Remote mobile data suite and method

• US 6,087,952 A
• Filed: 03/06/1998
• Issued: 07/11/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 03/06/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Telematics Corporation (Acacia Research Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Mobile Information Systems Incorporated
• Inventors: Prabhakaran, Sanjiv
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee, Benjamin C.
• Application Number:
  US09/036,555
• Time in Patent Office: 858 Days
• Field of Search: 340/693.5, 340/988, 455/575, 455/90, 455/346, 455/348, 455/349, 455/557, 455/89, 455/550, 297/140, 206/522, 381/315, 361/683
• US Class Current: 340/693.5
• 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 1/1628 Carrying enclosures containing additional elements, e.g. case for a laptop and a printer
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/008 communicating information to a remotely located station transmission systems for measured values G08C
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/085 using electronic data carriers

Abstract

According to the present invention, a technique for processing data is provided. The invention provides a flexible way to process data such that a user may conveniently enter and transfer data. Also, the user may have ready access to powerful data processing. In an embodiment of the present invention, a novel system (110) for mobile data processing is provided. The system includes an interface unit (116) that includes a processor (122). A positioning system (120) couples to a first antenna (126) and to the processor. A remote data terminal (118) electrically couples to the interface unit during at least a first time period. The remote data terminal is capable of data transfers with the interface unit during the first time period and with a user.

Claims

1. An apparatus for carrying equipment by a user, comprising:

a container;

a removable part removably coupled to the container, configured to provide access to contents of the container;

a removing mechanism connected to the removable part to permit the user to remove the removable part;

a carrying strap removably connected to the container;

a connection plug, electrically coupled to the equipment;

a connector coupled to the container and configured to secure the container; and

packing material disposed amongst the equipment, configured to isolate the equipment from hazards,

wherein the equipment includes a mobile data suite, including;

a mobile control unit;

a mobile data terminal; and

a power supply coupled to one of the mobile data terminal and mobile control unit.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the removing mechanism is selected from a group comprising a zipper and Velcro™

.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the connector is selected from a group comprising a tie-down, elastic hook, screw, strap, loop for passing a rope through, bungy cable, spring, clamp, and Velcro™

.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the packing material is selected from a group comprising Poly Vinyl Alcohol, foam, rubber, poly urethane, webbed Poly Vinyl Alcohol, webbed foam, webbed rubber, and webbed poly urethane.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the equipment further includes items selected from a group comprising of a battery, an antenna, a data port, a printer, and a display.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 further including a plurality of connectors coupled to the container to substantially secure the container.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the hazards is selected from a group comprising environmental, mechanical, and electrical hazards.

8. A method for utilizing the apparatus of claim 1, comprising the steps of:

providing a vehicle;

securing the container to the vehicle by utilizing the connector;

plugging the connection plug into a receptacle;

operating the mobile data suite;

unplugging the connection plug from the receptacle;

detaching the container from the vehicle by disconnecting the connectors; and

removing the container from the vehicle.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the vehicle is selected from a group comprising public transportation, a bus, an airplane, a train, an automobiles, a van, a minivan, a bicycle, a motorcycle, subway, and Bay Area Rapid Transit.