Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Cursor mark position control device
Reexamination Certificate
1998-07-31
2001-10-02
Saras, Steven (Department: 2675)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Cursor mark position control device
C345S156000, C381S122000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06297807
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention generally relates to information processing systems, and more specifically to the use of computer systems for dictating reports by radiologists. The invention has a particular applicability to IBM® computers and computer systems. (IBM is a registered trademark of the International Business Machines Corporation.)
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A radiologist is a physician who specializes in the interpretation of radiographic images such as X-rays, CAT-scans and MRI images. When dictating notes related to his observations, the radiologist often sits or stands before a back-lighted viewing box describing what is seen in a particular group of radiographic images. The vocabulary used in the dictation is limited to such an extent that automatic computer translation of voice to text has been successfully applied in this activity. Radiologists who use such computer assisted systems have become accustomed to using specific hand-held microphones, which resemble the hand-held microphones used by entertainers. These microphones are slender and light weight and incorporate a thumb operated switch for turning the microphone on and off.
A number of manufactures have attempted to combine built-in microphones with computer pointing devices and in one device, a bar code scanner for reading the bar codes on the radiographic images in a single swipe of the hand holding the microphone. In general, these devices have met with only limited success, many radiologists preferring their familiar hand-held microphones.
A need exists to provide some way for the radiologist to use a familiar hand-held microphone while being able to control cursor positioning and object selection and activation using the microphone-holding hand.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This need, and others that will become apparent, is met by the present invention which provides a slender microphone sheath into which the radiologist's favorite hand-held microphone is inserted. The sheath incorporates a miniature pointing device and control buttons, and provides a single electrical cable connection between the hand-held device and a computer system. The comfortable, light weight device can easily be operated with one hand because it makes all the controls accessible to the fingers and thumb of the microphone-holding hand.
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Eisbach Christopher
Selker Edwin Joseph
Buckley Robert
International Business Machines - Corporation
Kumar Srilakshmi
Saras Steven
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