llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllIllllllll
`USOOSZ83862A
`5,283,862
`[11] Patent Number:
`[19]
`United States Patent
`
`Lund
`{45] Date of Patent:
`Feb. 1, 1994
`
`[54] NOTEBOOK COMPUTER WITH
`REVERSIBLE COVER FOR EXTERNAL USE
`0F MEMBRANE swrrm SCREEN
`
`4,730,364 3/ 1988 Tatl-Kee ................................ 16/337
`
`4,928,094
`5/1920 Srnxth ..........
`340/712
`2/1991 Belswenger ......................... 340/712
`4,990,901
`
`[76]
`
`Inventor: Alan K. Lund, 4165 Lafayette PL,
`Lee’s Summit, Mo. 64063
`.
`
`Primary Examiner—Robert B. Harrell
`Attorney, Agent. or Firm—Litman, McMahon & Brown
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 48,900
`
`[22] Filed:
`.
`
`Apr. 16, 1993
`
`[63]
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`Continuation of Ser. No. 612,956, Nov. 12, 1990, aban-
`doncd, which is a continuation,in.pan of Ser. No.
`420,047, Oct. 11, 1989, abandoned.
`
`Bg ants, Cc]; """""""""""""""""3'3'5/1'5'5' 3635;11:3/0;
`
`364/234 364/231,! 364/231 364/2312
`364/237_2. ’364/927- 364/9272. ’364/92764;
`’
`’
`’
`364/928
`[58] Field of Search .................. 364/DIG. 1 MS File,
`364/DIG. 2 MS File, ; 395/100, 115, 113, 144,
`145, 156, 155, 325, 500, 800; 340/710, 711, 712,
`713, 714, 715
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACI
`
`A notebook computer unit formed by a base housing
`and a hinged cover panel has a conventional keyboard
`mounted on the base housing, a flat panel display device
`mounted .0“ the cover panel, and a transparent mentv
`brane sthch array overlayed on the display. The unit
`includes a separable and reversible hinge mechanism
`and a separable and reversible electrical connector as-
`sembly which allow the cover panel to be detached,
`reversed, and re-attached to place the unit in one OftWO
`configurations. In one configuration, the display and
`tactile membrane switch array face outwardly with the
`cover panel overlying the base for operation of the unit
`by viewing the display and touching the membrane
`switch array to enter data and select options displayed.
`Alternatively, the cover panel may be oriented with the
`display generally facing the standard keyboard for use
`of the unit as a conventional notebook type computer.
`
`4,571,456 2/1986 Paulsen et a1. ...................... 179/2 C
`
`20 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
`
`PX 1013
`
`EXHIBIT
`Petitioner - Kyocera
`
`Kyocera PX 1013_1
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Feb. 1, 1994
`
`Sheet 1 01 7
`
`5,283,862
`
`
`
`Kyocera PX 1013_2
`
`Kyocera PX 1013_2
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Feb. 1, 1994
`
`Sheet 2 of 7
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`5,283,862
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`US. Patent
`
`Feb. 1, 1994
`
`Sheet 3 of 7
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`5,283,862
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`US. Patent
`
`Feb. 1, 1994
`
`Sheet 5 of 7
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`5,283,862
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`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Feb. 1, 1994
`
`Sheet 6 of 7
`
`5,283,862
`
`
`
`Kyocera PX 1013_7
`
`Kyocera PX 1013_7
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Feb. 1, 1994
`
`Sheet 7 o‘f 7
`
`5,283,862
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`Kyocera PX 1013_8
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`

`

`1
`
`5,283,862
`
`NOTEBOOK COMPUTER WITH REVERSIBLE
`COVER FOR EXTERNAL USE OF MEMBRANE
`SWITCH SCREEN
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`This application is a continuation ofapplication, Ser.
`No. 07/612,956, flIed Nov. 12, 1990, now abandoned,
`which was a continuation-in-part of application, Ser.
`No. 07/420,047, filed Oct. 11, 1989 for PORTABLE
`ELECTRONIC SUBJECT ORGANIZING SYS(cid:173)
`TEM which is now abandoned.
`
`2
`while convenient in size, are usually limited in capabili(cid:173)
`ties and are probably best suited to specific applications
`such as telephone directories.
`The laptop type computers are miniaturized general
`5 purpose personal computers. They usually have most of
`the capabilities of conventional desktop personal com(cid:173)
`puters, including relatively large memory capacities,
`mass storage devices including small floppy disk drives
`and often hard disk drives, full capability display
`10 screens which are usually liquid crystal displays
`(LCD's), full capability keyboards, and input/output
`ports for connection to printers, modems and the like.
`Some include video ports for connection to cathode ray
`tube (CRT) monitors. One problem with laptops is size
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`15 and weight, as a result of their complement of capabili-
`ties. This makes them cumbersome to carry in the field
`1. Field of the Invention
`to occasionally recall a phone number, address, or note.
`The present invention relates to a notebook or laptop
`Another problem is complexity of use. While so-called
`type computers and, more particularly, to such a com-
`computer literacy is increasing rapidly, there are still
`puter having a membrane switch array overlayed on a
`flat panel display which may be positioned on an exter- 20 considerable numbers of workers who are not accli-
`mated to using computers and are reluctant to attempt
`nal surface of the computer for convenient access of the
`membrane switch array to operate the computer.
`to learn to use computers and software therefor.
`2. Description of the Related Art
`There are midsized electronic card flIe devices which
`Record keeping is essential to the operation of any
`are larger than the pocket calculator type, but smaller
`business, and a significant percentage of a business's 25 than laptop computers. In general, the midsized devices
`time and space overhead must usually be dedicated to
`have larger screens, usually LCD's, and full "qwerty"
`the recording and continual updating of information
`(typewriter type) keyboards. Generally, they do not
`related to the various aspects of the operation. Such
`have removable mass storage devices, such as floppy
`record keeping is necessary not only for the business
`entity as a whole, but also for individual components of 30 disk drives, or I/O ports, and memory capacities are
`the company, such as divisions and departments, and
`much less than that of laptops. Many such midsized
`also for some individual workers. Where a worker must
`devices have proprietary operating systems and use
`deal directly with a large number of clients, customers,
`proprietary software, rather than the generic equiva-
`suppliers, or the like, it is often desirable to maintain a
`lents usable on laptops.
`file of the names of contacts, addresses, phone numbers, 35
`Personal information management (PIM) software
`appointment schedules, records of contacts, expense
`has been developed to increase work productivity by
`account details, personal interests and idiosyncrasies of
`allowing information regarding clients, customers, and
`the contacts, and the like.
`the like to be entered and quickly recalled. Most such
`The business supplies industries have provided a
`PIM software has general application and allows the
`number of products for facilitating such client record 40 user to defme the types of information to be entered,
`such as by the user defIDing data fields to be entered for
`keeping activities. Such records documentation prod-
`ucts include index card files, appointment books, ad-
`each record. Some PIM software provides formats with
`dress books, special calendars, and the like. Some such
`preset data fields. One problem with existing PIM pro-
`. products also include combinations of the functions of
`grams is that their flexibility and power increases their
`these products. One particularly useful product is the 45 complexity and the time and effort required to learn to
`Rolodex flIe (Rolodex Corporation) in which cards
`set them up and use them. Many such programs do not
`containing names, addresses, telephone numbers, and
`provide for manipulation of data in a manner which
`miscellaneous notes are connected to a rotary spindle,
`comes naturally, particularly to a nonexperienced com-
`usually in alphabetical order according to a company's
`puter user. Finally, most conventional PIM software is
`or individual's name. While such a device is very conve- 50 adapted for use on desktop, portable, and laptop per-
`nient for quickly fmding information such as names,
`sonal computers and is, thus, not highly portable in the
`addresses, and telephone numbers, it is not well suited
`field.
`for scheduling appointments, tracking contacts, and
`The size and weight of laptop type computers have
`been decreasing as further developments have occurred
`other time and date functions without time consuming
`manipulation of the individual file cards. Additionally, 5S in circuit integration and in increased density and re-
`such a rotary file is not well suited for portability
`duced sized mass storage devices. However, the princi-
`whereby a salesman in the field, for example, could
`pal data entry and manipulation interface between the
`quickly consult his appointment schedule or set up ap-
`user and such computers is a conventional keyboard.
`Those who cannot type proficiently often fmd difficulty
`pointments on-the-spot.
`There have been some efforts to improve upon these 60 in deriving meaningful benefits of the capabilities of
`such computers. Even if the manipulation of data on
`conventional paper based card file type tools by the use
`of computer technology. Such products are embodied
`such a computer is facilitated by software and a trans-
`parent membrane switch array overlayed on an LCD
`as handheld calculator like devices, laptop type com-
`puters, and devices occupying a middle ground therebe-
`screen, such as is disclosed in the aforementioned appli-
`tween. The calculator type devices generally include 65 cation, Ser. No. 07/420,047, conventional notebook
`very limited display capabilities, ranging between a few
`computers are not structured and balanced for conve-
`tens of characters to a few hundred characters, and very
`nient use of such improvements. Specifically, conven-
`tional "clamshell" type notebook computers, wherein
`limited memory capacities. The calculator type devices,
`
`Kyocera PX 1013_9
`
`

`

`5,283,862
`
`3
`4
`the LCD screen is positioned on the inside surface of a
`cover panel to be layed nat over the base housing for
`cover panel of the unit, are not well suited to using a
`operation entirely by use of the display/membrane
`membrane switch array over the LCD screen because
`array or, alternatively, for the cover panel to be posi(cid:173)
`of the need to hold the cover member with one hand to
`tioned to allow operation of the unit using the conven-
`s tional keyboard while viewing the display on the cover
`avoid pivoting the display backward or tipping the unit
`panel.
`as a whole backward when making tactile selections on
`the screen.
`In a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
`separable hinges connect the cover panel to the base
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`housing, and a separable electrical connector assembly
`The present invention provides a portable client 10 provides signal communication between the display and
`membrane array and the main circuit board within the
`tracking system which is particularly well adapted for
`use by persons who are not experienced computer users
`base housing. The binges and electrical connector coop-
`for creation of flies to track activities with clients, cus-
`erate to allow the cover panel to be separated from the
`tomen, suppliers, and the like. An apparatus for the
`base housing, reversed, and re-attached to allow the
`system includes a small, highly portable case housing a 15 cover panel to be closed over the base unit with the
`substantially complete personal computer with adapta-
`display and membrane array facing upward, away from
`tions for optimum use in the present invention. The
`the base housing. The binges include spring detent
`invention includes a client tracking program which is
`members which are aligned along the binge axis be-
`similar in some respects to conventional personal infor-
`tween the base housing and the cover panel. The elec-
`mation management type programs and provides fea- 20 trieal connector assembly includes a card edge socket
`tures particularly adapted for conveniently managing a
`pivotally mounted on the binge axis and connected to
`database of customers, clients or the like and for use
`the main circuit board by a multiconductor ribbon cable
`with the computer unit of the present invention.
`and a matching card edge panel connector extending
`The client tracking program is a menu driven nat file
`from the cover panel and received in the socket. The
`type of data base with preset fields for information 25 socket has a plurality of pairs of contacts on opposite
`sides thereof with the sequence of contacts on one side
`relating to the identity of personal contacts. In addition,
`a note field or window allows the entry of any of a
`being reversed on the opposite side. Similarly, the panel
`plurality of standard notes or free form notes. The note
`connector has opposite, reversed pairs of conductive
`window also includes an indication of the existence and
`traces which cooperate with the socket contacts to
`number of voice notes relating to a particular data re- 30 allow the connector to be reversibly received in the
`socket with full functionality of the unit.
`cord. Client records can be searched using entries in
`data fields, standard notes, or dates as search criteria.
`In a modified embodiment of the present invention,
`Searching can also be done on the basis of multiple
`the cover panel is hingedly connected to the base hous-
`criteria related by Boolean logic operators such as
`ing by a pair of compound binges, each having two
`AND, AND/OR, and the like. Client records can also 35 pivots, which allows the cover panel and base housing
`be searched on the basis of a range of dates occurring in
`to be mutually pivoted to overlay the cover panel over
`date related entries in the records.
`a lower side of the base housing with the display and
`The client tracking program is provided with multi-
`membrane array facing outward from the base housing
`pIe levels of nested menus for data record activities,
`or, alternatively, for the cover panel to be pivoted into
`such as the creation of data records, the editing of re- 40 a position in which the display generally faces the key-
`board for use of the unit in the manner of a conventional
`cords, update of records, and the like. The program
`cooperates with the LCD display/membrane switch
`notebook type computer.
`array on the computer unit in such a manner as to
`The computer unit according to the present invention
`greatly facilitate the use of the system by users with
`retains the standard features of a conventional laptop
`little computer background. Data records are created 45 type computer while providing additional capabilities
`for a temporary dedicated use of the unit.
`by entering answers to prompts to thereby flIl in the
`preset data fields. Once the data records have been
`The principal objects of the present invention are: to
`provide an improved method and apparatus for tracking
`created, a desired record can be easily recalled or other-
`wise manipulated by merely touching one of a plurality
`client related information; to provide such a method
`of displayed menu selections. If desired, and a printer is SO comprising maintaining a database of client data records
`connected to the computer unit, a record may be
`including preset data fields, standard notes, freeform
`printed out in a concise manner for quick reference.
`notes, time and date related notes and voice notes; to
`The computer unit includes a base housing having
`provide such a method which provides the capability of
`therein a central processing unit and support circuitry,
`recalling records by specifying the name or company of
`as well as a mass storage device such as a small form 55 a client, a standard note in the record, or a date related
`factor bard disk drive and a conventional keyswitch
`item in a record, either by single search criteria or by
`type keyboard. A cover panel is hingedly connected to
`combinations of criteria; to provide such a method in-
`the base housing and has an LCD screen with a trans-
`cluding the capability of printing out a concise copy of
`parent membrane switch array overlayed on the screen.
`a record; to provide such a method in which the manip-
`The computer and the client tracking program, or other 60 ulation of records is accomplished principally by the
`software, can be utilized by using either the standard
`selection of menu items from a system of nested menus;
`keyboard or by touching regions of the membrane array
`to provide such a method wherein the menu selection
`through which indicia indicating possible selections are
`items are displayed as menu selection boxes which can
`displayed. A "soft" keyboard, which may be a replica of
`be selected by touching the desired selection box; to
`the conventional keyboard on the unit, may also be 65 provide such a method which is simple to learn and
`intuitive in operation for use by persons with minimal
`displayed on the screen.
`previous computer experience; to provide an apparatus
`In particular, the present invention provides hinge
`members and electrical connectors which enable the
`for practicing such a method including a portable com-
`
`Kyocera PX 1013_10
`
`

`

`5,283,862
`
`6
`membrane switch array broken away to illustrate an
`LCD screen thereunder.
`FIG. 2 is a somewhat enlarged, rear e1evational view
`of the one-piece client tracking computer unit and illus(cid:173)
`trates peripheral connectors of the unit.
`FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the principal compo(cid:173)
`nents of the client tracking computer unit.
`FIG. 4 is a menu flow diagram of a client tracking
`program forming a client tracking method of the pres(cid:173)
`ent invention.
`FIG. 5 is a fragmentary menu flow diagram illustrat(cid:173)
`ing several layers of nested menus forming one means of
`recalling client records.
`FIG. 6 is a fragmentary menu flow diagram illustrat(cid:173)
`ing a submenu for updating information in a client re(cid:173)
`cord.
`FIG. 7 is an exemplary client record created by the
`client tracking program and illustrates data entries in
`preset data fields and standard notes and a free form
`note in a note window.
`FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a notebook computer
`unit with an external membrane switch/screen which
`embodies the present invention and which is illustrated
`with the membrane switch array and screen positioned
`externally of the unit, a portion of the array being bro(cid:173)
`ken away to illustrate the flat panel display therebelow.
`FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational
`view of the computer unit with portions broken away to
`illustrate details of a hinged edge card connector ar(cid:173)
`rangement and a flexible ribbon cable connected
`thereto.
`FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the computer unit at
`a reduced scale and illustrates an open position the
`cover panel having the membrane switch array and flat
`panel display on an outside surface therof, an alternative
`second flat panel display on an inside surface of the
`cover panel being shown in phantom lines.
`FIG. 11 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 8 with
`the cover panel opened for access to a conventional
`keyboard and reversed so that the membrane switch
`array and display face a user of the keyboard.
`FIG. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view
`of the computer unit and illustrates details of a separable
`hinge arrangement and a separable electrical connector
`assembly of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
`FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view
`taken on line 13-13 of FIG. 8 and illustrates details of
`spring detent hinge components of the computer unit.
`FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational
`view of the computer unit with the cover panel in an
`open position and illustrates details of the relationship
`between the ribbon cable and the computer unit base.
`FIG. 15 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view
`of an alternative embodiment of the computer unit em(cid:173)
`ploying a compound hinge mechanism with a cover
`member thereof shown separated from a computer base
`of the unit and a ribbon cable connecting between com(cid:173)
`ponents within the computer base and the cover.
`
`55
`
`5
`puter unit which is operated by a widely used operating
`system and which is hardware compatible with widely
`used types of peripherals for economical manufacturing
`and convenient implementation; to provide such an
`apparatus including a flat panel display device, such as 5
`a liquid crystal display, having a transparent membrane
`switch array overlayed thereon; to provide such an
`apparatus which may include a "soft" keyboard which
`is displayed on the screen and which is actuated by
`touching displayed keys to thereby input alphanumeric 10
`data; to provide such an apparatus including a mass
`storage device, such as a small form factor hard disk
`drive; to provide such an apparatus including a voice
`digitizer and playback subsystem for the storage and
`playback of voice notes related to client records; to 15
`provide such an. apparatus including peripheral ports
`for the connection of devices such as a printer, a mouse,
`a conventional keyboard, and the like; to provide such
`an apparatus which is highly portable and which in(cid:173)
`cludes flexible types of portable power supplies includ- 20
`ing a rechargeable battery pack, an AC power supply,
`or an adapter for powering the apparatus from an auto(cid:173)
`motive battery system; to provide such an apparatus in
`the form of a modified notebook type computer; to
`provide such a computer including a base housing hav- 2S
`ing a main computer board, a conventional keyswitch
`keyboard, and a hard disk drive mounted therein and a
`cover panel having a flat panel display with a transpar(cid:173)
`ent membrane switch array overlayed thereon; to pro(cid:173)
`vide such a computer in which the cover panel is 30
`hingedly connected to the base housing and the dis(cid:173)
`play/membrane array is connected to the computer
`main board in such a manner that the cover panel may
`be folded into covering relation to the base housing
`with the display/membrane array facing outward or, 35
`alternatively, the cover panel may be positioned rela(cid:173)
`tive to the base housing whereby the computer may be
`used in the manner of a conventional notebook com(cid:173)
`puter; to provide a preferred embodiment of such a
`computer wherein aligned spring detent members form 40
`a separable binge and a separable electrical connector
`allow the cover panel to be separated from the base
`housing, reversed, and re-attached to position the cover
`panel in covering relation to the base housing with the
`display/membrane array facing outward; to provide an 45
`alternative embodiment of such a computer wherein the
`cover panel is connected to the base housing by com(cid:173)
`pound hinges which allow the cover panel to be pivoted
`from a closed position of a conventional notebook com(cid:173)
`puter to a position in which the cover panel overlies a 50
`lower surface of the base housing with the display/(cid:173)
`membrane array facing outward; and to provide such an
`apparatus which is economical to manufacture, conve(cid:173)
`nient and reliable to use, and which is particularly well
`adapted for its intended purpose.
`Other objects and advantages of this invention will
`become apparent from the following description taken
`in conjunction with
`the accompanying drawings
`wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and exam-
`ple, certain embodiments of this invention.
`The drawings constitute a part of this specification
`and include exemplary embodiments of the present
`invention and illustrate various objects and features
`thereof.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a one-piece client
`tracking computer unit with a portion of a transparent
`
`60
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`As required, detailed embodiments of the present
`invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be un(cid:173)
`derstood that the disclosed embodiments are merely
`65 exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in
`various forms. Therefore, specific structural and func(cid:173)
`tional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted
`as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a
`
`Kyocera PX 1013_11
`
`

`

`5,283,862
`
`7
`8
`compatible computer which uses a version of MS·DOS
`representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
`(Microsoft Disk Operating System, Microsoft Corpora·
`variously employ the present invention in virtually any
`tion) as an operating system. A motherboard which is
`appropriately detailed structure.
`particularly well suited for the unit 1 is the Little
`Referring to the drawings in more detail:
`The reference numberal 1 generally designates a clio S Board/PC, Model 4B, manufactured by Ampro Com·
`ent tracking computer unit. The computer unit 1 gener·
`puters, Inc. The Model 4B uses an NEC V40 micro-
`ally includes a portable computer case 2 housing a cen·
`processor (NEC Corporation) operating at 7.16 mega·
`tral processing unit or CPU 3 (FIG. 3), a disk drive 4, a
`hertz and which is compatible with the Intel 8088
`high resolution liquid crystal display (LCD) device 5,
`procesor (Intel Corporation). The Model 4B board has
`and a transparent membrane switch array or transparent 10 nominal dimensions of 8 inches by 3.73 inches by 1 inch
`and, thus, fits well within the case 2. The CPU 3 is
`membrane switch array or membrane array 6 overlayed
`on the LCD 5. The CPU 3 executes a client tracking
`provided with 312 kilobytes of RAM. Alternatively,
`program 7 stored by the disk drive 4 to create and main·
`other commercially available motherboards, preferably
`tain a database of client data records 8. Data for the
`employing 8088 compatible microprocessors, may be
`records 8 is entered by touching the membrane array 6 IS employed for the CPU 3. Also, the circuitry comprising
`the CPU 3 and other circuitry, as will be detailed below,
`in the area ofkeys 9 of a keyboard 10 displayed by the
`LCD 5. Client record activities related to manipulation
`may be provided on a single computer board with the
`of the client records 8 are effected by touching the
`CPU 3.
`membrane array 6 in the area of menu selections 11
`The unit 1 is provided with a battery backed time-of·
`displayed on the LCD 5. The computer unit 1 is pro- 20 day clock/calendar 38 which maintains the time of day
`and the date for use by the CPU 3 and the IOftware
`vided with a voice digitizer 12 and a speaker 13 to en·
`able voice notes to be stored by the disk drive 4 and
`executed thereby. The floppy disk drive 4 is interfaced
`subsequently played back through the speaker 13. Each
`to the CPU 3 and controlled by a floppy disk controller
`voice note is linked or associated by the program 7 with
`39. The unit 1 may be provided with a hard disk drive
`2S 40 in addition to the floppy drive 4. If so, the controller
`a particular client record 8.
`Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, the illustrated case 2 is
`39 is a combination floppy disk and hard disk controller.
`substantially wedge shaped and is about the size and
`The floppy drive 4 is preferably a 3.3 inch, 1.44 mega·
`shape of a thick loose leaf notebook binder. The LCD 5
`byte capacity drive which uses standard double sided,
`and membrane array 6 are positioned on a top surface of
`high density 3.3 inch floppy disks (not shown sepa·
`the case 2. The upper surface of the case 2 is provided 30 rately). This capacity disk provides ample storage ca·
`with convective cooling slots 16 which cooperate with
`pacity for the operating system, the client tracking pro-
`gram 7, and a moderately sized database of client record
`similar openings (not shown) on a lower surface of the
`case 2 to allow air to flow through the unit 1 to cool the
`8. Operating speed of the unti 1 is enhanced, as is stor·
`components therein. The case 2 is provided with feet 17
`age capacity, by the provision of a hard disk 40. The
`to raise the unti 1 above a surface on which it is placed 35 hard disk 40 may be any of a number of available 3.3
`to facilitate airflow under the unit 1. Microphone open·
`inch hard drives or, preferably, a smaller form factor
`ings 18 are provided bove a microphone 19 which is
`drive, such as a Prairie Technology Model 2lO 2.3 inch,
`connected to the voice digitizer circuitry 12 to admit
`20 megabyte hard disk drive. A storage capacity of 20
`sound to the microphone 19. The illustrated case 2 has
`megabytes should be adequate for the unit 1.
`speaker openings 20 on the upper surface above the 40
`The LCD display 5 is preferably a high resolution
`speaker 13 to channel sound therefrom. Alternatively,
`display, and the illustrated display 5 is a Hitachi model
`the speaker 13 may be mounted on a lower wall of the
`LMG6010XUFR reflective display having a 640 by 480
`case 2.
`pixel resolution. Alternatively, the screen 5 may be
`The case 2 includes a back panel 23 on which are
`backlit, as by incorporating an electro-luminescent
`mounted connectors for the connection of external pe. 45 panel therebehind. The display 5 is interfaced to the
`CPU 3 by a controller or driver 42, such as a Yamaha
`ripheraI devices to the computer unit 1. The illustrated
`unit 1 includes a keyboard connector 24 for the connec·
`Display Master model YDM-6420. The membrane
`tion of an external keyboard 25; a power connector 26
`switch array 6 is interfaced to the CPU 3 by a memo
`for the connection of an AC power supply 27; are·
`brane switch array controller 43. Although a liquid
`chargeable battery pack 28, or a twelve volt DC SO crystal display is preferred because of its lower power
`consumption, other types of flat panel technologies may
`adapter 19 for powering the unit 1 by an automotive; an
`RS-232 serial port connector 30 for the connection of
`be employed, such as gas plasma displays and the like.
`serial interface devices such as a serial mouse 31, a
`Additionally, the unit 1 may be provided with a graph.
`modem (not shown), or a serial printer (not shown); and
`ics controller and connector (not shown) for connecting
`a Centronics type parallel printer connector 32 for the 55 a CRT video monitor (not shown) to the unit 1.
`connection of a parallel printer 33. The back panel 23 is
`The membrane array 6 and controller 43 may be any
`provided with a contrast control 34 for Idjusting the
`suitable combination which is compatible in size and
`shape to the particular LCD 5 and which is compatible
`contrast of the LCD 5. Additionally, a connector for an
`with the CPU 3. A suitable combination is an Elograph.
`external microphone (not shown) and DIN type con·
`nector 36 for connection of a bus type mouse 37 to the 60 ics Duratouch model membrane array with an Elo-
`unit 1 are provided on the back panel 23.
`graphics model El71-14O membrane switch array con.
`troller. The membrane array 6 is essentially a high reso-
`Referring particularly to FIG. 3, the CPU 3 includes
`a microprocessor and support circuitry including
`lution two dimensional array of touch switches and is
`RAM, ROM, timing circuitry, bus circuitry, and the
`also sold under the trldemark Touchscreen (Dorman·
`like which are typically required to implement a com· 65 Bogdonoff Corp.). The controller 43 cooperates with
`the membrane array 6 to locate the coordinates of an
`puter and which are conventially included on a com·
`puter motherboard. The illustrated CPU 3 is an IBM·
`area tactilely engaged or touched, the coordinates being