United States Patent [191
`Wakatsuki. et a1.
`
`[11]
`[45]
`
`Patent Number:
`Date of Patent:
`
`5,023,438
`Jun. 11, 1991
`
`[54],v PORTABLE DATA INPUT APPARATUS
`WITH DIFFERENT DISPLAY MODES
`[75] Inventors: Yoshio Wakatsuki; Toshiharu
`Okayama; Hajime Takeuchi; Giichiro
`Shimizu; Misao Shimizu, all of
`Tokyo, Japan
`[73] Assignee:
`Nitto Kohki Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
`[21] Appl. No.:
`440,764
`Nov. 24, 1989
`[212] Filed:
`[30]
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`Nov. 26, 1988 [JP]
`Japan .............................. .. 63-299317
`Nov. 26, 1933 [JP]
`Japan .............................. .. 63-299318
`
`[51] Int. Cl; ........................ .. G06K 7/10;GO9G 1/06
`[52] us. c1. ................................. .. 235/472; 235/462;
`340/711; 340/727
`[53] Field Of Search ............. .. 235/462, 472, 375, 323,
`235/454; 340/707, 711, 727; 341/22, 23
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`[561
`
`4,158,194 6/ 1979 McWaters et a1. ........... .. 340/711 X
`4,418,277 11/1983 Tremmel et a1. ............. .. 235/472
`
`4,727,245 2/ 1988 Dobbins et a1. . . . . .
`. . . . . . .. 235/472
`4,801,786 1/1989 Stobbe .......................... .. 235/472 X
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`56-74765 6/1981 Japan .
`58-86486 5/1983 Japan .
`59-87541 5/1984 Japan .
`2122787 1/1984 United Kingdom .
`
`Primary Examiner—Stuart S. Levy
`' Assistant Examiner-Steven M. duBois
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Nixon '& Vanderhye
`
`ABSTRACT
`[57]
`A portable data input apparatus comprises an elongated
`casing. A pen-scanner type bar code reader reads a bar
`code provided according to the kind of a commodity,
`and outputs a corresponding code data unit. A key
`board is designed to input at least a numerical data unit
`representative of the amount of the commodity. A dis
`play device displays the code data unit and the numeri
`cal data unit. A display mode changing circuit is de
`signed to invert the image of the data units displayed on
`the display device in the vertical direction and the hori
`zontal direction, in response to a detection signal, which
`is output when the code data and numerical data are
`inversely displayed.
`
`14 Claims, 10 Drawing Sheets
`
`5
`1111111111
`
`Apple, Exhibit 1050, Page 1
`
`

`

`Patent
`
`June 11, 1991
`
`Sheet 1 of 10
`
`5,023,438
`
`FIG.
`
`1A
`
`FIG.
`
`{B
`
`Apple, Exhibit 1050, Page 2
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`June 11, 1991
`
`Sheet 2 of 10
`
`5,023,438
`
`Apple, Exhibit 1050, Page 3
`
`

`

`US Patent
`
`June 11, 1991
`
`Sheet 3 of 10
`
`5,023,438
`
`mama
`
`n=2<1_
`
`ON
`
`ozammoommcom3N.o>
`<F<oL.a
`
`
`mo_>moIOFOIn..>4nEDm
`V.
`5.23%2.85\mmktingm...
`n9Qm.
`
`
`
`
`N.0_n.
`
`a1.lL.
`momzmm_tame
`\Nw
`
`N
`
`Apple, Exhibit 1050, Page 4
`
`Apple, Exhibit 1050, Page 4
`
`
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`June 11, 1991
`
`Sheet 4 of 10
`
`5,023,438
`
`~ OOMMOOITY
`‘ CODE
`
`COMMODITY '
`AMOUNT CODE
`~ AMOUNT GOODS
`
`CODE NUMBER
`
`-_
`
`_; *
`
`'
`
`__,
`
`‘
`
`F I G. 3A
`
`8
`
`ISO
`
`F | 6 3B
`
`-
`
`CODE REAO
`
`BUFFER
`
`\J‘eb
`
`F I 6. 3c
`
`DI LAY
`BUB-‘2m
`
`V166
`
`F | 6 3D
`
`TRANSMISSION vwd
`
`-
`
`_
`
`BUFFER
`
`F l 6. 3E
`
`Q'QIAPQQRT DATA V
`
`‘
`
`Iee
`
`F | G‘ 3F
`
`RECEIVING Wm
`BUFFER
`
`FIG 4A 4965732091281
`
`V160
`
`FIG, 4B ‘IBZISOZQLQQGV
`
`'
`
`I
`
`.
`
`VJGC
`
`Apple, Exhibit 1050, Page 5
`
`

`

`Patent
`
`June 11, 1991
`
`Sheet 5 of 10
`
`5,023,438
`
`C MAIN ROUTINE - D
`
`81 \ I 8
`
`CODE DATA
`
`YES
`
`INPUT
`'
`
`NO
`
`.
`STORE CODE DATA IN
`CODE READ BUFFER
`
`S5
`
`S2
`
`DISPLAY PROCESS
`
`YES
`
`AMOUNT DATA
`PRESENT
`7
`'
`NO
`
`.
`
`STORE AMOUNT DATA IN
`AMOUNT DATA BUFFER
`
`S6\
`
`DISPLAY PROCESS
`
`S7
`
`is
`DATA
`TRANSMISSION
`I<EY OPERATED
`?
`NO
`
`S8
`
`is
`NORMAL
`RESPONSE
`REcEIvED
`7"
`NO
`
`OTHER INPuT
`PROCESSING
`I
`
`STORE DATA IN
`DATA MEMORY
`I______.
`
`TRANSMIT DATA IN _
`DATA MEMORY TO DATA
`PROCESSING DEVICE
`
`8
`YE
`
`ES ~
`Y
`
`TURN ON LAMP
`
`cI_EAR DATA MEMORY
`L________
`
`FIG. 5
`
`Apple, Exhibit 1050, Page 6
`
`

`

`Patent
`
`June 11, 1991
`
`Sheet 6 of 10
`
`5,023,438
`
`C DISPLAY PROCESS)
`
`DATA TO BE DISPLAYED
`IS CONVERTED TO BIT
`PATTERN DATA, AND
`STORED IN BUFFER
`
`OUTPUT BIT PATTERN
`DATA FROM DISPLAY
`BUFFER TO DISPLAY
`DEVICE
`
`VERTICALLY INVERT
`BIT PATTERN DATA
`IN DISPLAY BUFFER
`
`HORIZONTALLY INVERT
`BIT PATTERN DATA IN
`DISPLAY BUFFER
`
`OUTPUT BIT PATTERN
`DATA FROM DISPLAY
`BUFFER TO DISPLAY
`DEVICE
`
`I
`
`~ RETURN
`
`I
`
`FIG.6
`
`Apple, Exhibit 1050, Page 7
`
`

`

`Patent
`
`June 11, 1991
`
`Sheet 7 of 10
`
`5,023,438
`
`FIG. 7A
`
`FIG. 7B
`
`Apple, Exhibit 1050, Page 8
`
`

`

`Patent
`
`June 11, 1991
`
`Sheet 8 of 10
`
`5,023,438
`
`Apple, Exhibit 1050, Page 9
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`June 11, 1991
`
`Sheet 9 of 10
`
`5,023,438
`
`{69
`
`‘
`
`..
`
`DATA
`
`MEMORY
`
`_
`
`I§b
`coDE READ
`BUFFER
`
`'-
`
`I
`
`_
`
`‘SIC
`DISPLAY
`BUFFER
`
`]
`
`I
`
`AMOUNT DATA
`BUFFER
`
`TRANSMISSION
`BUFFER
`
`_
`
`(
`
`Iéd
`
`I
`
`I
`I6
`
`_ l
`
`{68
`F I G. IO
`
`DISPLAY
`PROCESSING
`
`DEVELOP CODE DATA INTO
`BIT PATTERN DATA AND \ST,
`SToRE BIT PATTERN DATA
`IN DISPLAY BUFFER
`
`l S RECEP
`TI ON TERMINAL
`GROU?NDED
`YES
`REVERSE BIT PATTERN
`DATA IN DISPLAY BUFFER \STB
`IN VERTICAL DIRECTION
`
`.
`REVERSE BIT PATTERN
`DATA IN DISPLAY BUFFER ~ST4
`IN HORIZONTAL DIRECTION
`_
`
`OUTPUT REVERSED BIT
`PATTERN DATA IN DISPLAY ‘\STS
`BUFFER TO DISPLAY UNIT
`
`END
`
`FIG. II
`
`Apple, Exhibit 1050, Page 10
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`June 11, 1991
`
`Sheet 10 of 10
`
`5,023,438
`
`FIG. {2A
`
`F I G. {28
`
`Apple, Exhibit 1050, Page 11
`
`

`

`1
`
`PORTABLE DATA INPUT APPARATUS WITH
`DIFFERENT DISPLAY MODES
`
`5,023,438
`2
`numerical data displayed by the display device, in re
`sponse to the detection signal generated by the detect
`ing means.
`
`5
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`A more complete appreciation of the invention and
`many of the attendant advantages thereof will be more
`readily obtained through reference to the following
`detailed description and accompanying drawings, in
`which:
`FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a portable data input
`’ apparatus according to an embodiment of the present
`invention;
`FIG. 1B is a top view of the apparatus shown in FIG.
`1;
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to a portable data input
`apparatus for reading bar codes attached to articles and
`the like by using a pen scanner type bar code reader
`and, more particularly, to a portable data input appara
`tus which allows an operator to see the erect image of
`displayed data in a state of use corresponding to the
`more dexterous hand of the operator.
`2. Description of the Related Art
`A portable data input apparatus is generally used for
`enhancing working efficiency, in checking the invento
`ries of goods displayed in a shop, and in ordering new
`goods from a wholesale dealer.
`This type of portable data input apparatus has a mi
`crocomputer therein. The casing of the portable data
`input apparatus is shaped so that one can carry it by one
`hand. The outer surface of the casing is provided with a
`keyboard for inputting the code data and amount data
`of goods, and a display for displaying the key-input
`data. A memory section constituted by a RAM, etc. for
`storing the key-input data is provided within the casing.
`When ordering inventories with use of the portable
`data input apparatus, a right-handed person holds the
`casing in the left hand and key-inputs data by the right
`hand, while a left-handed person holds the casing in the
`right hand and key-inputs data by the left hand.
`For simplifying the data input operation of the porta
`ble data input apparatus, there has been proposed a
`portable data input apparatus in which a pen-scanner
`type bar code reader is connected by a connection cable
`to the portable data input apparatus, and commodity
`codes are read by the bar code reader.
`In the portable data input apparatus having the above
`structure, however, if the pen-scanner type bar code
`reader is connected to the portable data input apparatus,
`for example, with use of a connection cable, the bar
`code reader would prevent smooth carriage of the data
`input apparatus. Thus, the handling and maintenance of
`the bar code reader are troublesome.
`
`20
`
`25
`
`35
`
`FIGS. 1C and 1D show an antenna placed in a
`groove formed in a side wall of the casing of the appara
`tus, and illustrate the operation of the antenna;
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic
`structure of the data input apparatus of the invention;
`FIGS. 3A to 3F show data units to be stored;
`FIGS. 4A and 4B show the display states of data
`stored in display buffers;
`FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts illustrating the opera
`tion of the data input apparatus according to an embodi
`ment of the invention;
`FIGS. 7A and 7B are views for explaining how to
`operate the data input apparatus according to an em
`bodiment of the invention;
`FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an outer ap
`pearance of a modi?ed portable data input apparatus
`according to the present invention;
`FIG. 9 is a view showing an arrangement of a reverse
`mechanism of the portable data input apparatus in FIG.
`8;
`FIG. 10 is a view showing another storage contents
`of a RAM in FIG. 2;
`FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining display process
`ing of the modi?ed portable data input apparatus ac
`cording to the present invention; and
`FIGS. 12A and 12B are views for explaining how to
`operate the modi?ed portable data input apparatus ac
`cording to the present invention.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`An object of the present invention is to provide a
`portable data input apparatus wherein a bar code reader
`is integrated with the data input apparatus so as to en
`hance the working efficiency.
`Another object of this invention is to provide a porta~
`ble data input apparatus wherein an operator can easily
`read displayed data, even if he or she is left-handed.
`In order to achieve the above objects, there is pro
`vided a portable data input apparatus comprising:
`a pen scanner type bar code reader for reading a bar
`code provided according to the kind of a commodity
`and for generating a corresponding code data;
`a keyboard for inputting at least numerical data repre
`sentative of the amount of the commodity;
`a display device for displaying the code data gener
`ated by the bar code reader and the numerical data
`input through the keyboard;
`means for detecting that the code data and numerical
`data are inversely displayed, and for generating a detec
`tion signal; and
`display mode inverting means for vertically and hori
`zontally inverting display states of the code data and
`
`45
`
`55
`
`65
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`An embodiment of the present invention will now be
`described with reference to the accompanying draw
`ings.
`'
`FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a portable data input
`apparatus according to an embodiment of the present
`invention, and FIG. 1B is a top view of the apparatus
`shown in FIG. 1A. This apparatus is designed to be
`suitable for an ordering work for ordering inventories
`of goods displayed in a shop.
`In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an elongated
`casing formed of, e.g., plastics. A head portion of the
`casing 1 is provided with a pen-scanner type bar code
`reader 2, and a photosensor 2a composed of a light
`emitting element and a light-receiving element. A bot
`tom portion of the casing 1 (i.e., opposite to bar code
`reader 2) is provided with a keyboard 3 for key-input
`ting various data units. Also, a rectangular display 4
`having a liquid crystal display face for showing data
`units with dot-pattern characters is arranged at a longi
`tudinally middle portion of casing 1. That portion of
`casing l, which extends from the region of display 4 to
`
`Apple, Exhibit 1050, Page 12
`
`

`

`3
`the'region of thebar code reader 2, serves as a handle 5
`and has a smaller diameter than the other part of easing
`1, for easy grasp by an operator.
`A pair of display mode changing switches 60 and 6b
`are provided on both sides of a distal end portion of the
`smaller-diameter handle 5. A lamp 7 disposed in the
`vicinity of bar code reader 2 indicates and con?rms that
`bar codes have been correctly read and that data has
`been transmitted to a data processing device.
`The keyboard 3 has various function keys such as
`numeral keys 8 for inputting numerical data, a shift key
`9, a scroll key 10 for shifting the position of data dis
`played on the display 4, a cancel key 11 for cancelling
`the data stored in the memory section, and a data trans
`mission key 12 for transmitting the data stored in the
`memory‘section to the data processing device.
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic struc
`ture of the portable data input apparatus according to
`the present invention. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 13
`denotes a CPU (central processing unit) for executing
`various arithmetic operations. The CPU 13 is connected
`through a bus line 14 to electronic structural elements,
`i.e., a ROM 15 for storing ?xed data such as control
`programs and character generators, a RAM 16 for stor
`ing variable data such as key-input data, a keyboard 3, a
`display 4, an input port 17 for receiving signals from the
`display mode changing switches 6a and 6b, a bar code
`reader 2, a lamp drive circuit 18 for driving the lamp 7,
`and a transmitter/ receiver 20 for wirelessly transmitting
`data to a transmitter/receiver built in the data process
`ing device 19 and receiving response signals from the
`data processing device 19.
`A DC drive voltage VD is supplied from a power
`supply circuit 21 to each electronic structural element.
`35
`The power supply circuit 21 is supplied with power
`from a battery 22.
`Image data of a bar code read by the photosensor 2a
`of pen-scanner type bar code reader 2 is normalized by
`a binary circuit 2b into a high (H) level signal or a low
`40
`(L); level signal, and then is converted by a code con-.
`verting circuit 20 to code data corresponding to a read
`bar code. When the read bar code is correctly con
`verted to code data, the lamp 7 is turned on only for a
`predetermined time period, e.g., one second.
`An antenna 200 of the transmitter/ receiver 20 is
`plated in an antenna storing groove 10 (FIG. 1A)
`formed in the side wall of the casing 1, such that the
`antenna 200 can be drawn out in the longitudinal direc
`tion of the casing 1. By virtue of this feature, the an
`tenna 200 does not hinder the data input operation.
`More speci?cally, as shown in FIG. 1C, the antenna 20a
`is formed of an elastic copper wire, and is formed in a
`shape corresponding to the shape of the groove 1a.
`When the antenna 20a is stored in the groove 10, the
`antenna 20a is, by its own elastic force, pressed on the
`wall of the groove 10. Thus, there is no concern that the
`antenna 200 projects from the groove 1a. Also, since the
`antenna storing groove 1a is provided with a curved
`portion 50 at the region of handle portion 5, the antenna
`200 is not projected from that side of casing 1, on which
`the keyboard 3 is arranged, unless an external force is
`applied.
`In order to prevent the antenna 20a from being fallen
`from the casing 1, one end of the antenna 20a is pro
`vided with a large-diameter portion 20b, and a stopper
`1c is ?xed in the groove 1a at the rear part (keyboard (3)
`side) of the casing 1.
`
`5,023,438
`4
`As shown in FIG. ID, at the time of data transmis
`sion/reception, the antenna 200 is drawn from the rear
`end of easing 1, on an as-needed basis. Since the large
`diameter portion 20b abuts on the stopper 1c, the an
`tenna 20a is prevented from being fallen from the rear
`end of easing 1.
`The RAM 16 has a data memory 16a as shown in
`FIG. 3A. The data memory 16a is able to store com
`modity codes (bar code data units) read by the bar code
`reader 2, and order data units representative of the
`amounts of commodities key-input by the keyboard 3.
`Further, the RAM 16 includes a code read buffer 16b
`(FIG. 3B) for temporarily storing bar code data units
`obtained by the bar code reader 2, a display buffer 16c
`(FIG. 3C) for storing the data to be displayed in the
`form of bit pattern data, a transmission buffer 16d (FIG.
`3D) for temporarily storing the data to be wirelessly
`transmitted to the data processing device 19, an amount
`data buffer 16e (FIG. SE) for temporarily storing the
`amount data key-input by the number keys, and a re
`ceiving buffer 16f (FIG. 3F) for temporarily storing the
`data (response signal) received from the data processing
`device 19.
`The display 4 is able to display both amount data
`(numerical data) and commodity data (bar code data)
`simultaneously. In lieu of the commodity data, corre
`sponding commodity names may be displayed.
`The operation of the portable data input apparatus
`having the above circuit structure will now be de
`scribed with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 5.
`When the switch 23 of power supply circuit 31 is
`turned on, the CPU 13 carries out a main routine illus
`trated in FIG. 5 is carried out in accordance with a
`control program stored in the ROM.
`When bar code data is input from the bar code reader
`2 (step S1), the code data is stored in the code read
`buffer 16b of RAM 16. Then, in step S2, the stored data
`is subjected to a display process illustrated in FIG. 6.
`In FIG. 6, when the display process is started, the
`data to be displayed, which has been stored in the code
`read buffer 16b or amount data buffer 16e, is converted
`to bit pattern data by using the aforementioned charac
`ter generator. Then, the converted data is stored in the
`display buffer 160“, as shown in FIG. 4A. In step S3, the
`display mode changing switches 60 and 6b are checked
`through the input port 17. If the switch 60 is turned on,
`the bit pattern data stored in display buffer 160 is di
`rectly supplied to and displayed by the display 4. Thus,
`as shown in FIG. 7A, the display 4 shows dot-pattern
`characters in their erected image, the ?rst character
`beginning from the side of the bar code reader 2.
`In step S4, when the display switch 6b is turned on,
`the order of the bit pattern data in each column stored
`in the display buffer 16c is inverted in the vertical direc
`tion, and the order of the bit pattern data in each row is
`inverted in the horizontal direction. Consequently, the
`bit pattern data stored in the display buffer 16c is in
`verted in the vertical and horizontal directions as shown
`in FIG. 4B, compared to the data shown in FIG. 4A.
`Thus, the data of inverted dot-pattern characters is
`supplied to and displayed by the display 4.
`After the display process (step S2) shown in FIG. 5 is
`completed, the routine returns to the start. Then, when
`numerical data is input by number keys 8 of the key
`board 3 (step S5), the numerical data is once stored in
`the amount data buffer 16e. Then, the display process
`for the numerical data is carried out (step S6). Thereaf
`_ter, the data stored in the code read buffer 16b and
`
`60
`
`65
`
`45
`
`55
`
`Apple, Exhibit 1050, Page 13
`
`

`

`10
`
`20
`
`25
`
`5,023,438
`6
`5
`amount data buffer 16e is combined as inventory order
`key 12. In the conventional art, each time a predeter
`data representative of a commodity code and the .
`mined amount of data units are stored in a memory
`amount of commodities to be ordered, and the com
`section of a data input apparatus, it is necessary to move
`bined data is stored in the data memory 160 of RAM 16.
`the data input apparatus to the place where a data pro
`After this, the routine returns to the start.
`cessing device is installed, and to transfer the data units
`When the data transmission key 12 of keyboard 3 is
`in the memory section to the data processing device.
`operated (step S7), all order data stored in data memory
`According to the present invention, this troublesome
`operation is dispensed with, and the working ef?ciency
`16a is wirelessly sent to the data processing device 19
`through the transmission buffer 16d and transmitter/
`of data input can be remarkably enhanced.
`receiver 20.
`The present invention is not limited to the above
`In step S8, when the transmitter/receiver 20 receives
`embodiment. The above embodiment is directed to the
`a response signal, which is indicative of the normal
`case where the present invention is applied to the order
`reception of wireless output, from the transmitter/
`ing work for commodities in shops. However, this in
`receiver built in the data processing device 19, the lamp
`vention is also applicable to inventory management.
`7 is turned on for a predetermined period by a lamp
`FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an outer ap
`drive signal supplied from the lamp drive circuit, and
`pearance of a modi?ed portable data input apparatus
`according to the present invention. The modi?ed data
`then the data memory 160 is cleared. Inthis manner, a
`input apparatus is used for an ordering operation for
`series of data input and data transmission processes are
`completed.
`ordering articles on a showcase in a shop to a wholesale
`How to operate the portable data input apparatus
`store.
`having the above structure will now be described with
`The same components as those shown in FIG. 1A are
`reference to FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B.
`designated at the same numerals. Referring to FIG. 8,
`When a right-handed person operates the portable
`reference numeral 30 denotes an elongated case made
`data input apparatus, he grasps the handle portion 5
`of, e. g., a plastic material. The case 30 is constituted by
`with the right hand, as shown in FIG. 7A, so that the
`a ?rst case 301 on which a bar code reader 2 and a
`keyboard 3 and display device 4 face himself. The dis
`display 4 are arranged, and a second case portion 302 on
`play mode changing switch 60 provided on the lower
`which a keyboard 3is arranged. These components are
`side of the casing 1 is operated by the thumb.
`arranged on one surface, e.g., an upper surface 300 of
`The photosensor 2a of bar code reader 2 is brought
`the case 30. A photosensor 2a, constituted by light-emit~
`ting and light-receiving elements, of the pen scanner
`into contact with a bar code 26 put on a label attached
`to a display rack. Then, the photosensor 2a is moved in
`type bar code reader 2 is attached to the distal end (left
`side in FIG. 8) of the ?rst case portion 301 along the
`a direction perpendicular to bars of the bar code 26.
`Thus, the bar code 26 is read, and the commodity code
`longitudinal direction. The display 4 arranged on the
`corresponding to the bar code 26 is displayed on the
`upper surface 30a is formed into a rectangular shape.
`display device 4 in the form of dot-pattern characters in
`The display 4 has a display surface constituted by a
`their erected image, the ?rst character being positioned
`liquid crystal and is designed to display input data as dot
`on the side of the bar code reader 2.
`pattern characters. In addition, a lamp 7 is mounted on
`When a left-handed person operates the portable data
`the case 30 at a position near the bar code reader 2 so as
`input apparatus, he grasps the handle portion 5 with the
`to inform that a bar code is properly read and data is
`left hand, as shown in FIG. 7B, so that the keyboard 3
`properly transmitted to a data processing apparatus.
`and display device 4 face himself. In this case, since the
`Further, the ?rst case portion 301 is formed to have a
`handle portion 5 is grasped with the left hand such that
`substantially rectangular section and to be narrow so as
`keyboard 3 and display device 4 face the operator, the
`to be in stable contact with a thumb and an index ?nger
`positions of the keyboard 3 and display mode changing
`of an operator, thereby allowing the operator to easily
`switches 6a and 6b are inevitably inverted, and the
`hold it. It is obvious that the ?rst case portion 301 may
`lower-side display mode changing switch 6b is turned
`have a circular or elliptic section. As described above,
`on by the thumb 25b.
`the keyboard 3 for key-inputting various data is formed
`The photosensor 2a of bar code reader 2 is brought
`on the upper surface 300 of the case 30 on the second
`into contact with the bar code 26 put on the label at
`case portion 30; side. In addition to a ten-key pad 8 for
`tached to the display rack, and the photosensor 2a is
`inputting numeral data, various function keys are ar
`moved in a direction perpendicular to the bars of the
`ranged on the keyboard 3: a shift key 9, a scroll key 10
`for moving the display position of data displayed on the
`bar code 26. Thus, the bar code 26 is read, and the
`commodity code corresponding to the bar code 26 is
`display 4, a cancel key 11 for canceling data temporarily
`displayed on the display device 4 in the form of dot-pat
`stored in a data memory of the storage section, and a
`tern characters in their erected image, the ?rst charac
`transmission key 12 for transmitting data stored in the
`ter being positioned on the side of the keyboard 3.
`storage section to an external data processing apparatus.
`As has been described above, the bar code reader is
`As shown in FIG. 9, the case 30 having the above
`integrated with the data input apparatus and by operat
`described arrangement is designed such that the ?rst
`ing the display mode changing switches 60 and 6b, the
`case portion 301 is detachably mounted on the second
`dot-pattern characters displayed on the display device 4
`case portion 302.
`_
`can be inverted in the vertical and horizontal directions.
`More speci?cally, a projection 31 is formed on a
`surface of the ?rst case portion 301 which opposes the
`Thus, either a right-handed person or a left-handed
`person can always see the read data and key-input in the
`second case portion 302. A recess 32 is formed in a
`erected image. Accordingly, the reading of data is easy,
`surface of the second case portion 302 which opposes
`and working ef?ciency is enhanced.
`the ?rst case portion 301 so as to be engaged with the
`The order data stored in the data memory 160 is
`projection 31. For example, ?ve plugs 331 to 335 are
`instantaneously sent to the data processing device 19 in
`formed on the projection 31 of the ?rst ease portion 301.
`a wireless manner, by operating the data transmission
`Of these plugs, the plugs 33i to 334 serve to perform
`
`45
`
`35
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Apple, Exhibit 1050, Page 14
`
`

`

`5,023,438
`8
`7
`When the processing is started in accordance with
`signal communication between a group constituted by
`the flow chart, the code data to be displayed which is
`the display 4', thebar code reader 2, and the lamp 7 and 1
`a microcomputer housed in the second case portion 302.
`read by the bar code reader 2 and stored in the code
`The plug 335 is an attachment state detecting plug for
`read buffer 16b is developed into bit pattern data by
`detecting whether the ?rst case portion 301 is attached
`using the character generator, and is stored in the dis
`play buffer 16c in step 8T1, as shown in FIG. 4A. In
`to the second case portion 302 in a normal state or a
`reverse state. Note that the attachment state detecting
`step ST2, a state of the socket 355 in the recess 32 of the
`plug 335 is grounded in the ?rst case portion 301. Sock
`second case portion 302 is checked through the input
`ets 341 to 345;in which the plugs 331 to 335 are respec
`port 17. In this case, if the socket 355 is not grounded, it
`tively inserted are attached to the second case portion
`indicates that the plug 335 is not inserted in the socket
`302.
`355. Therefore, it is determined that the ?rst case por
`In addition, sockets 351 to 355 (to be described below) i
`tion 301 is attached to the second case portion 302 in the
`are formed in the recess 32 of the second case portion
`basic mode without being reversed, as shown in FIG.
`302 at diagonal positions with respect to the sockets 341
`12A.
`or 345 with the center of the recess 32 being regarded as
`In step STS (to be described later), the bit pattern
`an axis. The sockets 351352, 353, 354, and 355 are formed
`data stored in the display buffer 16c is directly supplied
`in the recess 32 in such a manner that when the ?rst case
`to the display 4 and is displayed thereon. As a result, the
`portion 301 is rotated in a direction indicated by an
`code data which is converted into dot pattern charac
`arrow A in FIG. 9, signals from the plugs 331 to 335 are
`ters is displayed as an erect image with the start charac
`20
`respectively transferred to the sockets 351 to 355. The
`ter being located on the bar code reader 2 side, as shown
`respective combination of sockets, i.e., the sockets 341
`in FIG. 12A.
`and 351, the sockets 342 and 352, ..., for signal reception
`If it is determined in step ST2 that the socket 355 is
`on the second case portion 30; side are connected to
`grounded, it indicates that the plug 33 5 is inserted in the
`each other. With this arrangement, either in a basic
`socket 355. Therefore, it is determined that the first case
`mode in which the ?rst case portion 301 is attached for
`portion 301 is reversed through 180° and attached to the
`a right-handed operator or inzazreverse mode in which
`second case portion 302, as shown in FIG. 123. That is,
`it is reversed through 180’ and attached for a left
`the display 4 is located on the rear surface 3% side of
`handed operator, each signal can be properly received.
`the case 30.
`The microcomputer can detect an attachment state of 30
`It is obvious that display units identical to the display
`the first case portion 30; with respect to the second case
`4 may be arranged on the front and rear surfaces of the
`portion 302 on the basis of an insertion state of the plug
`second case portion 302.
`_
`335 with respect to the socket 355.
`In step 5T3, the bit data of each column of the bit
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic ar
`pattern data currently stored in the display buffer 160 is
`rangement of the portable data input apparatus. Refer
`reversed in the vertical direction. In step ST4, the bit
`ring to FIG. 2, reference numeral 13 denotes a CPU for
`data of each row is reversed in the horizontal direction.
`executing various operations. The input port 17 receives
`As a result, as shown in FIG. 12B, the bit pattern data
`an attachment state signal from the socket 335, which
`in the display buffer 160 is reversed in the vertical and
`represents an attachment state of the first case portion
`horizontal directions with respect to the data shown in
`301.
`FIG. 12A. In step 8T5, the bit pattern data stored in the
`As shown in FIG. 10, the RAM incorporates the data
`display buffer 160 is supplied to the display 4 and is
`memory 160 capable of storing a plurality of ordering
`displayed thereon. With this operation, as shown in
`data comprising article codes (code data), which are
`FIG. 12B, the code data which is converted into dot
`read by the bar code reader 2 and are converted into bar
`pattern characters is displayed as an erect image with
`codes, and quantities (numeral data) which are key
`the start character being located on the second case
`input through the keyboard 3. In addition, the RAM 16
`portion 30; side.
`incorporates the code read buffer 16b for temporarily
`If identical display 4 are respectively arranged on the
`storing the code data (article code) of a bar code read
`front and rear surfaces of the second case portion 302,
`by the bar code reader 2, the display buffer 160 for
`the display 4 are designed such that a dot pattern dis
`storing data to be displayed on the display 4 in a state
`played on one display unit is reversed with respect to
`developed into bit pattern data, the transmission buffer
`that displayed on the other display. In this case, the two
`16:1 for radio-temporarily storing transmission data to
`display may simultaneously display the same data.
`be transmitted to the data processing apparatus 19, and
`When quantity data is input through the ten-key pad
`the like, the amount data buffer 162 for temporarily
`8 of the keyboard 3 after the bar code representing the
`storing numeral data (quantity) which is key-input
`article code is read in this manner, ordering data con
`through the ten-key pad 8.
`sisting of article codes and quantities are sequentially
`An operation of the portable data input apparatus
`stored in the data memory 160. When the data transmis
`having the above-described arrangement'will be de
`sion key 12 is depressed in a state wherein a predeter
`scribed below.
`mined amount of ordering data is stored in the data
`Assume that code data is input from the bar code
`memory 16, all the order data stored in the data memory
`reader 2 in a state wherein the ?rst case portion 301 is
`16 is radio-transmitted to the data processing apparatus
`attached to the second case portion 30; either in the
`19 through the transceiver 20. Upon reception of the
`basic mode in which the case 30 is held with the right
`data, a normal response signal is transmitte