Patent ID: 8373739

Claim:
A system for remote communication between a health care provider and a patient, the system comprising a first interface unit comprising at least one of desktop personal computer, a laptop personal computer, a personal digital assistant, a cellular phone, or a smart phone, the first interface unit connectable to a communication link, and a second interface unit comprising a robot operable to autonomously move, the second interface unit connectable to the communication link, wherein: the communication link is operable to transmit real-time video and audio between the first and second interface units; and the first and second interface units each further comprise a camera, a microphone, a display, and a speaker such that upon the transmission of real-time video from the camera of one of the first and second interface units to the display of the other of the first and second interface units, and the transmission of real-time audio from the microphone of one of the first and second interface units to the speaker of the other of the first and second interface units, real-time remote visual and audio communication is established between the health care provider disposed at the second interface unit, and the patient, when disposed at the first interface unit.