Patent Publication Number: US-2006017699-A1

Title: Electronic information display apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This patent application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application having Ser. No. 60/590,831 filed on Jul. 22, 2004 entitled “Car-Board”, having a common applicant herewith and being incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE  
      The disclosures made herein relate generally to electronic information display apparatuses and, more particularly, to electronic information display apparatuses in combination with or connected to a data input device such as a keyboard.  
     BACKGROUND  
      Various types of electronic information display apparatuses configured specifically for presenting signage information and/or for communicating messages are known (i.e., conventional electronic information display apparatuses). One example of the usefulness and application for such conventional electronic information display apparatuses is general signage and/or message communication in a business establishment. Another example of the usefulness and application for such conventional electronic information display apparatuses is general signage and/or message communication in motor vehicle such as a car, van or bus. Furthermore, conventional electronic information display apparatuses may be configured for and/or used in a manner where a primary viewer of the signage information and/or communication messages views such signage information and/or communication messages through a window (e.g., a car window, a window of building, etc).  
      Conventional electronic information display apparatuses include a visual display unit on which visual information is displayed. The visual display unit includes a visual display device (e.g., a LCD screen), memory in which display information data is stored and a data processor device (e.g., a microprocessor). The data processor retrieves the display information data from the memory, interprets the display information and outputs a signal that controls the display of information on the visual display device.  
      A number of different approaches are used for providing display information data to conventional electronic information display apparatuses. One such approach is to create the display information data on a personal computing apparatus (e.g., a desktop computer or laptop computer) or application specific apparatus (e.g., available from a supplier of conventional electronic information display apparatuses) and download the display information data to memory of the electronic information display apparatus from the personal computing apparatus or application specific apparatus via an interface cable. Another such approach is for a data input module (e.g., including a keyboard and screen) that is integral with the electronic information display apparatus (e.g., housed within a common enclosure) to be used for creating the display information data and providing the display information data to memory of the electronic information display apparatus.  
      Clearly, the underlying information display functionality of conventional electronic information display apparatuses is useful. However, an electronic information display apparatus that is specifically configured for enabling grammatical accuracy in textual portions of display information, that simplifies the means by which display information data is created, that is readily portable and that provides for a convenient means of downloading display information data to memory of a visual display unit of the electronic information display apparatus will overcome one or more shortcomings associated with conventional electronic information display apparatuses.  
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE  
      Embodiments of the present invention enable signage information and/or messages to be conveniently conveyed. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention comprise an electronic information display apparatus configured for allowing signage information and/or messages to be generated, spell-checked and electronically displayed. Additionally, electronic information display apparatuses in accordance with the present invention are specifically configured in a manner enabling such signage information and/or messages to be conveniently generated and displayed in abroad range of applications and environments (e.g., businesses, motor vehicles, homes and the like).  
      In one embodiment of the present invention, an electronic information display apparatus comprises a visual display unit and an information processing unit. The visual display unit includes a wireless receiver device configured for receiving display information data signals. The information processing unit includes a wireless transmitter device configured for transmitting display information data signals for reception by the wireless receiver device and spell checking instructions accessible from a memory device of the information processing unit. The spell checking instructions are configured for checking spelling of display information data inputted into the information processing unit.  
      In another embodiment of the present invention, an electronic information display apparatus comprises a visual display unit and an information processing unit. The visual display unit includes a wireless receiver device, a visual display device, a data processing device, a memory device and a visual display unit housing. The wireless receiver device, the visual display device, the memory device and the data processing device are interconnected for enabling interaction therebetween and are mounted within the visual display unit housing. The wireless receiver device is configured for receiving display information data signals. The information processing unit includes a wireless transmitter device, a visual display device, a data processing device, a memory device and an information processing unit housing. The wireless transmitter device, the visual display device, the memory device and the data processing device are interconnected for enabling interaction therebetween and are mounted within the information processing unit housing. The wireless transmitter device is configured for transmitting display information data signals for reception by the wireless receiver device.  
      In another embodiment of the present invention, an electronic information display apparatus specifically configured for use in a motor vehicle comprises a self-contained visual display unit and a self-contained information processing unit. The self-contained visual display unit includes a wireless receiver device configured for receiving display information data signals and at least one suction device enabling the visual display unit to be attached to a support surface. The self-contained information processing unit includes spell checking instructions accessible from a memory device of the self-contained information processing unit and a plurality of motor vehicle specific information display data selections accessible from the memory device of the self-contained information processing unit. The spell checking instructions are configured for checking spelling of display information inputted into the self-contained information processing unit. The wireless transmitter device is configured for transmitting display information data signals for reception by the wireless receiver device.  
      Turning now to specific aspects of the present invention, in at least one embodiment, the information processing unit further comprises a plurality of pre-defined information display data selections accessible from the memory device of the information processing unit.  
      In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the information processing unit further comprises instructions configured for precluding the display information data signals from being transmitted for reception by the wireless receiver device until error in display information data has been at least one of corrected and overridden.  
      In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the information processing unit further comprises a visual display and a keyboard, the visual display and a keyboard are interconnected with the wireless transmitter device and the memory device of the information processing unit for enabling interaction therebetween, the keyboard is interconnected in a manner enabling display information data to be manually entered therethrough and the visual display is interconnected in a manner enabling the display information data to be displayed thereon.  
      In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the information processing unit further comprises a visual display unit housing having the wireless receiver device, the visual display device, the memory device and the data processing device mounted therein.  
      In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the visual display unit further comprises at least one suction device attached to the visual display unit housing and configured for enabling the visual display unit to be attached to a support surface.  
      In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the visual display device of the visual display unit is viewable through a front face of the visual display unit housing and the at least one suction device is attached to the visual display unit housing in a manner enabling the visual display unit to be attached to the support surface with the front face of the visual display unit housing substantially facing the support surface.  
      These and other objects, embodiments, advantages and/or distinctions of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification, associated drawings and appended claims.  
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is an illustrative view of an electronic display apparatus in accordance with the present invention.  
       FIG. 2  is a block diagram view of the electronic display apparatus depicted in  FIG. 1   
       FIG. 3  is a plan view of an information processing unit of the electronic display apparatus depicted in  FIG. 1 .  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES  
       FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of an electronic information display apparatus in accordance with the present invention, which is referred to herein as the electronic information display apparatus  10 . The electronic information display apparatus  10  comprises a visual display unit  12  and an information processing unit  14 . Jointly, as will be described herein in greater detail, the visual display unit  12  and the information processing unit  14  are configured for generating and displaying display information for being viewed by a general or specific audience.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the visual display unit  12  includes a wireless receiver device  16 , a visual display device  18 , a data processing device  20 , a memory device  22 , a power supply  24  and a visual display unit housing  26 . The wireless receiver device  16 , the visual display device  18 , the data processing device  20 , the memory device  22  and the power supply  24  are interconnected for enabling interaction therebetween and are contained within (e.g., are mounted within, attached to, etc) the visual display unit housing  26 .  
      The information processing unit  14  includes a wireless transmitter device  28 , a visual display device  30 , a data processing device  32 , a memory device  34 , a keyboard  36 , a power source  38  and an information processing unit housing  40 . The wireless transmitter device  28 , the visual display device  30 , the data processing device  32 , the memory device  34 , the keyboard  36 , and the power source  38  are interconnected for enabling interaction therebetween and are contained within (e.g., are mounted within, attached to, etc) the information processing unit housing  40 .  
      Although not specifically depicted, it is disclosed herein that the visual display unit  12  and/or the information processing unit  14  may include other input and/or output devices. In one alternate embodiment, the visual display unit  12  and/or the information processing unit  14  include one or more audio input and/or output devices (e.g., a speakers, a microphone, etc.). In another alternate embodiment, the visual display unit  12  and/or the information processing unit  14  include an interface (e.g., a USB interface) configured for enabling external files (e.g., image files, text files or the like) to be uploaded.  
      As depicted in  FIG. 1 , the visual display unit housing  26  includes a front housing panel  42  and a rear housing panel  44  that jointly define an interior cavity in which the various components of the visual display unit  12  are contained. In this manner, the visual display unit  12  is self-contained. The front housing panel  42  of the visual display unit housing  26  has a visual display device opening  46  in a front face  48  thereof through which display information displayed on the visual display device  18  is viewable. The information processing unit housing  40  includes a front housing panel  50  and a rear housing panel  52  that jointly define an interior cavity in which the various components of the information processing unit  14  are contained. In this manner, the information processing unit  14  is self-contained. The front housing panel  28  of the visual display unit housing  26  has a visual display device opening  54  in a front face  56  thereof through which display information data displayed on the visual display device  30  is viewable. Additionally, the front housing panel  28  of the visual display unit housing  26  has a plurality of key openings  58  through which keys  60  of the keyboard  36  are accessible (e.g., extending through such openings).  
      The visual display unit  12  further comprises a plurality of suction devices  62  attached to the visual display unit housing  26 , which enable the visual display unit  12  to be attached to a support surface. As depicted, the suction devices  62  are preferably, but not necessarily, attached to the visual display unit housing  26  in a manner enabling the visual display unit  12  to be attached to the support surface with the front face  48  of the visual display unit housing  26  substantially facing the support surface. Examples of such support surface include, but are not limited to, a window of a motor vehicle, a window of a business establishment, a window of a home, and the like.  
      It is disclosed herein that the suction devices  62  may be omitted from the visual display unit  12 . In embodiment of the visual display unit  12  where the suction devices are omitted, the visual display unit  12  may be specifically configured for resting on a support surface (e.g., includes an integral stand, feet or the like) or for being hung on a support surface (e.g., includes means engagable with a picture hook or the like). The present invention is not unnecessarily limited by the various configurations by which the limited by the visual display unit  12  may be supported or attached to a support surface.  
      Referring to  FIG. 2 , the wireless receiver device  16  is configured for receiving display information data signals and the wireless transmitter device  28  is configured for transmitting display information data signals for reception by the wireless receiver device. A skilled person will appreciate that any number of specific transmitter-receiver circuities may be implemented. A chosen transmitter-receiver circuity will be selected based on factors such as cost, maximum desired transmit distance, frequency limit and frequency compatibility. One specific example of a suitable chosen transmitter-receiver circuity is transmitter-receiver circuitry configured in accordance with Bluetooth brand wireless technology.  
      Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3 , the keyboard  36  of information processing unit  14  includes a plurality of keys. Examples of such keys include a plurality of numeric keys  66  (e.g., 0-9), a plurality of alpha keys  68  (e.g., A-Z), a space key  70 , a plurality of special character keys  72 , a plurality of special function keys  74 , a plurality of control keys  76 , a spell check key  78  and a set key  80 . The plurality of numeric keys  66 , the plurality of alpha keys  68  (e.g., A-Z) and the plurality of special character keys  72  are used for compiling display information data (i.e., signage information and messages) that a user desires to display on the visual display device  18  of the visual display unit  12 . The plurality of control keys  76  provide functionality such as, for example, cursor movement, capital lock, key shift selection, line enter and the like. The plurality of special function keys  74  provide for pre-defined and/or user prescribed special functionality such as, for example, display of special menus and/or lists, prescribed keystroke functionality, help menu display, and the like. In general, the numeric keys  66 , the alpha keys  68 , the space key  70 , the special character keys  72 , the special function keys  74  and the control keys  76  provide conventional utility.  
      In one specific embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of pre-defined information display data selections, which are accessible from the memory device  34  of the information processing unit, are displayable on the visual display device  30  by selection of a prescribed one of the special function keys  74 . One or more of the pre-defined information display data selections may be selected (e.g., by tabbing to a desired selection) and displayed on the visual display device. Through such function, a pre-defined information display data selection may be retrieved and used as information display data, which may be displayed as-is or modified to suit a specific need/desire. Examples of such pre-defined information display data selections include, but are not limited to, selections related to disabled motor vehicle situations (e.g., “flat tire”, “need jumper cables”, “need a gas can”, and the like), selections related to business related situations (e.g., “sale today”, “open late”, “last day of sale”, and the like). A skilled person will appreciate that the present invention is not limited by particular display information that may or may not be displayable on particular embodiments of an electronic information display apparatus in accordance with the present invention.  
      The spell check key  78  and the set key  80  provide for distinguishing functionality in accordance with the present invention. Selection of the spell check key  78  activates spell check functionality in accordance with the present invention. In one embodiment of such spell check functionality, the information processing unit  14  includes spell checking instructions accessible from the memory device  34  of the information processing unit  14  and/or the device  22  of the visual display unit  12 . The spell checking instructions are configured for carrying out spell checking (e.g., including grammar checking) of display information (e.g., signage information and/or messages) inputted into the information processing unit  14 . The set key  80  is selected for initiating transmission of a display information data signal corresponding to display information displayed on the visual display device  30  of the information processing unit  14  for reception by the visual display unit  12  and display on the visual display device  18  of the visual display unit  12 .  
      Preferably, but not necessarily, the ability to transmission of display information data for reception and display by the visual display unit  12  is dependent upon the spell check functionality in accordance with the present invention. In such an embodiment, instructions are provided for precluding the display information data signals from being transmitted from the wireless transmitter device  28  for reception by the wireless receiver device  16  until error (i.e. one or more errors) in display information data has been corrected or overridden. In this manner, a safeguard is provided for enhancing proper grammar and spelling of displayed information.  
      In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the present invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, chemical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of such inventive disclosures. To avoid unnecessary detail, the description omits certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.