Data processing: software development – installation – and managem – Software program development tool – Translation of code
Reexamination Certificate
1992-04-21
2001-07-03
Powell, Mark R. (Department: 2122)
Data processing: software development, installation, and managem
Software program development tool
Translation of code
Reexamination Certificate
active
06256781
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a portable terminal device such as an electronic pocket organizer.
2. Description of the Prior Art
In an electronic pocket organizer, data entered by an operator using a keyboard is usually stored in a RAM, which makes it possible to utilize the data. For example, the operator can see the contents of the data, because the electronic pocket organizer can read the data from the RAM and display the read-out data on a display area.
One example of such an electronic pocket organizer has a function for transferring valuable data stored in the RAM to an external device such as another electronic pocket organizer, when a transfer command is input.
FIG. 5
is a flowchart illustrating the control procedure for a data transfer process of a CPU in a conventional electronic pocket organizer. When the operator depresses the keys (step S
10
), the CPU judges in step S
11
whether the key input indicates the transfer command or not. If Yes, the CPU reads out the data stored in the RAM and the read-out data is transferred to the external device in step S
12
. If No, the process proceeds to step S
13
in which the CPU executes another process such as a data display process or a data storing process.
However, in the above-mentioned transfer system, when a fault occurs in the key input portion due to short circuit or the like, the operator cannot input the transfer command for transferring data to the external device. In the transfer system, the CPU checks whether the data is normal or not prior to the execution of the transfer program, and when the data is determined to be abnormal, the CPU does not execute the transfer program. Therefore, when a fault occurs in the key input portion, or when an abnormality occurs in part of the data stored in the RAM (for example, when the data is improperly rewritten due to run away), the data is not available, and moreover the data cannot be transferred to the external device. This means that the valuable data which has been input by the operator is wasted.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A portable terminal device of this invention comprises a RAM for storing data, a ROM for storing a transfer program for transferring at least part of the data stored in the RAM to an external device, a CPU for controlling the execution of the transfer program, and a reset switch for initializing a prescribed area in the RAM. The CPU controls a detection process to detect the state of a prescribed portion of the portable terminal device when the reset switch is turned on. The CPU also controls a determination process to determine whether or not the transfer program is to be executed based on the detected state.
In accordance with another embodiment, a method of transferring data is provided for a portable terminal device including a RAM for storing data, a ROM for storing a transfer program to transfer at least part of the data stored in the RAM to an external device, a CPU for controlling the execution of the transfer program, and a reset switch for initializing a prescribed area in the RAM. The method includes a first step of detecting the state of a prescribed portion of the portable terminal device when the reset switch is turned on. The method also includes a second step of determining whether or not the transfer program is to be executed based on the detected state.
In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, when the reset switch is turned on, the CPU detects the connection state with the external device. If the external device is connected with the portable terminal device, the CPU determines to transfer data to the external device. As a result, the data stored in the RAM can be directly transferred to the external device regardless of the key operation or data quality to be transferred.
Thus, the invention described herein makes possible the objective of providing a portable terminal device which can transfer data stored in the RAM to an external device, even when a fault occurs in the key input portion, or an abnormality occurs in part of the data stored in the RAM.
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“Understanding and Using Microcomputers” by Zimmerman et al 1986, pp. 34-39.*
Patrick G. McKeown, “Living with Computers”, 1988, pp. 33-35.
Ingberg Todd D.
Nixon & Vanderhye P.C.
Powell Mark R.
Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
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