WO2015028101A1

WO2015028101A1 - Camera collapsible behind a display device and display device for use with the same

Info

Publication number: WO2015028101A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/068099
Authority: WO
Inventors: Vincent WECKERT; Hakki Serkan Tekce
Original assignee: Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority date: 2013-09-02
Filing date: 2013-09-02
Publication date: 2015-03-05
Also published as: EP3042497A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a camera (1) suitable for mounting on a display device (2) in particular a TV, for imaging a user located in front of a display (3) of the display device (2), the camera (1) comprising an image acquiring means (4), a housing including the image acquiring means (4); and a mounting means for detachably mounting the housing to the display device (2). In the camera (1) of the present invention the housing has a main section (5) and a head section (6) which is supported by the main section (5) movably between a collapsed state and an expanded state; the mounting means is configured to detachably attach the main section (5) at a designated location on a back cover (7) of the display device (2) via a respective mounting means formed on the display device (2); the image acquiring means (4) is disposed on a front surface (8) of the head section (6), which opposes the user. In the collapsed state, the image acquiring means (4) is completely obscured by the display device (2), and in the expanded state, a field-of-view of the image acquiring means (4) is unobstructed by the display device (2).

Description

A CAMERA FOR MOUNTING ON A DISPLAY DEVICE AND DISPLAY DEVICE FOR USE WITH THE SAME

The present invention relates to a camera for mounting on a display device, and a display device for use with a camera mountable thereon. The present invention particularly relates to a web camera for mounting on a TV for enabling voice and video calls via internet. The present invention more particularly relates to a technique for mounting a web camera onto a TV.

Internet technologies which enable users to make voice and video calls via the internet greatly facilitate communication among internet users. Personnel Computers, mobile phones and TVs which have internet access are typically equipped with web cameras and microphones for performing such communication.

There are various methods for equipping a display device with a web camera and a microphone. A commonly used technique is to provide the web camera as a separate apparatus which can be installed onto a desk at a location close to the display device. An advantage of this type of a web camera is that a user can flexibly decide on an installation location of the web camera on the desk. However, a drawback of this type of a web camera is that it requires extra installation space on the desk. In addition, the cables of the web camera unnecessarily restrict the user.

Another commonly used technique is to provide the web camera as a separate apparatus which can be detachably attached to a rim of the display device, for example by utilizing a mounting means such as a clamp or the like. Thereby, a user saves place on the desk. However, a drawback of this type of a web camera is that it creates an untidy and messy appearance on the display device. In addition, such clamping apparatuses usually have mechanical parts which are generally not compatible with every type of conventional display device due to variations in the dimensions of the rims.

Another commonly used technique is to provide the web camera integrally with the display device. This type of a web camera is typically integrated into the rim of the display device. Thereby, it becomes possible to attain a compact display device. However, this type of a web camera cannot be easily serviced in case of malfunction. In addition, the web camera cannot be replaced in the event of an impending upgrade.

US 2012/0120236 A1 discloses a web camera comprising: a camera module having a housing which includes a camera lens; and a clamping apparatus for detachably mounting the camera module to a computer screen.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a camera suitable for detachably mounting on a display device, and a display device for use with a detachably mountable camera which improve usability and overcome the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

This objective has been achieved by the camera according to the present invention as defined in claim 1, and the display device according to the present invention as defined in claim 12. Further achievements have been attained by the subject-matters respectively defined in the dependent claims.

In the camera according to the present invention, a housing of the camera has a main section and a head section which is movably supported by the main section. The camera has an expanded state where the head section is moved apart from the main section and a collapsed state where the head section is moved next to the main section. The camera has a mounting means for detachably attaching the main section at a designated location on a back cover of a display device via a respective mounting means formed on the display device. An image acquiring means is arranged on a front surface of the head section so as to oppose a user who is located in front of a display of the display device. The designated location is determined such that in the collapsed state of the camera, the image acquiring means is completely obscured by the back cover of the display device whereas in the expanded state of the camera, a field-of-view of the image acquiring means is unobstructed by the display device. Thereby, in the collapsed state of the camera, the image acquiring means can be hidden behind the display device, whereas in the expanded state of the camera, the image acquiring means can unobstructedly take moving images of the user located in front of the display.

In an embodiment, the head section is slidably supported by the main section. In this embodiment, the user slides the head section by pulling the same away from the main section for expanding the camera. Thereby, the head section is displaced from a position where the image acquiring means is stowed behind the display device, to a position where a field-of-view of the image acquiring means is no more unobstructed by the display device and exposed towards the user. When the image acquiring means is not needed, the user slides the head section by pushing the same towards the main section for collapsing the camera. Thereby, the image acquiring means is displaced from the exposed position to the stowed position where the image acquiring means is completely obscured by the display device and a front surface of the head section is completely or partly hidden behind the display device.

In an alternative embodiment, the head section is rotatably supported by the main section. In this embodiment, the same technical effects as in the preceding embodiment are attained by rotating the head section relative to the main section in order to collapse or to expand the camera.

In another embodiment, the head section is slidably coupled with the main section in a state of compression. In this embodiment, the compression is exerted in a direction which is perpendicular to a sliding direction. By virtue of the compression forces, the head section is securely retained at the expanded state. Thereby, a reliable and cost-efficient technique for sliding the head section relative to the main section is attained.

In the display device according to the present invention, a respective mounting means is formed at a designated location on the back cover, for detachably attaching the camera.

In another embodiment, the main section is detachably attachable to the back cover of the display device by utilizing one or more than one screw.

In another alternative embodiment, the main section is detachably attachable to the back cover of the display device by utilizing snap-fit elements formed on both the main section and the back cover of the display device.

In another embodiment, the designated location is close to a middle of an upper rim of the display device.

In another embodiment, in the collapsed state of the camera, an upper surface of the head section becomes flush with a top of the upper rim of the display device. Thereby, a front surface of the head section becomes completely hidden behind the display device in the collapsed state.

In another embodiment, the head section has a gripping means for the user’s fingers. The user can easily grasp the head section to collapse or to expand the camera.

The camera of the present invention has particularly improved usability since it can be collapsed for stowing away behind the display device when not needed and can be subsequently expanded to become exposed towards a front side of the display device when it is needed for taking moving images of the user. Also, the sensitive parts of the camera are protected from external adverse effects when the camera is stowed away. In addition, the display device assumes a tidy appearance when the camera is stowed away when not in use. The camera of the present invention can be easily replaced with a newer camera for example with a camera having a higher resolution, a higher frame rate and the like or can be detached for maintenance. Moreover, a customer who does not currently wish to make voice and video calls may leave out the camera when purchasing the display device of the present invention and later on decide to purchase and mount the camera onto the display device.

Additional advantages of the camera and the display device according to the present invention will become apparent with the detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 – is a schematic front view of a camera in a collapsed state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 – is a schematic front view of the camera in an expanded state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 – is a schematic perspective view of the camera shown in Fig. 1;

Figure 4 – is a schematic perspective view of the camera shown in Fig. 2;

Figure 5 – is a schematic top view of the camera according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 – is a schematic side view of the camera shown in Fig. 1;

Figure 7 – is a schematic side view of the camera shown in Fig. 2;

Figure 8 – is a schematic perspective front view of the camera mounted onto a back cover of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the camera is in the collapsed state;

Figure 9 – is a schematic perspective front view of the camera mounted onto the back cover of the display device according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the camera is in the expanded state;

Figure 10 – is a schematic perspective rear view of the display device shown in Fig. 8;

Figure 11– is a schematic perspective rear view of the display device shown in Fig. 9;

Figure 12 – is a schematic perspective rear view of the camera prior to mounting onto the back cover of the display according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The reference signs appearing on the drawings relate to the following technical features.

Camera
Display device
Display
Image acquiring means
Main section
Head section
Back cover
Front surface
Slot
Protrusion
Rubber material
Connection port
Rear surface
Screw hole
Threaded hole
Screw
Upper rim
Upper surface
Top
Microphone mesh
Projecting portion
Cable

The camera (1) is suitable for mounting on a display device (2), in particular a TV, for imaging things located in front of a display (3) of the display device (2) (Figs. 8 to 12). The camera (1) comprises an image acquiring means (4), a housing including the image acquiring means (4) and a mounting means for detachably mounting the housing to the display device (2) (Figs. 9 to 12).

In the camera (1) of the present invention, the housing has a main section (5) and a head section (6) which is movably supported by the main section (5) between a collapsed state and an expanded state (Figs. 1 to 4, Figs. 6 and 7). The mounting means is configured to detachably attach the main section (5) at a designated location on a back cover (7) of the display device (2) via a respective mounting means which is formed on the back cover (7) of the display device (2) (Fig. 12). The image acquiring means (4) is disposed on a front surface (8) of the head section (6) so as to oppose the user (Figs. 1 to 4; Fig. 9). In the collapsed state of the camera (1), the image acquiring means (4) is completely obscured by the display device (2), and in the expanded state of the camera (1), a field-of-view of the image acquiring means (4) is unobstructed by the display device (2) (Figs. 8 and 9).

In an embodiment, the head section (6) is slidably supported by the main section (5) between the collapsed state and the expanded state (Figs. 1 to 4; Figs. 6 to 12).

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the head section (6) is rotatably supported by the main section (5) between the collapsed state and the expanded state.

In another embodiment, the main section (5) and the head section (6) have mutually leveled front surfaces (8) (Figs. 5 to 7). Thereby, the head section (6) can be pulled out or pushed in when respectively expanding or collapsing the camera (1), without being impeded by the display device (2), in particular by a rim (17) of the display device (2), (Figs. 8 and 9).

In another embodiment, the front surfaces (8) of the main section (5) and the head section (6) which face the back cover (7) of the display device (2) are substantially flat (Figs. 1 to 7). In this embodiment, the main section (5) and the head section (6) are provided in form of slim rectangular cases (Figs. 1 to 12).

In another embodiment, the main section (5) has a slot (9), and the head section (6) has a protrusion (10) which is slidably arranged into the slot (9) (Figs. 1 and 2). In this embodiment, the protrusion (10) and the slot (9) are maintained in a state of compression in a direction which is perpendicular to a direction along which the protrusion (10) is pushed into or pulled out of the slot (9) (Figs. 1 and 2).

In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the head section (6) has a slot (9), and the main section (5) has a protrusion (10) which is slidably arranged into the slot (9). In this embodiment, the protrusion (10) and the slot (9) are maintained in a state of compression in a direction which is perpendicular to a direction along which the protrusion (10) is pushed into or pulled out of the slot (9).

In another embodiment, the slot (9) and the protrusion (10) have rectangular shaped cross-sections (Figs. 2 and 4).

In another embodiment, the head section (6) and the protrusion (10) define a T-shaped structure (Fig. 2 and 4).

In another embodiment, the head section (6) has a gripping means for the user’s fingers (Figs. 1 to 12).

In another embodiment, the gripping means is a rubber material (11) arranged at least on opposing lateral sides of the head section (6) (Figs. 1 to 12).

In another embodiment, a microphone (not shown) is embedded into the head section (6).

In another embodiment, the head section (6) has a microphone mesh (20) concealing the microphone (Figs. 1 to 4).

In another embodiment, the main section (5) has a data output means (not shown) for outputting data to the display device (2). In this embodiment, the protrusion (10) has a cable channel (not shown) for enclosing a flexible wiring (not shown) for connecting both the image acquiring means (4) and the microphone with the data output means.

In another embodiment, the camera (1) is configured to activate the image acquiring means (4) and data output means, upon detection of a transition from the collapsed state to the expanded state. In this embodiment, the camera (1) has a sensor (not shown) for detecting a change in the state of the head section (6).

In another embodiment, the data output means has a connection port (12) disposed on a rear surface (13) of the main section (5) (Figs 5 to 7; Figs. 10 to 12). The rear surface (13) is averted from the back cover (7) of the display device (2) (Figs. 10 to 12).

In another embodiment, the camera (1) is connected with the display device (2) through a cable (22) via the connection port (12) (Figs. 1 to 7; Figs. 10 to 12).

In another embodiment, the mounting means includes one or more than one screw hole (14) formed on the main section (5) (Figs. 1 to 4). Each screw hole (14) opposes a threaded hole (15) formed on the back cover (7) of the display device (2) for receiving a screw (16) (Fig. 12).

In another embodiment, each threaded hole (15) has an annular projecting portion (21) insertable into a respective screw hole (14) for aligning and positioning the main section (5) onto the back cover (7) of the display device (2) (Fig. 2).

The display device (2) of the present invention comprises: a display (3); a back cover (7) for concealing a rear part of the display (3); and a respective mounting means formed at a designated location on the back cover (7), for detachably attaching the camera (1) of the present invention (Figs. 8 to 12). The designated location is determined such that in the collapsed state of the camera (1), the image acquiring means (4) is completely obscured by the back cover (7) of the display device (2) whereas in the expanded state of the camera (1), a field-of-view of the image acquiring means (4) is unobstructed by the display device (2) (Figs. 8 to 12).

In another embodiment, the designated location is close to an upper rim (17) of the display device (2) and at a mid-position in a width of the display device (2) (Figs. 8 to 12).

In another embodiment, in the collapsed state of the camera (1), an upper surface (18) of the head section (6) becomes flush with a top (19) of the upper rim (17) of the display device (2) (Figs. 8 and 10). In this embodiment, in the collapsed state of the camera (1), a front surface (8) of the head section (6) becomes completely hidden behind the display device (2).

In another embodiment, the back cover (7) of the display device (2) is substantially flat (Figs. 1 to 12).

In another embodiment, the display device (2) is a TV which comprises the camera (1) of the present invention (Figs. 8 to 12) for enabling voice and video calls via the internet.

The pull out / push in camera (1) of the present invention can be collapsed for stowing away when not being used and can be subsequently re-expanded for activation. In the stowed position, the sensitive parts of the camera (1) such as the microphone and an objective lens of the image acquiring means (4) and the like are protected from external adverse effects such as impacts, accumulation of dust and the like. In addition, the display device (2) assumes a compact appearance when the camera (1) is in the collapsed state. By virtue of the above described mounting techniques, the camera (1) of the present invention can be easily replaced with a newer camera (1). Moreover, a customer may leave out the camera (1) when purchasing a display device (2) according to the present invention and later on decide to purchase and mount a camera (1) thereon. Thus, both the camera (1) and the display device (2) of the present invention have particularly improved usability.

Claims

A camera (1) suitable for mounting on a display device (2) in particular a television, for imaging things located in front of a display (3) of the display device (2), the camera (1) comprising an image acquiring means (4), a housing including the image acquiring means (4) and a mounting means for detachably mounting the housing to the display device (2), characterized in that the housing has a main section (5) and a head section (6) which is movably supported by the main section (5) between a collapsed state and an expanded state, the mounting means is configured to detachably attach the main section (5) at a designated location on a back cover (7) of the display device (2) via a respective mounting means formed on the display device (2), the image acquiring means (4) is disposed on a front surface (8) of the head section (6), which opposes the user, wherein in the collapsed state, the image acquiring means (4) is completely obscured by the display device (2), and in the expanded state, a field-of-view of the image acquiring means (4) is unobstructed by the display device (2).
The camera (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the head section (6) is slidably supported by the main section (5) between the collapsed state and the expanded state.
The camera (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that one of the main section (5) and the head section (6) has a slot (9), and the other one of the main section (5) and the head section (6) has a protrusion (10) which is slidably arranged into the slot (9), wherein the protrusion (10) and the slot (9) are maintained in a state of compression in a direction which is perpendicular to a direction along which the protrusion (10) is pushed into or pulled out of the slot (9).
The camera (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the slot (9) and the protrusion (10) have rectangular shaped cross-sections.
The camera (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the head section (6) and the protrusion (10) define a T-shaped structure.
The camera (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the head section (6) has a gripping means for the user’s fingers.
The camera (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the gripping means is a rubber material (11) arranged on opposing lateral sides of the head section (6).
The camera (1) according to claim any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the head section (6) has a microphone.
The camera (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the main section (5) has a data output means for outputting data to the display device (2), and the protrusion (10) has a cable channel for enclosing a flexible wiring for connecting both the image acquiring means (4) and the microphone with the data output means.
The camera (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the data output means has a connection port (12) disposed on a rear surface (13) of the main section (5), which is averted from the back cover (7) of the display device (2).
The camera (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the mounting means includes one or more than one screw hole (14) formed on the main section (5) which respectively opposes one or more than one threaded hole (15) formed on the back cover (7) of the display device (2) each for receiving a screw (16).
A display device (2) for use with a detachable camera (1), characterized in that a display (3), a back cover (7) for concealing a rear part of the display (3) and a respective mounting means formed at a designated location on the back cover (7), for detachably attaching the camera (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
The display device (2) according to claim 12, characterized in that the designated location is close to an upper rim (17) of the display device (2) and at a mid-position in a width of the display device (2).
The display device (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that in the collapsed state, an upper surface (18) of the head section (6) becomes flush with a top (19) of the upper rim (17) of the display device (2).
The display device (2), in particular a television, according to any one of claims 12 to 14, comprising a camera (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.