U.S. patent application number 10/818638 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-27 for convertible podium system.
Invention is credited to Chiu, Patrick, Foote, Jonathan T., Kimber, Donald G., Lertsithichai, Surapong, Liu, Qiong.
Application Number | 20050239037 10/818638 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35136893 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050239037 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lertsithichai, Surapong ; et
al. |
October 27, 2005 |
Convertible podium system
Abstract
Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention can include a convertible podium having a compact
and lightweight design that can provide multiple functionalities by
converting its form. A system in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention can convert from an interactive podium to
other presentation devices including (but not limited to) an
imaging device, a remote avatar for a presenter, an interactive
whiteboard, and an information board. The system includes one or
more configurable controls for controlling one or both of a
presentation and a presentation environment.
Inventors: |
Lertsithichai, Surapong;
(Mountain View, CA) ; Chiu, Patrick; (Menlo Park,
CA) ; Foote, Jonathan T.; (Menlo Park, CA) ;
Liu, Qiong; (Milpitas, CA) ; Kimber, Donald G.;
(Montara, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Martin C. Fliesler
FLIESLER MEYER LLP
Fourth Floor
Four Embarcadero Center
San Francisco
CA
94111-4156
US
|
Family ID: |
35136893 |
Appl. No.: |
10/818638 |
Filed: |
April 6, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
434/365 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47B 19/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
434/365 |
International
Class: |
A47G 023/02 |
Claims
1. A system to be positioned in a locale having an audience for
improving a presentation to the audience and for improving control
of an environment of the locale, the system comprising: a frame; a
device for displaying information connected with said frame; one or
more controls for adjusting one or both of the environment and the
presentation; and one or more configurable positions connected with
said frame and adapted to communicate with said one or more
controls.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said one or more controls for
adjusting the environment can adjust one or more of lighting,
volume and temperature.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the presentation includes slides;
and wherein said one or more controls for adjusting the
presentation can adjust one or more of slide advancement, slide
reversal, and slide selection.
4. The system of claim 1 further comprising one or more gesture
sensors connected with the frame to detect a gesture from a
presenter.
5. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more proximity
sensors to detect a presence of a presenter.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein said device for displaying is
adapted to be repositioned such that said device for displaying is
viewable by the audience.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein said device for displaying is
connected with said frame by one or more hinges; and wherein said
device for displaying is repositioned by pivoting said device for
displaying.
8. The system of claim 6, wherein the information displayed on said
device for displaying is controllable from a remote location.
9. The system of claim 6, wherein when said device for displaying
is repositioned, the information can be written directly to said
device for displaying by contacting said device for displaying.
10. The system of claim 6, wherein when said device for displaying
is repositioned, the information displayed on said device for
displaying includes one or both of graphical and textual
information selected by a presenter.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein the information displayed is an
image of a presenter.
12. The system of claim 8, further comprising: an interface for
controlling the information displayed on said device for
displaying.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein said device for displaying is
adapted to be repositioned such that an undersurface is
accessible.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein said device for displaying is
connected with said frame by one or more hinges; and wherein said
device for displaying is repositioned by pivoting the device for
displaying.
15. The system of claim 13, wherein the undersurface is a scanner
surface.
16. The system of claim 13, wherein when one of a document and an
object is place on said undersurface, the one of a document and an
object can be imaged.
17. A system for facilitating a presentation by a user to an
audience in an environment, comprising: a frame having a proximal
end and a distal end; a means for displaying information to the
user, the means being connected with the distal end; one or more
configurable controls connected with the frame; wherein one or more
of the configurable controls can be used to adjust one or both of
the presentation and the environment.
18. The system of claim 17, wherein said means for displaying is
adapted to be repositioned such that said means for displaying is
viewable by the audience.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the information displayed on
said device for displaying is controllable from a remote
location.
20. The system of claim 18, wherein when said device for displaying
is repositioned, the information can be written directly to said
device for displaying by contacting said device for displaying.
21. The system of claim 18, wherein when said device for displaying
is repositioned, the information displayed on said device for
displaying includes one or both of graphical and textual
information selected by a presenter.
22. The system of claim 17, wherein said device for displaying is
adapted to be repositioned such that an undersurface is accessible;
and wherein the undersurface is a scanner surface.
23. The system of claim 18, wherein said means for displaying can
be repositioned from a remote location.
24. A method of converting a device having a frame and a display
screen pivotally connected with the frame from a podium for a local
presenter to address an audience to an avatar of a remote presenter
directed at the audience, the method comprising: receiving a
command from an interface to convert the device; pivoting the
display screen such that the display screen is visible to the
audience; receiving an image of the remote presenter from the
interface; displaying the image on the display screen; receiving an
audio signal of the remote presenter from the interface; and
communicating the audio signal to the audience.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to presentation facilitation
equipment.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Commercial podiums in the market today are mostly podium
enclosures designed to accommodate a variety of equipment that is
used to facilitate different presentation needs of a user. A
typical podium designed for multimedia presentations is equipped
with devices ranging from large devices such as a PC, a display, or
a document camera to small add-on devices such as light visors,
microphones, or an AN switching device. Each stand alone device has
a specific function and requires a dedicated space for
installation. Packaging all devices into a single podium requires a
bulky and heavy enclosure with several tethered cables making it
difficult to move the podium from one room to another.
SUMMARY
[0003] Systems and methods in accordance with the present invention
can include a convertible podium having a compact and lightweight
design that can provide multiple functionalities by converting its
form. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention can convert from an interactive podium to other
presentation devices including a capturing device, a remote avatar
for a presenter, an interactive whiteboard, and an information
board. Conversion is made possible by integrating devices into a
frame structure of the podium and assigning multiple
functionalities to some devices depending on the interaction mode
of the podium.
[0004] A presenter can interact with the convertible podium in
three modes. In the interactive podium mode, a local presenter can
use the podium to make presentations as well as control
environmental settings of the room. In the capture mode, the
presenter can use the podium as a scanner or camera capturing
documents and/or objects to be projected to the audience, for
example. In the third mode, the podium can be used as a remote
avatar, an interactive whiteboard, or an information board. As an
avatar, a presenter can access the podium remotely from a desktop,
a laptop, another convertible podium, or some other remote device
and use the display and internal speakers from the podium to output
live video and audio of the presenter. Alternatively, when in a
discussion, a local presenter can use the display as an interactive
whiteboard to capture annotations and notes contributed by
participants in the room. If the podium is not actively used by a
presenter, it can also be placed in front of a room and used as an
information board to display asynchronous messages similar to a
bulletin board.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0005] Further details of embodiments of the present invention are
explained with the help of the attached drawings in which:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a convertible podium system
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a close-up of a modular controller tray connected
with the convertible podium system of FIG. 1.
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a presenter gesturing to communicate a
command to the convertible podium system of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 4a is a perspective view of the convertible podium
system of FIG. 1 in an interactivel podium mode.
[0010] FIG. 4b is a perspective view of the convertible podium
system of FIG. 4a in a capture mode.
[0011] FIG. 4c is a perspective view of the convertible podium
system of FIG. 4a in a remote user mode.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a close-up of a document positioned to be captured
by a scanner or document camera associated with the convertible
podium system of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 6a is a close-up of a display panel mounted to the
convertible podium system configured as a white board as shown in
FIG. 4c.
[0014] FIG. 6b is a close-up of the display panel mounted to the
convertible podium system configured in a remote user mode as shown
in FIG. 4c.
[0015] FIG. 6c illustrates one embodiment of a remote user
interface as displayed to a presenter at a remote site.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the convertible podium
system of FIG. 1, having proximity sensors mounted on the frame and
the base of the convertible podium system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a convertible podium system
100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The
convertible podium system 100 comprises an interactive display
panel 106 supported by a frame 102 which is mounted on a base 104.
The frame 102 comprises a lower portion and an upper portion. The
lower portion includes two legs, one or both of the legs being
hollow along at least a portion of a vertical length of the leg(s)
so as to provide a conduit for wires connected within the
convertible podium system 100. As shown, each leg has a rectangular
cross-section which is substantially uniform in shape along its
vertical length (i.e., the major axis of the leg). In other
embodiments one or both of the legs can have some other
cross-sectional shape. For example, the legs can have a triangular,
elliptical or cylindrical cross-section. In still other
embodiments, the legs can have a more complex shape. Further, a leg
need not be hollow along the leg's entire length, and can
optionally vary in cross-section, for example, such that the leg
tapers. Each leg can be made of a lightweight material having
sufficiently high tensile and compressive strength to support the
display panel and the upper portion, which apply a load force and
torque on the lower portion. For example, in an embodiment the legs
can be made of aluminum. In other embodiments, the frame can be
made from one or more of high strength steel, magnesium, metal and
polymer composites, titanium, intermetallic alloys, and other
lightweight, high strength material.
[0018] The legs of the lower portion of the frame can be sized and
positioned so that a space or gap exists between the legs. For
example, as shown in FIG. 1 the legs are separated by a distance
approximately the width of the display panel 106. A transparent
acrylic panel 112 can be connected between the legs, for example to
create an impression that the convertible podium system 100 is
lightweight and non-bulky, as well as to minimize visual
obstruction of a presenter to the audience. In this way, the
presenter can avoid feeling and appearing overwhelmed by the
podium. In other embodiments, the panel can comprise a material
other than acrylic and need not be transparent. Light emitting
diodes (LEDs) can be embedded or positioned along the length or a
portion of the length of one or both legs so that the acrylic panel
can be lit. Lighting the podium can serve a variety of purposes.
For example, lighting the podium can draw the audience's attention
to the presenter, indicate to the presenter the interaction mode of
the podium (as is described in detail below), or simply provide a
pleasing aesthetic for enhancing a presentation. The operation of
the LEDs can be programmable, for example to allow the podium to be
customized to suit a presenter, or the LEDs can be hard-coded to
predictably respond to an interaction mode of the podium, or a
function of the podium, etc. The LEDs can be colored to allow a
multiplicity of visual cues to be indicated by the podium.
[0019] The lower portion is connected at a first end with the base
104 so that the legs of the lower portion are substantially
vertical. The base 104 can be made of a material similar to the
material of the lower portion--i.e., a lightweight material having
high tensile and compressive strength. The base 104 is shaped so
that the frame 102 is balanced and supported, preventing the podium
from tipping or collapsing from the weight of the upper portion. As
shown in FIG. 1, the weight of the upper portion and the display
panel 106 creates a moment force (i.e., torque) at the junction of
the lower portion and the upper portion. Further, torque is created
at the junction of the lower portion and the base 104. The base 104
extends away from the presenter so that the base resists the torque
applied by the frame 102 at the base 104. As shown, the base 104
has a butterfly shape with two corners of the base 104 facing away
from the presenter, extending diagonally to improve lateral
stability as well as forward stability. Much of the torque created
at the base is balanced by the shape of the base 104 extending away
from the presenter; therefore, the corners of the base 104 nearest
the presenter can be much shorter so as not to intrude into a space
occupied by the presenter. In this way, the shape of the base 104
can influence the usability of the convertible podium system 100.
The base 104 can further include caster wheels 110 so that the
convertible podium system 100 can be rolled from one location to
another location. Alternatively, the base 104 can include motorized
wheels, allowing the podium to move from location to location on
command. The caster wheels 110 can be positioned at the corners of
the base 104 to maximize the stability provided by the shape of the
base 104. A base 104 for use in alternative embodiments of the
present invention need not be shaped as shown. For example, in
other embodiments, the base can be trapezoidal or rectangular,
while in still other embodiments the base can be elliptical or
circular shaped. In still more embodiments, the base can have an
ornate or complex shape. Further, the base 104 need not include
caster wheels. One of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate the
myriad different shapes with which the base 104 can be made.
[0020] The base can optionally house or be connected with a battery
pack, such as a dry cell battery pack, for providing power to the
convertible podium system 100. A battery pack can be optionally
usable where a podium is located in a room lacking a convenient
power source or outlet, for example. In one embodiment, the battery
pack can be mounted on the underside of the base in a gap between a
floor and the bottom of the base created by the height of the
wheels, thereby at least partially concealing the battery pack. A
power cord can be run through a hollow leg to electrically connect
the battery with the display panel or some other component of the
podium. In other embodiments, the battery pack can be housed within
a leg in the lower portion of the frame. In still other
embodiments, the battery pack can be positioned on the topside of
the base, or the base can be shaped to house and optionally conceal
the battery pack.
[0021] The upper portion of the frame is connected with the lower
portion and comprises two support structures for supporting the
display panel 106. As shown in FIG. 1, the support structures are
extended from the substantially vertical legs of the lower portion
at an oblique angle to the lower portion such that a display
surface of the display panel 106--located in a plane formed between
the support structures--is conveniently accessible both physically
and visually to a presenter. For example, where a distal end of the
lower portion extends to a height of 44 inches, the support
structures can form an oblique angle of sixty degrees from
vertical. An upper portion that extends an additional twenty inches
in length brings the distal end of the frame to an overall height
of approximately 54 inches. A presenter, for example having a
height of 5'9", can fix her gaze over the podium and on the
audience, and with a slight tilt of her head can shift her gaze to
the surface of the display screen. The ability of the presenter to
access the display screen as desired, without the display screen
obstructing her view is a benefit that can be provided by the
present invention. Any dimensions provided in this description are
merely exemplary and should in no way limit the size and/or shape
of the invention.
[0022] One or both of the support structures can have a uniform,
rectangular cross-section along a plane perpendicular to the major
axis of the support structure. As with the lower portion, the
support structures can alternatively have some other
cross-sectional shape, and can vary in size and/or shape along the
major axis of the support structure, e.g., the support structure
can taper. The support structures can be made of the same or a
similar material used to make one or both of the lower portion and
the base, i.e., a lightweight material having high tensile and
compressive strength. As shown, each leg is a single piece
extending from the base 104 at a proximal end of the frame, and
terminating at a distal end of the frame. Each leg is extruded,
cast or otherwise formed as a single piece comprising the lower
portion and the upper portion. In other embodiments, the upper
portion can comprise a separate structure from the lower portion
fixedly connected with the lower portion (e.g., by welding) or
removably connected with the lower portion (e.g., using bolts,
screws, or other fasteners). In still other embodiments, the lower
portion can be formed of two telescoping sections, with an upper
section being integrally formed or connected with the upper
portion, thereby allowing the upper portion and the display screen
to be raised or lowered to vary the height of the podium to suit
the presenter. Further, the telescoping sections can be joined and
motorized and optionally associated with sensors so that the podium
automatically adjusts to the height of the presenter.
[0023] Numerous different frame configurations can be employed
without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present
invention. For example, where the display panel 106 is relatively
light--incorporating a thin, light LED screen--the frame can
include a single, ornamentally shaped support structure connected
with a base. One of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate the
various combinations of support structures for forming a frame
capable of supporting and/or positioning a display panel 106.
[0024] The interactive display panel 106 comprises an LCD display
screen and a thin computer, the thin computer controlling the
display screen and optionally a portion of the functions of the
convertible podium system 100. It should be noted that the display
screen need not be limited to LCD technology. In other embodiments
the screen can be a plasma, LED, front projection, rear projection
or tablet PC screen. In still other embodiments, the screen can
rely on some other display technology. The interactive display
panel 106 is pivotally connected with the upper portion by one or
more hinges 122 located near a distal end of the frame 102. As
shown, two hinges are connected to the display panel 106, one hinge
on each side. The thin computer includes a media drive (e.g., a
CD-ROM drive, DVD-ROM drive, CDRW drive, DVD-rewritable drive,
etc.) accessible from the underside of the display panel 106. Power
and data cables can be routed through at least one of the hinges
122 and to the thin computer from components of the podium not
connected with the interactive display panel 106 (such as the
battery pack). The hinge 122 can be at least partially hollow to
accommodate such wiring. Alternatively, the thin computer can have
a self contained battery, connectable directly from the interactive
display panel 106 to an external power source. Further, the thin
computer can be wirelessly connected with components of the podium
(such as a modular controller tray, as described below), as well as
to a network for allowing the convertible podium system 100 to
access environmental controls, to access files saved on the server,
and to access a Web server, etc. In this way, wiring need not be
routed through the upper portion and hinge, reducing the complexity
of such components. Alternatively, a computer can be associated
with the base (placed beneath, atop, or within the base) rather
than associated with the interactive display panel, with all wires
and cables from external components routed to the computer through
the frame.
[0025] The hinges 122 allow the display panel 106 to be pivoted
upward and away from a cross brace of the frame 102 so that a lower
surface beneath the display panel 106 is revealed. In one
embodiment, the lower surface can include a scanner surface of a
hi-resolution flatbed scanner (e.g., an HP scanjet 4600 series).
Documents and objects can be positioned on the scanner surface, and
optionally scanned for display. The scanned image can be displayed
on the display screen, on a second display screen (e.g., on a
second podium or on some other device), or the scanned image can be
projected to an audience (locally or remotely). Alternatively, the
scanned image can be saved, for example to a server, for retrieval
by the presenter, an audience member, or some other person.
Further, the scanner can be used to fax the scanned document and/or
image. The convertible podium system 100 can optionally include an
integrated printer connected with the frame, for example, and in
electrical communication with the scanner, allowing the scanner to
effectively act as a copier. The printer further allows a presenter
to distribute print-outs of virtually any information accessible to
the podium (for example, via the network) or able to be scanned.
The scanner can be connected with the support structures as known
in the art, for example, by adhesives or fasteners, or by
positioning in slots or cavities formed within the support
structures and optionally connected with the support structures.
The printer can be integrated with the scanner or positioned, for
example, within one of the support structures, or within the lower
portion of the cross-bar, producing print-outs below the modular
controller tray 108. One of ordinary skill in the art can
appreciate the myriad different arrangements for connecting a
scanner and/or printer with the convertible podium system 100.
[0026] In other embodiments, the lower surface can include an
acrylic panel connected between the support structures of the upper
portion. In still other embodiments the panel can comprise some
other material, and need not be transparent. Where an acrylic panel
is used, the acrylic panel has a thickness such that the acrylic
panel is sufficiently rigid so that objects placed on the acrylic
panel for imaging by a high resolution camera do not cause
deformation, yet thin enough that when the display panel 106 is
fully closed, the display panel 106 is substantially flush with an
upper surface of the support structures while being nested between
the support structures.
[0027] The cross brace is positioned between the legs of the frame
102, near a junction of the upper portion and lower portion of the
frame 102. The cross brace fixes the left leg in position relative
to the right leg and provides rigidity and support to the frame,
thereby preventing lateral movement. A handle 124 is attached with
the front of the cross brace or alternatively between the legs of
the frame 102 to provide a hand grip for easy transfer of the
convertible podium system 100 between locations. Further, one or
more cup holder drawers 116 can be selectably extendable from the
cross-brace for the convenience of the presenter.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 2, a modular controller tray 108 is
connected with the cross brace and positioned below the display
panel 106. The modular controller tray 108 includes nine
configurable positions 230 for fitting one or more modular control
units 232. The modular controller tray 108 can include more or
fewer configurable positions--as many as can be accommodated along
the width of the cross brace, and as few as is desired. A modular
control unit 232 can comprise a button, knob, slide or other
control mechanism, or a combination of control mechanisms, e.g., a
touch-sensitive wheel having pushbuttons positioned beneath the
wheel. The modular control unit 232 can be fitted to any of the
configurable positions 230 on the modular controller tray 108. The
modular control unit 232 and a corresponding configurable position
230 can include contact pins so that when fitted together, control
bits complete a switch and modulate output in the switch.
Alternatively, the modular control unit 232 and configurable
position 230 can include magnetic contact surfaces. The modular
control unit 232 can be readily interchanged with any other modular
control unit. Each configurable position 230 and each modular
control unit 232 has an associated ID. An intelligent agent maps
the ID and location of the modular control units 232 and determines
which applications are associated with which modular control units
232. The applications can include different aspects of the
presentation or conditions of the room environment (e.g., lighting,
temperature, presentation volume). The applications are activated
so that the applications are controlled by associated modular
control units 232 regardless of the arrangement of the modular
control units 232 in the tray 108. For example, in one arrangement
a slide mechanism associated with room lighting can be positioned
at the far right of the tray 108 allowing the presenter to dim or
raise the lights by manipulating the slide mechanism with a right
hand, a knob associated with a volume of the speaker system can
positioned on the far left of the tray 108, allowing the presenter
to raise or lower the volume by twisting the knob with a left hand,
and a button associated with a microphone mute can be positioned in
the center of a tray 108 so that the presenter can mute the
microphone by locating and pressing the button. The control
mechanisms are selected and arranged according to the preference of
the presenter, placing frequently used controls in accessible
locations, and allowing the presenter to arrange the controls as is
convenient to the presenter. A second presenter may choose to
associate a slide mechanism with the volume of the speaker system,
a knob with the lighting levels, and a toggle switch with the
microphone mute, and further may choose to position the slide
mechanism in the center of the tray. One presenter's preferences
may be very different from another presenter's preferences.
[0029] The configurability of the modular controller tray 108
allows the presenter to customize podium controls to suit his or
her tastes and preferences, regardless of whether the presenter is
familiar with the particular podium. The controls of the
convertible podium system 100 of the present invention are fully
customizable. As described above, the presenter can customize a
preferred control mechanism for a particular application. Further,
in some embodiments modular control units can be aesthetically or
tactilely customized. For example, a distinguished presenter can
have her modular control units 220 monogrammed or otherwise
personalized to reflect her style or taste, as well as to avoid
loss or confusion over ownership, or the presenter can possess
modular control units 220 having special texture, for example, as
provided by a coating such as rubber. In other embodiments, the
modular controller tray can comprise a virtual control panel
including a touch screen display along at least a portion of the
width of the cross-bar. The touch screen display can display
graphical controls that can be configured, modified, and updated
via software upgrades and can mimic the look and feel of physical
controls. As with the physical modular controller tray, the virtual
control panel can be fully customizable.
[0030] A connection unit 224 is positioned along the crossbar and
adjacent to the modular control tray 108. The connection unit 224
includes connection points or input jacks for connecting external
devices such as a laptop or flash memory card. For example, the
connection unit 224 can include one or more of A/V network
connections, power connections, a USB data transfer port, a
Firewire data transfer port, and a multi card reader (e.g., compact
flash, smart media, MMC, SD, memory stick, micro drive, etc.).
Further, the convertible podium system 100 can access Web servers,
an Intranet, and/or other sources of information through the
network connection (note that this can also be accomplished
wirelessly as described above). The connection unit 224 is
positioned to the left of the modular controller tray 108 but in
other embodiments, the connection unit 224 can be positioned
elsewhere on the podium, for example to the right of the modular
controller tray 108, or below the modular controller tray on the
cross-bar, etc. In still other embodiments, the connection unit 224
can be positioned on the frame 102 or on the base 104. In addition
a shelf can be attached, or removably attachable to the frame or
base for supporting an external device, such as a laptop or tablet
PC, for connection with the connection unit 224.
[0031] A portion of the display panel 106 can be seen in FIG. 2
positioned above the modular controller tray 108. The images
displayed on the screen of the display panel 106 can be simple,
such as presentation slides as projected for viewing by the
audience, or more advantageously the display screen can display
multiple sources of information simultaneously, for example using a
graphical user interface (GUI) having one or more frames or
windows, each capable of displaying content. Those skilled in the
art will find that the system and methods of the present invention
may be advantageously embodied on a variety of different platforms,
including Windows XP, MacOS X, UNIX X11, Linux 2.6.0, etc. By
displaying multiple frames or windows, a single frame or window can
include the projected image, while other frames or windows include
other useful information. For example the presenter can display a
seating chart having a name and picture of each person in
attendance. By having multiple frames or windows, a presenter can
further accompany a presentation with prepared notes or ancillary
documents, located as desired by the presenter (e.g., by dragging a
window to a desired location on the display panel). The convertible
podium system 100 allows the presenter to attend a presentation
unaccompanied by loosely bound notes. Rather the presenter is
provided with digital copies of notes previously drafted or
documents previously assembled.
[0032] One or more modular controller units can be associated with
a cursor or icon on the desktop, allowing the presenter to
manipulate the desktop. For example, one modular controller unit
can include a joystick or trackball for locating the cursor, while
a second modular controller unit can include a selection button or
other control mechanism. Further, as described above, one or more
modular control units can be associated with a highlighted or
active window or frame. For example, when a window displaying a
presenter's notes is active, the presenter can activate, advance,
or reverse a pages of the notes using the modular control units,
thereby relieving the presenter of the burden of typing on a
keyboard, or positioning and manipulating a cumbersome mouse.
[0033] Alternatively, the display panel 106 can include a control
overlay allowing a presenter to simply touch controls displayed on
the screen to operate podium features or to manipulate the desktop.
For example, the presenter can relocate a window or frame by
touching and dragging the window--e.g., with a stylus, wand, pen,
or even a finger--to another location. Or, for example, where a
model seating chart is positioned in one portion of the display
panel, the presenter can tap a seating position that can then
pop-up to display an audience member, including the member's name,
photo, and mini-biography. The presenter can then recognize and
identify individuals within the audience, allowing the presenter to
call on particular persons, or allow the presenter to personalize
interaction, for example during question and answer sessions.
Further, the control overlay can be used to wholly deactivate the
desktop, for example when a laptop or other device is placed on the
display screen.
[0034] A fully networked convertible podium system 100 can provide
the presenter with the ability to access custom files from a
presenters desktop, tablet, laptop computer, personal digital
assistant, etc. The display panel 106 can display information other
than the information described herein, and each window can be sized
to accommodate more or less information within the display panel
106. Applications launched on the desktop, or otherwise displayed
on the display screen can be manipulated a number of different
ways, including, as described above, using the modular control tray
or a control overlay. In other embodiments, the desktop can be
manipulated using a mouse or keyboard integrated with the podium,
or removably connected with the podium, for example via the
connection unit. One of ordinary skill in the art can appreciated
the myriad different ways in which content displayed on the display
screen and presented to an audience from the podium can be
manipulated.
[0035] In addition to the versatile display screen, two microphones
250 are positioned at opposite ends near the bottom of the display
panel 106, and a high resolution digital camera 114 is pivotally
connected with the display panel 106 approximately between the
microphones. In one embodiment, the microphones 250 are
omni-directional microphones. The microphones allow the presenter
to project his voice over a speaker system in a local user mode,
and as will be described below, to pick-up audience noise in remote
podium user mode. Optionally, a pair of thin speakers 252 can
border the display screen on the left and right side of the display
screen to provide sound through the podium from a presenter in
remote podium user mode, where the presenter cannot interface with
a speaker system at the presentation site
[0036] Further, one or more gesture sensors 354 can be connected
with one or both of the display panel 106 and the frame 102 so that
gestures made by the presenter can affect the progression and/or
content of the presentation. For example, as shown in the overhead
view of FIG. 3, when the presenter waves an arm from left to right
across the field of view of the gesture sensor(s) 354, the content
projected and displayed for the audience (e.g., a slide, a video
image, a camera view, etc.) can be incrementally advanced, and when
the presenter waves an arm from right to left across the field of
view of the gesture sensor 354, the content can be incrementally
reversed. One or more gestures can trigger corresponding actions or
functions related to the presentation, or related to the
presentation environment. The convertible podium system 100 can be
programmed to respond to a gesture in any particular way by the
presenter. For example, the convertible podium system 100 can be
programmed such that when the presenter claps his hands like a
cymbal the lights can dim. One or more gesture sensors 354 can
supplant one or more of the modular control units 222 or expand the
functionality of the modular controller tray 108, expanding the
ability of the presenter to control the presentation. For example,
common commands, such as advancing a presentation slide, can be
programmed to respond to gestures so that a modular control unit
222 associated with presentation advancement, can be programmed for
a different task, such as cueing music, or muting a microphone. In
some embodiments, the high resolution digital camera 114 can be
used as a gesture sensor, for example when the convertible podium
system 100 is operated in conventional podium mode, thereby
obviating the need for separate gesture sensors and reducing the
cost and complexity of the podium.
[0037] Repositioning the display panel 106 can allow the
convertible podium system 100 to be used in other interactive
modes. As shown in FIGS. 4a through 4c, the convertible podium 100
can be used in at least three different modes. FIG. 4a illustrates
the podium 100 as described above in a typical local use by a
presenter positioned behind the podium in view of the display panel
106. When the display panel 106 is pivoted to an intermediate
position as shown in FIG. 4b, the scanner surface (or acrylic
panel) is revealed and the podium converts to a capturing device
mode. The surface is recessed so that documents and objects can be
positioned to be scanned or photographed, and displayed on a
projection screen. A visor light is positioned near a perimeter of
the underside of the display panel 106 and illuminates the space on
which the document and/or object is positioned. In one embodiment,
the visor light can comprise a light emitting diode (LED). As can
be seen in FIG. 5, the scanner surface can include markings to
indicate proper positioning to ensure that the document and/or
object are appropriately centered. Where the lower surface is an
acrylic or other panel, appropriate markings can be used to ensure
that the document and/or object are in full frame. The high
resolution digital camera 226 is pivoted so that the field of view
of the high resolution camera 226 substantially captures the space
indicated by the markings on the acrylic panel. As described above,
the document and/or object can optionally be captured and projected
onto a screen, or in some way display for viewing by the audience
as a still photo and/or live video.
[0038] The display panel 106 is supported in its intermediate and
fully upright position by a pair of support braces--one brace
positioned on each side of the upper portion of the frame 102--and
a latch mechanism. A slot can be formed in each support structure
in which a support brace is slidably connected at a first end of
the support brace so that the first end slides along the slot
toward the modular controller tray as the display panel 106
collapses, and slides along the slot toward the hinge as the
display panel 106 is raised. The support brace is pivotally
connected with the display panel 106 at a second end so that as the
first end slides along the slot, the support brace is free to
pivot. The display panel 106 includes a recess for receiving the
support brace when the display panel 106 is collapsed. The latch
mechanism inside the hinge includes a spring loaded pin allows the
panel to be locked when the pin slides into one of three notches
along a cylinder of the hinge. The three notches correspond to the
respective modes of the convertible system 100. A spring loaded
release button can unlock the pins from the notches. In other
embodiments, the display panel 106 can include one or more braces
having different a different configuration, for example the brace
can fold, or each brace can include a pneumatic mechanism. In still
other embodiments, the display panel 106 can be supported without
any braces by using internal springs hidden inside the side frames
or the display panel support frames (similar to a spring mechanism
of a multifunction printer). One of ordinary skill in the art can
appreciate the different configurations for supporting the display
panel 106 at different positions.
[0039] A spring is hidden inside the hinge, a first end of the
spring being attached to the display panel and a second end being
attached to the hinge, and applies torque to the display panel,
reducing the amount of force required by a user (or a motor) to
raise the display panel. The spring further lessens the weight
applied to the support brace positioned on either side of the
display panel 106. Further, the spring force resists collapsing of
the display panel 106 when lowered, so that the display panel 106
can be eased into position with less risk of a damaging drop. The
spring need not be included, for example where the brace includes a
pneumatic mechanism. Further, a motorized mechanism can be
implemented so that pivoting of the display panel 106 can be
controlled electronically for example through a remote
interface.
[0040] As can be seen in FIG. 4c, the display panel can further be
pivoted to a fully upright position. When in a fully upright
position, the display screen can serve as an interactive white
board, or an information board. The white board feature is
activated by a program that accepts free-hand input by touching the
touch-sensitive screen with a finger or a stylus, converting the
input into digital "ink". The white board feature can be activated
automatically when the podium is in the fully upright position, or
when commanded by the presenter (or some other user), or when some
other criterion is met. If the white board feature is activated
when the podium is in local use mode, a user can "write" on the
display screen and afterward reconfigure the podium such that the
display panel is fully upright. As shown in FIG. 6a, the image
displayed is inverted so that the image appears right-side up to a
person positioned in front of the display screen. Additionally,
when the display panel is fully upright, the user can write on the
display screen. For example, a first user can draw a diagram to
illustrate a concept or idea, while a second user can add
additional information to build on the concept or idea. In this way
the display screen acts as a traditional white board. However, the
information can be saved via software for future access and
reference. Further, each addition can be recorded, allowing the
users to selectively erase the white board. Actions can be
segmented based on an amount of time lapsed between input actions,
or based on use of certain styluses or wands. The users can scroll
through the saved screens from multiple sessions or through the
recorded strokes from a single session. One of ordinary skill in
the art can appreciate the myriad different ways of capturing
and/or displaying information written to the white board.
[0041] When used as an information board, information can be
electronically delivered to the podium rather than locally written
to the display screen. For example, a professor can send a sick
note from home announcing to her class that she will be out for the
day, or the professor can post course grades from her vacation spot
in Tuscany. Such a feature could provide benefits over email. For
example, if the professor's illness is sudden, she can be assured
that her illness will be communicated to the entire classroom, or
if student email accounts expire, she can be sure that information
is accessible. Further, the information board can display
information for general public viewing, such as schedule changes,
etc.
[0042] Alternatively, when in a fully upright position, the display
panel 106 can act as an avatar for a presenter. In a remote podium
user mode, presentation controls and optionally environmental
controls are controlled remotely by the presenter from a user
interface. FIG. 6b is a close up of the display panel 106
configured in a remote podium user mode. As can be seen, a shoulder
and head shot of the presenter is displayed on the display panel
106. The high resolution digital camera 226 is pivoted in place
(manually or by motors within the hinge) so that the camera
captures an image of the audience from the perspective of a
presenter positioned behind the podium. The image of the audience
is sent via some remote transfer protocol to a remote desktop, as
shown in FIG. 6c. Further, the microphones 250 positioned on either
side of the now top of the screen pick up sounds from the audience,
which are also sent via the remote transfer protocol to the
presenter. The presenter can thus fully gauge a level of attention
of the audience and interact with the audience, for example in a
question-and-answer session. In one embodiment, the convertible
podium system 100 is sized so that when the display panel 106 is
displayed in an upright fashion, the size of the podium from floor
to full height is about 6'. Thus, the convertible podium system 100
presents an image of the remote presenter similar in size to a live
presenter, providing an anthropomorphic quality to the convertible
podium system 100. Speakers 252 on either side of the display
screen enhance the effect when used in addition to, or in
substitution of, a speaker system connected with the room. Whether
used in avatar mode, or white board mode, the image displayed on
the display screen is flipped as the display panel is pivoted to an
upright position.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 6c the user interface can include multiple
windows or frames providing multiple sources of information. The
user interface can be displayed on a desktop PC, a laptop, or
another podium. The portion of the screen surrounded by the dashed
line in FIG. 6c is the remote podium user interface, which includes
a desktop display and a remote site environmental control frame
with hot spots. The desktop display appears as it would on the
display screen of the podium if the presenter were present at the
podium. The desktop shown in the figure includes a presentation
window displaying a slide from the presentation. The remote site
environmental control frame provides an image or model of the
remote site, including aspects of the environment that can be
remotely controlled by the presenter, e.g., the lighting, the
projection or display screen, the speaker system. The right side of
the user interface displays live camera images. The top window
displays an image captured by the high resolution digital camera
connected with the display panel 106. For example, the image shown
in FIG. 6c is of the target audience for the presentation. The
second image displayed below the remote audience image is an image
of the presenter as shown on the display screen of the display
panel 106. Controls provided for controlling the podium camera and
a position of the display panel 106 are provided in the lower right
hand corner. The user interface shown in FIG. 6c is only one
example of how information can be organized and displayed. In other
embodiments, more or fewer windows or frames can be displayed. For
example, where a much larger monitor is used for the user
interface, additional windows can be provided to display additional
camera views of a single audience, or multiple audience views for
appearing on multiple podiums at multiple presentation sites.
[0044] In one embodiment the user interface can include a control
overlay allowing a presenter to simply touch the displayed controls
to operate remotely the podium features for which the controls are
associated. Further, with a control overlay the presenter need only
touch an object displayed on the remote site environmental control
frame to control the object. For example, the presenter can touch
the speakers to gain control of the presentation volume at the
remote site. In other embodiment a presenter can use a mouse to
activate controls displayed on the user interface. In still other
embodiments, remote podium and camera controls can be operated via
a keyboard or some other input. One of ordinary skill in the art
can appreciate the myriad different ways of remotely controlling
the podium and podium camera.
[0045] In addition to the features described above, the convertible
podium system 100 can have numerous other features to enhance the
professional appearance of a presentation. For example, FIG. 7 is a
perspective view of the convertible podium system 100 having a
plurality of proximity sensors positioned on the frame and/or base
of the convertible podium system 100. A proximity sensor can
comprise an optical LED sensor triggered by the presence or absence
of a presenter. In other embodiments, the proximity sensors can
comprise an RF or other type sensor, that can be triggered, for
example, by a pin worn by the presenter when the presenter comes
within a certain range (and direction) of the podium. The proximity
sensors can operate such that when a presenter triggers the
proximity sensor the convertible podium system can activate a
speaker system, activate a microphone, and/or activate certain
control circuitry. When the presenter physically leaves the area,
and after a time has passed with no activity detected by the
proximity sensors, the microphones, speaker system, etc. can be
deactivated. Alternatively, once the proximity sensors detect the
presenter, the functions activated can stay activated until the
presenter manually reactivates a "sleep mode". There are myriad
different ways in which proximity sensors can be employed to
enhance a presentation. For example, as the presenter approaches, a
signal from the proximity sensors can be programmed to dim the
lights in the auditorium, and raise the LED lights of the lower
portion. The features activated by the proximity sensors, just as
with the modular control units, can be fully customized to activate
and respond in a particular way for a particular presenter. Where
the proximity sensors are activated by a pin or other token, such a
token can be programmed to identify the presenter to the podium,
thereby allowing the podium to activate features as desired by the
presenter. One of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate the
myriad ways in which features of the podium can be integrated and
controlled to produce a tight, well executed presentation.
[0046] The foregoing description of preferred embodiments of the
present invention has been provided for the purposes of
illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many
modifications and variations will be apparent to one of ordinary
skill in the relevant arts. The embodiments were chosen and
described in order to best explain the principles of the invention
and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in
the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and
with various modifications that are suited to the particular use
contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be
defined by the claims and their equivalence.
* * * * *