# US 8,542,264 B2 · System and method for managing optics in a video environment > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,542,264 B2 - Document ID: US8542264B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 12/949,614 - Filed: 2010-11-18 - Published: 2012-05-24 - Granted: 2013-09-24 - Earliest claimed: 2010-11-18 - Assignees: Cisco Technology, Inc. - Applicants: Torence Lu; Monica Shen Knotts; Ashok T. Desai; Richard T. Wales; Jacobus M. Berkhout; Michael C. Makay - Inventors: Torence Lu; Monica Shen Knotts; Ashok T. Desai; Richard T. Wales; Jacobus M. Berkhout; Michael C. Makay - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8542264B2 ## CPC - H04N 7/142: {Constructional details of the terminal equipment, e.g. arrangements of the camera and the display} - F16M 11/046: {adapted to upward-downward translation movement} - F16M 11/18: with mechanism for moving the apparatus relatively to the stand - F16M 11/28: Undercarriages for supports with one single telescoping pillar - H04N 7/144: {camera and display on the same optical axis, e.g. optically multiplexing the camera and display for eye to eye contact} - H04N: PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION - F16M: FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS ## Abstract An apparatus is provided in one example and includes a camera configured to receive image data associated with an end user involved in a video session. The apparatus further includes a display configured to interface with the camera. The camera and the display cooperate such that the apparatus can initiate the video session involving the end user, and activate a retracting mechanism configured to move the camera such that the camera is retracted from a view of the display and the camera moves to an inactive state. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method, comprising: initiating a video session involving an end user, wherein a camera is configured to receive image data associated with the video session; and activating a retracting mechanism configured to move the camera such that the camera is retracted from a view of a display into a housing unit and the camera moves to an inactive state; wherein the display is configured to illuminate a portion of the display when the video session is initiated. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, further comprising: activating the retracting mechanism such that the camera is moved to a position in the view of the display and the camera moves to an active state. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the housing unit includes the retracting mechanism, which includes a motor configured to provide a retracting force to the camera. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein a motor control element signals a motor to provide a retracting force to the camera. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the retracting mechanism includes a sensor configured to monitor a position of the camera. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein a wireless controlling element is configured to activate the retracting mechanism. ### Claim 7 Logic encoded in one or more non-transitory tangible media that includes code for execution and when executed by a processor operable to perform operations comprising: initiating a video session involving an end user, wherein a camera is configured to receive image data associated with the video session; and activating a retracting mechanism configured to move the camera such that the camera is retracted from a view of a display into a housing unit and the camera moves to an inactive state: wherein the display is configured to illuminate a portion of the display when the video session is initiated. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The logic of claim 7, the operations further comprising: activating the retracting mechanism such that the camera is moved to a position in the view of the display and the camera moves to an active state. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The logic of claim 7, wherein a motor control element signals a motor to provide a retracting force to the camera. ### Claim 10 (depends on 7) The logic of claim 7, wherein the retracting mechanism includes a sensor configured to monitor a position of the camera. ### Claim 11 (depends on 7) The logic of claim 7, wherein a wireless controlling element is configured to activate the retracting mechanism. ### Claim 12 An apparatus, comprising: a camera configured to receive image data associated with an end user involved in a video session; and a display configured to interface with the camera, wherein the camera and the display cooperate such that the apparatus is configured to; initiate the video session involving the end user; and activate a retracting mechanism configured to move the camera such that the camera is retracted from a view of the display into a housing unit and the camera moves to an inactive state; wherein the display is configured to illuminate a portion of the display when the video session is initiated. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: the housing unit that includes the retracting mechanism, wherein the retracting mechanism includes a motor configured to provide a retracting force to the camera. ### Claim 14 (depends on 12) The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the apparatus is further configured to: activate the retracting mechanism such that the camera is moved to a position in the view of the display and the camera moves to an active state. ### Claim 15 (depends on 12) The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the display includes a perimeter configured to illuminate when the video session is initiated. ### Claim 16 (depends on 12) The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a motor control element configured to signal a motor to provide a retracting force to the camera, and wherein the retracting mechanism includes a sensor configured to monitor a position of the camera. ### Claim 17 (depends on 12) The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a controlling element configured to activate the retracting mechanism; and a retracting module configured to receive a wireless signal from the controlling element in order to activate the retracting mechanism. ### Claim 18 (depends on 12) The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a telescopic stand coupled to the display and configured to be adjusted in a horizontal plane such that the display moves in concert with adjustments to the telescopic stand.