Egalitarian control apparatus and method for sharing information in a collaborative workspace
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for managing and controlling the flow of information in collaborative workspaces with multiple presenters are not intuitive, leading to confusion and productivity losses due to complex transitions and lack of clear indication of which presenter is sharing information on common displays.
Innovation Solution
A simple control interface with visually distinct buttons and indicators on each attendee's control interface, allowing for easy selection and indication of which laptop is presenting, using illumination devices to differentiate states, and a method for wireless association and data sharing between laptops and common displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate audio/video cables and an audiovisual switching device are provided for each presenter, then multiple attendees can share information on the common display, but the control interface becomes complex and less intuitive, requiring separate controllers and multiple steps to transition between presenters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single unified control interface displayed on each attendee's laptop screen. Instead of requiring separate physical controllers and audiovisual switching devices, the system merges presentation control, display selection, and presenter identification into one software-based interface that all attendees can access through their existing laptops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical audio/video cables and hardware switching devices with a software-based control system. The control interface is delivered digitally through the laptop's display, and signal routing is managed through software protocols rather than physical cable connections, eliminating the need for separate hardware controllers.
2Reliability
If a dedicated computer drives the video display, then the display can be controlled, but transitions between presenters require repeated connection and disconnection of cables, which is time-consuming and disruptive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary association between each attendee's laptop and the common display system before presentation begins. Each laptop is pre-configured with control interface elements and identified as a potential presenter, so when it's time to switch presenters, the transition is simply a matter of selecting a different control interface element rather than physically reconnecting cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic control system where the control interface adapts to the current presenter automatically. The system dynamically updates which laptop is active as the presenter based on simple selection signals, allowing seamless transitions without requiring physical reconfiguration or cable disconnection and reconnection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If known control arrangements are used, then multiple presenters can be accommodated, but there is no quick and intuitive indication as to which presenter is sharing information, leading to confusion and delay
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface incorporates immediate visual feedback that clearly indicates which laptop is currently active as the presenter. The interface elements associated with the active presenter are highlighted or distinguished in some way, providing real-time feedback to all attendees about who is currently sharing information, eliminating confusion and delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual differentiation through color or other distinctive visual properties to indicate the active presenter. The control interface elements change appearance (such as color, brightness, or other visual attributes) to clearly show which laptop is currently sharing information, making presenter identification immediate and intuitive for all attendees.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of selecting information from video sources to be displayed on at least a subset of a plurality of display screen presentation spaces, the method comprising the steps of providing at least first and second independent selectable control interfaces, each interface including a separately selectable control uniquely associated with each of the display screen presentation spaces, uniquely associating first and second video sources with the first and second control interfaces, for each control interface, receiving an indication each time one of the selectable controls is selected and, upon receiving an indication, providing the video source associated with the control interface used to make the selection to the display screen presentation space associated with the selected selectable control.