Coded data generation or conversion – Bodily actuated code generator – Including keyboard or keypad
Reexamination Certificate
1998-03-24
2001-01-09
Horabik, Michael (Department: 2735)
Coded data generation or conversion
Bodily actuated code generator
Including keyboard or keypad
C345S169000, C200S302100, C200S512000, C379S428030, C379S437000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06172620
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to a portable data terminal, and more particularly to a portable data terminal with a modular keypad.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In recent years, the use of portable data terminals to gather, store and/or process information has become increasingly popular. For instance, portable data terminals permit users to conduct word processing, computations, spreadsheet analysis, etc. while traveling or at remote locations. Portable data terminals in the form of personal data assistants (PDAs) allow users to store electronically personal and business information in an organized fashion which may be subsequently downloaded to a main database. Retail stores and warehouses often use portable data terminals in order to keep track of inventory or replenish stock. Hospital personnel use such terminals to keep track of patient information while making rounds. Furthermore, portable data terminals are often used by delivery personal and insurance inspectors to gather data at field locations in order to reduce the amount of paper and to increase efficiency in recording data.
Oftentimes the portable data terminals form part of a wireless network in which data collected within the terminals is communicated to a host computer via a wireless link. For example, the portable data terminals include a radio or optical transceiver for communicating with a host computer via a base station.
Most portable data terminals are constructed generally of the same types of components. For example, portable data terminals typically include a processor for controlling operations and processing information; memory for storing information; a display for displaying information; a keypad for permitting an operator to input data and function commands; etc. Thus, many components utilized in portable data terminals are the same regardless of the particular application (e.g., whether as a word processor, PDA, inventory data collector, patient data collector, etc.). The primary difference is the particular software which is loaded into the data terminal.
Nevertheless, it is typically desirable to utilize a keypad in the portable data terminal which is customized for the particular application. For example, rather than a generic keypad which includes keys with labels which are non-descript descript (e.g., F
1
, F
2
, etc.), it is preferable to have a keypad which is specific to the particular application. A portable data terminal used in inventory data collection may have keys designated with labels such as “Stock Item”, “Quantity”, etc. A portable data terminal for use in a hospital may include keys with labels such as “Patient”, “Blood Pressure”, etc. Such keys are useful to the operator for providing a clear indication of the function of the respective keys.
Accordingly, there is a need for a portable data terminal which is configurable to accept any of a plurality of different keypads. This allows a keypad having keys labeled with application specific functions to be utilized in an otherwise generic data terminal. Portable data terminals may be assembled by a system integrator using generic components and an application specific keypad. Software may be loaded into the terminal as appropriate.
There have been attempts in the past to provide such a portable data terminal, but these attempts have met with limited success. As an example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,576,981 describes a portable computer with an interchangeable keypad. However, the reference does not clearly describe a means for carrying out such interchangeability in a practical device. U.S. Pat. No. 5,202,817 describes a data capture system with interchangeable keyboard modules, but does not address many of the configuration and environmental issues that can arise in a practical device.
In view of the aforementioned shortcomings associated with conventional devices, there is a strong need in the art for a portable data terminal which may be configured with any of a plurality of different modular keypads in a practical manner. More specifically, there is a strong need for a portable data terminal which is may be easily integrated with a selected modular keypad. Moreover, there is a strong need for such a portable data terminal which includes a modular keypad and is yet rugged enough to handle everyday usage and withstand adverse conditions (e.g., water, dirt, debris, etc.).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a particular aspect of the invention, a portable data terminal is provided. The portable data terminal includes a main housing with electronic circuitry enclosed therein for receiving data via an operator input. The main housing includes a receiving area into which a keypad module is selectively securable. The keypad module includes keys which may be pressed by an operator. In addition, the portable data terminal includes a coupling for providing an electrical connection between the keypad module and the electronic circuitry within the main housing when the keypad is secured into the receiving area. The coupling further serves to maintain an environmental seal between the receiving area and an interior of the main housing in which the electronic circuitry is located.
According to another aspect of the invention, a portable data terminal is provided which includes a main housing. The main housing has electronic circuitry therein for receiving data via an operator input, and further includes a receiving area. A keypad module is provided which is selectively securable into the receiving area of the main housing. The keypad module includes a keypad matrix having a plurality of row conductors and a plurality of column conductors arranged on a substrate corresponding to keys which may be pressed by an operator positioned at the intersections of the row conductors and the column conductors. The portable data terminal further includes coupling means for providing an electrical connection between an electrical output of the keypad module and the electronic circuitry within the main housing when the keypad module is secured in the receiving area.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the invention, then, comprises the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention. These embodiments are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed. Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4279021 (1981-07-01), See et al.
patent: 4862499 (1989-08-01), Jekot et al.
patent: 4892981 (1990-01-01), Soloway et al.
patent: 5202817 (1993-04-01), Koenck et al.
patent: 5575576 (1996-11-01), Roysden, Jr.
patent: 5576981 (1996-11-01), Parker et al.
patent: 5679943 (1997-10-01), Schultz et al.
patent: 5940015 (1999-12-01), Thornton et al.
patent: 6009164 (1999-12-01), Yun
Brick Frank E.
O'Hagan Timothy P.
Edwards, Jr. Timothy
Horabik Michael
Renner , Otto, Boisselle & Sklar, LLP
Telxon Corporation
LandOfFree
Portable data terminal with modular keypad does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Portable data terminal with modular keypad, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Portable data terminal with modular keypad will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2483566