Abstract: There is described a method for providing audio and visual communication between a speaker and at least one hearing impaired person. The method comprises the steps of providing the speaker with a headset frame having a camera attached thereto and positioned to capture images of the speaker's mouth; providing the hearing impaired person with a display; capturing continuous video images of the speaker's mouth using the camera; and transmitting the images in the real-time to the display for the hearing impaired person to view such that movement of the speaker's mouth coincides with sound emitted by the speaker.

Abstract: A head set is disclosed comprising a head band having a first and a second end; a pad-like support means attached to said first end of said head band to rest on a first side of a head; a mounting to support a camera; and an earpiece attached to said second end of said head band comprising: an ear-shaped, resilient wire formed so as to leave an anterior notch of an ear unobstructed; and an elastomeric covering that can pivot with respect to the wire having a broader flattened surface on one side to rest on a second side of said head.

Abstract: A method for telepresence between a field user wearing telepresence equipment and a remote user, the method comprising: providing the telepresence equipment including a global camera, a handheld detail camera for obtaining image close-ups, and an audio link for communication between the field user and the remote user; mounting the global camera on the field user's head to obtain an image of the field user's viewpoint; transmitting images from the global camera to a remote display for the remote user to view; receiving instructions from the remote user through the audio link on where to point the detail camera; pointing the detail camera to specified objects; and transmitting images from the detail camera to the remote display for the remote user to view.

Abstract: A head set is disclosed comprising a head band having a first and a second end; a pad-like support means attached to said first end of said head band to rest on a first side of a head; a mounting to support a camera; and an earpiece attached to said second end of said head band comprising: an ear-shaped, resilient wire formed so as to leave an anterior notch of an ear unobstructed; and an elastomeric covering that can pivot with respect to the wire having a broader flattened surface on one side to rest on a second side of said head.

Abstract: A method for telepresence between a field user wearing telepresence equipment and a remote user, the method comprising: providing the telepresence equipment including a global camera, a handheld detail camera for obtaining image close-ups, and an audio link for communication between the field user and the remote user; mounting the global camera on the field user's head to obtain an image of the field user's viewpoint; transmitting images from the global camera to a remote display for the remote user to view; receiving instructions from the remote user through the audio link on where to point the detail camera; pointing the detail camera to specified objects; and transmitting images from the detail camera to the remote display for the remote user to view.