Portable data acquisition and management system and associated device and method

• US 20030114206A1
• Filed: 08/23/2002
• Published: 06/19/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/24/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: United Parcel Service Of America Incorporated (United Parcel Service Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: United Parcel Service Of America Incorporated (United Parcel Service Incorporated)
• Inventors: Salzman, David, Wagner, John, Everett, Peter, Timothy, Earle, Klouda, Pamela, Potteiger, David
• Application Number:
  US10/227,147
• Publication Number:
  US 20030114206A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/575.7
• 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 1/1632 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 1/1664 Arrangements for ergonomically adjusting the disposition of keys of the integrated keyboard
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1696 the I/O peripheral being a printing or scanning device
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1698 the I/O peripheral being a sending/receiving arrangement to establish a cordless communication link, e.g. radio or infrared link, integrated cellular phone details of antennas disposed inside a computer H01Q1/2266
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3203 Power management, i.e. event-based initiation of a power-saving mode
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0233 Character input methods
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 17/00 Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations

Abstract

A system for manipulating data is provided. Such a system comprises a host system, a discrete portable data acquisition device for collecting the data, at least one of a wireless wide area network (WWAN) data radio, a wireless local area network (WLAN) data radio, and a wireless personal area network (WPAN) data radio operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device and configured to at least one of transmit the data to the host system, communicate with a peripheral device, and receive data, and a memory operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device for storing the data, the memory comprising a FLASH memory module, a DRAM memory module, and an NVDRAM memory module. Associated systems, devices, and methods are also provided.

Claims

1. A system for manipulating data, said system comprising:

a host system;

a portable data acquisition device for collecting the data, the portable data acquisition device being discrete with respect to the host system;

at least one of a wireless wide area network (WWAN) data radio, a wireless local area network (WLAN) data radio, and a wireless personal area network (WPAN) data radio operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device and configured to at least one of transmit the data to the host system, communicate with a peripheral device, and receive data; and

a memory operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device for storing the data, the memory comprising a FLASH memory module, a DRAM memory module, and an NVDRAM memory module.

2. A system according to claim 1 further comprising at least one data input device operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device for receiving the data, the at least one data input device being selected from the group consisting of a keypad, a touch screen, a graphic digitizer, a scanner, an audio capturing device, a video capturing device, a switch, and combinations thereof.

3. A system according to claim 1 further comprising an acoustic modem and dialer operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device and configured to be capable of transmitting the data to the host system.

4. A system according to claim 1 further comprising at least one of a display, a speaker, an indicator, and a hard copy printing device operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device and adapted to provide system information to a user.

5. A system according to claim 1 further comprising a processor operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device for processing the data.

6. A system according to claim 5 further comprising an operating system cooperating with the processor to process the data.

7. A system according to claim 1 further comprising a power management system operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device, the power management system including a battery and at least one of a battery charger, a battery tester, a battery charging indicator, a battery level indicator, a battery interface, and a power management processor.

8. A system according to claim 1 further comprising an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication port operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device for data input/output.

9. A system according to claim 1 further comprising at least one of a diagnostic system, an application software loader, a systems software loader, and at least one application program interface operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device for facilitating the operation of the system.

10. A system according to claim 1 further comprising a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device for determining at least one of a latitude, a longitude, an altitude, and a time.

11. A system according to claim 1 further comprising a real-time clock operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device for facilitating system timing.

12. A system according to claim 1 further comprising a rotary switch operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device for function control.

13. A system according to claim 1 wherein the portable data acquisition device is housed in an impact-resistant casing.

107. A system according to claim 1 OS wherein the portable data acquisition device further comprises a receiver portion configured to receive an actuation signal from the local-area system when the portable data acquisition device is in proximity to the local-area system.

108. A system according to claim 107 wherein the actuation signal is configured to actuate at least one of communication of the collected and stored data with the central storage system and communication with the local-area system.

14. A portable data acquisition device for manipulating data, said device comprising:

at least one data input device for receiving data;

a WWAN data radio adapted to transmit the data to a discrete, remotely located mainframe data repository; and

a memory for storing the data, the memory comprising a FLASH memory module, a DRAM memory module, and an NVDRAM memory module.

15. A device according to claim 14 wherein the at least one data input device is selected from the group consisting of a keypad, a touch screen, a graphic digitizer, a scanner, an audio capturing device, a video capturing device, a switch, and combinations thereof.

16. A device according to claim 14 further comprising an acoustic modem and dialer configured to be capable of transmitting the stored data to the mainframe data repository.

17. A device according to claim 14 further comprising at least one of a display, a speaker, an indicator, and a hard copy printing device adapted to provide information to a user.

18. A device according to claim 14 further comprising a processor for processing the data.

19. A device according to claim 18 further comprising an operating system cooperating with the processor to process the data.

20. A device according to claim 14 further comprising a power management system operably engaged therewith, the power management system including a battery and at least one of a battery charger, a battery tester, a battery charging indicator, a battery level indicator, a battery interface, and a power management processor.

21. A device according to claim 14 further comprising an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication port for data input/output.

22. A device according to claim 14 further comprising at least one of a diagnostic system, an application software loader, a systems software loader, and at least one application program interface for facilitating device operation.

23. A device according to claim 14 further comprising a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor for determining at least one of a latitude, a longitude, an altitude, and a time.

24. A device according to claim 14 further comprising a real-time clock for facilitating device timing.

25. A device according to claim 14 further comprising a rotary switch for device function control.

26. A device according to claim 14 wherein the WWAN data radio is configured to transmit the stored data to the mainframe data repository via a voice/data network.

27. A device according to claim 26 wherein the voice/data network in configured to utilize at least one of a particular network protocol and a particular network frequency by which to transmit the data.

28. A portable data acquisition device for manipulating data, said device comprising:

at least one data input device for receiving data;

a memory for storing the data; and

a WWAN data radio and a WLAN data radio, each data radio being adapted at least one of transmit the stored data to a remotely located mainframe data repository and receive data.

29. A device according to claim 28 wherein the memory is selected from the group consisting of a FLASH memory module, a DRAM memory module, an NVDRAM memory module, and combinations thereof.

30. A device according to claim 28 wherein the at least one data input device is selected from the group consisting of a keypad, a touch screen, a graphic digitizer, a scanner, an audio capturing device, a video capturing device, a switch, and combinations thereof.

31. A device according to claim 28 further comprising an acoustic modem and dialer configured to be capable of transmitting the stored data to the mainframe data repository.

32. A device according to claim 28 further comprising at least one of a display, a speaker, an indicator, and a hard copy printing device adapted to provide information to a user.

33. A device according to claim 28 further comprising a processor for processing the data.

34. A device according to claim 33 further comprising an operating system cooperating with the processor to process the data.

35. A device according to claim 28 further comprising a power management system operably engaged therewith, the power management system including a battery and at least one of a battery charger, a battery tester, a battery charging indicator, a battery level indicator, a battery interface, and a power management processor.

36. A device according to claim 28 further comprising an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication port for data input/output.

37. A device according to claim 28 further comprising at least one of a diagnostic system, an application software loader, a systems software loader, and at least one application program interface for facilitating device operation.

38. A device according to claim 28 further comprising a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor for determining at least one of a latitude, a longitude, an altitude, and a time.

39. A device according to claim 28 further comprising a real-time clock for facilitating device timing.

40. A device according to claim 28 further comprising a rotary switch for device function control.

41. A device according to claim 33 wherein the processor is configured to automatically determine an appropriate one of the WWAN data radio and the WLAN data radio for transmitting the stored data to the mainframe data repository.

42. A device according to claim 28 further comprising a system for allowing manual selection of an appropriate one of the WWAN data radio and the WLAN data radio for transmitting the stored data to the mainframe data repository.

43. A device according to claim 28 wherein the WWAN data radio is configured to transmit the stored data to the mainframe data repository via a voice/data network.

44. A device according to claim 28 wherein the WWAN data radio is configured to transmit the stored data to the mainframe data repository via a digital cellular telephone network.

45. A device according to claim 43 wherein the voice/data network in configured to utilize at least one of a particular network protocol and a particular network frequency by which to transmit the data.

46. A device according to claim 28 wherein the WLAN data radio is configured to communicate the stored data with a local-area system.

47. A device according to claim 46 wherein the local-area system is disposed within at least one of a building, a facility, a compound, a boundary, and combinations thereof.

48. A device according to claim 46 wherein the WLAN data radio further comprises a receiver portion configured to receive an actuation signal from the local-area system when the portable data acquisition device is in proximity to the local-area system.

49. A device according to claim 48 wherein the actuation signal is configured to actuate the WLAN data radio to at least one of communicate the stored data with the mainframe data repository and communicate data with the local-area system.

50. A portable data acquisition device for manipulating data, said device comprising:

at least one data input device for receiving data;

a memory for storing the data; and

a WWAN data radio and a WPAN data radio, each data radio being adapted to at least one of transmit the stored data to a remotely located mainframe data repository and communicate with a peripheral device.

51. A device according to claim 50 wherein the memory is selected from the group consisting of a FLASH memory module, a DRAM memory module, an NVDRAM memory module, and combinations thereof.

52. A device according to claim 50 wherein the at least one data input device is selected from the group consisting of a keypad, a touch screen, a graphic digitizer, a scanner, an audio capturing device, a video capturing device, a switch, and combinations thereof.

53. A device according to claim 50 further comprising an acoustic modem and dialer configured to be capable of transmitting the stored data to the mainframe data repository.

54. A device according to claim 50 further comprising at least one of a display, a speaker, an indicator, and a hard copy printing device adapted to provide information to a user.

55. A device according to claim 50 further comprising a processor for processing the data.

56. A device according to claim 55 further comprising an operating system cooperating with the processor to process the data.

57. A device according to claim 50 further comprising a power management system operably engaged therewith, the power management system including a battery and at least one of a battery charger, a battery tester, a battery charging indicator, a battery level indicator, a battery interface, and a power management processor.

58. A device according to claim 50 further comprising an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication port for data input/output.

59. A device according to claim 50 further comprising at least one of a diagnostic system, an application software loader, a systems software loader, and at least one application program interface for facilitating device operation.

60. A device according to claim 50 further comprising a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor for determining at least one of a latitude, a longitude, an altitude, and a time.

61. A device according to claim 50 further comprising a real-time clock for facilitating device timing.

62. A device according to claim 50 further comprising a rotary switch for device function control.

63. A device according to claim 55 wherein the processor is configured to automatically determine an appropriate one of the WWAN data radio and the WPAN data radio for transmitting the stored data to the mainframe data repository.

64. A device according to claim 50 further comprising a system for allowing manual selection of an appropriate one of the WWAN data radio and the WPAN data radio for transmitting the stored data to the mainframe data repository.

65. A device according to claim 50 wherein the WWAN data radio is configured to transmit the stored data to the mainframe data repository via a voice/data network.

66. A device according to claim 65 wherein the voice/data network in configured to utilize at least one of a particular network protocol and a particular network frequency by which to transmit the data.

67. A device according to claim 50 wherein the WPAN data radio is configured to communicate with a peripheral device.

68. A device according to claim 67 wherein the peripheral device comprises at least one of a carrier industry device, a cellular phone, a satellite transceiver, and combinations thereof.

69. A device according to claim 68 wherein the carrier industry device comprises at least one of a carrier computer system, a consignee computer system, a printer, a lock box, an admonishment device, a door lock, and combinations thereof.

70. A device according to claim 67 wherein the WPAN data radio further comprises a receiver portion configured to receive an actuation signal from the peripheral device when the portable data acquisition device is in proximity to the local-area system.

71. A device according to claim 70 wherein the actuation signal is configured to actuate the WPAN data radio to at least one of communicate the stored data with the mainframe data repository and communicate data with the peripheral device.

72. A portable data acquisition device for manipulating data, said device comprising:

at least one data input device for receiving data;

a memory for storing the data; and

a WWAN data radio, a WLAN data radio, and a WPAN data radio, each data radio being adapted to at least one of transmit the stored data to a remotely located mainframe data repository, communicate with a peripheral device, and receive data.

73. A device according to claim 72 wherein the memory is selected from the group consisting of a FLASH memory module, a DRAM memory module, an NVDRAM memory module, and combinations thereof.

74. A device according to claim 72 wherein the at least one data input device is selected from the group consisting of a keypad, a touch screen, a graphic digitizer, a scanner, an audio capturing device, a video capturing device, a switch, and combinations thereof.

75. A device according to claim 72 further comprising an acoustic modem and dialer configured to be capable of transmitting the stored data to the mainframe data repository.

76. A device according to claim 72 further comprising at least one of a display, a speaker, an indicator, and a hard copy printing device adapted to provide information to a user.

77. A device according to claim 72 further comprising a processor for processing the data.

78. A device according to claim 77 further comprising an operating system cooperating with the processor to process the data.

79. A device according to claim 72 further comprising a power management system operably engaged therewith, the power management system including a battery and at least one of a battery charger, a battery tester, a battery charging indicator, a battery level indicator, a battery interface, and a power management processor.

80. A device according to claim 72 further comprising an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication port for data input/output.

81. A device according to claim 72 further comprising at least one of a diagnostic system, an application software loader, a systems software loader, and at least one application program interface for facilitating device operation.

82. A device according to claim 72 further comprising a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor for determining at least one of a latitude, a longitude, an altitude, and a time.

83. A device according to claim 72 further comprising a real-time clock for facilitating device timing.

84. A device according to claim 72 further comprising a rotary switch for device function control.

85. A device according to claim 77 wherein the processor is configured to automatically determine an appropriate one of the WWAN data radio, the WLAN data radio, and the WPAN data radio for transmitting the stored data to the mainframe data repository.

86. A device according to claim 72 further comprising a system for allowing manual selection of an appropriate one of the WWAN data radio, the WLAN data radio, and the WPAN data radio for transmitting the stored data to the mainframe data repository.

87. A device according to claim 72 wherein the WWAN data radio is configured to transmit the stored data to the mainframe data repository via a voice/data network.

88. A device according to claim 87 wherein the voice/data network in configured to utilize at least one of a particular network protocol and a particular network frequency by which to transmit the data.

89. A device according to claim 72 wherein the WLAN data radio is configured to communicate with a local-area system.

90. A device according to claim 89 wherein the local-area system is disposed within at least one of a building, a facility, a compound, a boundary, and combinations thereof.

91. A device according to claim 89 wherein the WLAN data radio further comprises a receiver portion configured to receive an actuation signal from the local-area system when the portable data acquisition device is in proximity to the local-area system.

92. A device according to claim 91 wherein the actuation signal is configured to actuate the WLAN data radio to at least one of communicate the stored data with the mainframe data repository and communicate data with the local-area system.

93. A device according to claim 72 wherein the WPAN data radio is configured to communicate with a peripheral device.

94. A device according to claim 93 wherein the peripheral device comprises at least one of a carrier industry device, a cellular phone, a satellite transceiver, and combinations thereof.

95. A device according to claim 94 wherein the carrier industry device comprises at least one of a carrier computer system, a consignee computer system, a printer, a lock box, an admonishment device, a door lock, and combinations thereof.

96. A device according to claim 93 wherein the WPAN data radio further comprises a receiver portion configured to receive an actuation signal from the peripheral device when the portable data acquisition device is in proximity to the local-area system.

97. A device according to claim 96 wherein the actuation signal is configured to actuate the WPAN data radio to at least one of communicate the stored data with the mainframe data repository and communicate data with the peripheral device.

98. A data collection and transmission method, comprising:

collecting and storing information on a portable data acquisition device, the portable data acquisition device including a WPAN data radio;

transmitting the information from the portable data acquisition device to an intermediate transmission device via the WPAN data radio, the intermediate transmission device being connected to a wide area network; and

transmitting the information from the intermediate transmission device to a host system via the wide area network.

99. A method according to claim 98 wherein the intermediate transmission device is selected from the group consisting of a cellular phone and a satellite transceiver.

100. A data collection and transmission method, comprising:

collecting and storing data on a portable data acquisition device, the portable data acquisition device including a WPAN data radio;

transmitting the data from the portable data acquisition device to a cellular phone via the WPAN data radio, the cellular phone being connected to a cellular network; and

transmitting the data from the cellular phone to a host system via the cellular network.

101. A data collection and transmission method, comprising:

collecting and storing data on a portable data acquisition device, the portable data acquisition device including a WPAN data radio;

transmitting the data from the portable data acquisition device to a satellite transceiver via the WPAN data radio, wherein the satellite transceiver is connected to a satellite wide area network; and

transmitting the data from the satellite transceiver to a host system via the satellite wide area network.

102. A data collection and transmission system, comprising:

a portable data acquisition device for collecting and storing data, the portable data acquisition device including at least one of a WWAN communication port, a WLAN communication port, and a WPAN communication port;

at least one peripheral device including a WLAN communication port for receiving at least one communication from the portable data acquisition device and for performing an operation in response thereto; and

a central storage system capable of communicating with the portable data acquisition device via the at least one of the WWAN communication port, the WLAN communication port, and the WPAN communication port, the central storage system being configured to receive the collected and stored data from the portable data acquisition device and to form and maintain a database of the collected and stored data.

103. A system according to claim 102 wherein the at least one peripheral device is further configured to transmit at least one communication to the portable data acquisition device.

104. A system according to claim 102 wherein the at least one peripheral device is further configured to be capable of communicating with the central storage system.

105. A system according to claim 102 further comprising a local-area system comprising the at least one peripheral device.

106. A system according to claim 105 wherein the local-area system is disposed within at least one of a building, a facility, a compound, a boundary, and combinations thereof.

109. A system according to claim 102 wherein the portable data acquisition device is configured to automatically determine an appropriate one of the WWAN communication port, the WLAN communication port, and the WPAN communication port for transmitting the stored data to the central storage system.

110. A system according to claim 102 wherein the portable data acquisition device is configured to allow manual selection of an appropriate one of the WWAN communication port, the WLAN communication port, and the WPAN communication port for transmitting the stored data to the central storage system.

111. A data collection and transmission system, comprising:

a portable data acquisition device for collecting and storing data;

a transceiver device operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device and including at least one of a WWAN communication port, a WLAN communication port, and a WPAN communication port;

at least one peripheral device including a WLAN communication port for receiving at least one communication from the portable data acquisition device and for performing an operation in response thereto; and

a central storage system capable of communicating with the portable data acquisition device via the transceiver device and the at least one of the WWAN communication port, the WLAN communication port, and the WPAN communication port, the central storage system being configured to receive the collected and stored data from the portable data acquisition device via the transceiver device and to form and maintain a database of the collected and stored data.

112. A system according to claim 111 wherein the at least one peripheral device is further configured to transmit at least one communication to the portable data acquisition device via the transceiver device.

113. A system according to claim 111 wherein the at least one peripheral device is further configured to be capable of communicating with the central storage system.

114. A system according to claim 111 further comprising a local-area system comprising the at least one peripheral device.

115. A system according to claim 114 wherein the local-area system is disposed within at least one of a building, a facility, a compound, a boundary, and combinations thereof.

116. A system according to claim 114 wherein the transceiver device is configured to receive an actuation signal from the local-area system when the portable data acquisition device is in proximity to the local-area system.

117. A system according to claim 116 wherein the actuation signal is configured to actuate at least one of communication of the collected and stored data with the central storage system and communication with the local-area system.

118. A system according to claim 111 wherein the portable data acquisition device is configured to automatically determine an appropriate one of the WWAN communication port, the WLAN communication port, and the WPAN communication port for the transceiver device to use for transmitting the stored data to the central storage system.

119. A system according to claim 111 wherein the portable data acquisition device is configured to allow manual selection of an appropriate one of the WWAN communication port, the WLAN communication port, and the WPAN communication port for the transceiver device to use for transmitting the stored data to the central storage system.

120. A method of delivering an item from an original location to a desired location, comprising:

loading at least one of a latitude, a longitude, and an altitude associated with the desired location into a data acquisition device having an immediate location; and

delivering the item when the immediate location corresponds to the desired location.

121. A method according to claim 120 further comprising determining a GPS position of the immediate location with a GPS sensor, the GPS position comprising at least one of the latitude, the longitude, and the altitude of the immediate location.

122. A method according to claim 120 wherein delivering the item further comprises delivering the item when the at least one of the latitude, the longitude, and the altitude of the desired location substantially corresponds to the corresponding at least one of the latitude, the longitude, and the altitude of the immediate location.

123. A method according to claim 122 wherein loading at least one of a latitude, a longitude, and an altitude associated with the desired location into a data acquisition device further comprises loading at least one of a latitude, a longitude, and an altitude associated with the desired location, as National Electrical Manufacturer'"'"'s Association (NEMA) formatted data, into the data acquisition device.

124. A method according to claim 120 further comprising verifying that the immediate location corresponds to the desired location and, if the respective at least ones of the latitude, the longitude, and the altitude of the immediate location and the desired location do not substantially correspond, modifying the at least one of the latitude, the longitude, and the altitude of the desired location to the at least one of the latitude, the longitude, and the altitude of the immediate location.

125. A method according to claim 120 further comprising tracking a route between the original location and the desired location as the item is delivered to the desired location.

126. A method according to claim 125 further comprising measuring at least one time along the route between the original location and the desired location.

127. A method of identifying an inaccuracy in a delivery of an item, said method comprising:

directing a destination address of the item and a destination GPS position associated with the destination address to a data acquisition device, the data acquisition device including a GPS sensor;

transporting the item to a location according to the destination address;

determining an actual GPS position of the location;

comparing the actual GPS position of the location to the destination GPS position associated with the destination address; and

providing an alert for the inaccuracy in the delivery if the comparison exceeds a selected threshold.

128. A method according to claim 127 wherein directing a destination address of the item and a destination GPS position associated with the destination address to a data acquisition device further comprises directing a destination address of the item and a destination GPS position associated with the destination address, as National Electrical Manufacturer'"'"'s Association (NEMA) formatted data, to a data acquisition device.

129. A method according to claim 127 further comprising verifying that the location corresponds to the destination address and, if the actual GPS position of the location does not substantially correspond to the destination GPS position associated with the destination address, modifying the destination GPS position associated with the destination address to the actual GPS position of the location.

130. A method according to claim 127 further comprising determining an actual address of the location if the actual GPS position of the location corresponds to the destination GPS position associated with the destination address.

131. A method according to claim 130 further comprising saving the actual address as an alias of the destination address if the actual address does not correspond to the destination address.

132. A method according to claim 130 further comprising saving the destination address as an alias of the actual address if the destination address does not correspond to the actual address.

133. A method according to claim 127 further comprising linking supplemental data to the destination address, the supplemental data being selected from the group consisting of census data, zip code+4 data, revenue data, injury data, accident data, theft data, damage data, maintenance data, special request data, preference data, maintenance data, and combinations thereof.

134. A data acquisition device, comprising:

a GPS sensor configured to determine a GPS position of a location, comprising at least one of a latitude, a longitude, and an altitude of the location; and

a processor configured to receive NEMA formatted data for a destination address, the NEMA formatted data having at least one of a latitude, a longitude and an altitude associated with the destination address, the processor being further configured to compare the GPS position of the location to the NEMA formatted data associated with the destination address, and to provide an alert if the comparison exceeds a selected threshold.

135. A device according to claim 134 wherein the processor is further configured to be capable of verifying that the location corresponds to the destination address and, if the GPS position of the location does not substantially correspond to the NEMA formatted data associated with the destination address, modifying the NEMA formatted data associated with the destination address to the GPS position of the location.

136. A device according to claim 134 wherein the processor is further configured to receive an actual address of the location if the actual GPS position of the location corresponds to the NEMA formatted data associated with the destination address.

137. A device according to claim 136 wherein the processor is further configured to direct that the actual address be saved as an alias of the destination address if the actual address does not correspond to the destination address.

138. A device according to claim 136 wherein the processor is further configured to direct that the destination address be saved as an alias of the actual address if the destination address does not correspond to the actual address.

139. A device according to claim 134 wherein the processor is further configured to cooperate with the GPS sensor to track a route between an original address and the destination address.

140. A device according to claim 139 wherein the processor is further configured to determine at least one time along the route between the original address and the destination address.

141. A device according to claim 134 wherein the GPS sensor is further configured to determine a time.

142. A device according to claim 141 wherein the NEMA formatted data for the destination address further comprises a route between an original address and the destination address.

143. A device according to claim 142 wherein the processor is further configured to determine a GPS position of an instant location along the route and to determine the time of the GPS position determination for the instant location.

144. A device according to claim 138 wherein the processor is further configured to link supplemental data to the destination address, the supplemental data being selected from the group consisting of census data, zip code+4 data, revenue data, injury data, accident data, theft data, damage data, maintenance data, special request data, preference data, maintenance data, and combinations thereof.

145. A system for collecting delivery data, the delivery data including at least one of time study statistics and work measurement statistics, associated with a driver of a delivery vehicle for a carrier, said system comprising:

a data acquisition device including a GPS sensor configured to determine GPS data;

at least one sensor operably engaged with the delivery vehicle and configured to determine particular data; and

an application residing on the data acquisition device, the application being configured to selectively direct, in real time, reception and recordation of the GPS data from the GPS sensor and reception and recordation of the particular data from the at least one sensor.

146. A system according to claim 145 wherein the at least one sensor is configured to sense the data acquisition device being within a proximity to at least one of the delivery vehicle and a selected location.

147. A system according to claim 145 wherein the at least one sensor is configured to determine a time at which the data acquisition device is within a proximity to at least one of the delivery vehicle, a selected location, and the at least one sensor.

148. A system according to claim 145 wherein the at least one sensor is configured to determine a condition of the delivery vehicle.

149. A system according to claim 145 wherein the application is further configured to direct at least one of the GPS data and the particular data to the carrier.

150. A system according to claim 149 further comprising a controller operably engaged with the delivery vehicle, the controller being configured to at least one of receive an instruction from the carrier and perform an operation in response thereto and receive a query from the carrier and determine and provide a reply thereto.

151. A method of delivering an item from an original address to a destination address, comprising:

directing delivery information associated with the item to a data acquisition device, the data acquisition device including a GPS sensor, the delivery information including the destination address of the item and a GPS position associated with the destination address and provided by the GPS sensor;

transporting the item to a location;

capturing, from the item, an identifier associated with the item;

determining, from the identifier, the delivery information associated with the item;

determining an actual GPS position of the location;

comparing the GPS position associated with the destination address to the actual GPS position of the location so as to determine a position differential; and

providing an alert if the position differential exceeds a threshold.

152. A method according to claim 151 further comprising delivering the item to the location if the position differential does not exceed the threshold.

153. A method according to claim 151 wherein capturing an identifier further comprises scanning a label on the item with the data acquisition device.

154. A method according to claim 151 further comprising verifying that the location corresponds to the destination address and, if the actual GPS position of the location does not substantially correspond to the GPS position associated with the destination address, modifying the GPS position associated with the destination address to the actual GPS position of the location.

155. A method according to claim 152 further comprising determining an actual address of the location if the actual GPS position of the location corresponds to the GPS position associated with the destination address.

156. A method according to claim 155 further comprising saving the actual address as an alias of the destination address if the actual address does not correspond to the destination address.

157. A method according to claim 155 further comprising saving the destination address as an alias of the actual address if the destination address does not correspond to the actual address.

158. A method according to claim 151 further comprising tracking, with the GPS sensor, a route between the original address and the destination address.

159. A method according to claim 158 further comprising determining at least one time along the route between the original address and the destination address.

160. A method according to claim 151 further comprising determining a time with the GPS sensor.

161. A method according to claim 160 wherein directing the delivery information further comprises directing the delivery information, including a route between an original address and the destination address, to the data acquisition device.

162. A method according to claim 161 further comprising determining a GPS position of an instant location along the route and determining the time of the GPS position determination of the instant location.

163. A method according to claim 151 further comprising linking supplemental data to the delivery information, the supplemental data being selected from the group consisting of census data, zip code+4 data, revenue data, injury data, accident data, theft data, damage data, maintenance data, special request data, preference data, maintenance data, and combinations thereof.

164. A method of delivering an item sent by a sender from an original address to a receiver at a destination address, said method comprising:

directing delivery information associated with the item from a server to a portable data acquisition device, the portable data acquisition device including a GPS sensor and at least one of a WLAN data radio and a WWAN data radio configured to receive the delivery information, the delivery information including the destination address of the item and a GPS position associated with the destination address;

delivering the item to a location according to the delivery information;

determining actual GPS data associated with the location with the GPS sensor, the actual GPS data including a time of delivery and a physical location of delivery; and

directing at least one of the time of delivery and the physical location of delivery to the carrier server via at least one of the WLAN data radio and the WWAN data radio.

165. A method according to claim 164 further comprising verifying at least one of the time of delivery and the physical location of delivery of the item upon request of at least one of the sender and the receiver.

166. A method according to claim 164 further comprising periodically directing at least one of the time of delivery and the physical location of delivery of the item to at least one of the sender and the receiver.

167. A method according to claim 164 further comprising determining an actual delivery address of the location.

168. A method according to claim 167 further comprising saving the actual delivery address as an alias of the destination address if the actual delivery address does not correspond to the destination address.

169. A method according to claim 167 further comprising saving the destination address as an alias of the actual delivery address if the destination address does not correspond to the actual delivery address.

170. A method according to claim 164 further comprising tracking, with the GPS sensor, a route between the original address and the destination address.

171. A method according to claim 170 further comprising determining at least one time along the route between the original address and the destination address.

172. A method according to claim 166 further comprising determining a time with the GPS sensor.

173. A method according to claim 172 wherein directing the delivery information further comprises directing the delivery information, including a route between the original address and the destination address, to the portable data acquisition device.

174. A method according to claim 173 further comprising determining a GPS position of an instant location along the route and determining the time of the GPS position determination of the instant location.

175. A method according to claim 164 further comprising linking supplemental data to the delivery information, the supplemental data being selected from the group consisting of census data, zip code+4 data, revenue data, injury data, accident data, theft data, damage data, maintenance data, special request data, preference data, maintenance data, and combinations thereof

176. A method of delivering an item from a sender to a consignee, comprising:

directing delivery information associated with the item from a carrier server to a portable data acquisition device, the portable data acquisition device including a WPAN data radio, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication port, and at least one of a WLAN data radio and a WWAN data radio for receiving the delivery information;

delivering the item to the consignee according to the delivery information;

collecting data associated with the delivery of the item to the consignee; and

directing the data associated with the delivery of the item via at least one of the WPAN data radio and the IrDA communication port to a computer associated with the consignee.

177. A method according to claim 176 wherein directing the data associated with the delivery of the item further comprises directing the data associated with the delivery of the item to the consignee in response to a request therefrom.

178. A method according to claim 176 wherein directing the data associated with the delivery of the item further comprises automatically directing the data associated with the delivery of the item to the consignee.

179. A method according to claim 178 wherein automatically directing the data to the consignee further comprises automatically directing the data to the consignee at least one of in real time and at a selected interval.

180. A method according to claim 176 further comprising linking supplemental data to the delivery information, the supplemental data being selected from the group consisting of census data, zip code+4 data, revenue data, injury data, accident data, theft data, damage data, maintenance data, special request data, preference data, maintenance data, and combinations thereof.

181. A portable data acquisition device adapted to interact with a user, comprising

a GPS sensor configured to determine a geographic location of the user;

a signature capture window display configured to receive a signature of the user; and

a processor configured to compare the signature of the user to a list of authorized signatures for the geographic location of the user so as to verify a signature authority of the user.

182. A device according to claim 181 wherein the list of authorized signatures is displayed in the signature capture window display for comparison to the user'"'"'s signature.

183. A device according to claim 181 wherein the processor is further configured to implement an automatic handwriting analysis to compare the signature of the user to a list of authorized signatures for the geographic location of the user.

184. A device according to claim 181 wherein the signature capture window display is further configured to receive a fingerprint of the user and the processor is further configured to compare the user'"'"'s fingerprint to a database of authorized fingerprints for the geographic location of the user.

185. A device according to claim 184 wherein the processor is further configured to compare the user'"'"'s fingerprint and the user'"'"'s signature to a database of authorized fingerprint and signature pairs for the geographic location of the user so as to verify that the user'"'"'s fingerprint corresponds to the user'"'"'s signature.

186. A device according to claim 181 further comprising a image capturing device for capturing an image of the user, the processor being further configured to compare the user'"'"'s image to a database of authorized images for the geographic location of the user.

187. A device according to claim 186 wherein the processor is further configured to compare the user'"'"'s image and the user'"'"'s signature to a database of authorized image and signature pairs for the geographic location of the user so as to verify that the user'"'"'s image corresponds to the user'"'"'s signature.

188. A system for a portable electronic device implementing a Windows™

CE operating system, the system for protecting data entries into the portable electronic device, said system comprising;

a random access memory module for temporarily storing the data entries;

a permanent memory module in communication with the random access memory module and configured to permanently store selected ones of the data entries; and

an intermediate memory module in communication with the random access memory module and the permanent memory module, the intermediate memory module being configured to be non-volatile and capable of permanently storing the data entries.

189. A system according to claim 188 wherein the random access memory module further comprises a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) module.

190. A system according to claim 188 wherein the permanent memory module further comprises a Flash Memory module.

191. A system according to claim 190 wherein the Flash Memory module is housed within the portable electronic device.

192. A system according to claim 190 wherein the Flash Memory module is housed within a memory device configured to be removably engaged with the portable electronic device.

193. A system according to claim 188 wherein the intermediate memory module further comprises a Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM) module.

194. A system according to claim 188 wherein the random access memory module and the intermediate memory module are configured to concurrently receive the data entries.

195. A system according to claim 188 wherein at least one of the random access memory module and the intermediate memory module are configured to be capable of transferring the selected ones of the data entries to the permanent memory module.

196. A system according to claim 188 wherein at least one of the random access memory module, the permanent memory module, and the intermediate memory module is selectable for receiving the data entries.

197. A system according to claim 188 wherein only the intermediate memory module is configured to be capable of transferring the selected ones of the data entries to the permanent memory module.

198. A method of protecting data entries associated with an event and received by a portable electronic device implementing a Windows™

CE operating system, said method comprising;

receiving the data entries in a random access memory module operably engaged with the portable electronic device;

receiving the data entries in an intermediate memory module operably engaged with the portable electronic device; and

transferring selected ones of the data entries, upon completion of the event, from at least one of the random access memory module and the intermediate memory module to a permanent memory module operably engaged with the portable electronic device for permanent storage thereof.

199. A method according to claim 198 wherein receiving the data entries in a random access memory module further comprises receiving the data entries in a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) module.

200. A method according to claim 198 wherein transferring selected ones of the data entries to a permanent memory module further comprises transferring selected ones of the data entries to a Flash Memory module.

201. A method according to claim 200 wherein transferring selected ones of the data entries to a permanent memory module further comprises transferring selected ones of the data entries to a Flash Memory module housed within the portable electronic device.

202. A method according to claim 200 wherein transferring selected ones of the data entries to a permanent memory module further comprises transferring selected ones of the data entries to a Flash Memory module removably engaged with the portable electronic device.

203. A method according to claim 200 wherein receiving the data entries in an intermediate memory module further comprises concurrently storing the data entries in a Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM) module.

204. A method according to claim 200 wherein receiving the data entries in a random access memory module is concurrent with receiving the data entries in an intermediate memory module.

205. A method according to claim 200 wherein transferring selected ones of the data entries to a permanent memory module further comprises transferring selected ones of the data entries to a permanent memory module only from the intermediate memory module.

206. A method of retrieving specific data from a private database of a customer using a portable electronic device having a wireless local area network (WLAN) data radio, a wireless personal area network (WPAN) data radio, a wireless wide area network (WWAN) data radio, and an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication port operably engaged therewith, said method comprising

establishing communication with a computer device housing the private database and accessing the private database via at least one of the WPAN data radio and the IrDA communication port;

and

determining and receiving at the portable electronic device, the specific data from the private database.

207. A method according to claim 206 further comprising storing the specific data in the portable electronic device.

208. A method according to claim 206 further comprising executing an application program interface (API) operably engaged with the portable electronic device, the API being configured to select at least one of the WPAN data radio and the IrDA communication port and to define parameters for providing limited invasion into and disruption of the private database.

209. A method according to claim 206 further comprising reporting to the customer the specific data accessed in the private database.

210. A method of selecting a data radio from a wireless local area network (WLAN) data radio, a wireless personal area network (WPAN) data radio, and a wireless wide area network (WWAN) data radio operably engaged with a portable electronic device, said method comprising:

determining a task to be performed by the portable electronic device;

associating the task with one of the data radios according to a matching criteria; and

actuating the data radio associated with the task.

211. A method according to claim 210 wherein associating the task with one of the data radios further comprises executing a selection algorithm configured to apply the matching criteria.

212. A method according to claim 210 wherein determining a task further comprises determining a task to be performed by the portable electronic device from an input to the portable electronic device by a user thereof.

213. A method according to claim 210 wherein determining a task further comprises determining a task to be performed by the portable electronic device from an input to the portable electronic device by a sensor operably engaged therewith.

214. A method according to claim 210 wherein determining a task further comprises determining a task to be performed by the portable electronic device from an input to the portable electronic device by a central server communicating with the portable electronic device via one of the data radios.

215. A method according to claim 210 further comprising saving details associated with the task in a database of tasks performed by the portable electronic device.

216. A method according to claim 215 further comprising directing the database of tasks performed by the portable electronic device to a central server in communication therewith via one of the data radios.

217. A tool capable of being operably engaged with and extracting data from a portable electronic device having an operating system, a processor, a Flash Memory module, an NVRAM module, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) data radio, and an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication port, said data extraction tool comprising:

a communication port configured to communicate with the portable electronic device via at least one of the WLAN data radio and the IrDA communication port; and

a processing portion configured to selectively locate and extract data from at least one of the Flash Memory module and the NVRAM module, independently of the processor and the operating system.

218. A tool according to claim 217 further comprising a processing portion configured to direct the data to the tool via at least one of the WLAN data radio and the IrDA communication port.

219. A tool according to claim 217 wherein the processing portion configured to selectively locate and extract data is further configured to selectively locate and extract the data without accessing any one of the operating system and the processor with respect to an electronic address of the data.

220. A tool according to claim 217 wherein the communication port is directed by an input from a user to select at least one of the WLAN data radio and the IrDA communication port for communication with the portable electronic device.

221. A tool according to claim 217 wherein the communication port is configured to automatically select at least one of the WLAN data radio and the IrDA communication port for communication with the portable electronic device.

222. A method of regulating a battery pack for a portable electronic device having at least one of an application program interface (API) and software capable of directing interaction with the battery pack, said method comprising:

monitoring a condition of the battery pack having a charge of power;

allocating the power from the battery pack so as to optimize usage of the charge; and

directing recharging of the battery pack independently of instructional input from an external recharging station.

223. A method according to claim 222 wherein monitoring a condition of the battery pack further comprises monitoring at least one of the charge of the battery pack, a power usage for a task, a time for a task, a recharging status of the battery pack, any abnormal power usage conditions, reduced-power usage mode parameters, operational parameters, and combination thereof.

224. A method according to claim 222 wherein allocating the power further comprises allocating the power such that the charge includes a reserve charge capable of maintaining the portable electronic device in a reduced-power usage mode for a selected time until the battery pack is recharged.

225. A method according to claim 224 further comprising providing an alert when the reserve charge is maintaining the portable electronic device.

226. A method according to claim 224 further comprising directing the portable electronic device into the reduced-power usage mode when the portable electronic device is being maintained by the reserve charge.

227. A method according to claim 222 wherein the battery pack is configured to be operably engaged with the external recharging station and directing recharging of the battery pack further comprises directing recharging of the battery pack with instructional input from the portable electronic device via the at least one of the API and software, the external recharging station being configured to be responsive to the instructional input from the portable electronic device to recharge the battery pack.

228. A method according to claim 222 further comprising preparing a report including the monitored condition of the battery pack, the power allocation, and the recharging direction.

229. A method of determining a capacity of a battery for a portable electronic device, said method comprising:

analyzing data associated with typical operational conditions of the portable electronic device during a shift;

developing a task-specific battery power usage profile for the portable electronic device during the shift; and

optimizing the battery capacity according to the power usage profile, the battery capacity corresponding to power required by the electronic device during the shift.

230. A method according to claim 229 wherein optimizing the battery capacity further comprises optimizing the battery capacity by altering at least one of the size, weight, type, charging characteristics, discharging characteristics, and the storage capacity of the battery.

231. A method according to claim 229 further comprising periodically monitoring the operating conditions of the portable electronics device, revising the power usage profile, and re-optimizing the battery capacity in response thereto.

232. A method according to claim 229 wherein optimizing the battery capacity further comprises adjusting the optimized battery capacity to provide a battery capacity reserve.

233. A method according to claim 229 wherein optimizing the battery capacity further comprises adjusting the optimized battery capacity to provide a battery capacity reserve of between about 5% and about 100% of the optimized battery capacity.

234. A method according to claim 229 wherein analyzing data and developing a battery power usage profile for the portable electronic device further comprise analyzing data and developing a battery power usage profile for the portable electronic device on a per route basis.

235. A method of testing an impact durability of a container, the container being generally defined by a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis disposed perpendicularly thereto, said method comprising:

releasing the container from a height above a surface such that gravity directs the container in a vertical direction toward impact with the surface; and

simultaneously directing the container in a horizontal direction such that the container impacts the surface with a velocity having a vertical component and a horizontal component.

236. A method according to claim 235 further comprising simultaneously rotating the container about at least one of the longitudinal and lateral axes such that the container is also rotating upon impact with the surface.

237. A method according to claim 235 wherein the height is between about 1 foot and about 10 feet.

238. A method according to claim 235 further comprising determining at least one force acting upon the container upon impact with the surface with a sensor disposed within the container.

239. A method according to claim 235 further comprising at least one of selectively reinforcing the container, selectively adding an impact absorbing material to the container, and altering a material comprising the container in response to a condition of the container upon impact with the surface.

240. In a portable electronic device having a longitudinal axis generally adapted to be directed at a user, a data entry keypad adapted to receive input from a pair of thumbs while the corresponding hands are grasping and supporting the device, said keypad comprising:

a plurality of V-shaped rows of keys, the keys being disposed on a face of the portable electronic device within a natural range of motion of the thumbs when the portable electronic device is grasped by the hands, each V-shaped row having an apex disposed within a central region of the face and directed at the user, the central region being disposed along the longitudinal axis, each V-shaped row further includes opposing distal ends extending outwardly of the apex and directed away from the user, the keys being disposed on the face and with respect to the central region so as to minimize rotation of the portable electronic device about the longitudinal axis upon actuation of the keys by the thumbs.

241. A keypad according to claim 240 wherein the keypad is further configured to prevent moisture from entering the portable electronic device.

242. A keypad according to claim 241 further comprising a flexible membrane covering the keys and sealed to the portable electronic device so as to prevent moisture from entering the portable electronic device.

243. A keypad according to claim 240 wherein each of the off-apex keys is separated from the central region by a distance and the distance between each off-apex key and the central region is minimized so as to minimize rotation of the portable electronic device about the longitudinal axis upon actuation of the off-apex keys by the thumbs.

244. A keypad according to claim 240 wherein each of the keys are separated by a key pitch distance and the key pitch distance is dimensioned so as to adapt the keypad for use by at least one of a gloved hand and an ungloved hand.

245. A keypad according to claim 244 wherein the key pitch distance is about 0.7 inches.

246. A keypad according to claim 240 wherein each of the keys has a size and the key size is selected so as to adapt the keypad for use by at least one of a gloved hand and an ungloved hand.

247. A keypad according to claim 240 wherein the plurality of keys is implemented in a touch screen.

248. A method of stabilizing a portable electronic device having a keypad as the keypad is typed upon with a pair of thumbs, the device including a longitudinal axis generally adapted to be directed at a user and a plurality of keys in the keypad for entering data into the portable electronic device with the user'"'"'s thumbs as the portable electronic device is grasped by the user'"'"'s hands, said method comprising:

positioning the keys in a plurality of V-shaped rows, each V-shaped row having an apex disposed within a central region and directed at the user, the central region being disposed along the longitudinal axis, each V-shaped row further including opposing distal ends extending outwardly of the central region and directed away from the user, each off-apex key being separated from the central region by a distance; and

minimizing the distance between each of the off-apex keys and the central region so as to minimize rotation of the portable electronic device about the longitudinal axis upon actuation of the off-apex keys by the thumbs.

249. A method according to claim 248 wherein positioning the keys further comprises positioning the keys on a face of the portable electronic device within a natural range of motion of the user'"'"'s thumbs when the portable electronic device is grasped by the user'"'"'s hands.

250. A method according to claim 248 wherein minimizing the distance further comprises spacing the keys by a key pitch distance dimensioned so as to adapt the keypad for use by at least one of a gloved hand and an ungloved hand.

251. A method according to claim 248 wherein minimizing the distance further comprises spacing the keys by a key pitch distance of about 0.7 inches.

252. A method according to claim 248 wherein minimizing the distance further comprises sizing the keys so as to adapt the keypad for use by at least one of a gloved hand and an ungloved hand.

253. A method according to claim 248 further comprising configuring the keypad to prevent moisture from entering the portable electronic device.

254. A method according to claim 248 further comprising disposing a flexible membrane over the keys, the flexible membrane being sealed to the portable electronic device so as to prevent moisture from entering the portable electronic device.

255. A method according to claim 248 wherein positioning the keys further comprises positioning the keys on a touch screen in a plurality of V-shaped rows.

256. In a portable electronic device, a data entry keypad adapted to receive input from a gloved digit of a hand, the keypad being disposed upon a face of the device, said keypad comprising:

a plurality of keys each having a center and being separated by a key pitch distance, the key pitch distance being a center-to-center distance between adjacently-disposed keys, the key pitch distance being selected to facilitate actuation of each key by the gloved digit without actuating an adjacently-disposed key on the keypad.

257. A keypad according to claim 256 wherein each of the keys is sized and shaped so as to facilitate actuation thereof by the gloved digit.

258. A keypad according to claim 256 wherein the keys are disposed in a plurality of V-shaped rows on a face of the portable electronic device within a natural range of motion of the gloved thumbs when the portable electronic device is grasped by the hands.

259. A keypad according to claim 258 wherein each V-shaped row includes an apex disposed within a central region and directed at the user, the central region being disposed along the longitudinal axis, each V-shaped row further including opposing distal ends extending outwardly of the central region and directed away from the user.

260. A keypad according to claim 259 wherein the off-apex keys are disposed on the face and a minimal distance away from the central region so as to minimize rotation of the portable electronic device about the longitudinal axis upon actuation of the off-apex keys by the gloved thumbs.

261. A keypad according to claim 256 wherein the key pitch distance is about 0.6 inches.

262. A keypad according to claim 256 wherein the keypad is further configured to prevent moisture from entering the portable electronic device.

263. A keypad according to claim 262 further comprising a flexible membrane covering the keys and sealed to the portable electronic device so as to prevent moisture from entering the portable electronic device.

264. A keypad according to claim 256 wherein the plurality of keys is implemented in a touch screen.

265. A portable electronic device having a top face and a bottom face, said portable electronic device comprising:

an actuator adapted to receive input from an index finger of a hand while the hand is grasping the device, the actuator being disposed on the bottom face of the portable electronic device so as to be naturally accessible by the index finger.

266. A device according to claim 265 wherein the actuator is sized and shaped so as to facilitate actuation thereof by a gloved index finger.

267. A device according to claim 265 wherein the actuator further comprises at least one of a rotary switch, a rocker switch, a key, and a button.

268. A device according to claim 265 further comprising a recess defined by the bottom face, the actuator being disposed within the recess so as to prevent accidental actuation thereof.

269. A device according to claim 265 wherein the actuator is configured to prevent moisture from entering the portable electronic device.

270. A device according to claim 265 wherein the actuator further comprises a rotary switch including a housing having a first switch portion and a textured roller element operably engaged with the housing and having a second switch portion, the first switch portion being cooperable with the second switch portion to form a switch mechanism.

271. A device according to claim 270 wherein the first switch portion is cooperable with the second switch portion via at least one of a mechanical, an electrical, and a magnetic arrangement.

272. A device according to claim 265 wherein the actuator is operably engaged with the portable electronic device so as to prevent moisture from entering the portable electronic device about the actuator.

273. A device according to claim 265 further comprising a seal operably engaged between the actuator and the portable electronic device so as to prevent moisture from entering the portable electronic device about the actuator.

274. A device according to claim 265 further comprising a data entry keypad disposed upon a top surface and ergonomically adapted to receive input from a thumb of the hand.

275. A device according to claim 274 wherein the keypad includes a plurality of keys each having a center and being separated by a key pitch distance, the key pitch distance being a center-to-center distance between adjacently-disposed keys.

276. A device according to claim 275 wherein the key pitch distance is selected to facilitate actuation of each key by one of a pair of gloved thumbs without actuating an adjacently-disposed key on the keypad.

277. A device according to claim 275 wherein each of the keys is sized and shaped so as to facilitate actuation thereof by a gloved thumb.

278. A device according to claim 275 wherein the keys are disposed in a plurality of V-shaped rows on a top surface within a natural range of motion of gloved thumbs when the portable electronic device is grasped by the hands.

279. A device according to claim 278 wherein each V-shaped row includes an apex disposed within a central region and directed at the user, the central region being disposed along the longitudinal axis, each V-shaped row further including opposing distal ends extending outwardly of the central region and directed away from the user.

280. A device according to claim 279 wherein the off-apex keys are disposed on the face and a minimal distance away from the central region so as to minimize rotation of the portable electronic device about the longitudinal axis upon actuation of the off-apex keys by the gloved thumbs.

281. A device according to claim 275 wherein the keys are disposed in a plurality of linear rows on a top surface within a natural range of motion of gloved thumbs when the portable electronic device is grasped by the hands.

282. A device according to claim 275 wherein the key pitch distance is about 0.7 inches.

283. A device according to claim 275 wherein the keypad is further configured to prevent moisture from entering the portable electronic device.

284. A device according to claim 283 further comprising a flexible membrane covering the keys and sealed to the portable electronic device so as to prevent moisture from entering the portable electronic device.

285. A device according to claim 275 wherein the keypad is implemented in a touch screen.

286. A device according to claim 268 further comprising a pair of grasping pads extending from the bottom face of the device so as to at least partially define the recess, the pair of grasping pads being disposed about outward opposing edges of the bottom face, in generally opposing relation to a keypad on the top face, the grasping pads being configured such that, when the fingers of the hands are wrapped about the grasping pads so as to allow the hands to grasp the device, the keypad is in a natural range of motion of the thumbs and the actuator is naturally accessible by the index finger.

287. A portable data acquisition device, comprising:

a data input device;

a memory;

a data storage device;

a data transmission device;

an actuator; and

a casing for containing the data input device, the memory, the data storage device, and the data transmission device, the casing being configured to be substantially resistant to moisture intrusion and comprising a continuous membrane defining at least one opening configured to receive the actuator, the membrane being configured to operably engage the actuator so as to substantially prevent moisture intrusion into the casing about the actuator.

288. A device according to claim 287 wherein the actuator is sized and shaped so as to facilitate actuation thereof by a gloved index finger.

289. A device according to claim 287 wherein the actuator further comprises at least one of a rotary switch, a rocker switch, a key, and a button.

290. A device according to claim 287 wherein the at least one opening is disposed in a recess defined by the casing and the actuator is disposed in the at least one opening within the recess so as to prevent accidental actuation of the actuator.

291. A device according to claim 287 wherein the actuator comprises a rotary switch including a housing configured to operably engage the casing and having a first switch portion and a textured roller element operably engaged with the housing and having a second switch portion, the first switch portion being cooperable with the second switch portion to form a switch mechanism.

292. A device according to claim 291 wherein the first switch portion is cooperable with the second switch portion via at least one of a mechanical, an electrical, and a magnetic arrangement.

293. A device according to claim 291 further comprising a seal operably engaged between the actuator and the casing so as to prevent moisture from entering the casing about the actuator.

294. A device according to claim 291 further comprising a data entry keypad operably engaged with the casing and adapted to receive input from a thumb of a hand.

295. A device according to claim 294 wherein the keypad includes a plurality of keys each having a center and being separated by a key pitch distance, the key pitch distance being a center-to-center distance between adjacently-disposed keys.

296. A device according to claim 295 wherein the key pitch distance is selected to facilitate actuation of each key by one of a pair of gloved thumbs without actuating an adjacently-disposed key on the keypad.

297. A device according to claim 295 wherein each of the keys is sized and shaped so as to facilitate actuation thereof by a gloved thumb.

298. A device according to claim 295 wherein the keys are disposed in a plurality of linear rows on the casing within a natural range of motion of gloved thumbs when the portable electronic device is grasped by the hands.

299. A device according to claim 295 wherein the keys are disposed in a plurality of V-shaped rows on the casing within a natural range of motion of gloved thumbs when the portable electronic device is grasped by the hands.

300. A device according to claim 299 wherein each V-shaped row includes an apex disposed within a central region and directed at the user, the central region being disposed along the longitudinal axis, each V-shaped row further including opposing distal ends extending outwardly of the central region and directed away from the user.

301. A device according to claim 300 wherein the off-apex keys are disposed on the casing and a minimal distance away from the central region so as to minimize rotation of the portable electronic device about the longitudinal axis upon actuation of the off-apex keys by the gloved thumbs.

302. A device according to claim 295 wherein the key pitch distance is about 0.7 inches.

303. A device according to claim 295 wherein the keypad is implemented in a touch screen.

304. A device according to claim 295 wherein the keypad is further configured to prevent moisture from entering the portable electronic device.

305. A device according to claim 304 wherein the membrane further comprises a flexible portion covering the keys.

306. A device according to claim 287 further comprising a data display having a major axis oriented perpendicularly with respect to a longitudinal axis of the casing.

307. A portable electronic device and holder assembly, comprising:

a holder adapted to be attached to a user, the holder comprising;

a first end;

an elongate arm extending from the first end to an opposing second end;

a hook operably engaged with the second end of the arm, the hook having a tine separated from the arm by a span; and

a gate having a hinged end rotatably engaged with a pair of rails spaced inward from the second end and a free end extending across the span to the tine, the free end being biased toward the tine by a biasing device operably engaged between the arm and the gate;

a pin configured to be received within the span and secured between the arm, the tine, and the gate, the pin spanning a channel defined by the portable electronic device, so as to secure the portable electronic device to the holder; and

a pair of shoulders on an edge of a casing of the portable electronic device defining the channel and having the pin operably engaged therebetween, the shoulders being configured with respect to the edge of the casing such that the gate is urged away from the tine and toward the arm when the portable electronic device is rotated about the pin and over the tine, toward the first end of the holder, the pin thereby being removable from the span so as to disengage the portable electronic device from the holder.

308. An assembly according to claim 307 wherein the rails sized and shaped to fit within the channel and configured to guide the pin into the span of the hook.

309. An assembly according to claim 308 wherein the rails are further configured to positively engage the channel so as to provide a tactile cue indicating that the portable electronic device is properly aligned with the holder for guiding the pin into the span of the hook so as to secure the portable electronic device to the holder.

310. An assembly according to claim 308 wherein the rails are further configured to cooperate with the channel and the casing so as to urge the gate away from the tine and toward the arm in order to facilitate the guiding of the pin into the span of the hook.

311. An assembly according to claim 309 wherein the portable electronic device is further configured to cooperate with the holder so as to provide at least one of an auditory alert and a tactile cue as the pin is secured in the span of the hook.

312. An assembly according to claim 311 wherein the biasing device is configured to urge the gate to impact the tine after the pin is guided into the span of the hook, the impact of the gate with the tine providing both an auditory alert and a tactile cue to indicate that the pin is secured in the span of the hook.

313. An assembly according to claim 311 further comprising a sensor operably engaged with at least one of the holder and the portable electronic device and an alert device operably engaged with the sensor, the sensor being configured to determine when the pin is secured in the span of the hook and to direct the alert device to produce at least one of an auditory alert and a tactile cue.

314. An assembly according to claim 310 wherein the biasing device is configured to cooperate with the gate and the portable electronic device so as to provide a tactile cue to the user as the pin is being guided into the span, the tactile cue comprising a resistance, as imparted by the biasing device via the gate, translated through the portable electronic device to a hand of the user as the gate urged away from the tine toward the arm.

315. An assembly according to claim 307 wherein the shoulders are configured with respect to the edge such that the portable electronic device may be rotated about the pin and over the tine, such that the portable electronic device is at least perpendicular to the arm, before the gate is urged away from the tine and toward the arm.

316. An assembly according to claim 315 wherein the shoulders are configured with respect to the edge such that the portable electronic device may be rotated about the pin and over the tine and operated without removing the portable electronic device from the holder.

317. A holder adapted to be attached to a user and capable of being operably engaged with a portable electronic device, the device including a pair of shoulders on an edge of a casing thereof, the shoulders cooperating to define a channel and having a pin operably engaged therebetween, said holder comprising:

a first end;

an elongate arm extending from the first end to an opposing second end;

a hook operably engaged with the second end of the arm, the hook having a tine separated from the arm by a span; and

a gate having a hinged end rotatably engaged with a pair of rails spaced inward from the second end and a free end extending across the span to the tine, the free end being biased toward the tine by a biasing device operably engaged between the arm and the gate, the span being configured to receive the pin therein, the pin being securable between the arm, the tine, and the gate so as to secure the portable electronic device to the holder, the shoulders being configured with respect to the edge of the casing so as to urge the gate away from the tine and toward the arm when the portable electronic device is rotated about the pin and over the tine, toward the first end of the holder, the pin thereby being removable from the span so as to disengage the portable electronic device from the holder.

318. A holder according to claim 317 wherein the rails sized and shaped to fit within the channel and configured to guide the pin into the span of the hook.

319. A holder according to claim 318 wherein the rails are further configured to positively engage the channel so as to provide a tactile cue indicating that the portable electronic device is properly aligned with the holder for guiding the pin into the span of the hook so as to secure the portable electronic device to the holder.

320. A holder according to claim 318 wherein the rails are further configured to cooperate with the channel and the casing so as to urge the gate away from the tine and toward the arm in order to facilitate the guiding of the pin into the span of the hook.

321. A holder according to claim 317 wherein the hook and the gate are configured such that the portable electronic device may be rotated about the pin and over the tine, such that the portable electronic device is at least perpendicular to the arm, before the shoulders urge the gate away from the tine and toward the arm.

322. A holder according to claim 321 wherein the hook and the gate are configured such that the portable electronic device may be rotated about the pin and over the tine and operated without removing the portable electronic device from the holder.

323. A method of non-visually determining a relation of a portable electronic device to a holder, the holder including a hook operably engaged with one end of an arm, the hook having a tine separated from the arm by a span, and a gate having a hinged end in rotatable communication with a pair of rails operably engaged with the arm and a free end extending therefrom across the span to the tine, the free end being biased toward the tine by a biasing device, the portable electronic device having a pin operably engaged therewith and configured to removably engage the holder so as to secure the portable electronic device thereto, said method comprising:

providing at least one of an auditory alert and a tactile cue to a user as the pin is guided into the span of the hook and secured therein via cooperation of the arm, the tine, the gate, and the biasing device.

324. A method according to claim 323 wherein providing at least one of an auditory alert and a tactile cue further comprises urging the gate to impact the tine, with the biasing device, after the pin is guided into the span of the hook, the impact of the gate with the tine providing both an auditory alert and a tactile cue to indicate that the pin is secured in the span of the hook.

325. A method according to claim 323 wherein providing at least one of an auditory alert and a tactile cue further comprises determining when the pin is secured in the span of the hook with a sensor operably engaged with at least one of the holder and the portable electronic device and directing an alert device, operably engaged with the sensor, to produce at least one of an auditory alert and a tactile cue.

326. A method according to claim 323 wherein providing at least one of an auditory alert and a tactile cue further comprises translating, as the pin is being guided into the span, a resistance, as imparted by the biasing device via the gate, through the portable electronic device to a hand of a user as the gate urged away from the tine toward the arm.

327. A method according to claim 323 wherein providing at least one of an auditory alert and a tactile cue further comprises directing the rails into positive engagement with the channel, the rails and the channel being configured to cooperate to provide a tactile cue upon positive engagement therebetween in order to indicate that the portable electronic device is properly aligned with the holder for guiding the pin into the span of the hook so as to secure the portable electronic device to the holder.

328. A portable electronic device, comprising:

an elongate stylus having an actuation end, a medial portion, and a distal end, the medial portion defining a circumferential groove;

a casing defining a recess configured to receive and house the actuation end of the stylus, the recess extending to a channel defined by the casing and configured to receive the medial portion of the stylus, the recess and the channel being configured to cooperate to receive the stylus such that the distal end extends from the groove and outwardly of the casing; and

a retaining mechanism operably engaged with the channel in correspondence with the circumferential groove defined by the medial portion of the stylus, the retaining mechanism being configured to operably engage the circumferential groove so as to removably secure the stylus to the casing.

329. A device according to claim 328 wherein the retaining mechanism further comprises a pair of opposing flanges operably engaged with the channel and protruding into the channel, the flanges being configured to operably engage the circumferential groove so as to removably secure the stylus to the casing.

330. A device according to claim 329 wherein the flanges are configured to operably engage the circumferential groove so as to removably secure the stylus to the casing with at least one of a snap fit engagement and a frictional fit engagement.

331. A device according to claim 329 wherein the flanges are configured to be flexible so as to facilitate engagement and disengagement of the stylus with respect to the channel while securing the stylus within the channel.

332. A device according to claim 328 further comprising a tether operably engaged between the stylus and the casing for securing the stylus to the portable electronic device.

333. A portable electronic device defining a longitudinal axis generally adapted to be directed at a user and adapted to be grasped and operated by the user'"'"'s hands, said portable electronic device comprising:

a casing for containing a data input device, a memory, a data storage device, and a data transmission device, the casing being configured to be substantially resistant to moisture intrusion and comprising a substantially continuous membrane defining at least one opening;

an actuator adapted to receive input from an index finger of a hand while the hand is grasping the device, the actuator being disposed on a bottom face of the casing, in the at least one opening, so as to be naturally accessible by the index finger, the actuator being configured to operably engage the membrane so as to substantially prevent moisture intrusion into the casing about the actuator;

a main display having a major dimension and a minor dimension, the main display being operably engaged with a top face of the casing such that the major dimension is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the case; and

a keypad including a plurality of keys disposed on a top face of the casing so as to be capable of being engaged with a thumb of each hand when the casing is grasped by the user'"'"'s hands.

334. A device according to claim 333 wherein the keys are implemented in a touch-screen display.

335. A device according to claim 334 wherein the touch-screen display is integral with the main display.

336. A device according to claim 333 wherein the casing is further configured to house a cellular telephone.

337. A device according to claim 333 wherein the casing is further configured to house a hard copy printing device.

338. A device according to claim 333 wherein the actuator is sized and shaped so as to facilitate actuation thereof by a gloved index finger.

339. A device according to claim 333 wherein the at least one opening is disposed in a recess defined by the casing and the actuator is disposed in the at least one opening within the recess so as to prevent accidental actuation of the actuator.

340. A device according to claim 333 wherein the actuator comprises a rotary switch including a housing configured to operably engage the casing and having a first switch portion and a textured roller element operably engaged with the housing and having a second switch portion, the first switch portion being cooperable with the second switch portion to form a switch mechanism.

341. A device according to claim 340 wherein the first switch portion is cooperable with the second switch portion via at least one of a mechanical, an electrical, and a magnetic arrangement.

342. A device according to claim 333 further comprising a seal operably engaged between the actuator and the casing so as to prevent moisture from entering the casing about the actuator.

343. A device according to claim 333 wherein the keys each have a center and are separated by a key pitch distance, the key pitch distance being a center-to-center distance between adjacently-disposed keys, and wherein the key pitch distance is selected to facilitate actuation of each key by one of a pair of gloved thumbs without actuating an adjacently-disposed key on the keypad.

344. A device according to claim 333 wherein each of the keys is sized and shaped so as to facilitate actuation thereof by a gloved thumb.

345. A device according to claim 343 wherein the key pitch distance is about 0.6 inches.

346. A device according to claim 333 wherein the keypad is further configured to prevent moisture from entering the casing.

347. A device according to claim 346 further comprising a flexible membrane covering the keys, the flexible membrane being sealed to the casing so as to prevent moisture from entering the casing.

348. A device according to claim 333 wherein the bottom surface of the casing further includes a plurality of pads extending outwardly therefrom, the pads cooperating to define a plane.

349. A device according to claim 348 wherein the pads further include a pair of grasping pads disposed about outward opposing edges of the bottom face, in generally opposing relation to the keypad on the top face, the grasping pads being configured such that, when the keypad is in a natural range of motion of the thumbs, the other fingers of the hands are capable of wrapping about the grasping pads so as to allow the hands to grasp the casing.

350. A device according to claim 348 wherein the pads further define a recess therebetween.

351. A device according to claim 350 further comprising at least one of a scanner and a rotary switch operably engaged with the casing within the recess.

352. A device according to claim 333 wherein the actuator further comprises at least one of a rotary switch, a rocker switch, a key, and a button.

353. A device according to claim 333 wherein the keys are disposed in a plurality of V-shaped rows on the casing within a natural range of motion of gloved thumbs when the portable electronic device is grasped by the hands.

354. A device according to claim 353 wherein each-V-shaped row includes an apex disposed within a central region and directed at the user, the central region being disposed along the longitudinal axis, each V-shaped row further including opposing distal ends extending outwardly of the central region and directed away from the user.

355. A device according to claim 354 wherein the off-apex keys are disposed on the casing and a minimal distance away from the central region so as to minimize rotation of the portable electronic device about the longitudinal axis upon actuation of the off-apex keys by the gloved thumbs.

356. A portable data acquisition device capable of collecting, storing and transmitting data, said device comprising:

a casing;

a wireless local area network (WLAN) data radio, a wireless personal area network (WPAN) data radio, and a wireless wide area network (WWAN) data radio housed by the casing; and

at least one of a processor, a real-time clock, a memory, a keypad, a touch screen, a graphic digitizer, a scanner, an audio capturing device, a video capturing device, a receiver, a transmitter, a sensor, a switch, a display, a speaker, an indicator, an alert device, an acoustic modem and dialer, a cellular telephone, a hard copy printing device, a stylus, a battery charging indicator, a battery, a battery interface, a battery charger, a battery tester, a battery charging indicator, a battery level indicator, a power management processor, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication port, a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, an operating system, a diagnostic system, an application software loader, a systems software loader, a database, a database manager, and an application program interface (API), operably engaged with the casing.

357. A device according to claim 356 wherein the operating system further comprises a Windows CE operating system.

358. A device according to claim 356 wherein at least one of the WWAN data radio, the WLAN data radio, and the WPAN data radio is configured to implement at least one of a Bluetooth protocol and a GPS/GPRS system.

359. A device according to claim 356 wherein the memory further comprises a FLASH memory module, a DRAM memory module, and an NVRAM memory module.