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Means for enhancing the productivity of video telecommunication systems

  • US 5,443,076 A
  • Filed: 05/22/1992
  • Issued: 08/22/1995
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/22/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An improvement in video, telecommunication systems wherein geographically spaced conference stations are interconnected by telephone, television and computer lines enabling such systems to be more productive by functioning on an essentially real time basis, said improvement comprising the provision at each conference station of:

  • a. television screen means arranged at one end of the conference station,b. at least one work area at the opposite end of the conference station, each comprising a desk housing,c. versatile television camera means including means for quickly switching between an adjustment for panoramic viewing of a group of conferees, and separate enlarged viewing of individual conferees, said camera means including means for projecting a signal to the remote conference station,d. means for illumination of the occupants of the work areas including a plurality of variable light source means aimed at respective ones of said work areas for illumination of the occupant thereof, with each light source containing individually variable white light and red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet light sources,e. electronic equipment means, said electronic equipment means including versatile EEG facility means for monitoring brain functioning of the conferees, a variable synthetic sound generator and modulator means for correlating ranges of frequencies of the output of said variable synthetic sound generator with corresponding color lights of said means for illumination,f. a compartment at each work area housing;

    (1) a head set for pre-conference use in selecting optimum light and sound adjustment for the occupant, providing left and right temporal EEG leads and an ear piece coupled with the variable sound generator, and(2) a small ear suspended unit for in-conference use on the left ear providing a left temporal EEG lead and linkage to the variable sound generator,g. a versatile computer interconnecting with the EEG inputs and variable light sources for each work area, and with the television screens and television camera means, and with the remote conference station, andh. each work area having a control panel including inter alia;

    (1) a first button to be activated during pre-conference mode, and(2) a second button to be activated during the conference mode,respective desk housings adapted to accommodate participating conferees in each conference station prior to the beginning of a conference, a respective conferee positioning the head set for pre-conference use at his work station on his head, said EEG leads connected to said versatile computer whereby said versatile computer monitors the brain functioning of the conferee when the conferee activates said first button, said computer operably connected to said means for illumination and said variable synthetic sound generator, whereupon when the conferee activates said first button, said computer, responsive to the detected brain functioning of the conferee, adjusts said means for illumination and said variable synthetic sound generator so as to stimulate the conferee until the conferee achieves both a high level of alpha rhythm functioning, and as close as possible, a conformance between the alpha rhythm functioning in the left and right hemispheres of the conferee'"'"'s brain, all as monitored by said versatile computer, said versatile computer recording for subsequent conference use the necessary data including those adjustments of said means for illumination and said variable synthetic sound generator necessary to achieve the high level of alpha rhythm functioning and the closest possible conformance between the alpha rhythm functioning in the left and right hemispheres,said conferee during said conference mode with said small ear suspended unit positioned on the left ear and said second button activated, enabling said versatile computer through said left temporal EEG lead to monitor the brain functioning of the left hemisphere of the individual conferee, said versatile computer comparing the brain functioning EEG readings during the conference to the recorded data stored therein based upon the pre-conference readings to thereafter adjust said means for illumination and said variable synthetic sound generator as necessary to achieve as close as possible the previously determined alpha rhythm functioning level established prior to the conference,said television screen means providing the multiple functions of;

    (1) during pre-conference mode, displaying for individual conferees, graphics and data meaningful in the pre-conference adjustment of light and sound sources, and(2) during conference mode, displaying on one screen interchangable panoramic views and enlarged individual views of conferees at the remote station, and on the other a divided projection displaying at the top the visual aids as used by both stations, and in a small lower section a running graphic comparison of the level of alpha rhythm brain functioning of conferees at both stations, whereby the improved system, when functioning as intended, is assuring enhanced conference productivity so long as the projected alpha rhythm patterns of both stations are in substantial conformance, and indicating a breakdown in conference productivity if the projected alpha rhythm patterns assume and maintain non-conforming configurations.

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