GB2350450A - Pen-like data storer - Google Patents

Pen-like data storer Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2350450A
GB2350450A GB9917352A GB9917352A GB2350450A GB 2350450 A GB2350450 A GB 2350450A GB 9917352 A GB9917352 A GB 9917352A GB 9917352 A GB9917352 A GB 9917352A GB 2350450 A GB2350450 A GB 2350450A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
information
storage device
information storage
retrieval
stored
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Withdrawn
Application number
GB9917352A
Other versions
GB9917352D0 (en
Inventor
Lewis Jones
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB9917352A priority Critical patent/GB2350450A/en
Publication of GB9917352D0 publication Critical patent/GB9917352D0/en
Priority to PCT/GB2000/002789 priority patent/WO2001008084A1/en
Priority to AU61703/00A priority patent/AU6170300A/en
Publication of GB2350450A publication Critical patent/GB2350450A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
    • G06F3/03545—Pens or stylus

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Position Input By Displaying (AREA)

Abstract

A data storage device is provided in the form of a pen. The device carries one or more memory segments 20 in which is stored the pattern of movement of the pen stylus 12 which is recorded by information processor 18. The storage device may be powered by rechargeable battery 22. The device may further comprise an infra red transmitter 28 for sending the stored information to a retrieval device. Audible and/or usual indication of the storage of information may be given.

Description

2350450 DATA STORER This invention relates to a device for storing
information. More especially, but not in particular, the invention relates to a portable device which can store information and which can download the information to a personal computer for later consideration.
Increasingly, people are on the move during the working day. In parallel with this increased mobility comes an increased flow of information, from the internet and from other media. Efficient capture of the key words for this information e.g. a telephone number or an internet address, is vital to many. There is an increased reliance on portable telecommunications and multimedia equipment such as the mobile telephone and the laptop or palmtop computer. For those who wish to record notes or ideas as they travel there are personal organisers, electronic diaries and dictaphones for alternatives to the more traditional pen and paper.
More recently, a device is available which is based on a graphic tablet where writing to a conventional pad (with ink) will be stored to the pad itself; the concept is to cligitise hand written notes and keep them in a format that will be suitable for transmission to a personal computer.
Alternatively, there are many stylus pointing devices which replace a mouse to a standard personal computer. These devices can be run with a conventional computer of any size and used as a form of recording device.
However, the forms of apparatus described above involve the use of a pen-like device and dedicated pad, e.g. a computer screen, typing in 2 notes, or rely on the recordal of oral messages (which is of little help when sketches or plans would be more appropriate).
Accordingly, in one aspect, the invention provides an information storage device comprising a housing and a tip, the housing comprising at least one memory segment, the device capable of recording, in code, the pattern of movement of the tip on a surface.
In another aspect, the invention provides an information storage and retrieval apparatus comprising an information storage device comprising a housing and a tip, the housing comprising at least one memory segment, the device capable of recording, in code, the pattern of movement of the tip on a surface, and an information retrieval device to which the storage device can download the information.
The information storage device allows the user to record a written message at any time and store it for later recall. The device uses no ink or marking materials and thus leaves no mark on the surface on which it is used. Thus, the device offers a highly secure method of capturing hand written characters. The pattern of movement of the tip on a surface, whether it be a handwritten message or drawing is stored in the device in the memory segment. Any firm surface may be used to "write" on, for example, the dashboard of a car, a desk, a boardroom table, or a briefcase.
Preferably, the storage device has two memory segments. The, or each memory segment may store information just entered. The or each memory segment may also store information relating to past inputs.
The storage device may be powered by a battery, for example, a rechargeable battery. Typically, the storage device is powered by a rechargeable power source.
3 In one embodiment, the storage device has signalling means to indicate to the user when an information input has been stored or erased.
Typically, the device will employ visual signalling via lights built into the body of the device and/or audible signalling means to advise the user when storage or erasure of date has taken place.
Typically the storage device comprises a transmitter, for example, an infra red transmitter, to download stored information to an information retrieval device.
The retrieval device may comprise a docking slot into which the storage device may be inserted in order to download information.
Typically, the retrieval device comprises visual display means. The retrieval device may further comprise a printer port. In one embodiment, the retrieval device comprises a printer.
Typically, the retrieval device comprises a serial port for connection to a personal computer. For example, the retrieval device may comprise a Universal serial bus (USB) type serial port for connection to a personal computer The invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a storage device in accordance with the invention; Figure 2 shows the interior of the storage device of Figure 1; Figure 3 illustrates a retrieval device according to one aspect of the invention; and Figure 4 shows a motherboard for controlling the retrieval device of Figure 3.
4 Referring now to the drawings, the storage device 2 takes the form of a pen with a housing 4, a tip 6, a flattened end 8 for inserting into a retrieval device to download information and a clip 10 for easy attachment to clothing, folders etc. A detailed view of the interior of the storage device 2 is illustrated in Figure 2. At the tip 6 of the storage device 2 a stylus 12 is mounted on a spring 14. The stylus 12 is linked via copper wire 16 to a processor 18 which stores the pattern of movement of the stylus 12 over a firm surface in memory modules 20. The storage device 2 is powered by a rechargeable battery 22. An audible alarm 24 indicates to the user when a series of movements has been recorded in the memory.
LEDs 26 also act as a visual indication to the user that a message is in the process of being recorded. At the flattened end of the storage device 2 there is an infra red transmitter 28 for sending the stored information to a retrieval device.
The retrieval device 30 is shown in Figure 3. The device 30 has an infra red receiver 32 for receiving the information downloaded from the storage device 2. A series of controls 34 enables messages to be logged or deleted and to indicate whether messages are displayed or printed. An LCD display enables stored messages to be displayed. Serial ports 38 allow connection to personal computers. The retrieval device 30 contains a motherboard 40 including a processor 42, memory modules 44, screen connections 46 and batteries 48.
In use, the user takes the storage device 2 and places the tip 2 on any firm surface. The user can write on the surface with a normal writing action to record a note. After the note is complete, the user can press an "action" switch (not shown) on the storage device 2 and the note will be stored in memory. The storage device acknowledges the storage of the note with a single audible beep. If the user makes an error, the user may press and hold the action key down until two beeps are heard. The user will not be able to delete notes which have been actioned at a previous time.
At the retrieval device 30, the flattened end of the storage device 2 is inserted into the infra red receiver 32. Manipulation of the controls 34 will allow the user to visualise a note, one at a time. By replaying a note, the note will be stored in the memory of the retrieval device. The storage device 2 can be cleared of all messages if desired.
It will be understood that the foregoing is merely exemplary of one embodiment of the invention and that modifications may be made thereto without departing from the true scope of the invention.
6

Claims (17)

1. An information storage device comprising a housing and a tip, the housing comprising at least one memory segment, the device being capable of recording, in code, the pattern of movement of the tip on a surface.
2. An information storage device as claimed in claim I wherein the device comprises two memory segments, one for storing information just entered by the user and a second for storing information relating to past inputs.
3. An information storage device as claimed in claim I or claim 2 wherein the storage device is powered by a rechargeable power source.
4. An information storage device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device is powered by a battery.
5. An information storage device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device further comprises signalUg means to indicate to the user when an information input has been stored and/or erased.
6. An information storage device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the signalling means provides a visual signal.
7. An information storage device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the signalling means provides an audible signal.
8. An information storage device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the device further comprises a transmitter to download stored information to an information retrieval device.
7
9. An information storage device as claimed in claim 8 wherein the transmitter is an infra-red transmitter.
10. An information storage device substantially as described herein with reference to figures I and 2.
11. An information storage and retrieval apparatus comprising an information storage device as claimed in any preceding claim and an information retrieval device to which the storage device can download the information.
12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the information retrieval device comprises a visual display means.
13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 or 12 wherein the information retrieval device comprises a printer port.
14. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 11-13 wherein the information retrieval device is a printer.
15. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 11-14 wherein the retrieval device comprises a serial port for connection to a personal computer.
16. Apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the serial port is a USB.
17. An information storage and retrieval apparatus substantially as described herein and with reference to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4.
GB9917352A 1999-07-24 1999-07-24 Pen-like data storer Withdrawn GB2350450A (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9917352A GB2350450A (en) 1999-07-24 1999-07-24 Pen-like data storer
PCT/GB2000/002789 WO2001008084A1 (en) 1999-07-24 2000-07-24 Data storer
AU61703/00A AU6170300A (en) 1999-07-24 2000-07-24 Data storer

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9917352A GB2350450A (en) 1999-07-24 1999-07-24 Pen-like data storer

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9917352D0 GB9917352D0 (en) 1999-09-22
GB2350450A true GB2350450A (en) 2000-11-29

Family

ID=10857843

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB9917352A Withdrawn GB2350450A (en) 1999-07-24 1999-07-24 Pen-like data storer

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU6170300A (en)
GB (1) GB2350450A (en)
WO (1) WO2001008084A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10109760A1 (en) * 2001-02-28 2002-09-05 Unipen Ag Chip reader and identification method for verifying the usage authorization of a chip user
GB2403038B (en) 2003-06-20 2005-08-10 Trek 2000 Int Ltd Data input device, systems using the device, and methods for operating such systems

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0470837A2 (en) * 1990-08-10 1992-02-12 Gregory Allen Self-contained examination guide and storage apparatus
EP0507269A2 (en) * 1991-04-01 1992-10-07 YASHIMA ELECTRIC CO., Ltd. of ISHIHARA NOGAMI Writing device for storing handwriting
US5247137A (en) * 1991-10-25 1993-09-21 Mark Epperson Autonomous computer input device and marking instrument
US5294792A (en) * 1991-12-31 1994-03-15 Texas Instruments Incorporated Writing tip position sensing and processing apparatus
EP0717367A1 (en) * 1994-12-16 1996-06-19 Symbios Logic Inc. Digitizer stylus apparatus and method

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5434371A (en) * 1994-02-01 1995-07-18 A.T. Cross Company Hand-held electronic writing tool
US5748808A (en) * 1994-07-13 1998-05-05 Yashima Electric Co., Ltd. Image reproducing method and apparatus capable of storing and reproducing handwriting

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0470837A2 (en) * 1990-08-10 1992-02-12 Gregory Allen Self-contained examination guide and storage apparatus
EP0507269A2 (en) * 1991-04-01 1992-10-07 YASHIMA ELECTRIC CO., Ltd. of ISHIHARA NOGAMI Writing device for storing handwriting
US5247137A (en) * 1991-10-25 1993-09-21 Mark Epperson Autonomous computer input device and marking instrument
US5294792A (en) * 1991-12-31 1994-03-15 Texas Instruments Incorporated Writing tip position sensing and processing apparatus
EP0717367A1 (en) * 1994-12-16 1996-06-19 Symbios Logic Inc. Digitizer stylus apparatus and method

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
http://www.cpen.com/download/manual/C_Pen_Manual20.pdf,Apr99"C Pen User's Manual", C Technologies AB *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2001008084A1 (en) 2001-02-01
GB9917352D0 (en) 1999-09-22
AU6170300A (en) 2001-02-13

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WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)