Patent ID: 12224879

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

References in this description to “an embodiment”, “one embodiment”, or the like, mean that the particular feature, function, structure or characteristic being described is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Occurrences of such phrases in this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. On the other hand, the embodiments referred to also are not necessarily mutually exclusive.

Introduced here are meeting spaces, e.g., rooms or pods, that are accessible through an adjoining facility or area, and associated systems and methods that provide automated levels of security for classified discussions. The meeting spaces are configured to automatically adapt to different levels of classification, e.g., from any of unclassified to top secret classifications. In some embodiments, the meeting spaces are prevented from becoming active for their intended function until all required security features are activated.

In some embodiments, the meeting spaces include one or more electronically opaquing privacy glass windows between the meeting space and the adjoining facility, wherein an appearance of the privacy glass windows can be altered between states based on usage criteria as well as meeting parameters. The privacy glass can either appear as opaque, such as, and without limitation, when a classified meeting or call is taking place, or as a failsafe mode, or can be optically transmissive, such as when the space is unused, is used for unclassified purposes, and/or when the adjoining area is used at either the same or higher level of classification. In some embodiments, if the classification level for the adjoining or outer area is lowered below that of an ongoing meeting, the privacy windows automatically become opaque. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a primary and/or lead participant can alter an appearance of the privacy glass windows, via a system controller, based on personal preferences of the primary/lead participant.

In some embodiments, the system does not allow a meeting at higher classification level than the lowest level of clearance of the participants.

In some embodiments, a lead participant can be required to verify the proper security level for all participants that are present, e.g., through touchscreen entry, such as before a meeting is started, before classified materials are provided or displayed to the participants, or before a classified call video teleconference (VTC) is connected.

In some embodiments, the system is configured to detect the presence of all occupants, and to require that the occupants either input their clearance if a badge is not detected, or otherwise be verified by a properly badged user.

In some embodiments, the meeting space can include additional features for onsite and/or offsite functionality. For instance, a door sensor can be connected to the system controller, such that, when the door is opened, the system controller can blank screens and/or momentarily mute a speakerphone or a VTC, while alerting remote participants aurally and visibly that a door at the meeting space is open.

In some embodiments, the door can be locked to outsiders unless a proper level of security identification is provided, e.g., by key card, by security badge, by biometric identification, or by verification by the lead participant.

In some embodiments, the adjoining facility can include a display, banner or ticker to alert outsiders as to the security level of an active meeting, or to inform them that a meeting is in progress.

FIG.1is a schematic view of an operating environment10for an illustrative embodiment of a secure meeting space12e.g., a room or a pod, that includes automatically adaptive classification levels. The illustrative secure meeting space12seen inFIG.1is accessible through an adjoining facility or area16, such that the secure meeting space12can provide increased security for classified discussions, such as between one or more participants that are located within the meeting space12, e.g., between a primary or lead participant LDR and one or more participants, i.e., attendees ATT. In some embodiments, a primary and/or lead participant LDR can be one or more participants who set up or initialize meeting parameters. In other embodiments one or more participants may also be designated/assigned as a primary and/or lead participant LDR. In yet another embodiment a primary and/or lead participant can be an organizer of a meeting and not present at the meeting which was organized. In many embodiments, some meeting parameters may include for example, and without limitation, time and date of a meeting, classification level of a meeting, remote sites to participate, names/clearance levels of other participants ATT, projects/topics that may be discussed and/or cleared for discussion in a meeting, and substantially any combination thereof.

Some embodiments of the secure meeting space12can be networked to provide a secure communication channel36to one or more remote locations40, such as to conduct106(FIG.4,FIG.10) a secure meeting612(FIG.10) between one or more local participants LDR, ATT, and one or more remote participants REM (FIG.8).

The illustrative secure meeting space12seen inFIG.1includes a system controller24to provide automated levels of security for classified discussions or meetings, and a corresponding control interface28, through which one or more participants LDR, ATT can interact with the system controller24, within the interior region14of the secure meeting space12. Some embodiments of the system controller24, such as seen inFIG.1, can communicate or be functionally integrated with a controller26that corresponds to the facility16.

The illustrative secure meeting space12seen inFIG.1includes an access door20, through which participants LDR, ATT can enter and exit the secure meeting space12, e.g., through an entrance area18, such as upon authorization through an access interface32. The illustrative access interface32seen inFIG.1is located in the adjoining facility or area16, such as to provide controlled access through the access door20to the meeting space12for authorized participants LDR, ATT. The access door20typically includes a lock70(FIG.5) that is linked to the access interface32and/or to the system controller24, such as to prevent access to the secure meeting space12from others OTH to are not properly authorized to attend a secure meeting612. For instance, in some embodiments, the door20can be locked to outsiders OTH unless a proper level of security identification is provided, e.g., by key card or security badge304(FIG.7), by biometric identification306(FIG.7), or by verification by a lead participant LDR. In some embodiments, the key card or security badge authorization304can include the sensing of radio-frequency information (RFID).

In some embodiments12, when the users LDR,ATT badge in304or are otherwise authorized, the system controller24notes their security classification level, e.g.,244d(FIG.6), such as stored within a meeting log within a memory. In some embodiments12, the system does not enable a secure meeting at a higher classification level than lowest level of the participants LDR,ATT. In some embodiments12, the system controller14and one or more corresponding sensors208(FIG.5) can detect the presence of occupants LDR,ATT,OTH, and require that they input their clearance, if a badge304is not detected. In some embodiments12, non-badge users ATT can be verified by badged users LDR,ATT.

The secure meeting space12can include one or more windows22, which can include privacy glass700(FIG.1). While the illustrative window22seen inFIG.1is located on a wall between the meeting space12and the facility16, in some embodiments, the access door20can include one or more windows22, which can similarly include privacy glass700.

The illustrative secure meeting space12seen inFIG.1also includes a meeting interface30, which can include, as shown inFIG.5, any of display screens66, cameras68, speakers82, microphones84, or speakerphones212.

In some embodiments, the secure meeting spaces12are configured to quickly and automatically adapt to different levels of classification242, e.g.,242a(FIG.6), e.g., from any of unclassified, e.g.,244a(FIG.6), to top secret classifications, e.g.,244k(FIG.6), for the participants LDR, ATT. In some embodiments, the meeting spaces12are prevented from becoming active for their intended function, for example, and without limitation, prevented from being configured to accept a secure meeting612, prevented from receiving and/or transmitting classified information, prevented from connecting to a remote room or site40, or a combination thereof, until all required security features are activated.

In some embodiments of the secure meeting space12, the adjoining facility16can include a status display, banner or ticker32, such as to alert outsiders OTH as to the security level of an active meeting612(FIG.17), to inform them that a meeting612is in progress (FIGS.16,17), and/or to inform them that the secure meeting area12is not currently in use or is available (FIG.15).

FIG.2is a schematic plan view60of an illustrative embodiment of a secure meeting space12with automatically adaptive classification levels.FIG.3is a schematic side view80of an illustrative embodiment of a secure meeting space12with automatically adaptive classification levels. Different embodiments of the secure meeting space12can be configured for one or more people LDR,ATT, such as to conduct a secure meeting612with other people within the secure meeting space12, to conduct a meeting between one or more people within the secure meeting space12in communication with remote participants REM at one or more remote sites40, and/or to disseminate classified information to one or more people at one or more sites12,40.

The illustrative secure meeting space12seen inFIG.2andFIG.3includes a meeting interface30and a work surface62within the interior region12, and one or more workspaces64, such as including seating. The illustrative secure meeting space12seen inFIG.2andFIG.3also includes controls28by which a primary participant LDR who is authorized to lead a secure meeting612can interact with the system controller24. In some embodiments12, one or more of the workspaces64can include a corresponding interface72, such as linked to the system controller24, for individual input or output, such as for any of individual control, information queries, participant voting, individual display, headphone ports, speaker volume, or automated language translation.

The illustrative secure meeting space12seen inFIG.2andFIG.3also includes one or more displays66, such as to display information to one or more of the participants LDR, ATT, and/or to display a video feed of remote participants REM from one or more linked remote sites40(e.g., for a secure video teleconference (VTC)).

The illustrative secure meeting space12seen inFIG.2andFIG.3includes an access door20, through which participants LDR, ATT can enter and exit the secure meeting space, such as upon authorization through an access interface32. One or more windows22can be provided between the adjoining facility16and the secure meeting space12, such as installed on a common wall14. In some embodiments, the windows22include privacy glass panels700, by which the system controller24can control807(FIGS.13,14) the opacity of the privacy glass panels700, such as based on a function of the operational status of the secure meeting space12and/or on the comparative classification level between the secure meeting space12and the adjoining area16.

An illustrative embodiment of the secure meeting system comprises a meeting space12located within a facility16, wherein the meeting space has an interior area14defined within for one or more participants LDR,ATT of a meeting612, a door20providing ingress and egress between the facility16and the meeting space12for the participants LDR,ATT of the meeting612, a controller24including a processor1002(FIG.18), and a security feature corresponding to the meeting space12, wherein the security feature is linked to the controller24, wherein the controller24includes instructions for determining110a current classification level242,244for any of the participants LDR,ATT, the meeting space12, or the facility16during the meeting612, and automatically controlling the security feature in response to the determined110current classification level242,244.

In some embodiments, the secure meeting space12can include one or more external speakers86(FIG.3), e.g., in the adjoining facility16or embedded in a common wall84(FIG.3), such as to provide audio information before, during or after a secure meeting612(FIG.10). In some embodiments, the output from the speakers86can be used to mask or obscure the conversations or other audio output82from a secure meeting612, such as in combination with sound proofing or acoustic insulation.

FIG.4is a flowchart of an illustrative method100for automatically adapting to classification levels before, during and after a secure meeting612(FIG.10). For instance, before a secure meeting612is started, the classification level244(FIG.6) is determined for the meeting612, and is established or otherwise confirmed102for each of the local participants LDR, ATT. In some embodiments, if the secure meeting612is to include communication to one or more secure remote locations40, the classification level244(FIG.6) is also established or otherwise confirmed102for the remote site40and/or each of the remote participants REM (FIG.8).

In the illustrative method seen inFIG.4, when it is established or confirmed102that all participants have a proper classification level244for the meeting612, the meeting space12can be enabled104for the secure meeting612to commence, after which time, the secure meeting612can be conducted106. The enablement104can include one or more actions taken by the system controller24, such as including any of controlling the optic transmissivity properties802of privacy glass22related to windows22or doors20, controlling display of information through display screens66, allowing physical access to materials74(FIG.2), and/or controlling operation of cameras68, speakers82, microphones84.

In the illustrative method seen inFIG.4, the system controller24can continuously monitor108the current status of the meeting space12, such as to determine if any local or remote security parameters have changed which would necessitate action. If it is determined110that no security parameters have changed112, if the system controller24determines114that the meeting is not finished116, the method returns118to allow the meeting to continue106. If it is determined110that there has been a change124in a security or classification level, the system controller24can take one or more actions126in response to the change124. For instance, if an access door20is opened, or if it is determined that an unauthorized recording device is present or has been activated, the system controller24can proceed with one or more of opaquing the privacy glass700, preventing the display of information in display screens66, turning off or disabling any of the cameras68, microphones84, or speakers82.

In the illustrative method seen inFIG.4, the system controller24can further determine128if all current security issues have been resolved, such as though actions126by the system controller24, or by other means, such as by closing doors20, deactivating or otherwise disabling local devices, confirming authorization of a new participant ATT, or confirming a security status of a remote location40. If it is determined128that all issues have been resolved134, the system controller24can return136to allow the meeting612to continue106. If not130, the system controller24may return132to take further action126, to automatically adapt to changing security and/or classification conditions.

When it is determined114that the secure meeting612is finished120, such as through interaction by a lead participant LDR though controls28or after completion of communication with a remote site40, the system controller24can secure122the facility12, such as by any of changing the state802of privacy glass700, preventing the display of information in display screens66, or turning off or disabling any of the cameras68, microphones84, or speakers82.

An illustrative method for operating the meeting space12can be implemented with a controller24having a processor1002(FIG.18), wherein the method comprises determining110a current classification level242,244for a meeting system10including a meeting space12located within a facility16, wherein the meeting space12includes an interior area14defined within the meeting space12for one or more participants LDR,ATT of a meeting612, a door20providing ingress and egress between the facility16and the meeting space12for the participants LDR,ATT of the meeting612, and a security feature corresponding to the meeting space12, wherein the security feature is linked to the controller24, wherein the determined110current classification level242,244is based on any of the participants LDR,ATT, the meeting space12, or the facility14during the meeting612, and automatically controlling the security feature in response to the determined110current classification level242,244. Some embodiments of the method100for automatically controlling or adapting a security feature of a secure meeting space can be implemented with a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon a computer program having machine-readable instructions for performing, when running on a computer,

FIG.5is a schematic block diagram200of components associated with an illustrative embodiment of a secure meeting space12with automatically adaptive classification levels. The illustrative system controller24seen inFIG.5can act directly or in conjunction with other controllers, e.g., a facility controller26, to enable or disable one or more components related to a meeting interface30, such as including any of displays66, speakers82, cameras68, microphones84, and/or dedicated telecommunications devices212, e.g., a speakerphone212.

The illustrative system controller24seen inFIG.5can enable communication with one or more remote sites or systems40, such as through a communications interface204and a communication channel206. As well, the illustrative secure meeting space12seen inFIG.5includes a control interface28through which a primary authorized participant LDR can interact with the system controller24. In addition, the illustrative system controller24seen inFIG.5can interact with a controller26associated with the local facility16, such as to receive information regarding the current security or classification level of the adjoining facility16, or to transmit status information regarding a current meeting612.

The illustrative system controller24seen inFIG.5can determine status information with one or more corresponding access doors20, such as to determine whether an access door20is open or closed, and locked or unlocked. If the access door20or common wall84(FIG.4) adjoining the outer area16includes windows22having privacy glass700, the system controller24can allow or prevent the transmission of incident light806, by powering805(FIG.13) or unpowering a voltage supply804(FIGS.13,14). Similarly, if the secure meeting space12includes one or more windows22that include privacy glass700, the system controller24can allow or prevent the transmission of incident light806, before, during or after a secure meeting612, by powering805or unpowering a voltage supply804.

The illustrative secure meeting space12seen inFIG.5can include one or more sensors208that can be controlled by and/or transmit information to the system controller24. For instance, the illustrative secure meeting space12seen inFIG.5can include sensors208for identifying participants LDR, ATT. In some embodiments, the system12can include one or more sensors208or other mechanisms that are configured to detect the presence of all occupants within the secure meeting space12, and require that the occupants either input their clearance if a badge304is not detected, or otherwise be verified by properly badged users LDR, ATT. In some embodiments, the system can include one or more sensors208for determining any of the presence of electronics, the presence of wireless communications signals, the presence of firearms or explosives, and/or the presence of smoke, fire, carbon monoxide or other substances.

As also seen inFIG.5, the secure meeting space12can include one or more environmental systems210that can provide information to or receive signals from the system controller24. For instance, the system controller24can be provided with the current status of a power system, a lighting system, a heating, ventilation or air conditioning system, and/or can provide control for such systems, such as for general operation, and/or as part of security functions that can automatically adapt to changes in classification levels.

As further seen inFIG.5, the system controller24can be connected with the access interface32, such as located in the adjoining facility16, to regulate the authorization of participants LDR, ATT. Additionally, the secure meeting space12can include an external status display34by which the system controller24can display one or more messages regarding the current status of the facility12to personnel OTH who are located in the adjoining facility16.

The illustrative secure meeting space12seen inFIG.5also includes a memory224by which the system controller and retrieve and store information. For instance, in some embodiments12, the system controller24can configure one or more security settings of responses402(FIG.9), and/or store logs for one or more of the secure meetings612, in which the logs may include any of meeting time, meeting duration, meeting participants, authorization information, classification level, security anomalies, and security actions. In some embodiments, the log can include a secure encrypted recording of information from a secure meeting612.

FIG.6is a schematic block diagram240of different classification levels242, e.g.,242a,242bfor an illustrative embodiment of a secure meeting space12automatically adaptive classification levels244, e.g.,244a-244k, such as corresponding to the classification level244for each of the local participants LDR, ATT and remote participants REM. Some embodiments of classification levels244include three levels of classification: Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret. In some embodiments, participant classification levels are used in addition to level markings for information, (i.e., documents, communications, etc. that have been marked with classification level insignia) to determine meeting space usage. In some embodiments, the system controller24can utilize any of optical character recognition (OCR), speech/audio recognition, or other document sensing, e.g., watermarks, toner marks, or embedded tags to identify classification insignia embedded in documents and/or communications, before allowing display or transmission. Furthermore, the participants LDR, ATT, REM of a secure meeting612must typically be authorized, such as based on their classification level and a specific subject of the meeting. For example, dissemination of classified program/project information is often restricted to participants who are authorized for both the required clearance level and for a specific program. Thus, in many embodiments, a system controller24may check that a participant is meeting authorized based on a participant's classification level and project/program involvement/authorization.

FIG.7is a schematic diagram300showing controlled access to a secure meeting space12, using an access interface32in conjunction with a system controller24. The illustrative access interface32seen inFIG.7can authorize participants LDR, ATT by one or more mechanisms, such as based on any of:a key code304(or other information that the user knows);a sensor for sensing a keycard, badge302or chip (or another identifier that the user possesses); ora sensor for sensing one or more biometric factors or other unique aspects of the user (what the user is).

In some embodiments, the lead participant LDR can provide authorization for themselves and/or for other participants ATT, either though the access interface32, which can be located outside the secure meeting space12in an adjoining facility16, or through a control interface28, which can be located within interior region14of the secure meeting space12.

The meeting space12can include additional features for onsite and/or offsite functionality. For instance,FIG.8is a functional schematic diagram400showing one or more security responses at a remote site40as a function of a change in classification level within a secure meeting space12. For instance, for a secure meeting space12that includes a door sensor208(FIG.5) that is connected to the system controller24, is the door20is opened during a secure meeting612, the local system controller24can blank screens66and/or momentarily mute a speakerphone212or a video teleconference established between the local meeting space12and a remote site40, while alerting remote participants REM aurally406and/or visibly408that a door20at the meeting space12is open. Similarly, if a security or classification level is determined to have changed at a remote location40, the system controller24can be configured to take one or more actions126(FIG.4) locally.

FIG.9is a schematic view of an illustrative secure meeting system500that includes a plurality of networked secure meeting spaces12with automatically adaptive classification levels, and networked security responses402,404. For instance, both of the secure meeting spaces12, e.g.,12,12b, can include similar functionality to each other, or can include different functionality, such as different meeting interfaces30corresponding to any of different numbers of participants, participant rank, participant expertise, participant skills, and or participant classification level242,244. During a networked secure meeting between a local site12and a remote site12, e.g.,12b, such as established over a communication channel36established over a network502, the security sensing and security response can also be different between the sites12a,12b.

Furthermore, the information provided to different participants at the same or different meeting spaces12a,12bcan be different, such as based on the specific expertise or rank of the personnel LDR, ATT, REM. For instance, a leader or ranking officer LDR can be provided with managerial, tactical or strategic information for the secure meeting, while a technical specialist ATT can be provided with specific technical information as it related to the secure meeting612, and/or while a remote data analyst REM can be provided with statistical information as it relates to the secure meeting612.

FIG.10shows a flowchart of an illustrative method600for transitioning between different operational states for an illustrative secure meeting space12, such as before, during and after a secure meeting612. For instance, an illustrative secure meeting space12can have a corresponding default state602when not otherwise used for establishing and conducting a secure meeting612. In some embodiments12, system controller24can secure the facility in a lock-down mode, such as by controlling privacy glass700in a default state, e.g., clear or opaque), locking an access door20, disabling the control interface28and/or the meeting interface30, and deleting or protecting stored information, e.g., logs, within system memory224.

In some embodiments12, a leader LDR or other authorized personnel ATT can initiate preparing the secure meeting space for a meeting612, such as by accessing the meeting space12through the access interface32, and initiating interaction with the system controller24through the control interface28. Once initial start-up604is provided, some embodiments12allow authorization606of one or more additional local participants ATT, such as directly through the access interface32, or through the control interface28by either the participants ATT or as authorized by the leader LDR.

In some embodiments12, a lead participant LDR can be required to verify or authorize606the proper security level for all participants ATT that are present, such as through the control interface28, e.g., through touchscreen entry, such as before a meeting612is started, before classified materials74are provided or displayed66to the participants, or before a classified call or video teleconference (VTC) is connected over a communication channel36.

For embodiments12in which one or more remote sites40are to be connected for the secure meeting612, the system controller24can coordinate remote authorization608, such as from the remote site40to the local meeting space12, and from the local meeting space12to the remote site40.

Once all security parameters are established, the system controller24can enable 610 the secure meeting612to be conducted106(FIG.1) and monitored108(FIG.1). In some embodiments12, the system controller24can configure, enable or disable one or more features, such as based on the classification level242,244of the meeting and the participants LDR,ATT,REM. For instance, in some embodiments, the secure meeting space or pod12cannot become ‘active’, e.g., such as to accept a classified call from a remote site40, until all security features are active, e.g., all participants are authorized, the access door20is closed, the privacy glass700is opaque, and the meeting interface30is properly configured.

When it is determined114(FIG.1) that the secure meeting is finished120(FIG.1), the system controller24can take one or more actions614, such as before the departure of the participants ATT, e.g., by disabling communication channels36to one or more remote sites40, blacking out displays66, and turning off speakers82and/or microphones84. Some of the actions can be performed in a sequential order, such as clearing privacy glass700after disabling the meeting interface30. After the meeting612, the illustrative system12shown inFIG.10can return616to a default state602, wherein the meeting space12can be secured against unauthorized entry or open for use depending on a default room assignment.

Privacy Glass for Secure Meeting Space.

FIG.11is a partial cutaway view of an illustrative privacy glass700which can be implemented in some embodiments of the secure meeting space12.FIG.12is a partial perspective view740of some of the functional layers of an illustrative embodiment of privacy glass700for use in some embodiments of the secure meeting space12.

The illustrative privacy glass700seen inFIG.11includes layered structure702that includes a composite central layer714that having liquid crystal molecules (LCD)718located within a polymer716. The composite central layer714seen inFIG.11is sandwiched between opposing clear electrically conductive film layers712a,712b, such as comprising an indium tin oxide (ITO) coating on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. In turn, the film layers712a,712bare sandwiched between opposing interlayer film layers708a,708b, and glass layers706a,706b, which define opposing outer surfaces704a,704b. The illustrative laminated structure700provides strength, and is configured not to shatter if damaged. In some embodiments, the privacy glass700is available through Linyi Ruihe Glass Door & Window Ltd. Co., of Linyi City, China.

The central layer714can be powered by a power supply802(FIGS.13,14) to controllably alter the tranmissivity of light806(FIGS.13,14) through the central layer714. For instance, in some embodiments, when a voltage805(FIG.13) is applied across opposing sides of the central layer714, the liquid crystal molecules (LCD)718align810a, wherein the central layer714allows incident light806to pass through808(FIG.13). In these embodiments, if the power supply804fails or is removed, the privacy glass700remains (or becomes) opaque, thus acting as a fail-safe measure to prevent classified material from inadvertent exposure to the outer area16.

FIG.13is a functional view800of an illustrative embodiment of privacy glass700that can be used for windows22in some embodiments of the secure meeting space12, in which the privacy glass700is configured to be in an optically transmissive or clear state802awhen powered805by a power source804, such as under control of a local controller806, or based on a signal807received from the system controller24.

While in an optically transmissive state802a, the illustrative liquid crystal molecules718seen inFIG.13are controllably aligned810a, such that incoming light806that is incident on a first surface704, e.g.,704b(FIG.12), of the privacy glass700can pass through the privacy glass700and exit the opposing surface704, e.g.,704a(FIG.12), without substantial reflection, absorption, or interference842(FIG.14).

FIG.14is a functional view840of the illustrative embodiment of privacy glass700shown inFIG.13, in which the privacy glass700is controlled to be in an opaque state802bwhen power805(FIG.13) is not applied by a power source804, such as by a local controller802, or based on a signal807received from the system controller24.

While in an opaque state802b, the illustrative liquid crystal molecules718are randomly oriented, such that incoming light806that is incident on a first surface704, e.g.,704b, is randomly scattered842by the liquid crystal molecules718, wherein the privacy glass800appears as opaque802b.

When in an optically transmissive state802a, outwardly directed incident light802from inside the secure meeting space12, as well as inwardly directed incident light802, can typically pass through the privacy glass700, such that the interior14of the secure meeting space12is visible to others OTH in the adjoining facility, while meeting participants LDR,ATT can similarly view the adjoining facility16. In some embodiments, the privacy glass700can be used in conjunction with mirrored surfaces and/or lighting, to provide different optical characteristics. As well, in some embodiments, when the privacy glass700is controlled to be in an opaque state802b, a projected image can be displayed on one or both surfaces704a,704b, such as to display information or to provide further opacity

When in an opaque state802a, outwardly directed incident light802from inside the secure meeting space12, as well as inwardly directed incident light802, is typically diffused and/or reflected842, such that the interior14of the secure meeting space12is not visible to others OTH in the adjoining facility, while meeting participants LDR,ATT can similarly not view the adjoining facility16.

In some embodiments of the secure meeting space12, the privacy glass700can appear as clear802awhen the secure meeting space12is used for an unclassified meeting612, and as opaque802bwhen a classified meeting or call612is taking place. In some embodiments of the secure meeting space12, if the outer area16is at the same classification level242,244, the windows22can be cleared802a. In some embodiments of the secure meeting space12, if the classification level242,244of the outer area16is lowered below that of a current secure meeting or call612(such as if a tour is coming through), the system controller24or local controller806(FIGS.13,14) can automatically opaque802bthe privacy glass700.

Status Displays for Secure Meeting Spaces.

As discussed above, some embodiments of the secure meeting space12can include a supplementary display34, such as within the adjoining facility16, which can signify the current status and/or classification level of the secure meeting space12.

For instance,FIG.15is a functional view900shows an illustrative status display34that is controlled to indicate that a secure meeting space12is available902afor use by authorized personnel. (can indicate schedule). The illustrative window22having privacy glass seen inFIG.15is controlled to be optically transmissive802a, such that personnel located in the adjoining facility16can see into the available meeting space12, such as to see the disabled meeting interface30.

FIG.16is a functional view920of an illustrative status display34that is controlled to indicate902bthat a meeting612is in progress within a corresponding secure meeting space12.FIG.17is a functional view940that shows an illustrative status display34that is controlled to indicate902cthat there a current meeting612is active within a corresponding secure meeting space12, and also to indicate the classification level, e.g., ‘LEVEL 3’, of the current meeting612. As seen inFIGS.16and17, the illustrative window22having privacy glass70is controlled to be optically opaque802b, such that personnel located in the adjoining facility16are prevented from viewing the interior14of meeting space12.

In some embodiments, the illustrative status display34seen inFIGS.15-17can include a standalone display34located outside of the secure meeting space12, within the adjoining facility16. In some embodiments of the secure meeting space12, the display34may be provided, such as through the system controller24, to one or more local and/or remote nodes, such as networked computers or other devices, wherein related personnel, e.g., OTR (FIG.1) can determine or be notified of the current status of the secure meeting space12. Furthermore, in some embodiments12, the system controller24can provide other status information to an external computer or to remote site40, such as classifications for upcoming meetings, meeting schedules, participant schedules, reservation queues, warnings of a room's current usage such as a different classification level in use, or substantially any combination thereof.

FIG.18is a high-level block diagram showing an example of a processing device1000that can represent any of the systems described above. Any of these systems may include two or more processing devices such as represented inFIG.18, which may be coupled to each other via a network or multiple networks.

In the illustrated embodiment, the processing system1000includes one or more processors1002, memory1004, a communication device1006, and one or more input/output (I/O) devices1808, all coupled to each other through an interconnect1010. The interconnect1010may be or include one or more conductive traces, buses, point-to-point connections, controllers, adapters and/or other conventional connection devices. The processor(s)1002may be or include, for example, one or more general-purpose programmable microprocessors, microcontrollers, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable gate arrays, or the like, or a combination of such devices. The processor(s)1002control the overall operation of the processing device1000. Memory1004may be or include one or more physical storage devices, which may be in the form of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM) (which may be erasable and programmable), flash memory, miniature hard disk drive, or other suitable type of storage device, or a combination of such devices. Memory1004may store data and instructions that configure the processor(s)1002to execute operations in accordance with the techniques described above. The communication device1006may be or include, for example, an Ethernet adapter, cable modem, Wi-Fi adapter, cellular transceiver, Bluetooth transceiver, or the like, or a combination thereof. Depending on the specific nature and purpose of the processing device1000, the I/O devices1008can include devices such as a display (which may be a touch screen display), audio speaker, keyboard, mouse or other pointing device, microphone, camera, etc.

Unless contrary to physical possibility, it is envisioned that (i) the methods/steps described above may be performed in any sequence and/or in any combination, and that (ii) the components of respective embodiments may be combined in any manner.

Some of techniques introduced above can be implemented by using programmable circuitry programmed/configured by software and/or firmware, or entirely by special-purpose circuitry, or by a combination of such forms. Such special-purpose circuitry (if any) can be in the form of, for example, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

Software or firmware to implement the techniques introduced here may be stored on a machine-readable storage medium, e.g., a non-transitory computer readable medium. and may be executed by one or more general-purpose or special-purpose programmable microprocessors. A “machine-readable medium”, as the term is used herein, includes any mechanism that can store information in a form accessible by a machine (a machine may be, for example, a computer, network device, cellular phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), manufacturing tool, any device with one or more processors, etc.). For example, a machine-accessible medium includes recordable/non-recordable media, e.g., read-only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); magnetic disk storage media; optical storage media; flash memory devices; etc.

Note that any and all of the embodiments described above can be combined with each other, except to the extent that it may be stated otherwise above or to the extent that any such embodiments might be mutually exclusive in function and/or structure.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it will be recognized that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described, but can be practiced with modification and alteration within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense.