Patent Publication Number: US-6215475-B1

Title: Highly integrated portable electronic work slate unit

Description:
This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/268,806, filed Jun. 30, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,594,470, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/956,112, filed Oct. 2, 1992, now abandoned. 
    
    
     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. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangements of parts, the preferred embodiment of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and wherein: 
     FIG. 1 illustrates, in block diagram form, the data processing and input/output component of an embodiment of the subject invention; 
     FIG. 2 illustrates, in an exploded view, the layering utilized by the multi-purpose display terminal portion in one form of the subject invention; 
     FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of one embodiment of a compact and ergonomic multi-function electronic work slate of the subject invention; 
     FIG. 4 illustrates an adaptation of the user interface of the display portion of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view of the unit of FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the handle portion of the unit of FIG. 3; and 
     FIG. 7 illustrates several views of the ergonometric handle unit of the unit of FIG.  3 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating the preferred embodiment of the invention only, and not for the purposes of limiting same, FIG. 1 shows, in block diagram form, a highly integrated portable electronic work slate unit A. The unit A includes a central processor unit (“CPU”)  10  advantageously formed of a microprocessor. Current microprocessor technology advantageously provides high data throughput capability and memory addressing. Further, the recent generation of microprocessor-based CPUs also incorporates power management capabilities which are particularly advantageous with battery-powered units. Finally, a maturation of software associated with microprocessor-based design has resulted in various operating system options, including DOS, UNIX, and the like. Further, the microprocessor-based operating system market has also matured from menuing interfaces to include graphical user interfaces (“GUIs”). Such GUIs have further progressed to the point where they can receive pen-based input on appropriate hardware, in addition to the more traditional keyboard or mouse inputs. 
     Several pen-based systems are currently available. These include PEN-WINDOWS of Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Wash., as well as an analogous PENPOINT interface by GO Corporation. The microprocessor is suitably formed by an 80386SL processor of Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, Calif. or equivalent. The “386SL” chip or its counterparts advantageously provide a large address space, support for the above-noted GUI interfaces, as well as integrated advanced power management capabilities. 
     The processor of the preferred embodiment is an F 8680 of Chips &amp; Technologies, Inc. While this processor is advantageously employed in the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that the rapidly evolving state of microprocessor design will provide a continuous stream of improved processors which provide these advantages, and more. It will be appreciated further that any such processor can advantageously be used in connection with the subject invention. 
     The CPU  10  is provided with random access memory (“RAM”)  12  within its address space. Although RAM is commonly formed of dynamic random access memory (“DRAM”), certain other memory options provide advantages when use as a replacement for or substitute to DRAM. 
     DRAM is presently very compact, as well as inexpensive. However, it suffers from volatility. That is, memory contents are lost when electric power to the DRAM is interrupted. Permanent or non-volatile RAM is not presently as compact as DRAM, but is advantageously employed for at least a portion of the memory  12 . Such non-volatile RAM may suitably include read-only memory (“ROM”) or alterable semi-permanent memory such as currently available flash-EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory). Such non-volatile memory is also available in card-based systems such as IC cards, flash EEPROM cards, PCMCIA expansion cards, and the like. Also, an intermediate fast or cache ram is also advantageously employed in RAM  12 , especially when relatively slow memory is utilized as compared to CPU speed. 
     The subject system also employs a selectively-includable bulk storage medium  14  such as a hard disk. Current hard disk technology has reduced relatively high-capacity hard disks to a form factor less than 1.5 inches. The low mass associated with such compact hard drives facilitates quick response and low power consumption due to lessened inertia associated with low-mass media rotation. Together, the RAM unit  12  and bulk storage unit  14  form memory unit  16 . With an appropriate operating system, a combination of bulk storage and RAM provided within memory  16  can form a virtual memory system to CPU  10  as will be appreciated. 
     The CPU  10  is also placed in data communication with an I/O unit  22 . The I/O unit  22  is suited to facilitate use of selected one of a plurality of I/O devices. This advantageously provides modularity which allows for customization of the device to the requirements of particular and disparate user needs. As illustrated, such components include a bar code scanner  24 , which is illustrated with a solid-state laser-diode illumination device  26  and a photo receptor  28 . A multi-purpose I/O port is suitably formed of a RS-232 serial port or a parallel port and is advantageously provided to allow interconnection with a printer, network device or other external peripheral. 
     A second device is formed by an RF modulation unit  30 . Such RF modulation facilitates various remote communication prospects, such as via cellular networks, spread spectrum radio, wide area radio networks and satellite communication. RF modules to accomplish these tasks are commercially available and well within the understanding of one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Another component adapted for interface with I/O unit  22  is formed from an audio conversion unit  34 . Current GUI interfaces have seamlessly integrated audio capabilities. Audio provides immediate and effective feedback from an application which augments human cognition. Further, conventional audio conversion technology has evolved to allow for limited application interface by human operator speech. Although present technology for such speech recognition is limited to discrete word annunciation, user specific voice or limited vocabulary, such schemes are extremely advantageous in a remote data acquisition environment. 
     Illustrated in electrical communication with audio conversion unit  34  is an audio transducer module  36  which is suitably formed of a speaker, microphone, or combination of the two. 
     An additional I/O component interface with I/O unit  22  is a modulation/demodulation unit (“modem”)  40 . Conventional modem technology facilitates generation of an audio signal representative of a digitized data stream which is easily propagated via conventional telephone lines. The modulated audio data is communicated to a secondary modem such as that illustrated by  40 ′. The I/O unit  22  is also adapted for interaction with a stylus or pen-based device such as pen or stylus  44 . The connection between stylus  44  and the unit A is suitably physical, RF, or optical as is conventional within the art. The stylus  44  advantageously includes a unique identifier ID, to preclude communication with any unit other than a designated unit. This significantly improves data security, particularly when no physical connection between the stylus and base unit exists. The stylus  44  interacts with the pen-base operating system described above when coupled with an appropriate interface. Such an interface is provided by a multi-function display unit for user interface unit  50 . 
     In the preferred embodiment, the multi-function display  50  includes a generally-planar video display panel. This system advantageously provides low-power generation of pixel-based data. Accordingly, both graphical displays, as well as characters, are generatable. Liquid crystal technology affords acceptable pixel resolution which is combined with low-power consumption, particularly in passive-matrix designs. The display advantageously provides user touch-sensitivity, as well as digitizer capabilities when utilized with an electromagnetic, electrostatic or optical stylus such as that provided by stylus  44 . This layering as achieved by available technology will be illustrated further below. 
     As will be apparent from the foregoing, the entire data processing and acquisition unit A has been chosen such that the components are compact and consume minimal power. Accordingly, the entire unit is adapted for powering by a single battery unit  52  which is integrated therein. In the preferred embodiment, the battery unit  52  is formed of a rechargeable-battery such as nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal-hydride, or the like. With this arrangement, the handle unit typically comprises about 25 percent of a total weight of the entire unit. 
     Turning now to FIG. 2, there is shown an exploded view of the unit A. Illustrated in this embodiment is a digitizer  62  and a display  64 . The display  64  is comprised of a flat panel LCD display portion. Accordingly, characters or graphic information provided by the display portion  64  are viewable by a user. User input via touch or stylus is suitably integratable to the GUI display generated by the GUI interface and as illustrated on the display portion. A more detailed discussion on a suitably adapted multi-purpose display may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,686,332 entitled “Combined Finger Touch and Stylus Detection System for Use of the Viewing Surface of a Visual Display Device”, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIG. 2 also illustrates a main circuit board  66 , on which the primary electronic constituent components are suitably positioned. The main circuit board  66  is advantageously disposed below the digitizer to allow for planar construction, thereby maintaining the system form and ergonomics. The digitizer  62 , display  64 , and the printed circuit board  66  are disposed between upper and lower shell portions  68  and  70 , respectively. The shell portions are suitably formed from any polymer compound which is known to provide a lightweight, high-impact tolerant shell. 
     The upper shell  68  includes one or more aperture portions  80 , illustrated as portions  80   a ,  80   b  and  80   c . The aperture portions  80  alternatively allow a visual display and facilitate user input while allowing for electrostatic communication between window  82  and the unit A for the reasons noted below. It will be appreciated that the subject orientation of the digitizer  62  and the display  64  facilitates selected designation of the display area as user input, information display, or both. For example, the illustrated embodiment may simply provide primary information display in aperture portion  80   a . Although aperture portions may thereby be primarily designated for data entry or output, the combination of display and digitizer provides for intra-aperture variation. For example, “buttons” or touch sensitive areas may have indicia thereon modified during operation to communicate modified input associated therewith. 
     The above-described configuration of the upper shell portion  68  is advantageously adapted with a window portion  82 . The window  82  is slidably received in a slot portion  84 , of the upper shell  80   a  sized to receive it matingly therein. The window  82  of the preferred embodiment provides position or touch sensitivity via implementation suitable electromagnetic, electrical, or optical transducers. The window  82  advantageously bears suitable indicia particular to a given operator task. Various windows  82  may be received into the slot portion  84  to provide a default user data entry/display template for a specified job. 
     Also illustrated in FIG. 2 is a stylus or pen unit  90  which is securable onto a mount  92 . As noted above, the subject system is adapted for hand-writing recognition in concert with the digitizer  62 , as well as touch-sensitive data entry. The pen  90  is selectively usable in connection with this interface as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. When the pen  90  is utilized for writing input, a portion of the display is advantageously utilized to allow user specified numeric or alpha hand-writing. That is, hand written data entry, under today&#39;s technology, benefits from a prior knowledge as to whether alpha-based text or numeric data is to be expected. So designating a portion of the user interface as a indicator allows for increased data recognition, integrity, and reliability. When this is used, an operator would, for example, tap the area when numeric data is written and again tap the area when non-numeric or other character-based data is to be expected. Use of this system also allows for minimized processor power requirement, as well as a more responsive overall system due to lessened calculations. 
     FIG. 2 also illustrates a magnetic stripe reader  100  which is optionally fixedly secured into the system within the lower shell portion  70 . Such magnetic stripe readers are advantageously used for data input as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Also illustrated is a series of PCMCIA peripherals, including a memory cartridge  94  and memory card  96 . A growing number of PCMCIA components, such as flash EEPROM cards, modems, and the like are finding increased availability and usage in connection with compact computer designs. 
     Turning now to FIG. 3, a front view of an assembled system of FIG. 2 is provided. This figure provides a better illustration of the input/display portion. It will be seen that in this embodiment the aperture portion  80   a  is earmarked for data viewing, while the portions  80   b  and  80   c  have been provided with touch sensitive “key” areas to facilitate data entry. Also evidenced is the slot portion  84  to receive the window  82  (FIG. 2) in the manner described above. 
     Turning now to FIG. 4, suitable application specific indicia for the various aperture portions is evidenced. Therein, it will be seen that the aperture portion  80   a  remains primarily for visual display. The portion  80   b  has been provided with touch sensitive areas directed to alphabetic key entry, as well as specific jobs-related information. The portion  80 b has been provided with a numeric keypad for number entry. The example format of FIG. 4 is suitably defined by a combination of a specific window  82 , as well as software definition for the display. 
     Turning now to FIG. 5, pictured is a rear view of the unit A, thereby exposing a multi-functional handle portion  110  attached thereto. The handle portion  110  is advantageously usable to minimize operator fatigue and also functions to hold various components or subassemblies necessary or desirable for a particular job application as will be described further below. 
     The handle  110  is advantageously selectably positionable or secured slidably to a base unit  70  via first and second mounting slots  112  and  114 , respectively. Typically, an operator will use the apparatus by grasping it with one hand so as to render the display viewable, while leaving the other hand free for data entry. Such an orientation is comfortably provided for by provision of a grip portion  116  of the handle  110 , around which an operator&#39;s fingers of the support arm are curled. The bottom or lower shell portion  70  is then resting on the operator&#39;s forearm. The moveable mounting allows for positioning the handle  110  relative to the base unit  72  to accommodate, equally comfortably, right or left handed users and may include intermediate handle positions. However, it will be appreciated that a default position is also suitably provided for both such users by permanently securing the handle  110  relative to the base unit  72 . Such a permanent mounting facilitates acceptable ergonomics while lowering fabrication costs necessary to communicate data and power between the base unit  72  and the handle unit  110 . 
     Next, the particular fabrication of the handle unit  110  will be described with added reference to FIG.  6 . It will be seen from the illustration that, in addition to the grip  116 , the handle  110  includes first or second distal portions  118  and  120 , respectively. The grip  116  includes a removable door portion  122 , the opening of which reveals a battery compartment  124  adapted to receive therein a battery  130 . Presently, a significant portion of the weight associated with portable data processing devices is within the battery. Thus disposing the battery  130  within the grip  116  allows for placement thereon at that user&#39;s hand, thereby providing advantageous weight distribution and corresponding lessened operator fatigue and increased operator comfort. Further, the battery is readily accessible for replacement or charging. 
     The handle  110  also provides selective incorporation of a plurality of the peripheral units, such as those noted above. These are placed within one of the distal portions  118  or  120  which function as first and second compartment regions. Shown are several removable modules for illustrative purposes. The modules adapted for selective incorporation in this example, include a radio transceiver unit  134 , wide area network (“WAN”) module  136 , and narrow band transceiver  138 , and a satellite transceiver  140 . In this fashion, the handle unit may be selectively placed with communication devices necessary for a particular task without undue costs, redundancy, or weight. Further, placement of the modules within the handle distributes the weight analogously to that noted in connection with the battery  130 , thus increasing the ergonomics. 
     In the preferred embodiment, the unit A has a length L of approximately 11.25 inches, a width W of approximately 8.5 inches, and a thickness T of approximately 1.2 inches. The length and width thus approximate the size of a sheet of paper. 
     Also illustrated within FIG. 6 are several additional removable modules which may alternatively be used in connection therewith. Included are a charge coupled device (“CCD”) unit  160  and a bar code scanner  162  such as a 2D or 1D scanner. Such modules may also include a CPU unit  142  advantageously used to provide independent intelligence or processor power. Also, additional memory may also be placed just within the handle as evidenced by a memory unit  144 . 
     Also evidenced in FIG. 6 is an antenna portion  146  which is matingly receivable on distal portion  118 , as illustrated. The antenna  146  provides for communication when radio transmission, such as that facilitated by radio transceiver  134 , WAN transceiver  136 , or narrow band transceiver  138  are utilized. 
     Turning to FIG. 7, the dimension of the handle  110  providing the ergonomically advantageous dimensions of the preferred embodiment will be described. Suitable dimensions are as follows: 
     h1=4.3″ 
     h2=11.0″ 
     h3=7.5″ 
     h4=1.1″ 
     h5=3.25″ 
     h6=2.08″ 
     h7=1.25″ 
     h8=2.2″ 
     The invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon the reading and understanding of this specification. It is intended that all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.