Personal control apparatus and method for sharing information in a collaborative workspace
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for managing audiovisual information in collaborative workspaces are not intuitive, leading to confusion and productivity losses during transitions between presenters, as they require complex steps and lack clear indicators of which presenter is sharing information on common displays.
Innovation Solution
A control interface with visually distinct buttons and indicators, including illumination devices, is provided for each participant, allowing easy selection and indication of which laptop is presenting, and which common displays are being used, simplifying the process of sharing information across multiple displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If separate audio/video cables and switching devices are provided for each presenter, then transitions between presenters become relatively quick, but the control interface becomes complex and less intuitive, requiring separate controllers and multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the audio/video cable connections and control interface into a single integrated handheld device. Each presenter receives one unified controller that contains both the connection interface and the control buttons, eliminating the need for separate cables and switching devices while maintaining quick transition capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects which presenter's laptop is connected to which handheld device and enables that device to control the corresponding video source. This self-associating mechanism eliminates complex manual configuration and makes the control interface intuitive without requiring presenters to understand system architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If audiovisual switching devices with multiple buttons are used, then multiple presenters can share the display, but clear indication of which presenter is sharing information is not provided, leading to confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld devices incorporate visual indicators such as illuminated buttons or LED lights that change color or illuminate to clearly indicate which presenter is currently sharing their information on the display. This provides immediate visual feedback to all participants about the active presenter, eliminating confusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time visual feedback through the handheld devices to indicate the current state of presentation sharing. When a presenter's information is displayed, their associated handheld device shows a distinct visual state, creating a closed-loop feedback system that keeps all participants informed.
3Reliability
If dedicated computers drive the video displays, then stable presentation is achieved, but flexibility for multiple attendees to control information presentation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld devices serve as intermediary controllers between the presenters' laptops and the video display system. Each handheld device can control a specific video source, allowing multiple users to take turns controlling the display while maintaining stable connections through the switching device infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
A cable management system comprising at least a first control cable with a respective cable connector that is configured to operably link with a video/audio source device, a control button configured to generate a control signal when pressed thereby causing transfer of control of the one or more pieces of video/audio presentation equipment from a video/audio source device of a previous user upon selection of the button while the previous user is controlling the pieces of video/audio presentation equipment to a video/audio source device of the user that pressed the control button and initiating control of the pieces of video/audio presentation equipment upon selection of the button while no user is controlling the one or more pieces of video/audio presentation equipment and an illuminated indicator configured to illuminate in a manner indicative of a control state of the video/audio presentation equipment.