Method for utilization of a gyroscopic or inertial device as a user interface mechanism for headmounted displays and body worn computers

• US 20020158827A1
• Filed: 09/06/2001
• Published: 10/31/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 09/06/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: ComSonics, Inc.
• Original Assignee: ComSonics, Inc.
• Inventors: Zimmerman, Dennis A.
• Application Number:
  US09/915,000
• Publication Number:
  US 20020158827A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 345/88
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/012 Head tracking input arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0346 with detection of the device orientation or free movement in a 3D space, e.g. 3D mice, 6-DOF [six degrees of freedom] pointers using gyroscopes, accelerometers or tilt-sensors

Abstract

A method of using a compute in a hands free environment, including the use of a gyroscopic sensor, in association with a mouse driver, to manipulate a computer curser across a computer screen is provided. The method utilizes either voice recognition software, in association with a hierarchal command set, which allows simple commands for routine computer mouse functions, or a body mounted paddle or switch device which allows simple body movements to perform click and drag functions of a mouse. The invention is particularly useful in association with body mounted computers having head mounted screens, as the method overcomes the problems of selecting computer functions while away from a desk or laptop computer.

Claims

1. A method of manipulating a cursor and activating computer functions, comprising the steps of:

providing a computer and a computer screen associated therewith;

providing a gyroscopic sensor for mounting to the body of the user, said sensor being reactive to body movements;

providing a mouse driver in associate with said gyroscope, such that movements of said gyroscope cause a concomitant movement of a cursor on said computer screen;

providing a microphone;

providing voice recognition software, associated with said microphone, said voice recognition software having a driver for activating computer functions;

providing hierarchal commands in said voice recognition software such that selection of computer functions arc associated with simple words; and

causing the movement of said cursor by moving the body part associated with said gyroscope, in a predetermined manner, and causing the execution of computer functions by selecting an icon or menu item on said screen and reciting predetermined words associated with the desired actions.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said body part is the head.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said body part is the wrist.

4. The method of claim 2, including the step of providing a body mounted view screen.