Collaboration Session Queue for Shared Content and Large Displays

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing collaboration tools require complex setup processes, lack a universal session queue for shared content, and are inefficient in managing real-time control and display of shared content, especially across disparate locations, leading to latency and difficulty in using available large displays.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a conventional email system for scheduling and managing collaboration sessions, enabling a universal session queue for shared content, real-time video and document access, and seamless integration with existing hardware for efficient content sharing across multiple displays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a session initiator uses scheduling software to schedule a session and send invitations to multiple conferees, then the session can be organized at a future time, but the process requires multiple steps including scheduling, sending invitations, and coordinating content sharing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesession scheduling processVSAvoidnumber of steps required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines scheduling, invitation sending, and content sharing into a single email message. The email includes a scheduling request, invitee list, and attached content files that will be automatically shared during the session, eliminating the need for separate scheduling software and multiple coordination steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The email system is used for multiple purposes: scheduling the session, sending invitations to conferees, sharing content files, and coordinating the session agenda. This multi-functional approach replaces specialized scheduling software with a familiar, universally available tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Loss of information

If the session initiator attaches multiple content files to an email for sharing, then all conferees can access the content during the session, but the email size and transmission time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontent accessibilityVSAvoidemail transmission time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Content files are attached to the scheduling email in advance, allowing conferees to download and review materials before the session. This preliminary distribution ensures all participants have access to necessary information without requiring large files to be transmitted during the session itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If conferees use remote computing devices with small display screens, then they can participate in sessions from any location, but they cannot effectively view content intended for large display screens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote participation capabilityVSAvoiddisplay screen area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments content delivery by providing both a centralized content repository accessible on small screens and a separate large display screen connection for presentations. Conferees can view content on their portable devices while large screens display optimized presentations, allowing effective participation regardless of device type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If the system enables real-time content sharing during sessions, then collaboration efficiency improves, but latency in displaying shared content increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollaboration efficiencyVSAvoidcontent display latency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Content files are pre-attached to scheduling emails and made available in a centralized repository before the session begins. This allows conferees to access and review materials immediately without waiting for file transfers during the session, eliminating latency while maintaining real-time collaboration capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12579489B1Method and system for facilitating collaboration sessions

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 STEELCASE INC

AI summary

A collaboration system for sharing digital content among multiple conferees during a conference session, each conferee using a personal computing device including a device display screen and a device processor, includes a wireless receiver, at least a first large common display screen providing a common emissive surface, and at least a first system processor linked to the receiver and the at least a first common display screen. The device and system processors are programmed to cooperate to provide a user interface via each device display screen, each interface including at least a first sharing field and a file queue. The processors also are programmed to visually distinguish, on each user interface, each file added to the session by one conferee from other files added by other conferees. Additionally, the processors are configured to replicate content presented in the at least a first sharing field on the large common emissive surface.