Use of the Conference Console

Communication in the Conference Chamber is facilitated through the use of the Delegate’s Console, installed at each Delegate’s assigned seat. The Console is connected to the network that records the official business of the Conference, and displays appropriate information on the Conference Display screens, visible to all Delegates, Advisors, and Observers.

To log in to your Console: The biometric chip recorded at Conference check-in will be required for your first login. After that, you may log in with a fingerprint and retinal scan, plus the personal password you will enter at your first login. When the login process is complete, the edges of your status screen will change from red to green, and you may use the Console.

Screens

The left-hand screen (1) on your console is the Information Screen. It functions as an ordinary dataviewer screen, except that its access is limited to the Conference network only. However, there is no voice interface, interface is by keyboard (6) and screen touch only. You can use the Information screen to view documents under discussion, refer to materials in the Conference Archive, or access the Conference Website for schedule information.

The right-hand screen (3) is your Status Screen. This functions as your direct interface with the Conference proceedings. The upper half of the screen (3) displays the same information currently showing on the Conference Display. The lower half is divided into an interface box (5) and an indicator panel showing the status of your Console (4). Primary interface is by keyboard (6), although voice interface is available upon request.

Action Panel

The action panel (2) includes the following buttons: Disc, Prop, Accept, Reject, Abstain, “?”, and Verb. These buttons are biosensitive and will register only when touched by the logged-in Delegate.

To use the “Disc” button

When the Order of Business permits discussion, your Console will enter Discussion mode. The Disc button will be lit, and the Console Status screen (4) will display instructions for using the Console in Discussion Mode. Touching the button will signal the Convenor that the Delegate wishes to enter the Discussion queue. You may enter up to thirty words using the interface on your status screen prior to touching the button; these will be routed only to the Convenor’s Console, not to the Conference Display. When the Convenor accepts, the Delegate’s name will appear on the Conference Display in the speaking order. When your name is highlighted on the Conference Display, your microphone will activate.

To use the “Prop” button

When the Order of Business permits proposals for action, the Console will enter Action mode. The “Prop” button will be lit, and the Console Status screen (4) will display instructions for using the Console in Action mode. To submit a proposal for action, type your proposal into your Information Screen. When complete, touch the “Prop” button, and the Conference Network will assign the proposal an identifier. You can then either route the proposal to your personal cache on the Conference Network for later consideration, or submit it immediately by entering your ID and touching the “Prop” button a second time. Previously stored items recalled from your personal cache may be submitted the same way whenever the “Prop” button is active.

When a proposal has been made, your “Accept,” “Reject,” and “?” buttons will activate. Touching the “?” button indicates you wish to ask a question of the current speaker or address a general point of clarification. Touching the “Accept” or “Reject” buttons will indicate you wish to speak in support or opposition of the current proposed action. All requests will be routed to the Convenor; when accepted, the Delegate’s name will join the queue on the Conference Display in the speaking order. When your name is highlighted, your microphone will activate.

To use the Verb button

The Verb buttons is active at all times except when the consoles are locked by the Convenor for a vote. Touching the Verb button routes an immediate request for a Point of Order to the Convenor. Upon receipt, the Convenor will activate your microphone. See the Conference Rules for guidelines on Points of Order.

Voting

The Conference Network activates Vote mode when six speakers have been routed through the speaking queue (3 ‘accept’ and 3 ‘reject’,) or when the Convenor activates it manually. When Vote mode is activated, a green bar appears down the side of the Console Status screen (4) and instructions appear for using the Console in Vote mode. The “Prop” button will light up. Delegates wishing to vote may then touch the “Prop” button. When a majority of delegates have touched the “Prop” button, or when the Convenor actuates it manually, the green bar will turn red and your console will lock. Only the “Accept,” “Reject,” and “Abstain” buttons will function. Once you have touched one of the three voting buttons, all three will deactivate until the vote is complete.

Help

The “Help” button at the upper left corner of your Information Screen (7) automatically activates the Console Help file on your Information screen. You can find detailed instructions there, or request technical help.

Delegates who are experiencing problems with their Consoles should touch the “Help” button and request technical assistance. If the Console fails to function and the Conference Display does not indicate “Vote” mode, please request an adjacent colleague to enter a request for technical help.

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