(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2006/0104633 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`May 18, 2006
`Kenoyer et al.
`
`US 20060104633Al
`
`(54) HIGH DEFINITION CAMERA PAN TILT
`MECHANISM
`
`?led on Apr. 29, 2005. Provisional application No.
`60/675,966, ?led on Apr. 29, 2005.
`
`(76) Inventors: Michael L. Kenoyer, Austin, TX (US);
`William V. Oxford, Austin, TX (U S);
`Patrick D. VanderWilt, Austin, TX
`(US); Hans-Christoph Haenlein, San
`Jose, CA (US); Branko Lukic, Menlo
`Park, CA (US); Jonathan I. Kaplan,
`Palo Alto, CA (US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`MEYERTONS, HOOD, KIVLIN, KOWERT &
`GOETZEL, RC.
`700 LAVACA, SUITE 800
`AUSTIN, TX 78701 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`11/251,083
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Oct. 14, 2005
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/ 619,227, ?led on Oct.
`15, 2004. Provisional application No. 60/675,964,
`
`Publication Classi?cation
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`G03B 17/00
`(52) US. Cl. ............................................................ ..396/428
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`In various embodiments, a High De?nition (HD) camera
`may be controlled by one or more motors in a base of the HD
`camera. Cables and other components may be used to
`manipulate the camera lens through the side arms of the HD
`camera. Putting the motors in the base may reduce the siZe
`of the outer case of the HD camera and add stability. In some
`embodiments, images from the HD camera may be con
`verted into a serialized stream and transported over a cable
`from the lens through a center shaft of the HD camera. Other
`components may also be used to increase the functionality of
`the HD camera. In some embodiments, a camera support
`mechanism may be provided to couple a camera to a display.
`The camera support mechanism may include a front lip and
`rear leg to hold camera in place.
`
`100
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication May 18, 2006 Sheet 1 0f 7
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`US 2006/0104633 A1
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`100
`101 /
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication May 18, 2006 Sheet 2 0f 7
`
`US 2006/0104633 A1
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`217
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`Patent Application Publication May 18, 2006 Sheet 3 0f 7
`
`US 2006/0104633 A1
`
`307
`
`\/ 305
`
`303
`
`FIG. 3
`
`

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`Patent Application Publication May 18, 2006 Sheet 4 0f 7
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`US 2006/0104633 A1
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication May 18, 2006 Sheet 5 0f 7
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`US 2006/0104633 A1
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`PF
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`507
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`505
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`

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`Patent Application Publication May 18, 2006 Sheet 6 0f 7
`
`US 2006/0104633 A1
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`FIG. 7
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication May 18, 2006 Sheet 7 0f 7
`
`US 2006/0104633 A1
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`A ?rst signal to pan the HD PTZ
`camera may be received.
`E
`
`V
`A ?rst motor may be activated to pan
`the HD PTZ camera.
`E
`
`V
`A second signal to tilt the HD PTZ
`camera may be received.
`@
`
`A second motor may be activated to tilt
`the HD PTZ camera.
`w
`
`i
`
`If a plate moves past a prede?ned point, the opto
`interrupter may signal the respective motor to stop.
`.8_0_9_
`
`V
`
`Data to and from the HD PTZ camera may be
`transmitted as a high speed serial digital stream.
`m
`
`FIG. 8
`
`

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`US 2006/0104633 A1
`
`May 18, 2006
`
`HIGH DEFINITION CAMERA PAN TILT
`MECHANISM
`
`PRIORITY CLAIM
`
`[0001] This application claims priority to Us. Provisional
`Patent Application serial No. 60/619,227 titled “High De?
`nition Camera and Mount”, Which Was ?led Oct. 15, 2004,
`Whose inventors are Michael L. Kenoyer, Patrick D. Vander
`Wilt, Paul D. Frey, Paul Leslie Howard, Jonathan I. Kaplan,
`and Branko Lukic Which is hereby incorporated by reference
`in its entirety as though fully and completely set forth herein.
`[0002] This application also claims priority to Us. Pro
`visional Patent Application serial No. 60/675,964 titled
`“Camera Support Mechanism”, Which Was ?led Apr. 29,
`2005, Whose inventors are Michael L. Kenoyer, Patrick D.
`VanderWilt, Paul D. Frey, Paul Leslie HoWard, Jonathan I.
`Kaplan, and Branko Lukic Which is hereby incorporated by
`reference in its entirety as though fully and completely set
`forth herein.
`[0003] This application further claims priority to Us.
`Provisional Patent Application serial No. 60,675,966 titled
`“Camera Pan/Tilt Mechanism”, Which Was ?led Apr. 29,
`2005, Whose inventors are Michael L. Kenoyer, Patrick D.
`VanderWilt, Paul D. Frey, Paul Leslie HoWard, Jonathan I.
`Kaplan, and Branko Lukic Which is hereby incorporated by
`reference in its entirety as though fully and completely set
`forth herein.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`[0004]
`[0005] The present invention relates generally to cameras
`and, more speci?cally, to video camera pan tilt mechanisms.
`
`[0006] 2. Description of the Related Art
`
`[0007] Video conferencing systems may use cameras to
`capture images of conference participants at one site to
`transmit and display to conference participants at another
`site. While high de?nition (HD) cameras may be used to
`provide high de?nition images, they may be too large and
`too dif?cult to control for a video conferencing system. For
`example, it may not be possible to place a HD camera on top
`of a computer monitor as part of a conference system.
`
`[0008] Traditionally, a tilt motor on the HD camera may be
`used in a rotating head of the HD camera structure and
`coupled to a lens/sensor assembly on the HD camera. A
`panning mechanism on the HD camera may need to over
`come inertia of not only the lens/ sensor assembly, but also
`the inertia of the tilt motor and linkage in the rotating head
`of the HD camera. In addition, traditional HD cameras may
`use thick cables to send analog signals (Which may be
`susceptible to noise).
`[0009] Video conferencing systems have traditionally
`been of the set-top box format. Examples are the Polycom
`VieWStation and Tandberg 880. These may be in the range
`of 13-17" Wide by 8-10" deep and 6-10" high. They may be
`placed on the top of cathode ray tube (CRT) based televi
`sions so the camera is above the display device shoWing the
`remote participants during a video call.
`
`[0010] As large screen (32"-65") HiDef televisions have
`become more popular, the television industry has been
`
`transitioning aWay from CRT based devices and moving
`toWard plasma and liquid crystal displays (LCD) screens,
`Which alloW the display to be much thinner. Current plasma
`and LCD televisions may be as thin as 3-4". This means the
`display may no longer have a set-top on Which to place a
`video conferencing system. The camera of a video confer
`encing system may need to be as close to the display as
`possible in order optimiZe eye contact. HoWever, displays
`may not be thick enough or ?at enough to hold traditional
`set-top box video conferencing systems.
`
`[0011] The top surfaces of the displays may also not have
`a consistent shape or depth making it very dif?cult to place
`a camera on top of the display Without it being very unstable
`and likely to fall off. One solution is to install a shelf above
`the monitor and place the camera on the shelf. HoWever, that
`may mean the system cannot be moved around and may
`need to be permanently installed close to a Wall (needed to
`mount the shelf).
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0012] In various embodiments, a High De?nition (HD)
`camera may have a lens portion and a base portion coupled
`to each other through one or more arm portions. The HD
`camera may be controlled by one or more motors in the HD
`camera’s base. A tilt motor in the HD camera base may
`control the tilt of the HD camera, While a pan motor in the
`HD camera base may pan the HD camera. The tilt and pan
`motors may be coupled to plates in the base of the HD
`camera. The tilt motor may also be coupled to cables in an
`arm portion of the HD camera.
`
`[0013] Putting the motors in the base may reduce the siZe
`of the outer case of the HD camera and add stability. In some
`embodiments, images from the HD camera may be con
`verted into a serialized digital stream and transported over a
`data cable from the lens through a center shaft of the HD
`camera. This may alloW the placement of several compo
`nents for processing images, etc. in a base of the camera
`instead of in the lens portion. Other information may also be
`sent over the data cable (e.g., bi-directional control data and
`poWer). Other components in the lens portion and/or base
`portion may also be used to increase the functionality of the
`HD camera.
`
`[0014] In various embodiments, cables and other compo
`nents may be used to manipulate the camera lens through the
`side arms of the HD camera. Putting the motors in the base
`may reduce the siZe of the outer case of the HD camera and
`add stability. In some embodiments, images from the HD
`camera may be converted into a serialiZed stream and
`transported over a cable from the lens through a center shaft
`of the HD camera. Other components may also be used to
`increase the functionality of the HD camera.
`
`[0015] In various embodiments, a camera support mecha
`nism (CSM) may be used to couple a camera to a display. In
`some embodiments, the CSM may have a ?at top that folds
`open to access a tripod mount screW that couples the camera
`to the CSM. After attaching the camera to the top of the
`CSM, the CSM may be placed on the top center of the
`display device. The CSM may have an adjustable front lip
`that aligns to the top front edge of the display device. In
`some embodiments, the front lip may be attached to a loWer
`deck through a mount screW. The front lip may have tWo
`separate offsets that may cushion the contact With the
`display. In some embodiments, if multiple pads are used, the
`CSM may Work With display devices that have either a
`
`

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`US 2006/0104633 A1
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`
`concave or a convex front surface. The front lip may be
`adjusted to one of a number of set positions so that the CSM
`can accommodate even extremely thin screens that may be
`Wall mounted.
`
`[0016] In some embodiments, When the CSM is placed on
`the display, a user may tighten an adjustment knob on one
`side of the pivot point at the rear of the CSM. This may
`rotate the adjustable rear leg toWards the back of the display.
`In some embodiments, the rear leg may rotate from ?at and
`parallel to the top of the display to perpendicular to the top
`of the display. When the rear leg has rotated to the point
`Where it makes contact With the display, further tightening of
`the knobs may apply additional pressure. The rear leg may
`be tightened to lock the rear leg ?rmly against the back of
`the display at that position. In some embodiments, the rear
`leg may have a foam/rubber tip for better gripping. In some
`embodiments, the CSM may also accommodate variable
`slope on the screen from front to back using the foam/rubber
`tip.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0017] A better understanding of the present invention
`may be obtained When the folloWing detailed description is
`considered in conjunction With the folloWing draWings, in
`Which:
`[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a high density (HD) pan, tilt,
`Zoom (PTZ) camera, according to an embodiment;
`
`[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a cutaWay vieW of a HD PTZ
`camera, according to an embodiment;
`
`[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a side vieW of the internal com
`ponents of the HD PTZ camera, according to an embodi
`ment;
`[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates another vieW of the internal
`components of the HD PTZ camera, according to an
`embodiment;
`[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a side vieW of the camera support
`mechanism, according to an embodiment;
`[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded vieW of the camera
`support mechanism, according to an embodiment; and
`[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates a top vieW of the camera support
`mechanism With a cable slot, according to an embodiment.
`
`[0025] FIG. 8 illustrates a method of positioning an HD
`PTZ camera, according to an embodiment.
`
`[0026] While the invention is susceptible to various modi
`?cations and alternative forms, speci?c embodiments
`thereof are shoWn by Way of example in the draWings and
`are herein described in detail. It should be understood,
`hoWever, that the draWings and detailed description thereto
`are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form
`disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all
`modi?cations, equivalents and alternatives falling Within the
`spirit and scope of the present invention as de?ned by the
`appended claims.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`Incorporation by Reference
`[0027] US. Provisional Patent Application titled “Speak
`erphone”, Ser. No. 60/619,303, Which Was ?led Oct. 15,
`2004, Whose inventors are Michael L. Kenoyer, William V.
`
`Oxford, and Simon Dudley is hereby incorporated by ref
`erence in its entirety as though fully and completely set forth
`herein.
`[0028] US. Provisional Patent Application titled “Speak
`erphone”, Ser. No. 60/634,315 Which Was ?led Dec. 8, 2004,
`Whose inventors are William V. Oxford, Michael L. Kenoyer
`and Simon Dudley Which is hereby incorporated by refer
`ence in its entirety as though fully and completely set forth
`herein.
`
`[0029] US. Provisional Patent Application titled “Video
`Conferencing Speakerphone”, Ser. No. 60/619,212, Which
`Was ?led Oct. 15, 2004, Whose inventors are Michael L.
`Kenoyer, Craig B. Malloy, and Wayne E. Mock is hereby
`incorporated by reference in its entirety as though fully and
`completely set forth herein.
`
`[0030] US. Provisional Patent Application titled “Video
`Conference Call System”, Ser. No. 60/619,210, Which Was
`?led Oct. 15, 2004, Whose inventors are Michael J. Burkett,
`Ashish Goyal, Michael V. Jenkins, Michael L. Kenoyer,
`Craig B. Malloy, and Jonathan W. Tracey is hereby incor
`porated by reference in its entirety as though fully and
`completely set forth herein.
`
`HD PTZ Camera With Embedded Microphones; Thin Cable
`for Data and PoWer
`
`[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a high de?nition (HD) pan, tilt,
`Zoom (PTZ) camera, according to an embodiment. In some
`embodiments, the HD PTZ camera 100 may be used to
`provide video of participants during a video conference call.
`In some embodiments, the camera may be a companion
`HiDef pan-tilt-Zoom camera With a resolution of 1280x820
`at 30 frames per second (fps). Other cameras, resolutions,
`and frame rates are also contemplated.
`
`[0032] In some embodiments, the HD PTZ camera 100
`may have a lens portion 101 coupled to a base 105 by one
`or more arm portions (e.g., camera bracket arms 103). In
`some embodiments, the lens portion 101 may be panned
`and/or tilted by motors (i.e., a device that converts one or
`more forms of energy into mechanical energy) in the base
`105. The lens portion 101 may be pointed toWards a par
`ticipant or another source of visual interest. In some embodi
`ments, the lens portion 101 may be panned by a motor
`turning the base shaft 107. In some embodiments, the lens
`portion 101 may be tilted by a motor turning a rod 109. In
`some embodiments, the pan motor and the tilt motor may be
`in the base of the HD PTZ camera 100. Other locations of
`the pan and tilt motors are also contemplated. In some
`embodiments, one motor may be used for panning and tilting
`the HD PTZ camera 100. In some embodiments, multiple
`motors may be used for panning and/or tilting the HD PTZ
`camera. In some embodiments, an electromechanical motor
`may be used. The motors may be step motors. Other motors
`are also contemplated.
`
`[0033] In some embodiments, multiple motors in the cam
`era base may be used together to pan and tilt the camera 100.
`For example, an Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)
`(e.g., see FPGA 321 in FIG. 3) in the camera 100 may
`receive a serial command (e.g., from a video conferencing
`system codec) to move the camera 100. The FPGA 321 may
`calculate a response to send to each motor in the base to
`move the camera to the requested position. The FPGA 321
`may store or have access to a memory medium storing the
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`
`position of the camera and/or motors. In some embodiments,
`the response may be a stepping Wave that includes an
`acceleration phase, a constant move phase, and a decelera
`tion phase. Other response patterns are also contemplated
`(e.g., the response may be a straight response for the motor
`to move at a prede?ned speed to a designated position). The
`FPGA 321 may receive other types of serial commands. For
`example, the FPGA 321 may be requested to move the
`camera to a preset position, to pan/tilt the camera at a
`speci?ed speed, to move the camera to a speci?ed position
`as fast as possible, to continue moving the camera until a
`command is received to stop, etc. The FPGA 321 may
`translate these commands into a response to send to each
`motor (or a subset of motors) in the camera 100.
`
`[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a cutaWay vieW of a HD PTZ
`camera 100, according to an embodiment. Pan motor 201
`and tilt motor 207 may substantially control movement of
`the HD PTZ camera 100. In some embodiments, the pan
`motor 201 and/or tilt motor 207 may be in the base of the HD
`PTZ camera 100. Putting the motors in the base may reduce
`the siZe of the outer case of the HD PTZ camera 100 and add
`stability. Pan motor 201 may rotate a ?rst plate 203 that may
`pan the HD PTZ camera 100 to the left or right. In some
`embodiments, the pan motor 201 may turn a gear With teeth
`that interlock With teeth on the plate 203 to rotate the HD
`PTZ camera 100 through a range of motion (e.g., 180
`degrees) left to right. In some embodiments, a larger or
`smaller range of motion may be implemented. Other siZes of
`plates 203 may also be used. For example, a larger plate may
`alloW a larger range of motion.
`
`[0035] In some embodiments, a tilt motor 207 may turn a
`second plate 209 using a gear With teeth that interlock With
`teeth on the second plate 209. The second plate 209 may turn
`a cable Wheel 205 that may pull cable 211 in to the left or
`right (depending on Which Way the plate 209 is rotated). The
`cable 211 may rotate a tilt Wheel 215 that may turn a rod 109
`to tilt the HD PTZ camera 100 in the up and doWn direction.
`O?fsetting connectors 213 With grooves for the cable 211
`may hold the cable 211 aWay from the side of the interior of
`the HD PTZ camera 100 While also alloWing the cable 211
`to move back and forth along the interior of the HD PTZ
`camera bracket arm 219. While tWo sets of offsetting con
`nectors 213 are shoWn, other numbers of offsetting connec
`tors 213 may also be used.
`
`[0036] In some embodiments, the motors 201 and 207
`may be ?xed. In some embodiments, the motors may be on
`moving parts Within the camera 100. In some embodiments,
`the FPGA 321 may determine appropriate responses for the
`motors based on their current positions and the effect on
`their positions caused by the movement of other motors
`being controlled by the FPGA 321 (e.g., the motion of a
`motor caused by another motor’s actions).
`
`[0037] FIG. 3 illustrates a side vieW of the internal com
`ponents of the HD PTZ camera 100, according to an
`embodiment. In some embodiments, a screW hole 301 for a
`tripod mount screW may be provided. The HD PTZ camera
`100 may attach to a mount through the tripod mount screW
`(other fasteners are also contemplated). In some embodi
`ments, the HD PTZ camera 100 may use a Wide angle lens
`309 to capture an image of a participant even at a close
`angle. A data cable 303 may provide a link for data to and
`from the HD PTZ camera 100. In some embodiments, the
`
`data cable 303 may curve doWnWard Without going past the
`back of the camera (e.g., to make the camera 100 easier to
`mount against a Wall or other ?at surface). FPGA 321 is
`shoWn in the base of the camera 100. The FPGA 321 may be
`located in other areas of the base. In some embodiments, the
`FPGA 321 may be located in the lens portion of the camera
`100. Other placements of the FPGA are also contemplated.
`In some embodiments, the signal from the HD PTZ camera
`100 may be digitiZed before being sent doWn the data cable
`303 in a high speed serial digital stream. Other data types
`and conversions are also contemplated. For example, an
`industry standard electrical (LoW Voltage Differential Sig
`naling (LVDS)) and/or mechanical (e.g., FireWire/
`IEEE1394) interface may be used. In some embodiments,
`the data cable 303 may be thin and ?exible. The data cable
`303 may provide a digital interface to the HD PTZ camera
`100 With, for example, six Wires from the HD PTZ camera
`100 to the HD PTZ camera base. Other numbers of Wires
`may also be used. In some embodiments, the data cable 303
`may form a high speed digital bus for carrying digitiZed
`microphone data, digital image data, bi-directional control
`data for controlling pan, tilt, focus, Zoom motors, iris
`motors, and/or poWer to the HD PTZ camera 100. In some
`embodiments, the data cable 303 may be up to 50 feet long.
`Other lengths are also contemplated. In some embodiments,
`the data cable 303 may run up one of the arms 305 of the HD
`PTZ camera 100 to the central components of the lens
`portion 307. In some embodiments, the data cable 303 may
`run up the other arm 305 that does not contain the tilt cable
`211.
`
`[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates another vieW of the internal
`components of the HD PTZ camera 100, according to an
`embodiment. In some embodiments, an opto-interrupter on
`the gear plate 203 may be used to stop panning or tilting of
`the HD PTZ camera 100 if the HD PTZ camera 100 is
`panned or tilted past a prede?ned point. In some embodi
`ments, additional opto-interrupters (e.g., 411) may be put on
`the other gear plate 209. In some embodiments, the opto
`interrupters may be put on both sides of each gear plate to
`detect When the HD PTZ camera 100 Was rotated or tilted
`past each end of a prede?ned point. In some embodiments,
`a spring 401 may bias the motor support plate 403 toWard
`the center of the HD PTZ camera 100. This bias may keep
`the motor gear 201 in contact With the gear plate 203.
`
`[0039] In various embodiments, an array of microphones
`405 may be used to point the HD PTZ camera 100 in the
`direction of a speaking participant. The signals from the
`microphones 405 may be beamformed to determine the
`direction of arrival. The HD PTZ camera 100 may then be
`aimed at a participant or another source of audio. In some
`embodiments, eight loW noise microphones 405 may be
`integrated into the HD PTZ camera 100. Other numbers of
`microphones and other microphone array orientations may
`be used. In some embodiments, the HD PTZ camera 100
`may not have microphones (e.g., it may be steered by a
`user). DigitiZed microphone data may be sent doWn the data
`cable 303.
`
`[0040] In some embodiments, the location or angle of a
`participant relative to the HD PTZ camera 100 may be
`determined by beamforming data from the microphones
`405. The microphone positions relative to the HD PTZ
`camera 100, along With the angle and Zoom of the HD PTZ
`camera 100 may be knoWn. The microphone positions,
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`camera angle, and camera Zoom may then be used in
`conjunction With the data from the microphones 405 to
`determine the angle of the participant relative to the true
`visual ?eld of the HD PTZ camera 100. In some embodi
`ments, the spatial positioning of the participant relative to
`the visual ?eld may be determined and the HD PTZ camera
`100 may be steered/aimed to center on the participant (or
`may be steered to another predetermined angle and Zoom
`relative to the participant).
`
`[0041] In some embodiments, a remote control sensor 407
`may be provided. In some embodiments, multiple remote
`control sensors may be provided to make it easier for the HD
`PTZ camera 100 to receive signals from a remote control. In
`some embodiments, the HD PTZ camera 100 may receive
`signals through the remote control sensor 407 from an
`integrated unit and/or codec managing a video conference
`call. Additional connectors may also be provided. For
`example, light-pipe 409 may be provided (e.g., for a light
`emitting diode (LED) on a circuit board behind the light
`pipe 409). The LED may be used to indicate When a signal
`is received from the remote control or may be illuminated
`When the HD PTZ camera 100 is poWered. Other uses for the
`LED are also contemplated.
`
`Camera Support Mechanism
`
`[0042] As seen in FIGS. 5 and 6, in various embodiments,
`a camera support mechanism (CSM) 501 may be used to
`mount a camera on top of a television (TV) or display
`device. The CSM 501 and camera may be installed on top of
`a monitor very quickly (e.g., in less than 1 minute). Other
`installation times are also contemplated. The CSM 501 may
`Work for a video conferencing pan-tilt-Zoom camera, or may
`be used for mounting any object on top of another object
`With a variable shape and thickness. This could be adapted
`for example to place a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) player
`and/or a satellite receiver on top of the TV.
`
`[0043] In various embodiments, the CSM 501 may have
`an upper deck 503 (Which may be ?at) that folds open to
`access a tripod mount screW 515 that couples the camera to
`the CSM 501. Other fasteners may also be used to couple the
`camera to the CSM 501. In some embodiments, the CSM
`may not have a ?at top that folds open. After attaching the
`camera to the top of the CSM 501, the CSM 501 may be
`placed on the top center of the display device. The CSM 501
`may have an adjustable front lip 505 (adjustable in an
`approximate range of plus or minus 5 degrees) that aligns to
`the top front edge of the display device. Other adjustment
`ranges are also contemplated. This may compensate for any
`“droop” of the loWer deck When the CSM 501 is mounted to
`a display. (The camera lens may pan tilt in a range of
`approximately +/—25 degrees. Other camera tilt ranges are
`also contemplated.) In some embodiments, the front lip 505
`may be attached to a loWer deck 519 through a mount screW
`603. Other fasteners betWeen the front lip 505 and the loWer
`deck 519 are also contemplated. The front lip 505 may have
`tWo separate offsets (e.g., foam rubber pads 507) that may
`cushion the contact With the display. Other numbers, shapes,
`and materials for the offsets are also contemplated. In some
`embodiments, if multiple pads 507 are used, the CSM 501
`may Work With display devices that have either a concave or
`a convex front surface. In some embodiments, the CSM 501
`may Work With display devices that have either a concave or
`a convex surface if a single pad is used. The front lip 505
`
`may be adjusted to one of a number of set positions so that
`the CSM 501 can accommodate even extremely thin screens
`that may be Wall mounted. For thin display devices mounted
`to a Wall, the CSM 501 and camera may actually extend a
`couple of inches in front of the display in order for the back
`of the CSM 501 to not hit the Wall.
`
`[0044] In some embodiments, When the CSM 501 is
`placed on the display, a user may tighten adjustment knob
`509 on one side of the pivot point at the rear of the CSM 501.
`In some embodiments, the adjustment knob 509 may be a
`large knurled plastic knob. Other materials and shapes are
`also contemplated. This may rotate the adjustable rear leg
`511 toWards the back of the display. In some embodiments,
`the rear leg 511 may rotate from ?at and parallel to the top
`of the display to perpendicular to the top of the display. In
`some embodiments, the rear leg 511 may accommodate
`different monitors or TVs (e.g., monitor based displays,
`rear-projection displays LCD displays, and plasma screens).
`When the rear leg 511 has rotated to the point Where it makes
`contact With the display, further tightening of the knobs 509
`may apply additional pressure. The rear leg 511 may be
`tightened to lock the rear leg 511 ?rmly against the back of
`the display at that position. In some embodiments, the loWer
`deck face gear 609 and leg face gear 611 may be used to
`move and/ or tighten the rear leg 511. In some embodiments,
`the tWo face gears 609,611 may disengage to alloW the rear
`leg 511 to sWing against the back of the display. Then the
`face gears 609,611 may engage to lock the rear leg 511 in
`one position. In some embodiments, conical mating surfaces
`may be used in place of face gears 609, 611. For example,
`conical mating surfaces (similar to a conical clutch) may be
`used to alloW continuous stopping positions for the rear leg
`511. In some embodiments, discrete stopping distances may
`be used. In some embodiments, the rear leg 511 may have a
`foam/rubber tip 517 for better gripping. In some embodi
`ments, the CSM 501 may also accommodate variable slope
`on the screen from front to back using the foam/rubber tip
`517.
`
`[0045] In some embodiments, With the CSM 501 ?rmly
`attached to the display, the camera may be relatively ?at but
`may not be perfectly lined up With the top of the display
`device resulting in a tilt offset. By turning the lifter knob 601
`(as seen in FIG. 6) on the CSM 501, the angle of the camera
`can be adjusted up or doWn approximately in a range of plus
`or minus 10 degrees (other ranges are also contemplated). In
`some embodiments, the lifter knob 601 may be made of
`knurled plastic. Other materials and shapes are also con
`templated. In some embodiments, the lifter cam 605 may
`adjust the angle of the camera as the lifter knob 601 is
`turned. The back of the CSM 501 may have a slot 701 (as
`seen in FIG. 7) in front of the adjustment knobs that may be
`used to route the camera cable Without increasing the overall
`depth. Other locations for the slot 701 are also contemplated.
`In some embodiments, the electronics from the camera in the
`video conferencing system may be split in order to use a
`smaller mount for ?tting the camera on top of the display
`device. In some embodiments, a cam folloWer arm 609 may
`be used to tilt the upper deck 503 approximately in a range
`of plus or minus 5 degrees (other ranges are also contem
`plated).
`[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates a method of positioning an HD
`PTZ camera 100, according to an embodiment. It is noted
`that in various embodiments one or more of the method
`
`

`

`US 2006/0104633 A1
`
`May 18, 2006
`
`elements may be performed concurrently, in a different
`order, or be omitted. Additional elements may be performed
`as desired.
`
`[0047] At 801, a ?rst signal to pan the HD PTZ camera
`100 may be received. For example, the ?rst signal may be
`received by an FPGA 321.
`
`[0048] At 803, a ?rst motor (e.g., pan motor 201) may be
`activated to pan the HD PTZ camera 100. In some embodi
`ments, the ?rst motor may pan the HD PTZ camera 100
`through rotation of a ?rst plate 203 coupled to the HD PTZ
`camera 100.
`
`[0049] At 805, a second signal to tilt the HD PTZ camera
`100 may be received. For example, the second signal may be
`received by an FPGA 321.
`
`[0050] At 807, a second motor (e.g., tilt motor 207) may
`be activated to tilt the HD PTZ camera 100. In some
`embodiments, the second motor may tilt the HD PTZ camera
`100 through rotation of a second plate 209 coupled to the
`HD PTZ camera 100 through cables in an arm of the HD
`PTZ camera 100.
`
`[0051] In some embodiments, the FPGA 321 may deter
`mine appropriate responses for activating the motors based
`on their current positions and the effect on their positions
`caused by the movement of other motors being controlled by
`the FPGA 321 (e. g., the motion of a motor caused by another
`motor’s actions). The FPGA 321 may determine appropriate
`responses for activating the motors in the camera to control
`the motors at 803 and 807 based on the received ?rst and
`second signals. In some embodiments, the motors may be
`activated by the FPGA 321 substantially simultaneously. In
`some embodiments, the motors may be activated at different
`times.
`
`[0052] At 809, ifthe ?rst plate 203 or the second plate 209
`moves past a prede?ned point (as detected by an opto
`interrupter), the opto-interrupter 411 may signal the ?rst
`motor or the second motor, respectively, to stop.
`
`[0053] At 811, data to and from the HD PTZ camera 100
`may be transmitted as a high speed serial digital stream
`through a thin cable coupled to the HD PTZ camera 100.
`
`[0054] Embodiments of these methods may be imple
`mented by program instructions stored in a memory medium
`or carrier medium. A memory medium may include any of
`various types of memory devices or storage devices. The
`term “memory medium” is intended to include an installa
`tion medium, e.g., a CD-ROM, ?oppy disks, or tape device;
`a computer system memory or random access memory such
`as DRAM, DDR RAM, SRAM, EDO RAM, Rambus RAM,
`etc.; or a non-volatile memory such as a m