U.S. patent application number 10/772884 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-12 for wearable computing device capable of responding intelligently to surroundings.
This patent application is currently assigned to Charmed Technology, Inc.. Invention is credited to Lightman, Alexander.
Application Number | 20040157648 10/772884 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 31982264 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040157648 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lightman, Alexander |
August 12, 2004 |
Wearable computing device capable of responding intelligently to
surroundings
Abstract
Techniques and approaches that enable wireless communication
devices, namely, wearable devices, to assist users in new ways by
interacting with other devices or surroundings to notify users of
things that would be of interest to users. In one aspect of the
invention, wearable devices display information for users in
response to surrounding signals. The surrounding signals can come
from a nearby wireless transceiver that may be included in another
wearable device, a terminal device or an isolated device provided
in a setting. In another aspect of the invention, wireless
communication or computing devices (e.g., wearable devices) can
interact and perform social filtering. The users of the devices can
then be suitably notified.
Inventors: |
Lightman, Alexander; (Santa
Monica, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BEYER WEAVER & THOMAS LLP
P.O. BOX 778
BERKELEY
CA
94704-0778
US
|
Assignee: |
Charmed Technology, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
31982264 |
Appl. No.: |
10/772884 |
Filed: |
February 4, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10772884 |
Feb 4, 2004 |
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09617718 |
Jul 17, 2000 |
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6711414 |
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60184896 |
Feb 25, 2000 |
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60190837 |
Mar 20, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/566 ;
455/550.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/566 ;
455/550.1 |
International
Class: |
H04M 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for displaying information on a wireless device having
a display, said method comprising: detecting presence of another
wireless device; receiving, from the another wireless device, a
request to display identifiable information on the display of the
wireless device after said detecting has detected the presence of
the another wireless device; and displaying the identifiable
information on the display of the wireless device in response to
the request.
2. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the wireless device is a
wearable computing device.
3. A method as recited in claim 2, wherein the another wireless
device is a wearable computing device.
4. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein the wireless device is a
wearable badge.
5. A method as recited in claim 4, wherein the another wireless
device is affixed to or embedded in an area or a setting.
6. A method as recited in claim 5, wherein said method is performed
at an event in which numerous participants wear wearable
badges.
7. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said method further
comprises: accessing the identifiable information to be displayed
from the wireless device.
8. A method as recited in claim 1, wherein said displaying of the
identifiable information on the display of the wireless device
operates to display the information in a series of screens on the
display.
9. A method as recited in claim 8, wherein each of the screens of
the series of screens is cycled after a predetermined time.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/617,718, filed Jul. 17, 2000, by Alexander
Lightman and entitled, "Wearable Computing Device Capable Of
Responding Intelligently To Surroundings," the content of which is
hereby incorporated by reference herein, which claims the benefit
of: (i) U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/184,896, filed Feb. 25,
2000, by Lightman et al., and entitled "Method and System for
Facilitating Use of Wearable Devices", the content of which is
hereby incorporated by reference; and (ii) U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/190,837, filed Mar. 20, 2000, by Lightman et
al., and entitled "WEARABLE DEVICES", the content of which is
hereby incorporated by reference.
[0002] This application is also related to: (i) U.S. application
Ser. No. 09/561,434, filed Apr. 28, 2000, by Lightman et al., and
entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DATA TRANSMISSION BETWEEN WEARABLE
DEVICES OR FROM WEARABLE DEVICES TO PORTAL", the content of which
is hereby incorporated by reference; (ii) U.S. application Ser. No.
09/561,288, filed Apr. 28, 2000, by Molloy et al., and entitled
"MARKETING AND PROMOTION OF TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS USING SHOWS OR
EVENTS", the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference;
and (iii) U.S. application Ser. No. 09/561,289, filed Apr. 28,
2000, by Lightman et al., and entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EVENT
INTERACTION MONITORING", the content of which is hereby
incorporated by reference.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0003] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates to wireless devices and, more
particularly, to wearable devices capable of responding
intelligently to surroundings.
[0006] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0007] The Internet is a rapidly growing communication network of
interconnected computers and computer networks around the world.
Together, these millions of connected computers form a vast
repository of multimedia information that is readily accessible by
any of the connected computers from anywhere at any time. Further,
these millions of connected computers provide a reliable means for
users to stay in touch from anywhere at any time by way of emails,
voices, images or videos. To provide mobility and portability of
access to the Internet, mobile communication or computing devices
(also known as wireless communication devices) are introduced and
capable of communicating, via wireless networks, with the
Internet.
[0008] The wireless communication devices or mobile computing
devices are normally smaller scale computing devices. Examples of
such devices include two-way pagers, cellular phones, palm-sized
computing devices and personal digital assistant (PDA) apparatuses.
These devices enable users to receive, collect, analyze, review and
disseminate information as they travel or move about. Although the
ability of wireless communication devices or mobile computing
devices to receive, collect, analyze, review and disseminate
information is very beneficial, these types of devices are
nevertheless limited in the ways they assist users.
[0009] There is therefore a need for wireless communication devices
that are better able to assist their users.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The invention relates to techniques that enable wireless
communication devices, namely, wearable devices, to assist users in
new ways by interacting with other devices or surroundings to
notify users of things that would be of interest to users. In one
aspect of the invention, wearable devices display information for
users in response to surrounding signals. The surrounding signals
can come from a nearby wireless transceiver that may be included in
another wearable device, a terminal device or an isolated device
provided in a setting or area. In another aspect of the invention,
wireless communication or computing devices (e.g., wearable
devices) can interact and perform social filtering. The users of
the devices can then be suitably notified with respect to the
results of the social filtering.
[0011] The invention can be implemented in numerous ways including,
as a method, an apparatus, a computer readable medium, and a
computer system. Several embodiments of the invention are discussed
below.
[0012] As a method for displaying information on a wireless device
having a display, one embodiment of the invention includes at least
the acts of: detecting presence of another wireless device;
receiving, from the another wireless device, a request to display
identifiable information on the display of the wireless device
after the detecting has detected the presence of the another
wireless device; and displaying the identifiable information on the
display of the wireless device in response to the request.
[0013] As a method for exchanging data between wearable computing
devices, one embodiment of the invention includes at least the acts
of: determining whether a first wearable computing device having a
display can presently communicate with a second wearable computing
device; sending a data exchange request from the first wearable
computing device to the second wearable computing device when the
determining determines that the first wearable computing device can
presently communicate with the second wearable computing device,
the data exchange request requesting a data exchange between the
first wearable computing device and the second wearable computing
device; receiving a request response at the first wearable
computing device, the request response indicating whether the
second wearable computing device has authorized the data exchange;
performing the data exchange between the first wearable computing
device and the second wearable computing device when the request
response indicates that the second wearable computing device has
authorized the data exchange; examining at least one of the data
received at the first wearable computing device and the request
response to determined whether the second wearable computing device
desires to have certain information displayed on the display of the
first wearable computing device; and displaying the certain
information on the display of the first wearable computing device
when the examining indicates that the second wearable computing
device desires to have certain information displayed on the display
of the first wearable computing device.
[0014] As a method for exchanging data between wearable computing
devices, one embodiment of the invention includes the acts of:
determining whether a first wearable computing device can presently
communicate with a second wearable computing device; sending a data
exchange request from the first wearable computing device to the
second wearable computing device when the determining determines
that the first wearable computing device can presently communicate
with the second wearable computing device, the data exchange
request requesting a data exchange between the first wearable
computing device and the second wearable computing device;
receiving a request response at the first wearable computing
device, the request response indicating whether the second wearable
computing device has authorized the data exchange; performing the
data exchange between the first wearable computing device and the
second wearable computing device when the request response
indicates that the second wearable computing device has authorized
the data exchange; and thereafter performing social filtering on
the data received by at least one of the first wearable computing
device and the second wearable computing device based on
predetermined criteria.
[0015] The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different
embodiments or implementations may yield one or more of the
following advantages. One advantage of the invention is that
wireless communication devices (e.g., wearable devices) can easily
acquire from or transmit data to other wearable devices or terminal
devices. Another advantage of the invention is that wireless
communication devices (e.g., wearable devices) can interact with
other devices or surroundings to notify users of things that would
be of interest to their users.
[0016] Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way
of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The invention will be readily understood by the following
detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings,
wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements,
and in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a system configuration in which the
invention may be practiced;
[0019] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary configuration of wearable
device according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of a terminal device
equipped with a wireless communication apparatus according to one
embodiment of the invention;
[0021] FIG. 2C illustrates a perspective view of a badge (a user
thereof) passing through an area or setting that includes a
transceiver;
[0022] FIG. 2D shows an example in which preloaded information in a
badge can be displayed selectively depending on what external
signal is received;
[0023] FIG. 2E is a functional block diagram of a wearable device
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a representative event portion where
attendees can wear wearable devices to acquire and/or exchange
information with other attendees as well as booths;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of data display processing
according to one embodiment of the invention;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of social filtering processing
according to one embodiment of the invention; and
[0027] FIG. 6 includes flow diagrams of data exchange processing
according to one embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] The invention relates to techniques that enable wireless
communication devices, namely, wearable devices, to assist users in
new ways by interacting with other devices or surroundings to
notify users of things that would be of interest to users. In one
aspect of the invention, wearable devices display information for
users in response to surrounding signals. The surrounding signals
can come from a nearby wireless transceiver that may be included in
another wearable device, a terminal device or an isolated device
provided in a setting. In another aspect of the invention, wireless
communication or computing devices (e.g., wearable devices) can
interact and perform social filtering. The users of the devices can
then be suitably notified.
[0029] The wearable devices are more generally electronic devices,
such as mobile computing devices or wireless communication devices,
and are often small in scale and very portable. Wearable devices
are able to communicate with one another or other devices to
exchange information. Wearable devices can take many shapes,
designs and forms. As examples, the wearable devices can be
provided as badges or charms. Wearable devices are preferable those
mobile computing devices or wireless communication devices that can
be worn by a user without special equipment such as a case, band or
pocket that are wearable. In other words, wearable devices are
preferably self-wearable.
[0030] Embodiments of this aspect of the invention are discussed
below with reference to FIGS. 1-6. However, those skilled in the
art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given
herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as
the invention extends beyond these limited embodiments.
[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a system configuration in which the
invention may be practiced. A data network 100 may be the Internet,
an Intranet, or some other public or private data network. A
personal computer (PC) 110 and a network server 104 coupled to the
network 100. The personal computer 110 represents one of many
computing devices that couple to the network 100, and the network
server 104 represents one of many application/service servers on
the network 100. In one implementation, the personal computer 110
runs a HyperText Markup Language (HTML) browser, such as Netscape
Navigator from Netscape Communications Corporation (see
www.netscape.com) via the network 100 using HyperText Transfer
Protocol (HTTP) to access information stored in the network server
104. The network server 104 is typically operated by a business and
identified by an Universal Resource Identifier (URI) or a domain
name, such as www.cnn.com as a news feeding site and www.amazon.com
as a electronic retailer selling from books to consumer
electronics. Typically, the information stored in the network
server 104 is hypermedia information to facilitate various
transactions with the personal computer 110 operated by one or more
users.
[0032] Also shown in FIG. 1 the system configuration can also
include a private network 120 including a computer 124 and a server
122. The private network 120 uses a firewall 121 to protect
resources of the private network from users on other networks. The
private network 120 is typically used in a confined configuration
in which secure information is kept in the server 122 and
accessible only by certain limited computing devices (e.g., the
computer 124). In one example, the private network 120 is a local
area network.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 1 is a wearable two-way communication
device 112, referred to herein as a wearable device, that is
designed to be able to communicate wirelessly with the personal
computer 110 or the computer 124. It should be recognized, that
although a single wearable device 112 is shown in FIG. 1, the
system configuration normally supports a plurality of wearable
devices. To facilitate the use of the wearable device 112, a portal
server 114 hosts a portal accessible via the data network 100 such
as by the personal computer 110 or the computer 124. The portal
comprises various kinds of information and data that can be
accessed. Additionally, the portal can provide services or
applications. For example, the portal can provide an email service
to keep the wearable device 112 in touch with other wearable
devices. Additional detail on the portal is provided below.
[0034] The wearable device 112 can take many forms, designs or
shapes. For example, in one implementation, the wearable device 112
can have a badge-like design, and in another implementation can
have a charm like design. The functions or features provided by the
wearable device 112 can also vary widely. FIG. 2A illustrates an
exemplary configuration of wearable device 112 according to one
embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 2A, the wearable
device 112 is designed like a badge 200. The badge 200 can be
attached to a user's clothing or wore by chain around the user's
neck. In one implementation, the badge 200 is approximately 2.5 by
3.5 inches and includes a display screen. While this particular
embodiment implements a wearable device as a badge, it should be
recognized that the wearable device can be instantiated in various
other forms, shapes and designs that lend themselves to being
wearable.
[0035] The badge 200 incorporates a wireless communication
apparatus 202 that permits badge 200 to exchange information with
another device, such as a badge, a terminal device or an area (or
setting) having a corresponding wireless communication apparatus.
The terminal device may correspond to the personal computer 110 or
the computer 124 of FIG. 1 that can be equipped with a
corresponding wireless communication apparatus for communicating
with the badge 200. Examples of the area or setting can include an
entrance door or a walkway to a product display booth or an area
that can cause the badge 200 to display pertinent information.
[0036] The badge 200 can further comprise an audible device 204, a
microphone 206, a plurality of indicators 208, and a plurality of
activation buttons 210. In addition, badge 200 includes a display
212 such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) or a graphic display. A
LCD display provides a visual mechanism for the user to more
effectively interact with the badge 200 or for others to view
information being displayed on the display 212 of the badge 200.
The audible device 204 may be used to produce sound that a user of
the badge 200 can hear. In one embodiment, the sound may be
generated from a text via a text-to-sound translator. The
microphone 206 is typically used for recording when there is a
need. For example, when the user needs to record a short
conversation, one of the activation buttons may be activated to
start the recording. The indicators 208 include a number of LEDs in
one embodiment. The LEDs can be used for various purposes. In one
embodiment, each of the LEDs is designated to indicate a message.
For example, one LED on in green color indicates that the badge 200
is communicating with another device (e.g., another badge or a
terminal device). When the LED turns red, that means the
communication is done. Depending on an exact implementation, the
indicators 208 can be designed for many different purposes. One of
the purposes is to have one or more of the indicators "on" when
there is a high affinity between two users in communication. In
other words, each user stores his/her interest/search criteria in
his/her badge, when two badges exchange information therebetween
and a match score exceeds a threshold, the users can be notified by
one of more of the indicators 208. As the name suggests, the
activation buttons 210 provides a mechanism for the user to
interact with or control the operation of the badge 200. In a
preferred embodiment, the activation buttons 210 are designed to be
small in size and the number of activation buttons 210 is less than
the number of button in a phone keypad or a computer keyboard.
[0037] FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of a terminal device
250 equipped with a wireless communication apparatus 252. When a
user of the badge 200 walks up to the terminal device 250, data can
be exchanged between the badge 200 and the terminal device 250
after initiated by either the badge 200 or the terminal device 250.
The terminal device 250 may be used to allow access to a portal
page for the user to interact therewith.
[0038] FIG. 2C further illustrates that a user wearing the badge
200 approaches an area or setting 253 (e.g., a wall or a panel)
that includes a transceiver 254. Here, the transceiver 254
represents a wireless communication apparatus. According to one
aspect of the embodiment, the transceiver 254 is connected to a
terminal device. Depending on an exact implementation, the
transceiver 254 sends a signal that causes the badge 200 to display
specific information on the display 212 thereof. FIG. 2D shows an
example in which preloaded information 255 in the badge 200 can be
displayed selectively depending on what external signal is
received. For example, when the user of the badge 200 enters the
premises of a company, the badge the user wears can be triggered by
a signal 256 from a nearby transceiver to display affiliation
information on the display 212 so that a receptionist knows the
user is affiliated with the company. As another or further example,
when the user enters a secure area, signal 258 triggers the badge
200 to display more detailed affiliated information 259 on the
display 212 so that a security guard is aware that the incoming
person is permitted to enter the secured area.
[0039] According to one embodiment, the wireless communication
apparatus 202 and 252 or transceiver 254 include at least infrared
transmitter and receiver components (not shown) supporting serial
infrared communications links with other devices. A variety of
infrared communications devices, such as Hewlett Packard's
HSDL-1001 transceiver components, may be used to implement the
infrared communication apparatus. As another example, Bluetooth
technology is used to implement the communication between the
devices. Bluetooth is a computing and telecommunications industry
specification that describes how small devices such as mobile
phones, computers, and personal digital assistants (PDAs) can
easily interconnect with each other and with home and business
phones and computers using a short-range wireless connection.
Alternatively, other communication apparatuses, such as those
utilizing acoustic, radio frequency, or electromagnetic coupling,
may be used to support the wireless communication apparatus.
[0040] Further, the wearable device, e.g., badge 200, operates
under an operating system, such as Microsoft's Windows CE, Linux,
or a distilled version of Linux (referred to herein as Nanix). With
the operating system, badge 200 can provide many advantages and
benefits over those conventional mobile devices operating that lack
an operating system. In one implementation, the operating system is
(1) compact, offering high performance in limited memory
configurations; (2) scalable, supporting a range of embedded,
mobile or multimedia product lines; (3) portable, enabling OEM
& customer microprocessor choice; and (4) managed, including
integrated power management. Further, the operating system is a
32-bit, multitasking, multithreaded operating system that has an
open architecture design, providing support for a variety of
devices. The operating system makes possible new categories of
products that can `talk` to each other, share and exchange
information, and communicate with a wide variety of enterprise
systems or the Internet.
[0041] FIG. 2E is a functional block diagram of a wearable device
(e.g., badge 200) according to one embodiment of the invention. The
wearable device includes a central processing unit (CPU) 262
interfaced to a data bus 260. The CPU 262 executes certain
instructions to manage all parts and interfaces coupled to the data
bus 262 for synchronized operations. The device interface 264 may
be coupled to an external device such as a personal computer, a
terminal device, or a PDA apparatus so that data can be exchanged
(uploaded and/or downloaded). Also coupled to the data bus 260 is a
display interface 266, a communication interface 268, a printer
interface 270, and activation button interface 278.
[0042] Main memory 272, such as random access memory (RAM), is also
interfaced to data bus 260 to provide CPU 262 with instructions and
data. A memory storage 276 is also coupled to the data bus 260 to
provide access to other data and instructions. In particular, when
executing stored application program instructions, such as the
complied and linked version of the operating system or processes
associated with the invention, CPU 122 is caused to manipulate the
data to achieve desired results. A Read Only Memory (ROM) 274 is
provided for storing invariant instruction sequences such as an
operating system or a basic input/output operation system (BIOS)
for operation of certain aspects of the wearable device.
[0043] It should be noted that the block diagram of FIG. 2E
pertains to one embodiment of the invention. However, other
embodiments of wearable devices (e.g., badges) may employ some of
the parts shown in FIG. 2E or may employ additional parts. Hence,
the parts and configurations in FIG. 2E shall not be considered as
limitations limiting the invention thereto.
[0044] There are various environments that are well suited for use
of wearable devices (e.g., badges) to exchange data with other
devices and/or to display information. FIG. 3 is a diagram of a
representative event portion 300 where attendees can wear wearable
devices to acquire and/or exchange information with other attendees
as well as booths. The wearable devices can also display data of
various sorts. The event portion 300 typically represents at least
a portion of an event. Examples of events include a convention, a
conference, a show or the like. Booths can be provided at the
events for promotion of products to the attendees of the event. The
booths represent one type of area or setting that can be provided
with wireless communication devices. Hence, the wearable device
advantageously allows and promotes information exchange and display
during events.
[0045] The representative event portion 300 includes two users 302
and 304, both of which wear wearable devices (e.g., badges). It is
assumed that the user 302 is a visitor to a show booth 306 attended
by a representative 304. The show booth 306 is provided to promote
and demonstrate a product 308. The show booth 306 is also provided
with a terminal device 310 that is incorporated with a wireless
communication apparatus (i.e., a transceiver) 312.
[0046] An example of the operation of the event portion 300 is as
follows. Assume that, when attendees to the event register, they
are issued wearable devices (e.g., badges). Each of the wearable
devices can contain a digital version of a business card or
pertinent information of the attendee (user). Namely, the user 302
is issued one of the wearable devices. When the user 302 eventually
walks to the show booth 306, the representative 304 typically
desires to obtain related information about user 302 particularly
when the user 302 appears to be interested in the product 308 or
wants to exchange information with the representative 304.
Conventionally, the user and the representative would have to
search for a business card and then exchange their cards. If either
the user or the representative were unable to find their business
cards, then conventionally one or both would have to write down
related information on a piece of paper. Hence, conventional
approaches are not very satisfactory and prone to loss of the
information.
[0047] The invention offers a much better approach. With the
invention, both the users 302 and the representative 304 need to
simply activate one of the activation buttons on his/her own
wearable device or simply be in range for communications to occur.
Digital information stored in each wearable device can then be
transmitted to the other wearable device. At the end of the day,
the badge of the user can be plugged into a terminal device (or
otherwise communicate with the terminal device) to upload, archive,
analyze, disseminate or print out a list of all of the contacts the
user has made during the event. As a result, the user no longer
needs to bother with a pile of business cards or scraps of paper
containing contact information and thus contact information is more
easily and reliably acquired. In addition, the invention makes it
much simpler for the show booth 306 to collect information about
visitors (e.g., user 302) that have come to examine the product
308. The transceiver 312 deployed at the show booth 306 can
exchange information with the user 302. For example, the user 302
could initiate the data exchange by activating one of the
activation buttons on the wearable device or one badge initiates
the data exchange automatically with another one when the badge
detects the presence of the another one. The data exchange can, for
example, include a release of contact (or profile) information from
the wearable device worn by the user 302 to terminal device 310,
and/or collection of booth-related information from the terminal
device 310 at the show booth 306. The booth-related information can
include product information for the product 308, business
information for the business operating the show booth, or event
information (schedules, topics, announcements).
[0048] Additionally, the invention can also cause the displays of
the badges to display pertinent information. The particular
information being displayed can be controlled by one or more of
user preferences, comparison of incoming data with predetermined
conditions, or direction of the other wearable device. More
particularly, the display of a badge can be controlled to display
information of interest to either the user of the badge or others
that may view the display. For example, the display of the badge
can display information about the user (name and/or affiliation
information). This allows the badge to serve as a sophisticated
name tag. As another example, the badge can display information for
the user of the badge. The user might want to lookup and display
contact information for someone. The user might also want to
display a schedule, a layout, or a map associated with an event.
Still another example, the badge can display information for the
benefit of others. The badge can be signaled by other devices
(wearable devices or devices within nearby areas) to display
certain information on their displays. Here, the display can, for
example, display affiliate information, notifications, information
pertaining to an affinity matching, or information pertaining to
social filtering. The display of the badge can also cycle through
displaying a series of different screens so that more than one
screen's worth of information can be presented.
[0049] Badge enabled users have access to each other and all
vendors that they met at a particular event. Vendors are also able
to know what users have visited their booths, and the profiles of
these users. Further, users have the ability to share who they came
in contact with, for how long they spoke with them, and how to
reach these people via their e-mail addresses if the person or
persons that they are speaking with care to share their information
through use of wireless communications provided with the badges.
The badges can also record conversations of its user and other
users. A user can also mark or indicate a conversation as important
such as by pressing a button on the electronic badge during or
following the conversation or by recording a voice command or
annotation for the conversation. Specifically, the badges record
information and interface with the portal to provide information on
the interactions that people have with other badge wearers as well
as the vendors that they have come in contact with. Further, event
producers might have access to information about the badge enabled
users, where they went, who they talked to, congested areas,
popular persons or booths, etc.
[0050] As noted above, the invention can also participate in social
filtering. The social filtering can allow the data acquired from
one or more badges to searched or organized to provide various
information. For example, the data can be used to identify those
attendees that a badge enabled user spoke with for more than ten
minutes, or all people at the event that were talked with by anyone
for more than ten minutes. Further, the data can be used to
determine who was popular at the event, who should attendees have
talked to, etc. Participants can be provided with the ability to
restrict the distribution or use of private data.
[0051] With respect to FIG. 3, the data exchange between the two
users 302 and 304 can provide another example of social data
filtering. For example, the user 302 is interested in a particular
product or person that must be present at the event but the user
302 has not been able to come across the particular product or
person. It is, however, likely that the user 304 may have come
across the particular product or person somewhere in the event and
the badge thereof may have collected or exchanged with some
information from the particular product or person. Based on proper
settings in the badge of the user 302, the badge can notify the
user 302 that the user 304 shall be consulted about where the
particular product or person has been came across when a match or
search score has reached a certain level.
[0052] Portals, or Internet portals, are World Wide Web (WWW) sites
that is or proposes to be major starting sites for users when they
connect to the Internet or that users tend to visit as anchor or
resource sites. In view of utilities and conveniences provided by
portals, it is desired that portals support interactive two-way
communication devices so that users of the devices can be
constantly provided a communication channel with others in addition
to receiving personalized information, content or services from
others (or the operator of the portal).
[0053] A portal can be specifically designed for use with wearable
devices (e.g., badges) and hosted in a server coupled to a data
network (e.g. 100 of FIG. 1). The portal is a hub for the user
community and a mechanism in which badge enabled individuals can
interact with each other and with partner vendors, suppliers and
sponsors. The portal is developed to provide the unique experience
of connecting badge enabled users from anywhere at any time. The
server may be operated by an event sponsor or a business entity and
facilitates the use of the badges. Any terminal devices that are
coupled to the data network may be used to retrieve data in the
portal. The terminal device can, for example, be the computer 110
or 124 of FIG. 1 or the terminal device 310 of FIG. 3.
[0054] Data or information can be display on the display of a
wearable device for either the user's viewing or another's viewing.
For the user's own viewing, the data or information can vary
widely. For example, the data or information might be profile
information, an affinity score, social filtering information, an
advertisement, etc. The display of information for another's
viewing can by initiated by the another's wearable device as
detailed in FIG. 4.
[0055] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of data display processing 400
according to one embodiment of the invention. The data display
processing 400 is, for example, performed by a wearable device
(e.g., badge), such as the wearable device 112 discussed above. The
data display processing 400 can be operational whenever the
wearable device is operational or can be activated under user
control.
[0056] The data display processing 400 begins with a decision 402
that determines whether another device is detected. These devices
that are detected can be wearable devices, terminal devices or
isolated devices. While terminal devices are typically networked
with a centralized computer, isolated devices are not networked and
operate on their own. When the decision 402 determines that no
other devices are detected, the data display processing 400 awaits
detection of other devices. In one implementation, the wearable
device can search for other devices. Typically, the wearable device
would need to come within range of the other devices.
[0057] The communication technique preferably utilized between the
wearable device and the other devices is a communication technique
based on light energy. One example of a communication technique
based on light energy is infrared communications. Often, such
techniques are referred to as in-sight communication techniques.
For example, the other devices can use infrared energy to
communicate with the wearable device when the wearable device comes
within the limited range of the communication capabilities of the
other devices. Since infrared energy primarily uses line of sight
to communicate, in order for the wearable device to communicate
with the other devices they must be in-sight of each other.
Alternatively, the devices could communicate using radio waves.
[0058] Once the decision 402 determines that another device has
been detected, a decision 404 determines whether the detected other
device is requesting the display of particular data on the display
of the wearable device. The other devices can request the display
of particular data on the display of the wearable device with a
data display request. In one embodiment, the other devices that
desire to initiate display of information periodically transmit
data display requests. In any case, when the decision 404
determines that a data display request has not been received from
the detected device, then the data display processing 400 returns
to the decision 402 to restart the data display processing 400.
[0059] On the other hand, when the decision 404 determines that a
data display request has been received from the detected device,
then information is displayed on the display of the wearable device
in accordance with the data display request. Typically, the
information being requested to be displayed is available (e.g.,
stored on) the wearable device. The particular information to be
displayed can be selected, determined or controlled by the data
display request. For example, if the wearable device stores user
profile information, the data display request can cause some or all
of such information to be displayed. As another example, the data
display request can cause advertisements, notices, messages,
statuses, or other information. Besides governing the particular
information to be displayed, the data display request can also
govern how the particular information is to be displayed. The
particular information can be displayed in a variety of ways. For
example, location, size, content, duration, color, etc. can all be
controlled. The particular information being displayed can also
differ for different wireless devices (or users). Further, the
information being displayed can be dependent upon the type of
application in which the wearable devices are utilized. Still
further, the information being displayed can be presented in a
series of screens. The screens in the series can be cycles through
after a predetermined amount of time. By cycling the screens larger
amounts of information can be presented to its viewers.
[0060] Normally, the detected device is compatible with the
wearable device when they are designed for intercommunication.
However, when the detected device is a foreign device unknown to
the wearable device, it is deemed incompatible. The wearable device
and the other devices must be compatible for the data display
processing 400 to operate to display information on the display of
the wearable device. When the detected device is not compatible,
the data display processing can simply ignore the incompatible
detected device.
[0061] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of social filtering processing 500
according to one embodiment of the invention. The social filtering
processing 500 is, for example, performed by a wearable device,
such as the wearable device 112 discussed above. The social
filtering processing 500 can be operational whenever the wearable
device is operational or can be activated under user control.
[0062] The social filtering processing 500 initially causes the
wearable device to be configured 502 for social filtering criteria.
Here, the wearable device is provided with the capability to
perform social filtering, and thus the user of the wearable device
is able to configure the wearable device to perform social
filtering in accordance with social filtering criteria provided by
the user. The social filtering criteria can vary widely and also
depends on the environment in which the wearable devices are used.
For example, the social filtering criteria might request that one
be notified when communicating with another wearable device that
has previously talked with a particular individual, other
individuals from a particular company, a host, a dignitary, etc. As
another example, the social filtering criteria could cause the
wearable device be informed when the other communicating wearable
device has visited an area or booth. Still another example is that
the social filtering criteria could alert the user of the wearable
device when the communicating wearable device is interested in a
particular topic, event or subject.
[0063] In any case, once the wearable device is configured 502 for
social filtering, the wearable device thereafter can operate to
perform social filtering processing 500 in accordance with the
social filtering criteria. In this regard, a decision 504
determines whether data has been received by the wearable device.
When the decision 504 determines that data has not yet been
received, the decision 504 causes the social filtering processing
500 to await the reception of data. On the other hand, once the
decision 504 determines that data has been received, the newly
received data is compared 506 with the social filtering criteria.
Here, the social filtering processing 500 operates to determine
whether the social filtering criteria are met by the newly received
data. In other words, whether the newly received data matches the
social filtering criteria. A decision 508 then determines whether a
match is present. When the decision 508 determines that the newly
received data does not match the social filtering criteria, then
the social filtering processing 500 returns to repeat the decision
504 and subsequent blocks so that subsequently received data can be
processed. Alternatively, when the decision 508 determines that the
newly received data does match the social filtering criteria, then
the user of the wearable device is notified 510 of the matching
condition. The notification can be achieved in a variety of
different ways. For example, the display associated with the
wearable device might display the pertinent information regarding
the social filtering so that the user of the wearable device is
notified of the matching condition. Besides text or graphics
provided on the display of the wearable device, audio sounds can
additionally or alternatively be used to provide the notification.
Still further, separate lights (e.g., Light Emitting Diodes) or
icons provided on the wearable device could also be utilized to
provide the notification. In yet another embodiment, the
notification to the user of the wearable device can be provided by
the display of the other communicating wearable device. Here, the
display of the other wearable device is typically being viewed by
the user of the wearable device and thus by displaying the
notification on the other wearable device, the user of the wearable
device can be so notified. However, to control the display of the
other wearable device, data exchanged between the wearable device
and the other wearable device is utilized. Such data exchange can
be provided by the data exchange processing illustrated in FIG. 6
as discussed below.
[0064] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of data exchange processing 600
according to one embodiment of the invention. The data exchange
processing 600 is, for example, performed by a wearable device,
such as the wearable device 112 discussed above. The data exchange
processing 600 can be operational whenever the wearable device is
operational or can be activated under user control.
[0065] The data exchange processing 600 begins with a decision 602
that determines whether other wearable devices are detected. When
the decision 602 determines that no other devices are detected, the
data exchange processing 600 awaits detection of other devices. In
one implementation, the wearable devices can search for other
wearable devices, terminal devices or isolated devices. Typically,
these other wearable devices or terminal devices would need to come
within a range of the wearable device. For example, the wearable
devices can use infrared energy to communicate with the other
wearable devices or terminal devices that come within its limited
range. Since infrared energy primarily uses line of sight to
communicate, in order for the wearable device to communicate with
the other wearable devices or terminal devices they must be
in-sight of each other. Alternatively, the devices could
communicate using radio waves.
[0066] Once the decision 602 determines that another wearable
device has been detected, a decision 604 determines whether the
detected device is compatible. In one implementation, the detected
device is compatible when the detected device is of the same type
or designed for intercommunication. However, when the detected
device is a foreign device unknown to the wearable device, it is
deemed incompatible. In any case, when the decision 604 determines
that the detected device is not compatible, the data exchange
processing 600 returns to the decision 602 to restart the data
exchange processing 600.
[0067] On the other hand, when the decision 604 determines that the
detected device is compatible, then a decision 606 determines
whether data exchange has been requested. The data exchange can be
requested either automatically or in a manual manner. As an
example, the wearable device can automatically search for other
devices and initiate data exchange once other compatible devices
are found. On the other hand, the data exchange could be initiated
by a user action such as depressing a button on the wearable
device. In any case, when the decision 606 determines the data
exchange has not been requested, the processing returns to the
decision 602 to restart the data exchange processing 600. It should
be recognized that the ordering of the decisions 602 and 606 could
be switched so that searching for other devices is not performed
until data exchange is requested.
[0068] Alternatively, when the decision 606 determines that data
exchange has been requested, data exchange is requested 608 with
the other device that has been detected. The other device is either
another wearable device or a terminal device. Next, a decision 610
determines whether the request for data exchange has been approved
by the other device. The other device can approve or disapprove of
the requested data exchange in a variety of ways. For example, the
other device can be configured to operate such that they approve of
all requests, approve of requests fitting certain criteria, or
require manual approval of the request. When the decision 610
determines that the other device has denied the data exchange, then
the device indicates 612 that data exchange has been denied. The
indication 612 can be an audio sound to the individual wearing the
wearable device, or can be a displayed symbol, image or text on the
display screen of the wearable device. Following block 612, the
data exchange processing 600 returns to repeat the decision 602 and
subsequent blocks so that additional data exchange requests can be
processed.
[0069] On the other hand, when the decision 610 determines that the
requested data exchange is approved, then the data exchange is
performed 614 between the devices. A decision 616 then determines
whether the data exchange has completed. When the decision 616
determines that the data exchange has not completed, the data
exchange processing 600 returns to repeat the operation 614. It
should be noted that the data exchange can be performed until
successful or a time-out occurs. When the decision 616 determines
that the data exchange has completed, then the wearable device
indicates 618 that the data exchange has been completed. As an
example, the indication 618 can be an audio sound, or can be a
displayed symbol, image or text on the display screen of the
wearable device. After the indication 618 is provided, the data
exchange processing 600 returns to repeat the decision 602 and
subsequent operations so that additional data exchange requests can
be processed.
[0070] Hence, according to the data exchange processing 600 data
can be exchanged between wearable devices when they are able to
communicate with one another. The communication technique
preferably utilized between the pair of wearable devices is a
communication technique based on light energy. One example of a
communication technique based on light energy is infrared
communications. Often, such techniques are referred to as in-sight
communication techniques. Further, the type of data being exchanged
is normally dependent upon the type of application in which the
wearable devices are utilized. In one example, the data being
exchanged pertains to profiles of the users that wear the wearable
devices. Hence, the data exchange processing 600 can serve to
exchange profile information associated with the wearers of the
wearable devices. For example, the profile information can include
name, business and contact information. In addition, the wearable
devices themselves may be able to acquire certain data during their
operation. For example, the wearable devices may include an audio
and/or video recording mechanism and, if so, such data could also
be exchanged between the wearable devices. As another example, the
wearable devices may also monitor or produce information on how
long users of wearable devices interacted (e.g., conversation) with
one another. Still further, the wearable devices can exchange
information with other devices (besides wearable devices), such as
terminal devices, isolated devices or personal computers.
[0071] Besides the direct exchange of information between devices,
namely, wearable devices, the devices can also communicate with a
server. In one embodiment, the server is referred to as a portal
server. The portal server operates as a portal in which users of
various devices are able to access the portal content or services
via a data network, such as the Internet. The portal server is a
port of information that can be accessed by the devices. For
example, the portal can be provided on the portal server 114 and
accessed by computers 110, 124 shown in FIG. 1.
[0072] The invention is preferably implemented in software, but can
be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and
software. The invention can also be embodied as computer readable
code on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is
any data storage device that can store data which can be thereafter
be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer readable
medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs,
magnetic tape, optical data storage devices, carrier waves. The
computer readable medium can also be distributed over a network
coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is
stored and executed in a distributed fashion.
[0073] The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different
embodiments or implementations may yield one or more of the
following advantages. One advantage of the invention is that
wearable devices can easily acquire from or transmit data to other
wearable devices or terminal devices. Another advantage of the
invention is that private portals can be provided for users of
wearable devices to facilitate retrieval of information previously
acquired by the wearable devices and transmitted to the private
portals. Still another advantage of the invention is that the
wearable devices can take many different configurations, forms,
shapes or designs but are generally wearable and light weight.
[0074] The many features and advantages of the present invention
are apparent from the written description and, thus, it is intended
by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of
the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes
will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired
to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation as
illustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications and
equivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of the
invention.
* * * * *
References