Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system – Display peripheral interface input device – Touch panel
Reexamination Certificate
1995-06-07
2001-04-10
Wu, Xiao (Department: 2674)
Computer graphics processing and selective visual display system
Display peripheral interface input device
Touch panel
C345S169000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06215475
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This application pertains to the art of portable electronic work slate units and more particularyly to such electronic work slate units which are employed in full-time day-to-day operation in field uses such as inventory control and delivery tracking, and will be described with particular reference thereto. However, it will be appreciated that the invention has broader application, such as in any data processor in which a high degree of integration, portability and customization is advantageous.
Present day on-site services and delivery services increasingly rely on automated inventory control, remote data acquisition, and on-going data communication with their base of operations. Many technologies have evolved which allow for use of automation in these areas. These technologies include widespread use of inventory indicia readily susceptible to automated inventory control. These include package coding such as bar coding, RF coding, and the like. Further, advances in remote communications such as is provided with present-day cellular communication, as well as remote point-to-point data communications such as via modem/telephone interconnect, enable virtually constant data interchange between a home unit and a remote site.
Such remote data collection has spawned a first generation of portable data devices, such as that provided by U.S. Pat. No. 4,279,021 entitled Portable Data Entry Apparatus Including Plural Selectable Functional Configurations, assigned to Telxon Corporation. While such first generation units served well, a greater portion of the work force is entering, or posed to enter use of such remote data units. The increase in usage will require greater adaptability and features available to the portable unit to accomplish disparate uses with minimized costs associated with such application-specific areas. Further, greater utilization requires greater resources to be expended educating a user base. Accordingly, a more user-friendly interface would also be advantageous. Finally, increased reliance on data devices means that operators will be using them over extended periods of time throughout a work day. Accordingly, increased ergonomics to lessen user fatigue and increase productivity would also be advantageous.
The present invention contemplates a new and improved remote-data acquisition and processor unit which overcomes the above referred problems, and others, and provides a unit which may be comfortably utilized for extended periods with lessened fatigue, which provides an interface which requires minimized operator training, as well as a unit which integrates only those functions required to a specific application to minimize component costs, while simultaneously preserving expansion ability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a highly integrated portable electronic work slate unit which includes a central processor. The central processor unit is supported by random access memory or RAM disposed in its address space for storage of programs and data. A user interface or input/output unit includes a relatively large multi-purpose display panel. The display panel is adapted for low power consuming visual display of graphics and character-based information. The display may also be touch-sensitive to facilitate receipt of user input by human touch. The display also includes an electromagnetic transducer to facilitate receipt of user input via a pen-based stylus.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the multi-purpose display is adapted for receiving selected ones of a plurality of overlays on at least a portion thereof so as to allow for customization in accordance with specific user needs.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, selectively includable integratable input/output components include a radio frequency modulator for RF communication, a modulation device for infrared communication, a bar code reader, an audio input/output unit, bulk storage such as an integrated hard disk, and a modem.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an ergonomic housing is provided for containing the various subassemblies of the invention.
An advantage of the present system is the provision of a highly-integrated data acquisition and processing unit which is component-customizable to particular user applications.
Another advantage of the present system is the provision of a unit which is adapted for providing an interface which requires minimal user training.
Yet another advantage of the present system is the provision of a unit with improved ergonomics to minimize operator fatigue through extended uses.
Further advantages will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the subject specification.
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Telxon Corporation Brochure Entitled “PTC-1180 Wireless Pen-Based Computer Tablet”, Dated Jan. 1994.
Tel
Chang Yung-Fu
Meyerson Robert F.
Telxon Corporation
Watts, Hoffmann, Fisher & Heinke Co. L.P.A.
Wu Xiao
LandOfFree
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