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 video sources on common displays.
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 active video sources on multiple common displays, enabling quick and intuitive transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If separate audio/video cables and switching devices are provided for each presenter, then transition speed between presenters is improved, but device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control interface that can be shared by multiple presenters through wireless communication. Each presenter receives the same control functionality via wireless signal from the video source device, eliminating the need for separate physical switching devices and cables for each presenter. This multi-functional approach allows one control interface to serve multiple users, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining fast transition capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication system as an intermediary between the video source device and presenters. Instead of direct physical connections requiring multiple cables and switching devices, the wireless intermediary transmits control signals and video information wirelessly, simplifying the physical infrastructure while enabling rapid presenter transitions through software-based control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cables and switching devices are used, then control capability for multiple presenters is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to non-intuitive steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements visual feedback mechanisms including on-screen indicators and presenter identification displays that show which presenter is currently active and what video source is being shared. This immediate visual feedback makes the system intuitive to operate, as presenters and audience members can easily understand the current state without needing to learn complex switching procedures. The feedback loop creates a natural, self-explanatory user experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface is designed to be self-explanatory with visual indicators that automatically show the current presenter and video source status. The system serves itself by providing intuitive visual cues that guide presenters through the switching process without requiring training or knowledge of complex operational steps. Each presenter can independently control the system through the wireless interface based on visual feedback.
3Loss of information
If visual indicators are added to show active presenters and sources, then clarity of information is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the visual indicator functionality with the existing wireless control interface and display system. Rather than adding separate physical indicator devices, the visual feedback is integrated into the software-based control system that already exists. The presenter identification and video source status are displayed on the existing display screens through software, merging multiple functions into a unified digital interface that does not significantly increase physical device complexity.
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.