Furniture-Integrated Communication System with Modular Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems for tele-conferencing and video-conferencing are not fully integrated into furniture, lacking a seamless and integrated solution for audio, video, telephony, and presentation functions within a piece of furniture like a conference table.
Innovation Solution
A communication system integrated into furniture, comprising a control module, user modules, a display module, and a remote control, which uses a single standard media cable for connections, allowing users to control audio, video, and data signals through buttons and data ports, and includes components like audio processors, video processors, switch controllers, and network processors to manage and route signals effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If communication systems are integrated into furniture, then ease of operation and user convenience are improved, but device complexity and integration challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates communication system components (audio processors, video processors, switch controllers, network processors) directly into furniture structures such as conference tables. This merging of technology and furniture creates a unified system that improves ease of operation while managing complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is designed to provide multiple functions (audio conferencing, video conferencing, data transmission, display) within a single furniture-integrated platform. This multi-functionality allows the system to serve various communication needs while maintaining a unified user interface, thereby improving ease of operation despite the inherent complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication functions are combined in one system, then versatility and functionality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is divided into distinct functional modules including audio processors, video processors, switch controllers, and network processors. Each module handles specific communication functions independently, which improves versatility while managing complexity through modular design that allows independent development and maintenance of each function.
Solution Approach 2:
Switch controllers act as intermediary components that manage and route signals between different communication functions (audio, video, data). This intermediary layer coordinates the various functions, enabling versatility while reducing the direct complexity interactions between different communication subsystems.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system that may be integrated or otherwise combined with a piece of furniture, such as a conference table, desk or credenza. The communication system may provide a combination of audio, video, telephony, presentation and/or other conferencing functions and may include a number of separate user modules, a control module, a display module and a network connection. According to an exemplary embodiment, each of the separate user modules is a compact device that is integrated into the piece of furniture and includes a button that, when activated, allows a user to take control of certain aspects of the communication system. For example, a user may take over the display module or the information that is sent via the network connection by activating their user module.