Abstract:
In accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus can display a presentation to an audience while archiving the presentation for future use. This result can be achieved by using a multimedia hub having an optical platen with a first and a second surface, an internal imager positioned below the second surface of the optical platen to image indicia on the first surface of the optical platen, a converter for converting the image from the internal imager to a plurality of video formats, and a plurality of outputs ports connected to the converter, each output port providing a respective video format. The indicia can include any writing, whether printed on paper, transparency film, or printed directly on the first surface of the optical platen.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION  
         [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/297,690, filed Jun. 12, 2001, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.  
         BACKGROUND  
         [0002]    Multimedia presentations are becoming more prevalent in office meetings, teaching environments, and the like. Meeting rooms and lecture halls are equipped with multimedia devices that typically contain an overhead or video projector, a computer connected to the video projector, microphones, etc. The lighting in these rooms and halls is typically dimmed during the presentation to allow for easy viewing.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0003]    When the lights are dimmed light, the presenter does not have full command of the audience. Also, present multimedia systems do not allow for archiving presentations for future use.  
           [0004]    In accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus can display a presentation to an audience while archiving the presentation for future use.  
           [0005]    This result can be achieved by using a multimedia hub having an optical platen with a first and a second surface, an internal imager positioned below the second surface of the optical platen to image indicia on the first surface of the optical platen, a converter for converting the image from the internal imager to a plurality of video formats, and a plurality of outputs ports connected to the converter, each output port providing a respective video format. The indicia can include any writing, whether printed on paper, transparency film, or printed directly on the first surface of the optical platen.  
           [0006]    The multimedia hub can also include an integrated monitor connected to the converter. A plurality of input ports can be connected to the converter for receiving image signals from a plurality of external input devices. The multimedia hub can allow a user to select an input signal from the plurality of the input ports. The plurality of inputs can include a FireWire™ port, an ethernet port, a composite video signal port, a S-video port, a RGB port, a universal serial bus (USB) port, a microphone port and an audio port. The plurality of outputs ports can include a FireWire™ port, an ethernet port, a composite video signal port, a S-video port, a RGB port, a universal serial bus (USB) port and an analog output port.  
           [0007]    A controller can allow for an annotation mode which can overlay an image derived from an input port with a user annotation formed on the first surface of the optical platen. The controller can also allow a user to control the functions of the internal video imager. An archiving mode can be used to record the images sent though the multimedia hub on a recording device.  
           [0008]    A mirror can be positioned between the optical platen and the internal imager to reverse the image recorded by the internal imager or the image recorded by the video imager is reversed by electronics contained with the multimedia hub. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]    The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the Multimedia Imaging and Control Apparatus will be apparent from the following more particular description of embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.  
         [0010]    [0010]FIG. 1 is a multimedia presentation with associated presentation devices;  
         [0011]    [0011]FIG. 2A shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2B shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the optical platen;  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 4 is a schematic view of one set of angles the internal camera can be set to allow recording of indicia located on the surface of the optical platen;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the video board;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the audio board;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the control board;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 8 is a users view of the control panel;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 9 is a flow chart of a stand-alone mode of the invention;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 10 is a flow chart of an external mode of the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0021]    In general, as shown in FIG. 1, during prior art multimedia presentations  10  a presenter  20  can use a variety of presentation devices associated with the presentation. These devices can include an overhead projector  30 , a video projector  40  coupled to a computer  50  or like devices, or a combination of these devices. The presenter  20  can use the overhead projector  30  to display transparencies to the audience  60 . The presenter  20  can also annotate the transparencies or write directly on the overhead projector&#39;s face  32  using erasable markers. The computer  50  and video projector  40  can be used to display a computer software presentation. The present invention combines same functions of the prior art presentation devices and adds new functions into a single presentation device. The current version of the present invention is V- 50  made by VIEWWRITER™ Technologies of Waltham, Mass.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIGS. 2A and 2B show embodiments of the present invention. The multimedia hub  100  contains an optical platen  104 , internal camera  108 , and reversing device  112  for reversing the image recorded by the internal camera  108 . The multimedia hub  100  is configured so as to secure these devices  104 ,  108  and  112  in a fixed geometrical relationship to each other. The multimedia hub  100  also includes a function board  116 . This configuration allows the presenter  20  to present documents and other material while adjusting the projected image. A control panel  120  is located on a surface of the multimedia hub  100  and is electrically connected to the function board  116  for controlling the operation of the multimedia hub  100 . The control panel  120  can be a touch screen or like device located within close proximity to the presenter  20 . Video input ports  124 , audio input ports  164 , video output ports  128 , and audio output ports  178  are located on a surface on the multimedia hub  100  and are electrically connected to the function board  116  for receiving and transmitting signals to and from external devices, respectively. A detailed description of the basic internal components of the multimedia hub  100  can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,619,253, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.  
         [0023]    The multimedia hub  100  in FIG. 2B further includes a surface camera input port  127 , an erasable marker holder  125 , a video monitor  123 , and a clear document protector (CDP)  121 . The video monitor  123  can include a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, cathode ray tube (CRT) device or any other device capable of outputting a video signal. The video monitor  123  can be contained with the optical platen  104  or CDP  121 . A LCD projector contained with the multimedia hub  100  can project the video output image onto the optical platen. The CDP  121  can also include the video monitor  123  and control panel  120 . The CDP  121  can also provide various outputs in certain positions. In one position, the CDP  121  can provide a video image to the presentation viewers  60 . In another position, the CDP  121  can provide a video image and touch screen control panel to the presenter  20 . And yet in another position, the CDP  121  can protect a document on the optical platen  104  from being directly annotated thereon.  
         [0024]    The multimedia hub  100  is fully operational under normal indoor lighting conditions. Accordingly, presenters  20  need not darken a room to permit usage of the multimedia hub  100 . Further, the multimedia hub  100  permits the full area of the optical platen  102  to be projected onto one or more external devices at local or remote locations. Thus, written indicia or other materials can be projected without visual interference to assist the presenter  20  in making an oral presentation. The effect of these attributes can maximize the transfer of information between the presenter  20  and the viewing audience  60 . More particularly, the multimedia hub  100  permits viewers of the information to maintain a high level of interest in the material being communicated throughout the entire presentation. However, in poor ambient lighting conditions an external light source can be coupled to the multimedia hub  100  to brighten the area over the optical platen  104 .  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the optical platen  104  of the present invention. In an embodiment, the optical platen  104  is made typically of a laminate material with lateral dimensions sized to accept virtually any size of document. In an embodiment, the optical platen  104  is approximately thirteen inches in width and seventeen inches in height. The optical platen  104  includes two clear glass plates  104   a  and  104   b  between which is positioned a sheet of polyvinyl butylate  104   c . The glass plates  104   a  and  104   b  are generally each between about 0.1 inches and about 0.2 inches thick. The polyvinyl butylate sheet  104   c  is typically between about 0.020 inches and about 0.04 inches thick. The upper surface of the top glass plate  104   a , i.e., the writing surface, can be flashed with an Opal coating familiar to those skilled in the art.  
         [0026]    In another embodiment, the optical platen  104  can be made from a single sheet of tempered glass. The glass is typically laminated or tempered for safety reasons. The optical platen  104  can be made of any type of glass and need not be laminated, or tempered, so far as the glass has reasonable optical qualities. A particular optical platen  104  material is commercially available from Howard Glass of Worcester, Mass.  
         [0027]    In an embodiment, the optical platen  104  is positioned within an appropriate rectangular opening of the multimedia hub I  00 . A bezel structure holds the optical platen  104  in position in the rectangular opening. When fully assembled, the exposed surface, i.e., the writing surface  104   a , of the optical platen  104  typically measures approximately twelve inches by sixteen inches.  
         [0028]    The optical platen  104  generally accepts written indicia, transparencies, and type written material on ordinary translucent paper having a weight, so called, of up to twenty pounds. The multimedia hub  100  permits presenters  20  to annotate, amend, or erase these materials virtually without limitation. Further, the action undertaken by the presenter  20  does not block the image being viewed. The multimedia hub  100  immediately transmits the image to an external output device or devices for viewing.  
         [0029]    The internal camera  108  includes a detector array element and a zoom lens element. The detector array element and zoom lens element are, typically, mounted with the multimedia hub  100  in close proximity, and in visual communication with, the lower surface  104   b  of the optical platen  104 . The multimedia hub  100  includes other elements configured to facilitate the adjustment of the area viewed by the internal camera. Other elements can facilitate movement of the image being displayed on, for example, a television screen. More particularly, the multimedia hub  100  can include elements capable of adjusting the projected position of the image being viewed. Image adjustment of this type occurs along both the “X” and “Y” axis. Additional operational elements can facilitate magnification of, and localization on, selected portions of the image being viewed. In particular, the zoom element includes elements configured to adjust the overall dimensions of the image being produced as to fill the entire projection screen of the output device upon which the image being produced is projected. Usage of all these adjustment mechanisms in concert allows presenters  20  of the multimedia hub  100  to magnify, focus, combine, and compress a wide variety of materials that can be positioned on the optical platen  104 .  
         [0030]    The zoom feature of the internal camera  108  is factory aligned and typically requires no field adjustments in order to facilitate operation of the multimedia hub  100 . However, an internal digital signal processor (DSP) located within the multimedia hub  100  can be used to optimally set the zoom feature automatically while the multimedia hub  100  is in operation. Therefore, the DSP can set the zoom feature to the exact paper size for better resolution.  
         [0031]    A reversing device for reversing the image being viewed by the internal camera  108  can be a single mirror  112 . The mirror  112  is typically between 0.1 and 0.2 inches thick. The front surface of the mirror  112  is typically coated with aluminum and a silicon monoxide protective overcoat familiar to those skilled in the art. The reversing device for reversing the image being viewed by the internal camera  108  is mounted at an appropriate location, and angle (θ), relative to the optical platen  104  and internal camera  108  as shown in FIG. 4. For optimal imaging, the internal camera  108  can be positioned relative to the mirror  112  and optical platen  104  such that the reflective angle associated with the camera lens and viewing surface of the optical platen are the same. As shown in FIG. 4, θ 1 =θ 2 , θ 3 =θ 4 , and θ 5 =θ 6 , wherein θ 1  and θ 2  is an angle relative to a proximate end of the optical platen  104 , θ 3  and θ 4  is an angle relative to the center of the optical platen  104 , and θ 5  and θ 6  is an angle relative to a distal end of the optical platen  104 . In particular, the reversing device is positioned so as to accommodate the requisite principle ray distance in object space of the internal camera lens. The mirror  112  is generally mounted on a thin, typically 10-mil, gasket material. The mirror  112  typically has a trapezoidal configuration. Alternatively, the image revising device can be an odd number of mirrors or an even number of mirrors, where zero is even, electronically reversed on the function board  120  by a DSP.  
         [0032]    The multimedia hub  100  contains a function board  116  to control the internal and external features of the multimedia hub  100 . The function board  116  contains a video board  140 , an audio board  160  and a control board  180 . As shown in FIG. 5, the video board  140  accepts a plurality of video input ports  124 - 1 ,. . . ,  124 -i and provides a plurality of video output ports  128 - 1 , . . . ,  128 -j. The video input ports  124  can include, but are not limited to a surface camera port, a FireWire™ port, an ethernet port, a composite video signal port, an S-video port, a universal serial bus (USB) port, a wireless port, a RGB port, or any other alternative input port capable of accepting a video signal. The video input devices can include any compatible device associated with an input port  124 , e.g., a surface camera, a streaming video device, a computer, a computer network, a video cassette recorder (VCR), a compact disc (CD) recorder, or a digital video disc (DVD) player, etc.  
         [0033]    The video signals inputted to video board  140  are converted  144 - 1 , . . . ,  144 -i to the base format of the video processor  142 . The format of the video processor  142  can be any format that is convenient to use, i.e., eXtended Graphics Array (XGA) format. The converted video signals  144 - 1 , . . . ,  144 -i are fed to a video switch  146  that allows the presenter  20  to choose from the inputs  124 - 1 , . . . ,  124 -i for displaying on the output devices. The internal camera  108  signal also gets converted  148  to the format of the video processor  142 . An annotator  150  is provided to annotate the image that is currently being processed by the video processor  142 . The process of invoking the annotator  150  will be explained below.  
         [0034]    The video processor  142  outputs it current format to the output ports  128 - 1 , . . . ,  128 -j. The video signals outputted from the video processor  142  are converted  152 - 1 , . . . ,  152 -j to the format of the associated with the video output port  128 . The video output ports  128  can include, but are not limited to a liquid crystal display (LCD) port, a FireWire™ port, an ethernet port, a composite video signal port, an S-video port, a universal serial bus (USB) port, a wireless port, a RGB port, or any other alternative input port capable of outputting a video signal. The video output devices can include any device compatible with an output port  128 , e.g., a LCD monitor, a streaming video device, devices, a monitor/television, a computer, a computer network, a video cassette recorder (VCR), a compact disc (CD) recorder, or a DVD recorder. It should be understood that any device capable of receiving a National Television Standards Committee (NTSC) signal, Phase Alternate Line (PAL) signal, or other standard protocols, can be used as an output device and multiple devices can be used as an output device. The video processor  142  can also send a video output  155  to an archiving port  155  for recording the presentation on an internal archiving device  157 . The archiving device  157  can be an internal hard drive, internal CD recorder or like device.  
         [0035]    A video streaming device can be connected to the ethernet ports of the multimedia hub  100  for video streaming of the presentation. A video streaming device is commercially available through VBrick Systems, Inc. of Wallingford, Conn.  
         [0036]    The video streaming device and multimedia hub  100  combine to stream “real-time/full motion” video and audio over networks to personal computers (PCs) running viewing software, i.e., StreamPlayerII™ by VBrick Systems. The video streaming device should support industry standard IP Multicast for streaming video to any number of PCs in a company, enterprise, school, hospital, etc. The video streaming device uses video compression and network protocol standards such as MPEG-1, MPEG-2, IP, DiffServ, RTP, and can be viewed anywhere at any time. The video streaming device and multimedia hub  100  can be used for interactive video conferencing.  
         [0037]    As shown in FIG. 6, the audio board  160  accepts a plurality of audio input ports  164 - 1 , . . . ,  164 -m and provides a plurality of audio output ports  178 - 1 , . . . ,  178 -n. The audio input ports  164  can include, but are not limited to a microphone port, a mono audio port, a stereo audio port, a digital audio port, or any other alternative audio input port capable of accepting an audio signal. The audio input devices can include any device compatible with an audio input port  164 , e.g., a microphone.  
         [0038]    The audio signals  164 - 1 , . . . ,  164 -m are sent to an audio switch  168  that works in conjunction with the video switch  146  to allow the presenter  20  to choose from the audio input ports  164  associated with its video input ports  124 . The microphone port  170  is sent directly to the audio processor  162  for further processing.  
         [0039]    The audio processor  162  provides outputs to the audio output ports  178 ‘, . . . ,  178 -n. The audio processor  162  also outputs an audio signal  163  to the video processor  142  for mixing the video and audio signals together to output devices which accept a dual format. The audio output ports  178 - 1 , . . . ,  178 -n can include, but are not limited to a speaker port, a mono audio port, a stereo audio port, a digital audio port or any other alternative audio input port capable of accepting an audio signal. The audio output devices can include any device compatible with an audio output port  178 , e.g., a internal speaker  176 , a Public Address (PA) system, etc.  
         [0040]    As shown in FIG. 7, a central processing unit (CPU)  182  on the control board  180  receives signals  183 ,  184 ,  186  from the video board  140 , audio board  160 , and control panel  120 , respectively. The control panel can contain a printer port  185  for printing a “snap shot” of the presentation on a printing device. The CPU  182  can be programmable for future upgrades of the multimedia hub  100 . The control board  180  also sends control signals  187 ,  188  to the video board  140  and audio board  160 , respectively, associated with functions received from the control panel  120 .  
         [0041]    The control panel  120  contains various keys for controlling various features of the multimedia hub  100 . A power key  200  can turn the multimedia hub  100  on or off. An internal camera key  200  can turn the internal camera  108  on. During this state, written indicia, transparencies, and type written material on ordinary translucent paper located on the optical platen will be displayed on the video output devices  128 . Also, direct annotation can be made to the surface of the optical platen  104  without depressing the annotation key  218 .  
         [0042]    While in internal camera mode, a normal key  204 , a zoom key  206  and a paper key  208  can function. In normal mode, the entire optical platen  104  surface is displayed full screen on the video output devices  128 . The zoom key  206  magnifies the size of the display seen on the video output devices  128 . This is most useful when using a 8½″×11″ sheet of paper or transparencies on the optical platen  104 . The normal key  204  is used to return back to normal view from zoom mode. The paper key  208  is used to allow single sided, preprinted paper on the optical platen  104 . The paper key  208  brightens the displayed image by changing the F-stop on the internal camera  108  by 1.5 times and the video processor  142  enhances the color of the image. Alternatively, a DSP can be used to identify different components of the indicia and remove unessential aspects from the image. The presenter  20  should experiment with the paper to be used under the same lighting conditions as will be present during the actual presentations to see whether paper mode or normal mode provides the best display. The paper key  208  functions as a toggle switch that each time pressed, the presenter  20  goes from normal mode to paper mode and back again.  
         [0043]    A microphone key  210  can turn the microphone input port on or off. The presenter  20  can control the microphone volume using volume up key  212  and volume down key  214 . The volume level on the audio output device can be adjusted prior to use to provide the best range of volume control for the particular circumstances. The multimedia hub  100  works as a pre-amplifier, controlling the line audio level signal out, which is fed into the audio output devices.  
         [0044]    The external input device keys  216 - 1 , . . . ,  216 -p allows the multimedia hub  100  to switch between any of the video inputs  124 - 1 , . . . ,  124 -i and associated audio inputs  164 - 1 , . . .  164 -m and the internal camera  108 . An external input device can be connected to the multimedia hub  100  through the plurality of video input ports  124 - 1 , . . . ,  124 -i. However, the video input may not contain the audio feed associated with the video feed as is the case with a S-video input. In this case, when the S-video key is pressed both the video feed and audio feed are combined and feed to the output device or devices. It should be understood that there will be a one-to-one correlation between the external input device keys  216  and the amount of video input ports  124  and audio input ports  164  on the multimedia hub  100 .  
         [0045]    An annotation key  218  allows a presenter  20  to annotate the image from one of the external video devices using the optical platen  104 . When the annotation key  218  is pressed and video monitor can be turned on to help the presenter  20  annotate the image. The annotation mode works in real-time, therefore the audience  60  will see the original image sent from the video input device being annotated by the presenter  20 . An archive key  220  can allow the presenter to archive the presentation on an internal storage medium, such as an internal hard drive, CD recording device or the like. The presentation also can be recorded on an output device having recording capabilities such as a CD recorder or the like device. A print key  224  can be used to print the current image being displayed on the output device.  
         [0046]    The multimedia hub  100  can be used in two modes of operation. As shown in FIG. 9, the first mode is standalone mode  400  and comprises the following steps:  
         [0047]    ( 402 ) Step 1: A presenter  20  either places indicia or writes directly on the surface of the optical platen  104 . The internal camera  108  records the indica or writing into an associated image.  
         [0048]    ( 404 ) Step 2: Determine whether or not commentary from the presenter  20  will be added to the presentation electronically. The presenter  20  can add commentary to the associated image or heard over an internal speaker or external PA system. If no commentary is desired go to step  4  ( 408 ).  
         [0049]    ( 406 ) Step 3: The presenter  20  adjusts and speaks into an external microphone connected to the multimedia hub  100 .  
         [0050]    ( 408 ) Step 4: Determine if the presentation will be internally archived for future use. The presenter  20  can archive the presentation on an internal recording device, such as a hard disc, CD recorder or like device. Alternatively, the presenter  20  can record the presentation on an output device of step  6  ( 412 ) provided the output device allows for such recording. If archiving is not desired go to step  6  ( 412 ).  
         [0051]    ( 410 ) Step 5: The presenter  20  presses the archiving key  220  on the control panel  120 . The internal archiving device is activated and records the presentation. Further pressing of archive key  220  toggles the recording function on and off.  
         [0052]    ( 412 ) Step 6: The presentation is displayed on an output device or devices. It should be understood that step  2  ( 404 ) and step  4  ( 408 ) can be invoked or revoked at any time during the presentation.  
         [0053]    As shown in FIG. 10, the second mode is an external mode  500  and comprises the following steps:  
         [0054]    ( 502 ) Step 1: An signal is received by the multimedia hub  100  from and external input device. The signal contains at least an image for the presentation and may also contain an associated audio feed.  
         [0055]    ( 504 ) Step 2: Determine whether or not commentary from the presenter  20  will be added to the presentation electronically. The presenter  20  can add commentary to the associated external signal or be heard over an internal speaker or external PA system. If no commentary is desired go to step  4  ( 508 ).  
         [0056]    ( 506 ) Step 3: The presenter  20  adjusts and speaks into an external microphone connected to the multimedia hub  100 .  
         [0057]    ( 508 ) Step 4: Determine if the presentation will be internally archived for future use. The presenter  20  can archive the presentation on an internal recording device, such as a hard disc, CD recorder or like device. Alternatively, the presenter  20  can record the presentation on an output device of step  8  ( 516 ) provided the output device allows for such recording. If archiving is not desired go to step  8  ( 516 ).  
         [0058]    ( 510 ) Step 5: The presenter  20  presses the archiving key  220  on the control panel  120 . The internal archiving device is activated and records the presentation. Further pressing of archive key  220  toggles the recording function on and off.  
         [0059]    ( 512 ) Step 6: Determine if the external image is to be annotated by the presenter  20 . The presenter  20  can annotate the external image using the optical platen  104  of the multimedia hub  100 . If annotation is not desired go to step  8  ( 516 ).  
         [0060]    ( 514 ) Step 7: The presenter  20  presses the annotation key  218  on the control panel  120 . The presenter  20  can write on the optical platen  104  using dry eraser markers or the like. The writing is recorded by the internal camera  108  and the video processing board  140  overlays the external image with the image received from the internal camera  108 . The LCD monitor can be used during the step of annotating to allow the user the view the image received from the external input device.  
         [0061]    ( 516 ) Step 8: The presentation is displayed on an output device or devices. It should be understood that step  2  ( 504 ), step  4  ( 508 ), and step  6  ( 512 ) can be invoked or revoked at any time during the presentation.  
         [0062]    While this invention has been particularly shown and described with references to particular embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.