WO1997046995A1

WO1997046995A1 - Table with internal projection system

Info

Publication number: WO1997046995A1
Application number: PCT/US1997/010565
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian D. T. Alexander; Roque M. Corpuz, Jr.
Original assignee: Haworth, Inc.
Priority date: 1996-06-07
Filing date: 1997-06-05
Publication date: 1997-12-11

Abstract

A table having an interactive video display (17) in a counter top surface accessible by a group of people. A framework is positioned within a closed housing for supporting a computer (21), two projectors (22 and 23), a mirror (26), and, if desired, peripheral devices such as a printer. One projector (22) receives a video image signal from the computer (21) and projects the image through an aperture (24) in the housing for display on a large surface. The other projector (23) receives a video image signal and projects it on the mirror (26) which in turn reflects the image onto the interactive display screen (17). The interactive display screen (17) is pressure-sensitive and creates a data signal in response to pressure applied thereon. The computer (21) receives the data signal from the interactive display screen (17) and manipulates the data stored therein.

Description

TABLE WITH INTERNAL PROJECTION SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a horizontally enlarged work surface having an interactive video display mounted therein and, more particularly, relates to a table provided with two projectors which receive different image signals from a single table-mounted computer with one projector projecting an image onto the interactive horizontally-oriented screen, the latter being touch-sensitive for permitting operator input and feedback into the computer, and the other projector being capable of projecting its image on any conveniently available vertical surface, such as an adjacent vertical wall.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Modern communication and computer systems have led to great advancement as to how work is carried out in the modern office, and particularly has led to advancements with respect to development and evaluation activities involving teams of workers. One of the tools which has been developed and is being used for this purpose involves what is commonly referred to as an interactive video screen. Such screen enables a computer-supplied image to be projected on the screen, typically a vertically mounted screen having the projector positioned therebehind for projecting an image thereon. The screen is a two-layer construction having an air space therebetween with the outer screen being touch-sensitive so that workers can contact and depress the outer screen layer and hence permit data to be sensed and fed into the computer in superimposed relationship to the supplied image so as to permit storage and subsequent use and manipulation of the stored data. With such system, one embodiment of which is manufactured and supplied by Smart Technologies, Inc. of Calgary, Canada, it has been observed that the screen is typically always vertically mounted in a wall, and such location does not promote efficient study, evaluation and input when it is being used in conjunction with a significant number of people. Further, and more significantly, the system inputs only a single image which, while it can be stored and subsequently thereafter displayed such as on a computer monitor, nevertheless it does not permit the simultaneous display of different images on different screens so as to facilitate comparative analysis to thus expedite the study and development process.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved arrangement which is believed to significantly overcome many of the aforementioned disadvantages. More specifically, the present invention relates to a horizontally enlarged work surface provided with a touch-sensitive interactive display screen mounted in horizontal orientation within the upper surface of the work surface. The work surface preferably comprises a part of an upright cabinet or table which, in the interior thereof, mounts a computer which supplies an image to a projector which in turn projects the image to the interactive screen. In order to provide for a compact arrangement, the projector is disposed within the arrangement under the work surface, and the image from the projector is initially projected onto a mirror which then reflects it back to the screen so as to provide a longer projection distance within a very small and compact space, and at the same time permit projection and development of the image on a rather large screen. The system still further includes a second projector which receives a different image signal from the computer, the latter being capable of image splitting or dual image processing, whereby the second projector is able to project a second but different image onto any conveniently available vertical display surface, such as an adjacent wall. With the arrangement of this invention, a team of workers can readily cluster around the work surface and have access to the display screen, and physical and tactile input thereto so as to permit feedback of information to the computer. At the same time, another image, such as an image previously generated on the horizontal screen, can be fed to the second projector for projection onto an adjacent vertical wall so that workers can have ready visual exposure to the two different projected images for evaluation and study.

Other objects and purposes of the invention will be apparent to persons familiar with systems of this general type upon reading the following specification and inspecting the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of an interactive video display device according to the present invention. Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the interactive display device and diagrammatically illustrating the components which are disposed interiorly thereof.

Figure 3 is a block diagram which illustrates the components of the interactive display systems and the basic operational interconnections thereof.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only, and will not be limiting. For example, the words "upwardly", "downwardly", "rightwardly" and "leftwardly" will refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly" will refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the system and designated parts thereof. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure l illustrates therein a work surface arrangement, specifically a table 10, incorporating therein an interactive video display screen. More specifically, the table 10 includes a horizontally enlarged top or work surface 11 defining thereon an enlarged and generally planar upper surface 12. The table also includes a generally downwardly depending sidewall structure 13 which defines a generally hollow interior or chamber within the table for mounting of the system components as explained hereinafter. For this purpose, the hollow chamber includes a suitable internal framework which is generally enclosed by the sidewall structure. The table 10 also includes a support leg structure 14 for supporting the table in upright relationship on a floor so that the top 11 will be disposed at a convenient height, such as counter height so as to permit several people to be conveniently positioned therearound. In the illustrated embodiment, the top is preferably round or oval so as to facilitate access and positioning of several people therearound.

The top or work surface 11 is provided with an enlarged opening 16 therein in which is mounted an interactive video display screen 17, specifically a touch-sensitive screen which responds to pressure applied thereto, such as finger pressure, so as to permit operator input by contact with the screen so that the position of the pressure application by the finger is sensed and the appropriate signal is fed back to the software in a computer for incorporation into the displayed image. The interactive touch-sensitive video display screen is a commercially available item, and one such screen is sold by Smart Technologies, Inc.

Referring to Figure 2, the interactive display system as associated with the table is mounted primarily within the interior of the table and includes a computer 21, specifically a Macintosh System 7 having virtual or multiple monitor capability (or any equivalent computer) which permits the splitting of the image signals or processing of dual image signals so as to permit the supplying of two images to a single monitor or multiple monitors. Thus, the computer can run two separate monitors or display devices with two separate images. The two image signal outputs from the computer are supplied to separate and distinct projectors mounted within the interior of the table, namely projectors 22 and 23. Suitable cabling (not shown) is provided in the hollow chamber along the internal framework for supplying display signals from the computer 21 to both projects 22 and 23. The cabling is positioned so as to not interfere with the projection (described below) of the video images displayed by the projectors 22, 23. Each of these projectors is a conventional commercially available item, for example same may comprise an Epson LCD Projector, such as a Model ELP 3000. As illustrated by Figure 2, one of the projectors 22 is disposed in a generally horizontal orientation within the interior of the table 10 and is oriented so as to project an image outwardly thereof. For this purpose, the projector lens is normally positioned closely adjacent the sidewall of the table and is substantially aligned with a projection aperture 24 therein so that the projector 22 directs the image outwardly through the aperture 24 and directly onto any conveniently available and reflectively suitable vertical wall. The other projector 23, on the other hand, is mounted within the upper portion of the interior of the table, namely directly adjacent the underside of the top but in sidewardly spaced relation to the video display screen 17. The projector 23 is mounted so as to be generally downwardly oriented in an inclined relationship relative to the vertical. An enlarged reflective mirror 26 is positioned within the interior of the table adjacent the bottom wall thereof, and is angularly disposed so as to directly receive thereon the image projected from the projector 24 as indicated by the dotted line pattern 27. The image then reflects from the mirror and is directed upwardly as indicated by the dotted ray pattern 28 for impingement on the rear layer of the interactive display screen 17. The relationship created by the projector 23, mirror 26 and display screen 17 thus causes the image to be projected downwardly and then reflected upwardly so that the image is projected along a path having a length measured substantially by the length of the dotted line shown at ABC in Figure 2. In this fashion, the projection length can be substantially increased so as to permit projection on a rather large size screen, while at the same time enabling the projector and screen to be positioned closely adjacent one another within a rather small and compact enclosure, namely the table 10. The relatively large display screen 17 enables viewing of and interaction with the image displayed thereon by a larger group of people than can gather around a single standard computer monitor.

The display table 10 of the present invention, as part of the interactive display system, also includes a keyboard 30 which is interconnected to and controls the computer 21, which keyboard 30 is preferably positioned on the table top 11 so as to be readily accessible. The computer also preferably has a printer 32 connected thereto and also supported within the interior of the table so as to permit generation of printed output when desired.

It will be appreciated that the sidewall 13 of the table 10 can be provided with readily removable panels or doors so as to provide convenient access to the equipment disposed in the interior thereof. With the table arrangement of this invention, the data stored in the computer 21 can be outputted as a signal which would normally be supplied as a split image to the computer monitor. In this case, the output signal is generated and split in the computer and thus supplies one signal to the first projector 22, and the other signal to the second projector 23. For example, some Macintosh computers are manufactured with multiple monitor capability with multiple built-in video jacks, or computer cards may be purchased separately and installed in the computer. The second projector 23 in turn then projects this signal so that it is reflected off of the mirror 26 and onto the interactive screen 17 which, due to its horizontal orientation and its disposition within the enlarged work surface 11, can be the center or focal point of a group of people who are positioned around the table, and hence have both visual and physical access to the screen. Due to the interactive software provided in the computer and controlling the pressure-sensitive screen, the people can input information back into the computer by touching the screen with sufficient finger pressure so as to cause the deformation on the screen to register as a signal which then is fed back to the computer for incorporation into the displayed image. Additionally, standard interactive pens (not shown) may be used to contact and deform the pressure-sensitive screen to create a signal corresponding to a predetermined color.

At the same time, a different image, such as a previously displayed image from the main interactive screen, can be supplied to the first projector 22 for projection on an adjacent vertical wall. The people surrounding the table thus can be working directly on the image displayed on the interactive screen 17, and at the same time have ready reference and visualization of the second signal representing a different image displayed on the wall, whereby the second projector 23 hence utilizes a wall substantially as a reference board similar to a tack board in that it permits other images to be displayed thereon for reference and comparison purposes. Yet, the second projector is superior to a conventional tackboard because the image displayed thereon can easily be changed by proper instruction to the computer generating the image. Further, the second projector can control the size of the image displayed thereby through the manipulation of the second projector itself. A hardcopy or print of the image secured to a tackboard remains the same size or may be enlarged on a photocopier or the like.

While the preferred embodiment of the table with internal projection system utilizes two projectors, it is within the scope of this invention to replace the second projector, mirror and interactive display screen with a large-dimensioned, flat screen monitor. Some monitors are currently fabricated with interactive transparent surfaces which feed back information utilizing pressure applied thereon.

Other advantages and usages of the arrangement of this invention will be apparent to those familiar with systems of this type, as well as the controls and operations which can be performed thereby, so that further detailed description thereof is believed unnecessary.

Although a particular preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized that variations or modifications of the disclosed apparatus, including the rearrangement of parts, lie within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

I/we claim:

1. An interactive video display arrangement comprising: a substantially closed cabinet or housing defining thereon a horizontally enlarged worksurface having a generally horizontally and planar upper surface provided with an enlarged opening therein, and a horizontally enlarged interactive video display screen disposed within said opening for defining a horizontally enlarged and upwardly facing visual display; a computer mounted within said housing generating first and second image signals; a first projector for receiving said first image signal and transforming same into a visual display, said first projector being oriented so as to project the image horizontally out of the cabinet for display on an adjacent wall; a second projector for projecting said second image signal for visual display on the interactive screen; and a mirror interposed in the path of the second signal for receiving said second image signal from said second projector and reflecting it back onto said interactive display screen.