DE102007058585A1 - Remote discussions e.g. specific topics, participating device, has separate signaling device for one participant for delivering signal, detector for detecting delivered signal, and computing device for evaluating signal - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a computing device (2) by which locally attendant participants (P1-P3) are connected with remote participants (P4, P5) by a data link (8). The computing device has a processor (3) and a display device (5) on which the remote participants and the locally attendant participants of the remote discussion are graphically represented. A separate signaling device (20) for delivering a signal is provided for one participant. A detector (11) detects the delivered signal, and the computing device evaluates the signal. An independent claim is also included for a method for participating in remote discussions with multiple participants.

Description

The The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for carrying out Remote meetings where one or more remote participants have one Data connection with at least one locally present participant be connected to during the remote meeting e.g. to discuss certain topics or, for example, together to learn under the direction of a moderator.

in the State of the art are various devices and methods to carry out became known from remote meetings. For example, over a Videoconference a group of local participants with a group be connected by remote participants. About a microphone are the Sounds taken in the room and over a camera is taken a picture of the local group of participants and transferred to the remote group, where in turn over a microphone recorded the sound and a picture of the camera remote group of participants is recorded, so that both the Both the local and the remote group perceive each other can. adversely in these known video conferencing is that the sound recording and the sound reproduction usually has lower quality, so participation At such videoconferencing increased concentration required caused to the participants.

in the As the Internet spreads, so too are devices and procedures become known, in which e.g. via the H.323 protocol visual and acoustic data e.g. IP-based transmission over the Internet where two or more are each away from each other Can meet participants online, to hold a remote meeting.

adversely At such a procedure is that each participant over a own computers in order to be recognized as a participant and to be able to act.

In However, many in-house meeting rooms is not always a corresponding number of network interfaces for connection the corresponding computer. That leads to a remote meeting in which e.g. Locate two or more participants locally in one location It is difficult to connect the appropriate computer can give. In addition, sets Such a remote meeting, in which several people in a common physical space are present, usually portable computers or permanently installed computers for each participant, whereby the effort increases or the flexibility decreases.

Compared to the the aforementioned prior art, it is an object of the present invention, a Device and a method to provide, in which a simple way of having a remote meeting from a locally present one Participants or from two or more locally present participants with at least one remote participant is feasible, being not for each individual participant a separate computing device or a separate computer is required.

These Task is solved by an apparatus having the features of claim 1 and by the inventive method with the features of claim 34. Preferred developments of Invention are the subject of the respective subclaims.

The inventive device serves to participate in remote meetings with multiple participants and at least one computing device, via which at least one locally Present participant with at least one remote participant can be connected by means of a data connection. It includes the Computing device at least one processor device and at least a display device on which the remote participants and the graphically presentable locally present participants of the remote meeting are. For at least one participant and in particular for each participant is at least a separate signaling device for emitting at least one signal or signal codes is provided, wherein the signal or the signal code detectable by a detection device and by the computing device is evaluable.

Preferably are participants of the remote meeting in respectively assigned display areas graphically representable and individually referenceable. In particular at least one speaker device connected to the computing device and it is preferably at least one with the computing device connected microphone device provided whose microphone signal can be digitized and evaluated. In particular, the data connection also serves for transmission of language or language data.

The inventive device has many advantages. It allows the participation of several locally present persons in a remote conference, without that for Each participant a separate computing device is needed. Also for only a local subscriber, the invention is advantageous because it over the Signal device can deliver signals without operating the computer.

Preferably by means of the computing device by evaluation of the detection device of a signal or a signal code donating subscriber can be determined. As a computing device is ins particular a computer used.

Preferably the locally present participants are shown individually, graphically So in particular separable represented. It can be several participants in the same display section or individually in each case Display areas are displayed. The spatial-physical assignment of Participants to each other can be canceled in the graphical representation so that, for example, remote participants in adjacent display areas being represented. The individual participants can be represented by symbols or by representatives represents become.

Especially If the computing device is designed, the assigned display area to mark the participant issuing a signal. Especially is at the assigned display area of a locally present subscriber at least one additional information can be displayed. That is advantageous because the other participants is informed which participant Signal has issued.

Preferably is assigned to a subscriber display area depending on controlled by a detected signal.

Especially is at least one signaling device as an optical signaling device executed. Preferably, at least one detection device is a camera device.

Especially is the camera device on a predetermined range and in particular geared towards an area that hosts the locally present participants includes. Thereby, e.g. a live picture of the group, the active one Subscriber or e.g. the table surface are output. Or it is e.g. a live photo of the group or one currently active Participant displayed.

The Camera device is in particular provided to a predetermined Area and in particular to accommodate the locally present participants.

In A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention can be or it can several additional ones signal devices be provided for the delivery of e.g. different signal codes or the like.

One such signaling device is especially additional to an input device and / or a keyboard and / or a common pointing device such as a mouse provided that serve to operate the computing device.

in the Unlike the keyboard and the pointing device is the signaling device or the additional one signaller not to the fundamental Operation of the computing device, but it is used in particular for Delivery of one or more signal codes in the form of codified Signals that can be detected and evaluated by the computing device are.

The signal transmission from the signaling device takes place in particular via light signals, but can also over acoustic signals performed respectively.

in the In the case of a cable connection, the additional signaling device may e.g. via USB or serially or in parallel or over a bus system connected to the computing device. Wireless can the signaling device e.g. above Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or over an infrared data connection connected to the computing device be.

Under a separate signaling device is within the meaning of the present Sign understood a signaling device that is not part a typical computing device.

In Particularly preferred developments of the invention is the computing device suitable and intended to identify the local participant whose associated signaling device outputs a signal code. Such a determination may be, for example be effected in that the acoustic signals of a signaling device of a or more microphone devices are detected and from the microphone signal or the microphone signals a position of the signaling device and thus an association with the subscriber operating the signal device is also derived. Possible It is also to capture the optical signal means by image recognition and the associated participant to identify.

Especially at least one signal device is designed as a signaling device, with which defined optical signals can be output.

advantageously, the signal device comprises at least a light source and in particular at least one light emitting diode.

The signaller may include a plurality of switches, upon actuation predefined different ones Signals are delivered.

In preferred developments of all embodiments of the invention the signal device comprises at least one signal means. Preferably is at least a passive optical signaling means as a signaling device intended.

The optical signal means may comprise at least one signal card having at least one signal surface include. The configuration is possible as a signal label or as a printed signal card, so that each participant can print out the signal means by means of a computer.

The Signaling means has in particular one with an optically recognizable Patterned signal surface on. The signal surface may have a pattern of geometric figures and / or a line pattern. Also a color pattern is possible.

In represent all configurations different patterns, in particular different signals.

In a simple and particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention is for each subscriber at least one unique signal means provided. If the subscriber the signaling means in the of the camera device positioned detectable area, so recognizes the computing device the signal and can evaluate without locating the signal and / or the Assign and evaluate participants.

Preferably are for a subscriber several different signaling means provided, which from the detection device by placement in a predetermined Range are recognizable and evaluable to different signals receive and evaluate the user.

In In a simple embodiment, a signal card is printed on both sides, so that one side of a first signal or signal code and the other side associated with a second signal or signal code.

It it is preferred that the positioning of a signal means representative for a Signal is. In particular, you can different positions of the signal means different signals represent.

Preferably if the computing device is suitable, from the received signals the detection device different movements of a signal means to capture and distinguish by evaluation, so defined Signals or signal codes are distinguishable.

On the display area of a subscriber can be a representative be pictured with a particular photo of the participant.

The Signaling device can not only be used as optical signaling device, but also be designed as an acoustic signaling device. Combinations are possible. When using an acoustic signaling device is preferably at least one detection device designed as a microphone device.

Especially is at least one signaling device as a particular portable signaller executed. The signaling device may include at least one speaker for outputting acoustic signal codes. Preferably, at least one signal code is a sound signal generated by the signaling device is dispensable. Preferably, different with the acoustic signaling device Sound signals can be output.

It is possible and preferred that the signaling device for the output of acoustic and / or optical signals of different frequency and / or to Output of frequency and / or amplitude modulated acoustic and / or optical signals suitable and provided.

The Sound signals of the signaling device are particularly adjustable to allow the sound signals at least two signaling devices are different.

Especially at least each local subscriber is assigned a signaling device, whose signal codes are detectable and identifiable. If every one signaller different optical signals or sound signals generated by the camera device or the microphone device or the microphone devices the computing device can be detected, it can also without localization of the signaling device to the corresponding signaling device and thus be inferred to the corresponding participant, so that to the appropriate signal or information delivery of the respective Participant can be responded appropriately targeted.

advantageously, serves the signaling device the local subscriber to control its associated display area or to control its representative. Preferably, the computing device is suitable gestures of a Recognize the participant and the representative depending on it to control.

The signaller can also be used to locate only the local subscriber and / or to Carrying out of anonymous or personal votes.

In all embodiments, the signaling device can be portable and, for example, battery or battery operated or solar powered or hydrogen powered or manually operated or the like. Preferably, the signal device is suitable and determined to represent or output different optical or acoustic signals. This not only allows the output of a single signal, but different signal codes can be issued, which the part be defined in a simple way defined information or reviews eg.

Preferably is determined by evaluation of two or more independent microphone devices recorded microphone signals automatically the locally present participants determined that just gives particular acoustic information.

From It is advantageous if at least two independent microphone devices are used, from their microphone signals by means of the computing device a participant can be recognized who is currently speaking. So can a currently lecturing or commenting participant of the Computing device can be detected automatically, so this information the other participant available can be made.

Under independent Microphone devices are separate within the meaning of this application Understood microphone devices whose signals are present separately or at least separable.

In preferred embodiments of the invention is the computing device designed and suitable, the associated display area of the locally present and signals or audible information issuing subscriber to mark. Such a label may e.g. graphically different Way done. For example, the light intensity of the associated symbol or representatives or the like increases become. It is also possible, to flash the display area of the assigned subscriber or about one different kind or a symbol visually to emphasize. Preferably also a loudspeaker symbol and / or indicated sound waves are displayed, whereby the other participants can visually perceive which Person is just talking.

In particularly preferred developments of the invention is at least one and preferably is for In essence, each local participant has one individual Microphone device provided. It can be for every local participant one loudspeaker or several loudspeakers may be provided in each case, or it is for all local participants exactly one speaker or a certain Number of speakers provided. Particularly preferred is for the local Participants each a headphone with in particular integrated indi vidual microphone device provided by the spatial Near the Microphones to the respective participants the sound signals of the participants record and clearly assign, as well as the included speakers to deliver the sound signals of the other participants.

Preferably At least one individual microphone device is separately controllable and in particular switched off and switched on. In particular also the respective microphone level separately adjustable.

each individual microphone device is in particular via a corresponding conversion device consisting of the analog signals the microphone device generates corresponding digital signals, connected to the computing device. In the processing and the digitization of the respective microphone signals remains the assignment from conversion device and signal received, so the assignment of digitized acoustic signals and associated participant preserved.

It can also be any single acoustic and / or optical signal a corresponding code can be assigned so that the signal is over the code is recognizable and can be assigned.

On This way can be very simple of signals, sounds or linguistic information will be recognized by volunteering participants, since the signals are assigned in each case. By connecting e.g. more Microphone devices to a local Setup will therefore be an individual referencing of the individual Participant allows, without that for Each participant will require a separate computing device.

Nice with two participant-independent Microphone devices can be an assignment of spatial coordinates and optionally take the direction of a sound signal, as by Evaluation of the sound signals, in particular the transit time differences of their place of origin to the respective independent microphone devices a reference determination of the sound signals with the computing device is possible. By evaluating the temporal sequence of the microphone signals the user-independent Microphone devices can thus a spatial position of the generation of a Be derived sound signal.

In preferred developments can also three or more participant-independent Be provided microphone devices. Preferably, two to about twelve microphone devices, depending on from the respective circumstances also more than twelve microphone devices can be used.

Advantageously, in a further development, the computing device is designed and programmed such that the signals or acoustic information of a local subscriber by means of Mi can be derived from the microphone signals of the particular subscriber-independent microphone devices, a spatial position of the acoustic information donating local subscriber.

The Calculation of the position of the auditory information local participant is based in particular on the fact that from the different Duration of the acoustic generated by the respective participant Information from the known locations of the respective microphone devices a spatial Position of the generated sound signal and consequently also the position of the local subscriber is determined and derived.

there is it possible that the respectively assigned display area of the local subscriber is visually highlighted as soon as the corresponding local Participant expresses when before the start of the remote meeting the allocation of spatial position and Participant is clearly done, as is usually the case with meetings In companies the case is when the individual participants of a Gather meeting around a table.

So can reliably locates several local subscribers with the aid of the invention and be identified.

At It should be noted that in the context of this application under the term "information not only linguistic information is understood, but it gets under it also the emission of optical signals or noise directly or indirectly understood by a participant.

Preferably At least one local camera device is provided with which e.g. at the beginning of the remote meeting an image or multiple images the individual participants are added to the respectively assigned Display area of each participant with a photo or the like to provide. It can also already stored images can be used.

By Evaluation of the camera device can automatically be an optical signaller detected and its state are analyzed. For example, can a Signal card are detected and its associated signal code to the system be passed on, so with known spatial allocation of participants and display area, the display area corresponding to e.g. "Approval" or "rejection" are marked can.

In A preferred development is the local camera device automatically on the spatial Position of a signal emitting local subscriber aligned or the corresponding area enlarged to a live photo or to record and show a live video of the participant in question while the corresponding participant speaks.

In other developments, a plurality of cameras is provided, the constantly Pictures of locally present participants records. If then one the locally present participant speaks or other signals or gives acoustic information of itself, so in a continuing education the corresponding image as a photo or as a video to the distant ones Transfer participants become.

A video transmission of the speaking participant is provided in particular in cases in which a video transmission it is asked for, but those in the transmission to disposal standing bandwidth is insufficient to each video of all participants at the same time.

In other embodiments, a section of the image of a camera device are displayed, which give the signals or information Participants as a still image or as a live video shows. As a still picture can be the picture taken at the beginning of the remote conference or a Extract from serve or taken from the memory image of the participant.

at the method according to the invention to participate in remote meetings with multiple participants at least one computing device used, wherein at least one locally present participant with at least one remote participant is connected by means of a voice and data connection. The distant ones Participants and the remote consultation locally present participants are on a display device of the computing device graphically individually referenced shown, wherein for at least one and in particular all local participants at least one separate signaling device is provided for dispensing at least one signal. This is the Signal of the separate signal device by a detection device recorded and evaluated by the computing device.

Preferably the detection signals of the detection devices are evaluated, to automatically detect the locally present subscriber who Emits signals.

Especially becomes the assigned display area of the locally present and signals donating participant.

Advantageously, a local camera device automatically adjusts to the spatial position an acoustic information-giving local subscriber aligned.

Especially a local participant is identified, who is assigned with an additional signaller Issues signals or signal codes by the computing device the Signals recorded and evaluated. In particular, the signal codes optically or acoustically output.

The signal devices can output frequency and / or amplitude modulated signals from the Computing be recorded and evaluated.

The allows it, which evaluated the signals or signal codes of the signaling devices be personalized or anonymous reviews of participants to investigate.

It is possible, to set the visual or audible signals of the signaling device, to differentiate the signals of two different signaling devices.

Preferably will be at least one participant and in particular will each local Participants each a signaling device assigned and detected its signal codes and identified.

It is possible, that of independent microphone devices recorded microphone signals are evaluated. Then, in particular, automatically the locally present subscriber detects the signals or acoustic Giving information.

Preferably is determined by evaluation of the microphone signals of the subscriber-independent microphone devices a spatial Position of the local participant giving the audible information derived and in particular from the position determination on the auditory information releasing participants closed back.

It a local camera device may be provided, e.g. on the respective acoustic information donating local participants is aligned. The alignment can be based on the evaluation of the Voice information of the participant or even after delivery of a signal defined by the subscriber, e.g. a defined one Signal with his body or a signaling device to be located by the computing device.

to support of communication additional signal devices be provided, which provided the local participants who have no direct access to the keyboard to talk about signaller to the respective users in a simple way the delivery defined expressions of will to enable. The signal codes of the signaling device be issued in particular optically or acoustically, with the computing device of the participants is determined, the associated signaller outputs a signal code.

at Ratings or votes of participants can also be defined signals or signal codes are evaluated, making a personalized or an anonymous vote is possible. The submission of the defined Signals can be made by the signal devices, but it can also other sounds be evaluated, such. Clapping or the like.

In In all embodiments, the inventive method is preferably with the device according to the invention carried out, wherein in further developments the possibilities described above and embodiments are realized.

Further Advantages and features emerge from the embodiments, which now with Reference to the accompanying figures will be explained.

In show the figures:

1 a schematic view of a remote meeting with local and remote participants;

2 the possible graphical output of the display device of the computing device 1 at a remote conference at a time;

3 a schematic view of a remote meeting with another device according to the invention;

4 a signaling device according to the embodiment according to 3 ;

5 the sequence of optical or acoustic signals of the signaling device after 4 in a schematic view; and

6 an example of a signal card.

In 1 a first embodiment of a device according to the invention for performing and attending remote meetings is shown in a highly schematic representation.

The device 1 includes one as a computer 2 executed computing device, the at least one processor 3 and at least one memory 4 features.

A display device in the form of an An pointing device 5 is used to output information and to graph the remote conference. For this purpose, representatives R1 to R5 or symbols which represent and represent the individual subscribers P1 to P5 are represented in the display areas A1 to A5 assigned to the individual subscribers and participating in the remote meeting P1 to P5.

The participants P1, P2 and P3 are here in the example locally present and systems 9 - each via speakers or headphones 10 and microphones 11 - and each have an analog / digital converter 12 with the computer 2 connected.

Here is the local subscriber P1 the keyboard 6 and the mouse 7 of the computer 2 assigned. Furthermore, the local subscriber P1 here in the exemplary embodiment, the function of the leader or moderator of the remote meeting, who can give or withdraw the word to the individual participants to ensure a structured flow of the remote meeting.

Via remote data connections 8th Here are in the embodiment, two remote participants P4 and P5 connected to the locally present participants P1 to P3. Each of the remote participants P4 and P5 at the remote meeting each have a complete computer 2 , each one a display device 5 and have keypads and pointing devices, not shown here.

Participants P4 and P5 each carry a system 9 which via headphones 10 and a microphone 11 has to transmit the utterances of the subscribers P4 and P5 to the other three subscribers P1 to P3 and conversely the utterances of the other subscribers via the headphones 10 to recieve.

For all participants P1 to P5 are the respective systems 9 each via individual analog / digital converter 12 with the respective computers 2 connected. Since the respective acoustic signals of the individual participants separated from each other in the respective computer 2 may lead to a simple assignment of the sound signals of the individual participants to the respective participants. As soon as a participant gives audible information, a graphic marking of the representative of the corresponding participant takes place.

There the audio signals are separate, e.g. the moderator single audio channels Turn on or off to give or take away from participants.

Single or all local analog / digital converters 12 can also be in the computer 2 be arranged.

A display view of the computer 2 the device 1 according to the embodiment according to 1 shows 2 , where in 2 the five participants P1 to P5 are graphically represented in respective display areas A1 to A5 by representatives R1 to R5. While participants P1 to P3 are local to the device 1 stop, the participants are P4 to P5 via remote data connections 8th with the device 1 and so connected to the participants P1 to P3.

In the graphical representation of the display device 5 to 2 For example, the individual representatives R1 to R5 are each arranged on virtual chairs around a virtual table. Each person P1 to P5 is symbolized by a representative R1 to R5, which includes a photo of the respective participant. Furthermore, the name of each individual participant in the representative R1 to R5 is reproduced to give the other participants of the remote meeting an overview of the people involved.

If it allows the bandwidth of the data connection and a camera device 11a or several cameras are present, video images of one or more persons can be transmitted simultaneously.

The participant P1 serves here as a conference leader, who carries out the control of the conference. While the participant P1 and also the co-moderator, the participant P3, can speak at any time and then be heard by all participants, the moderator P1 or the co-moderator P3 has to give the word to the other persons, so that they can speak for themselves all others can express audibly. To give the word, the presenter P1 hands the microphone 43 by a mouse movement to the appropriate participant, who can then comment as long as he has the microphone available.

In the illustration after 2 the participant P4 got the word granted, what by the in front of the representative R4 existing microphone symbol 43 is clarified. The audio channel is now open. This is indicated by the speaker icon 44 visualized at the representative R4.

In the in 2 represented moment the participant P4 just speaks, as it by the sound wave symbol 44a at the representative R4 for all participants.

About the sound wave symbol 44a Each participant can determine which other participants just talking. If, for example, the participant P5 has been given the word and is currently speaking, this is indicated by a sound wave symbol 44a clarified by the representative R5.

The moderator P1 and the co-moderator P3 can be activated by pressing the switch 31 to 38 to start various processes.

While synchronized information is displayed at the top of the display, there are a number of client-related buttons and information areas at the bottom of the display 51 to 67 displayed to provide gestures such as approval or disapproval, or to provide status information such as "I understand" or Presence status or to call functions, or to get more information such as help.

The participant P1 can via the associated keyboard 6 and the mouse 7 Use the switching and input areas provided in the client-related area to control its representative R1. Similarly, the remote participants P4 and P5 use their respective input devices to control their respective representatives R4 and R5. The buttons 55 to 62 are used to control gestures and status information of the representative and in the text field 63 Messages can be entered while in the information fields 64 to 67 For example, status information is output.

Furthermore, the subscriber P1 with his assigned keyboard 6 and the mouse 7 operate the buttons and input pads to control the reps R2 and R3.

Based the one at the respective representative Symbols shown may indicate the role and current status of the corresponding participant.

According to the embodiment 1 a user can use one as signaling device 20 serving signal card 20 use to deliver certain signals. An example of such a signal card 20 is in 6 shown. There, in a simple case, the printed on a white sheet of paper signal card 20 a border 20a on. Inside the border 20a is a signal surface 20b provided here by a rectangle 20c is bounded by a thin line. Here is in the rectangle 20c a round circle 20d drawn, for example, the signal "consent" signal, while on the back of the smaller rectangle shown in dashed lines 20e is shown, which should show the signal "rejection".

That from the camera 11a delivered image is constantly evaluated. It checks if a signal through a signal card 20 triggered signal are contained in the image stream. If this is the case, the signal is assigned to the corresponding subscriber via the position or type of the signal card and the detected pattern is evaluated. Depending on the signal, the participant's avatar is controlled.

The meaning of the signal may also depend on the position of the signal card. For example, a signal card held in front of the chest area of a participant may have a different meaning than an overhead signal card 20 ,

Unlike the im 1 illustrated embodiment of a device according to the invention 1 are in the embodiment after 3 two participant-independent microphones 13 and 14 provided with which the acoustic information of the locally present participants P1 to P3 are recorded.

The ones from the microphones 13 and 14 Information recorded by the computer 2 processed and over the Fernfernverbindung 8th here in the embodiment to a remote computer 2 transferred, on which another subscriber P4 resides, via a display device 5 the visual information and about a system 9 get the sound information.

As in the previous embodiment, the subscriber P1 has control of the keyboard 6 and the mouse 7 while participants P2 and P3 have no direct access to the keyboard and mouse.

However, subscribers P2 and P3 have signaling devices here 20 , which are designed as small-sized, portable and battery-powered devices of about the size of a mobile phone and which have a number of buttons with which the respective user can deliver predefined signals, so that the participants P2 and P3 not only speak directly linguistically, but also via the signal devices 20 codified signals 16 (see. 5 ) can spend.

Also here serving as a moderator subscriber P1 can via such a signaling device 20 feature. Furthermore, the remote subscriber P4 can also use such a signaling device 20 exhibit.

A signaling device 20 is in 4 reproduced in an enlarged view. The signaling device 20 has a loudspeaker here 21 with which the signaling device 20 eg as sound signals 17 to 19 executed signals 16 issues (cf. 5 ).

Next to the speaker of the signal device 20 are here in the embodiment status indicators 24 and 25 provided, for example, with which the readiness and the state of charge of the battery is displayed. An operating area 22 is equipped with a plurality of buttons, while a display 23 Information is output. The device in total will have a switch 26 switched on or off. With a switch 27 For example, the default may be varied in multiple stages to increase the pitch in one embodiment and, in another embodiment, to affect the temporal tone sequence of output signals.

With the buttons 154 to 162 For example, the user can trigger the same status messages, expressions of intent and reactions as a user who has a computer mouse and the buttons 54 to 62 actuated. So the user can by pressing the key 155 "Show" signal to the moderator and the other participants that he would like to have the floor spoken by pressing the key 157 the participant signals his approval while pressing the button 158 expresses his rejection. With the button 156 He can express his applause while using the key 154 For example, the graphical display of the symbols of his previous utterances can be deleted again at his representative.

Here in the embodiment are three additional buttons 163 to 165 which are still individually assignable, to allow flexible expansion.

By pressing the buttons 154 to 165 be here in the embodiment signals 17 to 19 which differ in frequency and sequence, as in 5 is shown. The signals may be acoustic signals whose pitch and pitch are varied or are optical signals. Active optical signals can be emitted, for example, by light-emitting diodes or other light sources. There are variations of eg the flashing frequency, the brightness, the light rhythm, as well as the emitted pattern and the color etc. possible.

The of the signaling devices 20 emitted signal codes 16 be in the case of optical signals from the camera 11a and for acoustic signals from the subscriber-independent microphones 13 and 14 recorded and anyway by the processor 3 evaluated.

Depending on the detected signal code, a corresponding signal is added to the representative of the corresponding subscriber, so that upon actuation of the switch 155 the participant's representative indicates that he wishes to have the floor. By pressing the button 159 For example, subscriber P3 may indicate that he is temporarily unavailable, for example, because he is having a coffee break.

In 5 are as optical signals or sound signals 17 to 19 executed possible signals 16 strongly schematic in terms of intensity 46 over the timeline 45 applied.

The solid drawn signal 17 is radiated at a predetermined frequency and is alternately turned on and off. The dot-dashed tone signal 18 however, at a given frequency, it has a certain amount of constant intensity before being turned off. The dotted applied signal 19 is in turn turned on and off periodically, but has a different time constant between the intensity changes than the signal 17 on. Due to the nature of the intensity modulation can therefore from the detected signals of the camera 11a or the microphones clearly the respectively emitted optical or acoustic signal 17 . 18 and 19 be determined.

Other signaling devices 20 may emit a different frequency of the fundamental signal, the fundamental acoustic frequency may be variable in 500 Hz steps, for example. Alternatively, an amplitude modulation or a frequency modulation of the signals can take place, as can be done by the lines 47 and 48 is shown. Accordingly, for example, the sound signal 17 modulated by superposition of higher frequency signals with small amplitude. The combination of different means so a variety of unique characteristics can be transmitted.

In other embodiments can also directly generated noises be evaluated. For example, sounds can also be used to deliver information and evaluated directly with the body, such as. Clapping or snapping or the like or it will be sounds emitted with the mouth considered, such as. Pipes. It can also with sound bodies generated noises be evaluated, such. with a drum, a xylophone, a flute or a stringed instrument generated sounds. By means of a xylophone can For example, several defined sounds are delivered, the corresponding expressions of will be assigned.

Overall, with the present invention, a simple and flexible implementation of remote meetings allows (even if several people are present at a computer), since the respective speaking participants marked graphically or graphically highlighted and because the individual participants also have the ability to output defined symbols on the common display device.

Claims (46)

Contraption ( 1 ) for attending multi-party remote meetings (P1-P5), comprising a computing device ( 2 ), via which at least one locally present subscriber (P1-P3) with at least one remote subscriber (P4, P5) by means of a data connection ( 8th ) is connectable, wherein the computing device ( 2 ) at least one processor device ( 3 ) and at least one display device ( 5 ), on which the remote subscribers (P4, P5) and the locally present subscribers (P1-P3) of the remote meeting can be displayed graphically, whereby at least one separate signaling device ( 20 ) is provided for the delivery of at least one signal, wherein the signal by a detection device ( 11 . 11a ) can be detected and evaluated by the computing device. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein by means of the computing device ( 2 ) by evaluation of the detection device ( 11 . 11a ) of the signal-emitting subscriber can be determined. Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the computing device ( 2 ) is configured to mark the assigned display area (A1-A3) of the signal emitting subscriber (P1-P3). Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein at least one additional information can be displayed at the assigned display area (A1-A3) of a locally present subscriber (P1-P3). Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one participant (P1-P3) associated display area in response to a detected Signal is controlled. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one signaling device ( 20 ) ( 20 ) as an optical signaling device ( 20 ) and at least one detection device ( 11 . 11a ) a camera device ( 11a ). Contraption ( 1 ) according to claim 6, wherein the camera device ( 11a ) is aligned to a predetermined area and in particular to the locally present subscribers (P1-P3). Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims 6 to 7, wherein the signaling device ( 20 ) as a signaling device ( 20 ) is executed, with which defined optical signals can be output. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the signaling device ( 20 ) comprises at least one light source and in particular at least one light-emitting diode. Device according to one of the preceding claims 6 to 9, wherein the signaling device ( 20 ) comprises a plurality of switches, the operation of predefined different signals can be issued. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the signaling device ( 20 ) comprises at least one signal means. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein a passive optical signal means is provided. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the optical signal means at least one signal card with at least a signal surface comprises. Device according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 13, wherein the signal means one with an optically recognizable pattern provided signal surface having. Device according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 14, where the signal area has a pattern of geometric figures. Device according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 15, the signal area has a line pattern. Device according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 16, where the signal area has a color pattern. Device according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 17, the signal area a surface pattern having. Device according to one of the preceding claims 13 to 18, where different patterns represent different signals. Device according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 19, wherein for a subscriber a plurality of different signal means are provided, which of the detection means ( 11 . 11a ) are recognizable and evaluable by placement in a predetermined range in order to receive and evaluate different signals of the user. Device according to one of the preceding Claims 11 to 20, wherein the positioning of a signal means is representative of a signal. Device according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 21, wherein different positions of the signal means different Represent signals. Device according to one of the preceding claims 11 to 22, wherein the computing device is suitable from the received signals of the detection device ( 11 . 11a ) to detect different movements of a signal means and to distinguish by evaluation, so that defined signals are distinguishable. Contraption ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein on the display area (A1-A5) a representative with in particular a photograph of the subscriber (P1-P5) is mapped. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one signaling device ( 20 ) as an acoustic signaling device ( 20 ) and at least one detection device ( 11 ) a microphone device ( 11 ). Contraption ( 1 ) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one signaling device ( 20 ) as signaling device ( 20 ) and a loudspeaker ( 21 ) for the output of acoustic signal codes ( 16 ) and in particular is portable, wherein preferably at least one signal code is a sound signal ( 17 - 19 ), that of the signaling device ( 20 ) is dispensable. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims 25 to 26, wherein the signal device ( 20 ) different sound signals ( 17 - 19 ) are dispensable. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims 25 to 27, wherein the signaling device ( 20 ) for the output of sound signals ( 17 - 19 ) of different frequency and / or for the output of frequency and / or amplitude modulated sound signals ( 47 . 48 ) is suitable and provided. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims 25 to 28, wherein the audio signals ( 17 - 19 ) of the signaling device ( 20 ) are adjustable to allow the audio signals of at least two signal devices ( 20 ) are different. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims 25 to 29, wherein each local subscriber (P1-P3) has a signaling device ( 20 ) whose signal codes ( 16 ) are detectable and identifiable. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the computing device ( 2 ) is adapted to detect gestures of a subscriber (P1-P5) and to control the representative (R1-R5) in dependence thereon. Contraption ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the computing device ( 2 ) is adapted to determine the location of a given signal and in particular to align a camera or to determine a corresponding camera excerpt. Contraption ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein anonymous votes are enabled by encrypted signals. Method for Attending Multiple Party Remote Meetings (P1-P5) Using a Computing Device ( 2 ), via which at least one locally present subscriber (P1-P3) with at least one remote subscriber (P4-P5) by means of a data connection ( 8th ), the remote subscribers (P4-P5) and the locally present subscribers (P1-P3) of the remote meeting being displayed on a display device ( 5 ) of the computing device ( 2 ) are shown individually referenceable, wherein for at least one subscriber at least one separate signaling device ( 20 ) is provided for the delivery of at least one signal, wherein the signal of the separate signaling device ( 20 ) by a detection device ( 11 ) is detected and evaluated by the computing device. The method of claim 34, wherein the detection signals of the detection devices ( 11 ; 13 . 14 ) to automatically detect the locally present subscriber (P1-P3) issuing signals. The method of claim 34 or 35, wherein the associated Display area (A1-A5) of the locally present and signal emitting subscriber (P1-P3) marked becomes. Method according to one of the preceding claims 34 to 36, wherein a local camera device ( 11a . 49 ) is automatically aligned with the spatial position of an acoustic information-emitting local subscriber (P1-P3). Method according to one of the preceding claims 34 to 37, wherein a local subscriber (P1-P3) with an associated additional signaling device ( 20 ) Signal codes ( 16 ) issued by the computing device ( 2 ) are recorded and evaluated. Method according to one of the preceding Claims 34 to 38, wherein the signal codes ( 16 ) are output visually or acoustically. Method according to one of the preceding claims 34 to 39, wherein with the computing device ( 2 ) of the subscriber (P1-P3) is determined whose associated signaling device ( 20 ) a signal code ( 16 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims 34 to 40, wherein the signaling devices ( 20 ) frequency and / or amplitude modulated signals ( 17 - 19 ) issued by the computing device ( 2 ) are recorded and evaluated. Method according to one of the preceding claims 34 to 41, wherein the signal codes ( 16 ) of the signaling devices ( 20 ) to determine personalized or anonymous ratings of the participants. Method according to one of the preceding claims 34 to 42, wherein the audio signals ( 17 - 19 ) of the signaling device ( 20 ) can be adjusted to monitor the signals of two different signal devices ( 20 ) to distinguish. Method according to one of the preceding claims 34 to 43, wherein at least one subscriber, in particular each local subscriber (P1-P3) a signaling device ( 20 ) and its signal codes ( 16 ) are detected and identified. Method according to one of the preceding claims 34 to 44, wherein by controlling the signaling device ( 20 ) the local subscriber (P1-P3) controls its representative (R1-R3). Method according to one of the preceding claims 34 to 45, wherein the computing device recognizes gestures of a subscriber and the representative dependent on of which controls.