WO2003007117A2

WO2003007117A2 - Portable, hand-held electronic input device and combination with a personal digital device

Info

Publication number: WO2003007117A2
Application number: PCT/US2002/021956
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gary L. Friedman
Original assignee: Friedman Gary L
Priority date: 2001-07-12
Filing date: 2002-07-11
Publication date: 2003-01-23
Also published as: AU2002354677A1; WO2003007117A3

Abstract

A portable electronic data input device (10) includes a housing (11) sized to be held in the palm of one hand. One housing side has four individual dual-position control buttons (12) arranged in a row and positioned to be actuated by an individual finger of a user grasping the input device (10) in the palm of the hand. A multi-position control mechanism (12) in an adjacent housing side comprises a plurality of individual switch contacts (a, b, c, d, e) arranged in a predetermined pattern that enables a user, while holding the input device (10) in the palm of one hand and the user's other fingers each touching an individual one of the dual-position control buttons, to reach with the thumb of the hand the multi-position control mechanism (12). Using only the thumb, the user activates any individual switch contact (a, b, c, d, e) or activates two or more switch contacts simultaneously. The arrangement of the control buttons and multi-position control mechanism (12) provides a chordic-keyboard capable of generating a variety of different electronic signals as determined by the user manipulating the dual-position control buttons, the multi-position control mechanism (12), or both simultaneously.

Description

PORTABLE, HAND-HELD ELECTRONIC INPUT DEVICE & COMBINATION WITH A PERSONAL DIGITAL DEVICE

RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS & INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application is a PCT application based on U. S. provisional patent application Serial No. 60/304,875, entitled "Portable, Hand-Held Electronic Data Input Device & Combination With Digital Assistant," filed July 12, 2001. This related application is incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this application. Moreover, Applicant incorporates herein by reference any and all U. S. patents, U. S. patent applications, and other documents cited or referred to in this application or cited or referred to in the U. S. patents and U. S. patent applications incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A personal digital device (PDD) is a very popular device that provides portability for data normally stored in the memory of a computer and allows a user to input data into the PDD and later download this data from the PDD. In many cases it also allows for the transference of data or other digital artifacts (digital artifacts being considered special case of data) via wired or wireless communication systems to other handheld units or data networks. For example, a list of phone numbers may be stored in the memory of a PDD and new numbers added to this memory. Periodically, the memory of the personal digital device is connected to the computer's memory and the new data, such as, for example, new phone numbers, is downloaded into the computer's memory. In other scenarios, data or other digital artifacts (such as sound, images, or messages) captured with the PDD can be sent to other units or networks via wired or wireless communication systems. A personal digital device may be connected to the global computer network (e. g., the internet), it may be a component of a mobile telephone, it may even be connected to a television broadcast or cable network. All forms of communication systems are rapidly converging into a single portable, hand-held unit. There are several disadvantages using state-of-the-art PDDs. It is difficult to input data conveniently. When hand writing on a writing pad, using a pen or stylus, as opposed to using a keyboard, data entry is often inaccurate. Generally, the rate of data input is slow, for example, typically data can only be inputted at a rate of less than 10 words per minute by most users. And despite their portability, PDDs can only be used in a narrow variety of circumstances; they cannot, for example, be used casually while operating a vehicle, walking, or lying down.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is an improvement in the device disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 5,432,510, and it is summarized in the CLAIMS that follow. After reading the following section entitled "DETAILED DESCRIPTION," one will understand how the features of this invention provide its benefits. The benefits of this invention include, but are not limited to: convenience of use, both position and activity independence so it can be used in situations where other data inputs devices cannot, rapid and accurate data input, and the capability to be used with converging communication systems now evolving. Some, but not all, of the features of this invention are: The electronic data input device of this invention is portable. It includes a housing sized to be held in the palm of one hand of a user. This housing has at least one pair of adjacent sides. The housing holds a control circuit having an input and output, and typically comprises a read only memory, a random access memory, and a central processing unit (CPU) connected to the memories. One adjacent side has four individual dual-position control buttons arranged in a row and positioned to be actuated by an individual finger of the hand of a user grasping the input device in the palm of the hand. The housing preferably holds a display that provides a visual readout corresponding to the unique symbol, command, or results of a command (for example a map, graphical or character, different language, etc.) The housing may also hold an audio generator that provides a sound corresponding to the unique symbol, command,, or results of a command. In one embodiment, a multi-position control mechanism is employed. This multi- position control mechanism preferably is seated in a depression in the other adjacent side of the housing. The depression preferably is substantially hemispherical. As discussed subsequently in greater detail, the depression is configured to seat therein the underside end portion of a thumb of a user while he or she is grasping the input device in the palm of the hand. The multi-position control mechanism comprises a plurality of individual switch contacts. These switch contacts are arranged in a predetermined pattern that enables a user, while holding the input device in the palm of one hand and his or her other fingers each touching an individual one of the dual-position control buttons, to reach with the thumb of the hand holding the input device the multi-position control mechanism and, using only the thumb, activate any individual switch contact or activate two or more switch contacts simultaneously. The control buttons and multi-position control mechanism are connected via the input to the control circuit. The arrangement provides a chordic-keyboard capable of generating a variety of different electronic signals at the input to the control circuit as determined by the user manipulating the dual-position control buttons, or the multi-position control mechanism, or both simultaneously. The central processing unit (CPU) has a program that converts input signals into signals at the output corresponding to a unique symbol or a unique command depending upon which switch contact or combination of contacts is activated. Thus, in response to activation of the dual-position control buttons, or the multi-position control mechanism, or both simultaneously, the device generates at the output in accordance with the program an electronic signal corresponding to a unique symbol or a unique command as determined by the activation of the buttons or control mechanism. The data input device may include an output connector adapted to connect the device to a computing platform, a communication device or system, a computer network, a personal digital device with or without a display, or with or without a keyboard. For example, the data input device may be connected to a PDD or mobile communication device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The preferred embodiments of this invention, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. These embodiments depict the novel and non-obvious data input device of this invention and the combination of data input device and PDD as shown in the accompanying drawing, which is for illustrative purposes only. This drawing includes the following figures (Figs.), with like numerals indicating like parts:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of data input device of this invention having visual display screen straddled by a pair of unique multi-position (five position) control mechanisms. Fig. 1A is a perspective view of the data input device shown in Fig. 1 being used as a user interface for a video game or other electronic device having dual input, enabling the user to grasped the input device more conveniently and naturally. Fig. IB is a perspective view of an embodiment of the data input device of this invention that does not have a visual display screen and is connected to a PDD. Fig. 1C is a plan view of an embodiment of the data input device of this invention connect via a 2-way infrared link to a mobile communications device, such as a cell phone with text messaging capabilities. Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the different switch contact positions of each individual contact of the five position control mechanism depicted in each of the embodiments shown in Figs. 1, 1A, IB, lC, and 3B. Fig. 3 A is a typical conventional switch used in calculator and laptop keyboards. Fig. 3B is an exploded perspective view of the five-position control mechanism used in this invention comprising five of the conventional switches shown in Fig. 3A arranged in accordance with this invention. Fig. 3C is a perspective view of the underside of the key top of the control mechanism shown in Fig. 3B. Fig. 3D is a side elevational view of the key top of the five-position control mechanism shown in Fig. 3B. Fig. 3E is a side elevationai view of an embodiment of the data input device of this invention using a one alternate embodiment of the five-position control mechanism. Fig. 3F is a side elevational view of another alternate embodiment of the five-position control mechanism used in this invention. Fig. 4 is an illustration of various switch contact combinations for the five-position control mechanism shown in Figs. 1, 1A, IB, 1C, 2 and 3B. Fig. 5 is a block diagram of the control circuit for the data input device discussed in the First Scenario. Fig. 6 is a block diagram of the control circuit for the data input device discussed in the Second Scenario. Fig. 7 is a conventional pager. Fig. 8 is a block diagram of the control circuit for the data input device discussed in the Third Scenario. Fig. 9 is a perspective view depicting an embodiment the data input device of this invention incorporated into a conventional, hand-held mobile phone. Fig. 10 is a perspective view depicting an embodiment of the data input device of this invention incorporated into a conventional, hand-held mobile phone, eliminating the conventional alpha-numeric keyboard as shown in Fig. 9 and enlarging its visual display screen. Fig. 11 is a plan view of a conventional PDD adapted to be used with a mountable version of the data input device of this invention shown in Fig. 12 A. Fig. 12A is a perspective view of an embodiment of data input device of this invention showing the conventional PDD illustrated in Fig. 11 being mounted to this input device. Figure 12B is a perspective view of an embodiment of this invention showing an alternative mobile communication device, such as a mobile wireless phone with digital artifact messaging capabilities, being mounted to this input device. Fig. 13 is a block diagram of the control circuit for the data input device of used with the embodiment shown in Fig. 12A. Fig. 14 is a view of an astronaut using the data input device of this invention in outer space, a zero gravity environment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

First Embodiment

The input device 10 shown in Fig. 1 has a housing 11 with one side 11a having a pair of five-position control mechanisms 12. Along a side 1 lb adjacent to side 1 la is a row of dual position finger control buttons 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d. Between the two five-position control mechanisms 12 is a visual display screen 13, for example, a liquid crystal display that displays visual images generated by a control circuit contained within the housing depending on which contact position of the five-position control mechanisms 12, or which dual position control button, or combinations thereof, is actuated by the user. Preferably, the housing 11 has a pair of substantially hemispherical depressions 32a and 32b in the side 11a with a five- position control mechanism 12 seated in each depression. This physical arrangement is ergonomically advantageous. The thumb-actuated five-position control mechanism 12 provides upward of 121 unique chord combinations. As schematically depicted in Fig. 2, the five-position control mechanism 12 is a 4-way rocker switch (similar to cursor controls used in video game controllers) having contacts a, b, c, and d and a center post e switch contact (marked with a circle). A more detailed explanation of how the five-position control mechanism 12 works appears in the diagram shown in Fig. 4. The large "plus" shape represents the control mechanism 12 with switch contacts a, b, c, and d at the ends of the individual legs, and the large oval o lying diagonally over it represents how a thumb is positioned over the control mechanism in a "normal" position, with the first joint of the thumb resting on (but not depressing) the center post e switch contact. The four arrows and center circle represent pressure-sensitive areas, that when individually depressed close switch contacts. The thumb can actuate each individual switch contact a, b, c, d and e or a combination of switch contacts. This is achieved for example by pressing directly downward to actuate the center post e switch contact or by lateral rotation, or physically repositioning the thumb slightly to actuate switch contact a, b, c, or d. Although the five-position control mechanism 12 has 5 depressible switch contacts a, b, c, d, and e, there are 9 most practical combinations which are depicted in the illustrations shown in Fig. 4. (Many other less practical combinations are possible as well such as multiple arrow keys being depressed simultaneously. These combinations may be used, for example, by 3^rd party specialized application software.) With the switch contact combinations depicted in Fig. 4, the data input device 10 is now capable of approximately 144 single-chord combinations. All of the switch contact combinations, as well as the 4 other dual position finger buttons 14a, 14b, 14c, and 14d used in the data input device typing scheme, work silently but provide ample tactile feedback to the user. The five-position control mechanism 12 includes a key top 30 (Fig. 3B) and a printed circuit board 24 having five pairs of open electrical contacts 21 and 22 (only one pair shown in Fig. 3 A). The key top 30 overlies the circuit board 24 and is mounted to move into one of the five different positions depicted in Fig. 4, depending on how a user manipulates the key top 30, each different position closing one pair of open electrical contacts. The key top 30 may be in the form of a substantially cross 31 as depicted in Fig. 1, 1A, or IB, including a central element 31e with four legs 31a, 31b, 31c, and 3 Id extending outward from said a central element. One pair of contacts is positioned beneath each of the legs 31a, 31b, 31c, and 31d and one pair of contacts 31e is positioned beneath the central element 31e. Alternately, the key top 30 may be circular as shown in Fig, 3C, with a cross on its exterior surface 30a. As depicted in Fig. 1A, the input device 10 provides two-handed user interface. Two five-position control mechanisms 12 are used as an ideal and natural video game interface. Using two hands instead of one, the users' two thumbs operate the pair of control mechanisms 12 simultaneously like a video game controller.

Five-Position Control Mechanism

A conventional elastomeric switch 16 (those often used in calculator keypads and laptop keyboards, for example) is illustrated in Fig. 3 A. It includes a rubberized, hollow dome 18, which contains a conductive polymer at its top 19. The dome 18 sits upon a printed circuit board (PCB) 20 with two exposed (but not touching) electrical contacts 21 and 22 in the very center of the PCB. A key top 22 overlying the dome 18 is mounted to move towards and away from the printed circuit board 20. When a force is applied by a user to the key top 22, the switch 16 is closed. Specifically, the user's finger, exerting pressure on the key top 22, depresses the key top. With the key top 22 pressing on the top 19 of the dome 18, the dome's shape collapses temporarily, allowing the conductive polymer of the top 19 to bridge the two electrical contacts 21 and 22 on the printed circuit board 20, thereby closing the circuit. When the finger pressure is released, the dome 18 springs back to its original shape, breaking the circuit, and ready for the next actuation. As depicted in Fig. 3B, the five-position control mechanism 12 includes five rubberized domes 18a through 18e arranged on an internal, flat support surface 24a of the printed circuit board 24 of the input device's housing 11 in a cross configuration: one central dome 18e and domes 18a through 18d at each polar position. The center dome 18e, unlike the others, has a small divot 26 at its top 19 that serves as a semispherical pivot point. There are five contact pads 28a through 28e on the underside 30b of the key top 30 in registration with the tops of the domes 18a through 18e. A central pad 28e rests on the central dome 18e and the other pads 18a through 18d are positioned at polar points surrounding the pad 28e. Preferably, the central dome 18e is designed to require a slightly greater actuation force than the other domes 18a through 18d, since it must also act as part of the support structure for key top 30. The key top 30 may have a circular configuration with a cross-shape design on its exterior surface 30a, or it may simply be cross-shaped. In both cases, the key top 30 is manually moveable into the contact positions depicted in Fig. 4 to depress individual domes 18a through 18e, or combinations of two or even more domes. In normal operation, the five- position control mechanism 12, when not actuated, has the contact pads 28a through 28e of the key top 30 just touching all 5 rubberized domes 18a through 18e. (The 5-position key top 30 is held in place by the exterior surface of the case.) When a user's thumb presses down on any one of the 5 positions (up, down, left, right, or center), the corresponding pads 28a through 28e of the key top 30 will exert a force downward on the rubberized dome below it, thereby completing the circuit by closing the contacts beneath a dome as depicted in Fig. 3A. The dome's springing restoration force will also move the five-position key top 30 back to its normal "home" position once the pressure is released. One may wish to place the four outer rubberized domes 18a through 18d at a slight angle as shown in Fig. 3F to better transfer the force of the thumb directly to the top of a rubberized dome.

An Alternative Five-Position Thumb Button

Fig. 3E depicts another embodiment of the five-position control mechanism, namely mechanism 34, using the same rubberized dome elastomeric switches 16 as described above in Fig. 3A, but arranged differently than that depicted in Figs. 3B and 3F. Four of the five switches 16 are arranged in a semicircle or arc, angled such that they match the natural angle of the thumb as the thumb traverses four key tops 36a through 36d on the side 11a of the housing 11. The second button from the left could be shaped slightly differently to allow the user to identify it purely by feel (for example, a small bump or indentation on the top surface), so a "home" position can quickly be identified blindly when in use. A fifth key top 36e, preferably a longer button along the row of key tops 36a through 36d, can be constructed using two or more rubberized domes underneath, so pressing anywhere along the horizontal bar will result in a proper closure of contacts.

Implementation 1- As an auxiliary keyboard

The following scenario benefits the owner of a PDD 42 (Fig. IB) such as for example, a Palm Pilot, or a Windows CE (now called "Pocket Windows") device, both of which fit into the category of pen or keyboard based PDDs. Although users rely on them as a portable device for the rapid retrieval of information, they are not often used for note taking due to their inadequate writing pad 42a employing stylus, pen-, keypad-, or keyboard-based text entry schemes. In this first usage scenario, a data input device 40 according to this invention, which does not have a display 13, is used as an external, peripheral keyboard for users who already use PDDs and is depicted in Fig IB. The device 10 could also connect to a mobile communications device Dl, such as a cell phone with text messaging capabilities, via a connection method native to the device, such as a 2-way infrared link, depicted in Fig. 1 C.

First Scenario A busy executive uses his Palm Pilot extensively to keep his appointments, and as his phone book, but one time while traveling he had a brainstorm of ideas he wanted to write down while standing in a long line at the airport. Not being able to take meaningful notes using the Palm Pilot's Graffiti handwriting system (which might recognize 5 words per minute on a good day, but this was not a good day since one had was holding a briefcase, and two hands are required to use a Palm Pilot), he whips out his data input device, using it as keyboard peripheral, he proceeds to capture his ideas at 30 words per minute for the next half hour as the airport line progresses. Taking his seat on board the airplane, the executive folds down the tray table, takes out his Palm Pilot, and then transmits the ideas captured earlier by the data input device into the Palm Pilot. A final idea comes to him, and, while the two portable devices are communicating with each other, he types the idea into the data input device which then acts as a "real time" keyboard that transmits the information to the Palm Pilot in typed form. Using today's technology, most of that executive's ideas would have been lost because there was no way realistically to take notes on the conventional PDD. In this first scenario matters were made worse because the executive had only one hand free, making the conventional PDD use impossible. In this first scenario, the data input device 40 acts as a supplement to the PDD already being used by the executive. Data can be transmitted to the PDD via either a physical cable, infrared light, or a radio frequency link. The data input device 40 in this scenario would have its own central processing unit and memory so as to remember the notes for later transmission. This facilitates the take-notes-wherever-you-are advantage of the data input device of this invention. To build a device which fulfills this first scenario, a system similar to the block diagram layout depicted in Fig. 5 would be required. Because the amount of processing required of the hardware is minimal (Note the data input device chords via the 9-button combinations, buffer it in local RAM, and send to the device via one of the I/O options depicted in green boxes), almost any off-the-shelf components could be used to realize this design. The CPU, for example, could be a "plain vanilla" Intel 8051 chip; the RAM (because the buffering will only be holding a few characters at a time) could be a minimal amount (perhaps a 4K memory chip). The green I/O boxes could either be part of the CPU (such as the serial port, which is common today) or, as in the case of the Bluetooth RF protocol, a dedicated chip set could be used¹.

Second Embodiment

Implementation 2-As a fully-functional Personal Digital Device (PDD)

Implementation 1 had the data input device 40 acting as a peripheral to an existing PDD, necessitating the user to carry around two separate instruments in order to get maximum benefit. There is no reason why the functionality of the hand-held date input device of this invention cannot be encapsulated into a PDD, so that only one small device need be carried without sacrifice of utility or performance. A second scenario proposes just this. As shown in Fig. 6, a chordic data input device 44 having appropriate input control buttons/multi-position control mechanism, is combined with PDD components within a single, unitary housing l ie. The PDD capability is provided by employing adequate memory, CPU power, and software which performs functions commonly found on PDDs. This second scenario has the on-the-go user utilizing the data input device 44 for common PDD functions, except that these functions can be accessed while driving, standing in line, lying down, or even running a marathon if the user so chooses. Common PDD functions are: • Complete appointment calendar, synchronizable with common contact management software residing on a separate computing device. • Complete phone book, including reverse-search phone book file, so you can cross- reference who just paged you. • Note pad desktop calendar applications such as Microsoft Outlook. • Calculator (switchable between Scientific, Business, or Plain modes) • Offline E-mail reader and writer • Travel alarms w/ reminders. Interval alarms for exercising.

In this paper, the term "Bluetooth" will be used in the broader term, meaning a generic 2-way close-proximity Radio Frequency (RF) protocol. IEEE Standard 802.11 is another example of an RF scheme that fits in this category. Not-so-common functions that the data input device could perform are: • Automatic Touch tone dialing - type in name, hold unit up to phone to dial out via sound. • Language translator • Imaging Module (still, motion) • Sound Recorder • Foreign currency exchange calculator • Games! Especially for the youth market. • Handy thesaurus/spell checker program • Grocery shopping mode- Capture things you need during the week as you think of them; check off items, keep running cost total as you shop. • Electronic score keeper for 2- and 3 -person games, especially golf.

Second Scenario A restaurant critic had a difficult time being treated like just a "normal customer" by the restaurants she reviewed; as her constant note taking while sitting at the table would always tip off the local staff as to her purpose there; blowing her cover and guaranteeing that her experience there would be anything but typical. Fortunately, our reviewer started learning to type on a data input device 44 the night before (it takes about an hour to learn the basic alphabet), so she thought she 'd try to take notes with the a data input device instead. With her eyes on the menu and her hand under the table, none of the staff ever suspected that she was actually typing her thoughts with the hidden hand. With this new discreet note taking tool, she ended up being treated like common folk, and therefore had lots of dirt to report in her column, which subsequently increased her reader following which led eventually to a raise. All because of the data input device 44. Suddenly her pager went off. She looked at the pager, but did not recognize the telephone number at all, and so could not ascertain if it was an important page or one she could blow off till after her meal. (Her cell phone was no help; although it has a phone book inside, you can only look up numbers by name; not the other way around. Here she had a number, and needed to do a "reverse look-up " for the name.) Fortunately, since her data input device 44 had all the functionality of a PDD, including the ability to synch up with a phone book program on her desktop, she had her entire contact list in the palm of her hand, and was able to do a reverse lookup on the number. "O migawdl", she said, in her best Valley Girl voice, "That's the publisher of the magazine!! Fd better not keep him waiting. " Real Estate agents are another good market for this function, as they are constantly driving around neighborhoods, showing properties, and taking notes from behind the wheel (sometimes while the vehicle is moving!). Using a data input device in this scenario is perfectly fitted to the needs of the traveling note taker. The circuit illustrated in Fig. 6 provides the electronic components (hardware and software) that are required to realize the Second Scenario. Because the data input device 44 depicted in Fig. 6 is being asked to do quite a bit more, the components required have to have more "horsepower." The CPU, for example, not only has to manage all the data (upwards of several megabytes worth of RAM, or as much as the technology of the day will allow), but it also has to handle the bit-mapped display, and react quickly when data is typed and/or manipulated on-screen. A CPU similar to the Motorola "Dragonball" 68000-based CPU (which can have many of the required green-box peripherals on-chip) represents a good combination of horsepower and low power consumption, and would be ideal for this application. (The "Dragonball" is the same CPU used by the Palm Pilot.) Displays can be large, flat, and bitmapped, similar to the type used in the Xircom Rexx 6000 Micro PDD.

Third Embodiment

Implementation 3 - As a fully-functional PDD with 2-way text paging

As depicted in Fig. 8, the third embodiment of this invention, the data input device 48, has a reasonably easy-to-use typing scheme and the functionality of a 2-way text pager (for example, like that offered by the RIM 950 alphanumeric pager 44 which has a tiny yet unusable keyboard 44a on its face as illustrated Fig. 7). With this kind of 2-way wireless e- mail feature, the data input device 48 has these kinds of integrated functions for its user:

• Built-in alphanumeric pager (with automatic cross-referencing of names and numeric pages). Users can download, respond to, and upload e-mail messages in the background; answer messages while waiting in line, walking, driving, lying down, or at a concert.

• A complete PDD as described above in connection with the data input device 44. Third Scenario Miles Nader, renown for being a Master Negotiator, sat down at the negotiating table representing his client. A top manager for Prisney Company, Mr. E, has threatened to not renew the license to use Prisney characters on some sweatshirts unless "better" terms are negotiated. The conversation went something like this: Mr. E: Well, I appreciate the amount of work you 've done for us in the past. Because of you we sold 100, 000 of your sweatshirts last year, and we both made a killing. But that was last year. As you know, your contract ends tonight and I have already received better offers from two of your competitors for the same rights that are expiring with you. As a businessman, Fm obligated to go with the higher offer. It's nothing personal. Nader: If I can ask, who bid what? Mr. E: Well, Sally's Sweats offered me $50,000 for the rights; and Ben 's Britches offered an undisclosed yet higher amount but with slightly different terms. Nader stared at Mr. E and listened with intent, with one hand on top of the table. Unbeknownst to Mr. E, he was also quietly typing an e-mail on his data input device, which he had in his other hand, underneath the table. The e-mail was short but sweet: Better offers? Sally's: $50K Ben 's: > $5 OK Please advise. And with that, he sent an e-mail off to Delia Street, his research assistant. Delia made some quick phone calls to try to confirm these bids, while Miles Nader went through the usual negotiation dance. Within 15 minutes, Miles got a page, which he looked at briefly and then ignored as if it was another client: "Both gave Mr. E the bird. " With this discreet and time-sensitive intelligence, Miles had the upper hand in the negotiations, was able to call Mr. E's bluff and everyone lived happily ever after.

Needless to say, there is no way you can do this with any other instruments available today. To make this Third Scenario a reality, new RF (Radio Frequency) modules need to be added to the data input device hardware that will make it compatible with any one of the many different text-based paging infrastructures worldwide. As depicted in Fig. 8, the input device of the Third Scenario employs, for example, text-paging infrastructures such as an RF Transmitter/Receiver that needs to be compatible with (both in terms of frequency and in terms of protocol/packet construction) the Motorola's Flex network (operating at either 400 or 900 MHz), and the RAM Mobile Data packet-based infrastructure (operating at 800 MHz). This functionality can easily be designed in using the RF manufacturer's pre-fabricated boards or chipsets. The same Dragonball microprocessor discussed in Implementation 2 above can be used here as well.

Fourth Embodiment

Implementation 4-As a fully-functional PDD with web browsing capabilities

The idea of 2-way e-mail is being extended. There is a new generation of handheld devices that are always connected to the global computer network (The Internet) via radio, and have in them web browsers that are capable of displaying pictures, playing sound files, etc. The current offerings in this category are pretty useless, mostly because nobody has figured out how to address the conflicting requirements of portability and data entry. There's no reason why one cannot simply apply the data input device's typing scheme to a manufacturer's pre-existing platform to create a superior and usable unit. To a casual observer, this implementation might appear to be exactly the same as Implementation 3: a data input device 48 (Fig. 8) with a wireless connection to the Internet. However, from a technical point of view, the two are vastly different. A text-based pager transfers only ASCII (text) data and can do so at relatively slow speeds in the background while it's worn on the user's belt. A wireless web based unit must be able to transfer larger amounts of information (graphics, audio, video, in addition to Unicode) nearly "on demand" as the user surfs the web. The infrastjπictures, frequencies, protocols, and chipsets that would be used in implementation are completely different and therefore warrant its own section for discussion. A short list of emerging frequencies and protocols that would support such an internet appliance are listed below. (This is not an exhaustive list; it is here for illustrative purposes only). Because this is a transitional technology and the markets are just now emerging, most of these protocols are based and/or grafted onto cell phone standards: Basic digital Cell Phone frequencies - 900 MHz, 1800 MHz (PCS)

Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) - data channel used with today's digital cell phones. (I.e., Omnisky)

Short Message System (SMS) Protocol - Protocol used to send brief text- based messages from one cell phone to another.

Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) - lightweight protocol used for the "microbrowsers" employed in some of today's today's cell phones. Often layered on top of the SMS protocol.

Handiphone - A Japanese standard for up to 56K in wireless Internet Access Speeds (scheduled to arrive in the U.S. shortly)

WCDPD, CDPD 2000 - Wider bandwidth standard of the Cellular Digital Packet Data standard.

Fourth Scenario Tommy the tourist is lost in a foreign country, looking for the closest Hilton hotel. If he were by his desktop computer at work, Tommy would simply go to a web search engine and look up all the information he needs, and then print it out for the road. But because he has his data input device-based Internet Appliance with him, he can quickly do the same thing regardless of where he is. Tommy whips the data input device from his belt and, using the device 's chording method of typing, types in the URL for the search engine. Because the handheld unit has a large, color touch-sensitive screen, Tommy can then use the index finger of his free hand to point to hyperlinks and surf the web from that point. Because the unit is "always on" via the built-in packet radio interface, Tommy does not have to wait for the unit to connect to the Internet in order to use it. Tommy can also check his web-based hotmail account using the web browser, and respond to any and all messages throughout the day as he takes periodic rests. But because the web is multi-media (rather than text only), Tommy can also send multimedia e-post cards via the unit 's built-in camera and audio recorder (see Second Scenario). For example, when sending e-mail, Tommy can point the unit's built-in camera toward the monument he just found, record a 10-second audible caption, and send both of these artifacts as attachments to an e-mail and off it goes. Tommy puts the device back in its holster and thinks of what to do next. Meanwhile, the data input device is transmitting the message to the Internet via radio in the background while Tommy is free to concentrate on other things. Fifth Embodiment

Implementation 5 - Incorporation into a cell phone

In implementation 5 a data input device is combined with a cell phone including all the conventional components that go into making a cell phone function. Imagine the poor cell phone user who is also driving his car and needs to take his eyes off the road in order to take notes or even just to dial the next number. The cell phone user who actually tries to make use of his phone's 2-way e-mail feature by trying to type a message onto the tiny keypad on the cell phone is most likely driving negligently. Incorporating the data input device's typing scheme into an existing mobile cell phone as the embodiment 50 of this invention illustrates in Fig. 9 alleviates this problem, plus solves some others.

Fifth Scenario John was just released from the hospital, having spent 3 weeks recovering from an automobile crash. John was a Field Sales Rep, and made most of his business phone calls from the road. Although he used a headset while he drove, the headset did not eliminate the need to take his eyes off the road while he initiated and ended phone calls. The day of the accident was particularly bad; as John was hastily trying to write down a quick phone number during a call. That's when a car cut in front of him and, because John 's eyes were off the road for the wrong few seconds, he was not able to react in time.

John learns from his mistakes. He immediately went out and purchased a cell phone which had the data input device typing scheme built-in. Using the typing scheme, John can now dial numbers, type in a person 's name and have the phone dial that person 's number, and he can also take notes during a phone call, all without having to take his eyes off the road. John 's 20-year-old son, Darrin, didn 't like talking much on the phone; he grew up on the Internet and therefore can only communicate with people if they're in a chat room. Although Darrin owned a cell phone, he would never be seen talking on one; he and his friends just send e-mail messages to each other over their cellphones. (Because he didn 't know any better, it hadn 't even occurred to him that typing a message using the letters on the telephone keypad was not only hideously slow, but it might also possibly be a really stupid way to type.) When Darrin saw his father 's new phone with the built-in Data input device scheme, he immediately grabbed his skateboard and went out to buy one of his own. Now, whenever Darrin sends a phone-based e-mail message to his friends, he can type his message about ten times faster, and he can do it during class, too, where the teacher sees only that Darrin is looking straight ahead and appears to be alert. Another great market for a data input device with communication capabilities would be Highway Patrol Officers who must routinely "run" license plates through the central computer, sometimes before the motorist is pulled over. Current police cars use laptops mounted over the transmission hump, where the officer is expected to take his eyes off the road, hunt-and- peck with one hand, and then read the results on the screen, all while keeping an eye on traffic. A data input device with a Speech Synthesizer and 2-way communication would be a superior solution; license plates could be typed in while the officer keeps his eyes on the road, and the results could be "spoken" back to the officer using the unit's built-in speech synthesizer. In this case, the eyes never leave the road. A slightly different, perhaps more visionary cell phone embodiment 52 of this invention appears in Fig. 10, where the keypad is done away with completely, leaving room for a larger and far more useful visual display 54 (especially when it comes to those cell phones that can browse the web - all existing web-enabled cell phones have displays that are far too small to be useful.)

Sixth Embodiment

Implementation 6 - As an Exoskeleton for an existing product

As a quick way to "jump to market", this embodiment 56 of this invention (Fig. 12A) would bypass a lot of the development and R&D required to build a fully-functional, integrated product from scratch. There are several existing PDD and portable communication products on the market for which one can manufacture an external peripheral (an exoskeleton) comprising a jacket 58 to which the conventional PDD 60 (Fig. 11) or other communication device, such as a message-capable mobile phone, is mounted. The jacket 58 has the required control buttons 14a through 14d and a multi-position control mechanism 12 on the exterior of the jacket and includes a program that allows the PDD 60 or other device to recognize the chording as inputs from the actuated buttons/multi-position control mechanism on the jacket 58 . As an example, Fig. 11 shows the commercially available "Micro PDD". It is the size of a PC or credit card and can slip very easily into a laptop computer's PCMCIA slot. It has its own CPU, display, batteries, display 60a, and memory. Its display 60a or screen is touch-sensitive so one can point to and touch an icon 60b and then navigate within that subscreen. The only thing it is missing is a good way to enter information. That's where implementation 6 comes in. As shown in Fig. 12A, the jacket 58 has a slot 58a designed specifically to accommodate the Micro PDD 60. When the PDD 60 is inserted into the open end 58b of the slot 58a, it couples electronically to the control buttons and multi-position mechanism. Consequently, the embodiment 56 acts as a keyboard to the PDDs own CPU and display 60a. Another example is shown in Fig. 12B, where the exoskeleton accommodates a mobile communications device D2 (such as a cell phone with text messaging capabilities). Using a coupling similar to that described for Fig. 12 A, having a user press combinations of buttons will end up "typing" a message which can then be sent via the communications device. Advantages to marketing a product like this are numerous: 1) Easy manufacture - all the intelligence and development work already reside in the PDD or mobile communications device. 2) Low cost - same reason as in implementation 1. 3) Right Demographic - "early adopters" who buy this instead of a Palm Pilot for the portability and convenience will be drawn to the low-cost data input device keyboard adapter for the same reasons. 4) Low risk for investors - relatively little R&D required.

The requirements for this sixth embodiment depend on which the PDD or mobile communications device is being interfaced. Fig. 13 shows what is required to make one version of this sixth embodiment when being interfaced to the Xircom Rex Micro PDD 60 shown in Fig. 12 A. Like Implementation 1, this implementation 6 is a relatively lightweight application, and the CPU can be a lightweight performer. One possibility might be an all-in- one integrated or hybrid package, such as the "Basic Stamp" from PIC Corp. The PCMCIA (Now often called "PC CARD") Chipset is another off-the-shelf solution that would interface with this particular organizer. Other organizer products might require another interface method, such as a dedicated serial interface or 2-way infrared communications scheme. Miscellaneous

If the data input device were to be manufactured with special markets and uses in mind, the following kinds of very unique features could be included:

• Bar code reader (great for Federal Express workers) • Text-to-Speech synthesizer for those with speech problems. (You should see the bulky units available on the market!) • Text-to-Speech foreign language converter - type in the phrase in the language you know, have the speech synthesizer say it in the language you don't. • Digital audio recorder: have it record sound for musicians who might forget that great musical phrase they just thought of. • Built-in digital camera. (Combined with the above feature, the invention becomes an ideal companion for field journalists.) • Camera time exposure control port - program the invention to take "timed exposure" pictures using various over- and under-exposures. Makes for beautiful nighttime shots without the guesswork. • Include an Infrared transmitter and receiver; turn the Data input device into a learning TV/VCR/Cable remote control. (Can replace bolted down remote controls in hotel rooms.) Most, if not all of these are features, are not present in any conventional hand-held unit available at the time of this writing. Sixth Scenario Jane was traveling in Nepal as a tourist, but like most Americans, hadn 't bothered to learn the language before embarking. Instead, she had her Data input device always at her side - it was the ideal companion for the traveler. She had the foresight to have added the Nepal Travel software module to the unit before she left. When Jane was at a store and wanted to know how much something would cost in US Dollars, she would discreetly take out her data input device, type in the price of the object in Rupees, and press the "convert" chord command to get the price. If there was no price tag, Jane would hold the object in one hand, and with the other hand type in the sentence "How much does this cost?", press the "Translate" chord, and the onboard speech synthesizer would verbally ask the question in perfect Hindi. (The shopkeeper would then write down an answer using numbers, a response she could understand.) The remarkable firing about the Sixth Scenario is that at no time did Jane have to put down her purse, packages, or object and scurry toward a counter or tabletop surface in order to realize the usefulness of the data input device. It is handy and usable in real-life situations, while standing, holding packages, articles of clothing, etc. No other hand-held device on the planet can be used with such transparency. The Nepal software module also has in it a complete travel guide, which is all searchable via keywords, and easily readable via the unit's large display, which can display several lines of text and graphics at once. Jane saved considerable space in her backpack by leaving the travel books home and used the data input device to quickly look up information she needed. Future incarnations of the device might do away with a travel module altogether, instead accessing the internet wirelessly in real time from wherever she was.

Implementation 7- In space

As illustrated in Fig. 14, when floating in space an astronaut 100 can manipulate the data input device 10 of this invention with one hand and avoid strapping him or herself to a stationary object in the spacecraft when taking notes or otherwise gathering data (or outside the spacecraft where it's not possible to place a conventional computer or keyboard).

SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

The above presents a description of the best mode contemplated of carrying out the present invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use this invention. This invention is, however, susceptible to modifications and alternate constructions from that discussed above which are fully equivalent. Consequently, it is not the intention to limit this invention to the particular embodiments disclosed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications and alternate constructions coming within the spirit and scope of the invention as generally expressed by the following claims, which particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter of the invention:

Claims

THE CLAIMS

1. A portable, electronic data input device, including a housing sized to be held in the palm of one hand of a user and having at least one pair of adjacent sides, said housing holding a control circuit having an input and output, and one adjacent side having four individual dual-position control buttons arranged in a row and positioned to be actuated by an individual finger of the hand of a user grasping the input device in the palm of the hand, and the other adjacent side having a depression configured to seat therein the underside end portion of a thumb of a user while he or she is grasping the input device in the palm of the hand, a multi-position control mechanism in said depression, said multi-position control mechanism comprising a plurality of individual switch contacts arranged in a predetermined pattern that enables a user, while holding the input device in the palm of one hand and his or her other fingers each touching an individual one of the dual-position control buttons, to reach with the thumb of the hand holding the input device said multi-position control mechanism and, using only the thumb, activate any individual switch contact or activate two switch contacts simultaneously, said control buttons and multi-position control mechanism being connected via the input to the control circuit and providing a chordic-keyboard capable of generating a variety of different electronic signals at the input to the control circuit as determined by the user manipulating the dual-position control buttons, the multi-position control mechanism, or both simultaneously, said control circuit in response to activation of said buttons, multi-position control mechanism, or both simultaneously, generating at the output an electronic signal corresponding to a unique symbol or a unique command in accordance with said activation.

2. The input device according to Claim 1 where the control circuit comprises a read only memory, a random access memory, and a central processing unit connected to said memories.

3. The input device according to Claim 1 including an output connector adapted to connect the input device to one or more of the following: a computing platform, a communication device, a computer network, a personal digital device with or without a display, or with or without a keyboard.

4. The input device according to Claim 1 where the housing holds a display that provides a visual read-out corresponding to the unique symbol, command, or results of a command.

5. The input device according to Claim 4 where the results of a command include a map, a graphical or character, or different language.

6. The input device according to Claim 1 where the housing holds an audio generator that provides a sound corresponding to the unique symbol, command, or results of a command.

7. The input device according to Claim 1 where the housing has on an exterior surface of said other adjacent side a display that provides a visual read-out corresponding to the unique symbol, command, or results of a command, and there is a pair of said multi-position control mechanisms on said other adjacent side, said display being disposed between individual ones of the pair of multi-position control mechanisms.

8. The input device according to Claim 1 connected to a personal digital device.

9. In combination, a portable hand-held input device and a personal digital device including a data storage device and a data entry mechanism connected to the data storage device, said data entry mechanism activated by a user to input data to the data storage device, said hand-held input device and personal digital device each including couplers that enable them to be manually connected and disconnected under the control of a user, upon connection said hand-held input device being directly linked to the data storage device or a communication system, so that, when the hand-held input device is activated by a user, data is transmitted from the hand-held input device to the data storage device or the communication system, bypassing the data entry mechanism, said hand-held input device including a housing sized to be held in one hand of a user and having a plurality of control buttons that provide a chordic-keyboard capable of generating a variety of different electronic data signals as determined by which single button or combination of buttons are activated, each single button or combination of buttons corresponding to a unique symbol or a unique command, said button or combination of buttons being activated by a user manually manipulating his or her digits while the housing is being grasped by a hand of the user from which the digits extend.

10. The combination according to Claim 9 where the data entry mechanism is a writing pad.

11. The combination according to Claim 10 where the writing pad responds to a stylus manipulated by user to touch, or otherwise to stimulate, the writing pad.

12. The combination according to Claim 9 where the data entry mechanism is a keyboard.

13. The combination according to Claim 9 where the personal digital device has a connector enabling the personal digital device to be linked to a communication system.

14. The combination according to Claim 9 where the data storage device includes a program that provides phone numbers.

15. The combination according to Claim 9 where the personal digital device has a connector device enabling the personal digital device to be linked to a global computer network.

16. The combination according to Claim 9 where the personal digital device has a connector device enabling the personal digital device to be linked to a high-bandwidth communication system.

17. The combination according to Claim 16 where the high-bandwidth communication system is television.

18. The combination according to Claim 9 where the personal digital device includes a visual display for displaying visual data.

19. The combination according to Claim 18 where visual display and writing pad share a common screen.

20. A jacket serving as an external peripheral for a communication device, said jacket comprising a compartment adapted to hold the communication device, a plurality of control buttons on an exterior surface of the j acket, and a program that allows the communication device to recognize as input data signals the manual actuation by a user of a button, or combination of the buttons.

21. The jacket according to Claim 20 where the communication device is personal digital device for collecting data.

22. The jacket according to Claim 20 where the communication device is a mobile telephone.

23. A electronic data input device, including a housing sized to be held in the palm of one hand of a user, said housing including a control circuit having an input and output, four individual dual-position control buttons arranged in a row along a first side of the housing, each of said dual-position control button positioned to be actuated by an individual finger of the hand of a user grasping said input device in the palm of the hand, and at least one five-position control mechanism on a second side of the housing that is adjacent to said first side, said five-position control mechanism positioned to be within reach of the thumb of a user while holding the input device in the palm of one hand with the other fingers of said one hand each positioned next to an individual dual-position control button, so that, using only the thumb and with each of said other fingers so positioned next to an individual dual-position control button, the user can actuate one position of the five- position control mechanism, or, can activate simultaneously at least two positions of the five- position control mechanism, said control buttons and five-position control mechanism being connected via the input to the control circuit and providing a chordic-keyboard capable of generating a variety of different electronic signals at the input to the control circuit as determined by the user manipulating the dual-position control buttons and five-position control mechanism, said control circuit providing individual data signals corresponding to a unique symbol or a unique command depending on which individual dual position control button, or which position of the five-position control mechanism, or combination thereof, is actuated.

24. The electronic data input device according to Claim 23 where the five-position control mechanism includes a key top member and a circuit board having five pairs of open electrical contacts, said key top member overlying the circuit board and mounted to move into five different positions depending on how a user manipulates the- key top member, each different position closing one pair of open electrical contacts.

25. The electronic data input device according to Claim 24 where the key top member has a substantially cross-shape configuration, including a central element with four legs extending outward from said a central element.

26. The electronic data input device according to Claim 25 where one pair of contacts is positioned beneath each of said legs and one pair of contacts is positioned beneath the central element.

27. A electronic data input device, including a housing sized to be held in the palm of one hand of a user, said housing holding a control circuit having an input and output, and having four individual dual-position control buttons arranged in a row along a first side of the housing, each of said dual-position control buttons positioned to be actuated by an individual finger of the hand of a user grasping said input device in the palm of the hand, and at least one multi-position control mechanism on a second side of the housing that is adjacent to said first side, said multi-position control mechanism comprising a plurality of buttons arranged in an arc and at least one button next to the arc of buttons, said buttons of the multi-position control mechanism being positioned to be within reach of the thumb of a * user while holding the input device in the palm of one hand with the other fingers of the this one hand each positioned next to an individual dual-position control button, so that, using only the thumb and with each of said other fingers so positioned next to an individual dual-position control button, the user can actuate one position of the multi- position control mechanism, or, can activate simultaneously at least two positions of the multi-position control mechanism, said control buttons and multi-position control mechanism being connected via the input to the control circuit and providing a chordic-keyboard capable of generating a variety of different electronic signals at the input to the control circuit as determined by the user manipulating the dual-position control buttons and five-position control mechanism, said control circuit providing individual data signals corresponding to a unique symbol or a unique command depending on which individual dual position control button, or which position of the multi-position control mechanism, or combination thereof, is actuated.

28. A portable, electronic data input device, including a housing sized to be held in the palm of one hand of a user, said housing including one side having four individual dual-position control buttons arranged in a row and positioned to be actuated by an individual finger of the hand of a user grasping the input device in the palm of the hand, and another side having a multi-position control mechanism positioned to be actuated by a thumb of a user while he or she is grasping the input device in the palm of the hand, said multi-position control mechanism comprising a plurality of individual switch contacts arranged in a predetermined pattern that enables a user, while holding the input device in the palm of one hand and his or her other fingers each touching an individual one of the dual-position control buttons, to reach with the thumb of the hand holding the input device said multi-position control mechanism and, using only the thumb, activate any individual switch contact or activate two switch contacts simultaneously, said control buttons and multi-position control mechanism being connected to a control circuit to provide a chordic-keyboard capable of. generating a variety of different electronic signals at an input as determined by the user manipulating the dual-position control buttons, the multi-position control mechanism, or both simultaneously, said control circuit in response to activation of said buttons, multi-position control mechanism, or both simultaneously, generating at the output an electronic signal corresponding to a unique symbol or a unique command in accordance with said activation.

29. The electronic data input device according to Claim 28 where the multi-position control mechanism is seated in a substantially hemispherical depression.

30. The electronic data input device according to Claim 28 where at least some of the switch contacts of multi-position control mechanism are arranged in an arcuate pattern.