Retractable teleconferencing apparatus

A retractable video teleconferencing apparatus which comprises:

• I) a video monitor comprising a display having an optical axis;
• and
• II) an optical assembly which comprises:
• a) a housing mounted to the video monitor;
• b) means for moving the housing between a retracted position and a forward position in which the housing is positioned forward of the video monitor;
• c) a beamsplitter hingedly attached to the housing and movable between a first position in which the beamsplitter is positioned across the optical axis at an angle relative thereto, whereby optical images directed toward the display along the optical axis are at least partially reflected by the beamsplitter, and a second position in which the beamsplitter is retracted into the housing;
• and
• d) a video camera located in the housing and positioned relative to the beamsplitter for receiving the partially reflected images and for generating a video signal corresponding to the partially reflected images.

A retractable video teleconferencing apparatus for a video monitor having an optical axis, the teleconferencing apparatus comprising:

• a) a housing mounted to the video monitor;
• b) means for moving the housing between a retracted position and a forward position in which the housing is positioned forward of the video monitor;
• c) a beamsplitter hingedly attached to the housing and movable between a first position in which the beamsplitter is positioned across the optical axis at an angle relative thereto, whereby optical images directed toward the video monitor along the optical axis are at least partially reflected by the beamsplitter, and a second position in which the beamsplitter is retracted into the housing;
• and
• d) a video camera located in the housing and positioned relative to the beamsplitter for receiving the partially reflected images and for generating a video signal corresponding to the partially reflected images.