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 multiple cables and complex steps to switch between presenters, and lack clear indication of which presenter is sharing information.
Innovation Solution
A control interface with visually distinct buttons and indicators, including illumination devices, is provided for each presenter, allowing easy selection and indication of which laptop is presenting on common displays, with separate controls for each display and the ability to wirelessly communicate with laptops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate audio/video cables and switching devices are provided for each presenter, then multiple attendees can control the display, but the system complexity and number of cables increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal controller is provided that can be used by any attendee to control any display, eliminating the need for separate controllers for each presenter-display combination. The controller adapts its function based on which laptop is connected and which display is being controlled.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple control functions that were previously distributed across separate controllers and switching devices are merged into a single integrated controller unit. The controller combines presenter selection, display selection, and audio routing controls in one device.
2Ease of operation
If sequential cable connection is used for each presenter, then control is simple, but time is lost and transitions are disruptive
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is pre-configured with buttons for each laptop and each display. When a presenter connects their laptop, the corresponding button is automatically activated, allowing immediate control without requiring the presenter to configure anything. The system is prepared in advance for any presenter to take control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects which laptop is connected and enables the corresponding control buttons without requiring manual configuration. The controller adapts its state based on the connected device, providing automatic presenter identification and control assignment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control interfaces are provided, then each presenter can control displays, but it is not clear which presenter is currently sharing information
Solution Approach 1:
The controller uses visual indicators such as illuminated buttons or LED lights to clearly indicate which presenter is currently connected and which display is active. The visual feedback provides immediate and unambiguous information about the current system state.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller provides real-time visual feedback about system state, including which laptop is connected, which display is being controlled, and the current audio source. This feedback mechanism eliminates confusion about who is presenting and what is being displayed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate controllers are provided for each display, then each display can be controlled independently, but the number of controllers and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single universal controller can control multiple displays through software configuration and digital switching, eliminating the need for separate physical controllers for each display. The controller manages multiple display outputs and routing paths through integrated circuitry and control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprising a switching device linked to a common display screen and including a wireless receiver configured to receive content, the switching device configured to use the received content to drive the common display screen and a plurality of interface devices, each interface device including an interface housing, an interface device processor, a control button mounted within the housing and a plug linked to the housing via a cable, the plug receivable within a connection port of a computing device, a first interface device including a first device processor, a first plug and a first control button, the first processor configured to perform the steps of, with the first plug received in the connection port of the first computing device and first content presented on the first display screen while other content is presented on the common display screen, detecting selection of the first control button and, upon detecting selection of the first control button, causing a wireless transmission to the switching device, upon receiving the wireless transmission, the switching device presenting the content from the first computing device display screen on the common display screen.