A videoconferencing terminal from Sun that functions as a stand-in communications device for a remote attendee. The porta person is not a videoconferencing system; rather, it is designed to to be easily set up for a person who is unable to attend a physical meeting, but must participate.
It Swivels
One of the main features of the porta person is the remote user's ability to hear the direction of the person speaking in the room and be able to remotely swivel the unit toward that person. It enables the remote viewer to "look at" and talk to a particular individual at the table.
A Prototype Porta Person
Although expected to be encased in a single unit, this prototype in 2007 shows a laptop mounted on a swiveling base. The ability to turn the unit toward a speaker is one its main features. (Image courtesy of Sun Microsystems, Inc.)