U.S. patent application number 15/993005 was filed with the patent office on 2018-09-27 for context sensitive overlays in voice controlled headset computer displays.
The applicant listed for this patent is Kopin Corporation. Invention is credited to Christopher Parkinson, James Woodall.
Application Number | 20180277114 15/993005 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49043347 |
Filed Date | 2018-09-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180277114 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Woodall; James ; et
al. |
September 27, 2018 |
Context Sensitive Overlays In Voice Controlled Headset Computer
Displays
Abstract
In headset computers that leverage voice commands, often the
user does not know what voice commands are available. In one
embodiment, a method includes providing a user interface in a
headset computer and, in response to user utterance of a cue toggle
command, displaying at least one cue in the user interface. Each
cue can correspond to a voice command associated with code to
execute. In response to user utterance of the voice command, the
method can also include executing the code associated with the
voice command. The user can therefore ascertain what voice commands
are available.
Inventors: |
Woodall; James;
(Nottinghamshire, GB) ; Parkinson; Christopher;
(Richland, WA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Kopin Corporation |
Westborough |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
49043347 |
Appl. No.: |
15/993005 |
Filed: |
May 30, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13799790 |
Mar 13, 2013 |
10013976 |
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15993005 |
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13234916 |
Sep 16, 2011 |
9122307 |
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13799790 |
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13799888 |
Mar 13, 2013 |
9377862 |
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13799790 |
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61749240 |
Jan 4, 2013 |
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61384586 |
Sep 20, 2010 |
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61653127 |
May 30, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/012 20130101;
G06F 3/013 20130101; G06F 3/011 20130101; G10L 15/22 20130101; G06F
3/017 20130101; G06F 3/167 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G10L 15/22 20060101
G10L015/22; G06F 3/01 20060101 G06F003/01 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: providing a user interface in a headset
computer, the user interface having a graphical user interface
portion; in response to user utterance of a cue toggle command,
displaying at least one cue, each cue corresponding to a voice
command associated with code to execute, in the user interface; and
in response to user utterance of the voice command, executing the
code associated with the voice command.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: displaying the
interface without the cue at least one of prior to the cue toggle
command and after a subsequent cue toggle command.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the cue includes
displaying words that activate the voice command.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the cue includes
displaying the cue in the user interface corresponding to the voice
command associated with the control, the control displayed in the
user interface.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the cue includes
displaying the cue in the user interface corresponding to the voice
command associated with the control, the control hidden from the
user interface.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying the cue includes
displaying the cue in the user interface corresponding to the voice
command associated with the control, the control being a global
headset control.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the cue is loaded from a control,
the control indicating the cue and voice command.
8. A system for displaying a user interface in a headset computer,
the system comprising: a display module configured to provide a
graphical user interface portion to a user interface in a headset
computer and further configured to, in response to user utterance
of a cue toggle command, display at least one cue, each cue
corresponding to a voice command associated with code to execute,
in the user interface; and a command module configured to, in
response to user utterance of the voice command, execute code
associated with the voice command.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the display is further configured
to display the interface without the cue at least one of prior to
the cue toggle command and after a subsequent cue toggle
command.
10. The system of claim 8, wherein the display module is further
configured to display words that activate the voice command.
11. The system of claim 8, wherein the display module is further
configured to display a cue includes displaying a cue in the user
interface corresponding to a voice command associated with the
control, the control displayed in the user interface.
12. The system of claim 8, wherein the display module is further
configured to display the cue in the user interface corresponding
to the voice command associated with the control, the control
hidden from the user interface.
13. The system of claim 8, wherein the display module is further
configured to display the cue in the user interface corresponding
to the voice command associated with the control, the control being
a global headset control.
14. The system of claim 8, wherein the cue is loaded from a
control, the control indicating the cue and voice command.
15. A method of developing a user interface in a headset computer,
the method comprising: embedding a cue and a voice command in a
control for the user interface; and providing the control to the
user interface, the user interface configured to display the cue
responsive to a cue toggle command.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the cue includes words that
activate the voice command.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein the cue corresponds to the voice
command associated with the control displayed in the user
interface.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein the cue corresponds to the voice
command associated with the control hidden from the user
interface.
19. The method of claim 1, wherein the cue corresponds to the voice
command associated with the control being a global headset
control.
20. The method of claim 1, wherein the cue is loaded from a
control, the control indicating the cue and voice command.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/799,790 filed Mar. 13, 2013 (Attorney docket no.
0717.2116-005), which claims the benefit of U.S. Application No.
61/749,240 filed Jan. 4, 2013 (Attorney docket no. 0717.2116-003)
and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.
13/234,916 filed Sep. 16, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,122,307
(Attorney docket no. 0717.2116-001), which claims the benefit of
61/384,586 filed Sep. 20, 2010 (Attorney docket no. 0717.2116-000).
U.S. application Ser. No. 13/799,790 filed Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S.
Pat. No. 9,377,862 (Attorney docket no. 0717.2116-005) also claims
priority to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/799,888, filed Mar. 13, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,377,862
(Attorney docket no. 0717.2173-001) which claims the benefit of
U.S. Application No. 61/653,127, filed May 30, 2012 (Attorney
docket no. 0717.2173-000). The entire teachings of the above
applications are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Mobile computing devices, such as notebook PCs, smart
phones, and tablet computing devices, are now common tools used for
producing, analyzing, communicating, and consuming data in both
business and personal life. Consumers continue to embrace a mobile
digital lifestyle as the ease of access to digital information
increases with high-speed wireless communications technologies
becoming ubiquitous. Popular uses of mobile computing devices
include displaying large amounts of high-resolution computer
graphics information and video content, often wirelessly streamed
to the device. While these devices typically include a display
screen, the preferred visual experience of a high-resolution, large
format display cannot be easily replicated in such mobile devices
because the physical size of such device is limited to promote
mobility. Another drawback of the aforementioned device types is
that the user interface is hands-dependent, typically requiring a
user to enter data or make selections using a keyboard (physical or
virtual) or touch-screen display. As a result, consumers are now
seeking a hands-free, high-quality, portable, color display
solution to augment or replace their hands-dependent mobile
devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Recently developed micro-displays can provide large-format,
high-resolution color pictures and streaming video in a very small
form factor. One application for such displays can be integrated
into a wireless headset computer worn on the head of the user with
a display within the field of view of the user, similar in format
to either eyeglasses, audio headset or video eyewear. A "wireless
computing headset" device includes one or more small
high-resolution micro-displays and optics to magnify the image. The
WVGA microdisplays can provide super video graphics array (SVGA)
(800.times.600) resolution or extended graphic arrays (XGA)
(1024.times.768) or even higher resolutions. A wireless computing
headset contains one or more wireless computing and communication
interfaces, enabling data and streaming video capability, and
provides greater convenience and mobility through hands dependent
devices. For more information concerning such devices, see
co-pending patent applications entitled "Mobile Wireless Display
Software Platform for Controlling Other Systems and Devices," U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/348,648 filed Jan. 5, 2009, "Handheld
Wireless Display Devices Having High Resolution Display Suitable
For Use as a Mobile Internet Device," PCT International Application
No. PCT/US09/38601 filed Mar. 27, 2009, and "Improved Headset
Computer," U.S. Application No. 61/638,419 filed Apr. 25, 2012,
each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
[0004] In one embodiment, a method includes providing a user
interface in a headset computer and, in response to user utterance
of a cue toggle command, displaying at least one cue in the user
interface. Each cue can correspond to a voice command associated
with code to execute. In response to user utterance of the voice
command, the method can also include executing the code associated
with the voice command. In another embodiment, the method can
further includes displaying the interface without the cue at least
one of prior to the cue toggle command and after a subsequent cue
toggle command. Displaying the cue can include displaying words
that activate the voice command. Displaying the cue can also
include displaying the cue in the user interface corresponding to
the voice command associated with the control, where the control is
displayed in the user interface. Displaying the cue can include
displaying the cue in the user interface corresponding to the voice
command associated with the control, where the control is hidden
from the user interface. Displaying the cue can include displaying
the cue in the user interface corresponding to the voice command
associated with the control, where the control is a global headset
control. The cue can be loaded from a control, the control
indicating the cue and voice command.
[0005] In another embodiment, a system for displaying a user
interface in a headset computer can include a display module
configured to provide a user interface in a headset computer. The
display module can be further configured to, in response to user
utterance of a cue toggle command, display at least one cue in the
user interface. Each cue can correspond to a voice command
associated with code to execute. The system can further include a
command module configured to, in response to user utterance of the
voice command, execute code associated with the voice command.
[0006] In another embedment, a method of developing a user
interface in a headset computer includes embedding a cue and a
voice command in a control for the user interface. The method also
includes providing the control to the user interface, the user
interface configured to display the cue responsive to a cue toggle
command.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0007] The foregoing will be apparent from the following more
particular description of example embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference
characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views.
The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being
placed upon illustrating embodiments of the present invention.
[0008] FIGS. 1A-1B are schematic illustrations of a headset
computer cooperating with a host computer (e.g., Smart Phone,
laptop, etc.) according to principles of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of flow of data and control in the
embodiment of FIGS. 1A-1B.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a
user interface employed in the HSC.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment of a
user interface after receiving a show commands voice command.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating an example embodiment
of a method employed by the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates a computer network or similar digital
processing environment in which the present invention may be
implemented.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a diagram of the internal structure of a computer
(e.g., client processor/device or server computers) in the computer
system of FIG. 6.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] FIGS. 1A and 1B show an example embodiment of a wireless
computing headset device 100 (also referred to herein as a headset
computer (HSC)) that incorporates a high-resolution (VGA or better)
microdisplay element 1010, and other features described below. The
HSC 100 can include audio input and/or output devices, including
one or more microphones, input and output speakers, geo-positional
sensors (GPS), three to nine axis degrees of freedom orientation
sensors, atmospheric sensors, health condition sensors, digital
compass, pressure sensors, environmental sensors, energy sensors,
acceleration sensors, position, attitude, motion, velocity and/or
optical sensors, cameras (visible light, infrared, etc.), multiple
wireless radios, auxiliary lighting, rangefinders, or the like
and/or an array of sensors embedded and/or integrated into the
headset and/or attached to the device via one or more peripheral
ports (not shown in detail in FIG. 1B). Typically located within
the housing of headset computing device 100 are various electronic
circuits including, a microcomputer (single or multicore
processors), one or more wired and/or wireless communications
interfaces, memory or storage devices, various sensors and a
peripheral mount or mount, such as a "hot shoe."
[0016] Example embodiments of the HSC 100 can receive user input
through sensing voice commands, head movements, 110, 111, 112 and
hand gestures 113, or any combination thereof. Microphone(s)
operatively coupled or preferably integrated into the HSC 100 can
be used to capture speech commands which are then digitized and
processed using automatic speech recognition techniques.
Gyroscopes, accelerometers, and other micro-electromechanical
system sensors can be integrated into the HSC 100 and used to track
the user's head movement to provide user input commands. Cameras or
other motion tracking sensors can be used to monitor a user's hand
gestures for user input commands. Such a user interface overcomes
the hands-dependent formats of other mobile devices.
[0017] The HSC 100 can be used in various ways. It can be used as a
remote display for streaming video signals received from a remote
host computing device 200 (shown in FIG. 1A). The host 200 may be,
for example, a notebook PC, smart phone, tablet device, or other
computing device having less or greater computational complexity
than the wireless computing headset device 100, such as cloud-based
network resources. The host may be further connected to other
networks 210, such as the Internet. The headset computing device
100 and host 200 can wirelessly communicate via one or more
wireless protocols, such as Bluetooth.RTM., Wi-Fi, WiMAX, 4G LTE or
other wireless radio link 150. (Bluetooth is a registered trademark
of Bluetooth Sig, Inc. of 5209 Lake Washington Boulevard, Kirkland,
Wash. 98033.) In an example embodiment, the host 200 may be further
connected to other networks, such as through a wireless connection
to the Internet or other cloud-based network resources, so that the
host 200 can act as a wireless relay. Alternatively, some example
embodiments of the HSC 100 can wirelessly connect to the Internet
and cloud-based network resources without the use of a host
wireless relay.
[0018] FIG. 1B is a perspective view showing some details of an
example embodiment of a headset computer 100. The example
embodiment HSC 100 generally includes, a frame 1000, strap 1002,
rear housing 1004, speaker 1006, cantilever, or alternatively
referred to as an arm or boom 1008 with a built-in microphone, and
a micro-display subassembly 1010.
[0019] A head worn frame 1000 and strap 1002 are generally
configured so that a user can wear the headset computer device 100
on the user's head. A housing 1004 is generally a low profile unit
which houses the electronics, such as the microprocessor, memory or
other storage device, along with other associated circuitry.
Speakers 1006 provide audio output to the user so that the user can
hear information. Microdisplay subassembly 1010 is used to render
visual information to the user. It is coupled to the arm 1008. The
arm 1008 generally provides physical support such that the
microdisplay subassembly is able to be positioned within the user's
field of view 300 (FIG. 1A), preferably in front of the eye of the
user or within its peripheral vision preferably slightly below or
above the eye. Arm 1008 also provides the electrical or optical
connections between the microdisplay subassembly 1010 and the
control circuitry housed within housing unit 1004.
[0020] According to aspects that will be explained in more detail
below, the HSC display device 100 allows a user to select a field
of view 300 within a much larger area defined by a virtual display
400. The user can typically control the position, extent (e.g., X-Y
or 3D range), and/or magnification of the field of view 300.
[0021] While what is shown in FIG. 1A is a monocular microdisplay
presenting a single fixed display element supported on the face of
the user with a cantilevered boom, it should be understood that
other mechanical configurations for the remote control display
device 100 are possible.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing more detail of the HSC
device 100, host 200 and the data that travels between them. The
HSC device 100 receives vocal input from the user via the
microphone, hand movements or body gestures via positional and
orientation sensors, the camera or optical sensor(s), and head
movement inputs via the head tracking circuitry such as 3 axis to 9
axis degrees of freedom orientational sensing. These are translated
by software in the HSC device 100 into keyboard and/or mouse
commands that are then sent over the Bluetooth or other wireless
interface 150 to the host 200. The host 200 then interprets these
translated commands in accordance with its own operating
system/application software to perform various functions. Among the
commands is one to select a field of view 300 within the virtual
display 400 and return that selected screen data to the HSC device
100. Thus, it should be understood that a very large format virtual
display area might be associated with application software or an
operating system running on the host 200. However, only a portion
of that large virtual display area 400 within the field of view 300
is returned to and actually displayed by the micro display 1010 of
HSC device 100.
[0023] In one embodiment the HSC 100 may take the form of the HSC
described in a co-pending US Patent Publication Number 2011/0187640
which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0024] In another embodiment, the invention relates to the concept
of using a Head Mounted Display (HMD) 1010 in conjunction with an
external `smart` device 200 (such as a smartphone or tablet) to
provide information and control to the user hands-free. The
invention requires transmission of small amounts of data, providing
a more reliable data transfer method running in real-time.
[0025] In this sense therefore, the amount of data to be
transmitted over the connection 150 is small-simple instructions on
how to lay out a screen, which text to display, and other stylistic
information such as drawing arrows, or the background colors,
images to include, etc.
[0026] Additional data could be streamed over the same 150 or
another connection and displayed on screen 1010, such as a video
stream if required by the Host 200.
[0027] This invention relates to the viewing of context sensitive
overlays within applications, on voice controlled HSCs 100.
[0028] The concept is the presentation of data, contextually, over
a visual, on demand. Overlays can be called up by the user with a
voice command, typically "Show commands." The voice command is
standard across the system 100 and available at all times. This
command causes HSC 100 to display applicable voice commands and
other information in a context sensitive and intuitive way.
[0029] The applicable commands are shown on a semi-transparent
overlay of the current screen view of display unit 1010. This
allows the user to retain the context of the screen he called the
overlay up for.
[0030] The overlay and displayed applicable commands fade away
after a short period of time. This is accomplished by a timing
mechanism that refreshes the screen view.
[0031] The applicable commands are displayed in order of relevance.
The most relevant command is given more prominence in terms of
placement over less relevant commands. 100 determines relevancy
based on the current context of the display 1010 contents.
[0032] Each screen in the relevant system is made up of
user-interface (UI) components, some of which are `controls`. A
control is a UI component that provides information to the user or
enables some form of functionality. Examples of controls are
buttons, radio buttons, text boxes, check boxes, drop down menus,
file menus, ribbon menus, live tiles, etc. Within the software
developer's component library, these are available in their various
forms, allowing customization of certain features. For example, one
such control might be a `button,` simply enabling the user to press
it using a voice command available on the button. Controls, such as
the `button` control, are available to the developer, for example,
as part of the developer's component library or other library. The
developer can insert the pre-coded control and customize it to his
or her liking, instead of manually coding the control from
scratch.
[0033] A "Show Commands" function is built into the controls of the
developer library. When the developer, for example, creates a
button and specifies a text string to be written onto the button,
the text string becomes the default voice command to activate the
button, unless the developer (or user) overrides the voice command.
The control (e.g., the button) is configured to react to a "show
commands" voice command by overlaying the text string to activate
the control over the control itself, or near the control.
[0034] Every User Interface screen made available on the HSC 100
has the ability to receive a "Show Commands" voice command (e.g., a
system command, available by default). Therefore, when a screen is
constructed using controls from the UI library, show commands
functionality is built in, providing guidance as to the voice
commands available to the user. These voice commands are (by
default) shown in context of the current displayed contents (screen
view).
[0035] Other available voice commands can also be placed within the
show commands overlay that are not associated with a visible
control. These are placed in the overlay by the developer, adding a
voice-command only control, or adding a hidden control, and provide
a visual cue for voice commands that are not associated with a
button or other control.
[0036] FIG. 3 is a diagram 250 illustrating an example embodiment
of a user interface 202 employed in the HSC. The user interface
202, in this embodiment, is an email application displaying a
user's inbox. Each email listing is a respective email control 1-6
204a-f. The user can open each email by selecting each control.
Each email control 204a-f is programmed to be selected at least by
a respective voice command.
[0037] FIG. 4 is a diagram 300 illustrating an example embodiment
of a user interface 302 after receiving a show commands voice
command. The user interface displays voice commands corresponding
to each of the email controls 204a-f of FIG. 2. With respect to
FIG. 3, voice commands 1-6 304a-4 correspond with email controls
1-6 204a-f, respectively. For example, saying voice command 1 304a
(i.e., "Open E-mail 1") causes the HSC to open the first email in
the list.
[0038] The user interface 302 in show commands mode also shows a
plurality of implicit voice commands 1-9 306a-i. The implicit voice
commands 1-9 306a-i do not correspond to any particular visual
control of the user interface, they are voice commands that are
available to the user. For example, the user can say implicit voice
commands 1 and 2 306a-b to move to the previous and next page,
respectively. The user can draft an email by saying implicit
command 3 306c. The user can manage his or her email account by
saying implicit command 4 306d. The user can see his or her
accounts by saying implicit command 5 306e. The user can switch
folders by saying implicit voice command 6 306f The user can
refresh the inbox by saying implicit voice command 7 306g.
[0039] Further, the user can go back to a previous screen by saying
implicit voice command 8 306h. The user can return to a home screen
by saying implicit voice command 9 306i. Implicit voice commands 8
and 9 can be universal to all screens on the HSC. Voice commands
1-6 304a-f and implicit voice commands 1-7 306a-g are local
commands for this particular application. However, in other
embodiments, implicit voice commands 1-2 306a-b can be global
commands for moving to previous and next pages of applications.
[0040] The voice command overlay aids the user by de-cluttering the
screen of options and buttons. The voice commands further help
prompt the user to how to use the system, which is especially
useful while the user is learning how to use the device and voice
commands.
[0041] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram 500 illustrating an example
embodiment of a method employed by the present invention. First,
the method provides a user interface in a headset computer (502).
Then, the method determines whether it has received a cue toggle
command, for example, over an audio channel from a user utterance
(504). If not, the method continues listening for the cue toggle
command (504). If so, however, the method then displays at least
one cue in the user interface (506). Each cue is associated with a
corresponding voice command, which, when uttered, causes the system
to execute code.
[0042] The system then determines whether it has received a voice
command (e.g., a voice command shown by one of the cues) (508). If
not, it keeps listening for a voice command (508). If so, however,
it executes the code associated with the voice command (510).
[0043] FIG. 6 illustrates a computer network or similar digital
processing environment in which the present invention may be
implemented.
[0044] Client computer(s)/devices 50 and server computer(s) 60
provide processing, storage, and input/output devices executing
application programs and the like. Client computer(s)/devices 50
can also be linked through communications network 70 to other
computing devices, including other client devices/processes 50 and
server computer(s) 60. Communications network 70 can be part of a
remote access network, a global network (e.g., the Internet), a
worldwide collection of computers, Local area or Wide area
networks, and gateways that currently use respective protocols
(TCP/IP, Bluetooth, etc.) to communicate with one another. Other
electronic device/computer network architectures are suitable.
[0045] FIG. 7 is a diagram of the internal structure of a computer
(e.g., client processor/device 50 or server computers 60) in the
computer system of FIG. 6. Each computer 50, 60 contains system bus
79, where a bus is a set of hardware lines used for data transfer
among the components of a computer or processing system. Bus 79 is
essentially a shared conduit that connects different elements of a
computer system (e.g., processor, disk storage, memory,
input/output ports, network ports, etc.) that enables the transfer
of information between the elements. Attached to system bus 79 is
I/O device interface 82 for connecting various input and output
devices (e.g., keyboard, mouse, displays, printers, speakers, etc.)
to the computer 50, 60. Network interface 86 allows the computer to
connect to various other devices attached to a network (e.g.,
network 70 of FIG. 6). Memory 90 provides volatile storage for
computer software instructions 92 and data 94 used to implement an
embodiment of the present invention (e.g., context sensitive
overlays in a user interface code detailed above). Disk storage 95
provides non-volatile storage for computer software instructions 92
and data 94 used to implement an embodiment of the present
invention. Central processor unit 84 is also attached to system bus
79 and provides for the execution of computer instructions.
[0046] In one embodiment, the processor routines 92 and data 94 are
a computer program product (generally referenced 92), including a
computer readable medium (e.g., a removable storage medium such as
one or more DVD-ROM's, CD-ROM's, diskettes, tapes, etc.) that
provides at least a portion of the software instructions for the
invention system. Computer program product 92 can be installed by
any suitable software installation procedure, as is well known in
the art. In another embodiment, at least a portion of the software
instructions may also be downloaded over a cable, communication
and/or wireless connection. In other embodiments, the invention
programs are a computer program propagated signal product 107
embodied on a propagated signal on a propagation medium (e.g., a
radio wave, an infrared wave, a laser wave, a sound wave, or an
electrical wave propagated over a global network such as the
Internet, or other network(s)). Such carrier medium or signals
provide at least a portion of the software instructions for the
present invention routines/program 92.
[0047] In alternate embodiments, the propagated signal is an analog
carrier wave or digital signal carried on the propagated medium.
For example, the propagated signal may be a digitized signal
propagated over a global network (e.g., the Internet), a
telecommunications network, or other network. In one embodiment,
the propagated signal is a signal that is transmitted over the
propagation medium over a period of time, such as the instructions
for a software application sent in packets over a network over a
period of milliseconds, seconds, minutes, or longer. In another
embodiment, the computer readable medium of computer program
product 92 is a propagation medium that the computer system 50 may
receive and read, such as by receiving the propagation medium and
identifying a propagated signal embodied in the propagation medium,
as described above for computer program propagated signal
product.
[0048] Generally speaking, the term "carrier medium" or transient
carrier encompasses the foregoing transient signals, propagated
signals, propagated medium, storage medium and the like.
[0049] While this invention has been particularly shown and
described with references to example embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in
form and details may be made therein without departing from the
scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims.
* * * * *