INTEGRATED INFORMATION PRESENTATION SYSTEM WITH ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS

• US 20070162858A1
• Filed: 03/19/2007
• Published: 07/12/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 11/05/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Speakeasy Incorporated (Fusion Connect, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Speakeasy Incorporated (Fusion Connect, Inc.)
• Inventors: Hurley, Gerald, Lamb, Francis, Andrews, Earle, Lamb, Edward
• Granted Patent: US 7,714,802 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 715/732
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 2320/06 Adjustment of display parameters
• CPC Class Codes: G09G 5/00 Control arrangements or circuits for visual indicators common to cathode-ray tube indicators and other visual indicators image data processing or generation, in general G06T

Abstract

An integrated information presentation system that includes environmental controls is described that at least enhances the experience of giving or viewing a presentation. During the giving of a presentation, multiple controls are available in the system which enable the presenter to have direct control of the presentation environment. The system, for example, makes it easier to give presentations, both public and private, using computer-aided text, images, and sounds, yet it is far from just a tool to be used during these events themselves. Using this system, it is possible, for example, for presenters to practice a presentation before actually giving it, to transmit a presentation, either pre-recorded or live, from a remote location(s), to record a presentation for later distribution, to view a pre-recorded or live presentation from a remote location(s), or to upload a video or audio message to a website. This system is also equipped, for example, with a stylus, a remote control, and an interface device to enable a handheld computing device to be used as a remote, or even as the source for presentations themselves. This system includes a combination of, for example, an exemplary integrated information presentation device (also known as a “PowerPodium”), an Integrated Presentation Environment Assembly with Controls (also known as a “Presentation Booth”), an information display device system (also known as a “PDA Device”), a stylus, and a remote control.

Claims

1. An information display system comprising:

a presentation device capable of displaying a presentation and maintaining status information;

an environmental control module adapted to adjust one or more environmental controls;

a messaging system capable of receiving messages from one or more audience members; and

a detachable presenter unit that is at least capable being in communication with the presentation device and is at least capable of controlling one or more functions of the presentation device.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a rehearsal booth that is adapted to emulate one or more functions of the information display system.

3. The system of claim 1, further comprising a broadcasting system that is capable of distributing the presentation to a plurality of locations.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more profiles that specify a particular set of environmental controls.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the messaging system receives electronic messages form one or more audience members, one or more of these electronic messages being displayed in a messaging center.

6. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more of an active or passive pointing stylus.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a presentation loading system adapted to receive one or more presentations from one or more of a recorded media, a wireless transmission, a wired transmission and a rehearsal booth.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the presentation device comprises a primary screen and a secondary screen, the primary screen displaying a presenter view and the secondary screen displaying a present view.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a distributed network access device.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the environmental controls comprise at least one of lighting controls, temperature controls, shade controls, volume controls, microphone controls, screen controls, fan controls and automated hardware controls.

11. The system of claim 1, further comprising a recording system.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the environmental control module utilizes an identification scheme to identify specific environmental controls.

13. The system of claim 1, further comprising a detachable presenter locating device.

14. A presentation method comprising:

loading a presentation;

adjusting one or more environmental controls;

initializing a messaging system;

initializing a remote presenter unit;

practicing a presentation in a presentation emulation device; and

presenting a presentation at a presentation device.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising starting a recording mode.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising receiving electronic communications from one or more audience members.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising accessing a distributed network from the presentation device.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the environmental controls comprise at least one of lighting controls, temperature controls, shade controls, volume controls, microphone controls, screen controls, fan controls and automated hardware controls.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising controlling aspects of the presentation with the remote presenter unit.

20. An information display system comprising:

means for displaying a presentation and maintaining status information;

means for adjusting one or more environmental controls;

means for receiving messages from one or more audience members; and

means for remotely controlling one or more functions of the presentation device.