U.S. patent application number 09/944625 was filed with the patent office on 2002-07-11 for cap with retractable stylus.
This patent application is currently assigned to AT Cross. Invention is credited to Arruda, Joseph, Mirabito, A. Jason, Mittersinker, Gregor, Rawlings, Kenneth, Southworth, Robert.
Application Number | 20020089553 09/944625 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27381517 |
Filed Date | 2002-07-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020089553 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Arruda, Joseph ; et
al. |
July 11, 2002 |
Cap with retractable stylus
Abstract
A cap containing a retractable tip for interfacing with a touch
sensitive display. The cap can be configured to connect to a
non-writing end and or a writing end of a pen. The pen can be
configured on either or both ends to actuate the retractable tip
such that the retractable tip is extended outwardly through an
aperture in the cap. The cap can also be configured to connect with
other writing or non-writing instruments.
Inventors: |
Arruda, Joseph; (Swansea,
MA) ; Mittersinker, Gregor; (Warwick, RI) ;
Southworth, Robert; (Mansfield, MA) ; Mirabito, A.
Jason; (Hull, MA) ; Rawlings, Kenneth;
(Douglas, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MINTZ, LEVIN
One Financial Center
Boston
MA
02111
US
|
Assignee: |
AT Cross
|
Family ID: |
27381517 |
Appl. No.: |
09/944625 |
Filed: |
August 31, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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09944625 |
Aug 31, 2001 |
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|
09474545 |
Dec 29, 1999 |
|
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|
60135894 |
May 26, 1999 |
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60114521 |
Dec 31, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
715/864 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 345/905 20130101;
G06F 1/1616 20130101; G06F 3/0488 20130101; G06F 3/03545 20130101;
G06F 1/1684 20130101; G06F 1/1632 20130101; Y10S 345/901
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/864 |
International
Class: |
G09G 005/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A palm pad system for enabling a user to electronically display,
store, and retrieve hand written data, the palm pad system
comprising: a base; an electronic notepad retained on the base; a
personal digital device retained on the base, the personal digital
device being coupled to the notepad; a source for generating a
signal, the source being positioned in close proximity to the
notepad, wherein the notepad is constructed and arranged to sense
the signal generated by the source, the signal corresponding to a
relative position of the source with respect to the notepad; and
wherein the notepad is constructed and arranged to communicate the
relative position of the source to the personal digital device, the
personal digital device being constructed and arranged to generate
an electronic file representing the relative position of the
source, the electronic file being displayed on a display area
associated with the personal digital device.
2. The palm pad system of claim 1, wherein the electronic notepad
includes an integrated printed circuit board assembly having a
plurality of etched loops formed thereon, the etched loops being
receptive to the signal generated by the source.
3. The palm pad system of claim 2, wherein the etched loops are
uniformly distributed over the surface of the printed circuit board
assembly, the etched loops defining an X-grid pattern and a Y-grid
pattern.
4. The palm pad system of claim 3, wherein the electronic notepad
further includes a paper-pad, the paper-pad being securely mounted
on the printed circuit board assembly.
5. The palm pad system of claim 1, further comprising an elongated
pen, the pen containing the source.
6. The palm pad system of claim 5, wherein the elongated pen
further comprises: a hollow elongated body having a first end and
second end; an ink supply positioned in the hollow elongated body;
a writing tip, the writing tip being coupled to the ink supply; a
micro-switch coupling the source to the writing tip, wherein
actuation of the micro-switch couples the writing tip to the
source.
7. The palm pad system of claim 6, wherein the source includes an
electromechanical transmitter.
8. The palm pad system of claim 7, wherein the elongated pen
further comprises: a cap having an aperture with a retractable
non-writing tip mounted therein, the cap being dimensioned to
closely conform to the first end and the second end of the pen, the
first end of the pen cooperating with the non-writing tip to force
the non-writing tip into a retracted position defined in the cap
and the second end of the pen cooperating with the non-writing tip
to force the non-writing tip to extend outwardly from the aperture
defined on the cap.
9. The palm pad system of claim 1, wherein the base includes a
personal digital device retaining surface for securely retaining
the personal digital device on the base and a notepad retaining
surface for securely retaining the notepad on the base.
10. The palm pad system of claim 9, wherein the base further
includes a flexible section defined intermediate the personal
digital device retaining surface and the notepad retaining surface,
the flexible section enabling the personal digital device retaining
surface and the notepad retaining surface to be folded toward each
other.
11. The palm pad system of claim 9, wherein the personal digital
device retaining surface is pivotably coupled to the notepad
retaining surface.
12. The palm pad system of claim 10, wherein a number of
substantially rigid loops are mounted on the flexible section
defined on the base, the number of loop being longitudinally
aligned with respect to each other, each loop being dimensioned to
accept a cylindrical object therethrough.
13. The palm pad system of claim 10, wherein the base further
includes a flap, the flap being mounted on the base adjacent to the
personal digital device retaining surface, the flap enclosing the
couple defined between the personal digital device and the
notepad.
14. The palm pad system of claim 9, wherein the base is comprised
of a synthetic material.
15. The palm pad system of claim 9 wherein the base is comprised of
leather.
16. The palm pad system of claim 9 wherein the base further
includes a power supply retaining structure adapted to retain a
power supply in a secure position on the base.
17. An integrated palm pad system for enabling a user to
electronically display, store, and retrieve hand written data, the
palm pad system comprising: a housing having a first window and a
second window; an electronic notepad coupled to a personal digital
device, the notepad and the personal digital device being contained
in the housing, the notepad being positioned adjacent to the first
window and the personal digital device being position adjacent to
the second window; a source for generating a signal, the source
being positioned in close proximity to the notepad, wherein the
notepad is constructed and arranged to sense the signal generated
by the source, the signal corresponding to a relative position of
the source with respect to the notepad; and wherein the notepad is
constructed and arranged to communicate the relative position of
the source to the personal digital device, the personal digital
device being constructed and arranged to generate an electronic
file representing the relative position of the source, the
electronic file being displayed on a display area associated with
the personal digital device.
18. A palm pad system for enabling a user to electronically
display, store, and retrieve hand written data, the palm pad system
comprising: a base; means for converting handwritten data into an
electronic file, the means for converting handwritten data into an
electronic file being retained on the base; means for receiving and
processing the electronic file, the means for receiving and
processing the electronic file being retained on the base, wherein
the means for receiving and processing the electronic file is
constructed and arranged to display, store, and retrieve the
electronic file.
19. The palm pad system of claim 18, wherein the means for
receiving and processing the electronic file comprises: means for
displaying the electronic file; means for storing the electronic
file; means for retrieving the electronic file; and means for
controlling the displaying, storing and retrieving of the
electronic file.
20. A palm pad system for enabling a user to electronically
display, store, and retrieve hand written data, the palm pad system
comprising: a laptop computer; an electronic notepad integrated
with the laptop computer; a source for generating a signal, the
source being positioned in close proximity to the notepad, wherein
the notepad is constructed and arranged to sense the signal
generated by the source, the signal corresponding to a relative
position of the source with respect to the notepad; and wherein the
notepad is constructed and arranged to communicate the relative
position of the source to the laptop computer, the laptop computer
being constructed and arranged to generate an electronic file
representing the relative position of the source, the electronic
file being displayed on a screen associated with the laptop
computer
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from Provisional
Application No. 60/114,521 filed Dec. 31, 1999 and Provisional
Application No. 60/135,894 filed May 26, 1999 both of which are
herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for
providing electronic storage and retrieval of handwritten notes.
More particularly, it relates to a method and apparatus for
providing electronic storage and retrieval of handwritten notes,
along with other drawings, in an electronic device such as a
personal digital device (PDD).
BACKGROUND
[0003] Personal digital devices ("PDD") have become extremely
popular for recording, storing and retrieving information. Examples
of PDDs include personal computers, such as laptop computers and
handheld computer devices having a display area and an input area.
In one version of a handheld computer device, a user inputs
information in the input area by writing with a specialized pen.
The pen does not mark on the input area, but the PDD converts the
writing to electronic information through a resistive contact
surface. According to a common version of a PDD, the user writes in
a specialized manner to represent alpha-numeric characters.
Movement of the pen on the resistive contact surface is recognized
by the PDD and converted into a corresponding character. Each
character is created at the same location on the resistive contact
surface. The characters are then displayed in the display area of
the PDD. Depending upon the operation of the PDD the characters are
stored in various formats to record information, such as names,
addresses, telephone numbers, appointments, and notes. The PDD can
be connected to another electronic device, such as a personal
computer, for exchanging information with the other device.
[0004] While many PDDs are desirable because they are compact and
portable, one drawback of typical prior art PDDs is that they use
specialized writing systems that can be awkward to learn and may be
hard for some users to master. Also, in typical prior art PDDs
markings do not appear on the resistive contact surface during
writing thereon. As a result, it can be difficult for users to
track their writing motions to obtain the correct characters.
Furthermore, non-character marks typically cannot be made or stored
in prior art PDDs. Thus, drawings cannot be entered into the PDD.
In addition, a PDD user typically enters characters one at a time,
significantly limiting the speed with which one can take notes or
record information. Therefore, a need exists for a PDD which allows
users to write in a more fluid and familiar manner and to include
non-characters in their writing. In other words, a need exists for
a PDD that records free-hand writing and/or drawing.
[0005] Various devices have been developed to convert written
documents into electronic forms in order to reduce storage space
and retrieval time. For example, scanners can convert previously
existing documents into an electronic format for storage and
retrieval. In addition, a personal computer using certain software
packages can allow a user to input data, e.g., to create an
original document such as a drawing. The user can input data in a
variety of ways, e.g., using a mouse on a desktop. The personal
computer can display the original document on a screen.
Furthermore, the personal computer can store the input data in
memory or on a magnetic storage disk.
[0006] Similarly, computers with touch screens and pads allow a
user to create input data, e.g., to create an original document
such as a handwritten note or a drawing, using a finger or stylus.
Again, the computer can display the document on a screen and/or
store it in an electronic format. However, creating an original
document using one of these methods is somewhat awkward. The
instrument used to mark on the touch screen or pad does not make a
mark, and typically the user has to watch a separate display screen
to observe what is recorded as a result of the writing motion.
[0007] A. T. Cross of Lincoln R.I. has a product, sold under the
name Crosspad.RTM., which converts handwritten documents into
electronic form. The product includes a conventional notepad
combined with a unique pen and printed circuit board assembly
("PCBA") for the notepad. The user writes on the pad using the pen.
The pen has an ink tip which can be used to make marks on the pad.
The pen also includes a RF transmitter. The RF transmitter operates
in conjunction with the PCBA for the pad to translate pen movement
into electronic signals representing the user's writing motion. A
switch in the pen turns the transmitter on when the pen is in
contact with the pad. The switch is activated as a result of the
force exerted by the pad on the tip of the pen. This system can be
used to make electronic copies of handwritten notes. The electronic
copies can then be stored and retrieved for later use. The user can
write on the pad in an ordinary manner.
[0008] However, a need still remains for a system which allows
storage, retrieval and searching of content in electronic copies of
handwritten information. In addition, a need exists for a portable
PDD system that allows for the creation, storage, searching, and
retrieval of handwritten information.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An object of the present invention is to set forth a palm
pad system that overcomes deficiencies and limitations of the prior
art.
[0010] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the
palm pad system comprises an electronic notepad coupled to a
conventional PDD. The electronic notepad and the PDD are retained
in position on a common base. The electronic notepad includes an
integrated printed circuit board having a plurality of etched loops
formed thereon. The etched loops are uniformly distributed over the
surface of the board and define an X-grid pattern and a Y-grid
pattern. The X-grid pattern and Y-grid pattern are receptive to
signals generated by a source, which source is positioned in close
proximity to the grid patterns defined on the notepad. The
electronic notepad further includes a paper-pad, which is securely
mounted adjacent to the printed circuit board.
[0011] The source for generating the signals can be an
electromechanical transmitter, which transmitter is mounted in an
elongated pen. The pen further includes a first end having a
conventional retractable writing tip, such as a ball point pen tip,
for marking on paper. The writing tip is coupled to the
electromechanical transmitter via a micro-switch. The micro-switch
is pressure actuated so that when the writing tip is pressed
against a writing surface, such as the paper-pad, the transmitter
coupled therewith is enabled for generating the signal. The signal
is sensed by the X-grid pattern and the Y-grid pattern. The signal
sensed by the X-grid pattern and the Y-grid pattern is further
processed by electronics coupled therewith to determine the
relative location of the writing tip with respect to the paper-pad.
When a user composes handwritten data by moving the writing tip of
the pen over the paper-pad, the relative locations of the writing
tip are processed to concomitantly reproduce and electronically
display the handwritten data on a display associated with the PDD.
The electronically reproduced data can further be saved as an
electronic file, which file can be retrieved at a later time.
[0012] The pen further includes a cap having an aperture with a
retractable non-writing tip mounted therein. When the cap is
positioned over the writing tip, which is defined at the first end
of the pen, the non-writing tip cooperates with the first end of
the pen to force the non-writing tip into a retracted position
defined in the cap. When the cap is positioned over a second end of
the pen, the non-writing tip cooperates with the second end of the
pen to force the non-writing tip, which tip is defined in the cap,
to extend outwardly from the aperture defined on the cap.
[0013] In another embodiment, the palm pad system for enabling a
user to electronically display, store, and retrieve hand written
data comprises a means for converting handwritten data into an
electronic file. The means for converting handwritten data into an
electronic file is retained on a base. The palm pad system further
comprises a means for receiving and processing the electronic file.
The means for receiving and processing the electronic file is also
retained on the base. The means for receiving and processing the
electronic file is constructed and arranged to display, store, and
retrieve the electronic file. In an embodiment, the means for
receiving and processing the electronic file comprises a means for
displaying the electronic file; a means for storing the electronic
file; a means for retrieving the electronic file; and a control
means for controlling the displaying, storing and retrieving of the
electronic file.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The foregoing and other objects of this invention, the
various features thereof, as well as the invention itself, may be
more fully understood from the following description, when read
together with the accompanying drawings in which:
[0015] FIG. 1(a) is a planar view of a palm pad system in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 1(b) is a planar view of an integrated printed circuit
board assembly included in the palm pad system shown in FIG.
1(a);
[0017] FIG. 2(a) is an isometric view of the palm pad system shown
in FIG. 1(a);
[0018] FIG. 2(b) is a folded view of the palm pad system shown in
FIG. 2(a);
[0019] FIG. 2(c) is a side view of the palm pad system shown in
FIG. 2(b);
[0020] FIG. 3(a) is an isometric view of one embodiment of a pen,
which is adapted to cooperate with the palm pad system of FIG.
1(a);
[0021] FIG. 3(b) is a cross sectional view of the pen shown in FIG.
3(a);
[0022] FIG. 4(a) is an isometric view of another embodiment of a
pen, which is adapted to cooperate with the palm pad system of the
present invention;
[0023] FIG. 4(b) is a cross sectional view of the pen shown in FIG.
4(a);
[0024] FIGS. 5(a), 5(b), 5(c), and 5(d) shows various views of a
PDD integrated with a flip-down electronic notepad in accordance
with another embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a laptop computer integrated
with an electronic notepad; and
[0026] FIG. 7 is a planar view of a fully integrated palm pad
system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a
portable palm pad system is set forth for enabling a user to
electronically display, store, and retrieve hand written data.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 1(a), portable palm pad system 5 in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention comprises
electronic notepad 10 coupled to a conventional PDD 15. Palm pad
system 5 further includes pen 200, which is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4,
and will be described in detail later. Referring again to FIG.
1(a), one example of a conventional PDD 15 is a Palm Pilot.TM.
which is manufactured by 3COM. Electronic notepad 10 and PDD 15
coupled therewith are mounted on common base 20. Generally, PDD 15
includes a microprocessor (not shown), memory (not shown), display
area 25 and input area 30. Display area 25 is typically comprised
of a touch sensitive liquid crystal display ("LCD") 25a. Input area
30 typically has a number of control buttons 30a which a user can
actuate to enter or display data on LCD 25a. When displaying data
on the touch sensitive LCD 25a associated with PDD 15 or when
entering data into PDD 15 via control buttons 30a or touch
sensitive LCD 25a, conventional software, which is stored in the
memory defined in PDD 15, is executed to manage data entry or data
displaying operations. One example of such software is IBM's Ink
Manager.TM. software, which provides note editing, searching,
organization and sharing tools. The control buttons 30a, LCD 25a
and software are all associated with the PDD 15 and are known to
those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0029] Referring further to FIG. 1(b), electronic notepad 10
defined on palm pad system 5 includes integrated printed circuit
board assembly ("PCBA") 35 adapted to securely hold an ordinary
paper-pad 40 thereon. Paper-pad 40 can be written on just like any
other ordinary paper-pad. PCBA 35 includes a plurality of etched
loops 36 formed thereon. Etched loops 36 are uniformly distributed
over the surface of PCBA 35 and form an X-grid pattern (not shown)
and a Y-grid pattern (not shown). The X-grid pattern and the Y-grid
pattern are coupled with position determining electronics (not
shown). The PCBA 35 is powered parasitically through data bus 45 to
PDD 15. Of course, many other methods can be employed to provide
power to PCBA 35, including a separate power source. In an
embodiment, the notepad includes four AAA batteries (not shown)
that allow the notepad to operate for 3-4 months with moderate
use.
[0030] Electronic notepad 10 and PDD 15 are coupled through an
interface 50. According to an embodiment of the invention,
interface 50 is a standard RS232 interface. As noted above, notepad
10 and PDD 15 can use a variety of communications technologies.
PCBA 35 contained within notepad 10 transmits position and status
information to PDD 15 through the interface 50 via data bus 45. The
position and status information can include separate X and Y
coordinates of pen 200 (FIGS. 3 and 4), which is adapted to
cooperate with notepad 10, and the status of micro-switch 240
(FIGS. 3 and 4) contained pen 200 (FIGS. 3 and 4). Furthermore,
information directed to actuation of various controls on notepad 55
can be communicated to PDD 15. Although not shown in the drawings,
other interfaces can be employed to form a communication channel
between electronic notepad 10 and PDD 15, for example, a
substantially flat interface (not shown) can be integrated with the
common base 20.
[0031] PDD 15 further includes software which operates to interpret
the position and status information provided by PCBA 35. The
software converts the position and status information received from
PCBA 35 into an electronic copy of markings or writings composed by
a user on paper-pad 40. The electronic copy of the markings or
writings composed by the user can then be stored, retrieved and/or
displayed on PDD 15, as with any other data received by the PDD.
Alternatively, notepad 10 can include software or hardware for
processing the position and status information to create electronic
copies of markings or writings composed on the pad by a user. Then,
only the electronic copies would be transferred to PDD 15 for
storage, retrieval and display.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 2(a), in an embodiment of the present
invention, common base 20 includes PDD retaining surface 20a and
notepad retaining surface 20b. Common base 20 can be formed of
various materials including: leather, ballistic nylon and
synthetics. PDD retaining surface 20a and notepad retaining surface
20b are coupled by a flexible section 20c. Flap 60 defined on
common base 20 substantially encloses and protects interface 50
(FIG. 1(a)), which enables communication between PDD 15 and notepad
10 via data bus 45. Both PDD retaining surface 20a and notepad
retaining surface 20b can be folded towards each other, which bends
flexible section 20c to orient the common base 20 into a folded
position as shown in FIG. 2(b). At least one tab 65, with an
appropriate closure mechanism can be used to hold common base 20 in
the folded position as shown in FIG. 2(c). FIG. 2(c) further shows
a set of loops 70 defined on flexible portion 20c of common base
20. When common base 20 is folded, loops 70 form a space 70a. Space
70a can accommodate a cylindrical object such as pen 200 (FIGS. 3
and 4). Common base 20 further includes an additional power supply
retaining structure 75 adapted to retain batteries (not shown) or
other power supply in a secure position defined on common base
20.
[0033] FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b); 4(a) and 4(b) show embodiments of a pen
200 used in conjunction with embodiments of the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,434,371, issued to Brooks and incorporated herein
by reference, teaches a hand-held electronic writing implement
including a writing tip for marking a surface and a pressure sensor
located at the writing tip for emitting a pressure signal once the
writing tip contacts the writing surface. Furthermore, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,635,682 issued to Cherdak et al. and incorporated herein by
reference, teaches a wireless stylus and disposable stylus
cartridge for use with a pen computing device. The hand-held
electronic writing implement set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,434,371
and the wireless stylus and disposable stylus cartridge set forth
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,635,682 can be adapted for use with embodiments
of the present invention.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the pen 200
includes an ordinary writing tip 205 defined at a first end 206 of
the pen, which writing tip 205 can write on paper pad 40 (FIG.
1(a)), and rubber tip 210 or non-writing tip which makes no marks.
More specifically and referring to FIG. 1(a) as well as to FIGS.
3(a) and 3(b), pen 200 includes body 215 and cap 220. The body 215
houses ink supply 225 connected to writing tip 205. Ink supply 225
and writing tip 205 can be comprised of many ordinary forms for
pens, such as a replaceable cartridge with a ball point tip. Body
215 also houses electromechanical transmitter 230. Transmitter 230
provides a signal used by notepad 10 to determine the status and
position of pen 200. The signal is frequency encoded to relay the
status of writing tip 205 and a side switch (not shown). All
frequencies are set within the frequency range of 335 to 500 kHz,
and are assigned in a manner to allow enough tolerance to eliminate
the need for tuning each pen 200. The status of writing tip 205 is
determined by micro switching mechanism 235. Switching mechanism
235 is operable when writing tip 205 contacts paper pad 40. The
pressure of writing tip 205 on paper pad 40 is sufficient to
activate switch 235 and transmitter 230.
[0035] Non-writing tip 210 is retractably mounted in cap 220 and is
adapted for use with the touch sensitive display 25a which is
associated with PDD 15. When cap 220 is positioned over writing tip
205, non-writing tip 210 is retracted within cap 220 as shown in
FIG. 3(b). When cap 220 is positioned over second end 207 of pen
200, which is defined diametrically opposite from writing tip 221,
second end 207 thereof cooperates with non-writing tip 210 to force
non-writing tip 210 to extend outwardly from aperture 221 defined
on cap 220 as shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b). Therefore, when the
user removes cap 220 from writing tip 205 to begin writing on
notepad 10, the user can also position cap 220 over second end 207
of pen 200 to extend non-writing tip 210 outwardly from aperture
221 defined on cap 220, which non-writing tip 210 can be used to
operate touch sensitive display 25a and/or control buttons 30a
(FIG. 1(a)) associated with PDD 15. Pen 200 can include a single
AAA battery 240, which provides pen 200 with a 6-12 month average
life.
[0036] During use of writing tip 205, writing tip 205 is pressed
against paper-pad 40 for actuating micro-switch 235 to enable
transmitter 230 to provide a signal. The signal provided by
transmitter 230 is communicated to the etched loops 36 defined on
PCBA 35. The relative amplitudes of the received signals on
individual etched loops 36 are used as inputs to algorithms (not
shown) which determine writing tip's 205 relative location on
paper-pad 40. Therefore, when a user composes handwritten data by
moving writing tip 205 of pen 200 over paper-pad 40, the algorithms
determine writing tip's 205 relative location on paper-pad 40. The
relative locations of writing tip 205 are further processed to
concomitantly reproduce and electronically display the handwritten
data on display 25a associated with PDD 15. The electronically
reproduced data can further be saved as an electronic file, which
file can be retrieved at a later time. More simply stated, a user's
hand written notes, which are written on paper-pad 40, are
concomitantly displayed on touch sensitive display 25a associated
with PDD 15. Thereafter, the user's handwritten notes can be
electronically stored to and retrieved from memory which is
associated with PDD 15.
[0037] FIGS. 5(a), 5(b), 5(c), and 5(d) show various views of
another embodiment of palm pad system 5b according to principles of
the present invention. More specifically and referring to FIG.
5(a), palm pad system 5b includes a conventional PDD 15b having a
pivotal flip-down connection 17 to electronic notepad 10b. A
flexible data communication bus (not shown) connected between PDD
15b and notepad 10b enables data communication between PDD 15b and
notepad 10b. FIG. 5(b) is a side view of palm pad system 5b. FIG.
5(c) shows palm pad system 5b in a closed position. FIG. 5(d) is an
isometric view of palm pad system 5b positioned in a user's hand
during use.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 6, another embodiment of the present
invention includes the integration of electronic notepad 10c with
laptop computer 300. Electronic notepad 10c can be coupled to a
conventional processor (not shown) as well as conventional memory
(not shown) contained within laptop computer 10c. Such a
configuration allows a user to take handwritten notes on electronic
notepad 10c and electronically store the notes in laptop computer
300. Thereafter, the stored notes can be retrieved and displayed on
a screen 310 associated with laptop computer 300.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 7, another embodiment of the present
invention includes a fully integrated palm pad system 5C.
Integrated palm pad system 5C includes a substantially rigid
housing 400 containing electronic notepad 10d and PDD 15d.
Electronic notepad 10d is positioned adjacent to a first window
defined on housing 400 and PDD 15d is positioned adjacent to a
second window defined on housing 400. Although not shown in FIG. 7,
the electronic notepad 10d and PDD 15d are coupled together by a
data bus which operates in a similar manner as that previously
described in earlier embodiments.
[0040] The above described palm pad system 5 has many advantages
over the prior art such as enabling handwritten notes to be
converted into an electronic file or pages which can be stored
and/or retrieved in the memory of PDD 15. The electronic file can
further be displayed on a touch sensitive display 25a associated
with PDD 15.
[0041] The invention may be embodied in other specific forms
without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics
thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in
respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the
invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the
foregoing description, and all changes which come within the
meaning and range of the equivalency of the claims are therefore
intended to be embraced therein.
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