Patent EP-1073028-A2 (EP)
Inventor: WILLEMSE HUIB
IPC: G09B5/06
Filed: 2000-07-28
Abstract: Up to now, any one computer can only be used by one or at the maximum two users.
The result of this situation is a minimal use of the computer for real teaching or for group
interactive situations. As a result, very few IT software directs itself to this type of use.
E.g. most all software programmes available for teaching (computer use, languages etc.)
are for self-instruction. Yet, those programmes which are available and even programmes
which are not destined for group use, show the real need for this type of group instruction
and the internet already offers activities (learning as well as entertainment) which can
even be better pursued in group than alone. 
     The use of only one computer for an entire group to receive instruction or entertainment
also offers interesting possibilities in the field of investment for a complete teaching or
entertainment system. 
     The multimedia laboratory combines a number of existing or new elements (multi-media,
video, internet, computer, projector/screen/monitor) into one integrated system, via
connections and switches located in a central switchbox. Via this central switchbox
signals emitted by a computer, video etc. can be heard on a central set of speakers and
watched on a central screen, monitor etc.,  and can also be activated by each member of
a complete group and by the group leader , via switches. The results vof each individual
action can then again be heard and seen by all the group members who can each act again
etc. The system is software-independent, can be used with a projector + screen but also
with e.g. a tv-screen or a monitor. 
     Elements, such as a computer (1), speakers (2), a projector (3), a screen (4), are all
connected to form, via a central switchbox (7) a new, completely integrated system
whereby each participant from a group of participants (8) and a group leader (6),
whether or not possibly equipped with e.g. a microphone or a workpad etc. (6B) can
manipulate all sorts of IT software, independently of the type of software used, by the
use of several elements of a workplace (9), such as e.g. but not necessarily limited to a
mouse, a keyboard etc., connected to the central switchbox (7) either by cable or by
radiofrequency (10) and whereby this only one computer (1) will be needed to show or
let be heard the actions of either the group leader (6) or any of the participants (8), on
the central screen (4), via the projector (3) and whereby any other group member/leader
can in turn react to what has been acted out. This concept being totally independent of
the elements used to form the integrated total, inclusive of the form of the central
switchbox (7) with which each of the participants/the leader can be switched into
possible action and independent of the form of the locality and/or the worktable/-bench
(9B) etc. The same system can work without a projector (3) for showing the actions of
the group leader (6) or the participants (8) on a television screen or a monitor (4) and,
via video-conferencing, at geographical distances, with either "real" or "virtual" groups. 
     All possible current and future forms whitch a central switchbox (7) might take and all
possible current and future ways in which the switches could be operated are part of the
concept of the invention.