EP0460867A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multimedia interface and method for computer system
Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute
•
Filing: 1991-05-30
•
Granted: —
•
Expires: 2011-05-30
Abstract
Abstract A multimedia interface presents information and receives user commands and data for a computer system. The multimedia interface operates in parallel with another application software module, such as an expert system. To add multimedia features to the application software module, the module is modified so as to generate multimedia commands at the same time as it displays text on a text monitor (58).The multimedia commands, which are held in a queue, provide additional information in the form of video images and generated speech corresponding to the displayed text. In addition, the multimedia commands are split into at least two sets: one set which is dispatched to the user substantially immediately after displaying the corresponding text, and one set which is dispatched upon request by the user. In the preferred embodiment, the multimedia interface presents information to the user through text, graphics, video, sound, speech production, and printed output. User inputs are made through a keyboard (55) and voice recognition (186). In one preferred embodiment two data processing units (165, 230) are used: one (165) for an expert system module and one (230) for a video output processing module. Each module includes its own flat VGA display (58, 86). The video module includes a digital video controller (180) which enables it to display drawings, photographs, still and animated graphics, video stills, full-motion video and motion video with graphic overlays. An optional satellite station (224) facilitates use of the system in environments where it is inconvenient or impossible to bring the complete system.
Inventors
- 👤 George H. Quentin
- 👤 Brian A. Isle
- 👤 Charles P. Bloom
- 👤 Arch W. Butler
- 👤 David Spoor
- 👤 David J. Wunderlin
- 👤 Renee Bedros
- 👤 Francis M. Campos
- 👤 Stephen R. Sweet
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 15:00
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F16/00; G06F16/40; G06F16/48; H; H04; H04N; H04N5/00; H04N5/76; H04N5/765; G06F1/00; G06F1/16; G06F1/1613; G06F1/1628; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/048; G06F3/0487; G06F3/0489; G06F3/16; G06Q; G06Q10/00; G06Q10/10; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S706/00; Y10S706/902; Y10S706/911; Y10S715/00; Y10S715/978
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
In a computer system, the combination comprising: a first data processing unit coupled to a first display; first memory means, coupled to said first data processing unit, for storing application software, wherein said application software displays messages on said first display and also transmits video display instructions; a second data processing unit coupled to a second display, and coupled to said first data processing unit so as to receive said transmitted video display instructions; random access video memory means, coupled to said second data processing unit, for storing a multiplicity of digitized video images; a digital video controller, coupled to said second data processing unit and to said video memory means, which displays on said second display selected ones and selected sequences of said digitized video images stored in said video memory means in accordance with said video display instructions transmitted by said application software.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
193 words
The combination set forth in Claim 1, wherein said application software includes means for defining a predefined set of pieces of equipment and a predefined set of maintenance tasks in conjunction with corresponding ones of said pieces of equipment; a multiplicity of said digitized video images stored in said video memory means corresponding to one or more of said pieces of equipment, said combination further including user input means for specifying one of said equipment maintenance tasks to be performed in conjunction with corresponding ones of said pieces of equipment; said application software including software which responds to specification of an equipment maintenance task, entered via said user input means, by generating video display instructions which instruct said digital video controller to display a single stored digitized video image for certain predefined equipment maintenance tasks and a sequence of said stored digitized video images for other predefined equipment maintenance tasks; said application software simultaneously displaying on said first display messages corresponding to said video images; whereby said computer system can be used to provide assistance in the form of video sequences and message displays to a person performing a specified equipment maintenance task.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The combination set forth in Claim 2, wherein said user input means includes voice input and recognition means for receiving spoken user commands.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
41 words
The combination set forth in Claim 2, further including voice output means, coupled to said first data processing unit, for converting specified text strings into synthesized speech; said application software generating and transmitting to said voice output means specified text strings.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
The combination set forth in Claim 2, including portable housing which houses said computer system; said portable housing enabling said computer system to be taken to and used at the place where said selected piece of equipment is located.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
109 words
The combination set forth in Claim 1, further including an audio speaker coupled to said digital video controller; said random access video memory means storing both digitized video images and a multiplicity of distinct digitized audio sequences; said application software transmitting audio play instructions to said second data processing unit; said second data processing unit forwarding corresponding audio play instructions to said digital video controller; and said digital video controller sending selected digitized audio sequences stored in said video memory means in accordance with said audio play instructions transmitted by said application software; whereby said computer system can play audio sequences in conjunction with video sequences and message displays.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
192 words
The combination set forth in Claim 6, wherein said application software includes means for defining a predefined set of pieces of equipment and a predefined set of maintenance tasks in conjunction with corresponding ones of said pieces of equipment; a multiplicity of said digitized video images stored in said video memory means corresponding to one or more of said pieces of equipment, said combination further including user input means for specifying one of said equipment maintenance tasks to be performed in conjunction with corresponding ones of said pieces of equipment; said application software including software which responds to specification of an equipment maintenance task, entered via said user input means, by generating video display instructions which instruct said digital video controller to display a single stored digitized video image for certain predefined equipment maintenance tasks and a sequence of said stored digitized video images for other predefined equipment maintenance tasks; said application software simultaneously displaying on said first display messages corresponding to said video images; whereby said computer system can be used to provide assistance in the form of video sequences and messages to a person performing a specified equipment maintenance task.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The combination set forth in Claim 7, wherein said user input means includes voice input and recognition means for receiving spoken user commands.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
41 words
The combination set forth in Claim 7, further including voice output means, coupled to said first data processing unit, for converting specified text strings into synthesized speech; said application software generating and transmitting to said voice output means specified text strings.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
84 words
The combination set forth in Claim 1, further including: a portable, handheld satellite station, having a third data processing unit; a third display; communication means for communicating with said first data processing unit; and user input means for interacting with said application software; said first and second data processing units including means for transmitting messages and video images to said satellite station; whereby said satellite station allows use of said computer system by a peripatetic/ambulatory user without having to move said entire computer system.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
192 words
The combination set forth in Claim 10, wherein said application software includes means for defining a predefined set of pieces of equipment and a predefined set of maintenance tasks in conjunction with corresponding ones of said pieces of equipment; a multiplicity of said digitized video images stored in said video memory means corresponding to one or more of said pieces of equipment, said combination further including user input means for specifying one of said equipment maintenance tasks to be performed in conjunction with corresponding ones of said pieces of equipment; said application software including software which responds to specification of an equipment maintenance task, entered via said user input means, by generating video display instructions which instruct said digital video controller to display a single stored digitized video image for certain predefined equipment maintenance tasks and a sequence of said stored digitized video images for other predefined equipment maintenance tasks; said application software simultaneously displaying on said first display messages corresponding to said video images; whereby said computer system can be used to provide assistance in the form of video sequences and messages to a person performing a specified equipment maintenance task.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
The combination set forth in Claim 11, wherein said user input means includes voice input and recognition means for receiving spoken user commands.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
41 words
The combination set forth in Claim 11, further including voice output means, coupled to said first data processing unit, for converting specified text strings into synthesized speech; said application software generating and transmitting to said voice output means specified text strings.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
39 words
The combination set forth in Claim 11, including portable housing which houses said computer system; said portable housing enabling said computer system to be taken to and used at the place where said selected piece of equipment is located.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
112 words
In a computer system designed to assist a person while performing predefined equipment maintenance tasks, the combination comprising: data processing means for running a software application program capable of displaying text; video means for random access storing and displaying video images and sequences which correspond to a predefined set of equipment maintenance tasks; and user interface means for selecting ones and sequences of said video images in coordination with the running of said software application program and displaying said video images simultaneously with said text information displayed by said software application program; whereby said computer system displays information in the form of text and video images germane to said equipment maintenance tasks.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
Maintenance schedule is calculated for granted US utility patents.