Remote computer interface

Details Remote computer interface Remote computer interface

1998-05-01

2001-05-01

Shankar, Vijay (Department: 2673)

Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system

Display peripheral interface input device

Touch panel

C345S173000, C348S014160

Reexamination Certificate

active

06225984

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to user interface systems for computers and other data processing systems. More specifically, the present invention includes a remote touch-screen for viewing and interacting with a personal computer or other computer system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Computers and other data processing systems often include some form of user interface system. These interface systems may be quite simple, as in the case of a data entry system equipped with a simple display and keyboard combination. Interface systems may also be highly complex, as in the case of a multimedia system equipped with a high-resolution graphics display, keyboard, pointing device and stereo sound capability. Still other systems, such as computers used to provide virtual reality environments, may have even more highly complex user interface systems.
The purpose behind a computer's user interface systems is to provide the user with a mechanism for interacting with the computer. Unfortunately, due to the nature of most user interface systems, this interaction must occur in the proximity of the computer system. In other words, most user interface systems assume that the user will literally sit facing the computer screen. This assumption limits the ways in which computer systems may be effectively used.
For example, consider the case where employees need to access inventory information as they move through a warehouse Typically, this information is stored on a computer system. In most cases, the information stored within the computer system can only be accessed at a terminal or workstation. The result is that employees may have to carry paper printouts and that updates to the inventory information may be inconvenient.
As another illustration, consider the familiar example of a corporate meeting. During these meetings, a number of employees typically gather in a single meeting room. Over the course of the meeting, it may become apparent that necessary documents exist on a computer assigned to a particular employee. It is easy to appreciate the inconvenience that results if that employee then has to leave the meeting to retrieve the required document. Alternately, it may be imperative for a particular employee to monitor his or her electronic mail or other computer application. This becomes problematic if the employee is required to attend a meeting and cannot access his or her assigned workstation.
Thus, a need exists for a portable, mobile user interface system that allows computer systems to be accessed in a remote fashion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention includes a remote user interface system for use with a host computer. The remote user interface system is specifically intended to be used with a wide range of host computer types, including personal computers and workstations. The remote user interface system may also be used with other data processing equipment, such as point of sale terminals.
In general terms, a representative embodiment of the remote user interface system may be described as a combination of a host transceiver system and a portable interface tablet. The host transceiver system functions as a peripheral device that communicates with the host computer system. The communication between the host transceiver system and the host computer allows the host transceiver system to capture audio and video output generated by the host computer system. The communication between the host transceiver system and the host computer allows the host transceiver system to inject audio, keyboard and mouse input into the host computer system.
The portable interface tablet may include a flat panel display, implemented as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or other suitable technology. A pressure sensitive membrane, or other touchscreen device, may be positioned to overlay the flat panel display. An audio input device, such as one or more microphones, and an audio output device, such as one or more speakers, may also be included in the portable interface tablet.
The host transceiver system and the portable interface tablet are also configured to communicate with each other. This communication may be implemented using a range of techniques including both telephone and wireless modems. Alternatively, infra-red or other radio transmission techniques may be used.
In use, the host transceiver system captures audio and video output generated by the host computer system. This output is digitized and transmitted to the portable interface tablet. The portable interface tablet then reconstitutes the digitized output of the host computer system. The reconstituted output is used by the portable interface tablet to drive the flat panel display and audio output device of the portable interface tablet. In this way, audio and video output of the host computer system is captured, transmitted from the host computer system to the client subsystem, and presented to the user of the portable interface tablet. In effect, the user of the portable interface tablet hears and sees the same sounds and images that would be visible to a user sitting at the host computer system.
Input from the user is captured by the portable interface tablet. This input includes audio input and mouse commands generated by the user's interaction with the touchscreen. This input is digitized and transmitted to the host transceiver system. The host transceiver system then reconstitutes the digitized input. The reconstituted input is used by the host transceiver system to drive the audio input and mouse input of the host computer system. In this way, audio and mouse input is captured, transmitted from the portable interface tablet to the host transceiver system, and injected as input into the host computer system. In effect, the user of the portable interface tablet is able to interact with the host computer in a manner that is similar to the interaction of a user sitting at the host computer system.
The techniques used by the described embodiment may be extended to include additional input and output devices associated with the portable interface tablet. For example, the host transceiver system may be configured to inject keyboard input into the host computer system. The keyboard input may be generated using the touchscreen included in the portable interface tablet. Alternatively, the portable interface tablet may be configured to include a membrane or other keyboard. Other devices, such as floppy drives, may also be accommodated by appropriate extension to the host transceiver system and portable interface tablet.
Advantages of the invention will be set forth, in part, in the description that follows and, in part, will be understood by those skilled in the art from the description herein. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims and equivalents.


REFERENCES:
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patent: 5859662 (1999-01-01), Cragun et al.
patent: 5867166 (1999-02-01), Myhrvold et al.
patent: 5884323 (1999-03-01), Hawkins et al.
patent: 5949441 (1999-02-01), Ristau

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