Remote, wireless electrical signal measurement device

{
  "publication_number": "US6353313B1",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B1",
  "title": "Remote, wireless electrical signal measurement device",
  "abstract": "A remote, wireless electrical signal measurement device for measuring and adjusting a component in a communications system. The device includes a source device, a remote system and a base system. The device permits a technician wearing the remote system to control through verbal commands the measurement and adjustment of a source device operably attached to the base system.",
  "claims": [
    "1. A remote, wireless electrical signal measurement device allowing one person to measure and adjust components in a communication system, the device comprising: an unmanned source device, linked to the communication system, the source device being capable of generating a data output and receiving a data input, the output data including communication systems measurement data, the data input including communication system adjustment data; a base system operably connected to the source device, the base system including an interface unit for interpreting the data output and the data input, a first modulator/demodulator for formatting the interpreted data into a first data signal, and a first antenna for transmitting a first data signal and receiving a second data signal; a remote system including a second antenna for transmitting the second data signal and receiving the first data signal, a second modulator/demodulator for formatting the first data signal into a demodulated signal for use by a person, an outgoing signal generator, in communication with the second modulator/demodulator for formatting an outgoing signal into the second data signal, such that a person using the remote system can make adjustments to components of the communication system and receive feedback from the unmanned base system as to the efficacy of the adjustments.",
    "2. The remote, wireless electrical signal measurement device of claim 1, including a video display unit integrated into a headpiece.",
    "3. The remote, wireless electrical signal measurement device of claim 1, including a microphone, for generating command signals, integrated into a headpiece.",
    "4. The remote, wireless electrical signal measurement device of claim 2, wherein the visual display unit is attached to a hard hat.",
    "5. The remote, wireless electrical signal measurement device of claim 4, including a speech recognizer for accepting spoken commands through said microphone, said speech recognizer including means to recognize speaker independent words and speaker dependent words."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "The present invention generally relates to a wireless control system for measuring or adjusting the characteristics of electrical signals. More particularly, present invention relates to a wireless, hands-free control system for remote measurement and adjustment of electrical signals in a telecommunications system.\n\nIn various areas in the telecommunications field it is necessary to use radio frequency (RF) signal level meters to evaluate and monitor the performance of equipment in a telecommunications network. Signal level meters typically include a display or meter movement. These devices are typically operated by some form of mechanical switching; e.g., keyboards, buttons, knobs, or the like.\n\nSignal level meters are typically carried to the location where it is desired to use the device. Once in place the operator controls the mechanical switching components by hand.\n\nThe size and weight of the signal level meters impede the use of such devices in certain applications. For example, carrying the signal level meter to the top of an antenna that extends several hundred feet into the air greatly increases the physical exertion of the service technician. The service technician must also use his or her hands to transport the signal level meter while ascending and descending the antenna. This situation creates a safety hazard because the service technician is not able to use both hands while climbing to protect against accidental fall. Once in position to perform the service, it is necessary for the service technician to manipulate the controls using his or her hands.",
  "cpc": [
    "G01R 1/025",
    "G01R 1/02",
    "G10L 13/00",
    "G10L 15/26"
  ],
  "ipc": [
    "G01R 1/02",
    "G10L 13/04",
    "G10L 15/26"
  ],
  "assignees": [
    "Comsonics Inc"
  ],
  "inventors": [
    "Randy Estep",
    "Dennis Zimmerman"
  ],
  "filing_date": "1999-03-11",
  "publication_date": "2002-03-05",
  "grant_date": "2002-03-05",
  "priority_date": "1997-09-11",
  "application_number": "US-26631899-A",
  "family_id": "27382104",
  "cited_by_count": 51,
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}