Portable data-gathering apparatus formed by modular components having operate-standby modes
First Claim
1. A system for receiving input data, storing the data, and transmitting the data to a remote terminal, comprising:
- a control module for receiving the input data and controlling the flow of the data;
a power-memory module which is removably connected to the control module to form a self-contained self-powered, completely hand-held, one piece unit, the power-memory module contains;
a solid state memory means for storing the data processed thereto by the control module; and
a rechargeable battery for maintaining the status of the data in the memory means and for activating the control module;
a first cover means for housing the control module;
a second cover means separate from the first cover means for housing the memory means and the rechargeable battery together within the power-memory module to prevent disconnection of the rechargeable battery from the memory means during operation;
interconnect means formed through the first and second cover means for electrically and mechanically connecting the control module to the power-memory module and disconnecting the control module from the power-memory module;
mode means in the hand-held unit for maintaining a low power level standby mode in the hand-held unit during the absence of input data, and temporarily establishing an operating mode for processing data as input data becomes available; and
a service module which removably connects with at least the power-memory module for recharging the rechargeable battery and for transmitting the data in the memory means to a remote terminal.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A hand-held data-gathering unit is formed by removably connected control and power modules: The control module contains a keyboard, a display device, a data input probe, and a microprocessor. The power module contains a rechargeable battery with a converter and associated power logic, and a memory system with associated memory control logic. The hand-held unit has a normal low-power standby mode which is maintained during the absence of input data from either the keyboard or the data probe, and an operation mode which is initiated by the arrival of input data. During the operation mode, input data enters the control module and is forwarded to the memory in the power module. As data is gathered during portable operation, the memory may reach capacity or the battery voltage may drop, or both. The power module may be removed from the control module and replaced by a fresh power module with a fully charged battery and an empty memory. The expired power module is inserted into a service module for charging the battery or transmitting the data to a remote terminal, or both. The control module may also be inserted into the sevice module where it is activated by a stationary power supply and interfaced with the memory in the power module for stationary operation. In addition to transmitting the contents of the memory, the service module may receive data from the remote terminal and for storage in the memory. This received data may then be accessed and displayed through the control module.
90 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A system for receiving input data, storing the data, and transmitting the data to a remote terminal, comprising:
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a control module for receiving the input data and controlling the flow of the data; a power-memory module which is removably connected to the control module to form a self-contained self-powered, completely hand-held, one piece unit, the power-memory module contains; a solid state memory means for storing the data processed thereto by the control module; and a rechargeable battery for maintaining the status of the data in the memory means and for activating the control module; a first cover means for housing the control module; a second cover means separate from the first cover means for housing the memory means and the rechargeable battery together within the power-memory module to prevent disconnection of the rechargeable battery from the memory means during operation; interconnect means formed through the first and second cover means for electrically and mechanically connecting the control module to the power-memory module and disconnecting the control module from the power-memory module; mode means in the hand-held unit for maintaining a low power level standby mode in the hand-held unit during the absence of input data, and temporarily establishing an operating mode for processing data as input data becomes available; and a service module which removably connects with at least the power-memory module for recharging the rechargeable battery and for transmitting the data in the memory means to a remote terminal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification