Multimedia interface and method for computer system

In a computer system, the combination comprising:

• a first data processing unit coupled to a first display;
• first memory means, coupled to said first data processing unit, for storing application software, wherein said application software displays messages on said first display apparatus and also transmits video display instructions;
• wherein said application software includes means for defining a predefined set of pieces of equipment and a predefined set of maintenance tasks in conjunction with corresponding ones of said pieces of equipment;
• a second data processing unit coupled to a second display, and coupled to said first data processing unit so as to receive said transmitted video display instructions;
• random access video memory means, coupled to said second data processing unit, for storing a multiplicity of digitized video images, a multiplicity of said digitized video images stored in said video memory means corresponding to one or more of said pieces of equipment;
• a digital video controller, coupled to said second data processing unit and to said video memory means, that displays on said second display apparatus selected ones and selected sequences of said digitized video images stored in said video memory means in accordance with said video display instructions transmitted by said application software;
• and
• user input means for specifying one of said equipment maintenance tasks to be performed in conjunction with corresponding ones of said pieces of equipment;
• said application software including software that responds to specification of an equipment maintenance task, entered via said user input means, by generating video display instructions that instruct said digital video controller to display a single stored digitized video image for certain predefined equipment maintenance tasks and a sequence of said stored digitized video images for other predefined equipment maintenance tasks;
• said application software simultaneously displaying on said first display messages corresponding to said video images;
• whereby said computer system can be used to provide assistance in the form of video sequences and message displays to a person performing a specified equipment maintenance task.

In a computer system, the combination comprising:

• a first data processing unit coupled to a first display;
• first memory means, coupled to said first data processing unit, for storing application software, wherein said application software displays messages on said first display and also transmits video display instructions;
• a second data processing unit coupled to a second display, and coupled to said first data processing unit so as to receive said transmitted video display instructions;
• random access video memory means, coupled to said second data processing unit, for storing a multiplicity of digitized video images;
• a digital video controller, coupled to said second data processing unit and to said video memory means, that displays on said second display apparatus selected ones and selected sequences of said digitized video images stored in said video memory means in accordance with said video display instructions transmitted by said application software;
• and
• an audio speaker coupled to said digital video controller;
• said random access video memory means storing both digitized video images and a multiplicity of distinct digitized audio sequences;
• said application software transmitting audio play instructions to said second data processing unit;
• said second data processing unit forwarding corresponding audio play instructions to said digital video controller;
• and
• said digital video controller sending selected digitized audio sequences stored in said video memory means in accordance with said audio play instructions transmitted by said application software;
• whereby said computer system can play audio sequences in conjunction with video sequences and message displays.

In a computer system, the combination comprising:

• a first data processing unit coupled to a first display;
• first memory means, coupled to said first data processing unit, for storing application software, wherein said application software displays messages on said first display and also transmits video display instructions;
• a second data processing unit coupled to a second display, and coupled to said first data processing unit so as to receive said transmitted video display instructions;
• random access video memory means, coupled to said second data processing unit, for storing a multiplicity of digitized video images;
• a digital video controller, coupled to said second data processing unit and to said video memory means, that displays on said second display selected ones and selected sequences of said digitized video images stored in said video memory means in accordance with said video display instructions transmitted by said application software;
• and
• a portable, handheld satellite station, having
• a third data processing unit;
• a third display;
• communication means for communicating with said first data processing unit;
• and
• user input means for interacting with said application software;
• said first and second data processing units including means for transmitting messages and video images to said satellite station;
• whereby said satellite station allows use of said computer system by a peripatetic/ambulatory user without having to move said entire computer system.