GB2213617A - Portable information processing apparatus - Google Patents
Portable information processing apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2213617A GB2213617A GB8828427A GB8828427A GB2213617A GB 2213617 A GB2213617 A GB 2213617A GB 8828427 A GB8828427 A GB 8828427A GB 8828427 A GB8828427 A GB 8828427A GB 2213617 A GB2213617 A GB 2213617A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- processing apparatus
- information processing
- portable information
- data
- register
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
- G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
- G06Q10/087—Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F16/00—Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor
- G06F16/40—Information retrieval; Database structures therefor; File system structures therefor of multimedia data, e.g. slideshows comprising image and additional audio data
Abstract
Portable information processing apparatus 2 for displaying up to date information on a predetermined subject, such as stocks and shares, comprises a display 4 computer 6, modem 8, and an adaptor 10 for connecting the computer to the modem, the modem having a device 12 for connecting to a communications line network 16 such that the portable apparatus is able to link up with stationary electrically operated apparatus 18 for displaying up to date information on the subject, and the portable apparatus 2 being such that it is able to obtain display data from the stationary apparatus 18 and process it so that it can be displayed on the display means 4. <IMAGE>
Description
PORTABLE INFORtIATION PROCESSING APPAP#TTjS This invention relates to portable information processing apparatus and, more especially, this invention relates to portable information processing apparatus for displaying up to date information on a predetermined subject.
Stationary electrically operated display apparatus is known for displaying up to date information on a predetermined subject. One such stationary electrically operated display apparatus is known under the Trade Mark of
Prestel. As is well known, the Prestel apparatus is in the form of a television and pages of information can be displayed on the screen of the television with the pages containing up to date information on predetermined subjects. The desired information can be chosen from a plurality of available subjects. The Prestel apparatus is such that it is not portable and it is required to remain in a set position.
Although the Prestel apparatus displays up to date information, there may be instances when persons are not able to get to the site where the Prestel apparatus is located so that the persons are not able to obtain the required up to date information.
It is an aim of the present invention to obviate or reduce the above mentioned problem.
Accordingly, this invention provides portable information processing apparatus for displaying up to date information on a predetermined subject, which portable information processing apparatus comprises display means, computer means, modulator/demodulator means, and adaptor means for connecting the computer means to the modulator/demodulator means, the modulator/demodulator means having a connector device for connecting to a communications line network such that the portable information processing apparatus is able to link up with stationary electrically operated display apparatus for displaying up to date information on a predetermined subject, and the portable information processing apparatus being such that it is able to obtain display data from the stationary electrically operated display apparatus and process the display data such that it can be displayed on the display means.
The portable information processing apparatus is of the type that is able to be held in a person's hand. Thus the portable information processing apparatus is pocket sized. The apparatus is convenient for carrying in a person's pocket, handbag or briefcase. The required up to date information can then easily be obtained providing the person is able to get access to a telephone or the like on the communications line network.
Advantageously, the displayed up to date information is information on stocks and shares. Such displayed information would be extremely useful to Stock
Exchange personnel for enabling them to obtain up to the minute information. Such information on stocks and shares would also be of use to other people interested in stocks and shares. The displayedupto date information can be other types of information on any desired subject. The subject will usually be of the type that is useful to business persons requiring up to date information on that particular subject.
Usually, the display means will be a visual display means. The visual display means will usually be a display panel.
CR7M)
Preferably, the computer means is a Psionlpocket computer means. An especially preferred Psion pocket computer is that known as a Psion Organiser (goTM) Preferably, the modulator/demodulator means is that known as Worldport 1200 which is marketed by Touchbase Systems of the United States of America.
Preferably, the adaptor means is a device known as an
RS232.
The connector device is preferably a telephone jack. Other types of connector device may however be employed such for example as an acoustic coupler.
The computer means may be programmed with means for effecting the following steps:
(i) enable a data input/output port to allow data in an encoded form to pass from the stationary electrically operated display apparatus into the serial communication interface of the adaptor means;
(ii) by manipulation of the control/status register, the rate/mode control register, the receive data register and receive data shift register, the information is derived from the serial communication interface, one data word at a time;
(iii) each data word is masked to determine its decoded Ascii equivalent;
(iv) transmission from the stationary electrically operated device is completed when no further data words are received within a 5 millisecond time span;;
(v) a process referred to as unpacking is effected, to distinguish between legible information and illegible information (ie graphics characters, carriage return, line-feed etc);
(vi) the legible information is then displayed on the visual display means and stored in a condensed format on a random access device of the computer means; and
(vii) steps (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) and (vi) are repeated a plurality of times until all the available information on the predetermined subject is obtained fron the stationary electrically operated display apparatus.
The above mentioned steps (i) and (ii) are achieved by programming the apparatus with means for effecting the following sub-steps:
(a) selection of the asynchronous mode of serial data transmission is effected by setting data bits 2,3 and 4 of the rate/mode control register;
(b) the serial data input stream is enabled by setting data bit 3 of the control/status register and clearing data bit 7 of the control/status register (i.e.
receive data register, full flag);
(c) when the receive data register full flag is in an uncleared state, a data word is available in the receive data register;
(d) to request subsequent data words, the receive data register full flag is cleared by accessing the control/ status register and then the receive data register; and
(e) return to step (c) and repeat the sequence of steps (c) and (d).
Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows in block schematic form first portable information processing apparatus;
Figure 2 is a front view of computer means in a closed non-operative condition;
Figure 3 is a front view of the computer means shown in Figure 2 but in an open operable condition;
Figure 4 shows in block schematic form part of second portable information processing apparatus; and
Figure 5 shows how the second portable information processing apparatus may look.
Referring to Figure 1, there is shown portable information processing apparatus 2 for displaying up to date information on a predetermined subject in the form of stocks and shares. The portable information processing apparatus 2 comprises display means in the form of a display panel 4 for giving a visual display on computer means in the form of a Psion pocket computer 6e The pocket computer 6 is sold as a Psion Organisor. The portable information processing apparatus 2 further includes modulator/demodulator means 8 which is a Worldport 1200 marketed by Touchbase
Systems of the United States of America. The portable information processing apparatus 2 further includes adaptor means 10 for connecting the pocket computer 6 to the modulator/demodulator means 8. The adaptor means 10 is an RS232.
The mpdulaLor/demodulator means 8 is provided with a connector device in the form of a jack plug 12 for pushing into a telephone socket 14 forming part of a communications line network indicated schematically by a line 16. The line 16 connects to stationary electrically operated display apparatus in the form of Prestel apparatus 18. The Prestel apparatus 18 is in the form of a television having a screen 20 for displaying in page form up to date information on a plurality of predetermined subjects.
If it is desired to obtain on the portable information processing apparatus 2 the information that is available in the Prestel apparatus 18, then the jack plug 12 is inserted into the telephone socket 14 and an appropriate code enabling access to be had to the Prestel information will be dialled on a keyboard 22 which is shown in Figure 3 and which forms part of the pocket computer 6. In order to obtain access to the keyboard 22, a bottom part 24 of the pocket computer 6 is pulled downwardly from the position shown in Figure 2 to expose the keyboard 22o When an operator of the portable information processing apparatus is connected to the Prestel system as indicated by the Prestel apparatus 18, the required information can then be obtained from the Prestel apparatus 18 using the keyboard 22.
The Prestel apparatus 18 normally transmits information at 1200 Baud which would normally be unsuitable for most pocket computers to utilise. However, using the pocket computer 6, the software means (i.e. program), the modulator/demodulator means 8 and the adaptor means 10, the portable information processing apparatus 2 is able to receive information transmitted at the 1200 Baud rate of the Prestel apparatus 18. The pocket computer 6 is programmed such that it is able to enter an appropriate password, select desired Prestel pages, and receive the information at the Prestel transmission rate. More especially, the information programmed into the pocket computer 6 is able to select the desired transmission rate and enable the input/output port to allow data to pass from the Prestel apparatus into the serial communications interface of the adaptor means 10.By manipulating the control/status register, the rate/mode control register, the receive data register and receive data shift register, the computer means 6 has access to a continuous input data stream from the Prestel apparatus 18 until its transmission is complete.
\ten the transmission from the Prestel apparatus 18 is complete, a step may advantageously be included in the programmed information in the pocket computer 6 such that the portable information processing apparatus 2 senses when no more data is being transmitted so that it is known when to move forward to the step of displaying the information on the visual display means and storing the information on the random access device of the computer means 6.
Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown part of second portable information processing apparatus 26.
The portable information processing apparatus 26 forms a communications interface. The apparatus 26 comprises a controller system 28 for handling the translation of data format from that required by a telephone system 30 to that required by a computer system 32, and vice versa.
The controller system is under the control of the computer system 32. An isolation barrier 34 is employed to separate the electrical system of the computer system 32 and the electrical system of the telephone system 30.
A computer interface means 36 is employed to drive the computer system 32. An impedance matching device 38 is employed to terminate the telephone line correctly at signal frequencies.
The apparatus 26 further comprises a power source 40 such for example as a battery. The power source 40 is for providing power for the controller 28 and associated circuitry when the telephone line is not connected.
Line power convertor means 42 is employed to supplement or replace the power supply by the power source 40 with power supplied by the telephone system 30.
A high frequency transformer 44 is provided as a means of transferring power across the isolation barrier 34, in order to power the computer side of the apparatus 26.
The apparatus 26 shown in Figure 4 is advantageously designed to fit into a housing which is rectangular so that the apparatus 22 then has the appearance shown in Figure 5.
In Figure 5 similar parts as in Figure 4 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. The housing may be of dimensions no larger than 5.5 inches by 2.95 inches by 0.525 inches (13.97 centimetres by 7.493 centimetres by 1.3335 centimetres).
Other dimensions may of course be employed providing the apparatus 26 fits together with the computer system 32 as a compact assembly.
It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, a portable computer other than the Psion pocket computer 6 may be employed and a modem other than the Worldport 1200 may be employed. Furthermore, the portable information processing apparatus 2 can be employed to obtain any desired up to date information and it is not limited to obtaining only up to date information on stocks and shares. Thus, for example, the portable information processing apparatus 2 may be used to obtain up to date information on air flight departures, bus departures and on any other desired current real time information.
Claims (8)
1. Portable information processing apparatus for displaying up to date information on a predetermined subject, which portable information processing apparatus comprises display means, computer means, modulator/ demodulator means, and adaptor means for connecting the computer means to the modulator/demodulator means, the modulator/demodulator means having a connector device for connecting to a communications line network such that the portable information processing apparatus is able to link up with stationary electrically operated display apparatus for displaying up to date information on a predetermined subject, and the portable information processing apparatus being such that it is able to obtain display data from the stationary electrically operated display apparatus and process the display data such that it can be displayed on the display means.
2. Portable information processing apparatus according to claim 1 in which the display means is a visual display means.
3. Portable information processing apparatus according to claim 2 in which the visual display means is a display panel.
4. Portable information processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the computer gleans is a Psion pocket computer means.
5. Portable information processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the connector device is a telephone jack.
6. Portable information processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the computer means is programmed with means for effecting the following steps:
(i) enable a data input/output port to allow data in an encoded form to pass from the stationary electrically operated display apparatus into the serial communication interface of the adaptor means;
(ii) by manipulation of the control/status register, the rate/mode control register, the receive data register and receive data shift register, the information is derived from the serial communication interface, one data word at a time;
(iii) each data word is masked to determine its decoded Ascii equivalent;
(iv) transmission from the stationary electrically operated device is completed when no further data words are-received within a 5 millisecond time span;;
(v) a process referred to as unpacking is effected, to distinguish between legible information and illegible information (ie graphics characters, carriage - return, line-feed etch;
(vi) the legible information is then displayed on the visual display means and stored in a condensed format on a random access device of the computer means; and
(vii) steps (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) and (vi) are repeated a plurality of times until all the available information on the predetermined subject is obtained from the stationary electrically operated display apparatus.
6. Portable information processing apparatus according to claim 5 in which the above mentioned steps (i) and (ii) are achieved by programming the apparatus with means for effecting the following sub-steps:
(a) selection of the asynchronous mode of serial data transmission is effected by setting data bits 2, 3 and 4 of the rate/mode control register;
(b) the serial data input stream is enabled by setting data bit 3 of the control/status register and clearing data bit
7 of the control/status register (i.e. receive data register, full flag);
(c) when the receive data register full flag is in an cleared state, a data word is available in the receive data register;
(d) to request subsequent data words, the receive data register full flag is cleared by accessing the control/status register and then the receive data register; and
(e) return to step (c) and repeat the sequence of steps (c) and (d).
8. Portable information processing apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB878728644A GB8728644D0 (en) | 1987-12-08 | 1987-12-08 | Portable information processing apparatus |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB8828427D0 GB8828427D0 (en) | 1989-01-05 |
| GB2213617A true GB2213617A (en) | 1989-08-16 |
Family
ID=10628153
Family Applications (2)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB878728644A Pending GB8728644D0 (en) | 1987-12-08 | 1987-12-08 | Portable information processing apparatus |
| GB8828427A Withdrawn GB2213617A (en) | 1987-12-08 | 1988-12-06 | Portable information processing apparatus |
Family Applications Before (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB878728644A Pending GB8728644D0 (en) | 1987-12-08 | 1987-12-08 | Portable information processing apparatus |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (2) | GB8728644D0 (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2657451A1 (en) * | 1990-01-19 | 1991-07-26 | Bariou Marcel | Electronic book device |
| WO1995023633A1 (en) * | 1994-03-04 | 1995-09-08 | Melbourne Shipping Company Pty. Ltd. | A hand-held training unit |
| WO2002075590A1 (en) * | 2001-03-15 | 2002-09-26 | Flanderit - Mobile Solutions Ltd | A system to visualize an electronically recorded presentation |
| US7159053B1 (en) * | 2003-10-10 | 2007-01-02 | Douglas Lakin | Portable flat display adaptor |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0145206A2 (en) * | 1983-11-08 | 1985-06-19 | International Standard Electric Corporation | Intelligence display arrangement |
| WO1985002700A1 (en) * | 1983-12-05 | 1985-06-20 | American Transcommunication Corporation | Data terminal and system for placing orders |
| GB2166024A (en) * | 1984-08-22 | 1986-04-23 | Data General Corp | A modulator/demodulator and a portable digital computer incorporating the same |
| WO1986006516A1 (en) * | 1985-04-26 | 1986-11-06 | Ncr Corporation | Portable personal computing system |
| GB2176322A (en) * | 1985-06-05 | 1986-12-17 | New Technology Systems Limited | Portable communications unit |
-
1987
- 1987-12-08 GB GB878728644A patent/GB8728644D0/en active Pending
-
1988
- 1988-12-06 GB GB8828427A patent/GB2213617A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0145206A2 (en) * | 1983-11-08 | 1985-06-19 | International Standard Electric Corporation | Intelligence display arrangement |
| WO1985002700A1 (en) * | 1983-12-05 | 1985-06-20 | American Transcommunication Corporation | Data terminal and system for placing orders |
| GB2166024A (en) * | 1984-08-22 | 1986-04-23 | Data General Corp | A modulator/demodulator and a portable digital computer incorporating the same |
| WO1986006516A1 (en) * | 1985-04-26 | 1986-11-06 | Ncr Corporation | Portable personal computing system |
| GB2176322A (en) * | 1985-06-05 | 1986-12-17 | New Technology Systems Limited | Portable communications unit |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2657451A1 (en) * | 1990-01-19 | 1991-07-26 | Bariou Marcel | Electronic book device |
| WO1995023633A1 (en) * | 1994-03-04 | 1995-09-08 | Melbourne Shipping Company Pty. Ltd. | A hand-held training unit |
| WO2002075590A1 (en) * | 2001-03-15 | 2002-09-26 | Flanderit - Mobile Solutions Ltd | A system to visualize an electronically recorded presentation |
| US7159053B1 (en) * | 2003-10-10 | 2007-01-02 | Douglas Lakin | Portable flat display adaptor |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB8728644D0 (en) | 1988-01-13 |
| GB8828427D0 (en) | 1989-01-05 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |