Apparatus and method for using a wearable computer in collaborative applications

Abstract

An apparatus and method for using a wearable computer in collaborative applications that uses a general inspection camera, a detailed inspection camera, a display, a computer adapted to use wireless communication and to facilitate collaborative applications, a battery, an audio communication device, and a harness for securing these components to a person's body.

1 . (canceled)  
   
   
       2 . A method for using a wearable computer to enable at least one of collaborative design and problem resolution between a first person at a first location and a second person at a second location, comprising the steps of: 
 locating said wearable computer proximate to an object;    obtaining first imagery relevant to said object from a first camera;    storing said first imagery in said wearable computer;    obtaining second imagery relevant to said object from a second camera;    storing said second imagery in said wearable computer; and    displaying on a first display unit at least one of said first imagery and said second imagery.    
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising the step of annotating at least one of said first imagery and said second imagery on said first display unit.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said second imagery has a narrower field of view than said first imagery.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising the step of transmitting at least one of said first imagery and said second imagery to another computer at said second location.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5  further comprising the step of displaying at least one of said first imagery and said second imagery at said other location to said second individual.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising the step of said first person collaborating with said second person.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  wherein said step of collaborating is accomplished through said wearable computer.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 7  wherein the results of said collaboration can be stored for future reference.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the collaboration is in real time.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10  wherein said step of collaborating is accomplished through said wearable computer.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the results of said collaboration can be stored for future reference.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising the step of receiving from another location information concerning said object.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein said information includes technical information concerning said object.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13  wherein said information is displayed on said first display unit.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 2  wherein said first display unit is interactive such that a user can annotate data displayed thereon.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising the step of displaying data relevant to said object on a second display unit.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 2  further comprising the step of displaying data relevant to said object on a second display unit, wherein said second display unit is configured so that said user can view said object and said data on said second display unit simultaneously.