US5949474A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Videophone blocker
Assignee: AT&T Inc
•
Filing: 1997-12-31
•
Granted: 1999-09-07
•
Expires: 2017-12-31
Abstract
Abstract A videophone with selective privacy control of a caller's transmitted image. The videophone has a shutter in front of the lens, and an actuator for moving the shutter to selectively cover or uncover the lens at the option of the local caller. A video indicator also may be included, which separately indicates that the shutter is open. The video indicator (which may be an LED) may be located adjacent the lens so that it is visible when the shutter is open, and is covered by the shutter when the shutter is closed. Alternatively, the videophone makes use of a visual signal (such as an icon) which is displayed when the shutter is closed, separately or in combination with a video indicator which indicates that the shutter is open.
Inventors
- 👤 Irwin Gerszberg
- 👤 Jeffrey S. Martin
- 👤 Hopeton S. Walker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 11:13
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04N; H04N7/00; H04N7/14; H04N7/141; H04N7/142
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
105 words
In a videophone having a camera for producing a video signal representative of the local image encompassed by the camera lens, a shutter in front of the lens, and an actuator for moving the shutter to selectively cover or uncover the lens at the option of the local caller, the improvement comprising a video indicator which separately indicates that the shutter is open, said video indicator being located adjacent the lens in an area that is covered by the shutter when the shutter is closed, so that said video indicator is visible when the shutter is open, and is covered when the shutter is closed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
105 words
In a videophone having a camera for producing a video signal representative of the local image encompassed by the camera lens, a shutter in front of the lens, and an actuator for moving the shutter to selectively cover or uncover the lens at the option of the local caller, the improvement comprising a video indicator which separately indicates that the shutter is open, said video indicator being located adjacent the lens in an area that is covered by the shutter when the shutter is closed, so that said video indicator is visible when the shutter is open, and is covered when the shutter is closed.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
A videophone according to claim 1 further comprising a visual signal which is displayed when the shutter is closed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
A videophone according to claim 2 wherein said visual signal comprises an icon.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
A videophone according to claim 1 wherein said video indicator is an LED.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
27 words
A videophone according to claim 1 wherein the camera is adapted for placement adjacent a video receiver on which an image from the remote caller is displayed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A videophone according to claim 5 wherein said actuator comprises a cordless remote control operatively linked to the camera.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
A videophone according to claim 1 wherein said actuator comprises a manually engageable shutter control.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
A videophone according to claim 7 wherein said manually engageable shutter control is located adjacent the camera.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
A videophone according to claim 8 wherein said video indicator comprises a visual signal which is displayed when the shutter is closed.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
A videophone according to claim 9 wherein said visual signal comprises an icon.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-09-06 | 2003-03-08 | 2003-09-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-09-06 | 2007-03-08 | 2007-09-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-09-06 | 2011-03-08 | 2011-09-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |