210 results about "Wearable computer" patented technology

A wearable computing device includes computing-device component modules and flexible circuitry passing into the modules. The modules can include a top module portion and a bottom module portion, the flexible circuitry passing between the top and bottom portions. Wireless communication, e.g. by radio frequency, with a peripheral and / or a local area network is also contemplated.

An input method that is based on bidirectional strokes that are segmented by tactile landmarks. By giving the user tactile feedback about the length of a stroke during input, dependence on visual display is greatly reduced. By concatenating separate strokes into multi-strokes, complex commands may be entered, which may encode commands, data content, or both simultaneously. Multi-strokes can be used to traverse a menu hierarchy quickly. Inter-landmark segments may be used for continuous and discrete parameter entry, resulting in a multifunctional interaction paradigm. This approach to input does not depend on material displayed visually to the user, and, due to tactile guidance, may be used as an eyes-free user interface. The method is especially suitable for wearable computer systems that use a head-worn display and wrist-worn watch-style devices.

A wearable computing, input, and display device is disclosed. One embodiment of the invention includes a band wrappable around a wrist of a user, one or more input mechanisms, a display mechanism, and a computing mechanism. The input mechanisms are attached to the band and have recessed and extended positions. In the recessed position, the input mechanisms are positioned under the wrist of the user. In the extended position, the input mechanisms are substantially positioned at the user's fingertips. The display mechanism is attached to the band such that it is over the wrist of the user, whereas the computing mechanism is attached to the band and operably coupled to the input and display mechanisms. In an alternate embodiment, the display mechanism is additionally rotatable from a flat position to a raised position, and vice-versa, where the raised position is user controlled for optimal viewing by the user.

A system for controlling presentation of information to a user based on the user's current condition. In particular, the system monitors the user and the user's environment, and creates and maintains an updated model of the current condition of the user. The user condition can include a variety of condition variables, including abstract concepts such as the user's current cognitive load, desired level of privacy for output information, and desired scope of audience for output information. Upon receiving output information to be presented to the user (e.g., from an application program), the system determines an appropriate output device and an appropriate format with which to present the information to the user, and then presents the output information. The system can also receive description information about the output information that describes relevant factors for determining when and how to present the output information (e.g., the importance and urgency of the output information, the consequences of the user not receiving or ignoring the output information, etc.). Some versions of the system execute on a wearable computer having a variety of available output display devices.

In a mobile device, a bone conduction or vibration sensor is used to detect the user's speech and the resulting output is used as the source for a low power Voice Trigger (VT) circuit that can activate the Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) of the host device. This invention is applicable to mobile devices such as wearable computers with head mounted display, mobile phones and wireless headsets and headphones which use speech recognition for the entering of input commands and control. The speech sensor can be a bone conduction microphone used to detect sound vibrations in the skull, or a vibration sensor, used to detect sound pressure vibrations from the user's speech. This VT circuit can be independent of any audio components of the host device and can therefore be designed to consume ultra-low power. Hence, this VT circuit can be active when the host device is in a sleeping state and can be used to wake the host device on detection of speech from the user. This VT circuit will be resistant to outside noise and react solely to the user's voice.

The invention provides a modular computer unit that contains all of the conventional components of a general-purpose computer disposed in a single housing with has only a single interface connector on one end of the computer unit. The unit is non-functional unless mated with either a docking stations or connector plate through a reciprocal connector with provides the computer unit with access to power and peripheral devices. The computer unit can be a wearable computer.

The methods and systems disclosed enable the association of data with individuals, organizations, places, objects, things with information, or a rating or score. Computer vision is used to identify the subject or capture an image of the subject's face. A portable computing device, such as a wearable computer, may include the cameras, microphones, to capture the image and communicate with a remote server or data sources. Facial data is sent to the remote server processing facial recognition processing to match the facial data with an identity. Upon determining a match, information about the matching identity is transmitted to the user of the portable computing device. The information about the subject may be the identity, or business or social information, or interests and hobbies. A score may be assigned to the subject that rates one or more aspects of the subject.

An apparatus and method for using a wearable computer in collaborative applications that uses a general inspection camera, a detailed inspection camera, a display, a computer adapted to use wireless communication and to facilitate collaborative applications, a battery, an audio communication device, and a harness for securing these components to a person's body.

The invention is a modular pen-type speech input device for use with personal computers, palm top computers, personal digital assistants, wearable computers, desktop computers or other general purpose computers. The invention consists essentially of a pen shaped device with integral microphone, rechargeable power supply, wireless transmitter and a plurality of function modules. These modules can be selectively removed or added depending on the desired function set of the user.

An apparatus (1) for supporting a mobile electronic display system. The mobile electronic display system includes a display element (11) and a power source (12). In use a wearable computer (4) controls operation of the display element (11). The apparatus (1) comprises a relatively rigid support frame (8), a relatively soft cushion member (9), and a cover (10) for the support frame (8). The support frame (8) is suitable for being worn by a person to support the mobile electronic display system. The support frame (8) comprises a front support frame part (13) located at the front of the wearer, a rear support frame part (14) located at the rear of the wearer, a first bearing member (15) extending over a first shoulder of the wearer, and a second bearing member (16) extending over a second shoulder of the wearer.

Systems, devices, and methods for wearable computer systems are described. A wearable heads-up display (“WHUD”) is implemented as a peripheral to a wearable electronic band worn on a limb of the user. The majority (or all) of the application storage and processing is performed on the band instead of on the WHUD, and therefore the WHUD does not include all of the hardware infrastructure necessary for application storage and processing. This significantly reduces the bulk of the WHUD and enables more aesthetically pleasing WHUD designs. Graphics processing is also performed on the band instead of on the WHUD. In some implementations, rasterized display data is wirelessly transmitted from the band to the WHUD using an ultra-wideband wireless communication scheme. Gesture-based control of content displayed by the WHUD is enabled by sensors on-board the band itself or by a third wearable component in communication with the band.

The invention is a projection system for mobile phones, personal communications devices, mobile computers, wearable computers, personal digital assistants (PDA's), desktop phones, and other devices which contain integral display screens, herein after designated as communication devices and portable computing devices. The projector is either integral to the device itself, integral to a charger or stand for the device, or inserts into the device via a card slot. The projector expands the display capability by allowing users to project images which would otherwise be displayed on screens integral to such devices onto a surface with larger dimensions for easier viewability.

This invention has incorporated projective optics and phase conjugate material thus eliminating the requisite use of an external phase conjugate material to provide a see-through head mounted projective display. A key component of the invention is the use of optical imaging technology in combination with projective optics to make this revolutionary technology work. In previous head mounted projective displays the phase conjugate material had to be placed in the environment to display images, but in this invention one is not limited to the use of an external phase conjugate material but further extends its use to outdoor see-through augmented reality to produce images using the see-through head mounted projective display system. Furthermore, this invention extends the use of projective head mounted displays to clinical guided surgery, surgery medical, an outdoor augmented see-through virtual environment for military training and wearable computers.

This invention includes a method and system for viewing data comprising detecting visual markers within view of a wearable camera worn by a human worker, and displaying data associated with at least one of those visual markers on a see-through wearable display worn by the operator.Another aspect of the invention provides a method and system for coordinating movement of human workers comprising detecting one or more visual markers within view of a camera worn by the worker, and determining the location of the worker from the stored location of the visual marker within view of the camera.

To provide a wearable computer that allows a user to back up important data on a device immediately at hand for the user. A data backup system is provided including a wearable computer and a portable information terminal that carries out communication with the wearable computer, the portable information terminal reads the history of updates and backups from a storage device, compares the time of the last backup indicated by the backup history with the update history, and searches for data that has been newly updated since the time of the last backup. The portable information terminal extracts the newly updated data as backup data, and sends the extracted backup data. The wearable computer receives the backup data, and writes the backup data in the storage device.

An apparatus and method for using a wearable computer in testing applications that uses a probe, a display, an audio communication device, a computer adapted to receive data from the probe, exchange data with the display, exchange data with the audio communications device, and exchange data using wireless communication, a battery, and a harness for securing the probe, display, computer, and battery to a person's body.

A user input apparatus according to the present invention is configured like a wrist watch and a system can recognize the gesture such as “grip” and “release” or the like and can input the gesture as a command merely by attaching the user input apparatus to user's wrist. Further, by adding an acceleration sensor or the like for measuring the movement of an arm itself to a bracelet, the user input apparatus can be configured so as to input more complicated instruction and command. The user input apparatus can be used as an input apparatus for a wearable computer (or wearable computer), or a controller to input a command for a game machine or the like.

The invention addresses a novel system and devices for remote control of wearable computers. In one embodiment the remote control is incorporated in a piece clothing or jewelry, for example a ring, a bracelet, a watch. In another embodiment, it is part of a user's mobile device. The system comprises hardware, accompanied by software running on two or more devices, and allowing for device interoperability over a wireless connection, e.g., Bluetooth. The invention further comprises novel software systems which improve usability of remote control devices disclosed herein and in other patent documents. The invention also presents solutions for combining software and device markets which are continuously introducing new products and more complex software systems.

Disclosed is a wrist-wearable electronic interface movably mounted on an arm-attachment mechanism. Interface moves from under-sleeve wrist-adjacent position to palm-adjacent position where it can be manipulated by the hand of the arm wearing the device. Alternately adaptable to telephones, audio recorders, remote controls, auto ID equipment, telephone call-blocking, and more. Alternative embodiment provides a wrist-mounted docking station. Another alternative embodiment includes a superior carpal tunnel syndrome therapy device. The system also includes novel battery chargers: (1) window-mounted, solar-powered; (2) mounted in an automobile that also includes an improved odometer, license plate, and cabin air filtration system.

The present invention is an improvement on the functionality of garments of personal protection. The design is a portable computer system with all of the system components incorporated into an item of personal wear, for example into a garment such as a vest, that is shielded by a layer of armor. The armored garment will protect the user and completely house the processing unit, input device, and any peripheral attached to the processing unit.

The navigational interface allows a user to control computer operations and input text into applications running on the computing system with a single input device. The navigational interface operates by receiving selection signals from the input device. The navigational interface includes an input device, a navigational interface interpretation module having a sensor pattern, and a control display providing feedback of the navigational interface interpretation module operations. The sensor pattern is radially divided into a central sensory portion, a petals sensory portion divided into sensory petals, and a circumferential sensory portion. Each sensory portion references an information element. The information elements are associated with tasks to be performed in the computing system. The tasks might be computer control operations, application selection, application operation, or inputting and editing of textual characters into various applications running on the computing system. The information elements are selected by a selection stroke on the sensory portions and sensory petals of the sensor pattern. The selection stroke is defined by information in the selection signal, which is transmitted pursuant to a user input stroke. Tasks are performed through recognization of the selection signal by the navigational interface interpretation module. Following task execution, the information elements associated with the sensor pattern are functionally updated according to the executed task.

Automatic programming, scheduling, and control of planned activities at “worker nodes” in a distributed environment are provided by a “real-time self tuner” (RTST). The RTST provides self-tuning of controlled interoperation among an interconnected set of distributed components (i.e., worker nodes) including, for example, home appliances, security systems, lighting, sensor networks, medical electronic devices, wearable computers, robotics, industrial controls, wireless communication systems, audio nets, distributed computers, toys, games, etc. The RTST acts as a centralized “planner” that is either one of the nodes or a dedicated computing device. A set of protocols allow applications to communicate with the nodes, and allow one or more nodes to communicate with each other. Self-tuning of the interoperation and scheduling of tasks to be performed at each node uses an on-line sampling driven statistical model and predefined node “behavior patterns” to predict and manage resource requirements needed by each node for completing assigned tasks.

A guard enhancing multiple site, readily scalable security system combines human-based security personnel with a diverse array of fixed and movable electronic security enhancing components, and numerous modes of communications between said components, including hard wired and wireless applications. The security related components include event sensors, identification tracking for people and things, access control devices, security guard wearable computers and hand held computers as well as embedded data processing control and communications systems, with all sensors and sites capable of being monitored by a designated headquarters through checkpoint data processing components and base station components. The security system provides better trained security guards, who are more alert and responsive, and more closely supervised and easily scheduled, enhanced financial monitoring, more accurately paid and expensed security services, better archived and reported security related events, as well as being better coordinated with public agencies, enhanced safety, and readily upgraded and integrated with existing and future technologies. The primary goal of the system configuration is to make human security guard tour tasks planned, controlled, monitored, recorded and paid in a highly efficient and effective manner.

Technology is described for transferring one or more mobile tags using a light based communication protocol. A mobile device, for example a smart phone, with an image sensor and an illuminator, like a camera flash, initiates transfer of data formatted in a mobile tag displayed by another device by automatically controlling the illuminator to generate sequences of light representing data transfer messages. The other device, for example a user wearable computer device with sensors capturing biometric and health related data, has a photodetector unit for capturing the sequences of light and converting them into digital data. A processor of the other device identifies the data transfer messages and causes a display of one or more mobile tags responsive to the messages. In this way, a number of mobile tags may be used to transfer several kilobytes of biometric data, for example 4-7 KBs, using low power for the wearable device.

A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In some embodiments, the operations can include detecting that one or more wearable computers are within a proximity range to a wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include determining one or more characteristics associated with the one or more wearable computers in response to the detecting that the one or more wearable computers are within the proximity range to the wagering game machine. In some examples, the operations further include providing a feature associated with a wagering game based on the one or more characteristics of the one or more wearable computers.

The navigational interface allows a user to control computer operations and input text into applications running on the computing system with a single input device. The navigational interface operates by receiving selection signals from the input device. The navigational interface includes an input device, a navigational interface interpretation module having a sensor pattern, and a control display providing feedback of the navigational interface interpretation module operations. The sensor pattern is radially divided into a central sensory portion, a petals sensory portion divided into sensory petals, and a circumferential sensory portion. Each sensory portion references an information element. The information elements are associated with tasks to be performed in the computing system. The tasks might be computer control operations, application selection, application operation, or inputting and editing of textual characters into various applications running on the computing system. The information elements are selected by a selection stroke on the sensory portions and sensory petals of the sensor pattern. The selection stroke is defined by information in the selection signal, which is transmitted pursuant to a user input stroke. Tasks are performed through recognization of the selection signal by the navigational interface interpretation module. Following task execution, the information elements associated with the sensor pattern are functionally updated according to the executed task.

The present invention is related to systems and methods for translating language text on a mobile camera device offline without access to the Internet. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods for displaying text of a first language and a translation of the first language text into a second language text which is displayed in real time in augmented reality on the mobile device. The processing can use a single line or a multiline algorithm designed with a plurality of processing innovations to insure accurate real-time translations without motion jitter. The invention may be used to help travelers in a foreign country with difficulties in reading and understanding text written in the local language of that country. The present invention may be utilized with wearable computers or glasses, producing seamless augmented reality foreign language translations. Some embodiments are particularly useful in translations from Asian languages to English. Some embodiments are especially optimized to translate multiple lines of foreign language text.

Embodiments of the present invention disclose design, deployment and implementation of systems capable of facilitating managing public safety (or security) in one or more situations, and methods thereof, in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Specifically, the systems may facilitate managing public safety (or security) in one or more situations of at least one of danger, untoward incident, accident, emergency, loss and death with one or more enhanced qualitative and quantitative features, such as minimal vulnerability, real-time notification ability and automatic evidence manageability, thereby facilitating timely prevention, Quick Response (QR) or (Just-In-Time or JIT) response, speedy trial, effective prosecution, easy enforceability and policing, and methods thereof in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

A preferred system and method for projecting a business information model at a construction site includes a network, a system administrator connected to the network, a database connected to the system administrator, a set of registration markers positioned in the construction site, and a set of user devices connected to the network. The system includes a hard hat, a set of headsets mounted to the hard hat, a set of display units movably connected to the set of headsets, a set of cameras connected to the set of headsets, and a wearable computer connected to the set of headsets and to the network. The cameras capture an image of the set of registration markers. A position of the user device is determined from the image and an orientation is determined from motion sensors. A BIM is downloaded and projected to a removable visor based on the position and orientation.

The present invention is related to systems and methods for translating language text on a mobile camera device offline without access to the Internet. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods for displaying text of a first language and a translation of the first language text into a second language text which is displayed in real time in augmented reality on the mobile device. The processing can use a single line or a multiline algorithm designed with a plurality of processing innovations to insure accurate real-time translations without motion jitter. The invention may be used to help travelers in a foreign country with difficulties in reading and understanding text written in the local language of that country. The present invention may be utilized with wearable computers or glasses, producing seamless augmented reality foreign language translations. Some embodiments are particularly useful in translations from Asian languages to English.