GB2238144A

GB2238144A - Data storage device

Info

Publication number: GB2238144A
Application number: GB8924604A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Lifu Chen
Original assignee: Aurora Mechatronics Corp
Current assignee: Aurora Mechatronics Corp
Priority date: 1989-11-01
Filing date: 1989-11-01
Publication date: 1991-05-22
Also published as: GB8924604D0

Abstract

An electronic data storage device has an input unit (2) and a portable retrieval unit (1). The retrieval unit has a display (5), a memory and several push button keys (4) for retrieval of information. The input unit has a number of push button keys (3) which are used to input information to the memory in the retrieval unit (1) when the retrieval unit (1) is plugged into the input unit (2). The separation of the input and retrieval functions enables the retrieval unit (1) to be kept quite small whilst enabling the input unit (2) to be designed with an ideal size and arrangement of input keys to facilitate the inputting of information. <IMAGE>

Description

Title: Data Storage Device The present invention relates to data storage devices.

Several known types of electronic calculator also serve as a data bank which may be used as a note book, address book, price list, etc. Unfortunately, these are always rather bulky and are not convenient to use. Because of e small space available for the user keys, each key must be used for a number of different functions, which makes o eration incor.venient. There are also several kinds of magnet i memory card on the market for detection of data bv frsertion in the corresponding machine. These kinds of magnet 1C memo r cards cannot be used without their corresponding machines which are neither compact nor portable is nature.

The present invention seeks to provide an inproved data storage device. Accordingly, the present invention rev I des an electronic data storage device comprising a portable retrieval unit having means for storage of data, display means for displaying said data and at least one key means for enabling retrieval and display of said data on said display means; and an input unit having a plurality of input key means; and wherein sal input unit and said portable retrieval unit are detachably interconnectable for enabling input of data into said storage means through said plurality of input key means.

The retrieval unit can display data from the memory directly without using any associated device.

Operation of an electronic data storage device according to the invention is relatively easy, and the retrieval unit is compact and light. It is, therefore, economic to use such a device for data can be displayed at any time and at any place without the use of an associated device.

The present invention is further described, hereinafter, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wn which: rigure 1 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of data thrace device according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a side elevation of the embodiment of Figure 1; and Figure 3 is a plan view of a second embodiment of data storage device according to the present invention.

referring to Figures 1 and 2, these show a data storage device which comprises a portable retrieval unit (1) and an input unit (2) which can be electrically connected together by means of suitable pins and connectors. The input unit (2) has a number of keys (3) for typing information by a user. There is no limit to the size, shape or arrangement of the input keys (3) because the input unit (2) need not be of pocket-size design. The keys, therefore, can be designed for the most optimum layout for ease of operation.

The retrieval unit (1) ) is of portable design with a display (5) and a few keys (4) for retrieval of data stored in a built-in memory. Since only a very few keys (4) are required, the keys (4) can be relatively large to facilitate operation.

The retrieval unit (1) can be connected to the input unit 2) by inserting its connecting pins (not shown in the drawings) into the corresponding connectors on the input unit '2 for connection to a data storage circuit to enable e enterln, modification, anchor saving of data through tr Iri keys (3) by operation in compliance with a predetermined procedure. The data storage circuit is not described here as it can be of commonly known design.

Since the entering, modification or saving of data is usually carried out at home or in an office, the input unit (2 need not be of pocket-size design. There is, before, no restriction on the size, spacing and arrangement of the keys (3), and each key need only be used for entering a single character. As a result, data can be entered and saved in memory with relative ease and convenience.

After saving data in the memory, the portable retrieval unit (1) can be disconnected from the input unit (2).

Since the portable retrieval unit (1) has only a few keys (4J for retrieving and no input key (3) is provided, data can only be retrieved from its memory. Consequently, it requires fewer circuits and parts than conventional devices wrich enables it to be kept to pocket-size. Since the retrieval unit also has a display (5), use of the keys (4) can retrieve and display immediately any data from the memory. The unit can be used anywhere and -anytime, and does not require any other associated component for retrieval of data.

For retrieval of data from the memory, the user presses the ot;" key to turn on tne retrieval unit (1) and then selects the "UP" or "DOW" arrow for finding and reading data on the display (5). Since the retrieval unit (1) is separate from the input unit (2), each input unit (2) can be used for a number of retrieval units (1) for entering and saving of different data (such as costs, telephone nuneers, addresses, memoranda, recipes, and the like) nus, eacn family or office requires only one input unit (2) for all of its retrieval units (2).

Figure 3 shows a second form of data storage device which operates in the same manner as that of Figures 1 and 2 but is of a different design.

Claims

Claims:

1 . An electronic data storage device comprising a portable retrieval unit having means for storage of data, display means for displaying said data and at least one key means for enabling retrieval and display of said data on said display means; and an input unit having a plurality of input key means; and wherein said input unit and said portable retrieval unit are detachably interconnectable for enabling input of data into said storage means through said plurality of input key means.

2. An electronic data storage device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said portable retrieval unit and said input ult nave co-operable pins and connectors for e e r rio ally interconnecting said units.

n An electronic data storage device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said portable retrieval unit has said pins and said input unit has said connectors.

An electronic data storage device substantially as hereinbefore described, wit reference to Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.

5. An electronic data storage device substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings.