Abstract: A webcam apparatus, having a display surface characterized by a display area, includes an image capture device characterized by an optical axis and a first footprint in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis; and an energy transfer device with a first portion coupled to the image capture device; and a second portion allowing attachment to an edge of a display screen. When attached, the image capture device and the first portion lie against and in contact with the display surface, or in a proximate and parallel plane. An optical axis characterizing the image capture device is aligned with a gaze direction of a user addressing a viewer via the captured images. The first portion of the energy transfer device is transparent at optical wavelengths, and has a second footprint in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis. The first and second footprints are small relative to the display area.

Abstract: A webcam apparatus, having a display surface characterized by a display area, includes an image capture device characterized by an optical axis and a first footprint in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis; and an energy transfer device with a first portion coupled to the image capture device; and a second portion allowing attachment to an edge of a display screen. When attached, the image capture device and the first portion lie against and in contact with the display surface, or in a proximate and parallel plane. An optical axis characterizing the image capture device is aligned with a gaze direction of a user addressing a viewer via the captured images. The first portion of the energy transfer device is transparent at optical wavelengths, and has a second footprint in the plane perpendicular to the optical axis. The first and second footprints are small relative to the display area.