Personal control apparatus and method for sharing information in a collaborative workspace

• US 9,492,008 B2
• Filed: 09/23/2015
• Issued: 11/15/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 10/12/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Steelcase Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Steelcase Incorporated
• Inventors: Epstein, Lewis, Kincaid, Brett, Yoo, Hyun, Stage, Suzanne, Scherrer, Lukas, Cheng, Larry
• Primary Examiner(s): Chen, Jose V
• Application Number:
  US14/862,674
• Publication Number:
  US 20160028993A1
• Time in Patent Office: 419 Days
• Field of Search: 108/50.01, 108/50.02, 108/23, 348/14.07, 348/14.05, 348/14.1, 348/705, 348/E5.057, 312/196, 312/223.1, 312/223.5, 312/223.6, 312/223.3
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 13/08 Table tops; Rims therefor not restricted to table tops A47B95/04
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2021/066 with power or communication connection interface
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2083/003 Table combination having a central power access component
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 2083/006 having an incorporated display screen
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/00 Tables or desks for office equipment, e.g. typewriters, keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 21/06 characterised by means for holding, fastening or concealing cables
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 37/00 Tables adapted for other particular purposes glass cutting tables C03B33/03
• CPC Class Codes: A47B 83/001 Office desks or work-stations combined with other pieces of furniture, e.g. work space management systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1647 including at least an additional display G06F1/1692 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0481 based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1423 controlling a plurality of local displays, e.g. CRT and flat panel display
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1446 display composed of modules, e.g. video walls
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/147 using display panels
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/268 Signal distribution or switching
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/64 Constructional details of receivers, e.g. cabinets or dust covers furniture aspects of television cabinets A47B81/06
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/66 Transforming electric information into light information scanning details H04N3/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/104 Switchers or splitters
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/142 Constructional details of the terminal equipment, e.g. arrangements of the camera and the display
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/147 Communication arrangements, e.g. identifying the communication as a video-communication, intermediate storage of the signals selecting H04Q
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/15 : Conference systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/183 : for receiving images from a single remote source

Abstract

A video source control assembly for use with at least a first display screen and a plurality of video source devices, the control assembly including a deck member forming a top surface and at least one cable passing opening, a switching device, a plurality of control cables, each control cable including first and second ends, each first end linkable to at least one source device and the second end linked to the switching device to provide video content thereto and a separate housing mounted to an intermediate portion of each of the control cables so that flexible portions of the associated control cable extend from the housing to each of the first and second ends, a separate selection button mounted in each of the housings that provides a control signal to the switching device causing the switching device to modify the content presented on the display screen, wherein, the portion of each cable between the housing and the second end passes through the cable passing opening and the housing has dimensions such that the housing is blocked from passing through the cable passing opening.

Claims

1. A conferencing assembly for use in a conferencing space having an ambient floor surface, the conferencing assembly having a configuration for sharing digital content among conferees, the configuration comprising:

a table assembly including;

(i) a substantially flat horizontal table top member having a table top surface and a table undersurface, the table top member further including a circumferential edge, the circumferential edge having at least one substantially straight rear edge section; and

(ii) a leg structure supporting the table top member above the ambient floor surface;

at least a first electronic flat panel display screen with a lower edge positioned adjacent the substantially straight rear edge section, the screen extending vertically upward from the lower edge providing a viewing surface viewable from locations about the circumferential edge of the table top member;

a switching device including a plurality of inputs and at least a first output, the first output linked to the at least a first display screen for presenting content thereon;

a plurality of control cables, each control cable including proximal and distal ends and intermediate sections between the proximal and distal ends, each distal end connected to one of the inputs of the switching device for providing content thereto, each control cable further including a connector at the proximal end for mechanically connecting the control cable to a video source device; and

a control interface operably linked to the switching device, the control interface including a plurality of control buttons, the control buttons including at least a separate first control button associated with each of the control cables, each control button selectable to switch between first and second different states and to provide control signals indicating the first and second states to the switching device;

wherein, the switching device controls content presented on the at least a first display screen based on control signals received from the control buttons.

2. The assembly of claim 1 further including an elongated and upright totem support structure for supporting the at least a first display screen adjacent the substantially straight rear edge section, the totem support structure including top and bottom ends and front and rear sides, the front side facing a space above the table top member, the at least a first display screen mounted to the front side of the totem support structure so that the viewing surface faces the space above the table top member.

3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the front side of the totem support structure is connected to the table assembly.

4. The assembly of claim 3 further including a bridge assembly having first and second ends, the first end connected to the table assembly and the second end connected to the front side of the totem support structure.

5. The assembly of claim 4 wherein the bridge assembly forms an internal channel for wire management.

6. The assembly of claim 5 wherein the leg structure includes a single vertical leg assembly having top and bottom ends and wherein the first end of the bridge assembly is connected to the leg assembly.

7. The assembly of claim 6 wherein the leg structure further includes a plurality of horizontal foot members that extend laterally outward from the bottom end of the leg assembly to distal ends, at least two of the distal ends connected to the bottom end of the totem support structure.

8. The assembly of claim 2 wherein the totem support structure includes a frame and front and rear cover members mounted to the frame, the rear cover member forming a rear external surface that extends substantially from the floor surface to the top end of the totem support structure, the front cover member extending substantially from the floor surface to a height proximate the lower edge of the at least a first display screen.

9. The assembly of claim 1 further including a wire management assembly, the wire management assembly including a plurality of members that together form at least one cavity having at least one opening, at least the intermediate sections of each control cable located within the cavity and each control cable moveable between a stowed position in which the proximal end of the control cable is located within the cavity and an extended position in which the proximal end of the control cable is pulled out and through the at least one opening to a location above the table top member for connection to a video source device.

10. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the wire management assembly is supported by the table assembly.

11. The assembly of claim 10 wherein the wire management assembly is supported by the tabletop member.

12. The assembly of claim 9 wherein the table top member forms a table top opening, the wire management assembly supported by the table top member with the cavity located below the table top member and accessible through the table top opening.

13. The assembly of claim 12 wherein the wire management assembly further includes at least a first cover member including a substantially flat top surface, the first cover member hingedly mounted to at least one member that forms the cavity, the cover member moveable between a closed position in which the cover member blocks at least a portion of the at least one opening and the top surface of the cover member is substantially co-planar with the top surface of the table top member and an open position in which the cover member is angled upward to allow access to the at least one opening.

14. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the control interface is connected to the table assembly.

15. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the control interface includes a separate housing member mounted proximate the proximal end of each of the control cables, each first control button mounted to a separate one of the housing members for movement therewith.

16. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the leg structure forms a cavity and wherein the switching device is mounted within the cavity formed by the leg structure.

17. The assembly of claim 1 further including at least a second flat panel electronic display screen with a lower edge positioned adjacent the substantially straight rear edge section, the second display screen extending vertically upward from the lower edge providing a viewing surface viewable from locations about the circumferential edge of the table top member, the second display screen arranged alongside the first display screen so that the front surfaces of the first and second display screens are substantially co-planar, the switching device including at least a second output linked to the second display screen for presenting content thereon, the control buttons provided by the control interface including at least a separate second control button associated with each of the control cables, each second control button selectable to switch between first and second different states and to provide control signals indicating the first and second states to the switching device, wherein, the switching device controls content presented on the second display screen based on control signals received from the second control buttons.

18. The assembly of claim 17 wherein the control interface further includes first and second visual indicators for each of the control cables, each first visual indicator indicating a first state while content from a source device linked to an associated control cable is not replicated on the first display screen and indicating a second state while content from the source device linked to the associated control cable is replicated on the first display screen, and each second visual indicator indicating a first state while content from a source device linked to an associated control cable is not replicated on the second display screen and indicating a second state while content from the source device linked to the associated control cable is replicated on the second display screen.

19. The assembly of claim 18 wherein each of the first and second visual indicators includes a light source, the first and second states indicated by first and second different illumination effects, respectively.

20. The assembly of claim 19 wherein the control cables include at least first, second, third and fourth control cables.

21. The assembly of claim 19 further including an elongated and upright totem support structure for supporting the at least a first display screen adjacent the substantially straight rear edge section, the totem support structure including top and bottom ends and front and rear sides, the front side facing a space above the table top member, the at least a first display screen mounted to the front side of the totem support structure so that the viewing surface faces the space above the table top member.

22. The assembly of claim 21 wherein the front side of the totem support structure is connected to the table assembly.

23. The assembly of claim 22 further including a bridge assembly having first and second ends, the first end connected to the table assembly and the second end connected to the front side of the totem support structure.

24. The assembly of claim 23 wherein the bridge assembly forms an internal channel for wire management.

25. The assembly of claim 19 further including a wire management assembly, the wire management assembly including a plurality of members that together form at least one cavity having at least one opening, at least the intermediate sections of each control cable located within the cavity and each control cable moveable between a stowed position in which the proximal end of the control cable is located within the cavity and an extended position in which the proximal end of the control cable is pulled out and through the at least one opening to a location above the table top member for connection to a video source device.

26. The assembly of claim 25 wherein the wire management assembly is supported by the table assembly.

27. The assembly of claim 26 wherein the wire management assembly is supported by the table top member.

28. The assembly of claim 27 wherein the table top member forms a table top opening, the wire management assembly supported by the table top member with the cavity located below the table top member and accessible through the table top opening.

29. The assembly of claim 28 wherein the wire management assembly further includes at least a first cover member including a substantially flat top surface, the first cover member hingedly mounted to at least one of the plurality of members that forms the cavity, the cover member moveable between a closed position in which the cover member blocks at least a portion of the at least one opening and the top surface of the cover member is substantially co-planar with the top surface of the table top member and an open position in which the cover member is angled upward to allow access to the at least one opening.

30. The assembly of claim 29 wherein the control interface is connected to the table assembly.

31. The assembly of claim 30 wherein the visual indicators are integrated into the control interface buttons.

32. The assembly of claim 18 wherein each of the first and second indicators indicates a third state when no source device is linked to an associated control cable.

33. The assembly of claim 32 wherein each of the first and second visual indicators includes a light source, the first, second and third states indicated by first, second and third different illumination effects, respectively.

34. The assembly of claim 33 wherein the third state is indicated by turning off a light source associated with a control button.

35. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the control interface includes a light source associated with each of the control buttons, each light source illuminated when a source device is linked to an associated control cable and turned off when no source device is linked to the associated control cable.

36. The assembly of claim 35 wherein the control interface includes a black surface that covers at least first and second control buttons wherein, when a light source associated with a control button is turned off, the location of the control button is substantially indistinguishable from other parts of the black surface.

37. A conferencing assembly for use in a conferencing space having an ambient floor surface, the conferencing assembly having a configuration for sharing digital content among conferees, the configuration comprising:

a table assembly including;

(i) a substantially flat horizontal table top member having a table top surface and a table undersurface, the table top member further including a circumferential edge, the circumferential edge having at least one substantially straight rear edge section; and

(ii) a leg structure supporting the table top member above the ambient floor surface;

an elongated totem support structure having top and bottom ends and front and rear sides, the totem support structure positioned with the front side proximate the substantially straight rear edge section of the circumferential edge, the bottom end of the totem support structure resting on the ambient floor surface and the top end extending to a height above the table top surface;

a bridge assembly having first and second ends and forming an internal channel for wire management, the first end connected to the table assembly and the second end connected to the front side of the totem support structure; and

at least a first electronic flat panel display screen mounted to the front side of the totem support structure with a lower edge positioned adjacent the substantially straight rear edge section, the first display screen extending vertically upward from the lower edge providing a viewing surface viewable from locations about the circumferential edge of the table top member.

38. The assembly of claim 37 further including a switching device including a plurality of inputs and at least a first output, the output linked to the first display screen for presenting video content thereto, the assembly further including a separate control cable for each of the inputs of the switching device, each control cable including proximal and distal ends, each distal end linked to a different one of the inputs of the switching device, each control cable including a connector at the proximal end for connection to a video source for providing video content to the switching device, the switching device controllable to provide content from one or more of the inputs to the first displays screen for viewing.

39. The assembly of claim 38 wherein the leg structure forms an internal cavity and wherein the switching device is mounted within the internal cavity.

40. The assembly of claim 39 wherein the first end of the bridge assembly is connected to the leg structure and wherein the internal cavity formed by the leg structure opens into the internal channel formed by the bridge assembly.

41. The assembly of claim 37 wherein a front surface of the at least a first display screen forms a gap with the substantially straight rear edge section of the circumferential edge when viewed in top plan view.

42. The assembly of claim 37 wherein the totem support structure includes a rear cover member that forms a rearward external surface of the totem support structure, the rear cover member extending substantially from the ambient floor surface to the top end of the totem support structure.

43. The assembly of claim 42 wherein the totem support structure includes a front cover member that forms a front external surface of the totem support structure, the front cover member extending substantially from the ambient floor surface to at least a height of the lower edge of a first common display screen.

44. The assembly of claim 37 wherein a front surface of the totem support structure is spaced from the substantially straight rear edge section of the circumferential edge.

45. The assembly of claim 37 further including a switching device including at least a first output linked to the first display screen for presenting video content thereto, the assembly further including at a control interface including at least first and second control buttons that may be associated with first and second different source devices for providing content to the at least a first display screen, while first and second source devices are associated with first and second buttons, respectively, repetitive selection of the first button causing content from the first source device to toggle between replicating content from the first source device on the first display screen and removing content from the first source device from the first display screen and repetitive selection of the second button causing content from the second source device to toggle between replicating content from the second source device on the first display screen and removing content from the first source device from the first display screen.

46. The assembly of claim 45 wherein each of the first and second control buttons includes an indicator device that can visually indicate at least first and second states, and wherein each indicator indicates the first state when content from an associated source device is replicated on the first display screen and indicates the second state when content from an associated source device is replicated on the second display screen.

47. The assembly of claim 46 wherein the first and second control buttons include virtual buttons presented on display screens of the first and second source devices, respectively.

48. The assembly of claim 46 wherein the control buttons are linked to the table assembly and are supported by the table top member.

49. The assembly of claim 48 wherein the indicators are visually observable from an area above the table top surface.

50. The assembly of claim 45 further including a second flat panel display screen with a lower edge positioned adjacent the substantially straight rear edge section, the second display screen extending vertically upward from the lower edge providing a viewing surface viewable from locations about the circumferential edge of the table top member, the second display screen arranged alongside the first display screen so that the front surfaces of the first and second display screens are substantially co-planar, the switching device including at least a second output linked to the second display screen for presenting content thereon, the control interface including a third control button that is associated with the first source device upon association of the first source device with the first control button, while the third control button is associated with the first source device, repetitive selection of the third control button causing the switching device to toggle between replicating content from the first source device on the second display screen and removing content from the second source device from the second display screen, the control interface including a fourth control button that is associated with the second source device upon association of the second source device with the first control button, while the fourth control button is associated with the second source device, repetitive selection of the fourth control button causing the switching device to toggle between replicating content from the second source device on the second display screen and removing content from the second source device from the second display screen.

51. A conferencing assembly for use in a conferencing space having an ambient floor surface, the configuration for sharing digital content among conferees, the configuration comprising:

a table assembly including;

(i) a substantially flat horizontal table top member having a table top surface and a table undersurface, the table top member further including a circumferential edge, the circumferential edge having at least one substantially straight rear edge section, the table top member forming a table top opening; and

(ii) a leg structure supporting the table top member above the ambient floor surface;

an elongated totem support structure having top and bottom ends and front and rear sides, the totem support structure positioned adjacent the substantially straight rear edge section of the circumferential edge, the bottom end of the totem support structure resting on the ambient floor surface and the top end extending to a height above the table top surface;

at least a first electronic flat panel display screen mounted to the front side of the totem support structure with a lower edge positioned adjacent the substantially straight rear edge section, the screen extending vertically upward from the lower edge providing a viewing surface viewable from locations about the circumferential edge of the table top member;

a switching device including a plurality of inputs and at least a first output, the first output linked to the at least a first display screen for providing content thereon;

a plurality of control cables, each control cable including proximal and distal ends and intermediate sections between the proximal and distal ends, each distal end connected to one of the inputs of the switching device for providing content thereto, each control cable further including a connector at the proximal end for mechanically connecting the control cable to a video source device, the proximal end of each control cable moveable between a stowed position wherein the connector at the proximal end is located below the table top opening and an extended position wherein the connector and an adjacent portion of the intermediate section of an associated cable is pulled up through the table top opening to a location adjacent the table top surface for connection to a video source device.

52. The assembly of claim 51 wherein the leg structure forms an internal cavity and wherein the intermediate section of a control cable is located within the internal cavity formed by the leg structure when the proximal end of the control cable is in the stowed position.

53. The assembly of claim 51 further including a separate retractor subassembly for each of the control cables, each retractor subassembly supported adjacent the undersurface of the table top member proximate the table top opening, the intermediate section of each cable engaging a different one of the retractor subassemblies and applying a force tending to pull the intermediate section into a space below the table top opening.

54. The assembly of claim 52 further including a rigid bridge assembly having first and second ends connected to the leg structure and the front side of the totem support structure, respectively.

55. The assembly of claim 51 wherein the first display screen has a rear surface opposite the viewing surface and wherein the totem support structure is positioned adjacent to and substantially impedes a view of the rear surface of the first display screen.