U.S. patent number RE38,284 [Application Number 08/985,814] was granted by the patent office on 2003-10-21 for computer-assisted interactive method and apparatus for making a multi-media presentation.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Information Presentation Solutions Development, Inc.. Invention is credited to David Allen, Brian Leader, Thomas Reiter.
United States Patent |
RE38,284 |
Allen , et al. |
October 21, 2003 |
Computer-assisted interactive method and apparatus for making a
multi-media presentation
Abstract
A computer-assisted method for presenting a multi-media
plurality of elements. Each element, including, for example, video
images, still images and documents, is stored by assigned index
number in an appropriate input device such as a VHS recorder or
laser disk reader (video and stills) or an optical or magnetic disk
reader (documents). The input devices are addressed by such index
numbers to thereby call up and display selected elements in a
WINDOWS format. The format is adjustable from a basic default
setting to enable the user to customize frames prior to entry into
a script buffer. Thereafter the script buffer is addressable,
permitting the frames constituting the presentation to be entered
into a script file in a preferred presentation sequence. The
presentation is made by addressing the script file to recall
selected frames. The method allows the user to preview flames one
at a time and allows the user to reformat each frame prior to
public display.
Inventors: |
Allen; David (Van Nuys, CA),
Leader; Brian (Sunland, CA), Reiter; Thomas (Sherman
Oaks, CA) |
Assignee: |
Information Presentation Solutions
Development, Inc. (Los Angeles, CA)
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Family
ID: |
25493355 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/985,814 |
Filed: |
December 5, 1997 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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952919 |
Sep 28, 1992 |
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Reissue of: |
271237 |
Jul 6, 1994 |
05473744 |
Dec 5, 1995 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
715/273;
715/723 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09B
5/065 (20130101); G06F 16/40 (20190101); G09B
5/14 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G06F
17/30 (20060101); G09B 5/00 (20060101); G09B
5/06 (20060101); G09B 5/14 (20060101); G06F
017/21 () |
Field of
Search: |
;345/302,115,329,723
;707/501 ;715/500.1 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Other References
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Yager, "Live from IBM-It's Storyboard"BYTE (Feb. 1991), pp. 128 and
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News (Jul. 1990), pp. 79-80.* .
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.
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MediaMaker", BYTE (Sep. 1991), pp. 302-304.* .
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1989), pp. 250-251.* .
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Media", SHARE Europe Proceedings (1990), pp. 193-200.* .
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No. 9 (Sep. 1989), pp. 92-102..
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Primary Examiner: Hong; Stephen S.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Irell & Manella, LLP
Parent Case Text
This application is a continuation of application Ser. No.
07/952,919, filed Sep. 28, 1992, now abandoned.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An interactive method for making a presentation comprising
visual elements selected from text, graphics, still and motion
video on at least one remote passive computer display comprising
the steps of: a) assembling said visual elements by (i) assigning a
unique index to each of said elements and (ii) loading each of said
elements into a predetermined input device by said unique index,
(iii) then repeating steps i and ii until said visual elements have
been indexed and loaded, then (iv) addressing said input devices by
selected index members so that selected elements are displayed at
discrete, addressable sections on a first active computer display,
then (v) viewing said selected elements on said first active
computer display, then (vi) making a select/reject decision with
respect to each of said displayed elements, then (vii) repeating
steps iv through vi until a frame comprising at least one visual
element located at a predetermined discrete addressable section
thereof is formed; then b) storing said frame in a script buffer;
and then c) repeating steps a and b until a plurality of frames
constituting a presentation is accumulated in said buffer; then d)
displaying said presentation on a second active computer display by
recalling a predetermined frame from said buffer; then e) reviewing
said frame on said second active computer display while blanking
said frame on at least one remote passive computer display, then f)
independently addressing said discrete sections for said frame;
then g) selectively editing said visual elements of said frame;
then h) displaying said selectively adjusted frame on said at least
one remote passive computer display; and then i) repeating steps d
through g until a predetermined presentation has been displayed on
said at least one remote computer display.
2. An interactive method as defined in claim 1 wherein the step of
selectively editing further includes the steps of: a) editing the
number of elements displayed on an element-by-element basis; b)
editing the sizes of said elements displayed on an
element-by-element basis; c) editing the relative positions of said
elements on an element-by-element basis; d) editing the zoom level
of each of said elements on an element-by-element basis; and e)
editing the timing of element displays within said frame on an
element-by-element basis.
3. An interactive method as defined in claim 2 further including
the step of arranging said plurality of frames into a selected
script sequence.
4. An interactive method as defined in claim 3 further including
the step of storing said selected script sequence in a script
file.
5. An interactive method as defined in claim 4 wherein the step of
arranging said frame further includes the steps of: a) calling up a
scrollbar on said user display device; and then b) entering said
adjustments.
6. An interactive method as defined in claim 1 wherein the step of
selectively displaying said frame further includes the step of
enabling said at least one remote passive computer display.
7. An interactive method as defined in claim 6 wherein said steps
of selectively blanking and enabling further include the step of
controlling said at least one passive remote computer display by
means of an on/off switch.
8. An interactive method as defined in claim 1 further including
the steps of: a) providing said second active computer display to a
user; and b) providing a first remote passive computer display to a
fact finder; and c) providing a second remote passive computer
display to an opposing counsel whereby said presentation is made in
a courtroom.
9. Interactive apparatus for making a presentation comprising
visual elements selected from text, graphics, still and motion
video on at least one remote passive computer display comprising,
in combination: a) means for assembling said visual elements
including (i) means for assigning a unique index to each of said
elements, (ii) a plurality of input devices for receiving said
indexed elements, (iii) means for loading each of said elements
into preselected ones of said input devices, (iv) means for
addressing said input devices by selected index numbers to recall
selected elements, (v) a first active display for displaying said
recalled elements at discrete, addressable sections thereof and
(vi) means for making a select/reject decision with respect to each
of said displayed elements; b) a script buffer for storing at least
one frame comprising selected visual elements; c) a second active
computer display; d) means for recalling predetermined frames from
said script buffer for review on said second active computer
display; and e) means associated with said second active computer
display for selectively blanking a frame on said at least one
remote passive computer display; f) means for independently
addressing said discrete addressable sections of said recalled
frames; g) means for selectively editing said discrete sections of
said frame; and h) means for selectively displaying said edited
frames on said at least one remote passive computer display.
10. Interactive apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein said means
for selectively adjusting includes means for selectively arranging
the format of said addressed elements.
11. Interactive apparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said means
for assembling further includes: a) means for selecting the number
of elements displayed; b) means for selecting the sizes of said
elements displayed; c) means for selecting the relative positions
of said elements; d) means for selecting the zoom level of each of
said elements; and e) means for selecting the timing of element
displays within said frames.
12. Interactive apparatus as defined in claim 9 further including
means for arranging said plurality of frames into a selected script
sequence.
13. Interactive apparatus as defined in claim 12 further including
a script file for storing said selected script sequence.
14. Interactive apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein said means
for selectively blanking comprises an on/off switch.
15. Interactive apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein said means
for arranging comprises a scrollbar..Iadd.
16. An interactive method for making a customized presentation on a
first computer display based upon a prepared script file containing
a plurality of frames, at least one of the plurality of frames
including at least one uniquely addressable visual element, the
prepared script file interactively created by retrieving the at
least one visual element and displaying the at least one visual
element at a discrete addressable section on the first computer
display and allowing one or more visual elements to be iteratively
added to or deleted from the first computer display, the method
comprising: reviewing the at least one frame on a second computer
display while blanking the at least one frame on the first computer
display; interactively editing the at least one frame on the second
computer display; and displaying the at least one edited frame on
the first computer display..Iaddend..Iadd.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein interactively editing the at
least one frame on the second computer display comprises at least
one of the following: editing a number of elements displayed;
editing a size of at least one of the elements displayed; editing a
relative position between the elements displayed; editing a zoom
level of at least one of the elements displayed; and editing a
timing of at least one element display..Iaddend..Iadd.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: selectively
changing an order of the plurality of frames for display on the
first computer display..Iaddend..Iadd.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein selectively changing the order
of the plurality of frames comprises at least one of the following:
deleting at least one of the plurality of frames from being
displayed on the first computer display; and selecting any frame
from the plurality of frames for display on the first computer
display..Iaddend..Iadd.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein each of the at least one visual
element comprises one of the following: text graphics, still and
motion video..Iaddend..Iadd.
21. The method of claim 16, wherein reviewing comprises: reviewing
at least one frame of the plurality of frames on the second
computer display while blanking, the at least one frame on a
plurality of computer displays including the first computer
display; and wherein displaying comprises: displaying the at least
one edited frame on the plurality of computer displays including
the first computer display..Iaddend..Iadd.
22. The method of claim 16, wherein interactively editing the at
least one frame comprises: interactively altering display
parameters of the at least one frame..Iaddend..Iadd.
23. The method of claim 16, wherein reviewing the at least one
frame comprises: reviewing the at least one frame on the second
computer display while blanking the at least one frame on the first
computer display using a switch..Iaddend..Iadd.
24. The method of claim 16, wherein interactively editing the at
least one frame on the second computer display comprises:
interactively editing one or more discrete sections of the at least
one frame on the second computer display..Iaddend..Iadd.
25. The method of claim 16, further comprising one or more of the
following prior to reviewing: making previously recorded real time
and stored video images and stored documents available for
retrieval as visual elements in accordance with unique index
numbers; viewing available visual elements to select elements for
inclusion in said frames in accordance with unique index numbers;
and selecting a sequence of frames to form said plurality of frames
for presentation..Iaddend..Iadd.
26. An interactive system for making a customized presentation on a
first computer display based upon a prepared script file containing
a plurality of frames, at least one of the plurality of frames
including at least one uniquely addressable visual element, the
prepared script file interactively created by retrieving the at
least one visual element and displaying the at least one visual
element at a discrete addressable section on the first computer
display and allowing one or more visual elements to be iteratively
added to or deleted from the first computer display, the stem
comprising: means for reviewing the at least one frame on a second
computer display while blanking the at least one frame on the first
computer display; means for interactively editing the at least one
frame on the second computer display; and means for displaying the
at least one edited frame on the first computer
display..Iaddend..Iadd.
27. The system of claim 26, wherein the means for interactively
editing the at least one frame on the second computer display
comprises at least one of the following: means for editing a number
of elements displayed; means for editing size of at least one of
the elements displayed; means for editing a relative position
between the elements displayed; means for editing a zoom level of
at least one of the elements displayed; and means for editing a
timing of at least one element display..Iaddend..Iadd.
28. The system of claim 26, further comprising: means for
selectively changing an order of the plurality of frames for
display on the first computer display..Iaddend..Iadd.
29. The system of claim 28, wherein the means for selectively
changing the order of the plurality of frames comprises at least
one of the following: means for deleting at least one of the
plurality of frames from being displayed on the first computer
display; and means for selecting any frame from the plurality of
frames for display on the first computer
display..Iaddend..Iadd.
30. The system of claim 26 wherein each of the at least one visual
element comprises one of the following: text, graphics, still and
motion video..Iaddend..Iadd.
31. The system of claim 26, wherein means for reviewing comprises:
means for reviewing at least one frame of the plurality of frames
on the second computer display while selectively blanking the at
least one frame on a plurality of computer displays including the
first computer display; and wherein means for displaying comprises:
means for displaying the at least one edited frame on the plurality
of computer displays including the first computer
display..Iaddend..Iadd.
32. The system of claim 26, wherein means for interactively editing
the at least one frame comprises: means for interactively modifying
display parameters of the at least one frame..Iaddend..Iadd.
33. The system of claim 26, wherein means for reviewing the at
least one frame comprises: means for reviewing the at least one
frame on the second computer display while blanking the at least
one frame on the first computer display means of a
switch..Iaddend..Iadd.
34. The system of claim 26, wherein means for interactively editing
the at least one frame on the second computer display comprises:
means for interactively editing one or more discrete sections of
the at least one frame on the second computer
display..Iaddend..Iadd.
35. The system of claim 26, further comprising: means for making
previously recorded real time and stored video images and stored
documents available for retrieval as visual elements in accordance
with unique index numbers; means for viewing available visual
elements to select elements for inclusion in said frames in
accordance with unique index numbers; and means for selecting a
sequence of frames to form said plurality of frames for
presentation..Iaddend..Iadd.
36. An interactive method for making a customized presentation on a
first computer display based upon a prepared script file containing
a plurality of frames, at least one of the plurality of frames
including at least one uniquely addressable visual element, the
prepared script file interactively created by retrieving the at
least one visual element and displaying the at least one visual
element at a discrete addressable section on the first computer
display and allowing one or more visual elements to be iteratively
added to or deleted from the first computer display, the method
comprising: reviewing the at least one frame on a second computer
display while blanking the at least one frame on the first computer
display; interactively altering one or more display parameters of
the at least one frame on the second computer display; and
displaying the at least one altered frame on the first computer
display..Iaddend..Iadd.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein interactively altering one or
more display parameters of the at least one frame comprises one or
more of the following: editing a number of elements displayed;
editing a size of at least one of the elements displayed editing a
relative position between the elements displayed; editing a zoom
level of at least one of the elements displayed; and editing the
timing of at least one of the elements
displayed..Iaddend..Iadd.
38. The method of claim 36, further comprising: selectively
changing an order of the plurality of frames for display on the
first computer display..Iaddend..Iadd.
39. The method of claim 38, wherein selectively changing the order
of the plurality of frames comprises at least one of the following:
deleting at least one of the plurality of frames from being
displayed on the first computer display; and selecting any frame
from the plurality of frames for display on the first computer
display..Iaddend..Iadd.
40. The method of claim 36, wherein each of the at least one visual
element comprises one of the following: text, graphics, still and
motion video..Iaddend..Iadd.
41. The method of claim 36, wherein reviewing comprises: reviewing
at least one frame of the plurality of frames on the second
computer display while blanking the at least one frame on a
plurality of computer displays including, the first computer
display; and wherein displaying comprises: displaying the at least
one altered frame on the plurality of computer displays including
the first computer display..Iaddend..Iadd.
42. The method of claim 36, wherein reviewing the at least one
frame comprises: reviewing the at least one frame on the second
computer display while blanking the at least one frame on the first
computer display using a switch..Iaddend..Iadd.
43. The method of claim 36, further comprising one or more of the
following prior to making said presentation: making previously
recorded real time and stored video images and stored documents
available for retrieval as visual elements in accordance with
unique index numbers; viewing available visual elements to select
elements for inclusion in said frames in accordance with unique
index numbers; and selecting a sequence of frames to form said
plurality of frames for presentation..Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a computer-assisted method for
making a presentation drawn from a plurality of visual media. More
particularly, this invention pertains to such a method that permits
user/machine interaction in the design and programming of a
multi-media presentation and user/machine/audience interaction in
its delivery.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The presentation of information is an essential educational and
persuasive function of commerce. The prepared or formal narrated
audio-visual presentation is a ubiquitous adjunct of modern-day
sales of both goods and services and the development of this hybrid
of technology and psychology continues unabated, seeking and
finding new applications on a more or less continual basis.
Generally, audio-visual presentations have been limited to text and
images; that is, stills, graphs and the like. This is in
recognition of the fact that some information is mote usefully
presented in at least a partially visual manner. Systems for making
such presentations include the overhead projector, the television
monitor, the slide projector and related technologies.
A primary use of audio-visual information presentation is advocacy.
While the use of visual media can provide dramatic effects, command
of the viewer's attention is a constant preoccupation of a
presenter. For this reason, audio-visual presentations should be as
unencumbered as possible with technology-imposed pauses or "breaks"
that can cause a viewer to become fatigued thereby limiting his
attention span. Also, even a "smooth" presentation, if poorly
designed, may lose the audience's attention through internal
aesthetic illogic and/or incompatibility with the dynamic "mood" of
the audience. Thus, in both the creation and delivery of an
effective presentation, the speaker or advocate should possess
maximum flexibility of action. Computer-assisted systems frequently
provide additional tools but fail to permit the user to address
important audience psychology issues.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a
computer-assisted method and associated apparatus for designing and
displaying a multi-media visual presentation that provides the user
with the flexibility to review throughout both processes so that
the eventual presentation is capable of capturing and holding the
audience's attention.
It is another object of this invention to provide a method and
apparatus that achieves the preceding object by interactive
techniques.
It is yet another object of this invention to achieve the
above-listed object by means of a computerized scheme that permits
the amplification editing of both presentation frames and script
throughout.
The preceding and other objects are achieved by the invention which
provides, in a first aspect, a method for presenting a multi-media
plurality of visual elements. The method is begun by assigning a
unique index to each of the elements and loading each element by
such index into a predetermined input device. The input devices are
addressed so that selected elements are displayed. A select/reject
decision is then made with respect to the displayed elements and
the process is repeated until a frame comprising at least one
visual element is completed. The frame is then stored in a script
buffer and the process is repeated until a plurality of frames
constituting a presentation is accumulated in the buffer.
A predetermined frame is then selected and displayed in a selected
format. This process is repeated until the presentation is
finished.
In a second aspect, the invention provides apparatus for presenting
a multi-media plurality of visual elements. Such apparatus includes
means for assigning a unique index to each of the elements. A
plurality of input devices is provided as is means for loading each
of the elements into preselected ones of the input devices.
Means are provided for addressing the input devices so that
selected elements are recalled and for displaying the recalled
elements. Means are additionally provided for making a
select/reject decision with respect to each of the displayed
elements so that at least one frame comprising a plurality of
elements is formed.
Means are additionally provided for storing the frames and for
recalling predetermined ones thereof. Finally, means are provided
for displaying the frames in a preselected format.
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention
will become apparent from the detailed description that follows.
Such description is accompanied and illustrated by a set of drawing
figures. Numerals of the drawings, corresponding to those of the
written description, point to the features of the invention. Like
numerals refer to like features throughout both the written
description and the drawing figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates an application of the present invention to
courtroom advocacy;
FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the subsystem for
constructing a presentation in accordance with the method of the
invention;
FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the subsystem for delivering
a presentation in accordance with the method of the invention;
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of the process for constructing a
presentations and
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the process for delivering a
presentation in accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an application of the
present invention to courtroom advocacy. As shown and discussed
below, the method is adapted in the arrangement of FIG. 1 to
enhance the effective presentation of documentary evidence to a
judge 10 and/or other trier of fact such as a jury (not shown) who
may view it on a conveniently-positioned CRT-type display 12. A
second display device 14, associated CPU 18, input device such as a
keyboard 20 and a switching panel 21 for "previewing" purposes
(discussed below) are located at the command table of an
attorney/user 16. Also illustrated in the figure as an additional
system option and capability arc a large screen video projector 23
and a courtroom mounted television camera 25. The large screen
projector 23 may be particularly useful for the presentation of
video evidence to a jury (not shown) while the camera 25, which may
comprise part of either a super VGA digital (for display on a
computer-type screen) or an analog (for display on a CRT type
screen) system may be usefully employed in a courtroom setting as
the system described below can be readily extended to support real
time video applications such as the taping of witness testimony (on
the stand) and for telecommunications. The extension of the
invention to such real time video applications readily follows, and
will be apparent from the structure of the system as described
below.
Returning to the "base" configuration, the CPU 18 (which includes
memory) is electronically and functionally coupled to the display
12 of the judge 10 and to a third display 22 located at the counsel
table of the opposing attorney 24. Neither the opposing attorney 24
nor the judge 10 has access to the input keyboard 20 and, thus,
neither can control the images that appear on their "passive"
displays. Furthermore, the switching panel 21 permits the
attorney/use 16 to selectively "blank" both the court's and the
opposing counsel's display screens.
An examining attorney 26 can control the timing of the sequence of
frames forming the presentation by means of a hand-held "mouse" or
"clicker" 28. Alternatively, the sequence may be controlled by the
attorney/user 16 through manipulation of the keyboard 20 or other
input device. The sequence of frames forming a presentation may be
selected by any number of criteria. Such criteria will often depend
upon the type of application. In a courtroom setting, for example,
the frame sequence and timing may be dictated by the order in which
the examining counsel 26 plans to present documents 30 to a witness
32. (Alternatively, the witness might be provided with a separate
passive display device.) This will give attorneys, witnesses and
the trier of fact the benefit of numerous clarifying visual
effects. Variations and mixtures of such courtroom arrangements
are, of course, possible. For example, each attorney and witness
can be provided with both a display and a hard copy of all
documentary evidence with the exception of evidence, such as motion
video, that is inappropriate for presentation via hard copy. Local
evidentiary rules and constraints, along with the parties'
stipulations, will dictate acceptable system and method variations.
Non-courtroom presentations, whether of legal documents or
otherwise, will call for other criteria.
While the system as illustrated in FIG. 1 is integrated into a
courtroom setting, it will be appreciated from the discussion that
follows that it may be readily adapted to any type of presentation,
providing the benefits of computer-assisted user/machine/audience
interaction to numerous applications of the technology. General
business presentations will oftentimes benefit from the resulting
ease of observation of a cohesive and well-coordinated custom
designed and displayed presentation in accordance with the methods
disclosed herein.
FIG. 2 is a block schematic diagram that illustrates the main
elements of the subsystem for constructing a presentation in
accordance with the method of the present invention. A
conventional, preferably manually operable, index/coding means 33
is provided for assigning a unique "index number" identification to
each visual element. The index/coding means is operationally
engaged to various devices for storing "candidate" visual elements
for possible inclusion in the attorney's presentation. As shown in
the figure, these include, but are not limited to, a video storage
means 35 such as a laser disk for storage of video and still
elements .[.and camera/real time video input device 25..].
,.Iadd.and a document storage means 37 such as an optical
disk..Iaddend.
Once the elements stored in means 35 and 37 have been assigned
index number they become addressable by those index numbers for
input to the presentation system. Various conventional input
devices are provided for retrieval of the prepared and indexed
visual effects by index number. Representative input devices
include a laser disk player 34 for still and motion video images
and an optical disk player 36 for documents, each of which is
coupled to the appropriate storage means. Other known arrangements
are, of course, possible. For example, a VHS recorder can he
employed for storage of motion and still video information on a
video tape medium while a magnetic disk player may be employed for
retrieval of documents stored on magnetic disk.
A construction keyboard 38 permits the user to address the storage
means 35 and 37 by index numbers to call up the desired images for
eventual viewing on a conventional CRT display device 40. As can be
seen, the screen 42 of the display device 40 is configured in a
WINDOWS format whereby, by utilizing software of the type
commercially available from Videologic, Inc., the index-addressed
video images may be selectively displayed within desired WINDOWS
sections.
While a default display format is provided, this default setting of
the screen 42 may be overwritten to customize the design of the
screen by commands provided through the keyboard 38. A dynamic
buffer 44 accepts and stores the parameters that describe the
design (whether default or customized) of the screen 42.
A script buffer 46 receives digital inputs from the construction
keyboard 38 defining presentation "frames." Such data includes the
index numbers of selected visual elements and the parameters that
describe the design of the screen 42. Such data are entered into
the script buffer 46 as the screen display is designed while, upon
the entry of a "COMPLETE" or "END" command from the keyboard 38, a
hard disk/script file 48 stores the plurality of design frames that
comprise an entire presentation.
FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the subsystem for delivering
a presentation in accordance with the method of the invention. As
shown in FIG. 1, displays 12, 14 and 22 are provided for the court,
the user/attorney and the opposing attorney respectively. The
keyboard 20 communicates with the CPU 18, thereby permitting the
user/attorney to address the CPU 18. The hard disk or script file
48 that stores the plurality of custom-designed frames that define
the presentation is coupled to the CPU 18 as are the input devices
34 and 36. As a result, the user/attorney may manipulate the
presentation keyboard 20 so that selected presentation frames are
recalled from the script file 48. The index numbers and parameters
defining the design of the frame screens, may then be retrieved by
the CPU 18 to actuate the input devices 34 and 36. As a result, the
presentation frames may be viewed on the display devices 12, 14 and
22. The control switch 21, operable only by the user/attorney 16,
permits him to control (i.e. blank or view) the screens of the
display devices 12 and 22. This feature permits the user/attorney
16 to "preview" presentation frames prior to display, adding
additional flexibility to the system.
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of the process for constructing a
presentation in accordance with the invention. This process is
begun at step S-1 by the user addressing the various storage
devices such as the video storage means 35 and the document storage
means 37 by multi-media element index numbers to thereby specify
the visual elements that he wishes to try in a frame that is to be
part of the presentation. The elements are then input to the
appropriate image players 34 and 36 and displayed on the screen 42
of the display device 40 as shown at step S-2.
The user, as he views the addressed visual elements in the default
WINDOWS setting of the format of the screen 42 then determines at
step S-3 whether the grouping of elements "makes sense" as a single
presentation frame. Thus, he is continually given opportunities to
test and the retest element grouping for suitability. In the event
that he is not totally satisfied with the composition of a frame
under construction, he may proceed to step S-4 and choose to add or
delete visual elements from the frame under construction by
manipulating the keyboard 38 to address the storage devices 35 and
37.
Upon determining that a grouping of presentation frame elements is
satisfactory, the user proceeds to step S-5 to evaluate the
adequacy of the screen design under the default setting in terms of
such parameters as the number of elements displayed, their relative
sizes and positions, the "zoom" level of each element and the
timing of the display of the elements within the frame. In the
event that he wishes to customize the format of the screen 42, this
is done by addressing a display scrollbar that maybe call up (on
the screen 42) through the construction keyboard 38. The desired
modifications to the default settings of the screen 42 are entered
into the display scrollbar at step S-6. After the appropriate
modifications have been made, the user then proceeds to step S-7
where a CAPTURE command is entered through the construction
keyboard 38 and the description of the frame, including both
display parameters and element indices, is entered into the script
buffer 46.
The user then proceeds to step S-8 where an evaluation is made of
the completeness of the presentation. In the event that additional
frames are required, he will return to step S-1, choosing the
elements of the next frame by appropriate corresponding index
numbers and then proceed through the above-described screen display
design. When he is satisfied that a sufficient number of frames
have been designed for the presentation, he then proceeds to step
S-9 where the script may be rearranged in sequence. (The data
defined in presentation frames is initially entered into the script
buffer 46 sequentially by order of composition.) In the event that
the user wishes to reorder the frames, he may redefine their order,
rearranging the data within the script buffer 46 by entry of
appropriate commands through the keyboard 38 at step S-10. Once a
satisfactory order is arrived at, he then proceeds to step S-11 by
entering a command through the keyboard 38 to cause the data within
the script buffer 46 to be written to the hard disk 48 which acts
as the script file. Thus, as shown, the user is provided with a
systematic and interactive computer-assisted system for creating a
custom made presentation of the various multi-media elements
available for selection.
The delivery phase of the process may take place in a courtroom, a
boardroom or any one of innumerable settings. The user is not
limited to the designed script but rather possesses a substantial
degree of flexibility during delivery. This may be particularly
useful in a courtroom setting where one must be able to react to
unexpected developments.
Referring to the flow diagram of FIG. 5, the delivery process is
begun by the user/attorney 16 initializing the display screen at
step D-1 and addressing the system to open the script file stored
in the hard disk at step D-2. While a plurality of frames are
stored onto the hard disk 48 and coded in accordance with a
preferred presentation order, it is recognized that courtroom
developments, for example, could dictate a different order. Thus,
at step D-3 the user may address any frame within the script file
by identification number. Further, as mentioned with reference to
FIG. 3, the attorney/user 16 controls a switch 21 that controls the
screens of the displays of the court and the opposing attorney.
This permits frame previewing prior to display. With the screens of
the court and the opposing counsel blanked by the switch 21, the
user/attorney can display the selected frame at step D-4 on the
screen of his courtroom display device 14. This allows some "last
minute" rearrangement of the frame's design. At step D-5 the user
may choose to alter some of the settings defining the display
parameters by again calling up the display scrollbar and making the
appropriate adjustments at step D-6.
.Iadd.Such adjustments may include selecting the number of elements
displayed, selecting the sizes of the elements displayed, selecting
the relative positions of the elements, selecting the zoom level of
each of the elements, and/or selecting the timing of element
displays..Iaddend.
Having made any desired modifications to the frame parameters, the
user/attorney is still left with a choice as to whether the frame
is to be presented to the court and to the opposing attorney. At
step D-7 he may choose either to bypass presentation of the frame
or may present it to the court and to the opposing attorney by
changing the switch 21 at step D-8. After this decision has been
made, the attorney/user seated at his counsel table next ascertains
whether or not additional visual evidence, in the form of
presentation frames, is to be shown at step D-9. In the event that
the examination of a witness, for example, is complete, he may wish
to terminate at this point. Of course, since it is possible to
continue the previewing process without notice of the court or
opposing counsel, he may proceed with portions of the aforesaid
process even during argument or examination by the opposing
attorney. For this purpose, the switch 21 is in activated at step
D-10 to permit the attorney/user to continue to work without
disrupting or confusing either the court or the opposing attorney.
Of course, this permits the attorney/user to work without concern
about the opposing attorney looking "over his shoulder."
In the event that the attorney/user decides to continue, he
proceeds to step D-11 and chooses the next frame for previewing. In
the event that he has decided to vary the delivery from the
scripted presentation, he simply returns to step D-3, inputting the
next desired frame number. In the event that he wishes to continue
with the scripted presentation, he proceeds to step D-12, selecting
the next frame of the presentation as stored in the script file of
the hard disk 48.
By proceeding as above, it is seen that the user of the system is
provided with additional "on the spot" flexibility that permits him
to vary from the scripted order and, to a limited extent,
re-customize each frame prior to display. Thus, while the
interactive frame construction method of the prior figure provides
the user with a great deal of flexibility in designing a
presentation, the effect experienced by the viewing "audience"
whether it be attorneys, a judge, jurors or, in other contexts,
potential buyers, government officials or the like is not entirely
outside his control after the construction process has occurred.
Rather, one may readily adapt a carefully-design presentation to
the changing circumstances. For example, questions may arise during
a business presentation that would suggest some variance in the
order of frame presentation. This can be seen to be easily
accomplished by the method of the invention as described with
reference to FIG. 5.
Thus it is seen that the present invention provides an improved
method for presenting a plurality of multi-media elements. By
employing the teachings of the invention, which may be directly
adapted to many fields of endeavor including law, business,
medicine, government or any medium in which advocacy is required
or, for that matter, to fields such as education which do not
necessary fall within the bounds of advocacy, the user is provided
with a powerful tool that enables him to carefully design a
presentation that will capture the audience's attention.
Furthermore, one may "fine tune" the designed presentation at the
moment it is viewed, providing another tool to maximize the
effectiveness of a visual presentation.
Whereas the interactive presentation system (marketed under the
trademark "IPS") disclosed herein includes numerous hardware
components that, apart from the system, function in conventional
manners well known in the art, when combined (and driven by
appropriate software module that are also well known in the art), a
unique system function design process of total interactive display
is achieved. The basic system is readily amenable to useful
extensions such as the real time video applications discussed
above. This can be achieved by employing a PC VCR, controlled by
the IPS software, that allows the re-recording of pre-scripted
video, real time video, scripted documents, annotated documents and
scripted presentation for re-review on standard VHS players.
While this invention has been presented in its presently preferred
embodiment, it is not limited thereto. Rather, this invention is
limited only insofar as defined by the following set of patent
claims and includes within its scope all equivalents thereof.
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