U.S. patent number RE37,723 [Application Number 09/621,230] was granted by the patent office on 2002-06-04 for interactive video and audio display system network interactive monitor module interface.
Invention is credited to Michael Goren.
United States Patent |
RE37,723 |
Goren |
June 4, 2002 |
Interactive video and audio display system network interactive
monitor module interface
Abstract
A device for use as an aid to computer users. The device is
coupled to an associated personal computer and performs various
functions which provide the user with concurrent explanations of
running software, searches and multimedia integration without
interfering with the functioning of the associated computer or its
running software.
Inventors: |
Goren; Michael (Niskayuna,
NY) |
Family
ID: |
24297434 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/621,230 |
Filed: |
July 20, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
574742 |
Dec 19, 1995 |
05782642 |
Jul 21, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
434/307R;
345/2.1; 434/118; 434/350; 715/736 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09B
5/00 (20130101); G09B 5/065 (20130101); G09B
19/0053 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G09B
5/00 (20060101); G09B 005/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;434/118,37R,308,323,169,350,362,365,156 ;340/825.22
;345/1-3,173,178,180,302,326-330,341,348,349,352,357,576,903,961,978
;463/31,46 ;361/679-681 ;348/14.07,14.09,14.11,585,587,596,599
;380/211,242 ;313/402,409 ;370/490 ;379/88.13,93.25,93.12,902
;704/1,3,276 ;705/1,43 ;706/924,927 ;707/501,512,513,525
;709/206,218
;725/24,32,78,82,87,88,92,93,98,100,106,114-119,131,134 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Cheng; Joe H.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Fliesler Dubb Meyer & Lovejoy
LLP
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A device comprising:
a first display;
a first processor operatively coupled to said first display;
a memory operatively coupled to said first processor;
input means for receiving input and operatively coupled to said
first processor;
bussing means coupled to said device for interfacing with an
associated computer having a second processor and a second
display;
mentor means, operatively coupled to said first processor, for
producing on said first display a first explanation of a first
computer program executing on said associated computer; and
search means, operatively coupled to said first processor, for
searching a server for information and retrieving said
information.
2. The device of claim 1, further comprising:
diagnostic means, operatively coupled to said first processor, for
diagnosing a problem with said associated computer and displaying a
second explanation of said problem on said first display.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein said server is a remote
server.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein information includes still
images, video images and audio.
5. The device of claim 1, further comprising recording means for
recording said retrieved information.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein said first processor is capable
of executing a second computer program on said device independent
of said first computer program executing on said associated
computer.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein said input means includes means
for recognizing sounds, including voice and music.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein said input means includes at
least one of a keyboard, a mouse, and a microphone.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein said first display includes a
split-screen, forming a concave surface.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein said first display includes a
split-screen, forming a convex surface.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein said first explanation includes
audio, video, and still images.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein said device further includes a
port, operatively coupled to said first processor, for receiving an
insert carrying specialized information to be utilized in
conjunction with said first computer program.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein said search means is for
retrieving said information directly into said associated
computer.
14. A device comprising:
a first display having an audio output;
a first processor operatively coupled to said first display;
a memory operatively coupled to said first processor;
bi-directional bussing means coupled to said device for interfacing
with an associated computer having a second processor and a second
display;
mentor means, operatively coupled to said first processor, for
producing on said fit display a first explanation of a first
computer program executing on said associated computer;
diagnostic means, operatively coupled to said first processor, for
diagnosing a problem with said associated computer and displaying a
second explanation of said problem on said first display means;
input means, operatively coupled to said first processor, for
receiving input, said input means including means for recognizing
sounds;
search means, operatively coupled to said first processor, for
searching a server for information in response to said input and
retrieving said information; and
recording means, operatively coupled to said first processor, for
recording said retrieved information.
15. The device of claim 14, wherein said input means includes at
least one of a keyboard, a mouse, and a microphone.
16. The device of claim 14, wherein said server is a remote
server.
17. The device of claim 14, wherein said memory includes RAM and
ROM.
18. The device of claim 14, wherein information includes still
images, video images and audio.
19. The device of claim 14, wherein said first explanation and said
second explanation each include audio, video, and still images.
20. The device of claim 14, wherein sounds include voice and
music.
21. The device of claim 14, wherein said first display includes a
split-screen, forming a concave surface.
22. The device of claim 14, wherein said first display includes a
split-screen, forming a convex surface.
23. The device of claim 14, further including a port, operatively
coupled to said first processor, for receiving an insert carrying
specialized information to be utilized in conjunction with said
first computer program.
24. The device of claim 14, wherein said first display is a
high-resolution display.
25. The device of claim 14, wherein said recording means is a
video/audio recorder.
26. The device of claim 14, wherein said search means is for
retrieving said information directly into said associated
computer.
27. A system comprising:
a computer system including a second display, a second input means
for receiving input, and a second processor for executing a first
computer program; and
an interactive device, including:
a first display;
a first processor operatively coupled to said first display;
a memory operatively coupled to said first processor;
first input means, operatively coupled to said first processor, for
receiving input;
bi-directional bussing means coupled between said computer system
and said interactive device for communicating with said computer
system;
mentor means, operatively coupled to said first processor, for
producing on said first display a first explanation of said fir
computer program; and
search means, operatively coupled to said first processor, for
searching a server for information and retrieving said
information.
28. The system of claim 27, further comprising:
diagnostic means, operatively coupled to said first processor, for
diagnosing a problem with said computer system and displaying a
second explanation of said problem on said first display.
29. The system of claim 27, wherein said server is a remote
server.
30. The system of claim 27, wherein information includes still
images, video images and audio.
31. The system of claim 27, further comprising recording means for
recording said retrieved information.
32. The system of claim 27, wherein said first processor is capable
of executing a second computer program on said interactive device
independent of said first computer program.
33. The system of claim 27, wherein said first input means includes
means for recognizing sounds, including voice and music.
34. The system of claim 27, wherein said first input means includes
at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, and a microphone.
35. The system of claim 27, wherein said first display includes a
split-screen, forming a concave surface.
36. The system of claim 27, wherein said first display includes a
split-screen, forming a convex surface.
37. The system of claim 27, wherein said first explanation includes
audio, video, and still images.
38. The system of claim 27, wherein said interactive device further
includes a port, operatively coupled to said first processor, for
receiving an insert carrying specialized information to be utilized
in conjunction with said first computer program.
39. The system of claim 27, wherein said search means is for
retrieving said information directly into said computer system.
40. An interactive device for use with an associated computer,
wherein said associated computer includes a second processor, a
second input device, and a second display and wherein said
associated computer is capable of executing one of a plurality of
interactive user applications and displaying on said second display
first information, said interactive device comprising:
a first display wherein said second display and said first display
are simultaneously viewable by a user;
a first processor operatively coupled to said first display;
a first input device, operatively coupled to said first processor,
including at least one of a keyboard, a mouse, and a microphone for
receiving a request input from a user;
means, operatively coupled to said first processor, for displaying
on said first display in response to said request input second
information integrally correlated and dynamically changing with
respect to said first information, wherein said second information
is different from said first information, and displaying said
second information concurrently with the display of said first
information, wherein said first information is displayed on said
second display in response to one of said plurality of interactive
user applications executing on said associated computer.
41. The interactive device of claim 40, wherein said first display
operates independent of input received by said second input
device.
42. The interactive device of claim 40, wherein said second
information includes still images, video images, and audio.
43. The interactive device of claim 42 wherein said second
information is retrieved from said associated computer.
44. The interactive device of claim 40, wherein said means for
displaying includes a mentor engine.
45. The interactive device of claim 40, further including a search
engine, wherein said second information is retrieved from a remote
device by said search engine.
46. A device comprising:
a first display;
a processor operatively coupled to said first display;
a memory operatively coupled to said first processor;
an input device operatively coupled to said first processor;
a bus adapted to be coupled to an associated computer having a
second processor and a second display;
a mentor engine, operatively coupled to said first processor, to
produce on said first display a first explanation of a first
computer program executing on said associated computer; and
a search engine operatively coupled to said first processor.
47. The device of claim 46, further comprising:
a diagnostic engine operatively coupled to said first
processor.
48. The device of claim 46, wherein
said search engine is for searching for and retrieving information
from a remote device.
49. The device of claim 46 wherein said search engine is searching
for and retrieving information from said associated
computer..Iadd.
50. An interactive device for use with an associated computer,
wherein said associated computer includes a second processor, a
second input device, and a second display, and wherein said
associated computer is capable of displaying on said second display
first information, said interactive device comprising:
a first display, wherein said second display and said first display
are simultaneously viewable by a user;
a first processor operatively coupled to said first display;
a first input device, operatively coupled to said first processor,
including at least one of a key entry device, a pointing device,
and an audio input device for receiving a request input from a
user; and
means, operatively coupled to said first processor, for displaying
on said first display in response to said request input second
information integrally correlated and dynamically changing with
said first information, wherein said second information is
different from said first information, and displaying said second
information concurrently with the display of said first
information, wherein said first information is displayed on said
second display in response to a user application executing on said
associated computer..Iaddend..Iadd.
51. The interactive device of claim 50, wherein:
said key entry device is either a keypad or a keyboard;
a pointing device includes a mouse; and
an audio input device includes a microphone..Iaddend..Iadd.
52. The interactive device of claim 50, wherein
said second information, although different, is related to said
first information, and
said second information is unessential to the display of said first
information..Iaddend..Iadd.
53. An interactive device for use with an associated computer,
wherein said associated computer includes a second processor and a
second display, and wherein said second display displays first
information that dynamically changes, said interactive device
comprising:
a first display, wherein said second display and said first display
are simultaneously viewable by a user;
a first processor in communication with said first display;
a user input device, in communication with said first
processor;
means, in communication with said first processor, for displaying
on said first display second information, wherein said second
information is:
dynamically changing with said first information so that when said
first information changes, said second information changes in a
correlated manner,
unessential to the display of said first information, and
related to, but different from, said first
information..Iaddend..Iadd.
54. The interactive device of claim 53, wherein a user input device
is either a key entry device, a pointing device, or an audio input
device..Iaddend..Iadd.
55. The interactive device of claim 54, wherein:
said key entry device is either a keypad or a keyboard;
a pointing device includes a mouse; and
an audio input device includes a microphone..Iaddend..Iadd.
56. The interactive device of claim 53, wherein said second
information dynamically changes with said first information every
time said first information changes..Iaddend..Iadd.
57. The interactive device of claim 53, wherein said second
information dynamically changes with said first information at
least some of the time when said first information
changes..Iaddend..Iadd.
58. A method, comprising:
executing an application on a system that includes a second
processor, a second user input device, and a second display, and
displaying first information related to said application on said
second display, where said first information dynamically
changes;
displaying second information on a first display that is
simultaneously viewable by a user with said second display, wherein
said first is associated with a device that includes a first
processor and a first user input device, wherein said second
information is:
dynamically changing with said first information so that when said
first information changes, said second information changes in a
correlated manner,
unessential to the display of said first information, and
related to, but different from, said first
information..Iaddend..Iadd.
59. The method of claim 58, wherein said second information is
dynamically changing with said first information every time said
first information changes..Iaddend..Iadd.
60. The method of claim 58, wherein said second information is
dynamically changing with said first information at least some of
the time when said first information changes..Iaddend..Iadd.
61. The method of claim 58, wherein said second information is
related to, but different from, said first information in that said
second information provides an explanation of said first
information..Iaddend..Iadd.
62. The method of claim 58, wherein said second information is
related to, but different from said first information in that said
second information is supplemental to said first
information..Iaddend..Iadd.
63. The method of claim 58, wherein said second information is
related to, but different from said first information in that said
second information is generated by a separate application from said
application executed on said system..Iaddend..Iadd.
64. A method for use by a device having a first display and a first
processor, comprising:
receiving a signal from a second device that includes a second
display and a second processor, where the second device is
displaying first information that dynamically changes on said
second display;
displaying on said first display, which is simultaneously viewable
with said second display, second information in response to said
signal, wherein said second information is:
dynamically changing with said first information so that when said
first information changes, said second information changes in a
correlated manner,
unessential to the display of said first information, and
related to, but different from, said first
information..Iaddend..Iadd.
65. The method of claim 64, wherein said second information is
dynamically changing with said first information every time said
first information changes..Iaddend..Iadd.
66. The method of claim 64, wherein said second information is
dynamically changing with said first information at least some of
the time when said first information changes..Iaddend..Iadd.
67. The method of claim 64, wherein said second information is
related to, but different from, said first information in that said
second information provides an explanation of said first
information..Iaddend..Iadd.
68. The method of claim 64, wherein said second information is
related to, but different from said first information in that said
second information is supplemental to said first
information..Iaddend..Iadd.
69. The method of claim 64, wherein said second information is
unessential to the display of said first information in that the
processor generating said second information does not control or
instruct the second processor in the display of said first
information..Iaddend..Iadd.
70. A storage medium for use with a device having a first display
and a first processor and having instructions stored thereon, which
when executed by said first processor, perform the steps of:
receiving a signal from a second device that includes a second
display and a second processor, where the second device is
displaying first information that dynamically changes on said
second display;
displaying on said first display, which is simultaneously viewable
with said second display, second information in response to said
signal, wherein said second information is:
dynamically changing with said first information so that when said
first information changes, said second information changes in a
correlated manner,
unessential to the display of said first information, and
related to, but different from, said first information..Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Use
The invention relates to personal computers, and particularly, to
an interactive device to aid in use of personal computers. The
invention interfaces and has capability for two-way communications
and interaction with, and receipt of information, data, images,
signals from one or more associated computers, as well as networks,
on-line services, the Internet, satellite communications, cable
systems, digital delivery systems, databases, servers, video
servers, telephone lines, radio signals, television, fiber optic
cables, interactive video, CD-ROM and interactive television. The
invention is designed to access, retrieve, display, capture,
record, store as input, as well as deliver as output, video,
images, text, television signals, multimedia, graphics, audio,
information, data, digitized information, and support color.
2. Description of Related Art
In recent decades personal computers have become common,
significantly enhancing production and reducing costs on many tasks
with which they are associated. However, personal computers still
have several drawbacks. First, the instruction manuals and software
that accompany these devices are frequently large and burdensome,
often making tasks take a considerably longer time to accomplish
using the computer than they would if done longhand. Second, while
explanations are often provided for various software packages
"on-line," i.e., while the program is running, often via pull-down
menus, these explanations themselves are static and can become
burdensome and interfere with the program then running. Third,
while such devices often have video or image capability, such
capability often slows the computer down and interferes with the
current program then running on the computer. Thus, it is desirable
to create a device which allows video images to be run and which,
concurrently or non-concurrently with video imaging, explains
computer software without interfering with a running computer
program.
Additionally, with the advent of increased media available on-line,
it is desirable to create a device which can access, retrieve,
record and store video, audio, digitized information, images, text,
graphics, data and other information from remote sources for use by
and interaction with an associated computer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a device to be used with an
associated personal computer as a tool or aid to the computer user
by performing various functions. These functions include a
mentoring function which explains and demonstrates a running
computer program, without actually interfering with the program.
Additionally, the device can access, interact with, retrieve,
record, store, and display digitized information, video, images,
graphics, audio, still photography, multimedia, data, text,
television signals, and other similar input, manipulate the same
concurrently with the associated computer and deliver the input to
other similarly configured devices. Further, the device has its own
microprocessor and memory, and also performs networking,
multitasking and co-processing functions with the associated
computer or computer network while also sharing the processing and
memory capability of the associated computer.
The device includes a memory, processor, and display, which
displays images with television-like precision. The device also
includes means for performing mentoring, search, retrieval,
recording, storage, and diagnostic functions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be described with respect to particular
embodiments thereof, and reference will be made to the drawings in
which:
FIG. 1 is a representational block diagram of an embodiment in
accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a representational diagram of a conventional monitor;
FIG. 3 is a representational diagram of a monitor with a convex
surface; and
FIG. 4 is a representational diagram of a monitor with a concave
surface.
.Iadd.FIG. 5 is a flow diagram in accordance with an embodiment of
the invention..Iaddend.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Generally described, the device in accordance with the invention is
a tool to aid in the use of an associated computer (e.g., a
personal computer). In aiding the computer user, the device
performs several functions including a mentoring function,
searching function, and diagnostic function. The mentoring function
is utilized for explaining and/or demonstrating particular
functions of a software application running on the associated
computer without interfering with that software. The searching
function is used to search the associated computer, other systems
via a network, or the Internet for various information, including
audio and video information. The diagnostic function is utilized to
diagnose malfunctions in the associated computer. The device is
also capable of several other interactive functions, including
multimedia integration. Each of these functions is described more
fully below.
Referring to FIG. 1, device 10 is coupled to associated computer 20
via a bidirectional bus 30. Associated computer 20 includes input
device 40 coupled to processor 50 coupled to display 60, such that
associated computer 20 is capable of running a computer program.
Device 10 includes a processor 70 coupled to a display 80. In
addition, processor 70 is coupled to each of a memory 90 (which
includes RAM and ROM), a video/audio recorder 85, a mentor engine
95, a search engine 100, a diagnostic engine 110, a peripheral port
130, and an input device 140. Input device 140 includes, in
alternative embodiments, a keyboard, a mouse, and/or a microphone.
Input device 140 is also coupled to sound recognition circuitry 150
which enables the device to recognize a voice or music.
While device 10 includes processor 70 and memory 90, the processor
and memory size on device 10 can be minimized by giving device 10
access to the microprocessor and memory as well as the hard disk
(not shown) CD ROM (not shown) and floppy disk drives (not shown)
on associated computer 20 and creating a "sharing" situation. Such
processing and memory can be accomplished in a similar manner to
that presently used in conventional multitasking techniques or in
conventional RAM/ROM sharing.
Device 10 is also provided with its own operating system and can
run some software applications independently of associated computer
20. Mentoring Function Device 10 performs a mentoring function
through mentor engine 95, which, in alternative embodiments, may be
hardware, software, and/or firmware. That is, for any given program
being run on the associated computer 20, the device 10 can navigate
options, explain alternatives, and demonstrate each alternative and
its consequences. Software programs, while running on the
associated computer or server or imported from the Internet,
.Iadd.step 502 (FIG. 5),.Iaddend.communicate with the device 10 to
convey information to the device simultaneously and in parallel
with the running of the program via bidirectional bus 30.
Communication also occurs in the opposite direction, from device 10
to associated computer 20. Conventional network software is
utilized to operate bus 30 so that the device 10 and the associated
computer 20 are operating like a LAN. Information is passed between
computer 20 and device 10 via bus 30 in a manner similar to
conventional e-mail and/or file sharing. Video-type images then
appear on the device display 80.Iadd., step 504 (FIG.
5),.Iaddend.and act as an extension of the programs running on the
associated computer 20. The images are designed to provide
explanations, describe the capabilities of the computer program,
and demonstrate effective strategies for using the program. Thus a
dynamic interaction is achieved between the video-type images on
the device 10 and the software program on the computer 20 with
minimal interruption of the computer program running. For instance,
with a spreadsheet program, each formula or function can be
described and demonstrated on the screen, display or monitor 80 of
the device 10. This demonstration occurs in the manner of
instructional video appearing on the device 10 correlated to the
specific formula or function that the user of the spreadsheet
program is performing on the associated computer 20. Such
demonstration occurs virtually free of interference with the
running spreadsheet program.
In addition, the capability of the particular software being run
could be demonstrated, at the askance of the user, without the need
to read through manuals. In the same way that spreadsheet software
recognizes formulas and then processes the data given for the
formula to achieve a result, the device also recognizes such
formulas, once communicated to it, for the purpose of demonstrating
and explaining the formulas and alternatives on the device 10 in a
real time, dynamic and interactive manner. Further, computer models
can be built by a user in an interactive manner using the graphics
incorporated into the spreadsheet program. Video-like images are
produced to describe the formulas and explain their use and their
results, as well as providing alternative formulas. The true
capability of the spreadsheet programs can be demonstrated on the
device 10 using little to no memory of the computer 20 and without
disturbing the running of the software program on computer 20,
unlike conventional user access in a static manner of the "Help"
menu or pull-down menus of the running program.
For multitasking functions and for integrating cross-applications
of more than one software program, the device 10 will navigate the
user through the complexities of integration with demonstrations
and explanations in the form of instructional videos comprised of
demonstration of the exact functions desired by the user in
integrating two programs. The device 10 demonstrates how
integration is accomplished and explains the steps concurrently
with the user performing the work.
The mentoring function can be made optional. For instance, in one
embodiment of the present invention, the software running the
application on the associated computer would automatically run
concurrent video, if requested by the user to be in a concurrent
video mode. The user could shut off the concurrent video mode and
request a second mode used for demonstration and explanation of
specific items only. For example, the user could access a formula
on the associated computer 20 by going to an index on a `HELP` menu
or by utilizing hypertext capability to click on key words to find
related text, video, audio, graphics, images, or pictures,
including, without limitation, related explanations and
demonstrations. Upon finding a formula that the user is seeking
(such as net present value, internal rate of return, etc.), the
user requests the device 10 to run the explanatory video. Such a
request occurs in one embodiment, by the user using a mouse input
device 140 associated with device 10, to point to and select the
desired formula. Otherwise, in the automatic mode, whenever the
formula is inserted in the spreadsheet the computer will signal the
device to run video on that formula, word, or instructions upon the
screen 80 of the device. The same function can be performed with
other types of computer programs in addition to spreadsheet
programs.
In one embodiment of the invention, rather than storing additional
instructions to be sent to the device 10 for informational viewing
in parallel with an application program running on the associated
computer 20, an insert 160 to be used in conjunction with a
particular software package and is inserted into port 130. The
insert 160 contains additional information required for the device
to implement the mentoring function. The insert snaps into port 130
similarly to additional memory added to a mother board, except that
it is inserted externally in port 130.
Alternatively, device 10 is bidirectionally coupled via bus 180 to
a computer network and/or the Internet 170 and is used to access
additional information or explanations not readily available in
associated computer 20, device 10, or insert 160 using the
searching function, described below.
Searching Function
The device can perform a searching function using search engine 100
which may be, in alternative embodiments, hardware, software,
and/or firmware. The device can search for, retrieve, record and
store data, information, video, audio and images obtained from
servers, networks, the Internet, on-line services, interactive
television, the associated computer, CD-ROM, video archives, cable
television programs, satellite television programs, video servers
or databases to find particular helpful information, images, or
programs.
For instance, one use of the searching capability may include a
search for an explanation of the particular software running that
is not available from the associated computer 20 or insert 160, but
can be obtained from a video server maintained by the producer of
the software or others and accessible through on-line servers, the
Internet or other similar services.
Such a search can, in one embodiment of the invention, be initiated
by the user speaking key words, such as "how" or "why". The device
10 uses a conventional sound recognition system 150 to recognize
the words and then to initiate search engine 100. Sound recognition
block 150 also operates as a MIDI interface in a conventional
manner for retrieving information from a MIDI device operating as
input device 140.
The device and its associated computer can also search for other
"non-explanatory" data information, digitized information,
entertainment programming, television signals, or images from video
and/or audio archives, servers, or databases. The user of both the
computer and the device can access, search, download and manipulate
television libraries, film libraries, news archives, television
programs, video, audio, documentaries, digital information,
animation, multimedia presentations, graphics, text, three
dimensional images, on-line graphics, text, information and images,
as well as video-phones, music, entertainment software, still
photos and similar media.
Once a search is initiated, either by sound recognition or other
input method, (e.g., text input from a keyboard or keypad or
instructions from a mouse), the device 10 manages its search via
search engine 100 in a manner similar to "LEXIS,"NEXIS", or other
full text retrieval systems conventionally operated today.
Search engine 100, which in one embodiment works jointly with
associated computer 20, interfaces with on-line services that
possess the film libraries, video, media, multimedia presentations,
still images, images, text, graphics, television libraries,
archives, audio, etc. All of the media are digitized by the owners
of the libraries and the user inputs search commands to locate the
desired media in a manner similar to conventional full text
retrieval techniques, and download it to the device. The media in
such libraries can be accessed either by reference to an index,
table of contents, list of categories, list of headings, or
directly through full media search. The latter means that the user,
going on-line can input titles, or any combination or string of
text, images, or audio that will be searched by the media library
to find the media that contains that string and view the results on
the device.
When the user determines that the sought after digitized media has
been found, the user can capture it by either 1) recording to the
video/audio recorder 85 of the device 10, virtually bypassing
associated computer 20, if the information retrieved is in audio or
video format or 2) with respect to text or graphics, saving the
information to a conventional storage medium (e.g., disk drive) on
the device 10 or the associated computer 20.
Typically, when retrieved information is in the form of audio or
video, use of video/audio recorder 85 is faster than capturing such
media onto computer 20. Video/audio recorder can be, in one
embodiment of the invention, conventional video recording equipment
(e.g., a VCR-type device). Using the retrieved information, the
device 10 and associated computer 20 can be used to manipulate such
information to create a desired multi-media product and, if
desired, to send it as output to other similarly configured remote
devices and associated computers.
Diagnostic Engine
The device 10 is also capable of performing a diagnostic function
on the associated computer 20 via diagnostic engine 110 with an
explanation of a diagnosed problem, appearing on display 80. The
associated computer 20 can also run a diagnostic test for the
device 10 as well. This function is accomplished in a manner
similar to the manner that a conventional computer can run a
diagnostic test on various disk drives.
Cross-Media Integration
The device 10, which in one embodiment includes a high resolution
television-quality monitor 80, is further capable of cross-media
integration. Text, video, audio, and still images, including those
retrieved using the search function, described above, can all be
combined into one multi-media document or presentation. Such a
presentation can then be displayed on the device's own monitor 80,
or two parallel images can be synchronized with one of the images
sent to and displayed on the monitor 80 of the device 10 and the
other image sent to and displayed on the monitor 60 of the
associated computer 20 for simultaneous viewing.
Vivid imagery downloaded to and displayed on the screen 80 of the
device 10, (additional to the screen 60 of the associated computer
20) can be useful in many forms. For instance, retailers can
download video images from video cameras at their locations onto
the device 10, while sending graphics with targeted information
onto the associated computer 20. The consumer can locate the
product of interest, comparison shop, know the price, expiration
date, request more information and order delivery of the product.
Corporate presentations with multimedia graphics, text, video,
spreadsheets, three dimensional images, animation, audio, and music
can all be created, integrated and displayed using the device 10.
Graphic arts software, entertainment software, word processing
software, music, video, and images sourced from both the computer
and remote servers on cyberspace can be created, mixed,
manipulated, edited and stored to appear concurrently on the device
and associated computer, or to be sent to similar remote devices
and associated computers of others.
Two-way communications, graphics and video utilizing the additional
display capabilities of the device are much more effective than the
single computer monitor in making use of the growing number of
stored images available to computer users, multimedia, data,
information libraries, archives, video, audio, digitized
information, and multitasking capabilities. Devices with high
resolution screens, microprocessors, memory, video recording, and
command and control capability ("smart screens") associated with
computers, enhance interactive capabilities, and interface more
effectively with human capabilities, than the computer as presently
configured with a single ("dumb") monitor.
For instance, forums, professional groups, special interest groups,
marketing groups, securities traders operating from remote trading
floors can benefit from real time interactions in a more
multidimensional, multimedia and real time fashion with the device
than with only a computer screen ("mono-screen"). While running
particular software on each of their computers and screens, each
participant can use the device for multitasking, locating,
retrieving, interacting with, interfacing and manipulating
multimedia applications without disturbing the program that is
being run on their associated computers.
Other Interactive Applications
Additionally, the device has many other interactive applications.
For instance, computer games are enhanced with the device monitor
80, which in one embodiment is a high resolution video screen. For
example, in a computer golf game, when a ball is hit by the user on
the associated computer screen, the image on the device screen will
show a television-quality video of an actual televised scene as the
ball lands. In other words, a user can see himself or herself
playing golf. Such a function could be implemented in a manner
similar to that described above for the mentoring function.
In addition, while running an application on the computer, the
device can display an instructor giving actual instruction to the
user, related or unrelated to the actual mechanics of the software.
The instructor could be live or taped. A configuration of two or
more devices, each with its own screen, microprocessor, memory, and
command and control capability, and each along with the associated
computer (and its CD-ROM), could run computer games and other
entertainment software that are presently not feasible to run
without an additional higher resolution screen as is part of the
device. The images on the screen of the device give users a much
more interesting "battlefield", which users participating in the
computer game would all have displayed in common on the monitor or
screen 80 of the device 10. While the associated computes 20 create
scenarios for the game and create graphics and text on the monitors
60 of such computers 20, it would be on the screen 80 of the device
10 that the video action would take place. Each associated computer
20 communicates with the device 10 via bus 30 and sends graphics
and text, for better visual effects and a more realistic and
exciting game.
Display 80
Conventionally, monitor screens on computers are flat and two
dimensional, as shown in FIG. 2, and typically display information
that also appears two-dimensional. While such a flat screen would
be suitable to be used in accordance with the invention, a
"three-dimensional" screen is preferred. FIGS. 3 and 4 show a
convex and a concave split-screen surface, respectively. The
screen, rather than appearing flat and perpendicular to the user,
appears to be a half-open book, with the "spine of the binding" in
the middle of the screen. In FIG. 3, screen 300 appears convex with
the "spine" of the screen 310 toward the user. In FIG. 4 screen 400
has its spine 410 away from the user. Screens, such as those shown
in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, give the appearance of
three-dimensionality.
An alternative to physically creating such a convex or concave
screen as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, is to create a three-dimensional
appearance on a conventional flat screen using software.
Regardless of the actual shape of the screen, it is preferable that
display 80 (FIG. 1) have high-resolution television-quality
characteristics as well as an audio output mechanism. Such
characteristics enhance the functions of the device and
significantly aid the computer user.
The disclosed embodiments of the present invention are intended to
be illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention
is limited only by the claims that follow.
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