IRIS Interactive Horizons HANDTI-G Audience Interaction (AI) Wireless System User Manual 386149

IRIS Interactive Horizons, Inc. Audience Interaction (AI) Wireless System 386149

Preliminary Users Manual

© 2004, Audience Interaction, Inc. All rights reserved. All brand names and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Preliminary Draft Version (01/04/04) System Installation and Operation Manual AIAudienceInteractionInc. AIAudienceInteractionInc. 207 North 44th Street Cody, WY 82414 www.audienceinteraction.com sales@audienceinteraction.com Phone: (307) 527-9357 Fax: (707) 222-1551
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation ii TABLE OF CONTENTS FCC NOTICE ................................................................................................................................iii 1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Packing List...................................................................................................................... 2 1.2 Quick Start Checklist........................................................................................................ 3 2. SYSTEM OVERVIEW.............................................................................................................. 4 2.1 Handsets.......................................................................................................................... 6 2.2 Base Stations................................................................................................................... 7 3. THEORY OF OPERATION ...................................................................................................... 9 4. SYSTEM CABLING ............................................................................................................... 11 5. AI SOFTWARE ......................................................................................................................12 5.1 Required Operating System Environment...................................................................... 12 5.2 USB Drivers ...................................................................................................................12 6. SYSTEM OPERATION .......................................................................................................... 16 6.1 Audience Response Software........................................................................................ 16 6.2 Normal AI System Operation ......................................................................................... 19 6.3 System Testing .............................................................................................................. 19 7. TROUBLESHOOTING........................................................................................................... 20 7.1 Basic Methodology.........................................................................................................20 7.2 Sample Configuration..................................................................................................... 21 7.3 Identifying Problem Scope ............................................................................................. 22 7.3.1 Individual Handset Problems ............................................................................... 22 7.3.2 Communication Channel Problems...................................................................... 23 7.3.3 Problem Areas in the Room.................................................................................24 7.3.4 Room-Level Problems.......................................................................................... 24 7.4 Handset Repair .............................................................................................................. 25 7.5 Base Station Repair ....................................................................................................... 28
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation iiiFCC NOTICE NOTE: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference; (2) this device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operations. Modification Warning Changes or modifications made to this equipment not expressly approved by the manufacturer may void the user's authority to use the equipment.
© 2004, Audience Interaction, Inc. All rights reserved. All brand names and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. 1. INTRODUCTION The Audience Interaction wireless system allows you to implement audience interaction technology for meetings, delegate voting, strategic planning, training, customer surveys, focus groups, games shows and more. AI system hardware, Handsets and Base Station(s), allow audience members to register their responses with your host computer running third-party audience response software. An AI system is Fleetwood compatible at the interface of the AI system with the host computer. Although AI Handsets communicate with an AI Base Station using a proprietary protocol, the AI system communicates with the host computer using the Fleetwood Standard Reply® protocol. Therefore, your third-party audience response software can be configured for an AI system as it would be for Fleetwood hardware. This manual covers the installation and operation of an AI system including the following information: • System Overview — outlines major system components • Theory of Operation — describes the vote collection process and interface with a user-supplied host computer running third-party audience response software • System Cabling — includes a cabling diagram for a USB Base Station • AI Software —outlines the procedure for installing the drivers required with a USB Base Station • System Operation — describes procedures for configuring third-party audience response software and normal system performance • Troubleshooting — outlines procedures for troubleshooting the system AI Handsets12 34 5 678 9*.-0#AudienceI nte ract i on. com12 34 5 678 9*.-0#AudienceI nter act i on. com12 34 5 678 9*.-0#AudienceInt er act i on. com12 34 5 678 9*.-0#AudienceI nter act i on. com12 345678 9*.-0#AudienceI nter act i on. com AI BaseStation AIProprietary Wi rel ess ProtocolFleetwood Standard Reply(R) Protocol HostComputer Fig. 1. System Communication
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 21.1 Packing List Depending on system size and options purchased, your AI system should include the following items: • AI Handsets • AA batteries • AI Base Station(s) • USB cable(s) — 6-foot cable(s) • USB cable ferrite(s) — one ferrite per USB cable • AI software CD — includes USB drivers • Carrying case(s) — optional, purchased separately Note: With multiple Base Station configurations, each Base Station and associated Handsets operate on one of 25 channels in the 902-928 MHz band.
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 31.2 Quick Start Checklist For those familiar with the basics of audience response software and the AI system, the checklist below outlines the steps to get your AI system up and running quickly: 1. Cable the host computer — do not cable AI system hardware until step 3 2. Power the host computer — be sure boot sequence is complete before proceeding 3. Install a ferrite on the USB cable — see diagram in Section 2.2, Base Stations 4. Cable the AI system — see diagram below 5. Install AI USB drivers — see Section 5.2, USB Drivers 6. Install and launch audience response software 7. Configure audience response software for the appropriate number of Fleetwood-compatible keypads (multiples of 50 Handsets) — see Section 6.1, Audience Response Software 8. Conduct test vote and troubleshoot any problems KEYBOARDMOUSEMONITORUSB120 VACAI Base Station (USB Model)120 VACPOWERUSB Cable Host Computer(Rear View)SERIAL Fig. 2. Typical System Cabling
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 42. SYSTEM OVERVIEW A starter AI system consists of up to 250 AI Handsets communicating with an AI Base Station. Typically, the Base Station is located adjacent to the user-supplied host computer. The host computer runs user-supplied audience response software in a Windows® environment (Windows 98 or later). The Handsets and Base Station communicate on one of 25 available channels in the 902-928 MHz band. HostComputerAI Handsets1 2 34 5 678 9*.-0#AudienceInt er act i on. com1 2 34 5 678 9*.-0#AudienceI nter act i on. com12345678 9*.-0#AudienceI nter act i on. com12 34 5 678 9*.-0#AudienceI nte ract i on. com12 34 5 678 9*.-0#AudienceI nter act i on. com12 34 5 678 9*.-0#AudienceI nter act i on. com1 2 34 5 678 9*.-0#AudienceInt er act i on. com1 2 34 5 678 9*.-0#AudienceI nter act i on. com12 34 5 678 9*.-0#AudienceInt er act i on. com12 34 5 678 9*.-0#AudienceI nter act i on. comAI Base Station Fig. 3. AI System Overview — AI System Hardware and User-supplied Host Computer
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 5The system is designed for reliable communication in an area 300 feet by 300 feet — assuming central placement of the Base Station. Elevating the Base Station to improve line-of-sight operation may result in a performance advantage. The diagram below illustrates a typical system installation in a meeting room. Note: Obstacles or interference may decrease the Handset range. For mission-critical applications such as house-of-delegate parliamentary voting, Handsets should be located within 125 to 150 feet of the supporting Base Station. VideoProjector Projection ScreenComputer TableAudience Seating Area150 - 200 Foot Reliable RangePodium Fig. 4. Typical Meeting Room Arrangement
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 62.1 Handsets AI Handsets feature a rugged, ergonomic, hand-held molded plastic case. AI Handsets are powered by two AA alkaline batteries. A sliding cover on the bottom of the Handset provides access to the battery compartment. Handsets use power only when transmitting entered responses and receiving Base Station acknowledgments. Each keypress is indicated by a tone response. Batteries provide sufficient power for 50,000+ responses before requiring replacement — 3 to 5 year battery life. Note: Handsets include ample insert space and can be customized to “personalize” the product. 6.97"2.00"2.40"0.67"1 2 345678 9*.-0#clearAudienceInteraction.com1.31"1.10"3.38" Fig. 5. AI Handset — Top View0.85"7°5.77" 1.20"Battery Cover Fig. 6. AI Handset — Side View
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 72.2 Base Stations The Base Station communicates with and draws power from the host computer via a USB cable. Before you operate the system, the supplied ferrite must be installed on the USB cable as shown here to minimize any spurious emissions. Note: A USB Base Station version is available currently. If a USB configuration does not meet your needs, please inquire about other interface options that may be available. 3.375"1.500"USB In Fig. 7. AI Base Station — Cabling End View Fig. 8. USB Cable — Six-foot Cable Supplied Fig. 9. Ferrite — Installed on USB Cable
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 8Base Stations feature four LED tally lights. The illumination patterns on the LEDs allow you to confirm system operation and assist with troubleshooting. For additional information on tally light function, refer to the System Operation section below. LEDs Fig. 10. AI Base Station — LED Tally Lights
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 93. THEORY OF OPERATION The diagram below illustrates a typical system configuration. During the voting of an audience response question, the following sequence occurs: • System operator “opens the vote” with the audience response software on the host computer • Audience response software generates a question display that is projected by the video projector • Audience members respond to the question by pressing keys on their Handsets • Handsets register their votes with the supporting Base Station • System operator “closes the vote” with the audience response software • Audience response software polls the Base Station and generates a results display that is projected to the audience HostComputerAI Handsets12 34 5 678 9*.-0#Audi enceI nt er act i on. com12 34 5 678 9*.-0#AudienceInteraction.com12 34 5 678 9*.-0#AudienceI nt eract i on.com12 34 5 678 9*.-0#Audi enc eI nt e r ac t i on. c om12 34 5 678 9*.-0#Audi enceInter acti on. comAI Base Station VideoProjector Fig. 11. Typical System Configuration
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 10Handsets transmit audience votes using radio frequency (RF) signals to the supporting Base Station. Handsets communicate with their supporting Base Station on one of 25 available channels in the 902-928 MHz frequency range. Base Stations accumulate votes from associated Handsets and pass them to the host computer via a USB cable. Each Handset is assigned an identification (ID) number during manufacture. The supporting Base Station identifies each Handset by its ID number. A total of 250 Handsets can be managed by a given Base Station (ID 1 through ID 250). Although the starter system shown above illustrates a single Base Station configuration, several Base Stations can be used to expand the number of Handsets. Each Base Station requires a USB port and operates on its own channel. Note: When multiple Base Stations are used, they should be separated at least 18 inches to avoid interference. Base Stations should not be located near metallic objects. When a Base Station is placed adjacent to the host computer, place it on top of the computer case.
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 114. SYSTEM CABLING The diagram below illustrates typical Base Station cabling. The USB Base Station communicates with and receives power from the host computer via a USB cable. KEYBOARDMOUSEMONITORUSB120 VACAI Base Station (USB Model)120 VACPOWERUSB Cable Host Computer(Rear View)SERIAL Fig. 12. System Cabling
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 125. AI SOFTWARE Before you can use a USB Base Station, you must install the USB drivers on the AI software CD as described below. 5.1 Required Operating System Environment The AI system requires a Windows 98 (Second Edition) operating system environment or later. The supplied USB files are XP certified. 5.2 USB Drivers AI USB driver files are located on the AI Software CD in the \USB folder. You must install the USB drivers before they can be used. Fig. 13. USB Driver Files
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 13To install the USB driver files on the host PC, perform the following steps: 1. Connect the AI Base Station to a USB port on a powered host computer. Windows will respond by displaying the first screen of the Add New Hardware Wizard shown above. The installation wizard consists of five interactive screens. As you complete these screens several progress messages will be displayed. 2. Click on Next. Fig. 14. Add New Hardware Wizard — Screen 1
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 14 3. Accept the default (Recommended) search option by clicking on Next. 4. Check the “Specify a location” box, use the Browse button to navigate to the folder containing the USB driver files (D:\IRIS\USB_DVR in this example) and click Next. Fig. 15. Add New Hardware Wizard — Screen 2 Fig. 16. Add New Hardware Wizard — Screen 3
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 15 5. Accept the USB driver location by clicking on Next. 6. Click Finish. Fig. 17. Add New Hardware Wizard — Screen 4 Fig. 18. Add New Hardware Wizard — Screen 5
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 16Following the installation of the USB drivers, you should confirm the installation by noting the illumination pattern on the Base Station tally lights. For additional information on tally lights, refer to the System Operation section below. 6. SYSTEM OPERATION The sections below describe the configuration of typical audience response software to interface with an AI system. For additional information on configuring your audience response software, refer to your user documentation. The characteristics of normal AI system operation are also discussed. For information on AI system troubleshooting, refer to the Troubleshooting section. 6.1 Audience Response Software Before you can collect and display votes with the AI hardware, you must install and configure your audience response software. Note: The AI system is software-compatible with the communication protocol used by Fleetwood Standard Reply® keypads. When you configure your audience response software, select the "Fleetwood" or "Fleetwood Standard" option as appropriate.
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 17Configuring audience response software usually involves the following: • Selecting the type of keypad hardware being used — “Fleetwood” or “Fleetwood Standard” • Selecting the COM port to which the base station is attached — may be detected automatically • Identifying the number of keypads supported by the base station Note: In general, audience response software packages support Fleetwood-compatible Handsets in groups of 50. Therefore, you should configure your package for one of the following groups depending on the number of Handsets purchased: Beginning Ending Handset Handset Number Number 1 50 1 100 1 150 1 200 1 250 Thus, if you purchased 125 Handsets (ID 1 through 125), you would configure your audience response software for a Handset grouping 1 through 150.
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 18If your audience response software does not automatically detect the COM port to which the Base Station is attached, you can identify the USB port number by performing the following steps: 1. Attach the AI Base Station to a USB port 2. Navigate to the Windows Device Manager — Start | Settings | Control Panel | System | Device Manager 3. Expand the Ports option by clicking on its “+” symbol 4. Note the USB Serial Port (COM3 in the example below) Fig. 19. Identifying USB Serial Port Number
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 196.2 Normal AI System Operation After the system has been installed and powered successfully, the Base Station tally lights should exhibit the following illumination pattern: • The Power LED remains illuminated continuously • The Report to Host LED flashes slowly • The Rx LED illuminates whenever a key is pressed on a supported Handset • The Tx LED flashes rapidly — the rapid flash can be difficult to see with bright lighting 6.3 System Testing After the system has been installed as outlined in the Quick Start Checklist, it is important to conduct several test votes. Final system testing is designed to confirm the proper operation of all components in the current meeting environment — host computer, audience response software, Base Station, Handsets and system cabling. PowerReport to HostRxTx Fig. 20. AI Base Station — LED Tally Lights
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 207. TROUBLESHOOTING This section focuses on system troubleshooting — procedures for identifying and repairing problem components. At this point, you should have accomplished the following: • Powered the host computer • Cabled the AI system • Installed AI USB drivers • Installed and launched the audience response software • Configured the audience response software for an appropriate number of “Fleetwood” or “Fleetwood Standard” hardware • Conducted test votes Successful system troubleshooting is based on several factors including: • A systematic procedure • Identification of problem scope • Knowledge of component operation 7.1 Basic Methodology It is important to approach troubleshooting in a systematic way, working on one component at a time. Obviously, if you change two components before retesting, you cannot be sure which change produced the solution. As soon as you check a component, perform a test vote to confirm the resolution or continuation of the problem. Various diagnostic aids are built into system components including LEDs on the Base Station.
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 217.2 Sample Configuration The illustration below of a sample USB configuration may be helpful in visualizing troubleshooting procedures. KEYBOARDMOUSEMONITORUSB120 VACAI Base Station (USB Model)120 VACPOWERUSB Cable Host Computer(Rear View)SERIAL Fig. 21. Typical System Cabling
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 227.3 Identifying Problem Scope The scope of a problem is an important factor in troubleshooting. For example, if a single Handset is not functioning, your troubleshooting will focus at the Handset level. If an entire channel is not functioning, the focus of your troubleshooting will include the supporting Base Station, USB cable, USB port and audience response software configuration. If no votes are received during a test vote or the pattern of votes is atypical, the host computer and audience response software become the focus of your troubleshooting. The sections below contain checklists for various types of problems. Each checklist describes a problem and includes various things to check and things to try. Problem: Problem description Check: Things to check? Try: Things to try When a check reveals the source of the problem, the solution is generally self-evident. When all checks fail to solve the problem, generally one of the listed things to try will resolve the malfunction. 7.3.1 Individual Handset Problems When a Handset fails to register a vote, perform the following: Problem: Handset does not register a vote Check: Batteries OK? Check: Distance to supporting Base Station within reliable transmission range? Try: Replace the Handset Generally, replacing the Handset’s batteries will resolve most individual Handset problems.
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 237.3.2 Communication Channel Problems If you are using multiple Base Stations, it is good operating practice to install Handsets so that a given channel serves a given section of the meeting room. Using this arrangement, problems with a given section equate to problems with a given channel. If all Handsets in a given section do not respond, the problem may relate to one or more of the following: • The supporting Base Station • The connecting USB cable • The audience response software configuration • The USB port on the host computer When Handsets on a given channel fail to register votes, perform the following: Problem: A complete section (channel) does not register votes Check: Base Station “Power” LED illuminated continuously Check: Base Station “Report to Host” LED flashing slowly Check: Base Station Rx LED illuminates after each Handset keypress Check: Base Station Tx LED flashing rapidly (can be difficult to see) Check: Base Station and Handsets using the same channel? Check: USB cable connections tight? Check: Base Stations separated at least 18 inches? Check: Base Station near metallic objects? Check: Audience response software configured properly? Check: Distance to Base Station within reliable transmission range? Check: USB port functional? Try: Boot the host computer Try: Boot the Base Station Try: Replace the USB cable Try: Replace the Base Station (same channel) Note: You can check the functionality of a USB port by temporarily moving a proven piece of equipment to the suspect port and retesting its functionality.
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 247.3.3 Problem Areas in the Room If a small number of adjacent Handsets do not respond, the problem may be related to their location. The Handsets may be located beyond the reliable transmission range, or there may be some form of radio frequency (RF) interference in that area of the room. Note: To date, interference from other RF sources (such as wireless microphones or video equipment) has not been a problem with AI system hardware. Although rare, large metallic surfaces that may be concealed in walls or partitions can present problems for RF signals. This problem can also result from errors in the configuration of the audience response software. For example, when the audience response software is configured for Handset ID 1 through 50, but Handsets 1 through 75 are present. When several adjacent Handsets on a given channel fail to register votes, perform the following: Problem: A portion of a section does not register votes Check: Distance to Base Station within reliable transmission range? Check: Audience response software configured properly? Check: Base Stations separated at least 18 inches? Check: Base Station near metallic objects? Try: Replace Handset(s) 7.3.4 Room-Level Problems When an entire meeting room does not report any votes or the voting pattern is atypical, the host computer and audience response software become the focus of the troubleshooting activities. An atypical voting pattern usually occurs when the audience response software is configured for fewer Handsets than actually installed in the meeting room. In a multiple Base Station configuration where an entire meeting room fails to register votes, perform the following: Problem: The entire room does not register votes Check: Audience response software configured properly? Check: Host computer cabled properly? Try: Boot the host computer Note: For room-level problems with a single Base Station configuration, refer to the communication channel problem checklist.
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 257.4 Handset Repair AI Handsets are rugged, highly reliable and should require little if any maintenance other than periodic battery replacement. If the suggestions in the Troubleshooting sections above do not resolve a malfunction, it may be worthwhile to open the Handset case. Most of the Handset components are permanently installed and cannot be changed in the field. Although unlikely, extremely rough handling might dislodge the batteries, the keypad connector or jumper. Note: When a Handset does not function properly, the cause is usually battery-related — either depleted or slightly dislodged batteries. Opening the Case To inspect Handset circuitry, open the case by performing the following steps: 1. Turn the Handset over and slide the battery compartment cover off. 2. Remove the AA batteries. 3. Remove the two screws joining the top and bottom of the case. Important: A discharge of static electricity from a finger or other conductor may damage electronic circuitry. In general, avoid touching pins, leads or circuitry. Before handling any of the internal components, be sure that you have discharged static electricity by briefly touching a grounded metal object. AABattery Clips+-Retaining Screws Fig. 22. Opening Battery Compartment
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 26 4. Grasping the top and bottom of the Handset, slide the top in the direction of the battery compartment — approximately 3/16”. Note: The top and bottom of the Handset are joined by two battery wires. 5. Gently separate the top and bottom of the Handset and position them along side of each other as shown below. Fig. 23. Opening Handset Case AABattery ClipsRetaining Clip SocketsRetaining ClipsJumper KeypadConnectorKeypad Ribbon Cable-++-Handset TopHandset BottomCircuit Board Retainer Fig. 24. Handset — Case Open
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 27Diagnostic Checks - Handset circuitry is mounted on a printed circuit board. The circuit board is mounted with four circuit board retainers. Make sure the circuit board is firmly in place — gently bend the circuit board retainers if necessary. - Check that the jumper shown is in place. If the jumper has become dislodged, carefully reseat it. - Check that the keypad ribbon cable is securely joined to the keypad connector. Assembling the Case To assemble the Handset case, reverse the opening procedure — join the top and bottom of the Handset, make sure the battery wires are routed behind the battery clips, install the case screws, install the batteries and replace the battery compartment cover. Note: When you install batteries in a properly functioning Handset, you should hear a short series of tones. All Diagnostic Efforts Fail If none of the troubleshooting and repair steps overcome the malfunction, replace the Handset with a spare (operating on the same channel) if available, label the defective unit with a description of the problem and contact Audience Interaction. Retaining ClipsJumper KeypadConnectorKeypad Ribbon Cable-++-Handset TopCircuit Board Retainer Fig. 25. Handset Circuit Board
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 287.5 Base Station Repair AI Base Stations are highly reliable and should require little if any maintenance. If the suggestions in the Troubleshooting sections above do not resolve a malfunction, it may be worthwhile to open the Base Station case. Most of the Base Station’s components are permanently installed and cannot be changed in the field. Although unlikely, extremely rough handling may affect internal jumper settings. Opening the Case Important: Disconnect all cabling from the Base Station before opening the case. Do not connect any cabling to the Base Station until the case is closed. To inspect Base Station circuitry and jumper settings, open the case by performing the following steps: 1. From the bottom of the Base Station, remove the four screws securing the cover. 2. Carefully lift the cover and remove the two end pieces if they are loose. Important: A discharge of static electricity from a finger or other conductor may damage electronic circuitry. In general, avoid touching pins, leads or circuitry. Before handling any of the internal components, be sure that you have discharged static electricity by briefly touching a grounded metal object.
AI System Manual (Jan-04) Installation and Operation 29Diagnostic Checks Base Station circuitry is mounted on two printed circuit boards — a motherboard (MB) and a daughterboard (DB) suspended above. Each circuit board is mounted with four screws. Check the three jumper settings shown above — two on the motherboard and one on the daughterboard. If any of the jumpers have become dislodged, carefully reseat them. Assembling the Case To assemble the case, reverse the opening procedure — replace the end pieces, cover and case screws. All Diagnostic Efforts Fail If none of the troubleshooting and repair steps overcome the malfunction, replace the Base Station with a spare (operating on the same channel) if available, label the defective unit with a description of the problem and contact Audience Interaction. Jumper (MB)Jumper (DB)JumperMotherboard (MB)Daughterboard (DB)(MB)Mounting Screws (MB)Mounting Screws (DB)Tally LightsAntennaUSB Port Fig. 26. Base Station — Cover Removed

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