Patent Abstract:
A palm pad system including an electronic notepad coupled to a conventional personal digital device (“PDD”) via a data bus is set forth that enables a user to transpose handwritten data into electronic files or pages. The notepad and PDD are mounted onto a common base. The base includes a retaining structure for retaining the notepad on the base and another retaining structure for retaining the PDD on the base. The base further includes a flexible portion that permits the base to be folded into a compact form for protecting the notepad and PDD during transport. A pen containing a transmitter is employed by the palm pad system to transmit a signal to receptive electronics while a user writes data on the notepad with a writing tip contained in the pen. The signal received by the electronics is processed to generate an electronic file representative of the user&#39;s handwritten data. The electronic file can be electronically stored and retrieved. The electronic file can also be displayed on a touch sensitive display, which is associated with the PDD, immediately after composition by the user.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority from Provisional Application No. 60/114,521 filed Dec. 31, 1999 and Provisional Application No. 60/135,894 filed May 26, 1999 both of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing electronic storage and retrieval of handwritten notes. More particularly, it relates to a method and apparatus for providing electronic storage and retrieval of handwritten notes, along with other drawings, in an electronic device such as a personal digital device (PDD). 
     BACKGROUND 
     Personal digital devices (“PDD”) have become extremely popular for recording, storing and retrieving information. Examples of PDDs include personal computers, such as laptop computers and handheld computer devices having a display area and an input area. In one version of a handheld computer device, a user inputs information in the input area by writing with a specialized pen. The pen does not mark on the input area, but the PDD converts the writing to electronic information through a resistive contact surface. According to a common version of a PDD, the user writes in a specialized manner to represent alpha-numeric characters. Movement of the pen on the resistive contact surface is recognized by the PDD and converted into a corresponding character. Each character is created at the same location on the resistive contact surface. The characters are then displayed in the display area of the PDD. Depending upon the operation of the PDD the characters are stored in various formats to record information, such as names, addresses, telephone numbers, appointments, and notes. The PDD can be connected to another electronic device, such as a personal computer, for exchanging information with the other device. 
     While many PDDs are desirable because they are compact and portable, one drawback of typical prior art PDDs is that they use specialized writing systems that can be awkward to learn and may be hard for some users to master. Also, in typical prior art PDDs markings do not appear on the resistive contact surface during writing thereon. As a result, it can be difficult for users to track their writing portions to obtain the correct character, furthermore, non-character marks typically cannot be made or stored in prior art PDDs. Thus, drawings cannot be entered into the PDD. In addition, a PDD user typically enters characters one at a time, significantly limiting the speed with which one can take notes or record information. Therefore, a need exists for a PDD which allows users to write in a more fluid and familiar manner and to include noncharacters in their writing. In other words, a need exists for a PDD that records free-hand writing and/or drawing. 
     Various devices have been developed to convert written documents into electronic forms in order to reduce storage space and retrieval time. For example, scanners can convert previously existing documents into an electronic format for storage and retrieval. In addition, a personal computer using certain software packages can allow a user to input data, e.g., to create an original document such as a drawing. The user can input data in a variety of ways, e.g., using a mouse on a desktop. The personal computer can display the original document on a screen. Furthermore, the personal computer can store the input data in memory or on a magnetic storage disk. 
     Similarly, computers with touch screens and pads allow a user to create input data, e.g., to create an original document such as a handwritten note or a drawing, using a finger or stylus. Again, the computer can display the document on a screen and/or store it in an electronic format. However, creating an original document using one of these methods is somewhat awkward. The instrument used to mark on the touch screen or pad does not make a mark, and typically the user has to watch a separate display screen to observe what is recorded as a result of the writing motion. 
     A. T. Cross of Lincoln R. I. has a product, sold under the name CROSSPAD, which converts handwritten documents into electronic form. The product includes a conventional notepad combined with a unique pen and printed circuit board assembly (“PCBA”) for the notepad. The user writes on the pad using the pen. The pen has an ink tip that can be used to make marks on the pad. The pen also includes a RF transmitter. The RF transmitter operates in conjunction with the PCBA for the pad to translate pen movement into electronic signals representing the user&#39;s writing motion. A switch in the pen turns the transmitter on when the pen is in contact with the pad. The switch is activated as a result of the force exerted by the pad on the tip of the pen. This system can be used to make electronic copies of handwritten notes. The electronic copies can then be stored and retrieved for later use. The user can write on the pad in an ordinary manner. 
     However, a need remains for a system which allows storage, retrieval and searching of content in electronic copies of handwritten information. In addition, a need exists for a portable PDD system that allows for the creation, storage, searching, and retrieval of handwritten information. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention is to set forth a palm pad system that overcomes deficiencies and limitations of the prior art. 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the palm pad system comprises an electronic notepad coupled to a conventional PDD. The electronic notepad and the PDD are retained in position on a common base. The electronic notepad includes an integrated printed circuit board having a plurality of etched loops formed thereon. The etched loops are uniformly distributed over the surface of the board and define an X-grid pattern and a Y-grid pattern. The X-grid pattern and Y-grid pattern are receptive to signals generated by a source, which source is positioned in close proximity to the grid patterns defined on the notepad. The electronic notepad further includes a paper-pad, which is securely mounted adjacent to the printed circuit board. 
     The source for generating the signals can be an electromechanical transmitter, which transmitter is mounted in an elongated pen. The pen further includes a first end having a conventional retractable writing tip, such as a ball point pen tip, for marking on paper. The writing tip is coupled to the electromechanical transmitter via a micro-switch. The micro-switch is pressure actuated so that when the writing tip is pressed against a writing surface, such as the paper-pad, the transmitter coupled therewith is enabled for generating the signal. The signal is sensed by the X-grid pattern and the Y-grid pattern. The signal sensed by the X-grid pattern and the Y-grid pattern is further processed by electronics coupled therewith to determine the relative location of the writing tip with respect to the paper-pad. When a user composes handwritten data by moving the writing tip of the pen over the paper-pad, the relative locations of the writing tip are processed to concomitantly reproduce and electronically display the handwritten data on a display associated with the PDD. The electronically reproduced data can further be saved as an electronic file, which file can be retrieved at a later time. 
     The pen further includes a cap having an aperture with a retractable non-writing tip mounted therein. When the cap is positioned over the writing tip, which is defined at the first end of the pen, the non-writing tip cooperates with the first end of the pen to force the non-writing tip into a retracted position defined in the cap. When the cap is positioned over a second end of the pen, the non-writing tip cooperates with the second end of the pen to force non-writing tip, which tip is defined in the cap, to extend outwardly from the aperture defined on the cap. 
     In another embodiment, the palm pad system for enabling a user to electronically display, store, and retrieve hand written data comprises a means for converting handwritten data into an electronic file. The means for converting handwritten data into an electronic file is retained on a base. The palm pad system further comprises a means for receiving and processing the electronic file. The means for receiving and processing the electronic file is also retained on the base. The means for receiving and processing the electronic file is constructed and arranged to display, store, and retrieve the electronic file. In an embodiment, the means for receiving and processing the electronic file comprises a means for displaying the electronic file; a means for storing the electronic file; a means for retrieving the electronic file; and a control means for controlling the displaying, storing and retrieving of the electronic file. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The foregoing and other objects of this invention, the various features thereof, as well as the invention itself, may be more fully understood from the following description, when read together with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG.  1 ( a ) is a planar view of a palm pad system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG.  1 ( b ) is a planar view of an integrated printed circuit board assembly included in the palm pad system shown in FIG.  1 ( a ); 
     FIG.  2 ( a ) is an isometric view of the palm pad system shown in FIG.  1 ( a ); 
     FIG.  2 ( b ) is a folded view of the palm pad system shown in FIG.  2 ( a ); 
     FIG.  2 ( c ) is a side view of the palm pad system shown in FIG.  2 ( b ); 
     FIG.  3 ( a ) is an isometric view of one embodiment of a pen, which is adapted to cooperate with the palm pad system of FIG.  1 ( a ); 
     FIG.  3 ( b ) is a cross sectional view of the pen shown in FIG.  3 ( a ); 
     FIG.  4 ( a ) is an isometric view of another embodiment of a pen, which is adapted to cooperate with the palm pad system of the present invention; 
     FIG.  4 ( b ) is a cross sectional view of the pen shown in FIG.  4 ( a ); 
     FIGS.  5 ( a ),  5 ( b ),  5 ( c ), and  5 ( d ) shows various views of a PDD integrated with a flip-down electronic notepad in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 6 is an isometric view laptop computer integrated with an electronic notepad; and 
     FIG. 7 is a planar view of a fully integrated palm pad system. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a portable palm pad system is set forth for enabling a user to electronically display, store, and retrieve hand written data. 
     Referring to FIG.  1 ( a ), portable palm pad system  5  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention comprises electronic notepad  10  coupled to a conventional PDD  15 . Palm pad system  5  further includes pen  200 , which is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, and will be described in detail latter. Referring to FIG. 1 ( a ), one example of a conventional PDD  15  is a palm pilot, which is manufactured by 3COM. Electronic notepad  10  and PDD  15  coupled therewith are mounted on common base  20 . Generally, PDD  15  includes a microprocessor (not shown), memory (not shown), display area  25  and input area  30 . Display area  25  is typically comprised of a touch sensitive liquid crystal display (“LCD”)  25   a . Input area  30  typically has a number of control buttons  30   a , which a user can actuate, to enter or display data on LCD  25   a , conventional software, which is stored in the memory defined in PDD  15 , is executed to manage data entry or data displaying operations. One example of such software is IBM&#39;s INK MANAGER SOFTWARE, which provides note editing, searching, organization and sharing tools. The control buttons  30   A , LCD  25   a and software are all associated with the PDD  15  and are known to those of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Referring further to FIGS.  1 ( a ) and  1 ( b ), electronic notepad  10  defined on palm pad system  5  includes integrated printed circuit board assembly (“PCBA”)  35  adapted to securely hold an ordinary paper-pad  40  thereon. Paper-pad  40  can be written on just like any other ordinary paper-pad. PCBA  35  includes a plurality of etched loops  36  formed thereon. Etched loops  36  are uniformly distributed over the surface of PCBA  35  and form an X-grid pattern (not shown) and a Y-grid pattern (not shown). The X-grid pattern and the Y-grid pattern are coupled with position determining electronics  21 . The PCBA  35  is powered parasitically through data bus  45  to PDD  15 . Of course, many other methods can be employed to provide power to PCBA  35 , including a separate power source. In an embodiment, the notepad includes four AAA batteries (not shown) that allow the notepad to operate for 3-4 months with moderate use. 
     Electronic notepad  10  and PDD  15  are coupled through an interface  50 . According to an embodiment of the invention, interface  50  is a standard RS232 interface. As noted above, notepad  10  and PDD  15  can use a variety of communications technologies. PCBA  35  contained within notepad  10  transmits position and status information to PDD  15  through the interface  50  via data bus  45 . The position and status information can include separate X and Y coordinates of pen  200  (FIGS.  3  and  4 ), which is adapted to cooperate with notepad  10 , and the status of micro-switch (FIGS. 3 and 4) contained pen  200  (FIGS.  3  and  4 ). Furthermore, information directed to actuation of various controls  55  on notepad  10  can be communicated to PDD  15 . Although not shown in the drawings, other interfaces can be employed to form a communication channel between electronic notepad  10  and PDD  15 , for example, a substantially flat interface (not shown) can be integrated with the common base  20 . 
     PDD  15  further includes software that operates to interpret the position and status information provided by PCBA  35 . The software converts the position and status information received from PCBA  35  into an electronic copy of markings or writings composed by a user on paper-pad  40 . The An electronic copy  24  of the markings or writings composed by the user can then be stored, retrieved and/or, as shown in FIG.  1 ( a ), displayed on PDD  15 , as with any other data received by the PDD. Alternatively, the notepad  10 , as shown in FIGS.  1 ( a ) and  1 ( b ), can include software or hardware  23  disposed therein for processing the position and status information to create electronic copies  24  of markings or writings composed on the pad by a user. Then, only electronic copies  24  would be transferred to PDD  15  for storage, retrieval and display. 
     Referring to FIG.  2 ( a ), in an embodiment of the present invention, binder  20  includes PDD retaining surface  20   a and notepad retaining surface  20   b . Common base  20  can be formed of various materials including: leather, ballistic nylon and synthetics. PDD retaining surface  20   a and notepad retaining surface  20   b are coupled by a flexible section  20   c . Flap  60  defined on common base  20  substantially encloses and protects interface  50  (FIG.  1 ( a ), which enables communication between PDD  15  and notepad  10  via data bus  45 . Both PDD retaining surface  20   a and notepad retaining surface  20   b can be folded towards each other, which bends flexible section  20   c  to orient the common base  20  into a folded position as shown in FIG.  2 ( b ). At least one tab  65 , with an appropriate closure mechanism can be used to hold common base  20  in the folded position as shown in FIG.  2 ( c ). FIG.  2 ( c ) further shows a set of loops  70  defined on flexible portion  20   c of common base  20 . When common base  20  is folded, loops  70  form a space  70   a . Space  70   a  can accommodate a cylindrical object such as pen  200  (FIGS.  3  and  4 ). Common base  20  further includes an additional power supply retaining structure  75  adapted to retain batteries (not shown or other power supply in a secure position defined on common base  20 . 
     FIGS.  3 ( a ) and  3 ( b );  4 ( a ) and  4 ( b ) show embodiments of a pen  200  used in conjunction with embodiments of the present invention. U.S. Pat. No. 5,434,371, issued to Brooks and incorporated herein by reference, teaches a hand-held electronic writing implement including a writing tip for marking a surface and a pressure sensor located at the writing tip for emitting a pressure signal once the writing tip contacts the writing surface. Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 5,635,682 issued to Cherdak et al. and incorporated herein by reference, teaches a wireless stylus and disposable stylus cartridge for use with a pen computing device. The hand-held electronic writing implement set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,434,371 and the wireless stylus and disposable stylus cartridge set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,635,682 can be adapted for use with embodiments of the present invention. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the pen  200  includes an ordinary writing tip  205  defined at a first end  206  of the pen, which writing tip  205  can write on paper pad  40  (FIG. 1 ( a ), and rubber tip  210  or non-writing tip which makes no marks. More specifically and referring to FIG.  1 ( a ) as well as to FIGS.  3 ( a ) and  3 ( b ), pen  200  includes body  215  and cap  220 . The body  215  houses ink supply  225  connected to writing tip  205 . Ink supply  225  and writing tip  205  can be comprised of many ordinary forms for pens, such as a replaceable cartridge with a ball point tip. Body  215  also houses electromechanical transmitter  230 . Transmitter  230  provides a signal used by notepad  10  to determine the status and position of pen  200 . The signal is frequency encoded to relay the status of writing tip  205  and a side switch (not shown). All frequencies are set within the frequency range of 335 to 500 kHz, and are assigned in a manner to allow enough tolerance to eliminate the need for tuning each pen  200 . The status of writing tip  205  is determined by micro switching mechanism  235 . Switching mechanism  235  is operable when writing tip  205  contacts paper pad  40 . The pressure of writing tip  205  on paper pad  40  is sufficient to activate switch  235  and transmitter  230 . 
     Non-writing tip  210  is retractably mounted in cap  220  and is adapted for use with the touch sensitive display  25   a  which is associated with PDD  15 . When cap  220  is positioned over writing tip  205 , non-writing tip  210  is retracted within cap  220  as shown in FIG.  3 ( b ). When cap  220  is positioned over second end  207  of pen  200 , which is defined diametrically opposite from writing tip  221 , second end  207  thereof cooperates with non-writing tip  210  to force non-writing tip  210  to extend outwardly from aperture  221  defined on cap  220  as shown in FIGS.  4 ( a ) and  4  ( b ). Therefore, when the user removes cap  220  from writing tip  205  to begin writing on notepad  10 , the user can also position cap  220  over second end  207  of pen to extend non-writing tip  210  outwardly from aperture  221  defined on cap  220 , which non-writing tip  210  can be used to operate touch sensitive display  25   a  and/or control buttons  30   a  (FIG.  1 ( a ) associated with PDD  15 . Pen  200  can include a single AAA battery  240 , which provides pen  200  with a  6 - 12  month average life. 
     During use of writing tip  205 , writing tip  205  is pressed against paper-pad  40  for actuating micro-switch  235  to enable transmitter  230  to provide a signal. The signal provided by transmitter  230  is communicated to the etched loops  36  defined on PCBA  35 . The relative amplitudes of the received signals on individual etched loops  36  are used as inputs to algorithms (not shown) which determine writing tip&#39;s  205  relative location on paper-pad  40 . Therefore, when a user composes handwritten data by moving writing tip  205  of pen  200  over paper-pad  40 , the algorithms determine writing tip&#39;s  205  relative location on paper-pad  40 . The relative locations of writing tip  205  are further processed to concomitantly reproduce and electronically display the handwritten data on display  25   a  associated with PDD  15 . The electronically reproduced data can further be saved as an electronic file, which file can be retrieved at a later time. More simply stated, a user&#39;s hand written notes, which are written on paper-pad  40 , are concomitantly displayed on touch sensitive display  25   a  associated with PDD  15 . Thereafter, the user&#39;s handwritten notes can be electronically stored to and retrieved from memory which is associated with PDD  15 . 
     FIGS.  5 ( a ),  5 ( b ),  5 ( c ), and  5 ( d ) show various views of another embodiment of palm pad system  5   b  according to principles of the present invention. More specifically and referring to FIG.  5 ( a ), palm pad system  5   b  includes a conventional PDD  15   b  having a pivotal flip-down connection  17  to electronic notepad  10   b . A flexible data communication bus (not shown) connected between PDD  15   b  and notepad  10   b  enables data communication between PDD  15   b  and notepad  10   b . FIG.  5 ( b ) is a side view of palm pad system  5   b . FIG.  5 ( c ) shows palm pad system  5   b  in a closed position. FIG.  5 ( d ) is an isometric view of palm pad system  5   b  positioned in a user&#39;s hand during use. 
     Referring to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the present invention includes the integration of electronic notepad  10   c  with laptop computer  300 . Electronic notepad  10   c  can be coupled to a conventional processor (not shown) as well as conventional memory (not shown) contained within laptop computer  10   c . Such a configuration allows a user to take handwritten notes on electronic notepad  10   c  and electronically store the notes in laptop computer  300 . Thereafter, the stored notes can be retrieved and displayed on a screen  310  associated with laptop computer  300 . 
     Referring to FIG. 7, another embodiment of the present invention includes a fully integrated palm pad system  5 C. Integrated palm pad system  5 C includes a substantially rigid housing  400  containing electronic notepad  10   d  and PDD  15   d . Electronic notepad  10   d  is positioned adjacent to a first window defined on housing  400  and PDD  15   d  is positioned adjacent to a second window defined on housing  400 . Although not shown in FIG. 7, the electronic notepad  10   d  and PDD  15   d  are coupled together by a data bus which operates in a similar manner as that previously described in earlier embodiments. 
     The above described palm pad system  5  has many advantages over the prior art such as enabling handwritten notes to be converted into an electronic file or pages which can be stored and/or retrieved in the memory of PDD  15 . The electronic file can further be displayed on a touch sensitive display  25   a  associated with PDD  15 . 
     The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of the equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8