Nose pads for a wearable device having an electrically-controllable hardness

Described herein are systems and methods for adjusting a hardness of a nosepiece on a heads-up display. In one example, a wearable device is provided that includes a nosepiece comprising a coating and a fluid within the coating, wherein the fluid has an electrically-controllable hardness.

BACKGROUND

Numerous technologies can be utilized to display information to a user of a system. Some systems for displaying information may utilize “heads-up” displays. A heads-up display is typically positioned near the user's eyes to allow the user to view displayed images or information with little or no head movement. To generate the images on the display, a computer processing system may be used. Such heads-up displays have a variety of applications, such as aviation information systems, vehicle navigation systems, and video games.

A heads-up display may be included within or provided by a number of devices. One example device includes a head-mounted display. A head-mounted display can be incorporated into a pair of glasses, or any other item that a user wears on his or her head. A user may desire to adjust the head-mounted display so that the head-mounted display comfortably remains in place on the user's face.

SUMMARY

The present application discloses, inter alia, systems and methods for adjusting a hardness of a nosepiece on a wearable device.

In one example, a wearable device is provided. The wearable device includes a nosepiece comprising a coating and a fluid within the coating, wherein the fluid has an electrically-controllable hardness.

In another example, a method of changing the hardness of a nosepiece on a wearable device is provided. The method comprises receiving an input to change the hardness of a nosepiece, and causing a magnetic field to be applied to a fluid in the nosepiece.

In yet another example, an article of manufacture including a tangible computer-readable media having computer-readable instructions encoded thereon is provided. The instructions comprise receiving an input to change a hardness of a nosepiece, and causing a magnetic field to be applied to a fluid in the nosepiece.

all arranged in accordance with at east some embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

1. Overview of Systems for Display of Items on a User Interface

FIG. 1Ais a schematic drawing of a computer network infrastructure100according to an example embodiment of the present application. In the infrastructure100, a computing device102is coupled to a device with a user interface104with a communication link106. The device with user interface104may contain hardware to enable a wireless communication link. The computing device102may be a desktop computer, a television device, or a portable electronic device such as a laptop computer or cellular phone, for example. The communication link106may be used to transfer image or textual data to the user interface104or may be used to transfer unprocessed data, for example.

The device with user interface104may be a head-mounted display, such as a pair of glasses or other helmet-type device that is worn on a user's head. Further details of the device104are described herein, with reference to FIGS.1C and2-3, for example.

The communication link106connecting the computing device102with the device with user interface104may be implemented using one of many communication technologies. For example, the communication link106may include a wired link via a serial bus such as USB, or a parallel bus. A wired connection may be a proprietary connection as well. The communication link106may also include a wireless connection using, e.g., Bluetooth® radio technology, communication protocols described in IEEE 802.11 (including any IEEE 802.11 revisions), Cellular technology (such as GSM, CDMA, UMTS, EV-DO, WiMAX, or LTE), or Zigbee® technology, among other possibilities.

FIG. 1Bis a schematic drawing of another computer network infrastructure150according to an example embodiment of the present application. In the infrastructure150, a computing device152is coupled via a first communication link154to a network156. The network156may be coupled via a second communication link158to a device with user interface160. The user interface160may contain hardware to enable a wireless communication link. The first communication link154may be used to transfer image data to the network156or may transfer unprocessed data. The device with user interface160may contain a processor to compute the displayed images based on received data.

Although the communication link154is illustrated as a wireless connection, wired connections may also be used. For example, the communication link154may include a wired link via a serial bus such as a universal serial bus or a parallel bus. A wired connection may be a proprietary connection as well. The communication link154may also include a wireless connection using, e.g., Bluetooth® radio technology, communication protocols described in IEEE 802.11 (including any IEEE 802.11 revisions), Cellular technology (such as GSM, CDMA, UMTS, EV-DO, WiMAX, or LTE), or Zigbee® technology, among other possibilities. Additionally, the network156may provide the second communication link158by a different radio frequency based network, and may be any communication link of sufficient bandwidth to transfer images or data, for example.

Components in the infrastructures100or150may be configured to receive data corresponding to an image. The data received may be a computer image file, a computer video file, an encoded video or data stream, three-dimensional rendering data, or openGL data for rendering. In some examples, the data may also be sent as plain text. The text could be rendered into objects or the infrastructures100or150could translate the text into objects. To render an image, the infrastructures100or150may process and write information associated with the image to a data file before presenting for display, for example.

FIG. 1Cis a functional block diagram illustrating an example device170. In one example, the device104inFIG. 1Aor the device160inFIG. 1Bmay take the form of the device170shown inFIG. 1C. The device170may include a wearable computing device, such as a pair of goggles or glasses, as shown inFIGS. 2-3. However, the device170may take other forms.

As shown, the device170comprises a sensor172, a processor174, data storage176, logic178, an output interface180, and a display184. Elements of the device170are shown coupled by a system bus182or other mechanism.

Each of the sensor172, the processor174, the data storage176, the logic178, the output interface180, and the display184are shown to be integrated within the device170; however, the device170may, in some examples, comprise multiple devices among which the elements of device170can be distributed. For example, sensor172may be separate from (but communicatively connected to) the remaining elements of device170, or sensor172, processor174, output interface180, and display184may be integrated into a first device, while data storage176and the logic178may be integrated into a second device that is communicatively coupled to the first device. Other examples are possible as well.

Sensor172may include one or more of a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, a gyroscope, or an accelerometer, to name some examples, and may be configured to determine and measure a pressure change, a user's proximity to the device170, or an orientation and/or an acceleration of movement of the device170as the user positions or moves to position the device170on the user's face, for example.

Processor174may be or may include one or more general-purpose processors and/or dedicated processors, and may be configured to compute displayed images based on received data. The processor174may be configured to perform an analysis on the orientation, movement, or acceleration determined by the sensor172so as to produce an output.

The logic178may be executed by the processor174to perform functions. In one example, the functions may include increasing or decreasing a viscosity and/or rigidity of a nosepiece on the device170. The processor174may be configured to cause a magnetic field to be applied or removed from the nosepiece of the device170so as to increase or decrease the viscosity and/or rigidity of the nosepiece. When a user selects an input to change the hardness of a nosepiece or the sensor172detects a user positioning a nosepiece on the device170, the logic178may be further executed by processor174to perform functions that include running a program or displaying an application, for example.

The output interface180may be configured to transmit an output to display184. The output may include any type of data or image for display, for example. To this end, the output interface180may be communicatively coupled to the display184through a wired or wireless link. Upon receiving the output from the output interface180, the display184may display the output to a user.

In some examples, the device170may also include a power supply, such as a battery pack or power adapter. For example, the device170may be tethered to a power supply through a wired or wireless link. Other examples are possible as well. The device170may include elements instead of and/or in addition to those shown.

FIG. 2illustrates an example device200for receiving, transmitting, and displaying data. The device200is shown in the form of a wearable computing device, and may take the form of one of the devices104or160ofFIGS. 1A and 1B, for example. WhileFIG. 2illustrates eyeglasses as an example of a wearable computing device, other types of wearable computing devices could additionally or alternatively be used. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the device200comprise frame elements including lens-frames204and206and a center frame support or bridge208, lens elements210and212, and extending side-arms214and216. The center frame support208and the extending side-arms214and216are configured to secure the device200to a user's face via a user's nose and ears, respectively. Each of the frame elements204,206, and208and the extending side-arms214and216may be formed of a solid structure of plastic or metal, or may be formed of a hollow structure of similar material so as to allow wiring and component interconnects to be internally routed through the device200. Each of the lens elements210and212may be formed of any material that can suitably display a projected image or graphic. Each of the lens elements210and212may also be sufficiently transparent to allow a user to see through the lens element. Combining these two features of the lens elements can facilitate an augmented reality or heads-up display where the projected image or graphic is superimposed over a real-world view as perceived by the user through the lens elements, for example.

The extending side-arms214and216are each projections that extend away from the frame elements204and206, respectively, and can be positioned behind a user's ears to secure the device200to the user. The extending side-arms214and216may further secure the device200to the user by extending around a rear portion of the user's head. Additionally or alternatively, for example, the device200may connect to or be affixed within a head-mounted helmet structure. Other possibilities exist as well.

The device200may also include an on-board computing system218, a video camera220, a sensor222, a nosepiece223, and finger-operable touch pads224,226, and227. The on-board computing system218is shown to be positioned on the extending side-arm214of the device200; however, the on-board computing system218may be provided on other parts of the device200. The on-board computing system218may include a processor and memory, for example. The on-board computing system218may be configured to receive and analyze data from the video camera220and the finger-operable touch pads224,226,227(and possibly from other sensory devices, user interfaces, or both) and generate images for output from the lens elements210and212as well as to generate a magnetic field.

The video camera220is shown to be positioned on the extending side-arm214of the device200; however, the video camera220may be provided on other parts of the device200. The video camera220may be configured to capture images at various resolutions or at different frame rates. Many video cameras with a small form-factor, such as those used in cell phones or webcams, for example, may be incorporated into an example of the device200. AlthoughFIG. 2illustrates one video camera220, more video cameras may be used, and each may be configured to capture the same view, or to capture different views. For example, the video camera220may be forward facing to capture at least a portion of the real-world view perceived by the user. This forward facing image captured by the video camera120may then be used to generate an augmented reality where computer generated images appear to interact with the real-world view perceived by the user.

The sensor222is shown mounted on the extending side-arm216of the device200; however, the sensor222may be provided on other parts of the device200. The sensor222may include one or more of a pressure sensor, a proximity sensor, a gyroscope or an accelerometer, for example. Other sensing devices may be included within the sensor222or other sensing functions may be performed by the sensor222.

The finger-operable touch pads224,226,227are shown mounted on the extending side-arms214,216and the center frame support208of the device200. Each of finger-operable touch pads224,226,227may be used by a user to input commands. The finger-operable touch pads224,226,227may sense at least one of a position and a movement of a finger via capacitive sensing, resistance sensing, or a surface acoustic wave process, among other possibilities. The finger-operable touch pads224,226,227may be capable of sensing finger movement in a direction parallel or planar to the pad surface, in a direction normal to the pad surface, or both, and may also be capable of sensing a level of pressure applied. The finger-operable touch pads224,226,227may be formed of one or more translucent or transparent insulating layers and one or more translucent or transparent conducting layers. Edges of the finger-operable touch pads224,226,227may be formed to have a raised, indented, or roughened surface, so as to provide tactile feedback to a user when the user's finger reaches the edge of the finger-operable touch pads224,226,227. Each of the finger-operable touch pads224,226,227may be operated independently, and may provide a different function. In one example, one or more of finger-operable touch pads224,226,227may be present on the device200. Alternatively, instead of finger-operable touch pads, the device200may comprise finger-operable switches.

The nosepiece223is shown mounted on the center frame support208of the device200. The nosepiece223may be a separate piece from device200that is able to be attached and detached from the device200. In another example, the nosepiece223may be integrally formed on the device200. The nosepiece223may comprise a single piece, as shown inFIG. 2, or may comprise multiple pieces, with one piece affixed to the frame element204, and another piece affixed to the frame element206.

FIG. 3illustrates an alternate view of the device200ofFIG. 2. As shown inFIG. 3, the lens elements210and212may act as display elements. The device200may include a first projector228coupled to an inside surface of the extending side-arm216and configured to project a display230onto an inside surface of the lens element212. Additionally or alternatively, a second projector232may be coupled to an inside surface of the extending side-arm214and configured to project a display234onto an inside surface of the lens element210.

The lens elements210and212may act as a combiner in a light projection system and may include a coating that reflects the light projected onto them from the projectors228and232. In some embodiments, a special coating may not be used (e.g., when the projectors228and232are scanning laser devices).

In alternative examples, other types of display elements may also be used. For example, the lens elements210,212themselves may include: a transparent or semi-transparent matrix display, such as an electroluminescent display or a liquid crystal display, one or more waveguides for delivering an image to the user's eyes, or other optical elements capable of delivering an in focus near-to-eye image to the user. A corresponding display driver may be disposed within the frame elements204and206for driving such a matrix display. Alternatively or additionally, a laser or LED source and scanning system could be used to draw a raster display directly onto the retina of one or more of the user's eyes. Other possibilities exist as well.

FIG. 4aillustrates an example nosepiece223. The nosepiece223is adapted to support a pair of eyeglasses on the nose of a user, such as the device200inFIG. 3. The nosepiece223may be removably affixable to a pair of eyeglasses, or may be permanently affixed or integrated into the eyeglasses. The nosepiece223comprises a coating225and a fluid227within the coating225. The fluid227includes a fluid in which a viscosity can be increased or decreased with an application of a magnetic field or an electric field. The fluid may be such that, when the viscosity of the fluid227is increased, the fluid becomes a viscoelastic solid. In one example, the fluid227may include a magnetorheological fluid. In another example, the fluid227may include an electrorheological fluid.

Even though nosepiece223is shown inFIG. 4as a single piece, as previously noted, in an alternate example the nosepiece may comprise two pieces, with one piece adaptable to be affixed to the frame element204, and the other piece affixed to the frame element206.FIG. 4billustrates an example nosepiece240comprising two pieces. A first piece242may be adapted to be removably affixed to or manufactured as part of the frame element204, and a second piece244may be adapted to be removably affixed to or manufactured as part of the frame element206of a device such as the device200inFIGS. 2 and 3. Each of the first piece242and the second piece244comprises a coating246and a fluid248within the coating246. The fluid246includes a fluid in which a viscosity can be increased or decreased with an application of a magnetic field or an electric field. The fluid may be such that, when the viscosity of the fluid246is increased, the fluid becomes a viscoelastic solid. In one example, the fluid246may include a magnetorheological fluid. In another example, the fluid246may include an electrorheological fluid.

2. Example Methods

FIGS. 5aand5bare flowcharts of illustrative methods500and550, respectively, for changing hardness of a nosepiece in accordance with one aspect of the present application. Methods500and550may include one or more operations, functions, or actions as illustrated by one or more of blocks510-520and560-570. Although the blocks are illustrated as two methods, these blocks may be combined to comprise a single method, and these blocks may also be performed in parallel, and/or in a different order than those described herein. Also, the various blocks may be combined into fewer blocks, divided into additional blocks, and/or eliminated based upon the desired implementation.

In addition, for the methods500and550and other processes and methods disclosed herein, each block inFIGS. 5aand5bmay represent circuitry that is wired to perform the specific logical functions in the process.

Method500shown inFIG. 5apresents an embodiment of a method that, for example, could be used with infrastructures100and150.

Initially, the method500includes receiving an input to increase the hardness of fluid in a nosepiece, at block510. The input may be sent to a device, such as the devices104or160ofFIGS. 1A and 1B, via a user-operable touchpad. In another example, the input may be sent to the device via a user-operable switch. The touchpads or the switches may be mounted on the device in a variety of configurations, as previously described with reference toFIGS. 2 and 3.

The method500also includes executing instructions to cause a magnetic field to be applied to the fluid in the nosepiece, at block520. The intensity of the magnetic field may be controlled. An inductive coil may be located on either side of the nosepiece to generate a directional field through the magnetorheological fluid inside the nosepiece. Having an inductive coil on either side of the nosepiece maintains a high field strength in the area of the nosepiece. By applying a constant current through the coil, a magnetic field is generated along the axis of the coil. The field between the coils in the magnetorheological fluid would be fairly straight through the fluid.

In response to the application of the magnetic field, the viscosity of the fluid changes. In the example embodiment where the fluid is a magnetorheological fluid, the magnetic field may be caused by electrons moving through circuits in the hands-free device. When the magnetic field is applied to a magnetorheological fluid, for example, randomly distributed magnetic particles suspended within a carrier oil align along lines of magnetic flux, containing and restricting movement of the fluid perpendicular to the direction of flux, effectively increasing the viscosity of the fluid. The viscosity may thus increase with application of the magnetic field to the point of becoming a viscoelastic solid. The hardening process may take fractions of a second, for example. The hardening effect can vary depending on the composition of the fluid and the size, shape, and strength of the magnetic field.

In another embodiment, the fluid may be an electrorheological fluid. In this embodiment, the method may include executing instructions to cause an electric field to be applied to the fluid in the nosepiece. The electric field may be generated by capacitive plates situated on either side or around the nosepiece. The capacitive plates may be made to be part of the nosepiece or may be part of the device. The plates may be made of metal or other substances that can act as a capacitor. In response to the application of the electric field, the viscosity of the fluid changes. The viscosity may thus increase with application of the electric field to the point of becoming a viscoelastic solid.

In yet another embodiment, in addition to application of a magnetic field or an electric field, a compression of the fluid may also be implemented. The compression of the fluid may be accomplished in a number of ways, such as, for example, by having a small actuator press on a side or sides of the nosepiece.

Method550shown inFIG. 5bpresents an embodiment of a method that, for example, could be used with infrastructures100and150.

Initially, the method550includes receiving an input to decrease the hardness of a nosepiece, at block560. A computing device, such as the computing devices102or152ofFIGS. 1A and 1B, for example, may receive this input, which may come from a user-operable touchpad or switch.

The method550includes executing instructions to cause the magnetic field to no longer be applied to fluid in the nosepiece, at block570. A processor within the computing device may be configured to process the input information data and to execute the instructions.

As a result of the removal of the application of the magnetic field, the viscosity of the fluid is decreased. Halting the current of electrons would remove the application of the magnetic field, which would then go to zero, and as a result, the fluid in the nosepiece would decrease in viscosity and/or rigidity. The nosepiece would thus become malleable once again.

In this manner as discussed with reference toFIGS. 5aand5b, fluid within a nosepiece may be hardened and softened for repeated manipulation by a user.

FIG. 6is a flowchart of an illustrative method600for changing the hardness of a nosepiece in accordance with one aspect of the application. Method600shown inFIG. 6presents an embodiment of a method that, for example, could be used with infrastructures100and150. Method600may include one or more operations, functions, or actions as illustrated by one or more of blocks610-650. Although the blocks are illustrated in a sequential order, these blocks may also be performed in parallel, and/or in a different order than those described herein. Also, the various blocks may be combined into fewer blocks, divided into additional blocks, and/or eliminated based upon the desired implementation.

Initially, the method600includes detecting a pressure and/or a movement applied to or near the nosepiece, at block610. For example, an instrument, such as a sensor, may be used to determine a movement of or a change in pressure exerted upon the nosepiece or a movement near the nosepiece. The sensor may be mounted on or may be part of a device as previously described with reference to the sensors ofFIG. 1CandFIGS. 2-3. The sensor may detect a pressure applied to the nosepiece when a user initially places the device on his or her face. Alternatively, the sensor may detect a pressure and/or movement applied to the nosepiece after a user has placed the device on his or her face, such as when a user manipulates the device in an attempt to better position the device. In another alternative embodiment, a proximity sensor may be used to detect whether a finger is near the center frame support of the device, where a user would most likely press to adjust the device.

The method600includes communicating the determined pressure and/or movement to a computing system on the device, at block620. Threshold values for movement of and/or pressure changes applied to the nosepiece may be set for a sensor, such that the determined pressure and/or movement are not communicated from the sensor unless the movement and/or pressure meet and/or exceed the threshold values. If the sensor is a proximity sensor, the sensor may send the communication to the computing system on the device when the detection is made.

The method600includes executing instructions to cause a magnetic field to no longer be applied to fluid in the nosepiece, at block630. Threshold values for movement of and/or pressure changes applied to the nosepiece may be set for a device, such that the instructions are not executed unless the movement and/or pressure meet and/or exceed the threshold values.

As a result of the executed instructions to cause a magnetic field to no longer be applied to a magnetorheological fluid in the nosepiece, the viscosity of the fluid is decreased. Halting the current of electrons would remove the application of the magnetic field, and as a result, the fluid in the nosepiece would decrease in viscosity and/or rigidity. The nosepiece would thus become malleable once again.

In another embodiment, the method may include executing instructions to cause an electric field to no longer be applied to electrorheological fluid in the nosepiece. As a result of the executed instructions to cause the electric field to no longer be applied to fluid in the nosepiece, the viscosity of the fluid is decreased. Halting the electric field generated by the capacitive plates would result in the fluid in the nosepiece decreasing in viscosity and/or rigidity. The nosepiece would thus become malleable once again.

Following, the method600includes receiving an input to increase the hardness of the nosepiece, at block640. The input may be sent to a device, such as the devices104or160ofFIGS. 1A and 1B, via a user-operable touchpad. In another example, the input may be sent to the device via a user-operable switch. The touchpads or the switches may be mounted on the device in a variety of configurations, as previously described with reference toFIGS. 2 and 3.

The method600includes executing instructions to cause the magnetic field to be applied to the fluid in the nosepiece, at block650. As a result of the executed instructions to cause a magnetic field to be applied to fluid in the nosepiece, the viscosity of the fluid is increased.

In an another embodiment, the method may include executing instructions to cause the electric field to be applied to fluid in the nosepiece, which would result in the viscosity of the fluid increasing.

The method600described inFIG. 6allows a device to determine, via a sensing mechanism, when a user is attempting to place or to adjust his or her hands-free device, and to respond by rendering the nosepiece malleable. When the user has the hands-free device in its desired position, the user can then send an input to the device to harden the fluid in the nosepiece.

3. Example Items on a User Interface

FIG. 7is a functional block diagram illustrating an example computing device used in a computing system that is arranged in accordance with at least some embodiments described herein. The computing device may be a personal computer, mobile device, cellular phone, video game system, or global positioning system. In a very basic configuration701, computing device700may typically include one or more processors710and system memory720. A memory bus730can be used for communicating between the processor710and the system memory720. Depending on the desired configuration, processor710can be of any type including but not limited to a microprocessor (μP), a microcontroller (μC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or any combination thereof. A memory controller715can also be used with the processor710, or in some implementations, the memory controller715can be an internal part of the processor710.

Depending on the desired configuration, the system memory720can be of any type including but not limited to volatile memory (such as RAM), non-volatile memory (such as ROM, flash memory, etc.) or any combination thereof. System memory720typically includes one or more applications722, and program data724. Application722may include program instructions723that are arranged to provide inputs to the electronic circuits, in accordance with the present disclosure. Program data724may include image data725that could provide image data to the electronic circuits. In some example embodiments, application722can be arranged to operate with program data724on an operating system721. This described basic configuration is illustrated inFIG. 7by those components within dashed line701.

Computing device700can have additional features or functionality, and additional interfaces to facilitate communications between the basic configuration701and any devices and interfaces. For example, the data storage devices750can be removable storage devices751, non-removable storage devices752, or a combination thereof. Examples of removable storage and non-removable storage devices include magnetic disk devices such as flexible disk drives and hard-disk drives (HDD), optical disk drives such as compact disk (CD) drives or digital versatile disk (DVD) drives, solid state drives (SSD), and tape drives to name a few. Computer storage media can include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.

System memory720, removable storage751, and non-removable storage752are all examples of computer storage media. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by computing device700. Any such computer storage media can be part of device700.

Computing device700can also include output interfaces760that may include a graphics processing unit761, which can be configured to communicate to various external devices such as display devices792or speakers via one or more A/V ports763or a communication interface780. A communication interface780may include a network controller781, which can be arranged to facilitate communications with one or more other computing devices790over a network communication via one or more communication ports782. The communication connection is one example of a communication media. Communication media may typically be embodied by computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism, and includes any information delivery media. A “modulated data signal” can be a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media can include wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared (IR) and other wireless media. The term computer readable media as used herein can include both storage media and communication media.

In some embodiments, the disclosed methods may be implemented as computer program instructions encoded on a computer-readable storage media in a machine-readable format.FIG. 8is a schematic illustrating a conceptual partial view of an example computer program product800that includes a computer program for executing a computer process on a computing device, arranged according to at least some embodiments presented herein. In one embodiment, the example computer program product800is provided using a signal bearing medium801. The signal bearing medium801may include one or more programming instructions802that, when executed by one or more processors may provide functionality or portions of the functionality described above with respect toFIGS. 1-7. Thus, for example, referring the embodiment shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, one or more features of blocks500-560and600-670may be undertaken by one or more instructions associated with the signal bearing medium801.

In some examples, the signal bearing medium801may encompass a computer-readable medium803, such as, but not limited to, a hard disk drive, a Compact Disc (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), a digital tape, memory, etc. In some implementations, the signal bearing medium801may encompass a computer recordable medium804, such as, but not limited to, memory, read/write (R/W) CDs, R/W DVDs, etc. In some implementations, the signal bearing medium801may encompass a communications medium805, such as, but not limited to, a digital and/or an analog communication medium (e.g., a fiber optic cable, a waveguide, a wired communications link, a wireless communication link, etc.). Thus, for example, the signal bearing medium801may be conveyed by a wireless form of the communications medium805(e.g., a wireless communications medium conforming with the IEEE 802.11 standard or other transmission protocol).

The one or more programming instructions802may be, for example, computer executable and/or logic implemented instructions. In some examples, a computing device such as the computing device700ofFIG. 7may be configured to provide various operations, functions, or actions in response to the programming instructions802conveyed to the computing device700by one or more of the computer readable medium803, the computer recordable medium804, and/or the communications medium805.

In some examples, the above-described embodiments enable a user to communicate hands-free with a user interface, thus providing the user with the freedom of not juggling typing on a device with other tasks, as well as the ability to gather and communicate information in a more natural manner.