Two-Way Mobile Video/Audio/Data Companion (MVIC) System

Abstract

A roaming videoconferencing (VTC) system incorporates a portable VTC device with client bridge wireless connectivity that couples to the closest access point (AP) assembly with FCC compliant, enhanced range. Use of APs in combination with amplified directional antennas is successfully demonstrated for two-way VTC, even given their generally-known low Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP ) and half-duplex broadcasting. Optional video, audio and data wireless and capabilities are incorporated into the portable VTC device. Facilities that have a connection to Internet or an ISDN public switched telephone network may thus flexibly provide high-quality VTC to widely spaced parts of the facilities, grounds or work site without the inconvenience or expense of placement of ISDN lines.

1 . A remote videoconferencing system, comprising: 
 an amplified wireless access point in communication with a digital data network; and    a portable videoconferencing unit, comprising: 
 a carrier,  
 an antenna in communication with the wireless access point,  
 a digital bridge coupled to the antenna,  
 a group videoconferencing system connected to the digital bridge,  
 a portable power supply, and  
 a display.  
   
   
   
       2 . The remote videoconferencing system of  claim 1 , wherein the amplified wireless access point comprises a plurality of directional antennas arrayed in azimuth.  
   
   
       3 . The remote videoconferencing system of  claim 1 , wherein the amplified wireless access point further comprises an antenna selector responsive to a peak received power signal.  
   
   
       4 . The remote videoconferencing system of  claim 1 , wherein the portable videoconferencing unit further comprises a heads up display.  
   
   
       5 . The remote videoconferencing system of  claim 1 , wherein the portable videoconferencing unit further comprises a digital magnification scope.  
   
   
       6 . The remote videoconferencing system of  claim 1 , wherein the portable videoconferencing unit further comprises a wireless headphone and microphone.  
   
   
       7 . The remote videoconferencing system of  claim 1 , wherein the portable videoconferencing unit is operatively configured to respond to remote camera steering commands.  
   
   
       8 . The remote videoconferencing system of  claim 1 , wherein the portable videoconferencing unit further comprises a data encryption unit coupled to the digital bridge for encrypting and decryption wirelessly transmitted data.  
   
   
       9 . The remote videoconferencing system of  claim 1 , wherein the amplified wireless access point further comprises a low noise amplifier coupled to one transmit/receive channel to increase transmission range to the portable videoconferencing unit.  
   
   
       10 . The remote videoconferencing system of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier comprises an air transport compatible container.  
   
   
       11 . The remote videoconferencing system of  claim 1 , wherein the portable videoconferencing unit further comprises a hand positioned telephoto videocamera connected by a balun to the group videoconferencing system.  
   
   
       12 . The remote videoconferencing system of  claim 1 , wherein the carrier is operably configured for personal wear.