Combined video display and camera system

Abstract

A combined video display and camera system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a video display, and a camera placed behind the video display such that the camera is able to view through the video display. The video display has a first mode, where the video display displays an image, and a second mode, where it does not display an image. In the second mode, the video display provides a clear view through itself to the camera. The camera also has a first mode where the camera is not capturing an image, and a second mode, where the camera is capturing an image. The modes are configured in such a manner that the first and second modes of the video display and the camera are substantially coincidental. Also, the first and second modes of the video display and the camera alternate continuously at a rate faster than what an observer can perceive.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A video display and camera system, comprising:
 a video display, and   a camera placed behind the video display in an orientation that allows it to view through the video display, wherein
 the video display has a first mode and a second mode, 
 the first mode of the video display is a mode where the video display displays an image, 
 the second mode of the video display is a mode where the video display does not display an image and provides a clear view through the video display to the camera, 
 the camera has a first mode and a second mode, 
 the first mode of the camera is a mode where the camera is not capturing an image, and 
 the second mode of the camera is a mode where the camera is capturing an image, configured such that
 the first modes of the video display and the camera are substantially coincidental, 
 the second modes of the video display and the camera are substantially coincidental, 
 the first modes and the second modes of the video display and the camera alternate continuously at a rate faster than an observer can perceive.