Patent ID: 6786863
Filing Date: 2004-09-07
Classification: A61B,G06F

Abstract:
A method for enabling remote physical contact comprising the steps of:initiating a first mechanical surrogate attached to a first computing device wherein said first mechanical surrogate comprises a first model of an anatomical component comprising a first sensor to detect actions imparted on it, wherein said first sensor in said first mechanical surrogate comprises a thermal sensor; accepting an address for a second computing device from a user; establishing a communications link with said second computing device via said address; initiating a second mechanical surrogate attached to said second computing device wherein said second mechanical surrogate comprises a second model of an anatomical component comprising a second actuator able to mimic actions imparted on said first mechanical surrogate, wherein said second actuator in said second mechanical surrogate is a heater-cooler; receiving in said first computing device sensory input from said first mechanical surrogate that is indicative of an action imparted on said first mechanical surrogate; creating in said first computing device a contact message reflecting said sensory input; conveying said contact message to said second computing device using said communication link; commanding said actuator in said second mechanical surrogate in accordance with said contact message in order to mimic said action imparted onto said first mechanical surrogate; attenuating from sensory input from said second mechanical surrogate action components induced by said second actuator in said second mechanical surrogate resulting from said commanding; receiving video information from a video camera attached to said first computing device; compressing said video information; conveying said video information to said second computing device using said communication link wherein said second computing device further comprises a graphics display; displaying said video information on said graphics display of said second computing device; receiving audio information from a microphone attached to said first computing device; conveying said audio information to said second computing device using said communication link wherein said second computing device further comprises an audio output unit; dispatching said audio information to said audio output unit of said second computing device; receiving textual information from a keyboard attached to said first computing device; conveying said textual information to said second computing device using said communication link wherein said second computing device further comprises a text display unit;displaying said textual information on said text display unit of said second computing device; and, storing said contact message, said video information, said audio information and said text information for future playback.