Communication devices incorporating reduced area imaging devices

摘要

A reduced area imaging device is provided for use with a communication device, such as a wireless/cellular phone. Various configurations of the imaging device are provided which locate the elements of the imaging device at desired locations. The communication device includes a miniature LCD-type monitor which displays not only images taken by the camera module, but also incoming video messages. The camera module may communicate with the housing of the communication device by wired connection, or wirelessly. The camera module is of such small size that it can be stored within the housing of the communication device. The camera module may be pointed at any object within sight of the user, without having to move the phone housing in order to take video images. Any acceptable wireless standard may be used for wireless communication between the camera module and the video telephone. One particularly advantageous wireless standard includes Bluetooth.