Automatic Synoptic Creation via Locatable Signal Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual and time-consuming process of setting up a synoptic in conferencing systems is prone to errors and inefficient, requiring a method to automate the creation and tracking of conference terminals in a conference room.
Innovation Solution
A method that generates a spatial topology of conference terminals using locatable signals such as optical, audio, or RF signals, allowing for automatic mapping and intuitive management without human intervention, enabling real-time updates and addition of terminals during meetings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual setup process is used to create synoptic, then each delegate unit can be individually configured, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The conference terminals automatically perform self-identification and self-positioning by emitting locatable signals and having their positions determined by the locating device, eliminating the need for manual configuration of each terminal while maintaining accurate spatial mapping
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of walking around the room and physically activating terminals is replaced by an automated system using locatable signals (optical, audio, or RF) and signal processing to automatically determine terminal positions and create the synoptic
2Reliability
If manual activation of each delegate unit is performed, then connection to conferencing system is established, but extensive human intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
Each conference terminal automatically establishes connection by emitting its locatable signal and having the system automatically process the signal to determine position and create synoptic, requiring no human intervention while ensuring reliable connection through automated signal exchange
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the locatable signals emitted by terminals to automatically adjust and confirm proper connection and positioning, with the processing system receiving signal data and using it to verify terminal status and create accurate synoptic representation
3Ease of operation
If visual representation of conference floor is provided, then terminal selection becomes intuitive, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a visual copy (synoptic) of the physical conference room layout on the user interface, allowing operators to see and select terminals in their actual spatial positions without physically moving through the room, thereby simplifying operation while the automatic signal-based positioning keeps complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The same locatable signal infrastructure serves multiple functions: it enables automatic terminal positioning for synoptic creation, provides real-time terminal location tracking, and supports the visual representation system, reducing overall system complexity through multi-purpose use of the signal mechanism
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates efficient equipment tracking, improves user interface, reduces errors, and enhances meeting conduct by providing a visual representation of terminal positions, allowing for intuitive management and secure configuration without extensive manual labor.
Implementation Method 1
said locatable signal is an optical signal and that said terminal-locating device comprises at least one camera for registering said optical signal
Implementation Method 2
said locatable signal is an audio signal and wherein said terminal-locating device comprises at least one audio receiver for registering said audio signal
Implementation Method 3
said optical signal is an infrared signal
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention pertains to a method for determining a spatial topology of a network comprising a plurality of conference terminals, the method comprising, for each single conference terminal of said plurality: emitting a locatable signal; obtaining location values for said emitting conference terminal by means of a terminal-locating device; and constructing said topology by adding said emitting conference terminal at a position derived from said location values. The invention also pertains to a corresponding computer program product and a corresponding system.