Integrated desktop videoconferencing system

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a videoconferencing system that has been integrated into a flat panel display or computer monitor. The integration provides an improved form factor for the videoconferencing system. In addition, the integration offers the dual use as a computer monitor and as a videoconferencing system. The system includes a videoconferencing module attaching to a back of the flat panel display. The videoconferencing module has videoconferencing electronics that electronically connect to integral electronics of the display. The system also includes a microphone/camera module attaching to a top of the flat panel display. The microphone/camera module has a camera and microphone that both electronically connect to the videoconferencing electronics.

1 . A videoconferencing system for equipping a flat panel display to conduct a video conference, the display having integral electronics, the system comprising:
 videoconferencing electronics;   means for enclosing at least part of the videoconferencing electronics;   means for attaching an exterior surface of the means for enclosing to an exterior surface of the flat panel display; and   means for electronically connecting the videoconferencing electronics to the integral electronics of the flat panel desktop display.   
   
   
       2 . The videoconferencing system of  claim 1 , wherein the videoconferencing electronics includes means for interfacing with a network. 
   
   
       3 . The videoconferencing system of  claim 1 , wherein the videoconferencing electronics includes means for obtaining an image for the video conference. 
   
   
       4 . The videoconferencing system of  claim 1 , wherein the videoconferencing electronics includes means for obtaining audio for the video conference. 
   
   
       5 . The videoconferencing system of  claim 1 , wherein the means for attaching the exterior surface of the means for enclosing to the exterior surface of the flat panel display includes means for affixing the videoconferencing electronics to a back of the flat panel display.