Wearable computer apparatus

• US 6,167,413 A
• Filed: 03/09/2000
• Issued: 12/26/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 03/09/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Charles A. Daley III
• Original Assignee: Charles A. Daley III
• Inventors: Daley, Charles A. III
• Primary Examiner(s): MOISE, EMMANUEL LIONEL
• Application Number:
  US09/521,733
• Time in Patent Office: 292 Days
• Field of Search: 708/139, 361/680, 361/681, 361/683, 361/686, 361/730, 345/7, 345/8, 345/30, 345/53
• US Class Current: 708/139
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/017 Head mounted
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/163 Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt

Abstract

A wearable computer system includes a computing unit that is used with a visor mounted display system. The computing unit is structured to enable a user to grasp and support the computing unit, while simultaneously providing commands and information by way of a user interface (of the computing unit). The computing unit of the system may be housed within a multi-compartment case which is structured to provide access to the user interface. The case is further configured with a storage compartment to enable the user to securely store the visor mounted display when not being used. An auxiliary unit may also be included, which may be connected to the computing unit, to enable a user to enhance and augment the basic architecture of the wearable computing system.

Claims

1. A self-contained, wearable computer system comprising:

a) a multi-compartment case;

b) a compact computing unit that is housed within the case, the case and computing unit configured such that a wearer may support the case for use with at least a first hand, while the first hand of a user may also be employed to actuate portions of a user interface of the computing unit while supporting the case;

c) a visor mounted display, which is operatively coupled to the computing unit, is worn on the head of a user and structured to enable a movable portion thereof to be selectively moved by a wearer between a closed position, enabling improved forward vision by the wearer, or an open position enabling the wearer to view information presented to the wearer on a display unit of the display, the viewed information coupled from the computing unit to the display;

d) the multi-compartment case including a compartment configured to house the visor mounted display when not being used by the wearer; and

e) means to support the case upon a wearer'"'"'s body.

2. The wearable computer system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the user interface includes a pointing device configured so that the pointing device may be operated by the wearer while supporting the computing unit, when the wearable computer system is in use.

3. The wearable computer system in accordance with claim 2, wherein the pointing device is a touch pad.

4. The wearable computer system in accordance with claim 3, wherein the user interface includes a plurality of wearer operable switch means that may be actuated by the wearer to input commands and information to the system.

5. The wearable computer system in accordance with claim 4, wherein a plurality of push button switches of the switch means may be operated with a second hand of the wearer, while the second hand is employed to hold and support the computing unit.

6. The wearable computer system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the computing unit includes:

a fixed storage unit; and

at least one removable storage drive.

7. The wearable computer system in accordance with claim 1, further including an auxiliary unit, which may be operatively coupled to the computing unit to enhance and augment the capabilities of the wearable computer system.

8. The wearable computer system in accordance with claim 7, wherein the auxiliary unit includes a keyboard that enables information to be input to the computing unit by a user.

9. The wearable computer system in accordance with claim 7, wherein the auxiliary unit further includes at least one removable storage drive.

10. The wearable computer system in accordance with claim 7, wherein the auxiliary unit further includes a power supply module capable of charging at least one internal battery of the computing unit while the auxiliary unit is operatively coupled to the computing unit.

11. The wearable computer system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the operative coupling of the visor mounted display to the computing unit is provided by a wireless link.

12. The wearable computer system in accordance with claim 11, wherein the wireless link is provided by an RF-type of wireless link.

13. A self-contained, modular, and wearable computer system that is operable by a wearer in a plurality of positions and in a plurality of environments, the wearable computer system comprising:

a) a multi-compartment case having at least a first compartment and second compartment, the case including means to removably support the case upon the body of a wearer;

b) a compact and portable computing unit that is housed within the first compartment of the case such that a wearer may support the case for use with at least a first hand, while the first hand may also be used simultaneously to actuate portions of a user interface of the computing unit; and

c) a visor mounted display, which is operatively coupled to the computing unit when in use, and wearable upon the head of a user, the visor mounted display is structured to enable a movable portion thereof to be selectively moved by a wearer between a closed position, enabling improved forward vision by the wearer when the display is not in use, or an open position enabling the wearer to view information presented to the wearer on the display, the viewed information coupled from the computing unit to the display;

d) the second compartment of the case structured to securely hold the visor mounted display when not being used by the wearer.

14. The wearable computer system in accordance with claim 13, wherein the user interface of the computing unit includes:

a) a pointing device located so that the pointing device may be operated by a wearer using one finger of a first hand while the first hand is also employed to hold and support the computing unit; and

b) switch means located so that at least a plurality of the switch means may be actuated by a wearer using at least one finger of a second hand while the second hand is also employed to hold and support the computing unit.

15. The wearable computer system in accordance with claim 14, wherein the user interface of the computing unit further includes an audio unit supporting at least the delivery of audio information to the wearer.

16. The wearable computer system in accordance with claim 15, wherein the audio unit further supports wearer voice recognition.

17. The wearable computer system in accordance with claim 13, further including an auxiliary unit that may be operatively coupled to the computing unit to enhance and augment capabilities of the wearable computer system.

18. The wearable computer system in accordance with claim 17, wherein the auxiliary unit includes a keyboard that enables information to be input to the computing unit by a user.

19. The wearable computer system in accordance with claim 17, wherein the auxiliary unit further includes at least one removable storage drive.

20. The wearable computer system in accordance with claim 17 wherein the auxiliary unit further includes a power supply module that charges at least one battery of the computing unit, while the auxiliary unit is operatively coupled to the computing unit.