AFTERMARKET INTERACTIVE SCREEN DISPLAY CONFERENCING STATION

Abstract

A computer system includes an interactive screen display and a base computer. The interactive screen display includes a display module with a transceiver and display screen in communication with each other. The base computer is in communication with the display screen through the transceiver. The display screen displays graphics in response to the transceiver receiving a first signal from the base computer. The graphics displayed in response to the first signal corresponds to graphics displayed with the base computer. The base computer displays graphics in response to receiving a second signal from the transceiver. The second signal is provided by the transceiver in response to information being inputted with the interactive screen display.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application by Carlton Rebeske titled “TABLET LAPTOP AND INTERACTIVE CONFERENCING STATION SYSTEM, Ser. No. 10/753,021, filed Jan. 6, 2004, now pending, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention generally relates to computer systems used for interactive conferencing, and more particularly to a computer system that utilizes an interactive screen display conference station.

2. State of the Art

It is often desirable to present graphics displayed by a single computer to one or more people. The graphics can be of many different types, such as, but not limited to, text, figures, pictures and video, which are represented by pixels on a display screen. Since it is generally inconvenient to have a large number of people gather around a single computer to view the graphics, techniques have been devised to allow more people to see them better and from further away. For example, a laptop computer can be connected to an overhead projector so that graphics displayed on its screen are projected onto a large projector screen. This is useful in several situations, such as in a classroom, seminar, and sales meeting, in which a presenter presents graphics for a number of participants to view.

This technique has several drawbacks, however. For example, it is often difficult for the participants to refer to the graphics being displayed by the presenter, which makes it difficult to ask questions. The participant can move to the laptop computer and point to the graphics on the laptop display screen, but then the other participants may not be able to see what is being pointed to. The participant can also move to the projector screen and point to the graphics there, but this is time consuming and inconvenient.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention employs a computer system which includes an interactive screen display and a base computer. The interactive screen display includes a display module having components, such as a transceiver and display screen in communication with each other through a graphics card. The base computer is in communication with the display screen through the transceiver. In this embodiment, the display module also includes a display processor which controls the flow of signals between the transceiver, graphics card and display screen, as well as a power system that provides power to the components included therein. The display module includes a housing which houses the transceiver and display screen, as well as the display processor, graphics card and power system.

The interactive screen display also includes a keyboard module adapted to operate as a stand and input device for the display module. The base computer and/or interactive screen display generally include multi-media devices that operate as input and output devices. Examples of multi-media devices include audio and video devices, such as a video camera, camera, microphone, and speakers. The base computer and/or interactive screen display also include connectors, such as a microphone jack and video connector. The multi-media devices can be used to record and store the interaction between the presenter and participants, as well as transmit audio and video directly to the interactive screen display, such as when teleconferencing.

In accordance with the invention, the display screen displays graphics in response to the transceiver receiving a first signal from the base computer. The graphics displayed in response to the first signal correspond to graphics displayed with the base computer. This is useful so that several interactive screen displays can be deployed and used by a number of participants, who view the graphics being displayed by the base computer.

The base computer also displays graphics in response to receiving a second signal from the transceiver. The second signal is provided by the transceiver in response to information being inputted with the interactive screen display by a participant. This is useful so a participant can highlight graphics being displayed by the presenter without having to move away from the interactive screen display. The participant can send the second signal to the base computer through the interactive screen display so that corresponding graphics are displayed on the display screen of the base computer and the presenter can see it. The graphics from the second signal can also be displayed with the other interactive screen displays being used by the other participants.

The information is inputted with the interactive screen display in many different ways. For example, it is inputted using a keyboard, computer mouse, joystick, stylus, human finger and/or another peripheral input device operatively coupled to the interactive screen display. In particular embodiments, the display screen is a touch sensitive display screen allowing information to be inputted using it.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more detailed description of the particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a computer system, in accordance with the invention, which includes a base computer in communication with an interactive screen display;

FIG. 2A is a side view of one of the interactive screen displays of FIG. 1, which includes a display module and keyboard module in a stored position;

FIG. 2B is a partially exploded side view of the interactive screen display of FIG. 2A, showing the display module and keyboard module in an unstored position;

FIG. 2C is a side view of the interactive screen display of FIG. 2A in a deployed position using the keyboard module as a stand and input device for the display module, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the display module of FIG. 2A, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the keyboard module of FIG. 2A, in accordance with the invention; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a computer system, in accordance with the invention, being used by a presenter to present information with a base computer to several participants who are viewing interactive screen displays.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a computer system 10, in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, computer system 10 includes a base computer 21 which communicates with one or more interactive screen displays. The communication can be established in many different ways, such as, without limitation, wirelessly, through wires, or combinations thereof. The embodiment of system 10 in FIG. 1 uses a wireless connection and that in FIG. 5 uses a wired connection. Base computer 21 can be of many different types, but for the exemplary purposes of this disclosure, it is a laptop computer, because a laptop computer is easier to move from one location to another. In this embodiment, there is one interactive screen display 12, although there is generally one or more. Interactive screen display 12 and base computer 21 are shown deployed on a table 80 so they are in a position of use.

In this embodiment, interactive screen display 12 includes a display module 15 having a transceiver 128, power system 124 and display screen 29 (FIG. 3) in communication with each other. Transceiver 128 can be of many different types, but it is a wireless modem here, and can communicate in many different ways, such as with Bluetooth or with infrared signals. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, transceiver 128 is a wired modem. Further, power system 124 includes a rechargeable battery which can be connected to an external power source through an electrical outlet (not shown). In some embodiments, display module 15 includes a display processor (not shown) in communication with transceiver 128 and display screen 29 through a graphics card (not shown). The display processor processes graphical information so it is displayed on display screen 29. The display processor also operates as a controller that controls the flow of communication signals between it and transceiver 128 and the graphics card. Most of the information processing, however, is done by base computer 21 because the display processor has a reduced functionality, as will be discussed in more detail with FIG. 5.

In accordance with the invention, display module 15 includes a housing 33 which houses its corresponding transceiver 128 and display screen 29, as well as the display processor. It should be noted that display module 15 includes a single housing in this embodiment so it is more compact and easier to carry around and store. The single housing is useful because it is easier to use as a tablet PC, as will be discussed in more detail with FIG. 3. Interactive screen display 12 also includes a keyboard module 18 having a keyboard 17. In accordance with the invention, keyboard module 18 is adapted to operate as an input device and stand for display module 15. This feature will be discussed in more detail with FIG. 2C.

In accordance with the invention, base computer 21 is in communication with display screen 29 through its corresponding transceiver 128. The communication between computer 21 and display screen 29 can occur in many different ways. In one way, transceiver 128 receives a first signal from base computer 21 and, in response, display screen 29 displays graphics corresponding to it. The graphics displayed in response to the first signal correspond to graphics displayed with base computer 21 on its display screen 56. Graphics are displayed by display screen 29 by activating and deactivating pixels and by providing the activated pixels with a desired color. Hence, the pixels activated on display screen 29, and their corresponding pixel colors, correspond to those activated on display screen 56. Further, the pixels deactivated on display screen 29 correspond to those deactivated on display screen 56. Another way communication occurs is when base computer 21 displays graphics in response to receiving a second signal from transceiver 128 from interactive screen display 12. The second signal is provided by transceiver 128 in response to information being inputted with interactive screen display 12. Hence, the pixels and pixel colors activated on display screen 56 correspond to those activated on display screen 29.

The information can be inputted with interactive screen display 12 in many different ways. In this embodiment, display screen 29 is touch-sensitive and the information is inputted by touching it with an instrument, such as a human finger or stylus. The information can also be inputted using a peripheral input device, such as a computer mouse, keyboard, and the like, as will be discussed in more detail with FIG. 3. The operation of computer system 10 will be discussed in more detail with FIG. 5.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are side views of interactive screen display 12 showing display module 15 and keyboard module 18 in stored and unstored positions, respectively. In the stored position, display module 15 and keyboard module 18 are engaged with each other and keyboard 17 faces display screen 29 so that interactive screen display 12 is in a position of non-use. Display module 15 and keyboard module 18 can be held in the stored position in many different ways, such as, without limitation, with a snap lock 79 (FIG. 4) or friction fit mechanism. It should be noted that other latching or fastening mechanisms can also be used. In the unstored position, display module 15 and keyboard module 18 are disengaged from each other and keyboard 17 is away from display 29. Interactive screen display 12 is in the unstored position in preparation for use, as discussed with FIG. 2C, or in preparation to be moved to the stored position, as discussed with FIG. 2A.

In this embodiment, keyboard 17 is positioned on an enclosing side 39 of keyboard module 18. A cover side 39 of keyboard module 18 generally includes a hard material in order to protect display screen 29 during non-use. Cover side 39 is also flat to allow interactive screen display 12 to be carried easier and stored more conveniently. In this embodiment, a prop stand 27 is rotatably coupled to an end of housing 33 with a hinge 42 so it is moveable between a stored position towards housing 33 and a deployed position away from it (not shown). In accordance with the invention, display module 15 and keyboard module 18 are moveable between the stored and unstored positions so that keyboard module 18 operates as a cover. Further, display module 15 and keyboard module 18 are moveable between the stored and unstored positions to the deployed position, as will be discussed in more detail presently.

FIG. 2C is a side view of interactive screen display 12 supported on a work surface 52 in its deployed position, wherein keyboard module 18 is coupled to display module 15 and operates as a stand, in accordance with the invention. Keyboard module 18 is positioned on work surface 52 with cover side 36 engaging it. Display module 15 is positioned on module 18 and a prop 64 is positioned to hold housing 33 at an angle 61 relative to work surface 52. In this way, keyboard module 18 operates as a stand for display screen 29. In this embodiment, prop 64 is integrated with keyboard module 18 and engages prop stand 27, although it can engage portions of housing 33 in other examples. Here, prop stand 27 is in its stored position engaged with housing 33. Prop stand 27 can be held to housing 33 in many different ways, such as, but not limited to, by using a mechanism similar to that shown in the parent patent application Ser. No. 10/753,021.

Prop 64 can engage prop stand 27 in many different ways. In this embodiment and as best seen in FIG. 1, prop stand 27 has three columns and three rows of slots 67 for receiving prop tabs 70. Tabs 70 are integrated with prop 64, as will be discussed in more detail with FIG. 4. Prop tabs 70 are selectively placed in a corresponding slot 67 in a desired row, which correspond to a desired angle 61. In one example, the top, middle and bottom rows of slots 67 correspond to angle 61 being seventy-five degrees, sixty degrees and forty-five degrees, respectively. Hence, angle 61 can be adjusted to discrete values in a range from forty-five degrees to seventy-five degrees with respect to work surface 52. It should be noted, however, that other angles can be used and those discussed here are for illustrative purposes. In this way, angle 61 is adjustable by adjusting prop 64.

FIG. 3 is a top view of display module 15, in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, display module 15 includes display screen 29 integrated with housing 33, which forms a frame surrounding a viewing area of display screen 29. In this embodiment, display module 15 includes styluses 58, which are shown removed from corresponding cylindrical recesses 55. However, when not in use, styluses 58 can be stored in recesses 55. Styluses 58 are useful to input information with display screen 29, but this can also be done using a human finger.

Display module 15 can include many different connectors housed with housing 33. Here, display module 15 includes a USB port 85, display input connector 88, headphone jack 91 and audio input connector 94. Display input connector 88 is a nine-pin video connector, but it can be other types of video connectors in other embodiments. Display module 15 can also include many different multi-media devices integrated with it. In this embodiment, display module 15 includes a video camera 97, microphone 99 and speaker 82. Video camera 97 and/or microphone 99 are used to record the interaction between the presenter and participants although, in some situations, this interaction does not have to be recorded, but can be transmitted to other interactive displays. This is useful in teleconferencing situations in which system 10 is being used as a conferencing station and the participants are located at different locations and not necessarily at the same location as the presenter. The interaction can be stored in many different ways, such as with memory included with interactive screen display 12 or base computer 21.

In this example, prop stand 27 is engaged with housing 33 so that display module 15 is in a configuration for use as a tablet-type interactive screen display. In this embodiment, cleats 48 are supplemented by additional cleats 73 on a back surface near a top of prop 27 to provide a cushioned and slide resistant engagement with work surface 52. Cleats 48 and 73 are provided on the edges and comers of housing 33 that are most likely to engage work surface 52 to provide shock and slide resistance. Cleats are also placed along upper edges and comers, as well as along the intermediate edges, of housing 33 for additional shock and slide resistant benefits.

FIG. 4 is a top view of keyboard module 18, in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment, keyboard 17 is in a proximal portion of keyboard module 18 and a recess 100 is in a distal portion. Prop 64 is positioned so it will rest in recess 100 and prop tabs 70 are interleaved with base tabs 103, when interactive screen display 12 is in the stored position. When interactive screen display 12 is in its deployed position, base tabs 103 can be moved to engage and secure a front lower edge of housing 33, as shown in FIG. 2C. Even without base tabs 103, a proximal portion of a wall 106 forming recess 100 can be used as a stop for holding the front lower edge of housing 33 near cleat 49. In this example, keyboard module 18 includes cleats 121 positioned on its corners on cover side 36 for cushioning and slide resistance benefits as described above. Keyboard module 18 also includes cleats 122 positioned on its comers on enclosing side 39 to help secure it to display module 18 when interactive screen display 12 is in its stored position, as shown in FIG. 2A.

In accordance with the invention, keyboard module 18 includes a mouse pad bay 112 and a mouse pad 115 integrated therewith. Mouse pad bay 112 stores mouse pad 115 when it is not being used. When mouse pad 115 is being used, it is plugged into connectors 118 of keyboard module 18. Connectors 118 can be positioned at many different locations on module 18, but in this example, they are positioned at its proximal edge near keyboard 17. It should be noted that in some situations, a wireless mouse is stored in mouse pad bay 112 and can be removed therefrom and used instead of mouse pad 115.

Display screen 29 and keyboard module 18 can be in communication with each other in many different ways. In this embodiment, they are in communication through interlocking connectors 110 (FIG. 3) and 111 which engage each other when display screen 29 is positioned in its deployed position as shown in FIG. 2C. In other embodiments, however, they are in communication with each other wirelessly so that keyboard 17 operates as a wireless keyboard and text is displayed with screen 29 in response to input from it. Further, keyboard module 18 can be powered in many different ways. For example, it can have its own power source, such as a battery, or it can be powered through the connection provided by interlocking connectors 110 and 111.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of computer system 10 being used by a presenter 154 to present information to several participants 151. Computer system 10 allows participants 151 to receive, view, and manipulate the same information on their interactive screen display. In this embodiment, system 10 includes interactive screen displays 12, 24 and 30 in communication with base computer 21. It should be noted that system 10 can include more than three interactive screen displays, which is depicted by the ellipses and interactive screen display 130. The number of interactive screen displays included in system 10 generally depends on the number of participants 151.

In this embodiment, each interactive screen display in system 10 includes a display processor, denoted as display processor 139. Further, base computer 21 includes its own processor, denoted as base processor 133. In accordance with the invention, display processor 139 has less functionality than base processor 133. For example, the functionality of display processor 139 typically includes providing communication between transceiver 128 and display screen 29 so that signals can flow between them. Base processor 133, on the other hand, is a processor found in a typical computer and provides the functions of processor 139, as well as computer processing and communications. Processor 133 needs to be able to process more information so it can communicate with a number of interactive screen displays, which can be sending it information within the same time frame.

Because display processor 139 has less functionality than base processor 133, the operation of the interactive screen displays are controlled by base computer 21. The functionality of a processor can be determined in many different ways. For example, a processor with less functionality can operate at a lower frequency, have less memory, such as cache memory, and/or use less power, which extends the battery life of the display module. An interactive screen display having a processor with less functionality also generally weighs less because it includes fewer components. A processor with less functionality also generally transfers information at a lower bit rate. In one particular example, base processor 21 operates on 32-bit data while display processor 139 operates on 8-bit data. It is well know that the electronics to process 8-bit data is less complicated and less expensive than that for 32-bit data. In this way, each interactive screen display is less complicated and can be manufactured at a lower price than base computer 21.

In operation, participants 151 see the same graphics displayed by base computer 21 displayed by their corresponding interactive screen display. If presenter 154 highlights some text, for example, on display screen 56, the same highlights will be displayed on display screens 29 of each interactive screen display included in system 10. Similarly, if a highlight or text will appear on display screen 56. Further, in some situations, that highlight or text provided by the participant will appear on the other interactive screen displays of the other participants.

Whether or not this highlight or text is displayed on the other interactive screen displays can be controlled in many different ways, such as by presenter 154 using base computer 21. Hence, graphics can be displayed by one interactive screen display in response to information being inputted through another interactive screen display. As discussed above, the information can be inputted into the interactive screen display in many different ways, such as with a keyboard, computer mouse, joystick, stylus, human finger or another input device.

Particular embodiments of the present invention include a method of communicating. The method comprises providing an interactive screen display comprising a display module with a housing which houses a transceiver and display screen in communication with each other; and a keyboard module having a keyboard, the keyboard module being adapted to operate as a stand and input device for the display module. The method further includes providing a base computer and establishing communication between the transceiver and base computer.

Other embodiments of the method include displaying graphics with the display screen in response to the transceiver receiving a signal from the base computer, the graphics corresponding to graphics displayed with the base computer. The method further includes displaying graphics with the base computer in response to receiving a signal from the transceiver, the signal being provided by the transceiver in response to information being inputted with the interactive screen display. Further still, the method includes moving the display and keyboard modules to a deployed position wherein the keyboard module supports the display module and operates as an input device for it.

The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order to best explain the present invention and its practical application and to thereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teachings above without departing from the spirit and scope of the forthcoming claims.

Claims

1. A computer system, comprising:

an interactive screen display including a display module with a transceiver and display screen in communication with each other; and

a base computer in communication with the display module through the transceiver, the display module displaying graphics corresponding to graphics displayed by the base computer.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the display screen displays graphics in response to the transceiver receiving a signal from the base computer, the graphics being displayed by the base computer and display screen being the same.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the base computer displays graphics in response to receiving a signal from the transceiver, the signal being provided by the transceiver in response to information being inputted with the interactive screen display.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the display screen is a touch sensitive display screen and the information is inputted with the interactive screen display using the touch sensitive display screen.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the display module includes a power system and a display processor connected with the display screen and transceiver, wherein the power system is powered by a rechargeable battery and/or an AC power source.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the display module includes a single housing which houses the transceiver, display screen, display processor and power supply.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the interactive screen display further includes a keyboard module adapted to operate as a stand and input device for the display module.

8. The system of claim 1, further including a plurality of interactive screen displays, each having a corresponding display module which displays the same graphics as the base computer.

9. An interactive screen display, comprising:

a display module; and

a keyboard module having a keyboard, the keyboard module being adapted to operate as a stand and input device for the display module.

10. The interactive screen display of claim 9, wherein the display module includes a housing which houses a transceiver and display screen in communication with each other.

11. The interface of claim 9, wherein the display and keyboard modules are moveable between a stored position where they face each other and the keyboard module operates as a cover for the display module, and a deployed position wherein the keyboard module operates as a stand and input device for the display module.

12. The interface of claim 11, wherein the display screen displays information in response to an input from the keyboard when the display module and keyboard are in the deployed position.

13. The interface of claim 11, wherein the keyboard module includes a prop adjustable to adjust the positioning of the display module when it is in the deployed position.

14. The interface of claim 9, further including a peripheral input device connected with the display or keyboard module.

15. The interface of claim 9, further including a mouse pad connected to the keyboard module.

16. The interface of claim 9, further including a multi-media device integrated with the display module.

17. The accessory of claim 9, wherein the display module is formed of a single housing which houses at least one of a camera, speaker and microphone.

18. The accessory of claim 9, wherein the display module is formed of a single housing which houses at least one of a USB connector and a nine-pin video connector.

19. The accessory of claim 9, wherein the display module comprises a display screen supported within a housing, the display module further including at least one display input connector supported in the housing.

20. The accessory of claim 9, wherein the display module comprises a display screen supported within a housing, the display module further including at least one headphone jack supported in the housing.

21. The accessory of claim 9, wherein the display module comprises a display screen supported within a housing, the display module further including at least one audio input connector supported in the housing.

22. The accessory of claim 9, wherein the display module comprises a display screen supported within a housing, the display module further including at least one speaker supported in the housing.

23. A method of communicating, comprising:

providing an interactive screen display comprising a display module with a housing which houses a transceiver and display screen in communication with each other; and a keyboard module having a keyboard, the keyboard module being adapted to operate as a stand and input device for the display module;

providing a base computer; and

establishing communication between the transceiver and base computer.

24. The method of claim 23, further including displaying graphics with the display screen in response to the transceiver receiving a signal from the base computer, the graphics corresponding to graphics displayed with the base computer.

25. The method of claim 23, further including displaying graphics with the base computer in response to receiving a signal from the transceiver, the signal being provided by the transceiver in response to information being inputted with the interactive screen display.

26. The method of claim 23, further including moving the display and keyboard modules to a deployed position wherein the keyboard module supports the display module and operates as an input device for it.