DataQuill Limited v. Apple Inc.

Filing 1

COMPLAINT ( Filing fee $ 400 receipt number 0542-5774656), filed by DataQuill Limited. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1, # 2 Exhibit 2, # 3 Exhibit 3, # 4 Exhibit 4, # 5 Exhibit 5-1, # 6 Exhibit 5-2, # 7 Civil Cover Sheet)(Wilson, Douglas)

Exhibit 1

111111

United States Patent

1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
US006058304A

[11]

Callaghan et al.
[54]

Inventors: Francis John Callaghan; Paul
Marshall Doran, both of St. Helier;
Gary Douglas Robb, St. Brelades, all
of United Kingdom

6,058,304

Date of Patent:

May 2, 2000

DATA ENTRY SYSTEM

[75]

Patent Number:

[45]

[19J

[73]

Appl. No.:

08/619,682

[22]

PCT Filed:

Sep.27, 1994

[86]

PCTNo.:

PCT/GB94/02101

§ 371 Date:

0064571 A3 11/1983
0536481 A2 4/1993
D. 3814728
A1 11/1989
D. 4709482
A1 9/1992
2183071 5/1987
2202664 9/1988
2229562 9/1990
wo 8707106
A1 11/1987
wo 8904016
A1 5/1989
W099100574
A1 1!1991

Assignee: Dataquill Limited, Tortola, Virgin
Islands (Br.)

[21]

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

May 23, 1996

European Pat. Off..
European Pat. Off..
Germany.
Germany.
United Kingdom .
United Kingdom .
United Kingdom .
WIPO.
WIPO.
WIPO.

§ 102(e) Date: May 23, 1996

[30]

PCT Pub. No.: W095/10818
PCT Pub. Date: Apr. 20, 1995

[87]

OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Telxon Corporation, "Portable Data Collection and Data
Entry Systems," McGraw-Hill Incorporated, Mar. 1989, pp.

5.

Foreign Application Priority Data

Oct. 13, 1993 [GB]
[51]
[52]
[58]

[56]

United Kingdom ................... 9321133

Int. Cl? ....................................................... H04Q 7/20
U.S. Cl. .......................... 455/422; 455/556; 235/375;
235/462.46; 235/472.02; 235/380
Field of Search ..................................... 455/422, 403,
455/406-408, 556; 379/93.16, 93.17, 93.12,
93.25, 100.02, 100.12; 235/375, 381, 376,
385, 462, 383, 422, 462.46, 462.45, 472.01,
472.02, 462.13, 380
References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
4,279,021 7/1981 See eta!. ........................... 364/709.01
4,415,065 11/1993 Sandstedt .................................. 186/39
4,725,977 2/1988 Isumi et a!. .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... 364/900
4,845,658 7/1989 Gifford .. ... ... ... .... ... ... ... ... ... .... .. 364/900
4,850,009 7/1989 Zook eta!. ............................. 235/375
4,857,713 8/1989 Brown ..................................... 235/375
4,916,441 4/1990 Gombrich ............................... 340/712
5,023,438 6/1991 Wakatsuki et a!. ..................... 235/472

Primary Examiner-Dwayne D. Bast
Assistant Examiner-Tracy M. Legree
Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Sharp, Comfort & Merrett, P.C.
[57]

ABSTRACT

A data entry system includes a hand held data entry unit
having a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data,
rewritable storage for storing information relating to selectable items, a controller (a microprocessor or other processing circuitry) and a display screen for displaying a user
readable representation of the commands and/or stored
information for a selected item, and a telecommunication
interface for the telephonic transmission of information
relating to a selected item or items from the storage to a
remote processing center and for the telephonic information
relating to selectable items from the remote processing
center to the storage. Preferably a telecommunications interface is provided in the hand held unit for cellular or other
wireless telephony systems. The hand held unit can be
configured to combine the data entry functions with those of
audio telephony.

63 Claims, 11 Drawing Sheets

(List continued on next page.)

PROCESSOR

6,058,304
Page 2

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
5,227,614 7/1993
5,324,922 6/1994
5,334,824 8/1994
5,371,348 12/1994

Danielson et a!. ... ... ... .... ... ... ...
Roberts ...................................
Martinez .................................
Kumar et a!. ...........................

235/380
235/375
235/380
235/462

5,410,141
5,424,524
5,541,398
5,729,591
5,754,655

4/1995
6/1995
7/1996
3/1998
5/1998

Koenck et a!. .................... 235/472.01
Ruppert et a!. ......................... 235/383
Hanson ................................... 235/375
Bailey ..................................... 455/406
Hughes et a!. . ... ... .... ... ... ... ... ... 235/380

U.S. Pate nt

6,058,304

Sheet 1 of 11

May 2, 2000

12

20

10

-

28

16

FIG. 1A
34

14

36

30
31
33

FIG. 18

10
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45

44

46
66

67
61

68 .

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s2

63

64 56

58

FIG. 2

U.S. Patent

May 2, 2000

26

14

22

6,058,304

Sheet 2 of 11

24

70

28

BATTERY

HEAD

30

PCM

31

72

PROCESSOR

74

76

ROM

RAM

78

80

DISPLAY

OPTICAL
INTERFACE

86

INTERFACE

32

84

20

34

DISPLAY

FIG. 3

U.S. Patent

6,058,304

Sheet 3 of 11

May 2, 2000

102

60

45

46
POWER
SUPPLY
UNIT

104

~----------

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1
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------------------ ----------LINE
INTERFACE

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PUMP

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MEMORY

______ _

-------

AUDIO
INTERFACE

---------------118

-

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120

OPTICAL
INTERFACE

64

106

FIG. 4

U.S. Patent

May 2, 2000

6,058,304

Sheet 4 of 11

10/40

/10/4 0
.....-----~

----.{_/""" 50

108
10/40
50

PROCESSING
CENTRE

50

10/40

~10/40

FIG. 5

U.S. Patent

May 2, 2000

6,058,304

Sheets of 11

IIIII

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Delete

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U.S. Patent

6,058,304

Sheet 6 of 11

May 2, 2000

r

S1

r

S2

/

S3

PICK UP PEN

USER PRESSES 'UP' KEYS
SYSTEM PERFORMS DIAGNO STICS

USER PRESSES 'UP' AND/OR 'DOWN' KEYS
SYSTEM SCROLLS ITEMS IN DISPLA Y

,,

/

USER SCANS 'ENTER' COMMA ND BAR CODE
WITH 'LEFT-HANDED OPERAT ION' OPTION
IN DISPLAY
SYSTEM CAUSES DATA DISPLA Y FOR
LEFT-HANDED OPERAT ION

S4

r ss

USER OPERAT ES 'UP' AND 'DOWN' KEYS
UNTIL INITIAL DISPLAY MESSAG E SHOWS
THEN SCANS BAR CODES FOR SELECT IONS
SYSTEM STORES AND DISPLAYS SELECTIONS

r

S6

USER SCANS 'PHONE' COMMA ND BAR CODE
FOLLOWED BY PHONE NUMBE R
SYSTEM STORES AND DISPLAYS PHONE NUMBER

r
USER REPLACES PEN AND
OPERATES 'DOWN' KEY'
SYSTEM TRANSMITS DATA AND DISPLAYS
ACKNO WLEDG EMENT OF TRANSF ER

FIG. 7

S7

U.S. Patent

May 2, 2000

22

26

14

6,058,304

Sheet 7 of 11

24

70

28

BATTERY

HEAD

30

PCM
72

PROCESSOR

74
76

ROM

RAM

78

80

DISPLAY
INTERFACE

OPTICAL
INTERFACE

86
32

20

90

84

88

TOUCH
SCREEN
INTERFACE

TOUCH
SCREEN
89

34

FIG. 8

U.S. Patent

May 2, 2000

26

14

22

6,058,304

Sheet 8 of 11

24

70

28

BAITERY

HEAD

30

PCM

31

72

PROCESSOR

74
76

RAM

ROM

78

92

DISPLAY
INTERFACE

80

20~

MODEM
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FIG. 9

94

U.S. Patent

May 2, 2000

26

14

22

6,058,304

Sheet 9 of 11

24

28

70

BATTERY

HEAD

30
PCM

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152

72

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6,058,304

1
DATA ENTRY SYSTEM

2

display and an array of keys. For most models, a separate bar
code reader wand is provided which is connected to the data
This invention relates to data entry systems, to applicaentry terminal via a flexible cable, requiring a two-handed
tions of such data entry systems and to equipment for use
operation as described above. One model PTC-620 has the
5 same basic format as the other terminals, but is described as
therewith.
UK patent GB-B-2,202,664 describes an example of an
being for simple applications and features a snap-on reversapplication for a data entry system for the automated orderible head for one-handed operation with either the left or the
ing of merchandisable items. Merchandisable items are
right hand. However, this terminal is still relatively bulky
and cumbersome and in use it is easy inadvertently to
represented in a printed catalogue or other form of list and
are associated with bar codes. A merchandise ordering unit 10 operate one or more keys in the array of keys.
comprises a bar code reader with a telephone transmission
An object of the present invention is to provide a data
capability for use in selecting one or more items from the
entry system which mitigates the problems of the prior art.
catalogue and transmitting electronically an order for the
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is
merchandise to a processing centre over the public telephone
provided a data entry system comprising a hand held data
network. The orders for the merchandisable items received 15 entry unit, the hand held unit comprising a reading sensor for
in this way are processed in the processing centre. As
sensing commands and/or data and for producing input
described, the hand held data entry terminal comprises a
signals in response to the sensed commands and/or data,
calculator-like processing unit with a pen-like bar code
rewritable storage for information relating to selectable
reader wand electrically connected to the processing unit via
items, a controller connected to receive and process the input
a flexible cable. The processing unit includes a display for 20 signals from the sensor for responding to the commands to
displaying information and a telephone transmission capacontrol the hand held unit and or to the data to select the item
bility for transmitting captured data via the telephone netand a display screen for displaying a user readable reprework. Although this system works well, it is rather bulky and
sentation of the commands and/or stored information for the
selected item, and a telecommunications interface for telecan be somewhat inconvenient in use as it requires two
handed operation, one hand for the processing unit and one 25 phonic transmission of information relating to a selected
item or items from the storage to a remote processing centre
hand for the wand. Alternatively, if the processing unit is not
and for telephonic transmission of information relating to
carried all the time, it needs to be located in a position where
the display on the processing unit can be seen and the keys
selectable items from the remote processing centre to the
on the processing unit can be operated. It will be appreciated
storage.
The provision of a hand held unit having an integral
that particularly where the processing unit is being carried in 30
the hand, operation of the keys on it while holding the wand
sensor, control, storage, display means with a telecommurequires considerable dexterity.
nications interface enables the unit to be used in a particuEuropean patent application EP-A-0,094,571 describes a
larly efficient and self-contained manner for the capture,
self-contained portable data entry terminal positioned within
processing, storage, display and transmission of data. The
a portable wand-type enclosure. The wand contains a bar 35 inclusion of the display in the hand held unit enables the user
code optical reader, signal conditioning electronics, a
to verify the data being captured without taking his or her
microprocessor, a memory and a rechargeable battery. The
eyes off the areas in which data capture is taking place.
optical reader is operable as a transmitter/receiver so that
Preferably, the telecommunications interface is integral
readout of data stored in the memory is possible. An
to the hand held unit. The provision of a telecommunications
example of the use of the portable data terminal is described 40 interface in the hand held unit enables captured data to be
used for direct telephonic transmission of the captured data
in which captured bar code data can be output from the
memory via the optical reader to an optical receiver and
via a telephone network to a remote processing centre. It
from there via an audio coupler to a telephone line for
also allows for data and/or commands to be received from
transmission to a remote station. Another example is
the remote data processing centre.
Preferably, the hand held unit includes a rechargeable
described where the bar code data relates to items on a menu 45
in a restaurant. Captured menu selections can be output from
power source. There can be provided a base unit separate
the memory via the optical reader to an optical receiver and
from the hand held unit, wherein the base unit includes a
from there via a computer to a printer in a kitchen. Also
charger unit and the base unit and the hand held unit are
described is the programming of the portable data entry
provided with respective interconnectable electrical connecterminal using an optical transmitter to input data via the 50 tors for recharging the rechargeable power source.
In some embodiments of the invention, the data entry
optical reader. The wand includes a beeper for indicating the
system can comprise a base unit separate from the hand held
correct reading of a bar code and the current memory
loading. The wand described in EP-A-0,094,571 is relatively
unit, wherein the base unit and the hand held unit are
simple in construction, and although it is readily portable, it
provided with a wireless data link which is operable for
does not provide any confirmation of what has been read. 55 bidirectional data transfer between the hand held unit and
the base unit, and wherein the base unit includes a telecomA further portable data entry terminal manufactured by
Telxon Corporation is described in an article entitled
munications interface for telephonic transmission of infor"Telxon Corporation, Portable Data Collection and Entry
mation relating to a selected item or items from the storage
to a remote processing centre and for telephonic transmisSystems" published by McGraw-Hill in 1989 and referenced
"R51-832-101 SKU/UPC Marking and Reading Equip- 60 sion of information relating to selectable items from the
ment". The article describes various models of data entry
remote processing centre to the storage. In this embodiment,
terminals similar to that described in UK patent GB-B-2,
the wireless data link preferably comprises, in the base unit
and the hand held unit, optical transmitters and/or receivers
202,664. Data from the terminals can be transmitted to a
which cooperate then the hand held unit is in the rest
remote station via various telecommunication options
including direct connect modems and acoustic couplers. The 65 position to provide a two way optical data link for transferring data from the hand held unit to the base unit and/or from
data entry terminals have a generally rectangular format,
the base unit to the hand held unit. In other embodiments it
similar to a large scientific calculator, with a rectangular

6,058,304

3

4

could comprise respective radio frequency, rather than
first orientation suitable for reading displayed data when the
optical, transmitters and receivers, or indeed other types of
hand held unit is held in a user's right hand, or in a second
transmitters and receivers.
orientation suitable for reading displayed data when the
In preferred embodiments of the invention, the telecomhand held unit is held in a user's left hand. In a preferred
munications interface is an interface for connection to a 5 embodiment the display has a substantially rectangular
wireless telephony network. This provides for a particularly
display screen with a longitudinal axis arranged substanadvantageous implementation of the invention, which can
tially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the hand held unit. For
then be used without the need to plug in the data entry
example, for right handed operation, a string of characters
system to, for example, a conventional wired telephone
could, for example, be displayed along the display from an
network.
10 end nearest to the sensor to the end furthest therefrom,
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the telecomwhereas for left handed operation, the same string of charmunications interface is a cellular telephone network interacters would be displayed from the end of the display
face. In this embodiment of the invention, particularly where
furthest from the sensor to the end nearest thereto.
the telecommunications interface is incorporated in the hand
A data entry system comprising a hand held unit with or
held unit, the data entry system can be used with the
convenience, for example, of a portable cellular phone. 15 without a base unit as described above, can also include
means for displaying a plurality of selectable items with
Cellular telephone networks are now common place and
associated data sources for user selection of an item by
give a very wide area of coverage. This facilitates the use of
operation of the hand held unit and a remote processing
a data entry system in accordance with the invention in, for
centre for processing user selections transmitted from the
example, a user's home or workplace.
Alternatively, the telecommunications interface can be a 20 hand held unit. The controller in the hand held unit is
preferably arranged to respond to appropriate commands
satellite telephone network interface, or some other form of
input, for example via the reading sensor, to issue coded
wireless telephone interface, for example a telephone interinstructions via the telecommunications interface to the data
face for a telephone network based on highly localised
processing centre and to receive programming data (e.g.,
transponder stations.
Where the telecommunications interface is intended to 25 relating to information for selectable items) from the programming centre for storage in the hand held unit.
interface with an analogue telephone network, the telecomThe data entry system may additionally be arranged to
munications interface includes a modem.
provide the functions of a telephone to permit audio comBy arranging that the reading sensor can be used for the
munication. In particular, if a cellular telephone interface is
input of commands for controlling the hand held unit, the
number of user input means (e.g., keys) can be kept to a 30 provided in a hand held unit, this unit can advantageously
minimum, reducing the possibility of inadvertent operation.
combine the functions of the data entry unit and a cellular
Preferably, there are provided one or two manually operable
telephone.
switches for scrolling the display in a first and/or second
Accordingly, the invention also provides a data entry
direction for selectively displaying a plurality of data stored
system additionally comprising means for displaying a pluin the storage. The scrolling of the display enables a large 35 rality of selectable items with associated data sources for
number of items to be accessed with a relatively compact
user selection of an item by operation of the hand held unit
display. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first
and a remote processing centre for processing user selecand/or second switches are the only switches on the hand
tions transmitted from the hand held unit. Preferably, the
held unit. Preferably also, operation of the first and or second
hand held unit is programmable remotely from the processswitches in predetermined operational states of the hand 40 ing centre.
held unit causes predetermined functions other than scrollIn a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hand
ing functions to be performed (e.g., powering-up or
held unit is configured as an elongate unit such that it may
powering-down of the hand held unit). By the provision of
be held by a user in the manner of a pen or quill with the
reading sensor being located in a reading head at or adjacent
only two keys on the hand held unit, the possibility of
accidentally operating an incorrect key can be reduced, and 45 to one end of the hand held unit. The configuration of the
also the hand held unit can be kept particularly compact.
hand held unit such that it may be held in the manner of a
Preferably, the hand held unit comprises a sensor for
pen or quill means that the unit can be held in a familiar and
reading coded data, the controller being arranged to access
comfortable manner. Also, it facilitates the provision of user
the stored information for selectable items to determine
input means (e.g. switches) on the hand held unit to be
natural language characters or images corresponding to the 50 located such that inadvertent operation thereof can easily be
coded data for display. The invention finds particular, but not
avoided.
Preferably the reading sensor is located in a reading head
exclusive application to the reading of bar codes and/or
which is releasably attached to the hand held unit. This
binary dot codes, whereby the sensor is a bar code and/or dot
enables alternative types of reading head to be connected to
code reader. It will be appreciated that the invention also
applies to other forms of codes.
55 the hand held unit and/or for faulty reading heads to be
replaced easily.
The hand held data entry unit may comprise a reading
The invention also provides a merchandising system
head including a reading sensor for producing input signals,
comprising a data entry system of this type wherein the
wherein the reading sensor traces movements of the reading
head and wherein the controller is responsive to signals from
selectable items are merchandisable items and the remote
the sensor representative of the movements for identifying 60 processing centre initiates processing of user orders of the
characters traced by the reading head as captured data. In
selectable merchandisable items.
this manner data entry can be made in an advantageous
Thus, a data entry system in accordance with the
manner by tracing out the characters of the data to be input
invention, especially a data entry system comprising a hand
or characters representing commands for controlling the
held unit including a telecommunications interface for use
65 with a wireless telephony system, such as a cellular network
operation of the data entry system.
Preferably, the controller is user programmable to cause
telephone system, provides a particularly advantageous
the captured data to be displayed on the display either in a
device for use, for example, for "home shopping". It enables

6,058,304

5

6

the user to make shopping selections from a catalogue or
FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of the functional
from a series of options displayed on a television screen
elements of a base unit as shown in FIG. 2 for use with the
from the comfort of his or her home without the need to
hand held data entry device of FIGS. 1A, 1B and 3;
connect the device to a conventional telephone network. A
FIG. 5 is an overview of a merchandising system using
hand held unit including a wireless telephone network 5 a data entry terminal such as is illustrated in the preceding
interface such as a cellular network interface finds particular
Figures;
application where the user of the system is travelling from
FIG. 6 represents a control card with bar codes for a
place to place and may need to perform data entry functions
number of numeric and control characters;
when they are far from a conventional wired telephone
FIG. 7 is flow diagram illustrating an example of the
network socket.
10 operation of a data entry system as described with reference
A data entry system or a merchandising system as
to FIGS. 1 to 6;
described above preferably includes a verification device in
FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of the functional
the form of a verification card (e.g., a credit, payment or
elements of a second example of a hand held data entry
other validation card) or like carrier carrying a verification
device as shown. in FIGS. 1A and 1B;
bar code and/or dot code for verification of a user identity.
FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of the functional
Operation of the data entry system subsequent to an initial 15
elements of a further, self-contained, hand held data entry
data capture operation can then be made dependent on the
device which is intended for use without a base unit;
identification of authorized coded data.
FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of the functional
The invention also provides a carrier for a plurality of
elements of a further, self-contained, hand held data entry
data and/or command codes (e.g., bar and/or dot codes) for
association with means for displaying a plurality of select- 20 device for use without a base unit and intended, in particular,
able items in a data entry system or a merchandising system
for use with a wireless telephone network such as a cellular
as defined above, wherein the carrier carries a plurality of
network;
FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram illustrating comcodes, each for a respective one of a plurality of natural
language and/or numeric characters, and a plurality of
ponents in an ASIC forming part of the apparatus of FIG. 10;
commands for controlling the operation of the data entry or 25 and
merchandising system, each code being associated with a
FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the
visual representation of the corresponding natural language
inter-relationship of functional elements of FIGS. 10 and 11.
or numeric character or command and/or of a graphical
FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic views from above and
representation thereof. This avoids the need for a complete
below, respectively, of one embodiment of hand held data
coded data source to be associated with each selectable item 30 entry unit 10 which is substantially pen-shaped and which
in, for example, a catalogue, rather a composite code can be
will hereinafter, for reasons of conciseness only, be referred
to as the "pen 10". The pen 10 is intended to be held for
built up by capturing a desired sequence of individual codes.
By including the command characters as well, the need for
essentially one handed operation between the thumb and
a lot of keys on the data entry device can be avoided.
forefinger of either the left or right hand in the manner of a
As an alternative to the use of bar codes, other data 35 conventional, if rather thicker than usual, pen.
representations could be used. Indeed, if the data entry
The pen 10 has an elongate body 12 with, in the present
device is provided with a reading sensor in the form of a
example, external dimensions of approximately 120 mm by
40 mm, although the dimensions may be larger or smaller as
camera or other scanning sensor rather than a bar code
reader, and the data entry device is provided with character
desired subject to technical limitations. A reading head 14,
or image recognition logic, graphical or alphanumeric data 40 for example a red or infra-red optical reading head (e.g., a
representations can be captured directly. One application of
laser diode) suitable for reading bar codes is located at one
end of the pen. Other types of reading head may be provided.
an embodiment of the pen with a camera head as its sensor
could be for fingerprint recognition.
The reading head is preferably replaceable for interchanging
As an example of a possible mode of operation, a
types of reading head. A removable battery cover 16 covcommand character (e.g., a bar code) can be read using the 45 ering a battery compartment is located at the other end of the
reading head (e.g., a bar code reading head) and this can be
pen. As an alternative to a compartment for removable
used to load down remote data from a remote station. This
batteries, a removable and/or fixed rechargeable battery
is particularly advantageous mode of operation where the
pack could be provided instead. Also, the reading head in the
data entry system can set up a telephone connection to the
present embodiment is arranged to read with a reading angle
remote station automatically, for example where the data 50 of between 0" to 45" to the normal to the bar code to be read.
entry device has cellular telephone capabilities.
On the upper surface of the pen shown in FIG. 1A a
The carrier is preferably in the form of a sheet of
display screen 20, first and second microswitches 22 and 24,
material. The various characters and commands could be
a first indicator light 26 and a second indicator light 28 are
arranged in the manner of a standard typewriter keyboard
located. The display screen 20 preferably comprises a conlayout to facilitate entry of individual codes to make up a 55 ventional two-dimensional array of pixels which can be
desired code sequence (e.g., for a specific product code).
selectively activated in order to provide the display of a wide
Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be
range of displayable items. However, in a low cost version
described hereinafter, by way of example only, with referof the pen 10, the display may be configured only to display
ence to the accompanying drawings in which like reference
a predetermined range of characters and symbols, this reducnumerals are used for like features and in which:
60 ing the complexity of the display and the controlling logic
FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic views of a substantially
and thus reducing the cost as will be well understood by one
skilled in the art.
pen-shaped hand held data entry device.
FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a base unit for use with
Any suitable display technology can be used which
the hand held unit of FIGS. 1A and 1B;
enables the displayed information to be read over a wide
FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the functional 65 enough angular range such that it can be read by the user
when the pen is held at an angle suitable for reading a bar
elements of a first example of a hand held data entry device
as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B;
code. In this way it is not necessary to change the orientation

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of the pen in order to read the display. In view of the low
optical transmitter 32 and optical receiver 34, respectively,
power consumption and advantageous readability
when the pen is located in the cradle 56. The optical receiver
characteristics, a 2 line by 16 character supertwist LCD
62 and the optical transmitter 64 are surrounded by a wall 63
display screen is employed in the preferred embodiment
which also forms a shroud between the optical receiver 62
giving a viewing area of approximately 60 mm by 16 mm 5 and the optical transmitter 64. The wall 63 cooperates with
with a character size of approximately 3 mm by 5.5 mm. The
the recess 33 in the pen 10 to prevent external light reaching
display is preferably located towards the end of the pen 10
the optical link, and the shroud between the optical receiver
opposite to the reading head 14 with its longitudinal axis
62 and the optical transmitter 64 prevents light from the two
substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pen 10.
optical paths between the pen and the base unit and between
With the pen 10 held between thumb and forefinger with
10 the base unit and the pen from interfering with each other.
the user's hand below the pen as viewed in FIG. lA, and
It will be appreciated that alternative configurations are
with the pen held at an angle of, say, 30" to the normal of a
possible, for example the wall could be provided on the pen
bar code to be read, (assuming that the normal to the bar
and the recess on the base unit, although this could mean that
code is generally in the direction of the line of sight of the
the pen was less comfortable to use.
user), the display screen can be read without difficulty.
First and second base contacts 60 and 61 are also located
The switches 22 and 24 are used to control basic opera- 15
in the recess for cooperating with the contacts 30 and 31 on
tions of the data entry system and for control of the sequenthe pen 10 when it is inserted in the cradle 56, thus enabling
tial display of stored information (scrolling of the display) as
rechargeable batteries (70, FIG. 3) in the pen 10 to be
will be explained later. The indicator light 26 is used to
recharged. A locating ridge 58 is formed in the recess for
report successful scanning of a bar code. The indicator light
28 is used when rechargeable batteries (70, FIG. 3) are 20 cooperating with the locating groove 36 in the bottom of the
pen 10 to enable to pen to be positioned correctly in the
inserted in the battery compartment to indicate that the
batteries are charging.
cradle 56 such that the optical transmitter/receiver pairs
32/62 and 64/34 and the contact pairs 30/60 and 31!61 are
On the lower surface of the pen 10 shown in FIG. lB, an
aligned correctly.
optical transmitter 32 and an optical receiver 34 are provided
The pen 10 can also be provided with a socket for
in a shallow recess 33. Also, provided on the lower surface 25
directly charging the internal rechargeable batteries using an
are a locating groove 36 and first and second electrical
AC mains supply or a DC supply. In the first case the pen
contacts 30 and 31. The optical transmitter 32 and the optical
receiver 34 are used in combination with an optical receiver
will include a transformer, in the second a transformer/
62 and optical transmitter 64, respectively, on a base unit 40
rectifier could be incorporated in, for example, a mains plug.
to be described with reference to FIG. 2, for the transfer of 30
On a further raised portion 66, one or two base unit
data between the pen 10 and the base unit 40. The locating
indicator lights are provided. The first base unit indicator
groove 36 is used correctly to position the pen 10 with
light 67 is for indicating the base unit is receiving mains
respect to a corresponding ridge in a cradle 56 on the base
power and is turned on. Optionally, the second base unit
unit 40 when the pen 10 is placed in that cradle 56. The
indicator light 68 can used to indicate that rechargeable
cradle 56 defines a rest position for the pen 10 on the base 35 battery (70, FIG. 3) in the pen is being charged.
unit 40. The first and second contacts 30 and 31 are arranged
FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the functional
to cooperate with corresponding contacts 60 and 61 in the
elements of the pen 10. A processor 74 is preferably formed
by a conventional programmable microprocessor e.g., an
cradle 56 on the base unit 40 for charging the rechargeable
Intel 80C31 12 MHz CMOS microprocessor with two
batteries.
Turning now to FIG. 2, this illustrates a plan view of a 40 internal clocks, an Intel 80486, etc.), although a special
base unit 40 for use with the pen 10 of FIGS. lA and lB.
purpose or specially configured unit (e.g. an ASIC) could
The base unit includes a generally rectangular housing 42
alternatively be used (compare FIG. 10). A read only
with a raised portion 44 containing a power supply unit (102,
memory (ROM) 76 is connected via a bus 84 to the
processor 74 for the storage of control programs and data.
FIG. 4) which receives electrical power via a mains supply
cable 45 and a mains switch 46. The mains switch 46 is 45 The ROM 76 can be implemented by any appropriate
technology, for example by a flash PROM. A random access
located on the right hand side of the base unit housing 42.
Cooling slots 47 for the power supply unit (102. FIG. 4) are
memory (RAM) 78 (for example a 128K low power static
provided in the upper surface of the raised portion 44.
RAM, or higher capacity RAM, e.g, a 256K, 512K ... 5Mb,
Further slots 48 in the upper surface of the base unit housing
etc., RAM) is connected to the processor via the bus 84. The
42 are located over a speaker (110, FIG. 4) for relaying 50 RAM 78 is used as working storage and for the storage of
information to the user of the data entry system. The rear of
data captured using the reading head 14. A display interface
the housing 42 is also provided with a socket 52 for a
80, which connects the display 20 to the bus 84, responds to
display instructions from the processor to drive the display
standard telephone plug for connecting the base unit 40 to a
telephone line 50 and a standard serial connector 54 (e.g., an
in a conventional manner. An optical interface 86 is conRS232 connector) for connecting the base unit to, for 55 nected to the bus to convert data to be transmitted into
example, a personal computer (not shown). A manual switch
signals for driving the optical transmitter 32, and converts
53 can be provided for switching between the telephone line
signals from the optical receiver 34 into data to be passed to
and the serial connector. It will be appreciated that a parallel
the bus 84.
connector could be provided instead of, or in addition to, the
In the present embodiment, other connections are made
serial connector 54. A separate telephone socket 55 can be 60 directly to the processor rather than via the bus. Thus, in the
provided for the connection of a standard telephone handset
present embodiment, signals relating to data captured by the
reader head 14 are passed directly to the processor 74 to be
to the base unit.
processed.
Towards the front of the base unit housing 42, a recess is
formed which is configured as a cradle 56 for receiving the
The manual switch 22 is also connected directly to the
65 processor. In use this switch serves as a "scroll-down" key.
pen 10.
The second manual switch 24, which in use serves as a
An optical receiver 62 and an optical transmitter 64 are
"scroll-up" key, is, however, connected to the processor via
located in the bottom of the recess for cooperating with the

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a power control module (PCM) 72. This is because the
conventional manner. Thus, where the head 14 comprises a
switch 24 also serves as a "power-up" key for turning the
red or infra -red light source and a light sensor, signals
representing changing levels of reflected illuminations are
pen on or powering it up after it has been powered down.
supplied to the processor 74. Firmware stored in the ROM
The power control module 72 responds to operation of the
key 24 in a powered down state to connect the battery 70 to 5 76, or in other embodiments possibly hard-wired in the
processor 74, is used then to decode the changing levels of
the processor 74. The power control module 72 also controls
the charging of the battery 70 when the contacts 30 and 31
reflected illumination to generate a numerical value. On
successful reading of a bar code the good read light 26 is
are connected to the corresponding contacts 60 and 61 in the
cradle 56 of the base unit 40. The indicator light 67 (e.g., an
illuminated.
LED or NEON) is connected to the processor 74 and
The processor tests the numerical values to determine
10
whether the sensed code relates to data or a command. A
indicates when the base unit is connected to the mains. The
optional indicator light 68 (e.g., an LED or NEON) is
look up table containing the numerical values for individual
connected to the power control module 72 to indicate when
commands (not shown) is configured in the ROM 76 and/or
RAM 78. By accessing this table, input commands can be
the battery 70 is being charged.
identified. The controlling software is aware of which comThe processor is programmed by means of control programs and data stored in the ROM 76 and, in use, in the 15 mands can be executed for the current processing state. On
identifying a currently executable command, the processor
RAM 87, to receive signals from the reading head 14, to
74 executes that command and causes the display of a
interpret those signals and to derive data therefrom which
are displayed on the display 20 and stored in the RAM 78 for
human readable command description for user verification
subsequent transmission via the optical interface as will be
purposes. The processor causes an error message to be
described in more detail below.
20 displayed on the display screen if a non-executable command (e.g., a command has been input at a wrong time) has
FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of the functional
been input.
elements of the base unit 40 of FIG. 2. A power supply
If the code does not relate to a recognised command, it
module 102 is connected to a mains supply via the switch 46
is treated as data. The data are then stored in RAM as the
and the supply cable 45. The power supply unit 102 is also
connected to the contacts 60 and 61 so that, when the pen 10 25 result of reading a bar code and are used to address a
description of the item referenced by the bar code value from
is located in the cradle 56, the battery 70 can be recharged.
a further look-up table. If a description of the item correThe power supply unit 102 also supplies power to the other
sponding to the bar code value is stored in the ROM 76
elements of the base unit via supply lines which are repreand/or the RAM 78 in a suitable data structure so that the bar
sented schematically (for reasons of drawing simplicity) by
code value can be used either directly or indirectly to address
the arrows 104.
30
the appropriate description, then the item description can
A modem 100 is connected via an optical link 106 to an
readily be displayed instead of or as well as the bar code
optical receiver 62 and an optical transmitter 64. The optical
value for user verification purposes. If the bar code is not
interface 106 converts signals from the optical receiver 62 to
read correctly, then an error message is displayed on the
data to be passed to the modem 100 and converts data from
display screen.
the modem 100 to signals to be transmitted by the optical 35
The item description data can relate, for example, to
transmitter 64. A further interface (e.g. a standard V24/
items from a merchandising catalogue. In the this case the
RS232 interface-not shown) for connection to a personal
rewritable storage capacity of the pen (e.g., the RAM 78) is
computer (not shown) could also be provided. Also a socket
chosen to be sufficient to store all the items from one or more
for a connection to a standard telephone handset (not shown)
merchandising catalogues. If the data is stored in volatile
could be provided. The modem 100 can be a conventional 40 memory, this data is downloaded from the remote processing
modem generally comprising a master control unit 112, a
centre via the telecommunications link on restoring power to
data pump 114 and memory 118. The master control unit 112
the memory in the pen. Preferably, if volatile memory is
is connected to receive data from the optical interface 106
used, power is supplied to the memory even when the pen
is "switched off". An integral rechargeable back-up battery
(and/or from a V24/RS232 interface, if a personal computer
is connected). Data from the data pump 114 are coupled via 45 can be provided in addition to the battery 70 to maintain
power to a volatile memory when the battery 70 is being
a line interface 116 to the telephone line 50. The data pump
116 is also connected via an audio interface 120 to a speaker
changed. If non-volatile memory is provided, then this data
110 for monitoring the transmission of data via the telephone
can be retained during a period when no power is supplied
to the memory. However, through the use of rewritable
line 50.
FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a data entry 50 memory and control logic enabling the memory to be
network comprising a plurality of pens/base units 10/40
updated using data downloaded from the remote processing
connected via respective telephone connections 50
centre, it is possible to keep the pen's memory up to date on
(telephone lines, wireless telephone channels, etc) to a
a full list of merchandisable items, including product
processing centre 108 where data transmitted from the
description, availability, price, etc. Then on reading a bar
individual pens/base units 10/40 are processed. In the pre- 55 code relating to an item stored in memory the display on the
pen can indicate a description of the item corresponding to
ferred embodiment of the invention, the pens/base units
the code read, its availability and price. If the code read is
10/40 are used for the placing of orders for merchandise and
the processing centre 108 processes those orders and disnot recognised, for example, the pen can be programmed
patches them to the users.
automatically to call up the remote processing centre to
FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of an example of a 60 check on whether an update of the pen's storage is needed
control card for use with the pen 10. The card shows bar
when the pen is replaced in the base unit.
codes for the numerals 0 to 9 and for a set of commands. The
FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a
command bar codes are used for controlling the operation of
possible series of operations using an example of data entry
the pen 10. The control card can be thought of as a keyboard
system such as that described with reference to FIGS. 1 to
65 6. It will be appreciated that other sequences and modes of
extension for the pen 10.
At this point it should be explained that the operation of
operation may be provided in other embodiments of the
reading a bar code is performed by the processor 74 in a
invention.

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In a first step, S1, the pen 10 is removed from the base
number causes the base unit automatically to call the desired
unit 40.
number and, once the normal modem handshaking is
In step S2, "Up" key switch 24 is operated. The power
completed, to transfer the data stored in the RAM 78 in the
control module senses operation of this key switch and
pen 10. Preferably, in addition to the actual data stored, the
powers up the processor 74, which performs a series of 5 processor 74 in the pen 10 automatically adds error correctdiagnostic checks. calibrates itself and then displays an
ing codes to enable the processing centre 108 to verify that
initial message (e.g., "Ready") on the display 20.
successful transmission has occurred. The processing centre
In step S3 the "Down" and "Up" scroll keys switches 22
108 then sends a message to confirm (or otherwise) whether
successful transmission occurred after checking the error
and 24 are operated to scroll though a number of initial
options pre-stored within the ROM 76 or the RAM 78 and 10 correcting codes. This message is then displayed on the
presented on successive screens of data items on the display
display 20 of the pen 10.
20.
It will be appreciated that the steps S1 to S7 illustrated
In this example of operation, in step S4, when an option
above merely form one possible method of operation. In an
"Left-handed operation" is encountered on the screen, the
alternative embodiment of the invention, the scrolling funcpen is scanned over the "Enter" command bar code on the 15 tion is only used for stepping though items which have
command sheet of FIG. 6. Whereas for right-handed
already been entered into the pen, whether in the form of
operation, where text is displayed in English, the text is
selectable items downloaded from the remote processing
displayed in sequence from the end of the display nearest to
centre and/or items selected by means of the reading head.
the reading head 14 towards the opposite end, for leftAll other command functions are input by reading approhanded operation the text display is inverted with the text 20 priate command codes from a command sheet. For this
then reading from the end of the display furthest from the
embodiment therefore, a command sheet should include
commands for left and right handed operation, or a comreading head to the end nearest thereto. It can be seen,
mand for changing handedness. Then, to change between
therefore, that the text is displayed in an orientation approleft and right-handed operation, it is merely necessary to
priate for the user. If left-handed operation has already
selected and it is desired to use the pen in a right-handed 25 scan an appropriate command bar code.
mode, then "Right-handed operation" can be selected by
In a final step (not shown in FIG. 7), the pen is turned off
by pressing the "Down" and "Up" scroll key switches
scrolling the display using the "Down" and "Up" key
switches 22 and 24 and then scanning the "Enter" command
simultaneously. It should be noted that the processor, which
is provided with a date and time clock, is arranged to
bar code when the appropriate option is displayed.
Other options which could be provided in this manner 30 power-down the pen to conserve battery power if no bar
codes are scanned and no key switches operated during a
could, for example, be the selected of one of a number of
operating languages.
predetermined interval (e.g. 30 seconds). However, as menIn step S5, the scroll key switches 22 and 24 are again
tioned above, power will be maintained to the RAM 76 if
operated until the option "Ready" is encountered once more.
this is a non-volatile memory.
Then a series of merchandise selections can be entered by 35
The software stored in the pen also permits the loading
the user by scanning the bar codes for the desired merchanof data from the processing centre or another remote comdise selections and the command bar codes "Enter", "Clear",
puter. The programming is performed using a series of
"Quantity", etc., as appropriate. As each bar code is scanned
commands preceded by dot codes. The programming commands are thus known as "dot" commands and cover
successfully, the good read indicator 26 lights and the data
read by the bar code reader is displayed on the screen. Either 40 operations such as RAM PEEK, RAM POKE, ROM PEEK,
the alphanumeric value of the bar code read is displayed or,
DISPLAY, SENSE, GET INFO, GET FIRST ITEM, GET
if a description of the item corresponding to the bar code
NEXT ITEM, GET PREVIOUS ITEM, AMEND ITEM,
value is stored in the RAM or the ROM, then this can be
DELETE ITEM, CLEAR ORDER, CLEAR CATALOGUE,
displayed instead of or as well as the bar code value.
ADD CATALOGUE ITEM, and AMEND CATALOGUE
Step S5 can be repeated as often as desired until all the 45 ITEM. In this way, a significant amount of catalogue data
desired items have been entered, or until the RAM 78 has
and/or program software can be held in the processing centre
become full or nearly full, in which case a "Memory full"
and be sent to the pens only when required. Where programs
are to be downloaded, rewritable program storage will be
error message is displayed on the display screen 20.
needed in the pen, for example by implementing the ROM
If desired, the items entered and stored in the RAM 78
could be checked by selecting a "Check Entries" option with 50 76 in flash PROM technology.
the scroll key switches 22 and 24. In this case the items
The processing centre can also send commands to a hand
entered can then be checked in sequence using the scroll key
held unit to instruct the user to scan in a personal identifiswitches 22 and 24, and if necessary corrected by scanning
cation number (PIN), possibly with the scanning of a further
the correct command bar code while the appropriate item is
verification number from, for example a verification device
displayed.
55 in the form of a verification card (e.g., a credit, payment or
In the example shown in FIG. 6, however, after entering
other validation card) or like carrier carrying a verification
bar code and/or dot code for verification of a user identity.
the desired items, a phone number is then entered in step S6
Alternatively, the verification device can be scanned prior to
by scanning the command bar code "Phone" followed by the
any connection to a remote processing centre. In this case a
number of the processing centre 108 to be called. As an
alternative to entering separately the telephone number, this 60 connection can then be made to the remote processing centre
could be pre-stored in memory, or could alternatively be
for verification of the user identity. Operation of the data
included in the "Phone" bar code.
entry system subsequent to an initial data capture operation
can then be made dependent on the identification of authoAfter this, in step S7 the pen is placed in the cradle on the
base unit and the "Down" key switch 22 is pressed to
rised coded data and a PIN number.
download the data from the pen. This causes the data for the 65
FIG. 8 illustrates another example of a pen 10 in accordance with the invention. This example is substantially the
telephone number to be downloaded to the modem 100 via
same as the pen 10 described with reference to FIGS. 1 and
the optical link 106. The downloading of the telephone

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3, apart from the addition of a touch sensitive screen 90 for
cessing power and storage requirements. It will be apprecithe display 20. A touch screen interface 88 couples the touch
ated that increased processing power and storage can be
provided in the pen described above for the embodiments of
sensitive screen to the bus 84 so that data sensed by the touch
sensitive screen can be communicated to the processor 74.
FIGS. 1, 3, 8 and 9 by the use of a more powerful processor
Although FIG. 8 shows a touch sensitive screen 90 (e.g., an 5 and increased memory capacity.
FIG. 10 illustrates a further embodiment of the invention.
overlay) separate from a conventional display screen, any
This further embodiment of the invention is similar to the
applicable touch sensitive screen technology can be used,
embodiment of FIG. 9, but this embodiment is intended for
either though the use of an addition to an existing conventional display screen, or the use of a display screen with
use with a wireless data transmission means, for example
integral touch sensitivity. One or more touch sensitive areas 10 radio signals. In particular, the embodiment of FIG. 10 is
can be defined on the touch sensitive screen area, in comintended for use with a cellular telephone network, although
it could be adapted for use with some other form of wireless
bination with the data displayed on the display screen, for
telephone system, for example a satellite based telephone
the entry of commands and/or the selection of displayed
items. In particular, the processor 74 can be arranged to
network.
display a menu of user selectable items and to be responsive 15
The embodiment of FIG. 10 is intended to be used
to a location at which the screen is touched for input of a user
independently of a base unit and to contain all the necessary
selection of a menu item. The touch sensitive screen can then
functionality for independent operation. In one alternative
thus be used as a dynamic and reconfigurable user interface.
the hand held unit is provided with a rechargeable battery
pack 70, which can be removed from the hand held unit for
Touch screen entry can be used in place of or in addition to
the entry of commands by scanning the bar codes on the 20 recharging. In another alternative the hand held unit is
provided with a fixed rechargeable battery pack 70. In the
command bar code card.
latter alternative, and optionally in the former alternative, a
FIG. 9 illustrates another example of a pen 10 in accormains voltage charging socket and transformer/rectifier can
dance with the invention. This example includes much in
be provided in the hand held unit or the battery pack for
common with the pen 10 of FIG. 3, except that here a
modem 92, a socket 94 for a standard telephone plug and a 25 receiving a mains lead for charging purposes rather than the
speaker 95 for monitoring transmissions during operation of
low voltage connectors 30/31. The low voltage DC charging
connectors 30/31 can be configured in a socket for receiving
the modem are provided in place of the optical interface 86
and optical transmitter and receivers 32 and 34. In this
an adapter lead, with a transformer/rectifier being provided,
possibly incorporated in a plug, for connection to a mains
example, therefore, data can be transmitted and received via
a telephone line without the use of the base station, provid- 30 socket. It will be appreciated that an adapter for connection
ing added portability. Preferably, a simplified base station is
to, for example, a 12 volt DC supply from a car may also be
provided. As a further alternative, contactless recharging
provided in the form of a charging unit for rechargeable
batteries in the pen 10. It will be appreciated that the pen 10
(for example by magnetic induction) could be employed.
could also be provided with the touch screen facility of the
The embodiment of FIG. 10 is implemented using a
35 ASIC, although a conventional microprocessor and external
pen 10 of FIG. 8.
hardware could be used. Likewise, it will be appreciated that
Although in the above embodiments, the pens 10 are
intended for manual scanning of bar codes, it will be
the embodiments described with reference to the previous
appreciated that they could also be used for reading other
Figures could also be implemented using a ASIC or other
equivalent technology instead of a microprocessor.
optically readable codes, such as binary dot codes, by the
provision of appropriate control software for programming 40
In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the ASIC (Application
Specific Integrated Circuit) performs the majority of the
the processor 74. Alternatively, in place of the sensor head
necessary processing functions of the device including:
14 which is intended to be manually scanned, a selfscanning head could be provided.
accepting data from the head 14;
The invention is also applicable to the reading of other
accepting data from the switches 22 and 24;
coded data sources such as, for example, magnetic strips, 45
driving the indicator 26;
graphical representations and/or alphanumeric characters,
processing the data received from the head in the manner
by the provision of an appropriate reading head and control
described with respect to the previous embodiments in
logic.
order to extract the necessary information;
Alternative removable heads could be attached to the tip
of the pen by a screw, bayonet, friction or other appropriate 50
controlling the flow of data in and out of the RAM 78;
attachment arrangement.
controlling the flow of data in and out of the ROM 76;
For example, the data entry pen could be provided with
interfacing with the power control module 72;
a reading head which is responsive to movement of the pen
implementing the modem function for use with an anafor tracing out desired codes and or commands. In particular,
logue telephony system and also providing the necesby the provision of a rolling ball in a holder in the reading 55
sary processing and control for integration with a
head, of rotation sensing means in the manner of a personal
digital telephony system and/or a cellular telephone
computer mouse for tracing movements of the ball and
network;
suitable interpretation logic in software or special purpose
controlling the loudspeaker 95 permitting the progress of
hardware, for defining a series of vectors as the pen is moved
calls to be monitored;
over a surface and for performing pattern recognition on the 60
accepting input from a microphone 152 to enable the pen
resulting vector patterns to identify control and/or alphanuin combination with the loudspeaker 95 to operate as a
meric characters traced out by the pen head, it is possible
hand set for the purposes of audio telephony;
directly to input information into the pen by "writing" down
those characters. By limiting the range of characters to be
controlling the flow of data to an optional printer socket
recognised (e.g., corresponding to the numerals and com- 65
(not shown) allowing a user to print out information
relative to the code being scanned in a predefined
mands shown in FIG. 6) it is possible to use conventional
format;
pattern recognition techniques with relatively limited pro-

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controlling the output of data via an optical link 153 to a
Thus the selector 159 enables the data entry device to be
peripheral device (e.g., a printer) using for example,
used as a conventional cellular telephone for the transmisinfra red light;
sion of audio signals. In conventional telephony mode, the
controlling an interface to the display 20, the display
selector 159 takes signals from the microphone 152 that
interface functions being performed in the ASIC.
5 have been processed by the signal processor 158 and directs
The optical link 153 could be implemented using the
the output to the line interface 116. The processing peroptical link technology described above for interfacing a
formed by the processor 158 can comprise, as will be
hand held unit with a base station. Indeed, the printer or
apparent to one skilled in the art, conventional operations of
other peripheral device could be implement as, or connected
buffering the microphone to filter out any frequencies not
to a base station for the hand held unit.
10 required and to amplify the signal to a suitable level.
FIG. 11 illustrates in more detail the configuration of the
Received audio data is directed to the audio interface 157
ASIC 150.
which performs necessary signal conditioning before passThe ASIC comprises the system controller 165 that coning the signal to the speaker 95.
trols the operation of the pen and of its associated compoIn the data transfer mode, the selector takes the output
nents. In this embodiment system controller 165 consists of
a microcontroller core incorporated into the ASIC. In other 15 from the data formatter 160, which has prepared the data to
be transmitted over the cellular telephone network, and
embodiments it could consist of some other control means
directs this to the line interface 152. The speaker 95 is then
using, for example, one or more finite state machines.
used to output any tones or audio messages indicating errors,
If the system controller 165 is a microcontroller core, then
correct operation, etc., again via the audio interface 157.
the data that controls its operation is stored in an internal
Switching between modes can be accomplished using the
ROM 163 together with the external ROM 76. Alternatively, 20
keys and/or the scanning sensor of the hand held unit in the
there could be no internal ROM 163 and the system conmanner described above for the entry of data and/or comtroller 165 will then obtain all the data from the external
mands.
ROM 76. Alternatively, again, the internal ROM 163 could
be used exclusively without an external ROM 78. However,
The output formatter 164 prepares the data to be transthis would reduce the flexibility of the device. The use of the 25 mitted to a remote printer via an optical link 153 (not
internal ROM 163 is advantageous where a pre-defined
shown). This transmission could be in any one of a number
amount of the operations to be performed are fixed for all
of forms, for example, infra red light using technology as
pen types, whilst the remainder of the operation is dependent
described above for interfacing the pen with a base unit.
on a particular model, to take account for example of
Alternatively, other remote link technology, for example a
language variations, number of switches used to enter data, 30 radio link, could be provided.
etc. The RAM 161 in the ASIC can be used by the system
FIG. 12 illustrates aspects from FIGS. 10 and 11 to
illustrate in more detail the incorporation of an example of
controller 165 as a scratch pad RAM to speed up operations
a cellular telephone system within the data entry unit. The
and in order to reserve the maximum amount of RAM 78 for
the storage of the main data. This "main data" includes data
telecommunications interface 116 comprises a line interface/
identifying information relating to selectable items of, for 35 duplexer which is connected to an aerial 178. The line
example, a merchandising catalogue, which can be down
interface/duplexer 116 is connected to a transmitter 170 and
to a receiver/synthesizer 172 implemented in the selector
loaded by telephonic transmissions from a remote station.
The microcontroller receives requests via the bus 84
159. Also implemented in the selector 159 is selector logic
174 for connecting the transmitter 170 and the receiver/
which is connected to the external bus 84 illustrated in FIG.
10. However, in an alternative embodiment where the sys- 40 synthesizer 172 to the signal processor 158, the audio
interface 157, the data formatter 160 and the control logic
tern controller 165 consist of a number of finite state
165 within the ASIC 150.
machines, then control would be by means of the fixed
Although specific embodiments of the invention have
interconnection of the logic in the fixed state machines.
been described hereinabove, it will be appreciated that many
RAM 161 could be used as a short term data store leaving
the RAM 78 to store the main data, the data in RAM 78 45 modifications and/or additions are possible within the scope
being retained by the battery 70. An additional battery (not
of the present invention.
Thus, for example, although in the presently preferred
shown) could be provided for data retention to prevent the
loss of data from the RAM 78 or the RAM 161 in the event
embodiments described above the hand held unit is configof failure of the battery 70.
ured with the shape of a pen, it will be appreciated that the
The switch interface 155 responds to the operation of the 50 hand held unit could be configured in other shapes as desired
switch 22 and ensures that the system controller 165
in other applications, for example in the shape of a pistol.
receives signals which are devoid of bounce (resulting for
Although in the examples of the pen and base unit
example from multiple operations of the switch due to the
described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 and 8 an optical link
spring operation within the switch).
between the pen and the base unit is provided, in an
The head interface 156 carries out the necessary signal 55 alternative embodiment other wireless data transmission
conditioning as required on receiving signals from the head
means, for example radio signals, could be used, in the
14. The signal conditioning will depend on the exact conmanner of a portable telephone of the type with a portable
figuration of the head and preferably comprises simple
handset and a base unit.
The data from the memory of the pen (e.g., the complete
buffering of the data read. Alternatively, it could be implemented to provide at least some of the bar code conversion 60 list of items which could be ordered from a catalogue) could
operations as will be apparent to one skilled in the art.
conveniently be output in alphanumeric form via a modem
Selector 159 is controlled by the system controller 165
to a facsimile (fax) machine for printing the content of the
and functions in such a manner to allow the microphone 152
memory.
and the speaker 95 to provide standard audio telephony
In the preferred embodiments described above, catalogue
transmission or to allow the system controller to transfer the 65 data is down-loaded into the pen from a remote processing
data over the telephony network using, in the present
system by telephone. over the telecommunications interface.
embodiment, conventional cellular telephone technology.
However, as an alternative to down-loading, for example a

6,058,304
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18

complete catalogue, via the telephone line, other data entry
Features from the respective embodiments of the invenmeans could be provided for the bulk of the data, the
tion described above could also be combined as desired to
telephone line then only being used for updating the stored
provide a configuration appropriate for a particular applicadata. For example the pen and/or the base unit as appropriate
tion.
Thus, for example, the audio telephony functions
could be provided with a socket or connector or reader for 5
a memory device (such as a plug-in ROM, a smart card,
described with reference to the embodiment of FIGS. 10 to
etc.).
12 could be incorporated in the hand held or base unit, as
appropriate, of the other embodiments of the invention.
Although no speaker is illustrated in the examples of the
pen described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 8, a speaker or
Although in the specific embodiments described above
other sound generator could be provided as in the FIGS. 9 10 the telecommunications interface for the telephonic transmission of information is only provided in a hand held unit
and 10 embodiments for giving audio feedback to report on
the correct reading, or otherwise, of a code. Thus, for
where no base unit with a telecommunications interface is
provided, it will be appreciated that a hand held unit with a
example, when a code is correctly read, one beep can be
telecommunications interface could be combined with a
sounded, and when a code is incorrectly read, two beeps
could be sounded. Alternatively, appropriate synthetic or 15 base unit also having a telecommunications interface, either
of the same or a different type.
recorded voice messages could be output.
Although in the examples described above the plane of
We claim:
the display in generally parallel to the axis of the pen, the
1. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
plane of the display 20 could be arranged to slope progresdata entry device comprising:
sively towards the axis of the pen away from the head end 20
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
of the pen to reduce the angle between the normal to the
commands and data to produce input signals;
plane of the display and the line of sight of the user.
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
Also, although in the present examples two mechanical
process said input signals;
key switches are provided, in other embodiments one key
said controller coupled to a communications inter-face to
switch only could be provided. Operating that key switch a 25
selectively control transmission over said communicapredetermined number of times within a short period could
tions interface of command and/or data signals as
be used to emulate the provision of two key switches for
determined by said input signals processed by said
scrolling and other functions. More key switches could also
controller; said communications interface being operbe provided in other embodiments. For example, a numeriable directly to connect said data entry device to a
cal keypad could be provided. However, in preferred 30
wireless telecommunications network; and
embodiments of the invention, the number of keys should be
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
kept as low as possible for any particular application. As in
and/or information under control of said input signals
the embodiments described above, two key switches are
processed by said controller;
preferred. The control sheet or data carrier effectively forms
35
a keyboard extension for the pen.
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comAlthough in the example of a card or other carrier shown
prise a unitary assembly and said communications
in FIG. 6 a set of bar codes for only numeric and command
interface is a cellular telephone network interface and
codes are indicated, if desired a set of bar codes for the
said wireless telecommunications network is a cellular
complete alphabet could be provided. Alternative arrangetelephone network, and wherein said controller is
ments of the codes would also be possible, for example a 40
responsive to a said command to cause downloading of
complete set of codes and corresponding characters could be
information from a remote processing center as
arranged in the format of a standard typewriter keyboard
required for updating information previously stored in
said data entry device.
layout. The codes could also be incorporated in the letters
2. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
and numerals, for example extending as a strip across the
letters and numerals. For example, a bar code could replace 45 data entry device comprising:
the cross bar in a capital "A", and similar modifications for
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
the other letters of the alphabet.
commands and data to produce input signals;
Also, as mentioned above, in appropriate embodiments of
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
the invention, codes other than bar codes or dot codes could
process said input signals;
be used. For example a symbol blob code could be used, this 50
said controller coupled to a communications inter-face to
requiring about lKbyte of storage for decoding purposes.
selectively control transmission over said communicaIndeed, in other embodiments of the invention full character
tions interface of command and/or data signals as
recognition (OCR) could be employed where the reading
determined by said input signals processed by said
sensor is in the form of a camera or other scanning sensor
controller; said communications interface being operincorporated in the reading head. With a camera and appro- 55
able directly to connect said data entry device to a
priate recognition logic, the pen could be used, for example,
wireless telecommunications network; and
for fingerprint recognition, either as an aim in itself, or for
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
user validation purposes.
and/or information under control of said input signals
In a merchandising system, where bar codes or other
processed by said controller;
codes are associated with merchandisable items, this could 60
be achieved simply by means of a printed catalogue, or some
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comother form of list, or as a result of codes applied to examples
prise a unitary assembly and said communications
interface is a cellular telephone network interface and
of the products in question, or as a result of codes displayed,
said wireless telecommunications network is a cellular
for example, on a TV screen with images relating to those
telephone network and said data entry device is integral
products. The only requirement is that the display of the 65
with a cellular telephone, and wherein said controller is
codes are readable by the data entry system of the present
responsive to a said command to cause downloading of
invention.

6,058,304

19

20

information from a remote processing center as
selectable items to determine natural language characters or
images corresponding to the coded data for display, and
required for updating information previously stored in
wherein said coded data comprises bar codes and/or binary
said data entry device.
dot codes and said sensor is a bar code and/or dot code
3. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
5 reader.
data entry device comprising:
12. A data entry device according to any of claims 1, 2 or
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
3, wherein a said reading sensor is a motion detector or a
commands and data to produce input signals;
scanning device.
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
13. A data entry device according to claim 12, wherein
process said input signals;
10 said scanning device is a camera.
said controller coupled to a communications inter-face to
14. A data entry device according to any of claims 1, 2 or
selectively control transmission over said communica3, wherein said controller is user programmable to cause
tions interface of command and/or data signals as
captured data to be displayed on said display either in a first
determined by said input signals processed by said
orientation suitable for reading displayed data when said
controller; said communications interface being oper- 15 data entry device is held in a user's right hand, or in a second
able directly to connect said data entry device to a
orientation suitable for reading displayed data when said
wireless telecommunications network; and
data entry device is held in a user's left hand, said controller
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
being responsive to user programming operations including
and/or information under control of said input signals
scanning of an appropriate command code using said readprocessed by said controller;
20 ing sensor.
15. A data entry device according to any of claims 1, 2 or
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display com3, wherein said data entry device is configured as an
prise a unitary assembly and said communications
elongate unit such that it may be held by a user in the manner
interface is a satellite interface and said wireless teleof a pen or quill with said reading sensor being located in a
communications network is a satellite telecommunications network, and wherein said controller is responsive 25 reading head at or adjacent to one end of said data entry
device.
to a said command to cause downloading of informa16. A data entry device according to any of claims 1, 2 or
tion from a remote processing center as required for
3, wherein said reading sensor is remote from or releasably
updating information previously stored in said data
attached to said data entry device.
entry device.
17. A data entry device according to any of claims 1, 2 or
4. A data entry device according to any of claims 1, 2 or 30
3, additionally comprising as well as or instead of said
3, wherein said communications interface includes a
display screen, and separate from said data entry device,
modem.
means for displaying a selectable item with associated data
5. A data entry device according to any of claims 1, 2 or
sources for user selection of an item by operation of said
3, wherein said reading sensor, controller and display com35 data entry device; and
prise a hand holdable unit.
6. A data entry device according to any of claims 1, 2 or
a remote processing center for processing user selections
3, wherein said data entry device includes a rechargeable
transmitted from said data entry device.
18. A data entry device according to any of claims 1, 2 or
power source, means being provided for recharging said
3 comprising rewritable storage and wherein programs in
power source.
7. A data entry device according to any of claims 1, 2 or 40 said data entry device are updateable remotely from a
3, wherein said data entry device comprises one or two
processing center.
19. A data entry device according to any of claims 1, 2 or
manually operable switches for scrolling said display in a
3, comprising a verification device in the form of a verififirst and/or second direction for selectively displaying said
cation card or like carrier carrying a verification code such
commands and/or information.
8. A data entry device according to any of claims 1, 2 or 45 as a bar code and/or dot code or any other means for
3, wherein said data entry device comprises one or two
verification of user information.
20. A data entry device according to any of claims 1, 2 or
manually operable switches for scrolling said display in a
3, comprising a carrier or a display for a plurality of data
first and/or second direction for selectively displaying said
and/or command codes for association with means for
commands and/or information, and wherein operation of
said first and/or second switches in predetermined opera- 50 displaying a plurality of selectable items, wherein said
tional states of said data entry device causes predetermined
carrier carries a plurality of codes, each for a respective one
of a plurality of natural language and/or numeric characters
functions other than scrolling functions to be performed.
9. A data entry device according to any of claims 1, 2 or
and a plurality of commands for controlling operation of
3, wherein said display screen comprises a touch sensitive
said data entry device or a merchandising system, each code
screen forming a said reading sensor, said controller being 55 being associated with a visual representation of the corresponding natural language or numeric character or command
arranged to be responsive to a location at which said screen
and/or of a graphical representation thereof.
is touched for user input.
10. A data entry device according to any of claims 1, 2 or
21. A data entry device according to any of claims 1, 2 or
3 wherein a said reading sensor is for reading coded data
3, comprising a carrier or a display for a plurality of data
such as fingerprints or signatures or written text, wherein 60 and/or command codes for association with means for
said controller is arranged to access stored information for
displaying a plurality of selectable items, wherein said
selectable items to determine natural language characters or
carrier carries a plurality of codes, each for a respective one
of a plurality of natural language and/or numeric characters
images corresponding to the coded data for display.
11. A data entry device according to any of claims 1, 2 or
and a plurality of commands for controlling operation of
3 wherein a said reading sensor is for reading coded data 65 said data entry device or a merchandising system, each code
such as fingerprints or signatures or written text, wherein
being associated with a visual representation of the corresaid controller is arranged to access stored information for
sponding natural language or numeric character or command

6,058,304

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22

and/or of a graphical representation thereof, wherein said
a controller connected to receive and process said input
signals from said sensor, said controller being arranged
codes are bar and/or dot codes and/or other product identito respond to commands and/or sensed commands to
fications.
control said hand holdable unit and to said data to select
22. A data entry device according to claim any of claims
a said item;
1, 2 or 3 wherein a key on said data entry device can be used 5
a display screen for displaying a user readable represenfor entry of a said command and/or data.
tation of said commands and said stored information
23. A merchandising system comprising a data entry
for said selected item; and
device according to any of claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein:
a telecommunications interface for telephonic transmissaid device is programmable with information relating to
sion of information relating to a selected item or items
10
user selectable merchandisable items; and
from said storage to a remote processing center via a
said interface is coupleable to a remote processing center
telecommunications network and for telephonic recepfor initiating processing of user orders of said selecttion of information relating to said selectable items
able merchandisable items.
from said remote processing center to said storage via
24. A merchandising system comprising a data entry
said telecommunications network, wherein said teledevice according to any of claims 1, 2 or 3, and additionally 15
communications interface is a telecommunications line
comprising as well as or instead of said display screen, and
interface integral to said hand holdable unit and directly
separate from said data entry device, means for displaying a
connects said hand-holdable unit to said telecommuniselectable item with associated data sources for user seleccations network, and wherein said hand holdable unit
tion of an item by operation of said data entry device; and
20
includes a speaker and a microphone permitting said
a remote processing center for processing user selections
hand holdable unit to be used as a telephone handset.
transmitted from said data entry device, wherein:
28. A data entry system comprising a hand holdable data
said selectable items are merchandisable items; and
entry unit, said hand holdable unit comprising:
said remote processing center initiates processing of
a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data and
user orders of said selectable merchandisable items. 25
for producing input signals in response to said sensed
25. A data entry device according to claim 3, wherein said
commands and/or data;
data entry device is integral with a satellite telephone.
rewritable storage programmable with information relat26. A data entry system comprising a hand holdable data
ing to selectable items;
entry unit, said hand holdable unit comprising:
a controller connected to receive and process said input
a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data and 30
signals from said sensor, said controller being arranged
for producing input signals in response to said sensed
to respond to commands and/or sensed commands to
commands and/or data;
control said hand holdable unit and to said data to select
rewritable storage programmable with information relata said item;
ing to a plurality of items, user selectable by means of
a display screen for displaying a user readable represensaid reading sensor;
35
tation of said commands and said stored information
a controller connected to receive and process said input
for said selected item; and
signals from said sensor, said controller being arranged
a telecommunications interface for telephonic transmisto respond to commands and/or sensed commands to
sion of information relating to a selected item or items
control said hand holdable unit and to said data to select
from said storage to a remote processing center via a
a said item; and
40
wireless telecommunications network and for telea display screen for displaying a user readable represenphonic reception of information relating to said selecttation of said commands and said stored information
able items from said remote processing center to said
for said selected item;
storage via said wireless telecommunications network,
wherein said telecommunications interface is a teleand said system further comprising:
45
communications line interface integral to said hand
a telecommunications interface for telephonic transholdable unit and directly connects said hand-holdable
mission of information relating to a selected item or
unit to said wireless telecommunications network.
items from said storage to a remote processing center
29. A data entry system comprising a hand holdable data
via a telecommunications network and for telephonic
reception of information relating to selectable items 50 entry unit, said hand holdable unit comprising:
from said remote processing center to said storage
a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data and
via said telecommunications network, said controller
for producing input signals in response to said sensed
being responsive to a said command to cause downcommands and/or data;
loading of information from said remote processing
rewritable storage programmable with information relatcenter as required for updating information pre vi- 55
ing to a plurality of items, user selectable by means of
ously stored in said rewritable storage for one or
said reading sensor;
more of said selectable items, wherein said hand
a controller connected to receive and process said input
holdable unit includes a speaker and a microphone
signals from said sensor, said controller being arranged
permitting said hand holdable unit to be used as a
to respond to commands and/or sensed commands to
telephone handset.
control said hand holdable unit and to said data to select
60
27. A data entry system comprising a hand holdable data
a said item; and
entry unit, said hand holdable unit comprising:
a display screen for displaying a user readable represena reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data and
tation of said commands and said stored information
for producing input signals in response to said sensed
for said selected item;
65
commands and/or data;
and said system further comprising:
rewritable storage programmable with information relata telecommunications interface for telephonic transing to selectable items;
mission of information relating to a selected item or

6,058,304

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24

items from said storage to a remote processing center
a controller connected to receive and process said input
signals from said sensor, said controller being arranged
via a telecommunications network and for telephonic
to respond to commands and/or sensed commands to
reception of information relating to selectable items
control said hand holdable unit and to said data to select
from said remote processing center to said storage
a said item;
via said telecommunications network, said controller 5
a display screen for displaying a user readable represenbeing responsive to either a said command or a said
tation of said commands and said stored information
sensed command to cause downloading of informafor said selected item; and
tion from said remote processing center as required
a telecommunications interface for telephonic transmisfor updating information previously stored in said
sion of information relating to a selected item or items
rewritable storage for one or more of said selectable 10
from said storage to a remote processing center via a
items, and wherein said system further comprises a
telecommunications network and for telephonic recepcarrier for a plurality of data and/or command codes
tion of information relating to said selectable items
for association with means for displaying a plurality
from said remote processing center to said storage via
of said selectable items, wherein said carrier carries
said telecommunications network, wherein said telea plurality of codes, each for a respective one of a 15
communications interface is a telecommunications line
plurality of natural language and/or numeric characinterface integral to said hand holdable unit and directly
ters and a plurality of commands for controlling
connects said hand-holdable unit to said telecommunioperation of said data entry system or a merchancations network, and wherein said reading sensor is
dising system, each code being associated with a
located in a reading head which is releasably attached
visual representation of the corresponding natural 20
to said hand holdable unit.
language or numeric character or command and/or of
32. A data entry system according to claim 26 or claim 29,
a graphical representation thereof.
wherein said telecommunications interface is integral to said
30. A data entry system comprising a hand holdable data
hand holdable unit and directly connects said hand-holdable
unit to said telecommunications network.
entry unit, said hand holdable unit comprising:
33. A data entry system according to any of claims 26, 28,
a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data and 25
29, 30 or 31, wherein said hand holdable unit includes a
for producing input signals in response to said sensed
rechargeable power source, means being provided for
commands and/or data;
recharging said power source.
rewritable storage programmable with information relat34. A data entry system according to any of claims 26, 27,
ing to selectable items;
30 29 or 30, wherein said telecommunications interface is a
a controller connected to receive and process said input
wireless telecommunications network interface.
signals from said sensor, said controller being arranged
35. A data entry system according to any of claims 26, 27,
to respond to commands and/or sensed commands to
29, 30 or 31, wherein said telecommunications interface is
control said hand holdable unit and to said data to select
a cellular telephone network interface.
a said item;
35
36. A data entry system according to any of claims 26, 27,
a display screen for displaying a user readable represen29, 30 or 31, wherein said telecommunications interface is
tation of said commands and said stored information
a satellite interface and said telecommunications network is
for said selected item; and
a satellite telecommunications network.
a telecommunications interface for telephonic transmis37. A data entry system according to any of claims 26, 27,
sion of information relating to a selected item or items 40 28, 29, 30 or 31, wherein said telecommunications interface
from said storage to a remote processing center via a
includes a modem.
telecommunications network and for telephonic recep38. A data entry system according to any of claims 26, 27,
tion of information relating to said selectable items
28, 29, 30 or 31, wherein said hand holdable unit comprises
from said remote processing center to said storage via
one or two manually operable switches for scrolling said
said telecommunications network, wherein said tele- 45 display in a first and/or second direction for selectively
communications interface is a telecommunications line
displaying information for respective selectable or selected
interface integral to said hand holdable unit and directly
items from said storage.
connects said hand-holdable unit to said telecommuni39. A data entry system according to any of claims 26, 27,
cations network, and wherein said data entry system
28, 29, 30 or 31 wherein said hand holdable unit comprises
further comprises a carrier for a plurality of data and/or 50 one or two manually operable switches for scrolling said
command codes for association with means for disdisplay in a first and/or second direction for selectively
playing a plurality of said selectable items, wherein
displaying information for respective selectable or selected
said carrier carries a plurality of codes, each for a
items from said storage, and wherein operation of said first
respective one of a plurality of natural language and/or
and/or second switches in predetermined operational states
numeric characters and a plurality of commands for 55 of said hand holdable unit causes predetermined functions
controlling operation of said data entry system or a
other than scrolling functions to be performed.
merchandising system, each code being associated with
40. A data entry system according to any of claims 26, 27,
a visual representation of the corresponding natural
28, 29, 30 or 31 wherein said display screen comprises a
language or numeric character or command and/or of a
touch sensitive screen forming a said reading sensor, said
graphical representation thereof.
60 controller being arranged to be responsive to a location at
31. A data entry system comprising a hand holdable data
which said screen is touched for user input.
entry unit, said hand holdable unit comprising:
41. A data entry system according to any of claims 26, 27,
a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data and
28, 29,30 or 31 wherein a said reading sensor is for reading
for producing input signals in response to said sensed
coded data, wherein said controller is arranged to access the
commands and/or data;
65 stored information for selectable items to determine natural
language characters or images corresponding to the coded
rewritable storage programmable with information relatdata for display.
ing to selectable items;

6,058,304

25
42. A data entry system according to any of claims 26, 27,
28, 29,30 or 31 wherein a said reading sensor is for reading

26
55. A data entry system according to claim 53, wherein

said carrier comprises a display.
56. A data entry system according to any of claims 26, 27,
coded data, wherein said controller is arranged to access the
28, 29, 30 or 31, wherein a key on said data entry unit can
stored information for selectable items to determine natural
language characters or images corresponding to the coded 5 be used for entry of a said command and/or data.
57. A merchandising system comprising a data entry
data for display, and wherein said coded data comprises bar
system according to any of claims 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 or 31,
codes and/or binary dot codes and said sensor is a bar code
wherein:
and/or dot code reader.
43. A data entry system according to claim 41 or claim 42
said selectable items are merchandisable items; and
wherein said coded data comprises fingerprints, or 10
said remote processing center initiates processing of user
signatures, or written text.
orders of said selectable merchandisable items.
44. A data entry system according to any of claims 26, 27,
58. A merchandising system comprising a data entry
28, 29, 30 or 31, wherein a said reading sensor is a motion
system according to any of claims 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 or 31,
detector or a scanning device.
additionally comprising as well as or instead of said display
45. A data entry device according to claim 44, wherein 15 screen, and separate from said hand holdable unit means for
said scanning device is a camera.
displaying a selectable item with associated data sources for
46. A data entry system according to claim 44 wherein
user selection of an item by operation of said hand holdable
said reading sensor comprises a camera.
unit; and
47. A data entry system according to any of claims 26, 27,
a remote processing center for processing user selections
28, 29, 30 or 31, wherein said controller is user program- 20
transmitted from said hand holdable unit, wherein:
mable to cause captured data to be displayed on said display
said selectable items are merchandisable items; and
either in a first orientation suitable for reading displayed data
said remote processing center initiates processing of
when said hand holdable unit is held in a user's right hand,
user orders of said selectable merchandisable items.
or in a second orientation suitable for reading displayed data
59. A data entry system according to any of claims 27, 28,
when said hand holdable unit is held in a user's left hand, 25 30 or 31, wherein said controller is responsive to a said
said controller being responsive to user programming operacommand to cause downloading of information from said
tions including scanning of an appropriate command code
remote processing center as required for updating informausing said reading sensor.
tion previously stored in said rewritable storage for one or
48. A data entry system according to any of claims 26, 27,
more of said selectable items.
28, 29, 30 or 31, wherein said hand holdable unit is 30
60. A data entry system according to any of claims 28, 29,
configured as an elongate unit such that it may be held by a
30 or 31 wherein said hand holdable unit includes a speaker
user in the manner of a pen or quill with said reading sensor
and/or microphone permitting said hand holdable unit to be
being located in a reading head at or adjacent to one end of
used as a telephone handset.
said hand holdable unit.
61. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
49. A data entry system according to any of claims 26, 27, 35 data entry device comprising:
28, 29 or 30, wherein said reading sensor is located in a
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
reading head which is releasably attached to said hand
commands and data to produce input signals;
holdable unit.
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
50. A data entry system according to any of claims 26, 27,
process said input signals;
28, 29, 30 or 31, additionally comprising as well as or 40
said controller coupled to a communications inter-face to
instead of said display screen, and separate from said hand
selectively control transmission over said communicaholdable unit, means for displaying a selectable item with
tions interface of command and/or data signals as
associated data sources for user selection of an item by
determined by said input signals processed by said
operation of said hand holdable unit; and a remote processcontroller; said communications interface being opering center for processing user selections transmitted from 45
able directly to connect said data entry device to a
said hand holdable unit.
wireless telecommunications network; and
51. A data entry system according to any claims 26, 27,
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
28, 29, 30 or 31, wherein programs in said hand holdable
and/or information under control of said input signals
unit are updateable remotely from said processing center.
processed by said controller;
52. A data entry system according to any of claims 26, 27, 50
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display com28, 29, 30 or 31, comprising a verification device in the form
prise a unitary assembly and said communications
of a verification card or like carrier carrying a user verifiinterface is a cellular telephone network interface and
cation code or codes.
said wireless telecommunications network is a cellular
53. A data entry system according to any of claims 26, 27,
telephone network; and wherein said display screen
28, 29, 30 or 31, comprising a carrier for a plurality of data 55
comprises a touch sensitive screen forming said reading
and/or command codes for association with means for
sensor, said controller being arranged to be responsive
displaying a plurality of selectable items, wherein said
to a location at which said screen is touched for user
carrier carries a plurality of codes, each for a respective one
input.
of a plurality of natural language and/or numeric characters
62. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
and a plurality of commands for controlling operation of 60
data entry device comprising:
said data entry or merchandising system, each code being
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
associated with a visual representation of the corresponding
commands and data to produce input signals;
natural language or numeric character or command and/or of
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
a graphical representation thereof.
process said input signals;
54. A data entry system according to claim 52 or claim 53, 65
wherein said code or codes include bar code and/or dot code
said controller coupled to a communications inter-face to
and/or other identification means.
selectively control transmission over said communica-

6,058,304

27
tions interface of command and/or data signals as
determined by said input signals processed by said
controller; said communications interface being operable directly to connect said data entry device to a
5
wireless telecommunications network; and
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or information under control of said input signals
processed by said controller;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comprise a unitary assembly and said communications 10
interface is a cellular telephone network interface and
said wireless telecommunications network is a cellular
telephone network and said data entry device is integral
with a cellular telephone; and wherein said display
screen comprises a touch sensitive screen forming said 15
reading sensor, said controller being arranged to be
responsive to a location at which said screen is touched
for user input.
63. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
20
data entry device comprising:
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
commands and data to produce input signals;

28
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
process said input signals;
said controller coupled to a communications inter-face to
selectively control transmission over said communications interface of command and/or data signals as
determined by said input signals processed by said
controller; said communications interface being operable directly to connect said data entry device to a
wireless telecommunications network; and
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or information under control of said input signals
processed by said controller; wherein said reading
sensor, controller and display comprise a unitary
assembly and said communications interface is a satellite interface and said wireless telecommunications
network is a satellite telecommunications network; and
wherein said display screen comprises a touch sensitive
screen forming said reading sensor, said controller
being arranged to be responsive to a location at which
said screen is touched for user input.

* * * * *

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OffiCE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION
Page 1 of 1

PATENT NO. :6,058,304
:May 2, 2000
DATED
(S) : Callaghan, F. et al.
INVENTOR

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is
hereby corrected as shown below:

Title page,
Under "FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS"
Column 2,
Line 5, change "D. 4709482" to-- D. 4109482 --

Signed and Sealed this
Fourth Day of December, 2001
Attest:

Attesting Officer

NICHOLAS P. GODICI
Acting Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION
PATENT NO.
APPLICATION NO.
DATED
INVENTOR(S)

: 6,058,304 Cl
: 90/008340
: Apri113, 2010

Page 1 of2

: Francis John Callaghan et al.

It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is hereby corrected as shown below:

Claim 62, column 5, line 33,
Claim 71, column 9, line 2,

that portion of the text reading "wherien" should read --wherein--.
that portion of the text reading "understanding" should read
--understandable--.
Claim 78, column 10, line 14, that portion of the text reading "remmote" should read --remote--.
Claim 78, column 10, line 30, that portion of the text reading "said cellular telephone network"
should read --cellular telephone network--.
Claim 78, column 10, line 59, that portion of the text reading "selection for" should read --selection
of--.
Claim 79, column 11, line 9,
that portion of the text reading "displayed" should read
--displayable--.
Claim 79, column 11, line 25, that portion of the text reading "said said" should read --said--.
Claim 79, column 11, line 27, that portion of the text reading "descriptioni" should read
--description--.
that portion of the text reading "controller," should read
Claim 82, column 13, line 2,
--controller;--.
Claim 82, column 13, line 17, that portion of the text reading "reducing" should read --reading--.
Claim 84, column 14, line 5,
that portion of the text reading "controller," should read
--controller;--.
Claim 85, column 14, line 39, that portion of the text reading "controller," should read
--controller;--.
Claim 94, column 18, line 63-64, that portion of the text reading "comprises" should read
--comprise--.
Claim 99, column 21, line 27, that portion of the text reading "of cause" should read --to cause--.
Claim 101, column 22, line 11, that portion of the text reading "processs" should read --process--.
Claim 101, column 22, line 18 that portion of the text reading "entry to" should reed --entry device
to--.
Claim 103, column 23, line 28, that portion of the text reading "and/or in data" should read --and/or
data--.

Signed and Sealed this
Fifteenth Day of February, 2011

~JJ:•·t::~
David J. Kappos
Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office

CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION (continued)
U.S. Pat. No. 6,058,304 Cl

Page 2 of2

Claim 108, column 26, line 27, that portion of the text reading "associatd" should read
--associated--.
Claim 112, column 28, line 54, that portion of the text reading "loaded" should read --located--.
Claim 117, column 31, line 35, that portion of the text reading "graphic" should read --graphical--.
Claim 118, column 32, line 6, that portion of the text reading "second" should read --sensed--.

111111
c12)

1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
US006058304Cl

EX PARTE REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE (7454th)

United States Patent

c1o)

Callaghan et al.

(45)

(54)

Inventors: Francis John Callaghan, St. Helier
(GB); Paul Marshall Doran, St. Helier
(GB); Gary Douglas Robb, St. Brelades
(GB)

(73)

3,906,166
3,956,740
4,004,133
4,016,542
4,071,697
4,153,937
4,241,409
4,251,798
RE30,671

DATA ENTRY SYSTEMS

(75)

Number:
US 6,058,304 Cl
Certificate Issued:
Apr. 13, 2010

Assignee: Dataquill Limited, Tortola (VG)

Reexamination Request:
No. 90/008,340, Jan. 25, 2007

2739157
A-3814728
A-4109482
0094571
0 149 762

DE
DE
DE
EP
EP

PCT No.:

May 23, 1996

(87)

3/1979
1111989
9/1992
1111983
7/1985

OTHER PUBLICATIONS

PCT/GB94/02101

§ 371 (c)(l),
(2), (4) Date:

A1
A1
A1
A3
A1

(Continued)

Sep. 27, 1994

(86)

Cooper
Jones eta!.
Hannan eta!.
Azure
Bushnell et a!.
Poland
Nolf
Swartz et al.
Poland

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS

Certificate of Correction issued Dec. 4, 2001.
PCT Filed:

9/1975
5/1976
111977
4/1977
111978
5/1979
12/1980
2/1981
7/1981

(Continued)

Reexamination Certificate for:
Patent No.:
6,058,304
Issued:
May 2, 2000
Appl. No.:
08/619,682
Filed:
May 23, 1996

(22)

A
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A
A
A
A
A
A
E

EO
440,
http://www.utexas.edu/ftp/microlib/eolhtml/
E0440-880.html, dated 'Jul. 10, 2009', 3 pages.
(Continued)

(30)

PCT Pub. No.: W095/10818

Primary Examiner-Roland G Foster

PCT Pub. Date: Apr. 20, 1995

(57)

Foreign Application Priority Data

Oct. 13, 1993

(51)

(52)
(58)

A data entry system includes a hand held data entry unit
having a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data,
rewritable storage for storing information relating to selectable items, a controller (a microprocessor or other processing circuitry) and a display screen for displaying a user readable representation of the commands and/or stored
information for a selected item, and a telecommunication
interface for the telephonic transmission of information
relating to a selected item or items from the storage to a
remote processing center and for the telephonic information
relating to selectable items from the remote processing center to the storage. Preferably a telecommunications interface
is provided in the hand held unit for cellular or other wireless
telephony systems. The hand held unit can be configured to
combine the data entry functions with those of audio telephony.

(GB) ............................................. 9321133

Int. Cl.
G06K 17100
G06K 7110

(2006.01)
(2006.01)

U.S. Cl. ..................... 455/422.1; 235/375; 235/380;
235/462.46; 235/472.02
Field of Classification Search ........................ None
See application file for complete search history.

(56)

References Cited

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
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5/1974 Avery
14

26

ABSTRACT

22

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28

70

US 6,058,304 Cl
Page 2

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7/1981
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Koenck eta!.
Hanson
Chadirna, Jr. et a!.
Gutman eta!.
Balabon et al.
Shiraishi
Danielson et al.
Pullman et al.
Bilbrey
Chadirna, Jr. et a!.
Beatty et al.
Chadirna, Jr. et a!.
Baur
Swartz eta!.
Burke
Sainton
Johnsen
Swartz eta!.
Chadirna, Jr. et a!.
Barrett et a!.
Mazz et al.
Martino
Barkan eta!.
Koenck
Tymes et al.
Chadirna, Jr. et a!.
Miller eta!.
Kumar
Tooleyet a!.
Toda
Sklarew
Fujiwara
Goren
DuffY et al.
Maromet al.
Brown
Feigenbaum eta!.
Danielson et al.
Korna eta!.
Brigida et al.
Koenck eta!.
Traeger
Germain
Hanson
Roberts
Koenck eta!.
Hanson
Koenck eta!.
Swartz
Miller eta!.
Hawkins et a!.
Burke et al.
Martinez
Petteruti et a!.
Thompson et a!.
Uchikura
Axelrod et a!.

5,339,239
5,340,978
5,345,071
5,347,115
5,347,632
5,349,678
5,353,331
5,353,334
5,359,182
5,363,031
5,367,563
5,368,562
5,369,260
5,371,348
5,371,858
5,379,057
5,392,447
5,400,068
5,401,944
5,402,117
5,406,491
5,408,250
5,410,141
5,412,417
5,412,660
5,418,560
5,418,812
5,424,524
5,425,077
5,426,594
5,434,994
5,436,654
5,436,954
5,442,541
5,442,783
5,444,763
D363,281
5,457,629
5,463,305
5,463,547
5,465,207
5,465,401
5,467,403
5,468,947
5,468,949
5,475,375
5,477,042
5,478,998
5,479,441
5,485,370
5,485,504
5,485,505
5,491,507
5,493,199
5,497,339
5,504,595
5,508,599
5,517,434
5,519,205
5,519,577
5,522,089
5,526,481
5,528,266
5,528,285
5,528,621
5,530,754
5,537,608
5,541,398
5,543,588
5,546,538
5,550,646

A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
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s

A
A
A
A
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A
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A
A
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A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A

8/1994
8/1994
9/1994
9/1994
9/1994
9/1994
10/1994
10/1994
10/1994
1111994
1111994
1111994
1111994
12/1994
12/1994
111995
2/1995
3/1995
3/1995
3/1995
4/1995
4/1995
4/1995
5/1995
5/1995
5/1995
5/1995
6/1995
6/1995
6/1995
7/1995
7/1995
7/1995
8/1995
8/1995
8/1995
10/1995
10/1995
10/1995
10/1995
1111995
1111995
1111995
1111995
1111995
12/1995
12/1995
12/1995
12/1995
111996
111996
111996
2/1996
2/1996
3/1996
4/1996
4/1996
5/1996
5/1996
5/1996
5/1996
6/1996
6/1996
6/1996
6/1996
6/1996
7/1996
7/1996
8/1996
8/1996
8/1996

Manabe et al.
Rostoker eta!.
Dumont
Sherman et a!.
Filepp et al.
Morris eta!.
Emery eta!.
O'Sullivan
Schilling
Miller eta!.
Sainton
Blomquist et a!.
Schuessler
Kumar eta!.
Miller eta!.
Clough et al.
Schlack et a!.
Ishida eta!.
Bravman et a!.
Zijderhand
Lima
Bier
Koenck eta!.
Tozuka
Chen
Yasuda
Reyes eta!.
Ruppert et a!.
Tsoi
Wright eta!.
Shaheen et a!.
Boyd
Nishiyama et al.
Hube et al.
Oswald eta!.
Lazaridis et a!.
Buhrmann
Miller eta!.
Koenck
Markowitz eta!.
Boatwright et a!.
Thompson
Fishbine
Danielson eta!.
Swartz et al.
Barrett et a!.
Wang
Charych et a!.
Tymes
Moss et al.
Ohnsorge
Norman
Umezawa et a!.
Koenck eta!.
Bernard
Maromet al.
Koenck
Hanson eta!.
Rostoker eta!.
Dudas et al.
Kikinis et al.
Parks eta!.
Arbeitman eta!.
Morikawa et a!.
Heiman eta!.
Garfinkle
Beatty eta!.
Hanson
Bisset eta!.
Cobbley et a!.
Hassan et al.

US 6,058,304 Cl
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5,550,715
5,550,754
5,553,312
5,555,443
5,555,459
5,568,536
5,579,489
5,579,535
5,584,054
5,585,789
5,590,373
5,594,470
5,602,854
5,602,963
5,606,594
5,612,732
5,617,236
5,619,684
5,625,673
5,634,080
5,640,444
5,646,389
5,666,530
5,668,876
5,675,524
5,680,633
5,694,546
5,706,290
5,729,591
5,745,559
5,754,645
5,754,655
5,761,621
5,771,354
5,793,957
D397,679
5,812,953
5,815,142
5,821,523
5,822,230
5,825,732
5,835,732
5,845,073
5,850,358
5,854,985
5,866,888
5,870,561
5,884,323
5,894,594
5,899,855
5,900,875
5,902,988
5,932,863
5,952,998
5,969,698
6,000,000
6,006,274
6,009,399
6,016,135
6,058,304
6,118,939
6,134,453
6,177,950
6,192,255
RE37,141
D440,542
6,219,681
6,295,372
D449,283
6,300,946
6,317,797

A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
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A

s
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
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A
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A
A
A
A
A
A
B1
B1
E
S
B1
B1
S
B1
B2

8/1996
8/1996
9/1996
9/1996
9/1996
10/1996
1111996
1111996
12/1996
12/1996
12/1996
111997
2/1997
2/1997
2/1997
3/1997
4/1997
4/1997
4/1997
5/1997
6/1997
7/1997
9/1997
9/1997
10/1997
10/1997
12/1997
111998
3/1998
4/1998
5/1998
5/1998
6/1998
6/1998
8/1998
9/1998
9/1998
9/1998
10/1998
10/1998
10/1998
1111998
12/1998
12/1998
12/1998
2/1999
2/1999
3/1999
4/1999
5/1999
5/1999
5/1999
8/1999
9/1999
10/1999
12/1999
12/1999
12/1999
112000
5/2000
9/2000
10/2000
112001
2/2001
4/2001
4/2001
4/2001
9/2001
10/2001
10/2001
1112001

Hawkins
McNelley eta!.
Gatley eta!.
Ikehama
Kraus eta!.
Tiller eta!.
Dornier eta!.
Orlen eta!.
Tyneski eta!.
Haneda
Whitley et a!.
Meyerson et a!.
Luse eta!.
Bissonnette et a!.
Register et a!.
Yuyamaet a!.
Wang et al.
Goodwin et al.
Grewe
Kikinis
O'Sullivan
Bravman et a!.
Clark et al.
Falk eta!.
Bernard
Koenck eta!.
Reisman
Shaw
Bailey
Weir
Metroka et a!.
Hughes eta!.
Sainton et a!.
Crawford
Kikinis et al.
Hawkins et a!.
Griffith et a!.
Allard et al.
Bunte eta!.
Kikinis et al.
Arataki
Kikinis et al.
Carlin eta!.
Danielson et al.
Sainton et a!.
Bravman et a!.
Jarvis eta!.
Hawkins et a!.
Kang
Brown
Haitani et al.
Durbin
Rathus eta!.
Clancy eta!.
Richard et a!.
Hawkins et a!.
Hawkins et a!.
Spille
Bisset a!.
Callaghan et al.
Nack eta!.
Sainton et a!.
Robb
Lewis eta!.
O'Sullivan
Hawkins et a!.
Hawkins et a!.
Hawkins et a!.
Sipher et al.
Lincke eta!.
Clark et al.

6,330,618
6,343,318
6,366,935
6,371,081
D457,162
D457,526
6,388,870
6,388,877
6,397,259
6,442,637
6,448,988
D466,115
D466,502
D466,877
D467,235
6,493,464
6,516,202
6,539,476
6,587,700
6,601,111
6,671,389
6,687,345
6,728,786
6,755,946
7,505,785
7,139,591
200110007334
2005/0259797

B1
B1
B2
B1
S
S
B1
B1
B1
B1
B1
S
S
S
S
B1
B1
B1
B1
B1
B1
B1
B2
B1
B2
C1
A1
A1

12/2001
112002
4/2002
4/2002
5/2002
5/2002
5/2002
5/2002
5/2002
8/2002
9/2002
1112002
12/2002
12/2002
12/2002
12/2002
2/2003
3/2003
7/2003
7/2003
12/2003
2/2004
4/2004
6/2004
3/2009
10/2009
7/2001
1112005

Hawkins et a!.
Hawkins et a!.
Hawkins et a!.
Hawkins et a!.
Hawkins et a!.
Hawkins et a!.
Canova, Jr. et a!.
Canova, Jr. et a!.
Lincke et al.
Hawkins et a!.
Haitani et al.
Hawkins et a!.
Hawkins et a!.
Hawkins et a!.
Hawkins et a!.
Hawkins et a!.
Hawkins et a!.
Marianetti et a!.
Meins eta!.
Peacock et a!.
Marzke eta!.
Swartz et al.
Hawkins et a!.
Patton eta!.
Callaghan
Callaghan
Wilz, Sr. et al.
Swartz et al.

FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
EP
EP
EP
EP
EP
EP
EP
EP
EP
EP
EP
GB
GB
GB
GB
GB
GB
JP
JP
JP
JP
JP
JP
JP
JP
JP
JP
JP
JP
JP
JP
JP
JP
JP

wo
wo
wo
wo
wo
wo
wo

0149762
0 349 430
0 486 973
0519838
0 530 416
0536481
0 378 775
0 651 543
97900179.9
0531645
0519838
2183071
2202664
2 216 319
2229562
2 246 491
2 289 555
01173262
59 198034
63-172558
63311563
1173262
01-276862
01-311364
1 314462
03-074958
3-109891
A-4-17494
4-24149
04024149
0438463
05241994
090309
3-1098891
WO 8707106
WO 89/04016
WO 91100574
WO 92/14329
WO 93/16550
wo 93/16550
WO 94/11967

A2
A2
A2
A1
A1
A2
A2

B1
A
A
A
A
A
A
A

A1
A1
A1
A1
A1
A1

7/1986
111990
5/1992
12/1992
3/1993
4/1993
4/1995
5/1995
111996
3/1997
4/1998
5/1987
9/1988
10/1989
9/1990
9/1994
1111995
7/1969
1111984
7/1988
12/1988
7/1989
1111989
12/1989
12/1989
3/1991
5/1991
111992
111992
2/1992
12/1992
9/1993
3/1994
6/2008
1111987
5/1989
111991
8/1992
8/1993
8/1993
5/1994

US 6,058,304 Cl
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wo

wo 94/12938

6/1994

OTHER PUBLICATIONS
L. Brust eta!., "Mixing Signals & Voltages on Chip", IEEE
Spectrum, dated Aug. 1993, 4 pages, pp. 40-43.
"Cellular helps make EO's pen-based personal communication mobile", Mobile Phone News, Nov. 16, 1992, http://
www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3457 /is_n23 _ v1 0/
ai_12914374/, dated 'Jul. 10, 2000', 2 pages.
J. Kaplan, "Startup-A Silicon Valley Adventure", Penguin
Group, © 1994, undated, 4 pages, cover, unnumbered page,
pp. 251, 250.
S. Orner, Aug. 2, 1993, "Science: A little reminder in your
pocket", The Independent, http://license.icopyright.net/user/
viewFreeUse.act?fuid=NTIOMTIOMg%3D%D, dated 'Jul.
10, 2009', 2 pages.
Forman & Zahmjan, "Computing Milieux, The Challenge of
Mobile Computing", IEEE, [no vol. no.], © 1994, Bates
Nos. RIMDQ0057331-340.
"BellSouth, IBM unveil personal communicator phone
Mobile Phone News, Nov. 8, 1993", http://www.looksmartphones.com/p/articles/mi_m3457/is_n43_v11/ai_... , pp.
1, 2, Bates Nos. RIMDQ0057550-0057551.
"IBM plans to ship Simon put on hold for time beinghand-help personal communicator Mobile Phone News,
Apr. 4, 1994", http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_
m3457/is_n14_v12/ai_14973288, pp. 1, 2, Bates No.
RIMDQ0057552--0057553, FindArticles, © 2006.
"BellSouth puts Simon on the shelves; personal communicator five months late-BellSouth Cellular Corp-Product
Announcement Mobile Phone News, Aug. 22, 1994", http://
www.findarticles.com/p/ articles/mi_m3457 /is_n14_v 12/
ai_15770310, pp. 1, 2, Bates No. RIMDQ00575690057570, Gale Group, Copyright 2004.
"Simonizing the PDA Dec. 1994/Reviews/Simonzing the
PDA BellSouth's communicative Simon is a milestone in
the evolution of the PDA", http://www.byte.com/art/9412/
sec11/art3.htm, pp. 1, 2, Bates No. RIMDQ00575710057574, CMP Media LLC, © 2005.
"Teklogix: Overview History" http://www.archive.org/web/
19980201192354/teklogix.com/history.htm, pp. 1-3, Bates
Nos. RIMDQ0057903--0057905.
Skopp and Kaiser, "Disconnected Operation in a Multi-User
Software Environment", Columbia University Department
of Computer Science, Bates Nos. RIMDQ00589400058947, dated Aug. 1993.
Skopp, -MS Thesis Proposal-"Process Centered Software Development on Mobile Hosts", Department of Computer Science Columbia University, Bates Nos.
RIMDQ0058948--0058970, dated Oct. 11, 1993.
Baecker, Nastos, Posner, Mawby, "The User-centred Iterative Design of Collaborative Writing Software", ACM, Bates
Nos. RIMDQ0059088--0059095, © 1993.
Ellis and Gibbs, "Concurrency Control in Groupware Systems", ACM, Bates Nos. RIMDQ0059096-0059104, ©
1989.
Greenberg and Marwood, "Real Time Groupware as a Distributed System: Concurrency Control", ACM Press, Bates
Nos. RIMDQ0059105-0059116, Proceedings of the ACM
CSCW Conference on Computer Supported Cooperative
Work, North Carolina, dated Oct. 22-26, 1994.

Sohlenkamp and Chwelos, "Integrating Communication,
Cooperation, and Awareness: The DIVA Virtual Office Environment", ACM, Bates Nos. RIMDQ0059117-0059129,
CSCW 94-10/94, NC [North Carolina], dated "Oct. 1994",
© 1994.
Walker, Popek, English, Kline, Thiel, "The LOCUS Distributed
Operating
System",
ACM,
Bates
Nos.
RIMDQ0059165--0059186, © 1983.
Huston, Honeyman, "Disconnected Operation for AFS",
CITI
Technical
Report
93-3,
Bates
Nos.
RIMDQ0059187--0059196, dated Jun. 19, 1993.
Satyanarayanan, Kistler, Kumar, Okasaki, Siegel, Steere,
"Coda: A Highly Available File System for a Distributed
Workstation Environment", IEEE Transactions on Computers, vol. 39, No. 4, Apr. 1990, pp. 447-459, Bates Nos.
RIMDQ0059197--0059209, © 1990.
Satyanarayanan, "Scalable, Secure, and Highly Available
Distributed File Access", IEEE, pp. 9-20, end page, Bates
Nos. RIMDQ0059215--0059226, dated May 1990, © 1990.
Kistler and Satyanarayanan, "Disconnected Operation in the
Coda File System", ACM Transactions on Computer Systems, vol. 10, No. 1, Feb. 1992, pp. 3-25, Bates Nos.
RIMDQ0059227--0059249, © 1992.
Kistler, "Disconnected Operation in a Distributed File System", Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for
the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Bates Nos.
RIMDQ0059432--0059699, Carnegie Mellon University,
dated May 1993.
VTT PrintAccess PrintAccess matrix code reader status,
Bates Nos. RIMDQ0059765, VTT © 2006.
VTT PrintAccess PrintAccess matrix code reader software,
Bates Nos. RIMDQ0059766, VTT © 2006.
"Tekscan Radio-Linked Systems," Teklogix, Inc., Bates
Nos. RIMDQ0057906--0057908, 6/89/5E.
"Tekscan 7015 'Portable' Terminal", Teklogix, Inc., Bates
Nos. RIMDQ0057913-914, © 1988.
"Tecscan 9011 'MiniBase' radio link controller", Teklogix,
Inc., Bates Nos. RIMDQ0057915-916, © 1989.
Warehousing 89, Material Handling Engineering, Bates
Nos. RIMDQ0057917-920, © 1989.
Tekscan 8030 Series mobile "Vehicle-mounted" terminal,
Teklogix, Inc., Bates Nos. RIMDQ0057921-924, © 1989.
Mobile Wireless Computing: Solutions and Challenges in
Data
Management,
http://citeseer.ist.psu.edu/
imielenski93mobile.html, 3 pages, dated Dec. 18, 2006.
Imielinski, T., eta!., "Mobile Wireless Computing: Solutions
and Challenges in Data Management," Rutgers University,
Jan. 1993, report cover page with business card, report cover
page, pp. 1-37, back cover page.
Imielinski, T., eta!., "Mobile Wireless Computing: Solutions
and Challenges in Data Management," Rutgers University,
Jan. 1993, RIMDQ 08325-73, and 1 page sheet RIMDQ
08374, produced by Rim with RIMDQ 08325-73.
"AT&T EO Personal Communicator The Digital Nomad's
Guide," copyright© 1993, RIMDQ 083275-551.
"The Official Guide to the Prodigy Service," © 1991,
RIMDQ 084125-526.
"Teklogix 32 Bit Terminal User Manual", copyright 1993,
Teklogix
Inc.,
Missisauga,
Ont.,
Bates
Nos.
RIMDQ0089999-90118.
"7000 series Teklogix," RIMDQ 0090119-124.
Stieglitz, "Industry Dynamics and Types of Market Convergence," First Draft, dated May 9, 2002, Bates Nos.
RIMDQ0091160-200.

US 6,058,304 Cl
Page 6

Company documents, Winfair Systems, 1992 and later,
RIMDQ 0097194-234.
"Special Report, Your Electric Future," Newsweek, Jun. 6,
1994, DQ01829-86.
Letter toR. Thonnes re Invoice to: Dataquill Limited, dated
Aug. 15, 1995, Bates No. GROOOl.
Letter to G. Robb from Dr K. D.R., Winton, UnivEd Technologies, dated Jnn. 25, 1991, Bates No. GR0002.
Letter to G. Robb from Roland, University of Edinburg,
dated Jul. 3, 1992, Bates No. GR0003.
Chassman letter to Smith, Rim v. DataQuill Ltd., 5 pages,
dated Jun. 24, 2008.
S. Alagar eta!., Tolerating Mobile Support Station Failures,
pp. 1-12, RIMDQ 0109788-109799, undated.
Citeseer search, 2 pages,
undated.

RIMDQ 0109880-109801,

B. Badrinath, Impact of Mobility on Distributed Computations, Operating Systems Review, 8 pages, RIMDQ
0107344-107351, Apr. 1993.
Index of Technical Reports, produced by Rim, RIMDQ
0109802-109825, pp. 1 to 24, dated Jun. 11, 2008.
"Scan Tech UK, NEC Birmingham, Jun. 16-18, 1992, Conference Proceedings, A,"; R. Long, "The Use oflssue-Specific Bar Codes for Sortation of Magazine, Periodical and
Newspaper Returns," Solent News Distributors Ltd, document undated; M. Hardy, "Case Study 1: UK's First Port
Control Radio Data Transmission System in Dock Straddle
Carriers," Belgravium Ltd, Bates Nos. RIMDQ
0098145-146, document undated, Bates Nos. RIMDQ
0098142-151.
"Scan Tech UK, NEC Birmingham, Jun. 16-18, 1992, Conference Proceedings, B,"; S. Blackmore, "Portable Data Collection: A Strategic Technology," Symlex, document
undated; C. Williets, "Portable Data Collection-Trends and
Developments in Processing and Computer Products," Mars
Electronics International, document undated; B. Inall, "Data
Entry Options for Portable Computers," IBS Radix, document undated; J. Dover, "Communications Options for Portable Data Capture Units," Symbol Technologies UK Ltd,
document undated; R. Crabtree, "Portable Data CaptureApplications Opportunities," Kings Town Photocodes Ltd,
document undated; Bates Nos. RIMDQ 0098152-165.
"Scan Tech UK, NEC Birmingham, Jun. 16-18, 1992, Conference Proceedings, E," document undated; R. Evans, "The
Supplementary Coding Standards," ANA, document
undated; J. Critoph, "EAN-128, Produciton and Scanning,"
Symbol Technologies, document undated; W. Satterthwaite,
"Pallet Labels and Supplementary Coding," Pedigree Petfoods/Mars Group, document undated; Bates Nos. RIMDQ
0098166-196.
"Scan Tech UK, NEC Birmingham, Jun. 16-18, 1992, Conference Proceedings, F"; T. Hankins and M. Brittain, "Software Tools for 'Fastrak' Implementation of Automatic Data
Capture Using Portable Terminals," Alpha-Numeric Systems Pic, document undated; D. Peacock, "PDC in British
Gas PLC North Eastern Warehousing," British Gas Pic
North Eastern, document undated; J. Keegan, "Total Supply
Chain Management Within Health Care Supplies," Health
Care Supplies, document updated; Bates Nos. RIMDQ
0098197-204.

"Scan Tech UK, NEC Birmingham, Jun. 16-18, 1992, Conference Proceedings, G"; A. Scorer, "Wide Area Data Capture with Particular Emphasis on the Temperature-Controlled Distribution Sector," Securicor Datatrak Ltd,
document undated; "EDI in Distribution and Transport,"
document undated; P. Whitlock, "Delivering Solutions for
Parcels Delivery," Securicor Omega Express Ltd, document
undated; "Video Case Study: Down the Line Bar Coding in
the Supply Chain," document undated; Bates Nos. RIMDQ
0098205-222.
"Scan Tech UK, NEC Birmingham, Jun. 16-18, 1992, Conference Proceedings, I"; S. Jackson, "Inductive Identification System," Peppert & Fuchs Ltd, document undated; P.
Kibler, "Chips with Everything-The Datatag System,"
Yamaha, document undated; B. Williams, "RFID: The Issue
is Standardisation," The Enterprise Consultancy, document
undated; W. Holland, "Capture Data and Thieves with
R.F.I.D.," Smart Tag Systems Inc., document undated; Bates
Nos. RIMDQ 0098223-236.
"Scan Tech UK, NEC Birmingham, Jun. 16-18, 1992, Conference Proceedings, K"; M. Hiscox, "Radio Frequency
Data Communications (RFDC)," Lex Industrial Systems
Ltd, document undated; J. Bental, "Mobile Data in Automatic Identification," RAM Mobile Data Ltd, document
undated; S. Kerry, "Vendor Selection and Project Management-Radio Frequency Data Communications," Symbol
Technologies Europe, document undated; J. Tipping, "RF/
DC in Action," Process Computing Ltd, document undated;
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by
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Coding and EDI," Praxis Consultants, document undated; P.
Barbier, "Odette and EDI," BPCC Numeric Arts Ltd, document undated; Bates No. RIMDQ 0108258-273.
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Documents of Jan Orkisc, 64 pages, Bates Nos.
OKK001-064.
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Mar. 22, 1993, "Own Your Own Personal Communicator
440", Bates Stamped pp. HSD0004019-4020.
GO Corporation, "Penpoint Communications Technology
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EO, Inc., "Industry Briefing EO, AT&T, Matsushita and
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EO, Inc., "Personal Communicators At-a-Glance", undated,
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EO, Inc., "Software Vendors Rally Around EO Personal
Communicators", Nov. 4, 1992, Bates Stamped pp.
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"AT&T Easylink Services", undated, Bates Stamped pp.
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GO Corporation, "GO Corp. Announces PenPoint for Hobbit, GO Message Center, and GO Faz on will be available on
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pp. HSD0004125-4126.
Pensoft Corporation, "Pensoft Corporation Announces Personal Perspective built into every EO Personal Communicator", Nov. 4, 1992, Bates Stamped pp. HSD0004127-4128.
Notable Technologies, Inc., "Notable Technologies
Announces Support for EO: will Produce Applications for
Personal Communicators", Nov. 4, 1992, Bates Stamped pp.
HSD0004129-4130.
Sitka Corporation, "EO Selects Sitka's Mobile Networking
Solutions for New Line of Personal Communicatiors", Nov.
4, 1992, Bates Stamped pp. HSD0004131-4133.
Penmagic Software Inc., "PenMagic Announces Support for
EO Personal Communicators and Hobbit Platform", Nov. 4,
1992, Bates Stamped pp. HSD0004134-4135.
Ink Development Corporation, "Ink Development
Announces InkWare™ NoteTaker for EO Personal Communicators", Marked "For Release Nov. 4, 1992", Bates
Stamped pp. HSD0004136-4137.
Slate Corporation, Slate Announces Port of PenApps™,
Nov. 4, 1992, Bates Stamped pp. HSD0004138-4139.
EO, "Market Convergence", undated, Bates Stamped p.
HSD0004140.
EO, "Market Evolution for Personal Communicators",
undated, Bates Stamped p. HSD0004141.
EO, Inc., "EO Unveils World's First Personal Communicator's",
Nov.
4,
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oversize page, Bates Stamped p. HSD0004146.
American Programmer, Inc., "American Programmer", Dec.
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EO Inc., "AT&T EO Personal Communicator", "Third Party
Product and Services Catalog", Fall 1993, Bates Stamped
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EO, Inc., "Exactly what is an EO", pamphlet, oversized
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US 6,058,304 Cl
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"Communication-Anytime, Anywhere", undated, Bates
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EO, Inc., "Lookup Guide to the EO Personal Communicator", Copyright 1992, 1993, Bates Stamped pp.
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EO, Inc., "Connecting With Your EO Cellular Module",
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EO, Inc., "Getting Started With Your EO Personal Communicator", Copyright 1992, 1993, Bates Stamped pp.
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EO, Inc., "The World of Messaging An Introduction to Personal Communicators", Copyright 1992, 1993, Bates
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EO, Inc., The AT&T EO Travel Guide, Ken Maki, Copyright
1993, Bates Stamped pp. HSD0004732-5290.
AT&T, "High-speed cellular modem for laptops from Paradyne and Nokia", "For Release" Feb. 23, 1993, Bates
Stamped pp. HDS0009580--9581.
AT&T, "AT&T, Go, PenStuff, Trimble make 'personal navigators"', "For Release" Jun. 29, 1993, Bates Stamped pp.
HSD0009582-9584.
AT&T, "AT&T and EO lower prices for personal communicators", "For Release" Sep. 16, 1993, Bates Stamped pp.
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AT&T, "EO, Inc., will become AT&T's personal communicator company", "For Release" Jun. 1, 1993, Bates Stamped
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Internet:
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1993-1996, Ken Polson, Copyright 2001-2002, Bates
Stamped pp. HSD0012760--0012762.
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HSD0012763-0012764.
Internet:
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Internet: "Evolving PDAs", undated, no author, Bates
Stamped p. HSD0012769.
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Newton Technolgy Goes to Work", Copyright 1993, David
McNeill, Bates Stamped pp. HSD0012770--0012771.
Internet: From On the Go Magazine, Oct. 13, 1993: "Newton Notes Messaging Card and NewtonMail: We Pick up and
deliver", Copyright 1993, David McNeill, Bates Stamped
pp. HSD0012772-0012773.
Internet: "Concept development for LCD-Applied Products", notation "(Received Oct. 7, 1997)" on p. 7, Hideki
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HSD0012774-0012780.
Internet: "NCR cuts price of 3170 notebook computer 11 to
19 percent", AT& T News Release, "for release Monday Mar.
8, 1993", Bates Stamped pp. HSD0012781-0012782.
EO Incorporated, "EO Cellular Module Programming
Instructions for Cellular Service Providers and Resellers",
May 13, 1993, Bates Stamped pp. HSD0013223-0013233.
EO(?), page copies "Electronic Serial Number (ESN)", "EO
Phone", "Authorized Dealer", "Wireline vs. non-Wireline
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EO, Inc., "EO Personal Commincator 440/880 Technical
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EO Customer Services, "Tips from our Users", date unclear,
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EO Customer Services, "Tips from our Users", Jun. 9, 1993,
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Symbol Technologies Incorporated, Operator's Guide LRT
3270, Apr. 1992, Bates Stamped pp. SYM00001-00002.
Symbol Technologies Incorporated, "Operator's Guide LRT
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Symbol Technologies Incorporated, "Operator's Guide LRT
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Symbol Technologies Incorporated, "Series 3800 Portable
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GO Corporation, "At Last Technology Harnesses One of the
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Carr, R., "The Point of the Pen", Byte, Feb. 1991, Bates
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The GSM System for Mobile Communications A comprehensive overview of the European Digital Cellular Systems,
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RIMDQ0072665-671, Research in Motion Limited, ©
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m3457/is_nl4_vll/ai_. . . , pp. 12, Bates Nos.
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fax
modem
handbook",
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Nos.
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present and future", Communications of the ACM, vol. 35,
No.3, pp. 25-30, 32, Bates Nos. RIMDQ0081342-348.
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1993.
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175-203, Bates Nos. RIMDQ0081416-433.
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1991, pp. 12-18, Bates Nos. RIMDQ0081434-440, © 1991.

E. Torgan, "New & improved", PC Magazine, May 12, 1992,
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"MessagePad
handbook",
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US 6,058,304 Cl
1
EX PARTE
REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE
ISSUED UNDER 35 U.S. C. 307
THE PATENT IS HEREBY AMENDED AS
INDICATED BELOW.
Matter enclosed in heavy brackets [ ] appeared in the
patent, but has been deleted and is no longer a part of the
patent; matter printed in italics indicates additions made
to the patent.

2

5

10

15

Claims 1-5, 10, 11, 14-19, 21, 24-31, 36-38, 43, 48-51,
54, 58, 61 and 63 are cancelled.
Claims 6-9, 12, 20, 22, 23, 32-35, 39-42, 44, 46, 47, 52,
53, 56, 57, 59, 60 and 62 are determined to be patentable as 20
amended.
Claims 13, 45, 46 and 55, dependent on an amended
claim, are determined to be patentable.
25

New claims 64-118 are added and determined to be patentable.

7. A data entry device according to any of claims [1,2] 82,
83, 85, 86, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95, 97, 98, 100, 101, 103 or [3]
104, wherein said data entry device comprises one or two
manually operable switches for scrolling said display in a
first and/or second direction for selectively displaying said
commands and/or information.
8. A data entry device according to any of claims [1, 2] 82,
83, 85, 86, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95, 97, 98, 100, 101, 103 or [3]
104, wherein said data entry device comprises one or two
manually operable switches for scrolling said display in a
first and/or second direction for selectively displaying said
commands and/or information, and wherein operation of
said first and/or second switches in predetermined operational states of said data entry device causes predetermined
functions other than scrolling functions to be performed.
9. A data entry device according to any of claims [1,2] 85,
86, 94, 97, 98, 100, 101, 103 or [3] 104, wherein said dislay
screen comprises a touch sensitive screen forming a said
reading sensor, said controller being arranged to be responsive to a location at which said screen is touched for user
input.
12. A data entry device according to any of claims [1, 2]
80, 82, 83, 85, 86, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95, 97, 98, 100, 101,
103 or [3] 104, wherein a said reading sensor is a motion
detector or a scarming device.
20. A data entry device according to any of claims [1,2]
80, 82, 83, 85, 86, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95, 97, 98, 103 or [3]
104, comprising a carrier or a display for a plurality of data
and/or command codes for association with means for dis-

22. A data entry device according to claim any of claims
[1,2] 80, 82, 83, 85, 86, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95, 97, 98, 100,
101, 103 or [3] 104 wherein a key on said data entry device

can be used for entry of a said command and/or data.

AS A RESULT OF REEXAMINATION, IT HAS BEEN
DETERMINED THAT:

6. A data entry device according to any of claims [1, 2] 82,
83, 85, 86, 88, 89, 91, 92, 94, 95, 97, 98, 100, 101, 103 or [3]
104, wherein said data entry device includes a rechargeable
power source, means being provided for recharging said
power source.

playing a plurality of selectable items, wherein said carrier
carries a plurality of codes, each for a respective one of a
plurality of natural language and/or numeric characters and a
plurality of commands for controlling operation of said data
entry device or a merchandising system, each code being
associated with a visual representation of the corresponding
natural language or numeric character or command and/or of
a graphical representation thereof.

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

23. A merchandising system comprising a data entry
device according to any of claims [1,2] 80, 82, 83, 85, 86, 88,
89, 91, 92, 94, 95, 97, 98, 100 or [3] 101, wherein:
said device is programmable with information relating to
user selectable merchandisable items; and
said interface is coupleable to a remote processing center
for initiating processing of user orders of said selectable merchandisable items.
32. A data entry system according to [claim 26] any of
claims 81, 107, 110, 113 or [claim 29] 116, wherein said
telecommunications interface is integral to said hand holdable unit and directly connects said hand-holdable unit to
said telecommunications network.
33. A data entry system according to any of claims [26,
28, 29, 30] 78, 81, 107, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 115, 116,
117 or [31] 118, wherein said hand holdable unit includes a
rechargeable power source, means being provided for
recharging said power source.
34. A data entry system according to any of claims [26,
27, 29] 81, 107, 108, 110, 111, 113, 114, 116 or [30] 117,
wherein said telecommunications interface is a wireless telecommunications network interface.
35. A data entry system according to any of claims [26,
27, 29, 30] 81, 107, 108, 110, 111, 113, 112, 114, 116, 117
or [31] 118, wherein said telecommunications interface is a
cellular telephone network interface.
39. A data entry system according to any of claims [26,
27, 28, 29, 30] 78, 81, 107-117 or [31] 118 wherein said
hand holdable unit comprises one or two manually operable
switches for scrolling said display in a first and/or second
direction for selectively displaying information for respective selectable or selected items from said storage, and
wherein operation of said first and/or second switches in
predetermined operational states of said hand holdable unit
causes predetermined functions other than scrolling functions to be performed.
40. A data entry system according to any of claims [26,
27, 28, 29, 30] 78, 107-117 or [31] 118 wherein said display
screen comprises a touch sensitive screen forming a said
reading sensor, said controller being arranged to be responsive to a location at which said screen is touched for user
input.
41. A data entry system according to any of claims [26,
27, 28, 29, 30] 107-117 or [31] 118 wherein a said reading
sensor is for reading coded data, wherein said controller is
arranged to access the stored information for selectable
items to determine natural language characters or images
corresponding to the coded data for display.
42. A data entry system according to any of claims [26,
27, 28, 29, 30] 107-117 or [31] 118 wherein a said reading
sensor is for reading coded data, wherein said controller is
arranged to access the stored information for selectable
items to determine natural language characters or images

US 6,058,304 Cl
4

3
corresponding to the coded data for display, and wherein
said coded data comprises bar codes and/or binary dot codes
and said sensor is a bar code and/or dot code reader.
44. A data entry system according to any of claims [26,
27, 28, 29, 30] 78, 81, 107-117 or [31] 118, wherein a said
reading sensor is a motion detector or a scanning device.
47. A data entry system according to any of claims [26,
27, 28, 29, 30] 78, 81, 107-117 or [31] 118, wherein said
controller is user programmable to cause captured data to be
displayed on said display either in a first orientation suitable
for reading displayed data when said hand holdable unit is
held in a user's right hand, or in a second orientation suitable
for reading displayed data when said hand holdable unit is
held in a user's left hand, said controller being responsive to
user programming operations including scanning of an
appropriate command code using said reading sensor.
52. A data entry system according to any of claims [26,
27, 28, 29, 30] 78, 81, 107-117 or [31] 118, comprising a
verification device in the form of a verification card or like
carrier carrying a user verification code or codes.
53. A data entry system according to any of claims [26,
27, 28, 29, 30] 78, 81, 107-109, 112-115 or [31] 118, comprising a carrier for a plurality of data and/or command
codes for association with means for displaying a plurality
of selectable items, wherein said carrier carries a plurality of
codes, each for a respective one of a plurality of natural
language and/or numeric characters and a plurality of commands for controlling operation of said data entry or merchandising system, each code being associated with a visual
representation of the corresponding natural language or
numeric character or command and/or of a graphical representation thereof.
56. A data entry system according to any of claims [26,
27, 28, 29, 30] 78, 81, 107-117 or [31] 118, wherein a key
on said data entry unit can be used for entry of a said command and/or data.
57. A merchandising system comprising a data entry systern according to any of claims [26, 27, 28, 29, 30] 78, 81,
113, 114, 115, 116, 117 or [31] 118, wherein:
said selectable items are merchandisable items; and
said remote processing center initiates processing of user
orders of said selectable merchandisable items.
59. A data entry system according to any of claims [27,
28, 30] 78, 108, 109, 111, 112, 114, 115, 117 or [31] 118,
wherein said controller is responsive to a said command to
cause downloading of information from said remote processing center as required for updating information previously stored in said rewritable storage for one or more of
said selectable items.
60. A data entry system according to any of claims [28,
29, 30] 78, 109, 110, 111, 112, 115, 116, 117 or [31] 118
wherein said hand holdable unit includes a speaker and/or
microphone permitting said hand holdable unit to be used as
a telephone handset.
62. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
data entry device comprising:
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
commands and data to produce input signals;
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
process said input signals;
said controller coupled to a communications inter-face to
selectively control transmission over said communications interface of command and/or data signals as determined by said input signals processed by said controller;
said communications interface being operable directly to
connect said data entry device to a wireless telecommunications network; and

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

55

60

65

a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or information under control of said input signals
processed by said controller;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comprise a unitary assembly and said communications
interface is a cellular telephone network interface and
said wireless telecommunications network is a cellular
telephone network and said data entry device is integral
with a cellular telephone; and
wherein said display screen comprises a touch sensitive
screen forming said reading sensor, said controller
being arranged to be responsive to a location at which
said screen is touched for user input; said data entry
device comprising additional limitations wherein:
said data entry device with integral cellular telephone
together are a hand held device permitting use as a
telephone handset, said hand held device additionally
comprising:
rewritable storage made of solid state memory;
a rechargeable power supply, and
a plurality of mechanical key switches operable for use to
select information retained by said solid state memory;
wherein further:
(a) said display is operable to display a selected user
understandable language of a number of languages
to assist a user in operating said hand held device,
wherein a user is able to select a said language and
said number of languages includes at least English
and one language other than English; and
(b) by utilizing said network interface and at least a
said cellular telephone network said hand held
device is operable:
(i) to download from a remote processing center
description information corresponding to each of
a plurality of user selectable items for storage,
and further wherein said description information
is maintainable in storage by utilizing said solid
state memory for later user access without requiring transmission of any description information to
said hand held device,
(ii) wherein said downloading is in response to one
or more coded instructions transmitted to a remote
processing center via said network interface,
transmitted in response to one or more user command inputs, and wherein
(iii) subsequent to said downloading of at least said
description information, said display is operable
to display a list of user selectable items of said
plurality of user selectable items, and in response
to user selection of an item of said list, to display
description information retrieved from said storage corresponding to said selected item without
requiring transmission of any description information to said hand held device, wherein items of
said list are selectable individually from said display by user input; and wherein
(c) said controller is responsive to a command to cause
downloading of information from a remote processing center, wherein said downloading of information: is to bring description information in storage
corresponding to an individual user selectable item
of said plurality of user selectable items up to date
for a user; and is also maintainable in storage by
utilizing said solid state memory for later user access
without requiring transmission of any description
information to said hand held device; and wherein, a

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said command to cause downloading is a command
to bring information up to date for an individual user
selectable item ofa plurality of user selectable items;
(d) said hand held device is operable for a user to place
orders for merchandisable items via a remote processing center and via user selections from said
display, wherein,
(i) by utilizing said network interface and at least a
said cellular telephone network said hand held
device is operable: to download from a remote
processing center at least description information
for each of a plurality of user selectable merchandisable items for storage, wherein said
description information is maintainable in storage
by utilizing said solid state memory for later user
access without requiring transmission of any
description information to said hand held device,
(ii) said downloading is in response to one or more
coded instructions transmitted to a remote processing center via said network interface, transmitted in response to one or more user command
inputs,
(iii) wherein subsequent to said downloading, said
display is operable to display a list of user selectable merchandisable items ofsaid plurality ofuser
selectable merchandisable items retrieved from
said storage, and wherein
(iv) by utilizing said network interface and at least a
said cellular telephone network said hand held
device is operable to transmit one or more user
selections corresponding to one or more selected
merchandisable items to have a remote processing
center process an order for said one or more
selected items, wherien each said selected item is
selectable individually from said display from said
list of user selectable merchandisable items by
user input, and in response to a said transmission
said hand held device is operable to receive information for said order to display on said display.
64. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, and
for use by a user to selectively download description information for later user access, to select and order merchandisable items, to select from multi-lingual display, and as a
cellular telephone handset, said data entry device comprising:
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
commands and data to produce input signals;
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
process said input signals;
said controller coupled to a communications inter:face to
selectively control transmission over said communications interface of command and/or data signals as
determined by said input signals processed by said controller; said communications interface being operable
directly to connect said data entry device to a wireless
telecommunications network; and
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or information under control of said input signals
processed by said controller;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comprise a unitary assembly and said communications
interface is a cellular telephone network interface and
said wireless telecommunications network is a cellular
telephone network and said data entry device is integral with a cellular telephone, and
wherein said controller is responsive to a said command
to cause downloading of information from a remote

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processing center as required for updating information
previously stored in said data entry device; said data
entry device comprising additional limitations wherein:
said data entry device with integral cellular telephone
together are a hand held device permitting use as a
telephone handset, additionally comprising:
rewritable storage made of solid state memory;
a rechargeable power supply, and
a mechanical key switch operable to input user information; wherein further:
(a) said display is operable to display a selected user
understandable language of a number of languages
to assist a user in operating said hand held device,
wherein a user is able to select a said language and
said number of languages includes at least English
and one language other than English; and
(b) by utilizing said network interface and at least a
said cellular telephone network said hand held
device is operable:
(i) to download from a remote processing center
description information corresponding to each of
a plurality of user selectable items for storage,
and further wherein said description information
is maintainable in storage by utilizing said solid
state memory for later user access without requiring transmission of any description information to
said hand held device,
(ii) wherein said downloading is in response to one
or more coded instructions transmitted to a remote
processing center via said network interface,
transmitted in response to one or more user command inputs, and wherein
(iii) subsequent to said downloading of at least said
description information, said display is operable
to display a list of user selectable items of said
plurality of user selectable items, and in response
to user selection of an item of said list, to display
description information retrieved from said storage corresponding to said selected item without
requiring transmission of any description information to said hand held device, wherein items of
said list are selectable individually from said display by user input; and wherein,
(c) said information previously stored: is a part of said
downloaded description information which part corresponds to an individual item of said plurality of
user selectable items, and
(d) said controller being responsive to a said command
to cause downloading of information from a remote
processing center as required for updating information previously stored:
(i) is to bring said information previously stored for
said individual item up to date for a user, and
wherein
(ii) said downloading of information is also maintainable in storage by utilizing said solid state
memory for later user access without requiring
transmission of any description information to
said hand held device, and
(iii) a said command is a command to bring information up to date for an individual user selectable
item of a plurality of user selectable items;
(e) said hand held device is operable for a user to place
orders for merchandisable items via a remote processing center and via user selections from said
display, wherein
(i) by utilizing said network interface and at least a
said cellular telephone network said hand held

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device is operable: to download from a remote
processing center at least description information
for each of a plurality of user selectable merchandisable items for storage, wherein said
description information is maintainable in storage
by utilizing said solid state memory for later user
access without requiring transmission of any
description information to said hand held device,
(ii) said downloading is in response to one or more
coded instructions transmitted to a remote processing center via said network interface, transmitted in response to one or more user command
inputs,
(iii) wherein subsequent to said downloading, said
display is operable to display a list of user selectable merchandisable items ofsaid plurality ofuser
selectable merchandisable items retrieved from
said storage, and wherein
(iv) by utilizing said network interface and at least a
said cellular telephone network said hand held
device is operable to transmit one or more user
selections corresponding to one or more selected
merchandisable items to have a remote processing
center process an order for said one or more
selected items, wherein each said selected item is
selectable individually from said display from said
list of user selectable merchandisable items by
user input, and in response to a said transmission
said hand held device is operable to receive information for said order to display on said display.
65. A hand held device according to the limitations of
claim 64, comprising further limitations, wherein by utilizing a said reading sensor said hand held device is operable
to sense coded data associated with alphabetic characters,
wherein
(i) said controller causes said display to display alphabetic characters associated with said coded data subsequent to said sensing;
(ii) said hand held device further is operable to sense a
sequence of said coded data in order to build up text
made up of a plurality of said alphabetic characters,
wherein said controller causes said display to display
said built up text; and
(iii) said built up text itself makes up a code which corresponds to a user selectable item, wherein subsequent to
processing a said code said controller is arranged to
cause said display to display information corresponding to said item.
66. A hand held device according to the limitations of
claim 64, comprising further limitations, wherein by utilizing a connection via at least a said cellular telephone network said hand held device is operable:
to receive a request from a remote processing center for a
user to input user identification information for utilization by a said remote processing center, to receive said
input user identification information, and to transmit
said input user identification information to a said
remote processing center.
67. A hand held device according to the limitations of
claim 64, comprising further limitations wherein, said controller is configured to process code, wherein
(i) a said code includes user visible text and is associated
with a user selectable item,
(ii) in response to user input including selection of user
visiable text of a said code by use of said hand held
device, said controller processes a said code, wherein

(iii) subsequent to said controller processing a said code
said display displays description information relating
to said user selectable item, and said processing
includes processing of text of a said code.
68. A hand held device according to the limitations of
claim 64, comprising further limitations, wherein said hand
held device comprises a plurality of mechanical key
switches, wherein:
operation of a mechanical key switch of said plurality of
mechanical key switches a predetermined number of
times in association with a period of time causes said
hand held device to perform a function, and
operation of said mechanical key switch a predetermined
other number oftimes in association with said period of
time causes said hand held device to perform another
function; and
wherein said operations of said mechanical key switch
emulate operation of multiple mechanical key switches
to perform said functions.
69. A hand held device according to the limitations of
claim 64, comprising further limitations wherein, said
controller, in response to user input including selection of an
individual, user selectable item from a plurality of user
selectable items, is operable to determine if corresponding
description information, which is available at a remote processing center and is for said individual item, is displayable
on said display from storage in said solid state memory:
(i) wherein said selected individual item is determined to
be an item of a plurality of user selectable items for
which description information for said items is also
available from storage in said solid state memory, said
controller is configured to cause said corresponding
description information from said storage to display on
said display for said item without requiring transmission of any description information to said hand held
device;
(ii) wherein said selected individual item is determined to
be an item of a plurality of selectable items for which
corresponding description information for said item is
not available from storage in said solid state memory
said controller is configured to cause said hand held
device to automatically connect to a remote processing
center via at least a said cellular telephone network to
download description information relating to said item,
wherein said downloaded description information is
maintainable in storage in said hand held device, for
later user access by utilizing said solid state memory,
and
(iii) wherein said controller is configured to cause said
automatic connection subsequent to processing a code
associated with said individual item.
70. A hand held device according to the limitations of
claim 64, comprising further limitations wherein said hand
held device is operable for use with a television display
viewable by a user of said hand held device, wherein said
television display displays a plurality of items selectable by
a user by operation of said hand held device.
71. A hand held device according to the limitations of
claim 64, comprising further limitations wherein utilizing a
said reading sensor said hand held device is operable to:
(i) sense a code which is made of user understandable
language, wherein said user understandable language
also identifies a selectable item and said controller is
configured to process a said code to cause said display
to display alphabetic text associated with a said code,
and

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(ii) also sense a code which is made of user understandable language, wherein said user understanding language is also a command to perform a function and
said controller is configured to process a said code to
cause said display to display alphabetic text associated
with a said code, and to cause said hand held device to
perform a function in addition to said display displaying alphabetic text associated with a said code;
(iii) said controller is configured to process a plurality of
said codes.
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72. A hand held device according to the limitations of
claim 64, comprising further limitations wherein said hand
held device also comprises: a connection interface permitting said hand held device to connect to a separate electronic device having a power supply, wherein said hand held 15
device is operable to:
(i) transfer data to said separate electronic device at a
time during a said connection;
(ii) receive data from said separate electronic device at a
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time during said same connection; and
(iii) receive charging power from said separate electronic
device for said rechargeable power supply at a time
during said same connection.
73. A hand held device according to the limitations of
claim 64, comprising further limitations, wherein said hand 25
held device also comprises: a camera coupled to said
controller, and wherein,
(i) said camera is operable to sense and capture data
relating to a plurality of selectable items for storage of
said data by said solid state memory for later user 30
access; and
(ii) said network interface is operable to transmit data
captured by said camera from said storage, via a said
cellular telephone network; and
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(iii) said data is made of one or more images.
74. A hand held device according to the limitations of
claim 73, comprising further limitations wherein said camera is operable to sense and capture user visible codes.
75. A hand held device according to the limitations of
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claim 64, comprising further limitations wherein said hand
held device further comprises: a wireless interface coupled
to said controller and to said solid state memory; wherein
(i) said wireless interface is operable to establish a wireless link with a device separate from said hand held 45
device to enable transmission of information from said
solid state memory to said device separate from said
hand held device; wherein
(ii) said wireless link is made ofshort range radio signals;
and wherein
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(iii) said device separate from said hand held device is a
printer.
76. A hand held device according to the limitations of
claim 64, comprising further limitations, wherein: a said
reading sensor is a roller ball responsive to movement cause 55
by a user.
77. A hand held device according to the limitations of
claim 64, comprising further limitations, wherein: a said
reading sensor is a bar code reader device or other optical
code reader device.
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78. A data entry system comprising a hand holdable data
entry unit, said hand holdable unit comprising:
a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data and
for producing input signals in response to said sensed
commands and/or data;
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rewritable storage programmable with information relating to selectable items;

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a controller connected to receive and process said input
signals from said sensor, said controller being
arranged to respond to commands and/or sensed commands to control said hand holdable unit and to said
data to select a said item;
a display screen for displaying a user readable representation of said commands and said stored information
for said selected item; and
a telecommunications interface for telephonic transmission of information relating to a selected item or items
from said storage to a remote processing center via a
wireless telecommunications network and for telephonic reception of information relating to said selectable items from said remmote processing center to said
storage via said wireless telecommunications network,
wherein said telecommunications interface is a telecommunications line interface integral to said hand
holdable unit and directly connects said hand-holdable
unit to said wireless telecommunications network; comprising further limitations wherein said hand holdable
unit additionally comprises:
a speaker and a microphone permitting said hand holdable unit to be used as a telephone handset;
a rechargeable power supply;
a plurality of mechanical key switches operable to input
user information; and wherein said rewritable storage
is made of solid state memory; wherein further
(a) by utilizing said telecommunications interface and
at least a said cellular telephone network said hand
holdable unit is operable:
(i) to download from a remote processing center
description information corresponding to each of
a plurality of user selectable items for storage,
and further wherein said description information
is maintainable in storage by utilizing said solid
state memory for later user access without requiring transmission of any description information to
said hand holdable unit,
(ii) wherein said downloading is in response to one
or more coded instructions transmitted to a remote
processing center via said network interface,
transmitted in response to one or more user command inputs, and wherein
(iii) subsequent to said downloading of at least said
description information, said display is operable
to display a list of user selectable items of said
plurality of user selectable items, and in response
to user selection of an item of said list, to display
description information retrieved from said storage corresponding to said selected item without
requiring transmission of any description information to said hand holdable unit, wherein items
of said list are selectable individually from said
display by user input; and wherein,
(b) said controller is configured to process code,
wherein a said code includes user visible text and is
associated with a user selectable item, and wherein,
(i) in response to user input including selection for
user visible text of a said code by use of said hand
holdable unit, said controller processes a said
code, and wherein subsequent to said controller
processing a said code said display displays
description information relating to said user
selectable item, and
(ii) said processing includes processing of text of a
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79. A data entry system comprising a hand holdable data
entry unit according to the limitations of claim 78, said hand
holdable unit comprising further limitations wherein:
(c) said controller, in response to user input including
selection of an individual, user selectable item from a
plurality of user selectable items, is operable to determine if corresponding description information, which
is available at a remote processing center and is for
said individual item, is displayed on said display from
storage in said solid state memory:
(i) wherein said selected individual item is determined
to be an item of a plurality of user selectable items
for which description information for said items is
also available from storage in said solid state
memory, said controller is configured to cause said
corresponding description information from said
storage to display on said display for said item without requiring transmission of any description information to said hand holdable unit;
(ii) wherein said selected individual item is determined
to be an item of a plurality of selectable items for
which corresponding description information for
said item is not available from storage in said solid
state memory said controller is configured to cause
said said hand holdable unit to automatically connect to a remote processing center via at least a said
cellular telephone network to download descriptioni
information relating to said item, wherein said
downloaded description information is maintainable
in storage in said hand holdable unit, for later user
access by utilizing said solid state memory, and
(iii) wherein said controller is configured to cause said
automatic connection subsequent to processing a
code associated with said individual item.
80. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
data entry device comprising:
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
commands and data to produce input signals;
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
process said input signals;
said controller coupled to a communications inter:face to
selectively control transmission over said communications interface of command and/or data signals as
determined by said input signals processed by said controller; said communications interface being operable
directly to connect said data entry device to a wireless
telecommunications network; and
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or information under control of said input signals
processed by said controller;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comprise a unitary assembly and said communications
interface is a cellular telephone network interface and
said wireless telecommunications network is a cellular
telephone network and said data entry device is integral with a cellular telephone, and wherein said controller is responsive to a said command to cause downloading of information from a remote processing center
as required for updating information previously stored
in said data entry device;
wherein a said reading sensor is for reading coded data
such as fingerprints or signatures or written text,
wherein said controller is arranged to access stored
information for selectable items to determine natural
language characters or images corresponding to the
coded data for display; with further limitations,
wherein

said coded data is coded data having user visible written text; and wherein
in response to a user utilizing a said reading sensor to
select said text ofsaid coded data, said coded data is
read, wherein
said coded data is read via said controller procesing
text ofsaid coded data.
81. A data entry system comprising a hand holdable data
entry unit, said hand holdable unit comprising:
a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data and
for producing input signals in response to said sensed
commands and/or data;
rewritable storage programmable with information relating to a plurality of items, user selectable by means of
said reading sensor;
a controller connected to receive and process said input
signals from said sensor, said controller being
arranged to respond to commands and/or sensed commands to control said hand holdable unit and to said
data to select a said item; and
a display screen for displaying a user readable representation of said commands and said stored information
for said selected item;
and said system further comprising:
a telecommunications interface for telephonic transmission of information relating to a selected item or items
from said storage to a remote processing center via a
telecommunications network and for telephonic reception of information relating to selectable items from
said remote processing center to said storage via said
telecommunications network, said controller being
responsive to a said command to cause downloading of
information from said remote processing center as
required for updating information previously stored in
said rewritable storage for one or more of said selectable items, wherein said hand holdable unit includes a
speaker and a microphone permitting said hand holdable unit to be used as a telephone handset;
wherein a said reading sensor is for reading coded data,
wherein said controller is arranged to access the stored
information for selectable items to determine natural
language characters or images corresponding to the
coded data for display;
wherein said coded data comprises fingerprints, or
signatures, or written text;
with further limitations, wherein
said coded data is coded data having user visible written
text; and wherein
in response to a user utilizing a said reading sensor to
select said text ofsaid coded data, said coded data is
read, wherein
said coded data is read via said controller processing
text ofsaid coded data; and wherein
said natural language characters or images make up
description information corresponding to a user
selectable item.
82. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
data entry device comprising:
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
commands and data to produce input signals;
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
process said input signals;
said controller coupled to a communications inter:face to
selectively control transmission over said communications interface of command and/or data signals as

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determined by said input signals processed by said
controller, said communications interface being operable directly to connect said data entry device to a
wireless telecommunications network; and
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or information under control of said input signals
processed by said controller;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comprise a unitary assembly and said communications
interface is a cellular telephone network interface and
said wireless telecommunications network is a cellular
telephone network, and
wherein said controller is responsive to a said command
to cause downloading of information from a remote
processing center as required for updating information
previously stored in said data entry device;
wherein a said reducing sensor is for reading coded data
such as fingerprints or signatures or written text, and
wherein said controller is arranged to access stored
information for selectable items to determine natural
language characters or images corresponding to the
coded data for display, and
wherein said coded data comprises bar codes and/or
binary dot codes and said sensor is a bar code and/or
dot code reader.
83. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
data entry device comprising:
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
commands and data to produce input signals;
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
process said input signals;
said controller coupled to a communications inter:face to
selectively control transmission over said communications interface of command and/or data signals as
determined by said input signals processed by said controller; said communications interface being operable
directly to connect said data entry device to a wireless
telecommunications network; and
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or information under control of said input signals
processed by said controller;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comprise a unitary assembly and said communications
interface is a cellular telephone network interface and
said wireless telecommunications network is a cellular
telephone network and said data entry device is integral with a cellular telephone, and
wherein said controller is responsive to a said command
to cause downloading of information from a remote
processing center as required for updating information
previously stored in said data entry device;
wherein a said reading sensor is for reading coded data
such as fingerprints or signatures or written text, and
wherein said controller is arranged to access stored
information for selectable items to determine natural
language characters or images corresponding to the
coded data for display, and
wherein said coded data comprises bar codes and/or
binary dot codes and said sensor is a bar code and/or
dot code reader.
84. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
data entry device comprising:
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
commands and data to produce input signals;
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
process said input signals;

said controller coupled to a communications inter:face to
selectively control transmission over said communications interface of command and/or data signals as
determined by said input signals processed by said
controller, said communications interface being operable directly to connect said data entry device to a
wireless telecommunications network; and
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or information under control of said input signals
processed by said controller;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comprise a unitary assembly and said communications
interface is a satellite interface and said wireless telecommunications network is a satellite telecommunications network, and
wherein said controller is responsive to a said command
to cause downloading of information from a remote
processing center as required for updating information
previously stored in said data entry device;
wherein a said reading sensor is for reading coded data
such as fingerprints or signatures or written text, and
wherein said controller is arranged to access stored
information for selectable items to determine natural
language characters or images corresponding to the
coded data for display, and
wherein said coded data comprises bar codes and/or
binary dot codes and said sensor is a bar code and/or
dot code reader.
85. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
data entry device comprising:
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
commands and data to produce intput signals;
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
process said input signals;
said controller coupled to a communications inter:face to
selectively control transmission over said communications interface of command and/or data signals as
determined by said input signals processed by said
controller, said communications interface being operable directly to connect said data entry device to a
wireless telecommunications network; and
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or information under control of said input signals
processed by said controller;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comprise a unitary assembly and said communications
interface is a cellular telephone network interface and
said wireless telecommunications network is a cellular
telephone network, and
wherein said controller is responsive to a said command
to cause downloading of information form a remote
processing center as required for updating information
previously stored in said data entry device; and
wherein said controller is user programmable to cause
captured data to be displayed on said display either in
a first orientation suitable for reading displayed data
when said data entry device is held in a user's right
hand, or in a second orientation suitable for reading
displayed data when said data entry device is held in a
user's left hand, said controller being responsive to
user programming operations including scanning of an
appropriate command code using said reading sensor.
86. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
data entry device comprising:
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
commands and data to produce input signals;

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a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
process said input signals;
said controller coupled to a communications interj'ace to
selectively control transmission over said communications interface of command and/or data signals as
determined by said input signals processed by said controller; said communications interface being operable
directly to connect said data entry device to a wireless
telecommunications network; and
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or information under control of said input signals
processed by said controller;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comprise a unitary assembly and said communications
interface is a cellular telephone network interface and
said wireless telecommunications network is a cellular
telephone network and said data entry device is integral with a cellular telephone, and
wherein said controller is responsive to a said command
to cause downloading of information from a remote
processing center as required for updating information
previously stored in said data entry device; and
wherein said controller is user programmable to cause
captured data to be displayed on said display either in
a first orientation suitable for reading displayed data
when said data entry device is held in a user's right
hand, or in a second orientation suitable for reading
displayed data when said data entry device is held in a
user's left hand, said controller being responsive to
user programming operations including scanning of an
appropriate command code using said reading sensor.
87. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
data entry device comprising:
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
commands and data to produce input signals;
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
process said input signals;
said controller coupled to a communications interj'ace to
selectively control transmission over said communications interface of command and/or data signals as
determined by said input signals processed by said controller; said communications interface being operable
directly to connect said data entry device to a wireless
telecommunications network; and
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or information under control of said input signals
processed by said controller;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comprise a unitary assembly and said communications
interface is a satellite interface and said wireless telecommunications network is a satellite telecommunications network, and
wherein said controller is responsive to a said command
to cause downloading of information from a remote
processing center as required for updating information
previously stored in said data entry device; and
wherein said controller is user programmable to cause
captured data to be displayed on said display either in
a first orientation suitable for reading displayed data
when said data entry device is held in a user's right
hand, or in a second orientation suitable for reading
displayed data when said data entry device is held in a
user's left hand, said controller being responsive to
user programming operations including scanning of an
appropriate command code using said reading sensor.

88. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
data entry device comprising:
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
commands and data to produce input signals;
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
process said input signals;
said controller coupled to a communications interj'ace to
selectively control transmission over said communications interface of command and/or data signals as
determined by said input signals processed by said controller; said communications interface being operable
directly to connect said data entry device to a wireless
telecommunications network; and
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or information under control of said input signals
processed by said controller;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comprise a unitary assembly and said communications
interface is a cellular telephone network interface and
said wireless telecommunications network is a cellular
telephone network, and
wherein said controller is responsive to a said command
to cause downloading of information from a remote
processing center as required for updating information
previously stored in said data entry device; and
wherein said data entry device is configured as an elongate unit such that it may be held by a user in the
manner of a pen or quill with said reading sensor being
located in a reading head at or adjacent to one end of
said data entry device.
89. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
data entry device comprising:
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
commands and data to produce input signals;
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
process said input signals;
said controller coupled to a communications interj'ace to
selectively control transmission over said communications interface of command and/or data signals as
determined by said input signals processed by said controller; said communications interface being operable
directly to connect said data entry device to a wireless
telecommunications network; and
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or information under control of said input signals
processed by said controller;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comprise a unitary assembly and said communications
interface is a cellular telephone network interface and
said wireless telecommunications network is a cellular
telephone network and said data entry device is integral with a cellular telephone, and
wherein said controller is responsive to a said command
to cause downloading of information from a remote
processing center as required for updating information
previously stored in said data entry device; and
wherein said data entry device is configured as an elongate unit such that it may be held by a user in the
manner of a pen or quill with said reading sensor being
located in a reading head at or adjacent to one end of
said data entry device.
90. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
data entry device comprising:
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
commands and data to produce input signals;

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a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
process said input signals;
said controller coupled to a communications interj'ace to
selectively control transmission over said communications interface of command and/or data signals as
determined by said input signals processed by said controller; said communications interface being operable
directly to connect said data entry device to a wireless
telecommunications network; and
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or information under control of said input signals
processed by said controller;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comprise a unitary assembly and said communications
interface is a satellite interface and said wireless telecommunications network is a satellite telecommunications network, and
wherein said controller is responsive to a said command
to cause downloading of information from a remote
processing center as required for updating information
previously stored in said data entry device; and
wherein said data entry device is configured as an elongate unit such that it may be held by a user in the
manner of a pen or quill with said reading sensor being
located in a reading head at or adjacent to one end of
said data entry device.
91. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
data entry device comprising:
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
commands and data to produce input signals;
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
process said input signals;
said controller coupled to a communications interj'ace to
selectively control transmission over said communications interface of command and/or data signals as
determined by said input signals processed by said controller; said communcations interface being operable
directly to connect said data entry device to a wireless
telecommunications network; and
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or information under control of said input signals
processed by said controller;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comprise a unitary assembly and said communications
interface is a cellular telephone network interface and
said wireless telecommunications network is a cellular
telephone network, and
wherein said controller is responsive to a said command
to cause downloading of information from a remote
processing center as required for updating information
previously stored in said data entry device; and
said reading sensor is remote from or releasably attached
to said data entry device.
92. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
data entry device comprising:
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
commands and data to produce input signals;
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
process said input signals;
said controller coupled to a communications interj'ace to
selectively control transmission over said communications interface of command and/or data signals as
determined by said input signals processed by said controller; said communications interface being operable

directly to connect said data entry device to a wireless
telecommunications network; and
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or information under control of said input signals
processed by said controller;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comprise a unitary assembly and said communications
interface is a cellular telephone network interface and
said wireless telecommunications network is a cellular
telephone network and said data entry device is integral with a cellular telephone, and
wherein said controller is responsive to a said command
to cause downloading of information from a remote
processing center as required for updating information
previously stored in said data entry device; and
wherein said reading sensor is remote from or releasably
attached to said data entry device.
93. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
data entry device comprising:
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
commands and data to produce input signals;
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
process said input signals;
said controller coupled to a communications interj'ace to
selectively control transmission over said communications interface of command and/or data signals as
determined by said input signals processed by said controller; said communications interface being operable
directly to connect said data entry device to a wireless
telecommunications network; and
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or information under control of said input signals
processed by said controller;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comprise a unitary assembly and said communications
interface is a satellite interface and said wireless telecommunications network is a satellite telecommunications network, and
wherein said controller is responsive to a said command
to cause downloading of information from a remote
processing center as required for updating information
previously stored in said data entry device; and
wherein said reading sensor is remote from or releasably
attached to said data entry device.
94. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
data entry device comprising:
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
commands and data to produce input signals;
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
process said input signals;
said controller coupled to a communications interj'ace to
selectively control transmssion over said communications interface of command and/or data signals as
determined by said input signals processed by said controller; said communications interface being operable
directly to connect said data entry device to a wireless
telecommunications network; and
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or information under control of said input signals
processed by said controller;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comprises a unitary assembly and said communications
interface is a cellular telephone network interface and
said wireless telecommunications network is a cellular
telephone network, and

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wherein said controller is responsive to a said command
to cause downloading of information from a remote
processing center as required for updating information
previously stored in said data entry device;
additionally comprising as well as or instead of said display screen, and separate from said data entry device,
means for displaying a selectable item with associated
data sources for user selection of an item by operation
ofsaid data entry device; and
a remote processing center for processing user selections
transmitted from said data entry device.
95. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
data entry device comprising:
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
commands and data to produce input signals;
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
process said input signals;
said controller coupled to a communications inter:face to
selectively control transmission over said communications interface of command and/or data signals as
determined by said input signals processed by said controller; said communications interface being operable
directly to connect said data entry device to a wireless
telecommunications network; and
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or information under control of said input signals
processed by said controller;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comprise a unitary assembly and said communications
interface is a cellular telephone network interface and
said wireless telecommunications network is a cellular
telephone network and said data entry device is integral with a cellular telephone, and
wherein said controller is responsive to a said command
to cause downloading of information from a remote
processing center as required for updating information
previously stored in said data entry device;
additionally comprising as well as or instead of said display screen, and separate from said data entry device,
means for displaying a selectable item with associated
data sources for user selection of an item by operation
ofsaid data entry device; and
a remote processing center for processing user selections
transmitted from said data entry device.
96. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
data entry device comprising:
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
commands and data to produce input signals;
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
process said input signals;
said controller coupled to a communications inter:face to
selectively control transmission over said communications interface of command and/or data signals as
determined by said input signals processed by said controller; said communications interface being operable
directly to connect said data entry device to a wireless
telecommunications network; and
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or information under control of said input signals
processed by said controller;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comprise a unitary assembly and said communications
interface is a satellite interface and said wireless telecommunications network is a satellite telecommunications network, and

wherein said controller is responsive to a said command
to cause downloading of information from a remote
processing center as required for updating information
previously stored in said data entry device;
additionally comprising as well as or instead of said display screen, and separate from said data entry device,
means for displaying a selectable item with associated
data sources for user selection of an item by operation
of said data entry device; and
a remote processing center for processing user selections
transmitted from said data entry device.
97. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
data entry device comprising:
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
commands and data to produce input signals;
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
process said input signals;
said controller coupled to a communications inter:face to
selectively control transmission over said communications interface of command and/or data signals as
determined by said input signals processed by said controller; said communications interface being operable
directly to connect said data entry device to a wireless
telecommunications network; and
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or information under control of said input signals
processed by said controller;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comprise a unitary assembly and said communications
interface is a cellular telephone network interface and
said wireless telecommunications network is a cellular
telephone network, and
wherein said controller is responsive to a said command
to cause downloading of information from a remote
processing center as required for updating information
previously stored in said data entry device; and
comprising rewritable storage and wherein programs in
said data entry device are update able remotely from a
processing center.
98. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
data entry device comprising:
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
commands and data to produce input signals;
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
process said input signals;
said controller coupled to a communications inter:face to
selectively control transmission over said communications interface of command and/or data signals as
determined by said input signals processed by said controller; said communications interface being operable
directly to connect said data entry device to a wireless
telecommunications network; and
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or information under control of said input signals
processed by said controller;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comprise a unitary assembly and said communications
interface is a cellular telephone network interface and
said wireless telecommunications network is a cellular
telephone network and said data entry device is integral with a cellular telephone, and
wherein said controller is responsive to a said command
to cause downloading of information from a remote
processing center as required for updating information
previously stored in said data entry device; and

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comprising rewritable storage and wherein programs in
a visual representation of the corresponding natural
language or numeric character or command and/or of
said data entry device are update able remotely from a
processing center.
a graphical representation thereof,
99. A data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
wherein said codes are bar and/or dot codes and/or other
data entry device comprising:
product identifications.
101. A data entry device for use in a data entry system,
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
said data entry device comprising:
commands and data to produce input signals;
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to recieve and
commands and data to produce input signals;
process said input signals;
10
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
said controller coupled to a communications inter:face to
processs said input signals;
selectively control transmission over said communicasaid controller coupled to a communications inter:face to
tions interface of command and/or data signals as
determined by said input signals processed by said conselectively control transmission over said communicatroller; said communications interface being operable 15
tions interface of command and/or data signals as
determined by said input signals processed by said condirectly to connect said data entry device to a wireless
telecommunications network; and
troller; said communications interface being operable
directly to connect said data entry to a wireless telea display coupled to said controller to display commands
communications network; and
and/or information under control of said input signals
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
processed by said controller;
20
and/or information under control of said input signals
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comprocessed by said controller;
prise a unitary assembly and said communications
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display cominterface is a satellite interface and said wireless teleprise a unitary assembly and said communications
communications network is a satellite telecommunicainterface is a cellular telephone network interface and
tions network, and
25
said wireless telecommunications network is a cellular
wherein said controller is responsive to a said command
telehpone network and said data entry device is inteof cause downloading of information from a remote
gral with a cellular telephone, and
processing center as required for updating information
wherein said controller is responsive to a said command
previously stored in said data entry device; and
30
to cause downloading of information from a remote
comprising rewritable storage and wherein programs in
processing center as required for updating information
said data entry device are update able remotely from a
previously stored in said data entry device; and
processing center.
comprising a carrier or a display for a plurality of data
100. A data entry device for use in a data entry system,
and/or command codes for association with means for
said data entry device comprising:
35
displaying a plurality ofselectable items,
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
wherein said carrier carries a plurality of codes, each for
commands and data to produce input signals;
a respective one of a plurality of natural language and/
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
or numeric characters and a plurality of commands for
process said input signals;
controlling operation of said data entry device or a
said controller coupled to a communications inter:face to 40
merchandising system, each code being associated with
selectively control transmission over said communicaa visual representation of the corresponding natural
tions interface of command and/or data signals as
language or numeric character or command and/or of
determined by said input signals processed by said cona graphical representation thereof,
troller; said communications interface being operable
wherein said codes are bar and/or dot codes and/or other
directly to connect said data entry device to a wireless 45
product identifications.
telecommunications network; and
102. A data entry device for use in a data entry system,
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
said data entry device comprising:
and/or information under control of said input signals
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
processed by said controller;
commands and data to produce input signals;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display com- 50
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
prise a unitary assembly and said communications
process said input signals;
interface is a cellular telephone network interface and
said controller coupled to a communications inter:face to
said wireless telecommunications network is a cellular
selectively control transmission over said communicatelephone network, and
tions interface of command and/or data signals as
55
wherein said controller is responsive to a said command
determined by said input signals processed by said conto cause downloading of information from a remote
troller; said communications interface being operable
processing center as required for updating information
directly to connect said data entry device to a wireless
previously stored in said data entry device; and
telecommunications network; and
comprising a carrier or a display for a plurality of data 60
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or command codes for association with means for
and/or information under control of said input signals
displaying a plurality ofselectable items,
processed by said controller;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comwherein said carrier carries a plurality of codes, each for
a respective one of a plurality of natural language and/
prise a unitary assembly and said communications
or numeric characters and a plurality of commands for 65
interface is a satellite interface and said wireless telecommunications network is a satellite telecommunicacontrolling operation of said data entry device or a
merchandising system, each code being associated with
tions network, and

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wherein said controller is responsive to a said command
to cause downloading of information from a remote
processing center as required for updating information
previously stored in said data entry device; and
comprising a carrier or a display for a plurality of data
and/or command codes for association with means for
displaying a plurality ofselectable items,
wherein said carrier carries a plurality of codes, each for
a respective one of a plurality of natural language and/
or numeric characters and a plurality of commands for
controlling operation of said data entry device or a
merchandising system, each code being associated with
a visual representation of the corresponding natural
language or numeric character or command and/or of
a graphical representation thereof,
wherein said codes are bar and/or dot codes and/or other
product identifications.
103. A merchandising system comprising
a data entry device for use with a data entry system, said
data entry device comprising:
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
commands and data to produce input signals;
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
process said input signals;
said controller coupled to a communications inter:face to
selectively control transmission over said communications interface of command and/or in data signals as
determined by said input signals processed by said controller; said communications interface being operable
directly to connect said data entry device to a wireless
telecommunications network; and
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or information under control of said input signals
processed by said controller;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comprise a unitary assembly and said communications
interface is a cellular telephone network interface and
said wireless telecommunications network is a cellular
telephone network, and
wherein said controller is responsive to a said command
to cause downloading of information from a remote
processing center as required for updating information
previously stored in said data entry device;
and additionally comprising as well as or instead of said
display screen, and separate from said data entry
device, means for displaying a selectable item with
associated data sources for user selection of an item by
operation of said data entry device; and
a remote processing center for processing user selections
transmitted from said data entry device, wherein:
said selectable items are merchandisable items; and
said remote processing center initiates processing of
user orders of said selectable merchandisable items.
104. A merchandising system comprising
a data entry device for use with a data entry system, said
data entry device comprising:
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
commands and data to produce input signals;
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
process said input signals;
said controller coupled to a communications inter:face to
selectively control transmission over said communications interface of command and/or data signals as
determined by said input signals processed by said con-

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troller; said communications interface being operable
directly to connect said data entry device to a wireless
telecommunications network; and
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or information under control of said input signals
processed by said controller;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comprise a unitary assembly and said communications
interface is a cellular telephone network interface and
said wireless telecommunications network is a cellular
telephone network and said data entry device is integral with a cellular telephone, and
wherein said controller is responsive to a said command
to cause downloading of information from a remote
processing center as required for updating information
previously stored in said data entry device;
and additionally comprising as well as or instead of said
display screen, and separate from said data entry
device, means for displaying a selectable item with
associated data sources for user selection of an item by
operation of said data entry device; and
a remote processing center for processing user selections
transmitted from said data entry device, wherein:
said selectable items are merchandisable items; and
said remote processing center initiates processing of
user orders of said selectable merchandisable items.
105. A merchandising system comprising
a data entry device for use in a data entry system, said
data entry device comprising:
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
commands and data to produce input signals;
a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
process said input signals;
said controller coupled to a communications inter:face to
selectively control transmission over said communications interface of command and/or data signals as
determined by said input signals processed by said controller; said communications interface being operable
directly to connect said data entry device to a wireless
telecommunications network; and
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or information under control of said input signals
processed by said controller;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comprise a unitary assembly and said communications
interface is a satellite interface and said wireless telecommunications network is a satellite telecommunications network, and
wherein said controller is responsive to a said command
to cause downloading of information from a remote
processing center as required for updating information
previously stored in said data entry device;
and additionally comprising as well as or instead of said
display screen, and separate from said data entry
device, means for displaying a selectable item with
associated data sources for user selection of an item by
operation of said data entry device; and
a remote processing center for processing user selections
transmitted from said data entry device, wherein:
said selectable items are merchandisable items; and
said remote processing center initiates processing of
user orders of said selectable merchandisable items.
106. A data entry device for use in a data entry system,
said data entry device comprising:
a reading sensor responsive to commands and/or sensed
commands and data to produce input signals;

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a controller coupled to said reading sensor to receive and
process said input signals;
said controller coupled to a communications interj'ace to
selectively control transmission over said communications interface of command and/or data signals as
determined by said input signals processed by said controller; said communications interface being operable
directly to connect said data entry device to a wireless
telecommunications network; and
a display coupled to said controller to display commands
and/or information under control of said input signals
processed by said controller;
wherein said reading sensor, controller and display comprise a unitary assembly and said communications
interface is a satellite interface and said wireless telecommunications network is a satellite telecommunications network, and
wherein said controller is responsive to a said command
of cause downloading of information from a remote
processing center as required for updating information
previously stored in said data entry device, and
said data entry device is integral with a satellite telephone.
107. A data entry system comprising a hand holdable data
entry unit, said hand holdable unit comprising:
a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data and
for producing input signals in response to said sensed
commands and/or data;
rewritable storage programmable with information relating to a plurality of items, user selectable by means of
said reading sensor;
a controller connected to receive and process said input
signals from said sensor, said controller being

rewritable storage programmable with information relating to selectable items;
a controller connected to receive and process said input
signals from said sensor, said controller being
arranged to respond to commands and/or sensed commands to control said hand holdable unit and to said
data to select a said item;
a display screen for displaying a user readable representation of said commands and said stored information
for said selected item; and
a telecommunications interface for telephonic transmission of information relating to a selected item or items
from said storage to a remote processing center via a
telecommunications network and for telephonic reception of information relating to said selectable items
from said remote processing center to said storage via
said telecommunications network, wherein said telecommunications interface is a telecommunications line
interface integral to said hand holdable unit and
directly connects said hand-holdable unit to said telecommunications network, and wherein said hand holdable unit includes a speaker and a microphone permitting said hand holdable unit to be used as a telephone
handset;
additionally comprising as well as or instead of said display screen, and separate from said hand holdable unit,
means for displaying a selectable item with associatd
data sources for user selection of an item by operation
of said hand holdable unit; and
a remote processing center for processing user selections
transmitted from said hand holdable unit.
109. A data entry system comprising a hand holdable data
entry unit, said hand holdable unit comprising:
a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data and
for producing input signals in response to said sensed
commands and/or data;
rewritable storage programamble with information relating to selectable items;
a controller connected to receive and process said input
signals from said sensor, said controller being
arranged to respond to commands and/or sensed commands to control said hand holdable unit and to said
data to select a said item;
a display screen for displaying a user readable representation of said commands and said stored information
for said selected item; and
a telecommunications interface for telephonic transmission of information relating to a selected item or items
from said storage to a remote processing center via a
wireless telecommunications network and for telephonic reception of information relating to said selectable items from said remote processing center to said
storage via said wireless telecommunications network,
wherein said telecommunications interface is a telecommunications line interface integral to said hand
holdable unit and directly connects said hand-holdable
unit to said wireless telecommunications network;
additionally comprising as well as or instead of said display screen, and separate from said hand holdable unit,
means for displaying a selectable item with associated
data sources for user selection of an item by operation
of said hand holdable unit; and
a remote processing center for processing user selections
transmitted from said hand holdable unit.
110. A data entry system comprising a hand holdable data
entry unit, said hand holdable unit comprising:

c;;;:~;~: ~o=~~~f;:i: ~:n~~:~~~:l:d~~~/==~e~ c:a7d
data to select a said item; and
a display screen for displaying a user readable representation of said commands and said stored information
for said selected item;
and said system further comprising:
a telecommunications interface for telephonic transmission of information relating to a selected item or items
from said storage to a remote processing center via a
telecommunications network and for telephonic reception of information relating to selectable items from
said remote processing center to said storage via said
telecommunications network, said controller being
responsive to a said command to cause dowloading of
information from said remote processing center as
required for updating information previously stored in
said rewritable storage for one or more of said selectable items, wherein said hand holdable unit includes a
speaker and a microphone permitting said hand holdable unit to be used as a telephone handset;
additionally comprising as well as or instead of said display screen, and separate from said hand holdable unit,
means for displaying a selectable item with associated
data sources for user selection of an item by operation
ofsaid hand holdable unit; and
a remote processing center for processing user selections
transmitted from said hand holdable unit.
108. A data entry system comprising a hand holdable data
entry unit, said hand holdable unit comprising:
a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data and
for producing input signals in response to said sensed
commands and/or data;

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a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data and
for producing input signals in response to said sensed
commands and/or data;
rewritable storage programmable with information relating to a plurality of items, user selectable by means of
said reading sensor;
a controller connected to receive and process said input
signals from said sensor, said controller being
arranged to respond to commands and/or sensed commands to control said hand holdable unit and to said
data to select a said item; and
a display screen for displaying a user readable representation of said commands and said stored information
for said selected item;
and said system further comprising:
a telecommunications interface for telephonic transmission of information relating to a selected item or items
from said storage to a remote processing center via a
telecommunications network and for telephonic reception of information relating to selectable items from
said remote processing center to said storage via said
telecommunications network, said controller being
responsive to either a said command or a said sensed
command to cause downloading of information from
said remote processing center as required for updating
information previously stored in said rewritable storage for one or more of said selectable items, and
wherein said system further comprises
a carrier for a plurality ofdata and/or command codes for
association with means for displaying a plurality of
said selectable items, wherein said carrier carries a
plurality of codes, each for a respective one of a plurality of natural language and/or numeric characters and
a plurality of commands for controlling operation of
said data entry system or a merchandising system, each
code being associated with a visual representation of
the corresponding natural language or numeric character or command and/or of a graphical representation
thereof;
additionally comprising as well as or instead of said display screen, and separate from said hand holdable unit,
means for displaying a selectable item with associated
data sources for user selection of an item by operation
ofsaid hand holdable unit; and
a remote processing center for processing user selections
transmitted from said hand holdable unit.
111. A data entry system comprising a hand holdable data
entry unit, said hand holdable unit comprising:
a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data and
for producing input signals in response to said sensed
commands and/or data;
rewritable storage programmable with information relating to selectable items;
a controller connected to receive and process said input
signals from said sensor, said controller being
arranged to respond to commands and/or sensed commands to control said hand holdable unit and to said
data to select a said item;
a display screen for displaying a user readable representation of said commands and said stored information
for said selected item; and
a telecommunications interface for telephonic transmission of information relating to a selected item or items
from said storage to a remote processing center via a
telecommunications network and for telephonic recep-

tion of information relating to said selectable items
from said remote processing center to said storage via
said telecommunications network, wherein said telecommunications interface is a telecommunications line
interface integral to said hand holdable unit and
directly connects said hand-holdable unit to said telecommunications network, and
wherein said data entry system further comprises a carrier for a plurality of data and/or command codes for
association with means for displaying a plurality of
said selectable items, wherein said carrier carries a
plurality of codes, each for a respective one of a plurality of natural language and/or numeric characters and
a plurality of commands for controlling operation of
said data entry system or a merchandising system, each
code being associated with a visual representation of
the corresponding natural language or numeric character or command and/or of a graphical representation
thereof;
additionally comprising as well as or instead of said display screen, and separate from said hand holdable unit,
means for displaying a selectable item with associated
data sources for user selection of an item by operation
of said hand holdable unit; and
a remote processing center for processing user selections
transmitted from said hand holdable unit.
112. A data entry system comprising a hand holdable data
entry unit, said hand holdable unit comprising:
a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data and
for producing input signals in response to said sensed
commands and/or data;
rewritable storage programmable with information relating to selectable items;
a controller connected to receive and process said input
signals from said sensor, said controller being
arranged to respond to commands and/or sensed commands to control said hand holdable unit and to said
data to select a said item;
a display screen for displaying a user readable representation of said commands and said stored information
for said selected item; and
a telecommunications interface for telephonic transmission of information relating to a selected item or items
from said storage to a remote processing center via a
telecommunications network and for telephonic reception of information relating to said selectable items
from said remote processing center to said storage via
said telecommunications network, wherein said telecommunications interface is a telecommunications line
interface integral to said hand holdable unit and
directly connects said hand-holdable unit to said telecommunications network, and wherein said reading
sensor is loaded in a reading head which is releasably
attached to said hand holdable unit;
additionally comprising as well as or instead of said display screen, and separate from said hand holdable unit,
means for displaying a selectable item with associated
data sources for user selection of an item by operation
of said hand holdable unit; and
a remote processing center for processing user selections
transmitted from said hand holdable unit.
113. A data entry system comprising a hand holdable data
entry unit, said hand holdable unit comprising:
a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data and
for producing input signals in response to said sensed
commands and/or data;

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US 6,058,304 Cl
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rewritable storage programmable with information relata controller connected to receive and process said input
ing to a plurality of items, user selectable by means of
signals from said sensor, said controller being
said reading sensor;
arranged to respond to commands and/or sensed coma controller connected to receive and process said input
mands to control said hand holdable unit and to said
signals from said sensor, said controller being
data to select a said item;
arranged to respond to commands and/or sensed coma display screen for displaying a user readable represenmands to control said hand holdable unit and to said
tation of said commands and said stored information
data to select a said item; and
for said selected item; and
a display screen for displaying a user readable represena telecommunications interface for telephonic transmistation of said commands and said stored information 10
sion of information relating to a selected item or items
for said selected item;
from said storage to a remote processing center via a
and said system further comprising:
wireless telecommunications network and for telea telecommunications interface for telephonic transmisphonic reception of information relating to said selectsion of information relating to a selected item or items
able items from said remote processing center to said
from said storage to a remote processing center via a 15
storage via said wireless telecommunications network,
telecommunications network and for telephonic recepwherein said telecommunications interface is a teletion of information relating to selectable items from
communications line interface integral to said hand
said remote processing center to said storage via said
holdable unit and directly connects said hand-holdable
telecommunications network, said controller being
unit to said wireless telecommunications network;
responsive to a said command to cause downloading of 20
wherein programs in said hand holdable unit are updateinformation from said remote processing center as
able remotely from said processing center.
required for updating information previously stored in
116. A data entry system comprising a hand holdable data
said rewritable storage for one or more of said selectentry unit, said hand holdable unit comprising:
able items, wherein said hand holdable unit includes a
a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data and
speaker and a microphone permitting said hand hold- 25
for producing input signals in response to said sensed
able unit to be used as a telephone handset;
commands and/or data;
wherein programs in said hand holdable unit are updaterewritable storage programmable with information relatable remotely from said processing center.
ing to a plurality of items, user selectable by means of
114. A data entry system comprising a hand holdable data
said reading sensor;
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entry unit, said hand holdable unit comprising:
a controller connected to receive and process said input
a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data and
signals from said sensor, said controller being
for producing input signals in response to said sensed
arranged to respond to commands and/or sensed comcommands and/or data;
mands to control said hand holdable unit and to said
rewritable storage programmable with information relatdata to select a said item; and
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ing to selectable items;
a display screen for displaying a user readable represena controller connected to receive and process said input
tation of said commands and said stored information
signals from said sensor, said controller being
for said selected item;
arranged to respond to commands and/or sensed comand said system further comprising:
mands to control said hand holdable unit and to said
a telecommunications interface for telephonic transmis40
data to select a said item;
sion of information relating to a selected item or items
a display screen for displaying a user readable represenfrom said storage to a remote processing center via a
tation of said commands and said stored information
telecommunications network and for telephonic recepfor said selected item; and
tion of information relating to selectable items from
a telecommunications interface for telephonic transmis- 45
said remote processing center to said storage via said
sian of information relating to a selected item or items
telecommunications network, said controller being
from said storage to a remote processing center via a
responsive to either a said command or a said sensed
telecommunications network and for telephonic recepcommand to cause downloading of information from
tion of information relating to said selectable items
said remote processing center as required for updating
from said remote processing center to said storage via 50
information previously stored in said rewritable storsaid telecommunications network, wherein said teleage for one or more of said selectable items, and
communications interface is a telecommunications line
wherein said system further comprises
interface integral to said hand holdable unit and
a carrier for a plurality ofdata and/or command codes for
directly connects said hand-holdable unit to said teleassociation with means for displaying a plurality of
communications network, and wherein said hand hold- 55
said selectable items, wherein said carrier carries a
able unit includes a speaker and a microphone permitplurality of codes, each for a respective one of a pluralting said hand holdable unit to be used as a telephone
ity of natural language and/or numeric characters and
handset;
a plurality of commands for controlling operation of
wherein programs in said hand holdable unit are updatesaid data entry system or a merchandising system, each
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able remotely from said processing center.
code being associated with a visual representation of
115. A data entry system comprising a hand holdable
the corresponding natural language or numeric charentry unit, said hand holdable unit comprising:
acter or command and/or of a graphical representation
a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data and
thereof
for producing input signals in response to said sensed
wherein programs in said hand holdable unit are updatecommands and/or data;
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able remotely from said processing center.
rewritable storage programmable with information relat117. A data entry system comprising a hand holdable data
ing to selectable items;
entry unit, said hand holdable unit comprising:

US 6,058,304 Cl
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a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data and
for producing input signals in response to said sensed
commands and/or data;
rewritable storage programmable with information relating to selectable items;
a controller connected to receive and process said input
signals from said sensor, said controller being
arranged to respond to commands and/or sensed commands to control said hand holdable unit and to said
data to select a said item;
a display screen for displaying a user readable representation of said commands and said stored information
for said selected item; and
a telecommunications interface for telephonic transmission of information relating to a selected item or items
from said storage to a remote processing center via a
telecommunications network and for telephonic reception of information relating to said selectable items
from said remote processing center to said storage via
said telecommunications network, wherein said telecommunications interface is a telecommunications line
interface integral to said hand holdable unit and
directly connects said hand-holdable unit to said telecommunications network, and
wherein said data entry system further comprises a carrier for a plurality of data and/or command codes for
association with means for displaying a plurality of
said selectable items, wherein said carrier carries a
plurality of codes, each for a respective one of a plurality of natural language and/or numeric characters and
a plurality of commands for controlling operation of
said data entry system or a merchandising system, each
code being associated with a visual representation of
the corresponding natural language or numeric character or command and/or of a graphic representation
thereof;

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wherein programs in said hand holdable unit are updateable remotely from said processing center.
118. A data entry system comprising a hand holdable data
entry unit, said hand holdable unit comprising:

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a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data and
for producing input signals in response to said second
commands and/or data;
rewritable storage programmable with information relating to selectable items;
a controller connected to receive and process said input
signals from said sensor, said controller being
arranged to respond to commands and/or sensed commands to control said hand holdable unit and to said
data to select a said item;
a display screen for displaying a user readable representation of said commands and said stored information
for said selected item; and
a telecommunications interface for telephonic transmission of information relating to a selected item or items
from said storage to a remote processing center via a
telecommunications network and for telephonic reception of information relating to said selectable items
from said remote processing center to said storage via
said telecommunications network, wherein said telecommunications interface is a telecommunications line
interface integral to said hand holdable unit and
directly connects said hand-holdable unit to said telecommunications network, and wherein said reading
sensor is located in a reading head which is releasably
attached to said hand holdable unit;
wherein programs in said hand holdable unit are updateable remotely from said processing center.

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