U.S. patent application number 12/256783 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-30 for internet server apparatus, method and device for implementing emergency information instructions.
This patent application is currently assigned to FYI Interactive, Inc.. Invention is credited to David L. Feder.
Application Number | 20090111083 12/256783 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32599588 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090111083 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Feder; David L. |
April 30, 2009 |
INTERNET SERVER APPARATUS, METHOD AND DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING
EMERGENCY INFORMATION INSTRUCTIONS
Abstract
There is disclosed herein an Internet server apparatus, method
and device for implementing emergency information instructions. The
instructions comprise a program of a plurality of steps and can be
in the form of a virtual implementation through use of a web page
that includes representations of a virtual emergency information
apparatus or, alternatively, in the form of a physical portable
device. Indicators are provided in the form of lights or a
numerical display to indicate the completion of sequential steps in
the program so as to aid the user in knowing how many steps will be
necessary and to indicate the completion of each step.
Inventors: |
Feder; David L.; (Los
Angeles, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ORRICK, HERRINGTON & SUTCLIFFE, LLP;IP PROSECUTION DEPARTMENT
4 PARK PLAZA, SUITE 1600
IRVINE
CA
92614-2558
US
|
Assignee: |
FYI Interactive, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
32599588 |
Appl. No.: |
12/256783 |
Filed: |
October 23, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11347789 |
Feb 3, 2006 |
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12256783 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
434/308 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G16H 40/67 20180101;
G09B 7/00 20130101; G09B 19/24 20130101; G09B 19/003 20130101; Y10S
128/92 20130101; G09B 5/00 20130101; A61B 5/0002 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
434/308 |
International
Class: |
G09B 5/00 20060101
G09B005/00 |
Claims
1. A compact portable information apparatus comprising a plurality
of program keys, each key being associated with an instructional
program, such as an emergency scenario, and wherein depression of a
key initiates a series of steps of the program, and a plurality of
step indicators to assist the program user in determining progress
of completion of the instructional program and steps thereof.
2. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the plurality of step
indicators comprise auditory indicators.
3. The apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the plurality of step
indicators comprise visual indicators.
4. The apparatus as in claim 3 wherein the step indicators comprise
numbers provided on a display.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus further includes
acknowledgment keys to allow the user to respond to the
instructional program.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus comprises voice
recognition software configured to respond to the voice of the
user.
7. A virtual information apparatus comprising a plurality of
program keys, each key being associated with an instructional
program, such as an emergency scenario, and wherein use of a key
initiates a series of steps of the program, and a plurality of step
indicators for each program to assist the program user in
determining progress of completion of the respective instructional
program and steps thereof.
8. The apparatus as in claim 7 wherein the plurality of the step
indictors comprise visual indicators.
9. The apparatus in claim 7 wherein the step indicators comprise a
display of sequential numbers indicating each respective step.
10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the plurality of step
indicators comprise audio indicators.
11. An apparatus comprising a plurality of program keys, each key
being associated with an instructional program, such as an
emergency scenario, and wherein use of a key initiates a series of
steps of the program, and a plurality of step indicators for each
program to assist the program user in determining progress of
completion of the respective instructional program and steps
thereof.
12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the step indicators comprise
visual indicators.
13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the step indicators comprise
a display of sequential numbers indicating each respective
step.
14. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the step indicators comprise
auditory indicators.
15. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the apparatus further
includes acknowledgment keys to allow the user to respond to the
instructional program.
16. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the apparatus comprises voice
recognition software configured to respond to the voice of the
user.
17. A virtual information method using a plurality of program keys,
each key being associated with an instructional program, such as an
emergency scenario, and wherein use of a key initiates a series of
steps of the program, and generating a plurality of step indicators
for each program to assist the program user in determining progress
of completion of the respective instructional program and steps
thereof.
18. The method of claim 17 wherein the step indicators comprise
auditory indicators.
19. The method of claim 17 wherein the step indicators comprise
visual indicators.
20. The method of claim 17 wherein the steps indicators comprise a
display of sequential numbers indicating each respective step.
21. An information method using a plurality of program keys, each
key being associated with an instructional program, such as an
emergency scenario, and wherein use of a key initiates a series of
steps of the program, and generating a plurality of step indicators
for each program to assist the program user in determining progress
of completion of the respective instructional program and steps
thereof.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein the step indicators comprise
visual indicators.
23. The method of claim 21 wherein the step indicators comprise a
display of sequential numbers indicating each respective step.
24. The method of claim 21 wherein the step indicators comprise
auditory indicators.
25. The method of claim 21 further comprising receiving
acknowledgment from the user in response to the instructional
program.
26. A virtual information apparatus comprising a plurality of
program keys, each key being associated with an instructional
program, such as an emergency scenario, and wherein use of a key
initiates a series of steps of the program, and a plurality of step
indicators to assist the program user in determining progress of
completion of the instructional program and steps thereof, the step
indicators comprising a display of a plurality of numbers which
change as each step in the program is completed, and wherein the
step indictors comprise a display of sequential numbers indicating
each respective step.
27. Apparatus comprising a plurality of program keys, each key
being associated with an instructional program, such as an
emergency scenario, and wherein use of a key initiates a series of
steps of the program, and a plurality of step indicators to assist
the program user in determining progress of completion of the
instructional program and steps thereof, the step indicators
comprising auditory indicators.
28. The apparatus of claim 27 wherein the apparatus comprises voice
recognition software configured to respond to the voice of the
user.
29. Apparatus comprising a plurality of program keys, each key
being associated with an instructional program, such as an
emergency scenario, and wherein use of a key initiates a series of
steps of the program, and a plurality of step indicators to assist
the program user in determining progress of completion of the
instructional program and steps thereof wherein the step indicators
comprise a display of sequential numbers indicating each respective
step.
30. A virtual information method using a plurality of program keys,
each key being associated with an instructional program, such as an
emergency scenario, and wherein use of a key initiates a series of
steps of the program, and generating a plurality of step indicators
to assist the program user in determining progress of completion of
the instructional program and steps thereof.
31. The method of claim 30 wherein the step indicators comprise
auditory indicators.
32. The method of claim 30 wherein the step indicators comprise
visual indicators.
33. A compact portable information apparatus comprising a plurality
of program keys, each key being associated with an instructional
program, such as an emergency scenario, and wherein depression of a
key initiates a series of steps of the program, and wherein the
apparatus comprises voice recognition software configured to
respond to the voice of a user.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the Internet and
related devices and, more particularly, to an Internet web server
that provides web documents, or a physical device, that relate to
the interactive provision of instructional information particularly
in medical and other emergency situations.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] In any emergency operation, such as in the rescue of an
unconscious victim, it is of paramount importance for the
individuals involved to take the proper actions as soon as
possible. Normally, if proper rescue operations are applied to a
victim, the chance of survival or recovery of the victim are much
improved. In order to carry out many rescue operations effectively,
the rescuer must follow the steps set forth in any of the standard
medical rescue manuals. The proper procedure is generally based
upon the particular condition of the victim.
[0005] Standard rescue procedures are well developed in the medical
field and are beyond the scope of this disclosure, except so far as
may be necessary to explain the nature and applications of the
present concepts. Studies have shown that even amongst professional
rescue operators such as paramedic, firemen and nurses, relatively
few people can remember the proper rescue sequence or procedure
precisely. This is further complicated because the "standard"
procedures frequently change as they are refined and new
methodologies are introduced.
[0006] Even more importantly, a paramedic, fireman, nurse or other
emergency medical technician is generally not available in the
critical initial moments of an emergency. Rather, lay rescuers,
i.e., ordinary individuals, generally discover emergencies, and
these people are responsible for both initiating the proper
procedures and determining whether additional assistance from
professionals is necessary.
[0007] In general, the standard procedures have become more
complex, and more procedures have been created for a growing number
of emergencies. As procedures become more and more complex,
potential rescuers have more and more difficulty in obtaining
familiarity with them and memorizing them.
[0008] Moreover, the ability of a rescuer to recall and employ the
proper emergency procedure is further hampered by the chaotic
circumstances typically surrounding an emergency situation.
[0009] The prior art has seen varied approaches to the handling of
emergency instructions or to the use of audible instructions. The
prior art systems have included use of instruction booklets having
indices in which the particular emergency has to be located; then
pages flipped to locate the emergency; and read step by step while
trying to perform the emergency with one hand and constantly going
back to reread the instructions. The prior art also has included
sophisticated computer instructions that are activated by a
particular code on a telephone to give a caller instructions as to
how to fill out a bank deposit, how to call a particular bit of
information regarding insurance policies or the like.
[0010] Attempts have been made to provide devices to assist in
providing emergency information to ensure that a rescuer performs
the rescue operation properly. However, most of these have been
devices dedicated to just one type of emergency--cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR). One of such devices is shown in U.S. Pat. No.
4,451,158 to Selwyn et al. Selwyn's device is in the form of a
timer with various coded pattern displays at predetermined time
intervals to indicate various stages in the rescue operation. The
main drawback of the device is that confusion may still arise for
the rescuer to memorize which procedural step is related to which
code.
[0011] Another device, such as that shown in U.S. Pat. No.
4,588,383 to Parker et al., provides voice instructions solely for
the rescuer to carry out the CPR rescue operation. Other portable
CPR-prompting devices have been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,588,383 to Parker et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,583,524 to Hutchins and
U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,037 to Battaglia.
[0012] An emergency audible instruction apparatus for a fire
extinguisher is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,303,395 to Bower. Such
a device provides audible instructions which instruct a user in
handling a fire emergency. The device is activated automatically
when the fire extinguisher is removed from its base. Bower suggests
that a device embodiment storing multiple instructions may be
included with a dial selector for selecting a particular emergency.
However, unlike the CPR-prompting devices, the Bower device is not
portable and suggests purely mechanical means for providing a
portable solution.
[0013] A generalized manual key operated message generator is
described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,845,250 to O'Brien. However, this
device is not portable nor adapted for emergency use. To retrieve a
message, the user presses a series of keys to assemble a complete
message upon prerecorded parts.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,086,391 describes a medical alert system for
domestic use comprising two major components, a device worn about
the neck and a home computer. The device worn about the neck and
the home computer reciprocally communicate with one another to
provide the wearer of the device, as well as an attendant of the
device, both instructions for care and a method to call for
emergency help. The home computer contains an audio synthesizer and
a voice amplification device to communicate verbally to the
individual. The device may be used to summon an ambulance from a
remote location if the injured person is unable to reach a
telephone.
[0015] As can be seen, most of the known devices are bulky in size,
not portable to be located conveniently beside the victim at the
rescue site, provide very limited information and are complex to
operate.
[0016] Other prior devices have been developed in the past and
include the Emergency Information Apparatus and Methods of U.S.
Pat. No. 5,521,812 and the Instructional CD Player for providing
emergency information of U.S. Pat. No. 5,668,954, the disclosures
of each of which are fully incorporated herein by this
reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] A principal object of the present invention is to provide an
Internet web server and method for an interactive virtual
implementation and provision of instructional information in
medical and other emergency situations. Another object is to
provide a new form of a portable device which can be conveniently
located beside a victim or near an emergency site to assist the
rescuer to carry out the rescue operation. Either implementation
provides step by step instructions sequentially in response to the
condition of the victim.
[0018] A particularly important aspect of the present invention,
whether implemented via an Internet web server, or a physical
device, is the provision of a plurality of step indicators to
assist the user in determining progress with respect to completion
of the instructional program. Preferably, a separate indicator such
as a light, is provided for each step in the program, and as steps
are completed, the corresponding indicator light is either
extinguished or illuminated in a manner to provide the user with an
indication that the step has been completed. During a crisis, such
as a medical emergency, the persons involved can be nervous, the
situation can be chaotic, there can be uncertainty as to the steps
to be taken. Therefore, it is important to have something to
indicate the status of the beginning and ending of the procedure as
well as each step of the procedure. Such step indicators provide
this important feature. Alternatively, a display of numbers (e.g.,
1 through 8) can be provided with the display stepping through the
numbers as steps are completed.
[0019] These objects and features are provided in the emergency
information concepts of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] These and other advantages of the present invention are best
understood with reference to the drawings in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a partial elevation of an emergency information
apparatus of the prior art.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a network data distribution
system,
[0023] FIG. 3 shows an Internet browser window,
[0024] FIG. 4 shows an exemplary web page that includes a virtual
representation of an information apparatus,
[0025] FIG. 5 is a flow chart that describes a method of providing
instructional programs over the Internet in connection with a
virtual information apparatus, and
[0026] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a hardware implementation
device according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown a partial
elevation of an emergency information apparatus of the type
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,521,812 and No. 5,668,954. The
external portion of the apparatus is comprised primarily of a
casing 100. The casing 100 is preferably of a rigid material, such
as hard plastic, PVC, or the like. In addition, the casing and the
items disposed in and within the casing 100 are, together, water
resistant, such that water will not seep into the internal portion
of the apparatus and induce electrical shorts or corrosion. This is
beneficial so that the apparatus may be used, for example, in the
rain, or during fire emergencies when water is being used to dowse
the fire. The bottom of the casing 100 (not shown) preferably
includes shock absorbing pads, such as rubber pads embedded within
the casing 100 and exposed at the outer edge of the casing 100 to
reduce shock and vibration when the apparatus is set down.
[0028] On the left side of the apparatus there is a hinged
compartment 180. The compartment 180 is in a closed and locked
position, as shown. The compartment 180 may be opened through a
release (not shown), which may be on the side or top of the
apparatus as known in the art. The compartment 180 is adapted for
receiving a program medium such as a compact disc (CD) (not shown).
When open, the compartment 180 may receive a CD, and when closed,
the compartment 180 holds the CD within the apparatus.
[0029] While a CD is one form of the program medium, other media
are generally suitable. These media preferably are of a standard
form and storage format, such as Data Play CD, micro cassette,
floppy disk, DAT, flash memory or ROMs on a PCMCIA card.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, there are provided five rows of three
program selectors 110. The program selectors 110 are used for
selecting and thereby starting the playback of programs stored
therein. The number of program selectors 110 is not critical,
although several should be provided so that several emergencies may
be addressed. To further control playback, there are also provided
several playback selectors 160, including a pause key 160H, a
reverse key 160R, a forward key 160F and a continued play key 160P.
The program selectors 110 and the playback selectors 160 are
preferably push buttons. The program selectors 110 and playback
selectors 160 preferably are backlit.
[0031] A nearly limitless number of programs may be used with the
apparatus. To accommodate this flexibility, the program selectors
110 are preferably labeled with numbers 1-15, and these numbers
correspond to stored programs. Programs may include instructions
relating to AIDS/HIV, bloody nose, bumps and bruises, burns,
choking, CPR, dental injuries, drowning, earthquakes, electric
shock, external bleeding, eye injuries, fires, fractures and
dislocations, frostbite and hypothermia, heart attack, heat
emergencies, insect stings and bites, internal injuries, muscle
cramps, poisoning, rescue breathing, seizures and shock, stroke,
spinal injuries, sprains and strains, and emergency action
principles.
[0032] With each start program, there can be provided a removable
overlay 115. The overlay 115 is adapted to be placed over and
around the program selectors 110. The overlay 115 labels the
program selectors 110 in accordance with the stored programs. Thus,
by scanning the overlay 115, the user can determine which program
selector 110 to press to begin a playback of a desired program. The
overlay 115 is preferably a think piece of plastic, with the labels
being resistant to erasure from typical use of the apparatus. The
apparatus further includes a speaker 120 for playing back the audio
portion of the programs stored.
[0033] Once a program selector 110 has been pressed and the
selected program has begun to play, the number of the program as
associated with the program selector 110 and the name of the
program is displayed on a display 160. In FIG. 1, it is shown that
the program number 5 related to "bleeding" has begun playback. The
programs may be in multilingual audio. Preferably there is a
language selector 185 in the casing.
Virtual Implementation of Information Apparatus
[0034] Turning now to FIG. 2, there is shown a network data
distribution system in which a preferred embodiment of the
invention is implemented. The data distribution system includes a
local device 600, a data access network 620, and a web server 650.
The local device 600, the data access network 620 and the
monitoring server 630 comprise the network data distribution
system.
[0035] The local device 600 preferably comprises a client computer
which is configured to access the web server 650 via the local
access network 120. The client computer may be, for example, a PC
running a Microsoft Windows operating system. The local device 600
preferably includes an output device, such as display 601, and an
input device, such as keyboard 602 and/or pointing device 603
(e.g., mouse, track ball, light pen, or data glove). The local
device 600 also includes a docking station 611 that allows a data
access device, such as a PDA to interface with the local device 600
and exchange data.
[0036] Furthermore, the local device 100 may be any device that
provides some measure of individual user interactivity with a
source of web pages. For example, the local device could be an
Internet appliance, network computer (NC, or an appropriately
Internet-enabled device such as a PDA, mobile phone, etc.
[0037] The data access network 620 provides lower layer network
support for the local device 100 to interact with the web server
650. The data access network 620 preferably comprises a common or
private bidirectional telecommunications network (e.g., a public
switched telephone network (PSTN), a cable-based telecommunication
network, a LAN, a WAN, a wireless network), coupled with or
overlayed by a TCP/IP network (e.g., the Internet or an
intranet).
[0038] The web server 650 may be of the type known in the art and
has the ability to serve web pages to the local device 600, as
requested in the manner known in the art. It should be appreciated
that the web server 650 is generic for any source of web pages
available to the local device 100. Thus, for example, the web
server 650 could be accessible from the Internet, or it could be a
part of an intranet and represents any number of web servers.
[0039] A browser application, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer
or Netscape Navigator is preferably installed on the local device
600. When the local device 100 is connected to the web server 650
through the data access network 620, the user of the local device
browses the web server 650 from the local device 600 using the
browser application. The browser application itself need not be
stored on the local device 600.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a browser window 700
generated by a browser application, here Microsoft Internet
Explorer. The browser window 700 is familiar to those skilled in
the art, so the particulars are not described further herein.
Further information regarding the use of most browser applications
and their technical specifications is abundantly available.
[0041] Several aspects of the browser window 700 are identified for
further reference below. These aspects include a display pane 710,
an address bar 720 and a title bar 730. The display pane 710 is a
region of the browser window 700 wherein the browser application
causes web pages received by the browser application to be
displayed. The address bar 720 is another region of the browser
window 700 and the browser application displays URLs in the address
bay 720 corresponding to the web page currently displayed in the
display pane 710. The user can also enter a URL into the address
bar 720, and the browser application will attempt to load the web
page or other object to which the entered URL points. The primary
feature of the title bar 730 is that it displays the title of the
browser application.
[0042] The web server 650 preferably includes a memory that
includes one or more web pages that are associated with a virtual
representation of the emergency information apparatus described
above. The web server 650 downloads the web pages to the local
device 600 so that a representation of the emergency information
apparatus is displayed on the display device 601 within the browser
display pane 710.
[0043] FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a web page that includes a
representation of a virtual emergency information apparatus 800.
The virtual information apparatus 800 is preferably configured to
simulate the operation of the physical apparatus described above
with respect to FIG. 1. According, the web page includes several
hypertext program keys 810, wherein each program key 810 is
associated with a program that is stored in the web server 650. By
clicking on any of the program keys 810, a user of the local device
600 causes the web server to load and initiate a program associated
with the particular key 810. In a preferred embodiment, each
program is associated with a set of instructions relating to an
emergency medical scenario, although the programs could vary.
[0044] The virtual information apparatus 800 also includes one or
more operational keys 812 that allow a user using the local device
600 to perform functions relating to the program, such as start,
stop, pause, etc. In addition, the apparatus 800 includes step
indicator 814 that provide a representation of the status with
respect to the number of completed steps in the program, and which
are described in more detail later.
[0045] With reference to FIG. 4, the virtual information apparatus
also includes a representation of one or more acknowledgement keys
816 that allow a user of the local device 600 to acknowledge the
completion of steps associated with a program.
[0046] FIG. 5 shows a flow chart that describes process in web
pages associated with the virtual emergency information apparatus
are downloaded to the local device 600. The process begins when a
user accesses the web server 650 using the local device 600 (step
910). In step 920, the web server 650 downloads one or more web
pages to the local device 600. The web pages preferably include one
or more introductory pages that allow a user to select a particular
instructional template for the virtual information apparatus 800
from a list of options (step 930). For example, the user could
select an instructional template associated with the provision of
emergency services or provision of some category of emergency
services. The templates could also be associated with other subject
matter.
[0047] In any event, in step 940, after the user selects the
instructional template, the web server downloads a web page in
which is displayed a representation of the information apparatus
800 configured in accordance with the selected instructional
template. For example, FIG. 8 shows the web page associated with
the information apparatus 800 being configured to implement
emergency medical instructions. The program keys 810 each include a
label that indicates the particular instructional set that will be
implemented when the respective key 810 is selected.
[0048] In step 950, the instruction program is initiated. The web
server 650 preferably issues instructions that causes the local
device 600 to play the particular program in the manner described
above with respect to the physical emergency information apparatus.
The user can pause, stop, play or interact with the program using
the acknowledgement keys 812 and the operational keys 810.
[0049] Each program preferably comprises plural audio instruction
messages that relate to steps in a procedure. In one embodiment,
the procedure relates to instructional steps for dealing with an
emergency medical situation. However, the procedure could also
relate to instructional steps for any other type of situations for
which instructional steps are appropriate. The program further
comprises playback control information for directing playback of
the audio step message in a predefined pattern and in accordance
with operation of the operational keys 810 and acknowledgement keys
812.
[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the acknowledgement keys 812 are
used interactively in response to the audio instructional steps.
The user preferably selects an appropriate acknowledgement key 812
to acknowledge an audio instruction. Preferably, the program
includes predetermined stop points where the program either pauses
for a predetermined time or repeats an instruction until the user
acknowledges completion of a step using one or more of the
acknowledgement keys 812. The apparatus is preferably configured to
respond to voice acknowledgements. The apparatus could be equipped
with voice activation software that recognizes and responds to the
voice of a user.
[0051] For example, in an emergency medical instruction program,
the audio instruction may instruct the user to check a person's
breathing. The program could repeat the instruction or pause
playing of the next instruction until the user acknowledges that
this step has been completed. Once an acknowledgment has been
received, the program would then continue.
[0052] The step indicators 814 preferably assist the user in
determining progress with respect to completion of the
instructional program. Preferably, a separate indicator, such as a
light, is provided for each step in the program. Any given program
(e.g., category of medical emergency, such as bleeding, burns,
seizure, etc.). For example, a "bleeding" program may involve four
steps, a "seizure" program eight steps, and the like. When one of
the programs is selected, all of the lights can be illuminated,
such as illuminated green, so that the operator can readily see
that there are four, five, six or more steps as the case may be. As
the steps are completed, the corresponding indicator light is
either extinguished or illuminated, or illuminated in a different
color, to provide the user an indication that the step has been
completed. The indicator could also blink or flash during the
pendency of a particular step. The step indicators 814 thus provide
the user with a visual status and summary relating to the progress
of the particular program that is being played.
[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the docking station 611 can be
used to transfer one or more programs and virtual representations
of the information apparatus to a PDA, such as a Palm Pilot. The
PDA may then be used to implement the instructional program. For
example, the user could dock the PDA to the docking station 611 and
then download a virtual information apparatus into the memory of
the PDA. Thereafter, the functionally provided in the web page
representation of the virtual information apparatus would be
available directly on the PDA, preferably via a touch screen on the
PDA. Preferably, audio files in the form of voice instructions are
downloaded to the PDA as part of the instructional program and
virtual information apparatus. The PDA is also configured to accept
voice instructions from the user from a microphone positioned on
the PDA. Alternatively, the programs can be stored or embedded in
the computer (e.g., in the hard drive) or PDA memory and be
accessible via an emergency icon.
Physical Device
[0054] The virtual apparatus of the present invention as shown in
FIG. 4 also can be implemented in a physical device of the nature
earlier described in connection with FIG. 1, but further includes
the step indicators 814 in the physical device operating in the
same manner as described above and for the same purposes. Thus, the
concepts of the present invention can be implemented in the form of
a virtual device through a network data distribution system and the
Internet, or via other communications systems, and can as well be
implemented in a physical device like that shown in FIG. 4.
[0055] This device typically is battery powered and includes a
speaker 820 (FIG. 4) for providing audible instructions and
includes an internal system as shown in FIG. 6 with a
microcontroller interconnected with the keypad 810 and the step
indicators 812 to appropriately cause illumination or extinguishing
of the lights (e.g., LED's). The programs preferably are stored in
a flash memory, and the other components of the system shown in
FIG. 6 provide the audio information.
[0056] As noted earlier, the steps can be indicated via a display
of numbers which are stepped through as program steps are
completed, for either or both of the virtual system or portable
device.
[0057] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown
and described, various modifications may be made without departing
from the scope of the present invention, and all such modifications
and equivalents are intended to be covered.
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