Wireless augmented reality communication system

Abstract

The system of the present invention is a highly integrated radio communication system with a multimedia co-processor which allows true two-way multimedia (video, audio, data) access as well as real-time biomedical monitoring in a pager-sized portable access unit. The system is integrated in a network structure including one or more general purpose nodes for providing a wireless-to-wired interface. The network architecture allows video, audio and data (including biomedical data) streams to be connected directly to external users and devices. The portable access units may also be mated to various non-personal devices such as cameras or environmental sensors for providing a method for setting up wireless sensor nets from which reported data may be accessed through the portable access unit. The reported data may alternatively be automatically logged at a remote computer for access and viewing through a portable access unit, including the user's own.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is based on provisional patent application Ser. No. 60 / 115,993 filed Jan. 15, 1999.GOVERNMENT LICENSE RIGHTS [0002] The U.S. Government has certain rights in this invention pursuant to NAS7-1407 awarded by NASA.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] 1. Field of the Invention [0004] The invention is a wireless augmented reality system (WARS) that leverages communications and multimedia information processing microelectronics, along with displays, imaging sensors, biosensors, and voice recognition to provide hands-free, tetherless, real-time access and display of network resources, including video, audio and data. [0005] 2. Description of the Prior Art and Related Information [0006] Online instruction manuals are becoming more prevalent in the industrial and everyday environment. These electronic technical manuals (ETM) may be interactive. Just as with printed manuals, ETMs may become very difficult to use and maintain in these environments whe...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] Using the system, an astronaut may efficiently operate and monitor computer-controllable activities inside or outside the vehicle or station. Hands-free access to computer-based instruction texts, diagrams and checklists replaces juggling manuals and clipboards, and tetherless computer system access allows free motion throughout a cabin while monitoring and operating equipment. Along with voice commands, an integrated “touchpad” on the PAU may be used for remote computer control through a sensor data channel; this return data channel may also be used for other control data as from a three-D mouse or data glove input device, allowing the real-time video display to be used for remote, wireless monitor and control of robotic cameras or manipulators.

[0014] Concurrent with information provided to the astronaut, the system also allows external observation of the astronaut's situation; personal biological or other sensors can send back continuous telemetry through personal access unit and general purpose node. A miniature camera integrated into the headset provides real-time video of the wearer's field of view to remote observers. In this way, for example, a principal investigator located on Earth may consult with a payload specialist on the operation or troubleshooting of their equipment.

[0015] The system provides Wireless high-rate data exchange. The radio link is adapted to operate within a high-interference, high-multipath environment of a space shuttle or space station module. Radio frequency (RF) links do not require visual line-of-sight to operate, but the metal walls and lack of RF absorbers, combined with moving human bodies, creates an enormous potential for destructive self-interference of the radio signals. The integrated radio and multimedia data processing technology provides for efficient and high-quality video and audio data compression for noisy indoor communications channels. The system supports multiple-user access for video, audio, and sensor data services in the wireless coverage area. Potential applications of the system are in any environment where heads-up, hands-free information retrieval or multimedia communications access improves efficiency including tetherless operations / monitor consoles, remote consultations in medical or maintenance procedures, and hazardous / confined space activities. There are also in-the-home entertainment / communications applications.

[0019] An example of a commercial application is for mission control and other operations personnel who presently must sit at a display console for hours at a time. These individuals could make use of the system of the present invention to increase their mobility and efficiency.

Problems solved by technology

Just as with printed manuals, ETMs may become very difficult to use and maintain in these environments where elements of an environment, such as dust, chemical or general harshness may be detrimental to the electronics and storage devices used to display and operate the ETM.

Further, it is not always possible for a worker who requires access to an ETM to stop work to consult ETM.

During intra and extra vehicular activities, it may be virtually impossible to access a traditional keyboard and computer display to access an ETM.

For example, during a satellite repair mission, it would not be practical for an astronaut in a bulky extravehicular space suit to type commands on a keyboard to view a display in the extreme environment of outer space where the sun glare may make viewing impossible.

However, these systems, being a single user-to-computer paradigm, do not allow multiple-user access to multiple computers, multimedia devices or nodes on a network for accessing arbitrarily-selected data channels.

Further, these previously-described systems are self contained and their data storage needs to be updated periodically to be sure that the latest data is displayed.

Further, these systems do not allow two-way communication over local and wide area networks to other mutli-media users and devices, and do not provide real-time biomedical information about the physical condition of the user.

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