Handheld computer and data processing system

• US 6,628,509 B2
• Filed: 12/13/2000
• Issued: 09/30/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 03/22/1989
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation (Seiko Group)
• Original Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation (Seiko Group)
• Inventors: Kono, Mitsuru
• Primary Examiner(s): Schuberg, Darren
• Assistant Examiner(s): CHANG, YEAN HSI
• Application Number:
  US09/736,646
• Publication Number:
  US 20010004310A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,021 Days
• Field of Search: 361/679-686, 358/142, 358/254, 358/236, 364/705.05, 434/179
• US Class Current: 361/679.23
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/08 using markings of different kinds or more than one marking of the same kind in the same record carrier, e.g. one marking being sensed by optical and the other by magnetic means
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 29/106 using electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 5/065 Combinations of audio and video presentations, e.g. videotapes, videodiscs, television systems
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 19/02 Control of operating function, e.g. switching from recording to reproducing
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 19/022 Control panels
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/213 Read-only discs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/218 Write-once discs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/2525 Magneto-optical [MO] discs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 2220/2545 CDs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/105 of operating discs
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/11 by using information not detectable on the record carrier
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 27/34 Indicating arrangements indicating means incorporated in magazine or cassette G11B23/046 and G11B23/0875; indicating measured values in general G01D
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 31/00 Arrangements for the associated working of recording or reproducing apparatus with related apparatus with cameras or projectors G03B31/00 ; recording/reproducing of music for electrophonic musical instruments G10H1/0033; automatic arrangements for answering calls or for recording messages for absent subscribers H04M1/64; telephonic communication systems adapted for combination with dictation recording and playback systems H04M11/10; connection of TV recorder with other related apparatus, e.g. TV camera or receiver, in which the TV signal is significantly involved H04N, e.g. H04N23/00, H04N5/765; combination of radio or TV with other apparatus, e.g. with vehicles H05K11/00
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 33/025 Portable cases
• CPC Class Codes: G11B 33/10 Indicating arrangements; Warning arrangements G11B15/04, G11B19/04, G11B27/34, G11B27/36 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/478 Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/38 Transmitter circuitry for the transmission of television signals according to analogue transmission standards H04N5/14 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/445 for displaying additional information H04N5/50 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/765 Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/85 on discs or drums
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 5/93 : Regeneration of the television signal or of selected parts thereof
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 345/901 : Electronic book with display

Abstract

A compact size, portable audio/display electronic apparatus having a compact mass memory with the capability of entry of user originated inquirable and inquisitorial input relative to currently displayed information and the random access capability relative to the compact mass memory in retrieving data responsive the such input. The apparatus comprises recording and reproducing means for recording and reproducing data in the form of alphanumeric information, diagram graphics, animation graphics, music, voice and other audio reproducible material. The reproducing means is employed only for the reproduction of the data, retrieving means for only retrieving the data for reproduction on a random access basis. Further, the display and reproducing means is arranged in one compact housing for the synchronized reproduction of at least two kinds of such data, e.g., the display of information and the audio reproduction of information directly associated with the displayed information.

Claims

1. An electronic apparatus, comprising:

a compact portable casing;

a display arranged on said casing, said display having a viewing surface for displaying a text and pictorial display of information based on display data;

an audio output means for providing audio signals based on an audio data;

a compact mass read/write memory permanently installed in said casing said memory being capable of storing of both said display and audio data;

a user interface means for inquirable and inquisitorial access to said display and audio data stored in said compact mass read/write memory;

means for receiving said display and audio data from an external source; and

circuit control means for operating said memory, said user interface, and said display, said display and audio data being capable of being read out essentially directly from said memory, whereby the data remains available in the memory for access by the user as desired;

further comprising a system controller, housed in the compact portable casing, for synchronized reproduction of said display and audio data that are associated with each other, wherein the audio output means is capable of selectively outputting a display-related voice that is based on a specified audio data.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said external source is an IC card.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said external source is an antenna.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said user interface is an input keyboard.