Conference device with configurable control buttons

Abstract

A conference device (100) comprises: - a physical control button (200) having a plurality of underlying pressure zones (401); - a configuration unit (402) adapted to visualize a number of active functions on and / or around the control button (200) based on a selected usage application (500, 600), wherein the number is at most equal to the number of underlying pressure zones (506-507, 610-613); - a control unit (403) adapted to control one or more components (404) on the conference device (100), wherein pressing the control button (200) at the location of one of the pressure zones (506-507, 610-613) results in a control depending on the selected usage application (500, 600).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to a conferencing device. In particular, it provides a solution that can be flexibly configured for various applications and also allows for user-friendly control. Background Technology

[0002] Conference systems are typically used in large meeting rooms and conference rooms. Each participant sets up their own conference equipment or unit, which usually includes a microphone and speakers. Some conference equipment also includes other features such as cameras or screens. Typically, conference equipment includes one or more control buttons, through which participants can, for example, activate or deactivate their own microphones, or through which the moderator can, for example, mute all microphones simultaneously. Preferably, physical buttons are used for these basic functions, rather than touchscreens, so that visually impaired participants can still operate the system. Additionally, participants or moderators often need to use a particular conference equipment for the first time, as not all conference rooms are equipped with the same conference system. Therefore, the use of the conference equipment, especially the functions and controls of the buttons, should be self-explanatory, requiring no additional instructions or manuals.

[0003] Conferencing equipment specifically tailored for a particular type of user is available in the prior art. Televic offers, for example, conferencing equipment specifically designed for one participant, two participants, or a moderator (https: / / www.televic-conference.com / en / products / versatile-wired-products / tabletop-units). Each type of equipment thus has specific hardware. For example, only moderator equipment has a specific button that allows all participants' microphones to be muted simultaneously. On the other hand, equipment for two users has two microphone buttons so that each of the two users can turn a shared microphone on or off. Moreover, some types of equipment have voting buttons. For conferencing equipment manufacturers, this range of equipment with specific hardware leads to increased development and production costs and hinders production plans. This results in increased hardware costs and conferencing system costs for owners, as each type of equipment must be purchased, and spare equipment must be available for each type. Furthermore, the existence of several types hinders the planning of conferencing equipment usage and limits flexibility. For example, if the moderator changes location, the accompanying conferencing equipment must be moved, or if there are more participants than expected, the equipment for one user must be replaced with equipment for two users.

[0004] Therefore, there is a general need for conferencing equipment in which the same hardware can be applied to several use cases.

[0005] Several conferencing devices are known in the prior art as being configurable according to several types of users. For example, Bosch has proposed solutions that allow a conferencing device to be configured as a participant position for one participant, a participant position for two participants, or a host position (https: / / resource.boschsecurity.com / documents / DICENTIS_Conference_Commerical_Brochure_nINL_27021610998623371.pdf, https: / / resource.boschsecurity.com / documents / UM_Operation_Manual_nINL_9007223133817355.pdf). This device includes two buttons, one of which continuously acts as a microphone button. Depending on the configuration, the other button serves as a priority button, a second microphone button, or to mute its own microphone. Thus, the second button acquires a specific function in a particular configuration. However, providing such a configurable button does not offer the desired flexibility of deploying the same hardware across various applications. In one application, for simplicity, a single control function might be desired, while in another, multiple functions must be active on the device—for example, additional voting or camera buttons (if a license is paid for), or additional buttons for the meeting moderator. This means that if the same hardware is always deployed, there will be a large number of control buttons, many of which are not used in the simplest applications. The presence of unfunctional buttons on a conferencing device creates confusion for the user and fails to provide the expected, readily apparent control.

[0006] The objective of this invention is to describe a conferencing device that overcomes one or more of the described drawbacks of existing solutions. More specifically, the objective of this invention is to describe a conferencing device that can be flexibly configured for various applications and also allows for user-friendly control. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, the aforementioned objective is achieved by a conferencing device as defined in claim 1, said conferencing device comprising:

[0008] -Physical control buttons with multiple lower pressure zones;

[0009] - A configuration unit adapted to display a number of active functions on and / or around the control button based on the selected application, wherein the number is at most equal to the number of the lower pressure zones;

[0010] - A control unit adapted to control one or more components of the conference equipment, wherein pressing the control button at one of the pressure zones results in control depending on the selected application.

[0011] In other words, this invention relates to a conferencing device. A conferencing device is defined as a device deployed for communication between participants in a meeting or conference. Conferencing devices are deployed, for example, in physical conferences in large meeting rooms and conference rooms, where one device exists for each or both participants. Typically, such conferencing devices are equipped with microphones that can be turned on or off by the user, and speakers that allow the user to hear what one or more other participants are saying. Some conferencing devices also include other features such as cameras, screens, headsets, etc. Typically, such conferencing devices are part of a conferencing system in which all devices can communicate with a central platform that ensures centralized management, monitoring of speaking times, access management, license management, etc. In another application, the device is deployed for telephone conference conversations or conference calls, such as, for example, talk phones, conference phones, hands-free phones, spider phones, audio radios, etc. This type of conferencing device allows participants in a conference to communicate remotely with each other, for example, in a telephone conference.

[0012] The conference equipment includes physical control buttons with multiple lower pressure zones. These physical control buttons form defining components on the equipment, where actions can be performed (such as pressing, rotating, etc.) and they typically interact with electronic devices, such as those deployed on a circuit board. Generally, physical buttons on the equipment are detectable by touch, unlike in control via a touchscreen. Therefore, the use of physical control buttons has the advantage that visually impaired users can still perform control.

[0013] A control button is a physical button. Beneath it, one or more pressure zones are concealed from the user. The size and shape of the control button allow at least two pressure zones to exist beneath it. For example, a control button may be an elongated element with two or more pressure zones present along its longitudinal direction. When the user pushes the control button at a certain position, one of the pressure zones is pressed down. The pressure zones are designed to establish or disengage contact as long as they are being pressed, which can be detected, for example, by existing electronics. The pressure zones have a certain size, meaning that various points within the zone can be pressed to achieve the same result. For example, there may be multiple adjacent pressure zones that together have the same size as the control button located at the top.

[0014] The conferencing equipment further includes conferencing units adapted to display a number of active functions on and / or around control buttons based on a selected use case. The use case or usage scenario can, for example, refer to the user's role in the meeting. In possible embodiments, the first use case is one participant using one device, while other use cases involve a host or two participants using one device. The use case can also refer to certain active or inactive features on the device, such as depending on a specific license. In possible embodiments, the first use case is only the microphone on the device being used, while in other use cases, a camera and / or voting functionality may be additionally used. Which use case applies to the device can be selected, for example, via a central platform or on the conferencing equipment itself. The selected use cases can be stored on the conferencing equipment and / or stored on the central platform.

[0015] The configuration unit is adapted to display certain active functions based on which application is selected. For example, when the device is configured as a host position, the function to mute all microphones simultaneously becomes visible on the button. In another example, in an application with voting possibilities, the voting option becomes visible on the button, or in an application with camera usage, the function to turn the camera on or off becomes visible. The display on the control button occurs, for example, by means of pictographic illumination, or by means of certain lights above, below, or around the control button. The display of active functions on and / or around the control button indicates to the user where they should press the control button to execute a certain active function.

[0016] The number of active functions displayed is at most equal to the number of lower pressure zones. In one selected use case, active functions are displayed at the location of each lower pressure zone, for example. In another selected use case, fewer active functions are displayed than the number of existing pressure zones. For example, only one active function is displayed on the button.

[0017] In addition, the conferencing equipment includes a control unit adapted to control one or more components on the conferencing equipment. Controllable components on the equipment include, for example, a microphone that can be turned on or off, a camera that can be turned on or off or aligned in a certain way, a screen or touchscreen that can be turned on or off or display something on it, LEDs or lights that can be turned on, and so on. The control unit's adaptation to control one or more of such components implies the presence of necessary connections and electronics, such as those for turning on the microphone, changing the camera's orientation, turning on the LEDs, etc.

[0018] Pressing a control button at one of the pressure zones results in control depending on the selected application. This means that pressing the pressure zone can have different effects depending on which application is selected. For example, it could mean that, depending on the application, pressing the pressure zone causes control of other components, or it could mean that, depending on the application, components can be controlled in different ways. For instance, in a "single user" application, pressing the pressure zone causes the microphone to turn on and the camera to point in the center, while in a "dual-use" application, pressing the same pressure zone causes the microphone to turn on and the camera to point at the person on the left. In another example, it's also possible that no direct effect on the device derives from pressing the pressure zone. For example, in a "host" application, pressing the pressure zone could cause a signal to be sent that simultaneously mutes all microphones, but without controlling components on the host's device itself.

[0019] In one possible embodiment, pressing a pressure zone causes the control unit to directly control the component. However, in another embodiment, such direct control does not exist. Pressing a pressure zone causes, for example, a signal to be sent from the control unit to a central platform, which then, after interpreting the signal, sends back a signal that causes control of the components on the device. In one embodiment, the signal sent by the control unit may contain only information about which pressure zone was pressed, or in another embodiment, the signal may already contain information based on the selected application.

[0020] In some applications, the active function is displayed at the location of each pressure zone. Typically, pressing a pressure zone results in this control corresponding to the displayed active function. On the other hand, in other applications, the pressure zone may exist on the control button in a location where the active function is not displayed. In such cases, the control resulting from pressing a pressure zone may be, for example, the same as the control following pressing an adjacent pressure zone. Finally, in embodiments, it is also possible that the same active function, such as a microphone symbol, is displayed in two different applications, but the subsequent controls will be arbitrarily different; for example, in one application, the microphone is turned on and aimed at the camera, while in another application, only the microphone is turned on.

[0021] The conferencing device according to the invention offers several advantages. First, it allows the use of the same hardware across various applications. Not only can the functionality of the pressure zones be configured according to the application, but the number of active functions can also be varied. For conferencing device manufacturers, using the same hardware across various conferencing systems leads to reduced development and production costs, and simpler production planning. For conferencing system owners and lessors, this results in lower purchase costs and easier planning of the conferencing device's usage. Furthermore, the conferencing device can be flexibly adapted to another application, for example, when the host changes location, or when the device is suddenly deployed for two users instead of one.

[0022] Another advantage of the conferencing device according to the invention is the user-friendly control achieved in each of various usage applications. Users are guided to determine where they must press a control button to perform a function, without the need for multiple physical buttons. If only one function is active, it can be centrally displayed on the control button, and each lower pressure zone can result in the same control. Thus, the user sees a single physical button with only one function. In the case of multiple active functions, their display can be evenly distributed across the control buttons, making it immediately clear to the user where they must press a control button to perform a function. As a result, the user will never be confused by the presence of buttons with no function in certain usage applications. This leads to intuitive control of the conferencing device, even if someone is using the device for the first time.

[0023] Finally, the present invention offers the advantage that, despite various configuration possibilities, a streamlined design for the conference equipment is still possible because only one physical control button is visible.

[0024] Optionally, as defined in claim 2, the number of active functions varies between one and the number of lower pressure zones, depending on the selected application. This means that among the selectable applications, there is at least one application where the number of active functions is one, and at least one application where the number of active functions is the same as the number of lower pressure zones. In the first case, there is, for example, a single illuminated pictogram at the center of the button; in the second case, there may be multiple illuminated pictograms evenly distributed across the button. In either case, the user is guided to where they must press the control button, without multiple physical buttons visible. This contributes to user-friendly control for various applications.

[0025] Optionally, as defined in claim 3, the control buttons may provide multiple pictographs, and displaying active functions includes illuminating the corresponding selection of a pictograph. This means providing a series of pictographs on the control buttons to symbolize various functions available in all applications. After selecting an application, some pictographs are illuminated, while others remain invisible. The pictographs are applied to the button material, for example, using laser technology, and an LED under the control button is responsible for illuminating the pictographs. The use of pictographs on the control buttons and their selective illumination provide a very clear indication of where the user should press. This contributes to the good user-friendliness of the conferencing equipment.

[0026] Optionally, as defined in claim 4, pictograms are invisible when not illuminated, and the illumination of a selected pictogram makes that selection visible. Typically, in a closed conferencing device, pictograms are invisible to the user. After the device is turned on and an application is selected, some of the pictograms are illuminated, making them visible to the user. Pictograms are applied to the button material, for example, via laser technology, and LEDs under the control button are responsible for illuminating the pictograms, with each pictogram having its own LED. Thus, when the corresponding LED is not on, the pictogram is invisible to the user. When an application is selected, the LED selection is activated, and the corresponding pictogram becomes visible, representing the active function in that application. This provides a very clear indication of where the user has pressed, while preventing distraction by pictograms of inactive functions. This contributes to the user-friendliness of the conferencing device.

[0027] Optionally, as defined in claim 5, the pictograms are positioned such that the selection of illuminated pictograms is evenly distributed across the control button. Even distribution of illuminated pictograms means, for example, that one pictogram is illuminated at the center of the control button, or one pictogram is illuminated on the left and one on the right, or three pictograms are evenly spaced, and so on. Uneven distribution would be, for example, when all the illuminated pictograms are located at one extreme of the control button. Even distribution of illuminated pictograms has the advantage that the user is guided to where to press the control button while being free from the underlying complexity of multiple pressure zones.

[0028] Optionally, as defined in claim 6, one or more pictograms are provided on the control button at the location of the pressure zone, and the configuration unit is adapted to illuminate one or zero of the pictograms at the location of the pressure zone based on the selected application. This means that at least one pictogram is present on the control button at the location of a specific pressure zone, so that there is at least one application in which the pressure zone is used for a specific control. The control button may also include multiple pictograms at the location of a specific pressure zone, such that depending on which application is active, another control is generated by pressing the pressure zone. The presence of one or more pictograms at each pressure zone location, however, does not mean that the pictograms on the control button at the location of the pressure zone are always visible to the user. Which pictograms are illuminated and thus become visible to the user depends on the selected application. Depending on the selected application, either each pressure zone has one illuminated pictogram representing the active function of that pressure zone, or there are one or more pressure zones on which no pictograms are illuminated. This has the advantage that when there are fewer active functions than pressure zones, the user is only presented with the active functions and is not affected by the lower-level complexity of multiple existing pressure zones.

[0029] Optionally, as defined in claim 7, if no pictogram is illuminated at the location of a pressure zone, the control resulting from pressing that pressure zone is the same as the control resulting from pressing an adjacent pressure zone. For example, in a conferencing device with two pressure zones, in the case of a "single-user" application, only one microphone symbol is displayed centrally on the control button, and pressing each pressure zone causes the microphone to activate. This has the advantage that only one physical button is visible to the user, and this button also serves a single function, regardless of where it is pressed. This contributes to improved user-friendliness of the device.

[0030] Optionally, as defined in claim 8, the conferencing equipment is adapted to communicate with a central unit. This means that the conferencing equipment includes electronic components that allow communication with the central unit, for example, via a wired or wireless connection. The central unit is, for example, a device or central platform that connects to all conferencing equipment as part of a conferencing system. Typically, the central unit allows for several functions, such as participant management, license management, access management, monitoring of speaking time, etc. The presence of the central unit also allows the conferencing equipment to communicate with each other via the central unit.

[0031] Alternatively, still according to claim 8, the control unit is adapted to send a request to the central unit when a control button is pressed at one of the pressure zones. This means that after a pressure zone press is detected, a signal is sent from the conferencing equipment to the central unit, wherein the signal includes a request. The request includes, for example, a request from the conferencing equipment to open the microphone, or simply an indication of which pressure zone has been pressed. The central unit can then interpret the request and, for example, allow only the microphone to be opened if the maximum number of speakers allowed has not yet been reached, if the system is configured by the user. Thus, in this example, the request from the control unit results in control on the conferencing equipment, but with intervention from the central unit. In another example, the request can also result in actions occurring at the central unit, such as measuring speaking time or monitoring who is speaking. In yet another example, the request can also result in control on other conferencing equipment, such as when the host presses the mute button and a signal is then sent from the central unit to mute all devices. Providing a control unit adapted to send requests has the advantage that more functionality becomes possible than when the control unit can only command components on the equipment itself.

[0032] Optionally, as defined in claim 9, the content of the request is based on the selected application. This means that the content of the request does not simply indicate which pressure zone is pressed, but depends on which application is selected. This implies that the conferencing device knows its application, for example, because it is stored on the device, or because it can request it from the central unit. In a possible embodiment, the request includes information about which pressure zone is pressed and the selected application. In another embodiment, the control unit has already interpreted which pressure zone is pressed and which application is active, resulting in a request that includes, for example, a request to turn on the microphone.

[0033] Optionally, as defined in claim 10, the control unit is adapted to receive commands from the central unit based on which component or components are being controlled. This means that a signal is sent from the central unit to the conferencing equipment, resulting in the control of certain components on the equipment. The command can be, for example, a response to a request sent by the central unit to the conferencing equipment, such as the central unit allowing the microphone to turn on. In another example, the command is a response to a request from another conferencing device, such as when the host presses a button to mute all existing devices. Providing a control unit adapted to receive commands has the advantage that more functionality becomes possible than when the control unit can only directly control components on the equipment itself.

[0034] Optionally, as defined in claim 11, the configuration unit is adapted to receive a configuration message from the central unit, wherein the configuration message includes a selected application to use. This means that the selection of the application to use can occur via the central unit, and the selection is then sent to the conferencing device in the configuration message. In another embodiment, in addition to selecting the application to use via the central unit, it is also possible to select the application to use on the conferencing device itself. The use of configuration messages from the central unit has the advantage that a large number of devices can be configured quickly and easily via the central unit.

[0035] Optionally, as defined in claim 12, one or more components belong to the group consisting of: a microphone, an illumination component, a screen, a camera, and a motor. The microphone is a device adapted to convert sound into an electrical signal; the illumination component is, for example, a lamp or LED; the screen is, for example, a display or touchscreen; the camera is a device adapted to record images (e.g., in digital form); and the motor is used, for example, to change the direction of the camera, such as depending on which of the two users is speaking.

[0036] Optionally, as defined in claim 13, the number of lower pressure zones is two, and the number of pictograms is five, with two located to the left of the control button, two to the right of the control button, and one at the center of the control unit. In a possible embodiment, when an application with only one active function is selected, the pictogram at the center of the control button will be illuminated, while in an application with two active functions, the left and right pictograms will be illuminated.

[0037] Optionally, as defined in claim 14, the selected application means that one participant uses the conference equipment, or two participants use the conference equipment, or the host uses the conference equipment. In a typical meeting, the conversation is moderated by a host, while the other participants are regular participants. The application allows the conference equipment to be configured according to the role the user has in the conversation. The host may set, for example, a function to mute all microphones simultaneously, while participants do not have this function. The conference equipment can also be configured according to the number of users. For example, in the case of two users, two functions become active, allowing each user to turn on their microphone, or the camera to be pointed at the user speaking.

[0038] Optionally, as defined in claim 15, the configuration unit is adapted to illuminate a pictogram in the center of the control button when used by one participant, and to illuminate a pictogram on the left and a pictogram on the right when used by two participants or the host. This means that when used by one participant, a pictogram in the center of the control button will be illuminated, and when used by two participants or the host, a pictogram on the left and a pictogram on the right will be illuminated. A single user only has the possibility of, for example, controlling a microphone, as shown by the pictogram in the center of the control button. For example, in the case of a device configured for two users, each user has the possibility of controlling the microphone by pressing the left or right side of the control button respectively. For example, a device configured as a host device, in addition to controlling its own microphone, also has the function of muting all other microphones, as shown by the pictograms on the left and right sides of the control buttons respectively. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 A 3D representation of the conference equipment according to the present invention is provided.

[0040] Figure 2 The base of the conference equipment according to the present invention is shown.

[0041] Figure 3 illustrates the example. Figure 2 The appearance of the control buttons in various applications.

[0042] Figure 4 A block diagram of the central unit and conference equipment according to the present invention is provided.

[0043] Figure 5 Possible embodiments of the control button according to the invention are shown, and its appearance in various applications is illustrated.

[0044] Figure 6 Another possible embodiment of the control button according to the invention is shown, and its appearance in various applications is illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Figure 1 A 3D representation of the conference equipment 100, including microphone 102 and base 101, is provided. Figure 1The embodiment illustrates the conference equipment 100 as typically deployed in large meeting rooms and conference rooms, where one conference equipment 100 is present for each or every two participants in the meeting. In another possible embodiment, in addition to microphone 102, the conference equipment 100 may also include a camera. Embodiments of the conference equipment suitable for use in teleconferences may also exist, where participants meet remotely with each other. The conference equipment 100 thus takes the form of, for example, a talk call, conference phone, speakerphone, spider phone, audio radio, etc.

[0046] Figure 2 A base 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The base 101 includes a connector 203 for a microphone 102, a screen or touchscreen 204, and physical control buttons 200. The screen 204 allows for displaying, for example, things such as the speaking time of each participant or voting results, or may also allow for certain functionalities, such as, for example, participant voting. The control buttons 200 are push buttons with an elongated shape and include several pictographs 201 representing possible active functions.

[0047] exist Figure 2 In one embodiment, the control button 200 comprises a polycarbonate top bonded to a PC / ABS (polycarbonate / acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) support. The top side of the polycarbonate is a transparent material printed in black on the bottom side. A pictogram 201 is cut out in the black printing. On the bottom side of the polycarbonate part, a white diffuser can be arranged at the location of the cut-out pictogram.

[0048] exist Figure 2 In this embodiment, two pressure zones 401 exist below the control button 200. The pressure zones 401 are located... Figure 2 They are not visible in the center, but they are depicted schematically in... Figure 5 In the middle, pressure zone 401 is designed, for example, as a silicone key zone, in which two actuators are combined. Control button 200 is located in this silicone key zone. Pressing control button 200 on one side causes one of the actuators to contact the circuit board, thereby shortening the copper wires on the circuit board.

[0049] exist Figure 2In one embodiment, the base 101 includes LEDs disposed within a housing of the base 101. When one of the LEDs is lit, light passes through one of the cut-out pictograms 201, optionally through a white diffuser. This causes the corresponding pictogram to illuminate. In a closed device, no LEDs are turned on, therefore, none of the pictograms 201 are visible to the user. In a turned-on device, and after selecting an application, the LED selection is turned on, causing the corresponding pictogram 201 to illuminate. The remaining pictograms are not illuminated and remain invisible to the user. The illuminated pictograms 201 display to the user the active functions in the selected application. Therefore, active functions are displayed on the control buttons 200, allowing the user to perform self-explanatory control. On the other hand, inactive functions are invisible to the user so that he is not distracted by his inactive pictograms or buttons. Note that in Figure 2 In the diagram, five pictographs 201 are displayed to indicate which pictographs 201 are present. Moreover, in use, only the selection of these five pictographs is visible to the user.

[0050] The LED illuminating the pictogram 201 in button 200 is, for example, a multi-color LED, so that pictogram 201 can be illuminated in a specific color. For example, pictogram 201 is illuminated in the same color as the LED ring in microphone 102. The speaking pictogram on button 200 can, for example, be red if microphone 102 is activated, or green if the speaker is in the queue. If necessary, the pictogram can also flash in the event of the speaker's next speech. Red and green can also be interchanged, with green used, for example, to indicate that the microphone is on.

[0051] Other embodiments of the conference equipment 100 and control button 200 are also possible, for example, in which an icon is cut out in the housing above the control button 200, and a light is turned on at the icon when the corresponding function is activated.

[0052] Figure 3 further illustrates the appearance of the control button 200 in the open device and various usage applications. Figure 3a This illustration shows a view of control button 200 in a user application for use by a participant. When the user application is selected, only the speech pictogram 300 at the center of control button 200 is illuminated. Therefore, the user immediately understands that only one function is active: microphone control. Figure 2 In the embodiment of Figure 3, pressing one of the pressure zones 401 results in the same function, namely, controlling the microphone. Therefore, only one button is visible to the user, regardless of where it is pressed, and it always has the same function. The user is thus protected from the underlying complexity of multiple pressure zones 401 existing in one place.

[0053] Figure 3bThis illustration shows a view of control button 200 in a usage application for two participants. When the usage application is selected, two speaking pictographs 301 and 302 are illuminated. Because the two pictographs 301 and 302 are displayed at opposite ends of control button 200, it is immediately clear to the user that pressing the control button on the left or right side results in the microphone being controlled by the user on the left or right side, respectively.

[0054] Figure 3c This illustration shows the view of control button 200 in a user application for the host. When the application is selected, the speaking pictogram 303 and the mute pictogram 304 are illuminated. Because the two pictograms 303 and 304 are displayed opposite each other on control button 200, it is immediately clear to the user that pressing control button 200 on the left causes control of their own microphone, and pressing control button 200 on the right causes the host to simultaneously mute the microphones of all participants.

[0055] Figure 4 The block diagram illustrates how various components of the conference device 100 communicate with each other and how the conference device 100 communicates with the central unit 400 within possible embodiments of the invention. The conference device 100 is part of a conference system in which all devices can communicate with the central unit 400. The central unit 400 is, for example, a device or central platform connected to multiple conference devices 100 (e.g., via wired or wireless connections). The central unit 400 and the conference devices 100 are configured, for example, with transceivers to exchange signals with each other. The central unit 400 typically has multiple functions, such as organizing control of the conference devices 100, managing participants, managing licenses, managing access, monitoring speaking time, etc.

[0056] The conference equipment 100 includes control buttons 200 with two lower pressure zones 301 and several components 404. Figure 4 In some embodiments, the conference device 100 includes, for example, an LED 405, a microphone 406, a camera 407, and a screen 408. The conference device 100 also includes a configuration unit 402 and a control unit 403.

[0057] exist Figure 4 In this embodiment, the software application allows the central unit 400 to select an application to use. The selected application is sent to the configuration unit 402 in a configuration message 409. The configuration unit 402 is adapted to display the correct active function on the control button 200 based on the selected application. Figure 4 The configuration unit 402 is illustratively adapted to illuminate a selection of LED 405, as indicated by arrow 414. This selection, causing LED 405 to illuminate, results in the illumination of certain pictograms 201 cut out from button 200. These pictograms 201 are, for example, presented in… Figure 2The selected application is stored, for example, in a memory component as part of configuration unit 402. In another embodiment, however, it is also possible that the selection of the application occurs on the conferencing device 100 itself, without exchanging configuration messages 409.

[0058] When a pressure zone 401 is pressed, this is detected by the control unit 403 via signal 413. Figure 4 In one embodiment, this then results in a request 411 being sent to the central unit 400. The content of request 411 is based on which pressure zone 401 was pressed and on the stored application being used, see 412. For example, in an application where the user is the only user, a request to turn on the microphone is sent when the right pressure zone is pressed, while in an application where the user is the host, a request to mute all other microphones is sent. In another embodiment, it is also possible that request 411 contains only the pressed pressure zone and the application being used, without the instruction being translated into the desired function to be performed. Sending request 411 can also result in actions being performed on the central unit 400, such as, for example, measuring speaking time or monitoring who is speaking.

[0059] exist Figure 4 In one embodiment, the control unit 403 is also adapted to receive a command 410 from the central unit 400. The command may, for example, be a response by the central unit 400 to a request 411 sent by the conference device 100. The central unit 400 grants permission, for example, to open a microphone if the maximum number of speakers allowed has not been reached, or if the maximum time allowed for use by two participants according to a license has not been reached. In another example, the command may be a response to a request from a different conference device, such as when the host presses a button to mute all existing devices.

[0060] exist Figure 4 In one embodiment, based on the received command 410, one or more components 404 are controlled on the conferencing device 100. For example, the microphone 406 is turned on or off, the LED 405 is turned on, optionally in another color, the camera 407 is turned on or off, or is pointed in a certain way, the screen 408 is turned on or off, or things are displayed, and so on. In another embodiment, however, it is also possible that the component 404 is directly controlled by the control unit 403 based on the detected pressed pressure area, without the intervention of the central unit 400.

[0061] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 The diagram illustrates two different embodiments of a control button 200 according to the present invention, with views of the control button 200 illustrated by several usage applications 500 or 600 respectively. Figure 5In this embodiment, there are two lower pressure zones 506 and 507, and the control button 200 includes five pictographs 201, such as in Figure 2 The same applies to the embodiment shown in Figure 3. Figure 6 In one embodiment, there are four lower pressure zones 610, 611, 612, and 613, and the control button 200 contains nine pictographs 201.

[0062] exist Figure 5 In this embodiment, three different applications 500 can be selected, indicated by "A", "B", and "C" in the figure. Similar to the embodiment of Figure 3, in application "A", a pictograph 503 is illuminated at the center of the control button 200. In applications "B" or "C", respectively, pictographs 501 or 502 are illuminated on the left side of the control button 200, and pictographs 505 or 504 are illuminated on the right side of the control button.

[0063] exist Figure 5 In this embodiment, three different usage applications 500 can be selected, indicated in the figure by "A", "B", and "C". Similar to the embodiment in Figure 3, in usage application "A", a pictogram is illuminated at the center of the control button 200. Therefore, the user immediately understands that there is only one active function, and pressing the button 200 at location 506 or 507 results in the same control. Thus, the user is freed from the lower-level complexity of two existing pressure zones 506 and 507. In usage applications "B" or "C", respectively, pictograms 501 or 502 are illuminated to the left of the control button 200, and pictograms 505 or 504 are illuminated to the right of the control button. Because two pictograms 501 and 505 or 502 and 504 are displayed at opposite ends of the control button 200, the user immediately understands where to press the control button 200 to perform a certain function.

[0064] exist Figure 6 In this embodiment, five different applications 600 can be selected, indicated in the figure by "A", "B", "C", "D", and "E". When application "A" is selected, a pictogram 605 illuminates at the center of the control button 200. The user immediately understands that only one function is active, even though there are four lower pressure zones 610-613. The system will accept a press of button 200 in the third zone 612 as a selection of the active function. Optionally, the system will also accept a press in the second zone 611 as a selection of the active function. Optionally, the system will also accept a press in the first zone 610 and / or the fourth zone 613 as a selection of the active function.

[0065] In application "B", pictogram 604 is illuminated to the left of control button 200, and pictogram 606 is illuminated to the right of control button 200, with the two pictograms evenly distributed on button 200. The system accepts a press of button 200 in the second area 611 as a selection of the function corresponding to pictogram 604. Optionally, the system also accepts a press of button 200 in the first area 610 as a selection of the function corresponding to pictogram 604. The system accepts a press of button 200 in the third area 612 as a selection of the function corresponding to pictogram 606. Optionally, the system also accepts a press of button 200 in the fourth area 613 as a selection of the function corresponding to pictogram 606.

[0066] In application "C", pictographs 601, 605, and 609 are illuminated on control button 200, thus providing three active functions. Pressing button 200 in the first area 610 and the fourth area 613 respectively selects the active function corresponding to pictographs 601 and 609. Pressing button 200 in the third area 612 selects the active function corresponding to pictograph 605. Optionally, pressing button 200 in the second area 611 also selects the active function corresponding to pictograph 605.

[0067] In application "D", pictographs 602, 604, 606, and 608 are illuminated; in application "E", pictographs 603, 604, 606, and 607 are illuminated to reveal the four active functions. The active function revealed by each pictograph is selected by pressing the corresponding lower pressure zone.

[0068] In scenarios "A", "B", "C", "D", and "E", the pictograms are evenly distributed across the control buttons 200, allowing the user to perform self-explanatory controls. For example, in application "A", only microphone control is possible, while in application "D", the microphone and camera can be controlled by the user on the left or right, respectively.

[0069] Figure 5 and Figure 6 The examples shown illustrate that, depending on the selected application 500, 600, the number of active functions varies between one and the number of pressure zones 506, 507, 610-613. Each time, the user is only shown the active functions and is optimally guided to where on button 200 to press to perform the function. This results in optimal usability across various applications 500, 600. Furthermore, depending on the application, device 100 can be configured such that pressing a specific pressure zone results in different controls. Therefore, the same hardware can be deployed for various applications 500, 600.

[0070] Although the invention has been illustrated with specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the details of the foregoing illustrative embodiments, and that the invention can be practiced with various changes and modifications without departing from its scope of application. The embodiments herein should therefore be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects, wherein the scope of application of the invention is described by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes falling within the meaning and scope of the claims are therefore also included. In other words, it should be understood that all changes, variations, or equivalents falling within the scope of application of the fundamental principles upon which this patent application is based and whose essential attributes are claimed herein fall within it. Moreover, the reader will understand from this patent application that the words “comprising” or “including” do not exclude other elements or steps, the word “a” does not exclude a plurality, and a single element (such as a computer system, processor, or other integrated unit) will perform the function of the various tools mentioned in the claims. Optional changes in the claims may not be considered as limitations of adjacent claims. The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “a,” “b,” “c,” etc., when used in the description or claims, are used to distinguish similar elements or steps, and do not necessarily describe a sequential or chronological order. Similarly, the terms "top," "bottom," "above," "below," etc., are used for descriptive purposes and do not necessarily refer to relative positions. It must also be understood that these terms are interchangeable under the correct conditions, and that embodiments of the invention can operate according to the invention, in an order or orientation different from that described or illustrated above.

Claims

1. A conference device, comprising: Multiple pressure zones; A configuration unit adapted to configure the conference equipment according to a user application selected from various user applications; A control unit, adapted to control one or more components of the conference equipment, wherein The configuration unit is adapted to select multiple active functions within a selected application based on which application is selected, the multiple active functions varying according to the selected application. Pressing one of the pressure zones results in control depending on the selected application. Its features are, The conference equipment includes a control button, which is a physical button having multiple pressure zones as lower pressure zones. The physical button is configured such that when a user pushes it at a certain position, one of the pressure zones below the physical button is pressed. The configuration unit is adapted to display the active functions of the selected application around the control button, wherein The control button provides multiple pictographs, and displaying the active function includes illuminating the corresponding selection of the pictograph. When the pictographs are not lit, they are invisible, and the selection to light up a pictograph makes that selection visible. The pictogram is positioned such that the selected pictogram points are evenly distributed across the control buttons. At the location of each pressure zone, one or more pictograms are provided on the control button, and the configuration unit is adapted to illuminate one or zero pictograms at the location of the pressure zone based on the selected application. When the pictogram is not lit at the location of the pressure zone, the control caused by pressing the pressure zone is the same as the control caused by pressing an adjacent pressure zone. The number of active functions displayed in the various applications is at most equal to the number of the lower pressure zones, and In some applications, an active function is displayed at the location of each pressure zone. Thus, the conference equipment allows the user to control it, wherein: The user controls the conference device via a single control button in each of the various application uses, thus allowing the same hardware to be used across all applications. When the conferencing device is switched to another application, the number of active functions changes, and the user is guided by the corresponding number of active functions displayed, without the need for multiple physical buttons.

2. The conference equipment according to claim 1, Depending on the selected application, the number of active functions varies between one and the number of lower pressure zones.

3. The conference equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 2, The conference equipment described herein is adapted to communicate with a central unit. Furthermore, the control unit is adapted to send a request to the central unit when the control button is pressed at one of the pressure zones.

4. The conference equipment according to claim 3, The content of the request is based on the selected application.

5. The conference equipment according to claim 3, The control unit is adapted to receive commands from the central unit based on which one or more components are being controlled.

6. The conference equipment according to claim 3, The configuration unit is adapted to receive a configuration message from the central unit, wherein the configuration message includes the selected application.

7. The conference equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 2, The one or more components mentioned belong to the following group: microphone, lighting component, screen, camera, motor.

8. The conference equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 2, The number of the lower pressure zones is two, and the number of the pictograms is five, with two located to the left of the control button, two to the right of the control button, and one located in the center of the control unit.

9. The conference equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 2, The selected application means that one participant uses the conference equipment, or two participants use the conference equipment, or the host uses the conference equipment.

10. The conference equipment according to claim 8, The configuration unit is adapted to illuminate a pictograph at the center of the control button when used by one participant, and to illuminate a pictograph on the left and a pictograph on the right when used by two participants or a host.

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