MXPA97009845A - Computer and hand-held portable system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention involves a hands-free computing system used in the body. The system does not rely on a keyboard input or activation device but has several activation means all of which are hands-free. The system can be used with other systems, other system components and communication equipment. Likewise, several components of the present system may be used in the body or placed in a disconnected location if

Description

COMPUTER AND HANDS-FREE LAPTOP SYSTEM This invention relates to portable computers and more particularly, to a portable computer and to a variety of activation means and systems. of communication that can be established using portable hands-free network components. This application is a continuation of the North American Patent Application serial number 08/538, 194 filed on October 2, 1995.

BACKGROUND OF THE I NVENTION In U.S. Patent 5,305,244 (Newman et al.) Belonging to the same entity of the present invention, a computer supported by the voice activated user (mobile computer) is described and claimed. In the US Patent 5,305,244 system a self-contained lightweight laptop is defined which is fully supported by a user for hands-free information retrieval and display. This compact computing apparatus comprises a computing housing having means for securing the housing to a user and storage means mounted in the housing for storing previously recorded information including a previously programmed vocabulary model of words and phrases. Also included in Newman and others is a description of additional components, such as processor means for receiving, retrieving and processing information and user audio command of compliance in accordance with a stored program and audio transducer and converter means in communication with the processing means for receiving and converting received audio commands into electrical signals and sending those converted signals to the processor means. The processor means will recognize a command, will couple those commands against a defined subset of a preprogrammed vocabulary and will transmit this to the display means of a computer. The display means is mounted adjacent to the user's eyes to provide the user with hands-free use of the portable computer. The components and their function are fully described in US Pat. No. 5,305,244, the description of which is fully incorporated herein by reference. For purposes of clarity, each of the components of the apparatus of the 5,305,244 Patent will not be described in detail as they are known per se in the invention described in U.S. Patent 5,305,244. This Patent 5,305,244 will be designated through this description as Newman and others I. Various modifications can be made in the apparatus of the Patent 5,305,244 to further improve its use and versatility.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE NONDION Currently, many printed publications, particularly technical manuals, have been replaced by electronic technical manuals (ETM) and interactive technical manuals (I ETM). Such ETMs and lETMs are essentially electronic data bases, which are typically housed in conventional computers that have a keyboard for user input and a fully dimensioned monitor for display of information. An operator can use the computer to access and display data stored in ETMs and ETMs for a variety of uses including fault elimination and repair / replacement of a system, subsystem or component thereof. ETMs and ETMs are particularly useful in the service and repair industries where technicians frequently require detailed information from technical manuals to repair and service erratically functioning devices. For example, ETMs and ETMs are useful in service centers. car repair where service personnel find it necessary to access information in car technical manuals to service failed cars. Additionally, ETMs and ETMs are useful in military service centers where military technicians frequently require access to information in military technical manuals to service and repair weapons systems that are operating erroneously. Several scenarios, it is more efficient to access information from ETMs and ETMs instead of printed publications since printed publications can be bulky.

As noted above, ETMs and ETMs are traditionally stored in and accessed from conventional computers that have keyboards for operator inputs and life-size video monitors to display the data. Such computers are frequently located in service areas adjacent to the devices being repaired. In the operation, the maintenance personnel moves back and forth between the computers and the devices being repaired in order to recover the data required to output the devices being repaired. Such movement between the computers and the devices being repaired represents a considerable amount of time and effort expended with the purpose of recovering the data from the ETMs and the ETMs. Therefore, conventional computers are not efficient devices for storing ETMs and ETMs since such computers result in inefficient data provision of information in ETMs and ETMs for operators. The present invention is directed to a compact self-contained portable computing device by at least part of which is fully supported by a user for hands-free information retrieval and display for the user. The computing apparatus that includes a housing that may or may not have securing means to removably secure the housing to the user for support by the user. Alternatively, the housing may be located at a remote location without being fixed to the user and separated from other components. The housing also includes storage means for storing the previously recorded information and processor means, which communicate with the storage means, for receiving, retrieving and processing information and user commands in accordance with a stored program. Since large databases of ETMs and lETMs will be accessed by the mobile self-contained computing apparatus, easy means of interface formation of storage media containing the databases are required. The housing of the computing part includes an access port by which various storage media containing data may be in interface and establish communication. The access and transfer of data between the storage means and the computing device can be completely achieved under the control of several means of hands-free activation described in this application. The access port allows the direct electrical connection of the storage means; however, other wired and wireless connections are also used. The computing apparatus also includes eye tracking, cerebral drive means, transducer and converter means with or without transducer means and audio converter in communication with the processor means, to receive commands from the user, to convert the commands received into signals to recognize the converted electrical signals and to send the recognized electrical signals to the processor means. The transducer and converter means may or may not be supported by the user. The computing apparatus further includes display means in communication with the processor means for receiving information from the processor means and for displaying the information retrieved for the user, the display means that are supported by the user so the user can operate the computing apparatus to display information in a hands-free manner using only brain activation or following eye or without audio commands. In addition to the voice activation means used in Newman and others I, as noted previously, those two other means of activation noted above have been contemplated by the present invention, namely the eye tracking and the means of cerebral activation (EEG). . Using the general system described in Newman and others I, the voice activation can be partially completely replaced by or using either the eye tracking means and / or the technology means driven by the brain. In some situations, any combination of voice activation means, eye tracking activation means and brain activation means may be desirable in a portable hands-free computing system of Newman and others I. In combination with the above activation means, some computing environments can use means of head and arm tracking; for example, such an environment could be a virtual reality application. The concept of eye tracking system allows the operator to manipulate the computer completely hands-free by tracking the eye and interpreting its movements as "mouse" commands for the application. Generally, the eye tracking system is mounted on the head of the user although it can be used in an appropriate manner. As with audio commands, eye tracking can be used hands-free and can be designed to be completely private or personalized. As noted above, the eye tracking system may be the only command system used with the present computer or it may be used, as noted above, with the audio and voice command system described in Newman and others 1 or with the media of brain activation. The eye tracking method used in the present invention can be any ocular tracking system such as the system described in the publication "A New 'Look'", OEM Magazine, May 1, 1995. The principles of eye tracking, with a computer they are relatively simple. The operator's eye is followed by an automatic video follower. The portions of the center of the eye and the center of the pupil are calculated separately. These two points determine a line that passes through the computer screen at the point where the operator is looking. With this location data, the eye can give information to the computer just like the conventional mouse does. The eye actuator cursor is, in effect, a visual mouse. A more detailed explanation of eye tracking is described in the publication of Foster-Miller I nc and the aforementioned US Patent, both of which are incorporated in the present description by reference. When eye tracking is used with an audio command system (as in Newman and others I) each system can be used independent of the other or can be used to improve and complement the other. Therefore, a voice command can be given to the computer of the present which is confirmed or improved by the current eye tracking system and vice versa. Also, in the case of failure in any of the command systems, the other can be operated to ensure the operation of the computer. The following is taken in part from the aforementioned Foster-Milier Inc. publication which is included by reference in the present description and which further defines an eye tracking system usable in the present invention. The current explosion of computer technology has not improved the user's ability to interactively process large amounts of information. While the computation speed, memory size, sensor performance and program capacity are improved, the human interface receives less attention. The input devices remain essentially unchanged for a decade. The area is prepared for ergonomic improvement with state-of-the-art technology. The eye-directed control has potential for both commercial and commercial application since the entrances of follower spheres and joystick are necessary for difficult man-machine interface tasks. Eye tracking also reduces the need for specialized eye-hand coordination skills. Eye tracking has also found many applications in military and commercial systems. The ocular ability to quickly change the line of sight in a changing visual environment makes it an ideal computing input device. During the last 25 years, techniques have been developed for the position of the eye in the monitor. So far, none has intended the movement of the eye followed as an interface device. Foster-Milller has developed a system that overcomes these limitations and makes possible a cursor operated by eye or "visual mouse". Recently, a prototype of this computational interface for the navy was demonstrated at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahigren, VA. With this procedure, an operator selects an item on the computer screen only by looking at it. This program encourages the replacement of the continuous sphere interface used so far in the AEGIS workstation with a follower-eye interface that is faster, less tiring and more accurate. The "visual follower sphere" is basically simple. U not the eyes of the operator is acquired and followed by an automatic video follower. The positions of the center of the eye and the center of the pupil are calculated separately. Those two points in space determine a line that passes through the computer screen at the point where the operator is looking. With this location data, the eye can give information to the computer just like or does the mouse. The operator calibrates the tracker by looking at the reference points on the display screen. This allows each operator to select a comfortable position, the distance from the screen and the attitude of the head and neck. The calibration data is used to correct the constants in the equations used to calculate the point of consideration on the screen. When the calibration is completed, the head is free to move. The small normal movements of an operator who has selected a comfortable position have a negligible effect on the accuracy of the "visual follower". The blinking does not cause the follow-up to lose contact. If the contact is lost (when the operator looks away from the screen for a moment, for example, the tracking stops and the camera freezes.) When the operator returns to see the screen, the camera is ready to reacquire the eye in the same place where it had been lost In order to calculate the "line of sight" or the line in space along which the operator's eye is looking, the eye and the pupil of the eye are followed separately. The eye is tracked in space using the reflection of an IR reference light outside the cornea as an indication of the position of the center of the eye.As the cornea is approximately spherical, the position of the reference is relatively insensitive to the rotation of the eye. The position of the pupil center relative to the / center of the eye, therefore, can always be calculated and the positions of those two points related to the line of sight. The pupil-cornea reflection difference measurements are almost linear over +/- 15 degrees of visual angle. The larger eye movements are handled by more complicated calculations. The basic system is simple. A standard CCD lower light forms the image of the eye illuminated by an I R source. The first image Purikinje or reflection of the cornea, is formed by this illuminator. The pupil is followed as a dark image because with the IR source outside the detector axis, it is an IR sink. The placement of the illuminator is not critical for the calculation and quality of the reference reflection on the eye that can be optimized: "this ends the citation of the publication Foster-Miller." The advantages in the use of eye tracking in the present invention are For example simplicity and speed are major considerations.The much faster to use your eye than instead of having to manually manipulate a keyboard or other tracking and activation device.In technology powered by brain, or brain-powered control such as EEG with or without motion detection of muscle movement, a relatively new and recent technology is considered as the means of activation or as means of activation in the system of Newman and others 1. The technology triggered by EEG brain, is described in detail in "Science Times," New York Times, March 7, 1995 which is incorporated herein by reference. Lifting can have the required electrodes required in EEG along with the microphone for voice activation is desirable. The means of display to receive system information and display the information received are also placed in the hearing aids of this system. This new system of brain-powered technology is called electroencephalography, although it can also be understandably referred to in the present "EEG" dome. It has been shown, for example, by the New York State Department of Health that it is possible for a person to use brainwave control only to move a computer cursor around an exhibition screen. Electrodes placed in contact with a human head detect the electromagnetic signals emitted from the brain that are passed to an amplifier that transmits those signals to the processor. This EEG process has been developed to the point where users can even conduct conversations while executing brain-triggered tasks. As noted in the New York Times article "Sicence Times" that cites "despite the confusing complexity of brainwave patterns, however, laboratories in the United States and Europe have unequivocally demonstrated that through the effort conscious a person can control some brain emissions and training can use this control in a way that nature never achieved "this article goes on to say" somehow, a brain can train itself to exploit this algorithm of two-channel computation, or the method To move a cursor Surprisingly, a normal person can learn very quickly to do this and move a cursor around it. " In conclusion, this article of "Somehow, establishes" the advance will come on two fronts; improving computer algorithms that can be refined to look for brain signals and improve the training of people to exploit those signals as they direct communication channels, channels that are independent of the sensor or normal motor of the body. Again, citing the March 7, 1995 article of the New York Times in the description of the general EEG procedure. "One pair of electrodes is placed on the left hemisphere of the brain and the other pair is placed on the right side, and the brain emits electrical signals every minute called electroencephalographic activity or EEG." The electrodes record these signals and feed them into a computer program that isolates and measures certain waves, using a mathematical formula designated by researchers, the computer decides how to move the cursor. The cursor appears in the center of the video screen and a lens appears in one of the four corners. The subject tries to move the cursor to the target. The subjects reported that, initially, they focused on movements such as running, floating, shooting balls or just relaxing. Once the skill was developed, subjects could achieve it without thinking about it, rather than walking. When the cursor touches the lens, the lens blinks and the computer records an impact. If the cursor reaches a non-target point on the perimeter of the screen instead, the computer registers an error. In the present, well-trained subjects can impact the target 70% of the time. The test lasted approximately 2 seconds and was followed by a brief pause and then another attempt. Each set of attempts lasted two or three minutes, separated by one-minute interruptions. "In addition to this article of March 7, 1995 from the New York Times" Science Times "which is, as noted above incorporated within this description by reference , EEG is the subject matter of a pending North American patent application filed by the inventor Andrew M. Junker In addition to the EEG signals the electrical signals sent from the head muscles are amplified and also converted to control signals of a Similarly, EEG signals and muscle signals are controlled by the user to command the computing device.The use of some of the portable components of the present apparatus with a remote host computer is also a possible modality. It is the heaviest component, one embodiment of the present invention includes using only the: (a) activation means (voice , visual monitoring, brain activation and / or other means of activation), (b) hearing aids with screen in electrical communication with processor means to receive the information issued from the processor and to display the information received by the user and (c) means of communication such as a transceiver that uses radio frequency, scattered or directed infrared, ultrasonic waves of other modulated carrier waves for transmission of information between the activation means and the host computer and the return information accepted from the host computer. The remote computer can be in contact with several users concurrently each having activation means, hearing aids with screen means and means of communication to interact with the host computer. Therefore, in this second mode, it is possible, for example, to allow several users with hearing aids to operate a portable mobile host computer transported by one of the different users either working together or in remote locations. Another embodiment includes processor and communication means within the housing of the display means. Head and arm tracking can also be used in conjunction with the activation means mentioned above. The tracking of head and arm is first used to indicate to the computer the placement of the head and one or more arms or legs if required, in relation to a computer screen that contains representations of the user's accessories. This is frequently used in virtual reality applications in which the user is represented on the screen or can affect the screen through accessory movements. Those accessory tracking signals reflect the position of the accessory and affect the computer program and the display as the user is a part of the preprogrammed events. Articles describing the use and design of head and arm tracking devices can be found in journals such as Virtual Reality-Special Report, Winter 1994, Vol 1, Number 4. In this report, the head and arm follow-up are described in the article "Is Virtual Reality a Good Teaching Tool?" on page 51. In addition, tracking devices used in this modality can be obtained from Exos Inc., 2A Gilí St., Woburn, Mass. And other providers as listed in The Virtual Reality Resource Guide of the previous publication. Examples are Exos "Forcé Arm Master" and the Exos "Position ArmMaster". The Position ArmMaster is advertised as "A human arm movement transducer that provides commands to the slave or simulation computer and can be used to record human movements". Essentially, the head and arm tracking devices contain transducers that provide signals relative to the head and arm position vertically and horizontally relative to predetermined reference planes. The pianos are three-dimensional and describe a point in space in relation to the person who is using the tracking devices and a point in the space relative to a computer simulation. These transducers are coupled to circuits for receiving and interpreting transducer signals such as those available from DigiSonic, Inc., P.O. Box 407, Old Greenwich, CT. The use of such a computer operated in brain form by voice or by eye tracking that is used in the body presents a new environment for computer computing that will be revolutionary for present and future applications. The components to achieve head and arm tracking are available to the technician and are currently in use for virtual reality games and equipment. In the modes described above, the system would work as follows: In the first mode, a user having a headset with activation means, a display screen and means of communication is linked to a central computer either used on the user's person content within the means of exhibition or remote of the person. The user would instruct the central computer to exhibit a particular procedure for repairing a piece of equipment. The main computer would then search and transmit the procedure to the user to display on the user's hearing aids. In the second mode, a central computer could also be sensitive to several users who have hearing aids that can work as a computer to repair the piece of equipment. The users would all work from the same procedure or would call a different procedure that would be displayed as an additional window on the screen. In this way team members can also use the system as means of communication between team members as a way of intercommunication as well as a means to compare the findings using the graphical display capabilities of the system. It may be that the information required by the equipment is contained in several central computers. The media in each hearing aid is configured and adjusted so that several guests can be available for each hearing aid as well as several hearing aids that operate within a host. Obviously, the present system will work with components of several mobile computing devices that interact with each other. As in the previous example, the hearing aids of a mobile computer can receive images from other mobile sets or can digitize the activation means of another mobile computer. An additional feature of one embodiment of the present invention uses an adapter used in each mobile computer to allow the use therein of cellular or wired telephone communications. Instead of the telephone communication means, a radiofrequency, infrared, laser or fiber optic transducer or other means of communication can be used. These will be referred to in this description as "means of communication". The means of communication can be accessed through the central computer or using the hearing aids with their integrated communication capability. Therefore the communication can be between hearing aids, hearing aids and the central computer and between the central computers activated by the hearing aids as the control devices. An operating scenario would be with a user equipment repairing a tank. The central computer unit is placed on the equipment manager belt. The other team members activate the central computer using their headphones. A team member requires information stored on a host computer located at the back of the maintenance level two miles from the repair site. This team member acquires the remote central computer in the maintenance section using the hearing aid communication media and a cellular telephone link. The required information is referred and observed on your hearing aids. After obtaining the correct reference material, it is downloaded to the guest of the repair site by other members of the team to use it, observing it in their hearing aids. Therefore, both local and remote guests can be activated by the hearing aids of the team members. The information can be obtained from remote guests and downloaded to the local central computer. Team members can communicate with each other using the communication links from headset to headset and to central computers as required. Local communications can use various means of linking headphones to a host computer and from a headset to a headset. Scattered infrared is useful as a means for local link due to the security potential of secret listening, pass bandwidth, low component cost and communication reliability. The following are different modalities that can be used when the hands-free computer of the present invention is used having all the components in the hearing aid portion of the apparatus: A: wireless headphones to the host computer. A user intending to repair a complex machine such as an aircraft is equipped with a Mobile Assistant ™ having a wireless communication link with a computer portion of the Mobile Assistant ™. The user is using the computer unit on a belt and using a headphone unit. The lack of wiring between the headphones and the computer used in the belt allow free movement of the user's head and arms regardless of the twisted or obstructed wires in nearby objects. During the repair of the user must walk step by step within a small opening. At this point, the user removes the computer unit and places it outside the small opening before attempting to move quickly within the opening. Since the communication of hearing aids to central computer wireless communication, the control of the main com puter is still possible. The user would issue voice commands to the central computer or to place the cursor and evoke commands with an eye piece of visual tracking. B Various wireless headphones to a central computer. A team of maintenance personnel who are performing maintenance checks on an aircraft. Each member of the team is equipped with a Mobile Assistant ™ headset that has wireless communication to a central Mobile Assistan ™ computer used at the waist of the team leader. Each member of the team is able to communicate and activate various functions of the host computer.

In different data is required by several team members, each one would use a separate presentation window for their data. In addition, each hearing aid has circuits that allow communication between the hearing aids for intercommunication. This is accomplished by switching that mode that uses the voice commands or by activating suitable icons on the user's hearing aid screen using the eye tracking capabilities as installed in the hearing aids. C. Wireless communication to other guest remote systems from the location of the equipment continuing the previous scenario, a member of the previous maintenance team requires the data located on a remote computer from the location of the equipment. The remote computer is placed geographically from the location of the maintenance team. This displacement would be several and even up to a thousand miles from the location of the equipment. The options for that team member are: Radio Frequency. Link to the remote host computer using wireless radiofrequency communications between the equipment member's headset and the computer's central computer to the remote host computer and remove the data through the computer equipment then into the headset of the team member who requested it . All members of the maintenance team would receive the return data from the remote computer or using the address of discrete user's hearing aids, limiting the return data to the hearing aid that requested it. This is achieved using radio frequency transceivers that communicate between the host and remote modules. In practice, radio frequency transceivers would use packet modules for the transmission of data between host and remote computers. In wireless digital radio frequency communications, packet transmission is used to ensure the reliability of data transfer by error verification and retransmission since interference and abatement are common problems in radio frequency data transfer. C. Cell phone. Another option would be to use a cell phone link between the local host computer and a remote computer. The maintenance team member who requires the remote data uses a wireless headset to link to the local computer host computer. This is achieved by maintaining the member of the team using the wireless headsets and the voice activation or eye tracking means to dial a local cell phone number through a digital data modulator to the telephone on the local host computer. A telephony link is established with the required remote computer. The link then uses the telephone lines, commercial to contact the remote computer required in your wired or cellular phone number (local or long distance). The remote computer uses its digital data modulator to phone and establishes a modular to modulator connection with the local host computer and the data transmission is active. The local maintenance team member who uses the wireless headset can request the digital data from the remote computer. Other means of transmission. Other options to connect with a remote computer could include laser communication methods or others that would have the scale and reliability required for data transfer. The scenarios for such links would be very similar to the previous ones. It is obvious that all communications between Mobile Assistant1 ^ (a brand registers of Computer Products &; Services, I nc. from Fairfax, Virginia) components using various wireless media could also be conducted using fiber optic or cabling connections although fiber optic is the preferred connection medium as mentioned above. These communication means would be extremely useful for the user to split or transport other information while using the mobile computer of this invention. Therefore as the user does not need to separate from the mobile computer to call to provide parts or consult for help in the task that is had. This type of communication coupling can be achieved as follows. The computer apparatus of this invention may be interfaced with a telephone system in such a way as to provide hands-free telephone communication between several persons and / or computers. No or more of these may execute telephone communications using the computer apparatus herein. As noted above, communications may include but are not limited to: voice, data, including integrated test codes. interrogation and control, video images and sounds. The operation can be hands-free using the voice activated feature of the present computer apparatus, manually activated using a keyboard or a combination of both. Telephone systems that may be in interface include, but are not limited to, the RJ-1 wall contacts commonly found in homes and small businesses, the multiple line telephone switching systems found in medium and large businesses, cellular communications, interphase interfaces, radiofrequency communications and wireless accessories for any of the above. The basic system incorporates the apparatus of this invention, ie the computer used in the hands-free body with voice activation and a head-mounted display, a telephone system and a unique electronic interface between the two that integrate the voice signals traditional analogs and computer data between the two components. The integration of private and public telephone communications within this system is achieved using a modular voice / data (modulator / demodulator) as it is now used with existing computer systems. The modulator is integrated into the host computer or it can be inserted as "PCMCIA" or "PC Card" inside the host computer. In addition, the media in the hearing aids can also use an integrated module to make the interface through the media to a remote device. Using the system's communication media, data and voice can be transmitted and retrieved between hearing aids and mobile systems as well as between mobile systems. Communicating data sensitive to broadband synchronization such as computer graphics images or active motion video can use a narrower band communication system such as cellular radio or wired systems. Such systems can operate using multiple channels, data compression or both that will allow the transmission of the aforementioned data in real-time speeds. The host computer will be used to communicate with another computer at a remote location. Each computer will serve users who have hearing aids that display image data and serve as drive devices to control host computers. For example, if cell phones are used as wireless communication media, the computer would access the telephone number of a remote, cellular or other host computer and establish a connection. When data transmission between guest computers is required, the user switches to data mode through a voice / data modulator installed on the local host computer to establish data transmission. The dialing and switching sequences can be controlled by the guest operator. This allows the passage of speech input signals from the apparatus of this invention through the telephone system while maintaining a computer control activated by the guest's voice through the telephone system. This interface can be integrated into the computer apparatus of this invention, united during its manufacture or installed by the user. This approach provides for the stretched switching between voice and data transmission and reception between one or more distant locations without being distracted from the task being performed by the individual using the computing apparatus of the present invention. It is said that the mobile computer of this invention may be in interface with or used in connection with any desired local computing network such as Novel Banyan or Arcnet or wide area networks such as "Internet" or the like. This allows the passage of speech input signals from the apparatus of this invention through the telephone system while maintaining the voice activated computer control of the telephone system. The interface may be integrated within the computer apparatus of this invention, attached to it during the manufacture or installation of the user. This approach provides for stretched switching between voice and data transmission and reception between one or more locations without being distracted from the task being performed by the individual using the computing apparatus of the present invention.

When the free hands-free computing apparatus of this invention is used, with a communication interface (such as a cellular phone), the following components are used: Main components considered for communication interfaces: Hearing aids: containing communication interface intercapacities . Components: Headband unit Display Transducer and converter containing microphone and conversion / transception media Computer unit: also known as a central computer, it can also be fully integrated with the hearing aid housing Configurations: First mode: hearing aids wireless to the central computer Second mode: several wireless headphones to the central computer Other modes: several guests to each hearing aid, the communication from headset to headset (mainly but not limited to the voice since the data can be transmitted over the voice channel using a integrated modulator within the electronic components of the hearing aids.) Local: wireless link to other hearing aids.

Remote: through wireless transmission-cell phone for telco system back to the cell phone and then to another hearing aid Communication from guest to guest. Wireless local transmission The wireless link to another local host (local is defined as in the immediate geographic area, for low energy communications.) Remote wireless transmission (remote is defined as outside of the immediate geographic area that is required for superior energy communications. It is obvious that all communications are conducted using wireless means that could also be conducted using cabling or fiber optic or other suitable connections.Many viable modalities are: Wireless media: Headphones to guest (Local) Headphones to guest (Remote) Hearing aids to earphones (Local) Hearing aids to earphones (remote) Wireless transmission means Radiofrequency radio link distribution spectrum cellular telephone link Directed or undispersed dispersed or omnidirectional infrared link Underwater link Infrared sonic radiofrequency jo Visible Invisible light frequency link Another equipment would use the computer used in the hands-free body of this invention in a medical performance. A patient who uses the computer would be able to control them. medical devices using one of the udder hands activation means to command the computer to control medical devices such as nerve stimulators to exercise muscles (to prevent atrophy). Other uses are the control system to allow patients with spinal injuries to activate muscles and allow movement as complex as walking. The current equipment that allows control of muscle walking involves bulky computers and preprogrammed commands. With this invention in a hands-free environment, even more complex activities can be commanded at the will of a patient. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DIAMETERS Figure 1 is a schematic front view of a user using the mobile computer of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of the mobile computer of this invention which designates any of the voice means, eye tracking, EEG or combinations thereof, as "activation means". Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of the mobile computer of this invention showing the different activation means of this invention in contact with a remote host computer.

DESCRI PCIÓ N DETAILED OF THE D INCHES AND THE MODALI DAD IS PREFERI DAS In Figure 1, a schematic diagram is presented for the components and features of the mobile computer 102 of this invention as used by a user. The computer 102 includes a housing such as a system unit 106 that has securing means, in the present embodiment a band or belt 1 04 that is worn around the user's waist to secure the system unit or housing 106. The computer 102 further includes display means for receiving information from the system unit 106 and for displaying the information received by the user or the operator. The display means, in the present embodiment, include a headband 108, a display screen 1 10, and an adjustable arm 1 12 that connects the display screen 1 10 to the headband 108. The headband 108 is adapted to be used by the user in any convenient location, or preferably on the user's forehead as shown. The position of the display screen 1 10 can be adjusted by means of the adjustable arm 1 12 so that the operator can comfortably see the information displayed on the display screen 1 10. The display screen 1 1 0 is electrically connected to the the system unit 106, in the present embodiment, by means of a cable 1 14, although other connection means may be used alternatively. The computer 102 further includes transducer and converter means in communication with the system unit 106 to receive the activation commands (audio, eye tracking or EEG) from the user, to convert the receiver commands into electrical signals, to recognize the converted electrical signals and to send the recognized electrical signals to a processor within the system unit 106. In the present embodiment, the transducer and converter means include a microphone 122 for receiving verbal commands from the operator (or eye tracking means as shown in FIG. described or before or EEG media as previously described). The microphone (or eye tracking means as described above or EEG means as defined above) 122, in the present embodiment is electrically connected to the system unit 106 by means of a key 124, although those with experience would order in the art they will appreciate that any input device or transducer could be used and that the input or transducer could be supported by the user in another location. The computer 102, in the present embodiment, further includes measuring means in communication with the system unit 106 for executing electrical measurements on the devices that are being evaluated by the computer 102 (such as the evaluation that includes, but is not limited to test, calibration, troubleshooting, diagnosis and service). In the present embodiment, the measuring means include an instrument package 1 16 which is attached to the belt 104 and electrically connectable via cable 1 18 to a device 120 to be tested, analyzed, repaired or the like. The instrument package 1 16 is also electrically connected to the system unit 106, in the present embodiment, by means of a cable 126. While the present invention is illustrated in figure 1 with reference to audio activation means, it should be understood that the eye tracking or EEG driving means can be easily replaced by them as previously described. Therefore, the microphone 122 in Figure 2 is intended to include the eye tracking or EEG means that can be readily used by those skilled in the art. Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of the primary structural features of the computer 102 in accordance with the present invention. The computer 102 includes a common link 202, which preferably has a data width of at least 16 bits. According to the present embodiment, the common link 202 is contained in the system unit 106. The computer 102 also includes processor means such as the central processing unit (CPU) 204, which is connected to the common link 202 and is preferably also contained in the system unit 106. Preferably the CPU204 is a microprocessor 16, 32 or 64 bits such as those available from Intel. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while Intel 80386 or the fastest microprocessor is preferred, any other central processor or microprocessor, whether currently available or in the future, could be used. The computer 102 also includes a memory 206 having, for example, up to thousands of Mbytes of random access memory (RAM). The memory 206 which is connected to the common link 1 12 is composed of solid state and mtic storage devices and is preferably contained in the system unit 106. The memory 206 stores an application program 208 as well as other data while the computer is operating.

The application program 208 may have been loaded into the memory 206 from a magnetic storage device 21 9 (described below) in accordance with the instructions of the operator. The computer 102 also includes an input / output interface 210 that controls all data transfers between the CP U 204 and other components (in the present so-called peripheral) that communicate with the CPU 204 although they are not directly connected to the common link. n 202. Preferably, the input / output interface 21 0 includes a video interface, a driver for at least two RS-232 compatible serial ports, a driver for the parallel port compatible with ventolines, keyboard and mouse controllers, a flexible disk controller, and a hard disk interface. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the input / output interface 21 would include additional and / or different interfaces and controllers for use with other types of peripherals such as EthernetR, Arcnef, simulated ring interface. The input / output interface 21 0 is connected to the common link 202 and is preferably located in the system unit 106. The computer 102 also includes input / output connectors 208 which collectively represent the physical peripheral ports described above and the accompanying electrical circuits . However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the input / output connectors 518 could include additional and / or different types of physical ports. The computer 102 also includes a power converter 236 that is connected to an internal battery 239, an external battery 240 and / or an alternating current power source such as a conventional electrical outlet. The power converter 236 and the internal battery 239 are preferably located in the system unit 106 while the external battery 240 is located outside the system unit 106, preferably attached to the belt 104. The external battery 240 is connected to the converter of power 236 by means of the external power supply port. When the computer 102 is used in a "writers" mode (for example the non-portable means), the power converter 236 may be connected to the AC power source to supply regulated direct current power to the computer 1 02. When the computer 102 is used in a portable mode, the power converter 236 is usually connected to the internal battery 239 and / or the external battery 240 to supply regulated direct current power to the computer 102. Preferably, the internal battery 239 supplies power ai power converter 236 (and finally to computer 12) only when the power converter 236 is not connected to the external battery 240 or to the AC power source. The computer 102 further includes a separate battery charger 234 for periodically charging the internal battery 239 and the external battery 240 when not in use. The computer 102 may include an energized battery indicator, attached to the system unit 106 to indicate when the energy levels of the external battery 240 and / or the internal battery 239 are low. Preferably, the common link 202, CPU 204, the memory 206, the input / output interface 210, the input / output connectors 218 and the power converter 236 described above are implemented using a backplane circuit board, card processor circuit, memory circuit board, input / output circuit card and input / output connection circuit board in a manner well known to those skilled in the art. The processor circuit board, the memory circuit board, the input / output circuit board, and the input / output connection circuit board are connected within the backplane circuit board. Preferably circuit boards compatible with I BM PC / AT and / or 80386 available from Dover Electronics Manufacturing of Longmont, CO and Ampro Computers of Sunnyvale, CA are used. The circuit boards of Dover Electronics Manufacturing occupy a cubic space of approximately 5.08 cm by 12.70 cm by 5.08 cm while each of the Ampro circuit boards are approximately 9.6 cm by 9.1 cm. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any functional compatible circuit boards that adhere to the relatively small size of circuit unit 1 06 could be used in place of the circuit boards available from Dover Electronics Manufacturing.

The computer 1 02 also includes display means, which in the present embodiment as noted above with reference to Figure 1, include a headband 108, a display screen 1 10, and an adjustable arm 1 12 that connects the display screen 1 1 0 to the headband 108. As shown in Figure 2, the display means further includes a display screen actuator module 214 which is preferably located in the system unit 106, but which alternatively it could be located outside the system unit 1 06 adjacent to the display screen 1 1 0. The display screen actuator module 214 converts the display information (i.e. the information that is to be displayed for an operator) received from the CPU 204 (via the input / output interface 210, the common link 202 and the input / output connectors 21 8) within the video signals that are sent to and compatible with is with the display screen 1 1 0. The display screen actuator module 214 is of a standard design well known to those skilled in the art. The activation means 122 and the module 222 can be audio, eye tracking or EEG means or a mixture thereof. Preferably, the display screen 1 1 0 is a miniature monitor called an "eye piece monitor" that provides equivalent display to conventional monitors equivalent to 30.48 cm (ie, about 25 lines by 80 characters per line), but which have a display screen with a diagonal length of approximately 2.54 cm. Since the display screen 10 is located close to the operator's eye and is supported by the operator's head to follow the movement of the operator's head, the operator is able to see the information on the display screen 10 without having to move away from your desk (where, for example, a device is being repaired) by simply looking from the device being repaired to the display screen 1 10. Therefore the display screen 1 10, As described above, it facilitates the retrieval of information contained in an electronic database since such information can be viewed without significantly diverting an operator's attention away from their work. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the display screen 10 and the display screen actuator module 214 can be implemented using any video technology available now or in the future, such as color graphics adapter (CGA), an improved graphics adapter (EGA), video graphics (VGA) layout and super VGA. In accordance with a present embodiment, however, the display screen 1 1 0 and the display screen actuator module 214 are implemented using a well-known monochromatic and color video graphics (VGA) layout technology. VGA eye piece monitors are available from Kopin of Taunton, MA, which produces and sells the AMLCD monitor. VGA eyepieces can operate using active thin film transistors (TGT) in a matrix that provides color or monochrome computer display. Such devices are manufactured for the industry and are well known to those skilled in the art. Likewise, the VGA eye piece monitors that operate in accordance with a test technology of Well-known color shutter are currently available from sources such as Nucolor® Shutters produced by Tektronix, Inc. of Beaverton, Oregon. While the preferred display screen is • a single screen placed on the front of the left or right eye, a binocular head-mounted display (HMD) that has two or more screens can be used. This can be inverse (all the top and side view obscured so that the user can only relate the images on the screens) or as part of the user's vision so that the user can look over and under the screens. Such devices have utility in the new reality technology Virtual or where the stereoscopic vision is necessary to relate to the information displayed. The display means may alternatively be a flat panel display screen attached to the system unit 106. The flat panels may include (EDF) such as those produced by Silicon Video, Texas Instruments and Micron Technology in addition to the currently popular designs for liquid crystal display (LCD) and thin film transistor (FTF) (active matrix). In Figure 3 the block diagram contains the following: In the display system box 246 - the display display module 247 are conventional VGA device actuators - the display screen 248 is in an active TFT (thin film transistor) ) of approximately 6.45 cm ^ display that is powered by a module available to those who practice the technique. - 249, VGA or EGA alternative display screens of color or monochromatic CRT monitors that can be connected within a standard 9-pin receptacle (DB9). This allows the computer to be used in a normal desktop mode. In the box of the processor system 250 - the unit of the processor 251, the processor unit to the central processing unit (CPU) is preferably a microprocessor 80XXX of series 16, 32 or 64 bit available from Intel. Other suitable processors may be used if desired. - the memory box 252 can have up to thousands of Mbytes of random access memory (RAM) and is connected to the common link BUS 253 and stores a program as long as the system is operating - the storage memory module 254 is preferably contained in the system unit and is a static read / write memory having a relatively large memory capacity such that a non-removable hard disk drive bubble memory and an optical read / write memory. In embodiments where the storage device 254 is removable, the system unit contains an external slot to allow the operator to insert and remove removable storage disks. An optional storage device could be a read-only memory such as a CD-ROM. Preferably, the magnetic storage device includes 80 Mbytes up to one gigabyte of memory. Magnetic storage devices that are suitable for use as the magnetic storage device and have a size compatible with the size of the system unit are produced and sold by various manufacturers such as Integral, Connor, Seagate and Syquest. The magnetic storage device stores a database (which may be in an ETM or I ETM) that may have been previously loaded into the magnetic storage device from a soft disk that could have been connected to the computer by means of a port over the input / output connectors or from a remote computer via the telecommunications link connected to the computer by means of the packet switch component and the antenna or directly via wiring and contains the stored programs as well. In the common link box 254 - the common link 253 is a common link interconnecting at least 16 bits in the first mode - in the control activation system box 255 - the eye tracking movement 266 is as described in this description contains the same low light detector means ccd and an illuminator I R. - the eye tracking recognition module 257 contains those circuits that convert the signals from the ccd detector means into the commands so that the processor activates the positioning of the cursor and other commands are programmed. These circuits are described in this description and are known by those based on the art. - the EEG / Muscie 258 module It contains detector electrodes placed on the head to detect changes in brain waves and electrical signals produced by muscle movement. - the EEG / Muscle recognition module 259 contains amplifier means and conversion means that act to produce signals that the processor interprets as commands - in the voice recognition module 261 it contains processors that interpret the electrical signals from the microphone and convert them in command for the processor and the processors that convert the data streams from the processor into electrical signals that are converted to audible speech in the hearing aid. Those circuits are known in the art as described in this application. In the communication systems box 262 - the voice / data switch 263 contains circuits well known in the art that when commanded will switch a current of electrical signals between two outputs. These commands are generated by the processor in response to a program that controls communication events. - the packet modulator 264 contains a modular bidirectional mode demodulator which converts the digital data signals to an encoded output signal capable of being transmitted over a relatively narrow bandpass signal channel (frequently PAM or pulse amplitude modulation) ). further, the encoded signal is segmented into packets or groupings of signals together with the error verification capabilities that signal a retransmission of the packet; but they are received in perfect condition. The circuits for this module are well known by anyone based on the technique. - the switching module (data) 265 is a data address switch controlled by commands from the processor that determine a path for the wireless transmission of data from the mobile computer. - the infrared data module 266 are circuits that receive digital data from the pack modulator 264 and prepare electrical signals that will cause the infrared transducer 267 to radiate modulated infrared waves. - circuits such as these are well known in the art and are used in devices such as wireless connections between data collectors and processors and keyboards. - the cell phone module 268 is basically a cell phone designated to be connected to a laptop. Devices that contain those circuits are available in most stores that sell cell phones to include manufacturers such as Motorola. Any suitable energy system 269 can be used with the systems of the present invention. The video camera 273 contains a miniature video camera capable of high resolution output. The camera can be monochromatic or color capable of producing conventional NTSC television signals or higher resolution scans as required by a specific application. The video interface module contains circuits for the video frame or the motion capture, the improvement, compression and output of the computer common link 253. The output will contain the capture reference frame for the transmission to the aforementioned common link to store each frame interval "X" (to be determined by the specific application that is being used). Optional direct video communication with intermittent capture frames is another option to set and execute motion video in sequence or in parallel. Such circuits as those are common in the art and are available for sale. The medical device driver 275 contains any one of the specialized medical devices designed to perform medical procedures or therapy of a patient. Such devices include muscle stimulators, bed position control, emergency call device and any other of several medical units that would perform activities or detect and monitor a patient's body condition and the patient's function in a hands-free environment. The global positioning system 276 contains a receiver that responds to the global satellite positioning system that determines the latitude and longitude of the receiver by cross-reference signals from the satellite transmitters. GPS receivers are available in many sizes and form factors on the commercial market. The wireless interface to the common link 277 contains the optional wireless interface circuits that allow communication to the separate common link of the main communications systems for special applications not compatible with the main communication systems. Preferred and optimally preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein and shown in the accompanying drawings to illustrate the principles underlying the invention, although it is understood that numerous modifications and ramifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. the invention.

Claims (22)

1. CLAIMS 1 . A hands-free computing apparatus comprising in electrical connection: a computer housing, computer display means, free hand activation means and securing means, the securing means used to fix at least the means of displaying computer and the activation means to a user, the computer housing that has mounted thereon means for storing the previously registered information, processor means in said housing and communicating with the storage means to receive, retrieve and process the information in the user commands according to a stored program, transducer and converter means in communication with the processor means to receive the activation commands from the user, to convert the commands into electrical signals to recognize the converted electrical signals and to send the signals converted to the processor means; The processor means include means for recognizing a command in the converted electrical signals and responding to the recognized command by recovering and issuing the corresponding information from the storage means, the computer display means in communication with the media. processor for recovering the information emitted from the processor means and for exhibiting recovered and, means for mounting the computer display means 5 on the user so that the computer display means is transported hands-free in view of the user, and where the computing apparatus is capable of being operated * W * to display the information retrieved in a hands-free manner using only the hands-free and media activation commands 10 to provide a receptacle opening at the output of the computer housing that is connected to an internal common link of the processor means, different from the internal computer components that include the storage means that are also in communication with the common link internal, fc. Means for temporarily connecting an external storage device within the common link to transfer data between the internal storage device and the external storage device using only the activation means to allow hands-free operation of the computer during the 20 data transfer.
2. 2. The computer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that only the computer display means and the hands-free activation means are used by the user and the computer housing is not fixed from the user and located in a remote location
3. 3. The computer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer housing, the means of 5 computer display and hands-free activation means are used by the user.
4. 4. The computer apparatus in accordance with the claim »1, characterized in that the hands-free activation means are selected from the group consisting of audio activation means, 10 means for activating eye tracking, electroencephalographic activation means and mixtures thereof.
5. The computer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer apparatus has means for interacting and communicating with a separate computer housing of a second separate mobile computer apparatus.
6. The computer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer apparatus has means for interacting and communicating with separate computer display means of a second separate mobile computer.
7. The computer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the computing apparatus has means for communicating and interacting with communication means selected from the group consisting of cell phones, wired telephones, infrared transceivers, two-way radio media and mixtures thereof.
8. The computer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the hands-free activation means include means for transmitting audio commands and a speech recognition module.
9. 9. The computer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the means of hands-free activation include means of ocular tracking.
10. The computer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the hands-free activation means include electroencephalographic activation means, and the activation means respond to electrical signals from muscles in the area of the head, which work on the whole. eleven .
11. The computer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the previously registered information comprises a member selected from the group consisting of an electronic technical manual, interactive electronic technical manuals and mixtures thereof.
12. The computer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the hands-free activation means comprise means for recognizing an electrical signal converted from an eye tracking device, the eye tracking device comprising means for positioning the tracking device. ocular in visual contact with a user, means for determining the center of the pupil of the eye of the user, means for determining a point on a screen where the user is looking, said means for electrically transmitting the information obtained for the computer housing.
13. The computer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the hands-free activation means are selected from the group consisting of audio activation means, eye tracking activation means, electroencephalographic activation means (EEG) and mixtures thereof which act in combination with tracking means of head and head and arm to control the output of the computer.
14. 14. The computer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the hands-free activation means include electroencephalographic activation means (EMG) and the activation means respond to the electromyography signals from muscles in the area of the head that work as a whole and which act in combination with the means of monitoring head and arms to control the output of the computer.
15. The computer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the hands-free activation means control and / or receive the input from a medical device such as a muscle stimulator under the control of the user of the computer.
16. 16. The computer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the recognition means also include means for defining the placement of an image within the display means responsive to the electrical signals derived from the eye tracking detectors and means for deflecting the viewing area of the display device to allow the user to scan over an image more than the normal viewing area of the display device that responds to eye movement towards the extremities of the viewing area of the display device.
17. The computer apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer housing, the computer display means and the activation means are combined in a single housing used by the user.
18. 18. The hands-free information retrieval and display apparatus by a compact self-contained portable computer apparatus for a user comprising the steps of: providing and using a mobile hands-free computer comprising activation means, storage means and means of processor that are transported hands-free by the user having a computer display device mounted on the user that allows the user to observe an image, provided by the computer in a hands-free manner, controlling the operation of the computer when using the activation commands that are translated into the computer commands to allow operation without a conventional keyboard and in a hands-free manner using said activation commands, provide means for temporarily connecting an external storage device within the common link of the means of processor to which the means of processor are electrically connected; transfer data between the internal storage device and the external storage device using only the activation commands to activate and control the transfer. 9.
19. The computing method according to claim 18, to include the proportion of the means for activating ocular tracking sensing means that are mounted adjacent to the user's eye in a hands-free manner supported by the user and the user. movements of the eye tracking the user's eye, converting the eye movements into electrical signals, sending the converted electrical signals to the computing apparatus as indicated, the audio commands and the eye movement commands that work together to control the computer apparatus.
20. 20. The computational method according to claim 1 8, characterized in that the activation means include means for detecting electrical and muscular changes in the user's head area in a hands-free manner supported by the user and, that converts those changes into electrical signals, and to send the electrical signals, converted to processor means as activation commands, the activation commands generated from the electrical and muscle changes detected in the user will work together to control the computing apparatus. twenty-one .
21. The computing method according to claim 18, characterized in that the activation means include audio activation means that are provided in a hands-free manner supported by the user and, which convert those changes into electrical signals to send the electrical signals converted to processor means as activation commands, the activation commands generated from the audio commands by the user working together to control the computing apparatus.
22. 22. A computational method for capturing video images of hands-free communication or holding the camera in full motion or frozen images while a mobile computer is capturing selected images on all frames simultaneously for processing.