 and Figure 41 is that it may be more aesthetically pleasing and more space efficient. It will be appreciated that a combination of side panel mounting and central panel mounting may also be used.

It will be appreciated that the movement between the first mode and the second mode could be achieved either by the user applying force themselves or through the use of one or more motors. A motorised solution could, for example, make use of a stepper motor. A stepper motor could be connected at the point of rotation which connects the rigid display mounting arm to the stand, for example the motor could drive cog 250 in Figure 25. It will be appreciated that such a motor driven rotation could also cause other components of the apparatus to move in synchrony for example through the use of gears, cogs and/or chains. Examples of such connectivity were discussed in the context of Figures 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 and 39. Where such connectivity exists, it will be appreciated that the motor drive might alternatively be applied at other points of rotation with the same effect. Alternatively, separate motors could be used to individually drive the necessary re-orientations of the beam splitter panel 12 and display panel 14 with synchronisation in panel movement being achieved by the appropriate application of electrical signals to the stepper motors.

Where rotation of the display panel 14 is achieved using the methods illustrated in Figures 8, 9 and 10 then it will be appreciated that a motorised version could also be constructed. Figures 42, 43 and 44 show side views of this particular embodiment of the invention. Figure 42 shows the display panel 14 in the first mode position, Figure 44 shows the display panel 14 in the lowered second mode position and Figure 43 shows the display panel 14 in an intermediate position between the two modes. In these Figures a stepper motor could drive cog 420 which in turn would mesh with the toothed outer edge of the body 422 which is affixed to the back of the display panel 14. For clarity in illustration, the means for connecting the body 422 to the stand 28 via the use of rollers and a roller axle which runs through the track 82 as described in the context of Figure 8 are not illustrated.

With reference to Figure 42 it will be appreciated that rotation of cog 420 may be used to drive the elevation of the beam splitter panel through methods similar to those described in the context of Figures 25, 26 and 27.

Figure 45 illustrates how a camera 10 may be mounted to the rear of the beam splitter panel 12 in order that a face on image of the viewer can be captured when the apparatus is configured into the second mode. The camera is mounted on a camera support 450. The camera support 450 may be implemented within an opaque housing which may cover the entire rear of the beam splitter panel 12. Such a camera support 450 and housing may also provide an opaque covering to the rear of the camera 10. The mounting of the camera 10 and the camera support 450 to the beam splitter panel 12 may be implemented in any of the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention. It is also foreseen that the camera 10 may be detachable in some embodiments and this is illustrated in Figure 46 where the camera 10 is shown to be detached from the camera support 450.

The multi mode display apparatus may be a computer peripheral, this is illustrated in Figure 47. In this case, in the video conferencing application the computer 471 may provide video and audio codecs and call processing functionality 472 along with network connectivity 470. In the tele-prompting application the computer may provide tele-prompting functionality 473 which supports slow scrolling of text across the display. In the self-photography application the computer may provide functionality 474 which augments the camera 10, examples of such functionality would be providing a countdown and providing image file storage. In the exemplary embodiment of Figure 47 the camera 10 is shown integrated into the multi mode display computer peripheral 479. Illustratively, the video camera 10 may be connected to the computer 471 using an interface 476 that is commonly used for connecting webcams, for example a USB port. Illustratively, the flat panel display 14 may be connected to the computer 471 using an interface 477 of a type which is commonly used for the connection of a monitor, for example VGA or DVI ports. The computer may also provide a microphone 467 and speakers 468.

It will be appreciated that changes in the image processing will need to be applied when the apparatus is moved from operation in one mode to operation in another mode. In moving from the first mode to the second mode, it may be desirable to increase the brightness of the flat screen display to compensate for the light lost through the partially transmissive beam splitter. This might for example be achieved by switching on extra display back-light bulbs. Additionally, in the second mode a mirror image should be projected by the flat panel display in order for the image to be viewed correctly in the reflection from the beam splitter. Additionally, in the second mode, the vertical orientation of the picture needs to be reversed compared to the orientation in the first mode. In this way the part of the image which, in the first mode would have been displayed at the top of the screen needs to be displayed at the edge of the display which is nearest to the viewer in the second mode. This ensures that the image of the far party is displayed the correct way up when viewed in the reflection of the beam splitter. It will also be appreciated that these changes in the applied image processing when moving between modes may be triggered manually by the user, for example by pressing a physical switch or by activation of a software switch. Alternatively the image processing changes may be triggered automatically by a switch which detects the change in orientation between the first mode and the second mode or by the opening of a software application which requires the use of a new display mode.

The exemplary embodiment of Figure 47 shows the image processing 475 being performed by the computer 471 with the switch 469 being located in the multi mode display peripheral 479, a signalling connection 478 informs the computer 471 to perform changes to the image processing 475 when there is a mode change.

However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the switch 469 could be implemented in either the multi mode display peripheral 479 or in the computer 471 and likewise that the image processing 475 could be implemented in either the multi mode display peripheral 479 or in the computer 471.

Figure 48 illustrates the case where applications 472, 473, 474 and/or 482 are integrated into the multi mode display apparatus 480. The multi mode display apparatus 480 may contain an embedded personal computer. Alternatively, the apparatus 480 may not have an embedded personal computer, for example, the apparatus 480 could have its own dedicated video and audio codec functionality 472 along with network connectivity 470 to support video conferencing and when vertically oriented in the first mode, it could for example, make use of an embedded television tuner 482 to provide a television service. Any stand-alone device 480 would need to have network connectivity 470 if the video conferencing application is to be supported. Functions such as microphone 467 and speakers 468 could also be integrated into the multi mode display apparatus. It will be appreciated that speakers 468 and/or microphone 467 may be mounted on a position on the stand in which they are accessible in both first and second mode. Equally the speakers and/or microphone could be mounted on the display panel, this might have the benefit of bringing the microphone closer to the viewer and of enabling the speaker to reflect sound off of the beam splitter so that where the video conferencing application is used the sound may be perceived as coming more directly from the image of the far party.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that stoppers may be attached to parts of the apparatus in order to limit the possible degrees of freedom of the apparatus where this is desirable. Such stoppers might also provide support for the weight of any component that might be resting upon them.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that one or more catches may be used to hold parts of the apparatus in position in either or both of the modes.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any of the hinges, pivots or slider mechanisms referred to in the invention may have the property of offering friction, so that once a component is moved into position the friction is sufficient to hold the component in place.

It will be appreciated that springs and/or weights could be used in order that the components of the apparatus will rest in one position as opposed to another when other forces, such as those applied by the viewer or through the use of catches are removed. For example springs and/or weights may be used to cause the apparatus to tend toward rest in the first mode position as opposed to the second mode position. This has the benefit that the viewer only needs to apply downward pressure, which can work against the upward force supplied by the desktop when moving from the first mode to the second mode. Conversely the viewer will not be required to apply significant upward pressure when moving from the second mode to the first mode since this will be achieved through the weighting and/or spring mechanisms.

It will be appreciated that the height of the display components may be varied relative to the height of the desktop through means such as telescopic extension of the terminal stand.

It will be appreciated that the camera may be automatically switched off when the apparatus is in the first mode position.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A multi mode display device, comprising a single-sided display, having a display surface and a non-display surface, a beam splitter, a stand and at least one display mounting for mounting the display to the stand at a display mounting point, wherein the multi mode display device is operable at least: in a first mode in which the display is in a first mode display position in which the display surface of the display faces towards a user viewing position and the beam splitter is arranged substantially parallel to the display and generally adjacent the non-display surface of the display; and in a second mode in which the beam splitter and the display are arranged at an acute angle to one another with the display surface of the display facing towards the beam splitter, the display being in a forward display position in which at least part of the display is closer to the user viewing position than when the display is in the first mode display position; wherein forward movement of the display between the first mode display position and the forward display position is achieved by a rotation of the display mounting about the display mounting point.
2. The multi mode display device as claimed in claim 1 where the rotation of the display mounting causes the display to move between a generally vertical orientation in the first mode display position and a generally horizontal orientation in the forward display position in the second mode.
3. The multi mode display device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the display surface of the display is generally outwardly facing in the first mode display position and is generally upwardly facing in the forward display position in the second mode and re-orientation of the display from the outwardly facing display surface orientation of the first mode display position to the upwardly facing display surface orientation of the forward display position in the second mode is achieved by either a rotation of the display relative to the display mounting or by the rotation of the display mounting about the display mounting point.
4. The multi mode display device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the display surface of the display is generally vertical and outwardly facing in the first mode display position and is generally horizontal and upwardly facing in the forward display position in the second mode.
5. The multi mode display device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the rotation of the display mounting causes the height of at least the highest edge of the display in the first mode display position to be higher relative to the stand than the height of that edge when the display is in the forward display position in the second mode.
6. The multi mode display device as claimed in any preceding claim also comprising rotatable mounting means for rotatably mounting the display to the display mounting.
7. The multi mode display device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the display mounting comprises a rigid connector on which the display is mounted and which is rotatably mounted on the stand at the display mounting point, the movement of the display from the first mode display position to the forward display position being achieved by rotation of the rigid connecting member about the display mounting point.
8. The multi mode display device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the rigid connector comprises a body defining therein a track co-operating with a corresponding respective roller axle mounted to the stand, wherein the track and the corresponding roller axle co-operate to move the display between the first mode display position and the forward display position of the second mode as the roller axle moves within the corresponding track.
9. The multi mode display device as claimed in claim 7 wherein the rigid connector comprises a mounting arm, the mounting arm being rotatably mounted to the stand at a display mounting point and the display being mounted to the distal end of the mounting arm.
10.The multi mode display device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the display is pivotally mounted at or near to the distal end of the mounting arm.liThe multi mode display device as claimed in claim 9 or 10 wherein the mounting arm rotates about the display mounting point between a first mounting arm position corresponding to the first mode and a second mounting arm position corresponding to the second mode of the multi mode display device.12.The multi mode display device as claimed in claim 11 wherein the mounting arm is generally vertical in the first mounting arm position and rotates through an angle a, where 60 �= a �=180 degrees to reach the second mounting arm position.13. The multi mode display device as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a beam splitter mounting for mounting the beam splitter to the stand.14.The multi mode display device as claimed in claim 13 wherein the beam splitter and the display are supported by the beam splitter mounting and the display mounting respectively in a first relative position in the first mode and in a second relative position in a second mode, wherein there is an increase in the height of the lower edge of the beam splitter relative to the height of the lower edge of the display in the second relative position compared with the first relative position.15. The multi mode display device as claimed in claim 13 or 14 wherein the beam splitter mounting supports the beam splitter in a first beam splitter position in the first mode, and in a second beam splitter position, higher than the first beam splitter position, in the second mode.16. The multi mode display device as claimed in any one of claims 13 -15 wherein the beam splitter mounting supports the beam splitter in the first beam splitter position such that the upper edge of the beam splitter is arranged to be at the same height as or below the height of the upper edge of the display.17.The multi mode display device as claimed in any one of claims 13-16 wherein the beam splitter mounting is rotatably mounted to the stand at a mounting point and the beam splitter mounting rotates about the mounting point during transition of the beam splitter between the first beam splitter position and the second beam splitter position.18.The multi mode display device as claimed in claim 17 wherein the beam splitter mounting comprises a beam splitter mounting arm pivotably mounted to the stand.19. The multi mode display device as claimed in claim 17 or 18 wherein the beam splitter mounting comprises a beam splitter mounting arm formed by a portion of the display mounting arm extending from the display mounting point.20. The multi mode display device as claimed in any one of claims 13-19 wherein the beam splitter is mounted to the beam splitter mounting such that during at least part of a transition between the first beam splitter position and the second beam splitter position, the lower end of the beam splitter moves towards a vertical line through the beam splitter mounting point.21.The multi mode display device as claimed in any one of claims 18-20 wherein the lower end of the beam splitter is supported by a beam splitter support carried by the beam splitter mounting arm and arranged to enable relative motion of the lower end of the beam splitter and the mounting arm during transition between the first beam splitter position and the second beam splitter position.22. The multi mode display device as claimed in any one of claims 13-21 where the beam splitter and the display are directly coupled or are indirectly coupled through the display mounting or through the beam splitter mounting or through the beam splitter mounting and the display mounting, such that the beam splitter and the display move in a synchronised manner during at least part of a transition between the first and second modes of the multi mode display device.23. The multi mode display device as claimed in any one of claims 13-22 wherein the beam splitter mounting supports the beam splitter at a first angular orientation in the first mode and at a second angular orientation in the second mode.24.The multi mode display device as claimed in claim 23 wherein the beam splitter mounting re-orients the beam splitter between the first angular orientation and the second angular orientation automatically as a result of a change in beam splitter position moving between the first mode and the second mode.25.The multi mode display device as claimed in any one of claims 22-24 wherein the movement of the beam splitter mounting between supporting the beam splitter in a first beam splitter position in the first mode, and supporting the beam splitter in a second beam splitter position, higher than the first beam splitter position, in the second mode results in reorientation of the beam splitter between a first angular orientation in the first mode and a second angular orientation in the second mode.26.The multi mode display device as claimed in claim 25 wherein the beam splitter support has a slotted body having a slot formed therein, the slot being arranged to co-operate with a roller on the stand so that the movement of the beam splitter mounting between supporting the beam splitter in a first beam splitter position in the first mode, and supporting the beam splitter in a second beam splitter position, higher than the first beam splitter position, in the second mode results in the movement of the roller along the slot and the reorientation of the beam splitter between a first angular orientation in the first mode and a second angular orientation in the second mode.27. The multi mode display device as claimed in claim 25 where the beam splitter support comprises a pinion rotatably supporting the beam splitter, the pinion cooperating with a rack on the stand, so that the movement of the beam splitter mounting between supporting the beam splitter in a first beam splitter position in the first mode, and supporting the beam splitter in a second beam splitter position, higher than the first beam splitter position, in the second mode results in the movement of the pinion with respect to the rack and results in the reorientation of the beam splitter between a first angular orientation in the first mode and a second angular orientation in the second mode.28 The multi mode display device as claimed in any one of claims 22-27 wherein the rotation of the display mounting about the display mounting point causes the movement of the beam splitter mounting between supporting the beam splitter in a first beam splitter position in the first mode, and supporting the beam splitter in a second beam splitter position, higher than the first beam splitter position, in the second mode.29. The multi mode display device as claimed in any one of claims 22-28 wherein the beam splitter mounting is slidably mounted to the stand and is coupled to the display by a cable co-operating with a pulley mounted on the stand, such that movement of the display away from the stand during transition from the first mode to the second mode causes the beam splitter support to move upwardly.30.The multi mode display device as claimed in any one of claims 22-29 wherein the display mounting and the beam splitter mounting are coupled such that the movement of the display during at least part of a transition between the first mode display position and the forward display position is synchronised with the movement of the beam splitter during at least part of a transition between the first beam splitter position and the second beam splitter position.31.The multi mode display device as claimed in claim 30 in which a single rotatable mounting arm forms at least part of the display mounting and the beam splitter mounting, the display being mounted to the mounting arm at or near a display mounting end of the mounting arm and the beam splitter being mounted to the mounting arm at or near a beam splitter end of the mounting arm, the mounting arm being rotatably mounted to the stand at a mounting point intermediate the display end and the beam splitter end.32.The multi mode display device as claimed in any one of claims 22-31 in which the beam splitter is supported by a beam splitter support comprising a slider portion that is slideably mounted on the beam splitter mounting, a rigid connector supporting the beam splitter rotatably mounted on the slider and a rigid connector pivotally connecting the beam splitter to the display mounting, wherein in operation during transition from the first mode to second mode the movements of the beam splitter mounting and the beam splitter support cause the beam splitter and the display to move between parallel orientation of the first mode and the angled orientation of the second mode.33. The multi mode display device as claimed in claim 32 wherein the connector between the beam splitter and the display mounting limits the acute angle between the display and the beam splitter in the second mode.34. The multi mode display device as claimed in any one of claims 22-33 wherein the beam splitter and the display are directly connected by a rigid connector arranged such that movement of one of the beam splitter or the display from one of the first mode position or the second mode position to the other position will result in the movement of the other of the beam splitter or the display from the said one of the first mode position or a second mode position to the other.35.A multi mode display device, comprising a single-sided display, having a display surface and a non-display surface, a beam splitter, a stand and at least one mounting arm, the beam splitter being mounted at or near a first end of the mounting arm and the display being mounted at or near a second end of the mounting arm, and the mounting arm being rotatably mounted at a mounting point intermediate the first and second end of the mounting arm to the stand, wherein the multi mode display device is operable: in a first mode in which the display is in a first mode display position in which the display surface of the display faces towards a user viewing position and the beam splitter is arranged substantially parallel to the display and generally adjacent the non-display surface of the display; and in a second mode in which the beam splitter and the display are arranged at an angle to one another with the display surface of the display facing towards the beam splitter; wherein the rotation of the mounting arm about the mounting point causes the re-positioning and/or the re-orientation of at least one of the display or the beam splitter during the transition between the first mode and the second mode.36.A multi mode display device, comprising a single-sided display, having a display surface and a non-display surface, a beam splitter, a stand and at least one display mounting for mounting the display to the stand at a display mounting point, wherein the multi mode display device is operable: in a first mode in which the dispiay is in a first mode display position in which the display surface of the display faces towards a user viewing position and the beam splitter is arranged substantially parallel to the display and generally adjacent the non-display surface of the display; and in a second mode in which the beam splitter and the display are arranged at an angle to one another with the display surface of the display facing towards the beam splitter; wherein the beam splitter and the display are directly or indirectly coupled so that in at least part of a transition between the first mode and the second mode the beam splitter and the display move in a synchronised manner.37.The multi mode display device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein in the first mode the display is arranged at such a height and orientation to enable viewing of the display surface of the display from the user viewing position and in the second mode the display and beam splitter are arranged such that an image of the display surface of the display reflected in the beam splitter can be viewed from substantially the same user viewing position.38.The multi mode display device as claimed in any preceding claim also comprising a camera support, for supporting a camera, on the side of the beam splitter facing away from the display in at least the second mode, arranged so that a camera supported by the camera support is positioned to capture an image of the user viewing position in the second mode.39.The multi mode display device as claimed in claim 38 also comprising a camera mounted on the camera support.40.A computing apparatus, comprising a multi mode display device as claimed in any preceding claim and a computing device operationally coupled to the multi mode display device.41.A computing apparatus as claimed in claim 40 when dependent on claim 38 in which the computing device has at least one external connection port and is provided with at least one video codec for coding video information received from the camera for transmission through the external connection port, and for decoding video information received through the external connection port for presentation by the display.42.A computing apparatus as claimed in claim 41 further comprising a microphone and a speaker, wherein at least one audio codec is provided for coding audio information received from the microphone for transmission through the external connection port of the computing device, and for decoding audio information received through the external connection port of the computing device for presentation by the speaker.