A remote multimedia presentation system using a direct pointing stick

Desktop conferencing systems are used for discussions among participants seating at individual computers. The systems can be used for remote presentation or remote teaching if the computers are connected to a large screen. However, there are usability problems if a conventional input device such as a mouse or a tablet is used. This paper describes a remote multimedia presentation system that integrates a direct pointing stick with a multimedia conferencing system. The conferencing system has a shared chalkboard that supports script programs. The pointing stick has an optical sensor with a switch. While the presenter is pressing the switch, the sensor detects any changes in brightness, and transmits data by radio to a receiver connected to a personal computer. When an object being pointed at is detected by the shared chalkboard, a script program for functions such as turning pages, zooming, or changing graphic objects, is executed at the presenter´s site and the remote site. This approach makes it easy for the presenter to operate the system while standing beside a large screen, and for the audience to understand the presenter´s precise intentions