Personal control apparatus and method for sharing information in a collaboration workspace

Abstract

A method and apparatus for use with a presentation system including at least first and second display screens, the method comprising the steps of receiving a wireless association request signal from a user device identifying the user device, identifying the presentation system and requesting that the user device be associated with the presentation system, associating the user device with the presentation system, providing first presentation system specifying information to the user device, receiving a selection signal from the user device indicating a subset of the presentation system display screens, associating the user device with the selected subset of display screens, receiving data from the user device and using the received data from the user device to present information via the selected subset of display screens.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 474,670 which is titled “Personal Control Apparatus and Method For Sharing Information In A Collaborative Workspace” which was filed on May 29, 2009 and is also a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13 / 481,436 which is titled “Collaboration Method And Apparatus” which was filed on May 25, 2012.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]Not applicable.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The present invention relates to the presentation of audiovisual information via one or more large format common displays in a collaborative workspace and more specifically to a fast and intuitive controller allowing a meeting participant with a laptop computer to quickly and easily control the presentation of laptop information on common displays.[0004]Small group conference tables usable as collaborative workspaces have been design...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a system for controlling a presentation system with multiple display screens. The system includes a control interface for each user, with indicators that visually indicate which user is currently presenting information. The control interface includes separate buttons for each user, and the indicators change to indicate which user is currently using the system. The system can also include a wireless access device that provides information to the users through the display screens. The technical effect of this system is that it provides a simple and efficient way for multiple users to control the presentation system.

Problems solved by technology

Though straightforward and simple, having to repeatedly disconnect and connect the cable from one laptop computer to another takes time and is disruptive.

Further, known such arrangements do not provide a quick and intuitive indication as to which presenter is sharing their information via the video display screen.

As a result, meeting presenters and participants may experience confusion and delay between transitions.

Such user experiences may result in a loss of productivity and in general, can be significant impediments to the successful collaboration between conference participants and willingness of participants to use the system.

Thus, while solutions for managing and controlling the flow of information from interconnected computing devices have been developed, known solutions do not provide simple and intuitive steps for selecting which information is shared via the video display and for indicating which of several video / audio resources currently control presented information.

Images