Data processing: generic control systems or specific application – Generic control system – apparatus or process – Supervisory control
Reexamination Certificate
1994-08-30
2001-12-11
Grant, William (Department: 2121)
Data processing: generic control systems or specific application
Generic control system, apparatus or process
Supervisory control
C700S017000, C700S083000, C709S200000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06330482
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to computer systems and terminals, and more particularly to a communications, information, maintenance, diagnostic, and training system using an infrared communications link, and including self-contained, portable components.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Infrared has been used in communications links to carry voice and data information from a remote location to a central communications or data center. Such wireless links allow data exchange and monitoring of machine operations. One such system is disclosed in the publication OPTICAL SPECTRA, December 1979, pages 17-22.
Infrared has also been used in inventory systems in which bar codes are read and the data therefrom transmitted to a computer, or in systems that provide communication between a programmable controller and machinery. Such a system identified as LIGHTLINK is briefly disclosed in a system specification sheet published by CYPLEX, a division of CONTROLONICS CORPORATION of Chelmsford, Me.
Other infrared linked computer systems have been disclosed in the prior art, but for the most part the systems are for simple communications, or for sending data to a central control station, or transmitting control data from a controller to send motion control data to operating machinery.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is to a hand-held device, a satellite, one or more infrared nodes, and a system in which the device is used, and to a method of providing detailed diagnostic, repair, and maintenance information in a processor-controlled, hand-held device for use in any environment where operating equipment may be maintained by minimally trained personnel.
The device includes a microprocessor that has an architecture that supports an 8-bit data bus and an address bus capable of direct access to one megabyte of RAM memory including 64 kbytes of Input/Output space mapped into low order RAM memory. The architecture may be logically expanded to 16 and 32 bit devices. A boot ROM contains initialization and system configuration information which is used at power turn-on. A DRAM of dynamic-random-access-memory space is used for storage for operating programs.
Page mode EPROM devices are mapped into the I/O space and can be used to store up to 256 KBytes of user program. These devices are configured as a ROM-disk device by the system software.
A liquid crystal display operates in conjunction with an LCD control methodology. The LCD control includes two LCD controllers operating synchronously to provide split screen operation, providing capability of simultaneous text and graphics display.
A Display Touch Scanner is used to scan the surface of the display to determine where and when the display has been touched, to provide touch input to the system, and to control the operation sequence for various applications of the invention.
An optical compact disk (CD) provides a vast storage for supporting a data base used in the invention. Data such as text and graphic information is stored for use in applications such as training, maintenance, and repair of equipment. The graphic information may be displayed in static or animated form.
The device of the invention may be used in interfacing with machines, other devices and/or other data or control systems, and serves as one unit of a network which communicates via infrared or direct wired connections.
A satellite or satellites may be conveniently placed within an area of operation to send data to or receive data from the hand-held unit, and to transmit data to the hand-held unit from operating machinery, from other hand-held devices, or computer/processor units. This is accomplished by use of IR nodes connecting the units to the IR network through data ports.
The technical advance represented by the invention as well as the objects thereof will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and the novel features set forth in the appended claims.
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Gfeller, F.R. et al., “Infrared Communication For In-House Applications,” IBM Zurich Research Laboratory, 1976, pp. 132-138.*
Robinson—“The HP 150”,BYTE—, pp. 36-50, Oct. 1983.
Lueders William R.
McCain Joseph H.
Webb E. R.
Brady W. James
Frank Elliot
Grant William
Swayze, Jr. W. Daniel
Telecky , Jr. Frederick J.
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