Portable data collection terminal with handwritten input area

• US 5,914,481 A
• Filed: 10/07/1997
• Issued: 06/22/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 08/08/1986
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Intermec IP Corporation (Honeywell International Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Norand Corporation (Baker Hughes Company)
• Inventors: Danielson, Arvin D., Durbin, Dennis A.
• Primary Examiner(s): PITTS, HAROLD I
• Application Number:
  US08/946,048
• Time in Patent Office: 623 Days
• Field of Search: 235/462, 235/472
• US Class Current: 235/462.15
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/0231 Circuits relating to the driving or the functioning of the vehicle monitoring tyres B60C23/00; indicating overspeed B60K31/00; for dash boards B60K37/00, B60Q3/10; for indicating emergencies B60Q1/52; brake control systems B60T; registering or indicating the working of vehicles G07C5/00; measuring distance G01C, e.g. combinations of speed and distance G01C23/00; engine indicators G01L; measuring speed or acceleration G01P
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 16/0315 using multiplexing techniques multiplexing for transmission of signals G08C15/00; multiplexing for electrical communication in general H04J
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/163 Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1656 Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories mounting of accessories to a computer display G06F1/1607; display hoods G06F1/1603; cooling arrangements for portable computers G06F1/203
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1696 the I/O peripheral being a printing or scanning device
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/28 Supervision thereof, e.g. detecting power-supply failure by out of limits supervision
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3203 Power management, i.e. event-based initiation of a power-saving mode
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3228 Monitoring task completion, e.g. by use of idle timers, stop commands or wait commands
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1632 Pen holder integrated in the computer
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0231 Cordless keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04886 by partitioning the display area of the touch-screen or the surface of the digitising tablet into independently controllable areas, e.g. virtual keyboards or menus
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 17/0022 arrangements or provisions for transferring data to distant stations, e.g. from a sensing device "transfer between computer elements G06F13/00 "; data-transmission H04L
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 2207/1011 Aiming
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10574 Multiple sources
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10584 Source control
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10613 by rotation, e.g. polygon
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10633 by oscillation
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10702 Particularities of propagating elements, e.g. lenses, mirrors G06K7/10831 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10722 : Photodetector array or CCD scanning
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10732 : Light sources
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10811 : Focalisation
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10841 : Particularities of the light-sensitive elements semiconductor devices H01L
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10851 : Circuits for pulse shaping, amplifying, eliminating noise signals, checking the function of the sensing device basic electronic circuitry H03
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10881 : constructional details of hand-held scanners
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/109 : adaptations to make the hand-held scanner useable as a fixed scanner
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/1093 : sensing, after transfer of the image of the data-field to an intermediate store, e.g. storage with cathode ray tube
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/1098 : the scanning arrangement having a modular construction
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/12 : using a selected wavelength, e.g. to sense red marks and ignore blue marks
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/1417 : 2D bar codes
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 : Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/343 : Cards including a counter
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/0808 : Diagnosing performance data testing of vehicles G01M17/00; testing of electrical installation on vehicles G01R31/005
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/0858 : wherein the data carrier is removable
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/02 : by keys or other credit registering devices
• CPC Class Codes: G07G 1/0045 : with a code reader for reading of an identifying code of the article to be registered, e.g. barcode reader or radio-frequency identity [RFID] reader
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/242 : specially adapted for hand-held use
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/50 : Structural association of antennas with earthing switches, lead-in devices or lightning protectors
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/526 : Electromagnetic shields
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 3/245 : in the focal plane of a focussing device
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 2310/46 : for ICE-powered road vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/005 : using a power saving mode for copiers G03G15/5004
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/3877 : Arrangements for enabling portable transceivers to be used in a fixed position, e.g. cradles or boosters
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/3883 : Arrangements for mounting batteries or battery chargers
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 17/0085 : using test signal generators
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 17/318 : Received signal strength
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2001/3894 : Waterproofing of transmission device
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0025 : Transmission of mode-switching indication
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/0032 : Without explicit signalling
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1671 : the supervisory signal being transmitted together with control information
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 1/1685 : the supervisory signal being transmitted in response to a specific request, e.g. to a polling signal
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0202 : Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets constructional features of telephone transmitters or receivers, e.g. of speakers or microphones H04M1/03
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0254 : comprising one or a plurality of mechanically detachable modules
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 7/006 : Networks other than PSTN/ISDN providing telephone service, e.g. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) , including next generation networks with a packet-switched transport layer H04L65/00 takes precedence; aspects not specific to the type of network H04M3/00; special services in those networks H04M3/42
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 52/028 : switching on or off only a part of the equipment circuit blocks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/02 : Terminal devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 : adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 1/0233 : Filters, inductors or a magnetic substance
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 : in wireless communication networks

Abstract

A pocket-sized hand-held data processing device with a coupling system, a user interface and an optical indicia reader. The device can include a display to display alphanumeric information. The display can have a touch screen input area and a handwritten input area. The display can display information for right-handed or left-handed use. The user interface covers a major portion of the frontal side of the device. The system can be spanned by one hand when held.

Claims

1. In a data capture system, a hand-held battery powered data terminal, comprising:

(a) a pocket-sized housing having a frontal side which is viewable by an operator during an operator effected data entry, and a handgrip side located opposite the frontal side, the handgrip side being of transverse extent so as to be spanned by one hand so that one such hand underlies and grips the transverse extent of the handgrip side during operator effected data entry with the other hand;

(b) coupling means for coupling said pocket-sized housing with an external device and for data communication with an external device if such a device is coupled with said pocket-sized housing;

(c) a user interface screen, covering a major portion of the frontal side, comprising

(i) display means for displaying alphanumeric information within the boundaries of said user interface screen and for displaying graphical indications defining various input area locations within the boundaries of said user interface screen, and

(ii) said display means being operable to define a touch screen input area, located within the boundaries of said user interface screen, for inputting data to the data capture system by contact of the operator on said touch screen input area of said user interface screen, and to define a handwritten input area, located within the boundaries of said user interface screen, for inputting handwritten data to the data capture system; and

(d) an optical indicia reader, located within said pocket-sized housing, for reading optical indicia which are external to said pocket-sized housing.

2. In the data capture system according to claim 1, wherein said display means is capable of displaying information at any location of said user interface screen.

3. In the data capture system according to claim 1, wherein said digitizer input area is located throughout the entire area of said user interface screen.

4. In the data capture system according to claim 1, wherein said touch screen input area is located throughout the entire area of said user interface screen.

5. In the data capture system according to claim 1, wherein said display means is operable for displaying the alphanumeric information and the graphical indications in a left-handed orientation such that the alphanumeric information and the graphical indications appear upright when the hand-held battery powered data terminal is held in a left hand of the user for reading optical indicia, and wherein said display means is operable for displaying the alphanumeric information and the graphical indications in a right-handed orientation such that the alphanumeric information and the graphical indications appear upright when the hand-held battery powered data terminal is held in a right hand of the user for reading optical indicia.

6. In a data capture system, a hand-held battery powered data terminal, comprising:

(a) a pocket-sized housing having a frontal side which is viewable by an operator during an operator effected data entry, and a handgrip side located opposite the frontal side, the handgrip side being of transverse extent so as to be spanned by one hand so that one such hand underlies and grips the transverse extent of the handgrip side during operator effected data entry with the other hand;

(b) coupling means for selectively coupling said pocket-sized housing with an external device and for data interchange with an external device if such a device is coupled with said pocket-sized housing;

(c) a user interface screen, covering a major portion of the frontal side, comprising

(i) display means for displaying alphanumeric information within the boundaries of said user interface screen and for displaying graphical indications defining various input area locations within the boundaries of said user interface screen, and

(ii) said display means being operable to define a touch screen input area, located within the boundaries of said user interface screen, for inputting data to the data capture system by contact of the operator on said touch screen input area of said user interface screen, and to define a handwritten input area, located within the boundaries of said user interface screen, for inputting handwritten data to the data capture system;

(d) control means, located within said pocket-sized housing, for controlling functioning of the data capture system and for controlling communication between the hand-held battery powered data terminal and an external device when an external device is coupled to said pocket-sized housing; and

(e) an optical indicia reader, located within said pocket-sized housing, for reading optical indicia which are external to said pocket-sized housing.

7. In the data capture system according to claim 6, wherein said display means is capable of displaying information at any location of said user interface screen.

8. In the data capture system according to claim 6, wherein said digitizer input area is located throughout the entire area of said user interface screen.

9. In the data capture system according to claim 6, wherein said touch screen input area is located throughout the entire area of said user interface screen.

10. In the data capture system according to claim 6, wherein said display means is operable for displaying the alphanumeric information and the graphical indications in a left-handed orientation such that the alphanumeric information and the graphical indications appear upright when the hand-held battery powered data terminal is held in a left hand of the user for reading optical indicia, and wherein said display means is operable for displaying the alphanumeric information and the graphical indications in a right-handed orientation such that the alphanumeric information and the graphical indications appear upright when the hand-held battery powered data terminal is held in a right hand of the user for reading optical indicia.

11. In a data capture system, a hand-held data terminal, comprising:

(a) a pocket-sized housing having a frontal side viewable by an operator during a manual data entry operation, and a handgrip side located opposite the frontal side, the handgrip side being of transverse extent so as to be spanned by one hand so that one such hand underlies and grips the transverse extent of the handgrip side during manual data entry by the other hand;

(b) a coupling device capable of coupling said pocket-sized housing with an external device and to conduct data communication with an external device if such a device is coupled with said pocket-sized housing;

(c) a user interface screen, covering a major portion of the frontal side, comprising

(i) a display for displaying alphanumeric information within the boundaries of said user interface screen and for displaying graphical indications defining various input area locations within the boundaries of said user interface screen, and

(ii) said display being operable to define a touch screen input area, located within the boundaries of said user interface screen, for inputting data to the data capture system by contact of the operator on said touch screen input area of said user interface screen, and to define a handwritten input area, located within the boundaries of said user interface screen, for inputting handwritten data to the data capture system; and

(d) an optical indicia reader, located within said pocket-sized housing, for reading optical indicia which are external to said pocket-sized housing.

12. In the data capture system according to claim 11, wherein said display is capable of displaying information at any location of said user interface screen.

13. In the data capture system according to claim 11, wherein said digitizer input area is located throughout the entire area of said user interface screen.

14. In the data capture system according to claim 11, wherein said touch screen input area is located throughout the entire area of said user interface screen.

15. In the data capture system according to claim 11, wherein said display is operable for displaying the alphanumeric information and the graphical indications in a left-handed orientation such that the alphanumeric information and the graphical indications appear upright when the hand-held data terminal is held in a left hand of the user for reading optical indicia, and wherein said display is operable for displaying the alphanumeric information and the graphical indications in a right-handed orientation such that the alphanumeric information and the graphical indications appear upright when the hand-held data terminal is held in a right hand of the user for reading optical indicia.

16. In a data capture system, a hand-held data terminal, comprising:

(a) a pocket-sized housing having a frontal side viewable by an operator during an operator effected manual data entry, and a handgrip side located opposite the frontal side, the handgrip side being of transverse extent so as to be spanned by one hand so that one such hand underlies and grips the transverse extent of the handgrip side during operator effected manual data entry by the other hand;

(b) a connection capable of selectively coupling said pocket-sized housing with an external device and capable of data interchange with an external device if such a device is coupled with said pocket-sized housing;

(c) a user interface screen, covering a major portion of the frontal side, comprising

(i) a display capable of displaying alphanumeric information within the boundaries of said user interface screen and also capable of displaying graphical indications defining various input area locations within the boundaries of said user interface screen, and

(ii) said display being operable to define a touch screen input area, located within the boundaries of said user interface screen, for inputting data to the data capture system by contact of the operator on said touch screen input area of said user interface screen, and to define a handwritten input area, located within the boundaries of said user interface screen, for inputting handwritten data to the data capture system;

(d) a controller, located within said pocket-sized housing, for controlling functioning of the data capture system and for controlling communication between the hand-held data terminal and an external device when an external device is coupled to said pocket-sized housing; and

(e) an optical indicia reader, located within said pocket-sized housing, for reading optical indicia located externally of said pocket-sized housing.

17. In the data capture system according to claim 16, wherein said display is capable of displaying information at any location of said user interface screen.

18. In the data capture system according to claim 16, wherein said digitizer input area is located throughout the entire area of said user interface screen.

19. In the data capture system according to claim 16, wherein said touch screen input area is located throughout the entire area of said user interface screen.

20. In the data capture system according to claim 16, wherein said display is operable for displaying the alphanumeric information and the graphical indications in a left-handed orientation such that the alphanumeric information and the graphical indications appear upright when the hand-held data terminal is held in a left hand of the user for reading optical indicia, and wherein said display is operable for displaying the alphanumeric information and the graphical indications in a right-handed orientation such that the alphanumeric information and the graphical indications appear upright when the hand-held data terminal is held in a right hand of the user for reading optical indicia.