Convertible podium system

Abstract

Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the present invention can include a convertible podium having a compact and lightweight design that can provide multiple functionalities by converting its form. A system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention can convert from an interactive podium to other presentation devices including (but not limited to) an imaging device, a remote avatar for a presenter, an interactive whiteboard, and an information board. The system includes one or more configurable controls for controlling one or both of a presentation and a presentation environment.

1 . A system to be positioned in a locale having an audience for improving a presentation to the audience and for improving control of an environment of the locale, the system comprising: 
 a frame;    a device for displaying information connected with said frame;    one or more controls for adjusting one or both of the environment and the presentation; and    one or more configurable positions connected with said frame and adapted to communicate with said one or more controls.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said one or more controls for adjusting the environment can adjust one or more of lighting, volume and temperature.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the presentation includes slides; and 
 wherein said one or more controls for adjusting the presentation can adjust one or more of slide advancement, slide reversal, and slide selection.    
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising one or more gesture sensors connected with the frame to detect a gesture from a presenter.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more proximity sensors to detect a presence of a presenter.  
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said device for displaying is adapted to be repositioned such that said device for displaying is viewable by the audience.  
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein said device for displaying is connected with said frame by one or more hinges; and 
 wherein said device for displaying is repositioned by pivoting said device for displaying.    
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the information displayed on said device for displaying is controllable from a remote location.  
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein when said device for displaying is repositioned, the information can be written directly to said device for displaying by contacting said device for displaying.  
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein when said device for displaying is repositioned, the information displayed on said device for displaying includes one or both of graphical and textual information selected by a presenter.  
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the information displayed is an image of a presenter.  
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 8 , further comprising: 
 an interface for controlling the information displayed on said device for displaying.    
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein said device for displaying is adapted to be repositioned such that an undersurface is accessible.  
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein said device for displaying is connected with said frame by one or more hinges; and 
 wherein said device for displaying is repositioned by pivoting the device for displaying.    
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the undersurface is a scanner surface.  
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein when one of a document and an object is place on said undersurface, the one of a document and an object can be imaged.  
   
   
       17 . A system for facilitating a presentation by a user to an audience in an environment, comprising: 
 a frame having a proximal end and a distal end;    a means for displaying information to the user, the means being connected with the distal end;    one or more configurable controls connected with the frame;    wherein one or more of the configurable controls can be used to adjust one or both of the presentation and the environment.    
   
   
       18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein said means for displaying is adapted to be repositioned such that said means for displaying is viewable by the audience.  
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the information displayed on said device for displaying is controllable from a remote location.  
   
   
       20 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein when said device for displaying is repositioned, the information can be written directly to said device for displaying by contacting said device for displaying.  
   
   
       21 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein when said device for displaying is repositioned, the information displayed on said device for displaying includes one or both of graphical and textual information selected by a presenter.  
   
   
       22 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein said device for displaying is adapted to be repositioned such that an undersurface is accessible; and 
 wherein the undersurface is a scanner surface.    
   
   
       23 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein said means for displaying can be repositioned from a remote location.  
   
   
       24 . A method of converting a device having a frame and a display screen pivotally connected with the frame from a podium for a local presenter to address an audience to an avatar of a remote presenter directed at the audience, the method comprising: 
 receiving a command from an interface to convert the device;    pivoting the display screen such that the display screen is visible to the audience;    receiving an image of the remote presenter from the interface;    displaying the image on the display screen;    receiving an audio signal of the remote presenter from the interface; and    communicating the audio signal to the audience.