Xybernaut Granted Japan Patent for Voice Control and Management of Mobile Computing Devices; 'Audio Interrupt' Capabilities Enhance Hands-free Uses and Extend Battery Life
FAIRFAX, Va., May 20, 2003 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Xybernaut(R) Corporation (XYBR), today announced that the Company has been granted a patent by the Japan Patent Office (JPO) that will make hands-free, mobile computing and communicating more simple and more efficient for Japan's highly mobile work force by providing unique voice activated power management features such as the ability to turn a computer on and off with audio commands.
This most recent patent called, "Mobile Computer with Audio Interrupt System," is a result of extensive relationship building by the Company during the past few years in Asia-Pacific and the Far East. These efforts are part of a strategy to bring wearable computing and related technologies to these and other international markets.
"Xybernaut continues to expand its patent portfolio of practical technology worldwide. Power management and battery life continues to be one of the most critical aspects of mobile computing and related technologies," said Edward G. Newman, chairman and CEO of Xybernaut. "This patent includes the ability to use voice or audible commands to turn on or off selected components of a computer or other smart device," he added.
This patent does not require a hands-free display, therefore, it should be of interest to the cell phone, PDA and gaming industries as they continue to evolve their products into more full-function computing devices. In its most simple applications, this IP offers the ability to extend usable battery life and control heat without making any physical changes to batteries or hardware.
The basic aspects of the patent are described in the following:
Body-supported Computing Apparatus with Audio-activated Power Management Systems
-- This invention employs voice-activated capabilities, including an audio-activated transducer and power converter system, to control a computing apparatus' power and heat generated in the device by using audio commands. These power management capabilities could include activation or "shut down" of the device as well as functions that preserve power. Various display technologies such as flat-panel display (FPD) or head-mount display (HMD) may be used with this computer.
The Japan patent is part of a refocused licensing strategy under which Xybernaut is using aggressive licensing initiatives for its patented technologies -- many of which represent attractive options for a wide variety of applications in field force automation.
"Xybernaut IP is helping a growing base of manufacturers, distributors, resellers and solutions integrators develop long-term market success and viability by providing practical enhancements related to the design and utilization of current and future computing and communication solutions," added Newman.
Xybernaut wearable computer patents are now recognized and protected in Australia, Canada, nine countries in Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, the People's Republic of China, the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the United States.
This Japan patent (number 3417876) was issued on April 11, 2003. It relates to the previously granted, U.S. patents nos. 6,301,593 and 6,532,482 -- with similar titles and disclosures -- extending international coverage of these U.S. patents.
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