WO2002021707A2

WO2002021707A2 - Device and system for compact-flash enabled wireless data transmission

Info

Publication number: WO2002021707A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/041983
Authority: WO
Inventors: Matthew Glover Glover; Philip Bernard Raymond; Michael Edgar Kimbler
Original assignee: Enfora
Priority date: 2000-09-05
Filing date: 2001-08-30
Publication date: 2002-03-14
Also published as: AU2002218660A1; WO2002021707A3

Abstract

The invention is a Compact-Flash enabled wireless data transmission system and device. The invention generally comprises a processing subsystem, a transceiving subsystem, a display subsystem, and a Compact-Flash interface subsystem. The Compact-Flash enabled wireless data transmission device generally comprises a transceiver, a display, a processor, and a Compact-Flash interface. Accordingly, the present invention provides a user with the ability to access a wireless telecommunications systems with a Compact-Flash enabled device such as a PDA.

Description

DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR COMPACT-FLASH ENABLED WIRELESS

DATA TRANSMISSION

RELATED APPLICATION

The present invention relates to and claims priority from patent application number 09/552321, by Matthew Glover, filed on April 19, 2000, entitled Cellular

Digital Packet Data (CDPD) Push Technology Module, that is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Generally, the invention relates to the wireless transmission and reception of digital data, and, more specifically, the invention relates to devices, systems, and methods that enable the wireless transmission, reception, entry, and display of digital data.

STATEMENT OF A PROBLEM ADDRESSED BY THE INVENTION

The market for handheld computing devices (also called Personal Digital Assistants, or PDAs) has evolved from the ill-fated Newton MessagePad ™ to other very successful handheld device platforms. For example, Palm Computing™ designed and developed devices that have proven popular enough to entice five million users to purchase units as of January one to the year 2000, with almost two million being delivered in the year 1999. In addition, the Windows CE™ platform, is fast becoming a formidable competitor of Palm Computing™ as evidenced by a six percent market gain by the CE™ platform against Palm Computing™ during the 1999 holiday season. Further evidence of continued success is seen in that independent market research firms expect the sales of handheld devices to continue to double each year between the years 1999 and 2003.

Wireless data availability has grown in concert with the handheld device market. Current trends in wireless data availability include the integration of voice and data capabilities into a single handheld device platform. Though versatile, a voice and data handheld device often provides more functionality than is needed by a user, and is thus bulkier and more expensive than a data only device.

Compact-Flash memory modules employ non-volatile RAM, or Random Access Memory. The Compact-Flash™ standard was created in 1994 as an alternative to the PC Card™ format for flash media storage. The Compact- Flash™ standard utilizes a fifty pin format and a passive sleeve connection to provide an ability to connect devices and memory through a relatively small connection. Furthermore, the Compact-Flash standard also supports its predecessor, the PC card format. The success of the Compact-Flash standard is evidenced by the fact that there are over one hundred digital cameras, sixty handheld PC's, as well as over forty other electronic platforms that utilize

Compact-Flash enabled ports (memory storage devices, modems, Ethernet cards, integrate with the Compact-Flash standard). Furthermore, with the growth of the handheld device market, there will continue to be an increasing demand for the size and power afforded by the Compact-Flash standard.

Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) is deployed among several carriers through various technologies in North America. [All ofthe major phone vendors have implemented WAP browser technology on many of their handsets.] In addition, many international carriers are implementing WAP as well. This is because the WAP browser (also known as a micro-browser) is very efficient and, thus, may be provided with low cost rate plans (lower than typical packet data rate plans offered for regular Internet access).

The WAP platform provides an array of features that enhance a user's experience. Features like "push" capabilities, alerting, security, data compression, message transmission status information, and graphics support, are some of the features provided in the WAP architecture. For a developer, the WAP development environment addresses many ofthe hardware dependent factors such as screen size, graphic's display, cache management, and data input which enable the developer to focus on application design and development. Furthermore,

WAP platforms provide features which are not inherent to current Cellular Digital Packet Sata (CDPD) networks, such as "store and forward" capabilities.

However, there exist the need for a single platform capable of integrating a wireless network with a PDA device that has a Compact-Flash interface. In addition, there exist the need for a Compact-Flash enabled device that provides the ability to place data on and retrieve data from a wireless network in a

Compact-Flash size data entry module. Of course, such a device may be enhanced with additional features and accessories. The present invention provides such devices, systems, and methods.

SELECTED OVERVIEW OF SELECTED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention achieves technical advantages as systems, devices, and methods for enabling wireless data fransmission through devices which incorporate Compact-Flash interfaces. The system is implemented as a Compact- Flash enabled wireless data transmission module (the fransmission module). The fransmission module generally comprises a processing subsystem, a fransceiving subsystem, a display subsystem, and a Compact-Flash interface subsystem. The Compact-Flash enabled wireless data transmission device generally comprises a transceiver, a display, a processor, and a Compact-Flash interface. Accordingly, the present invention provides a user with the ability to access a wireless telecommunications system with a Compact-Flash enabled device, such as a PDA.

In one embodiment, the invention is a Compact-Flash enabled wireless data fransmission device. Typically, the device includes a transceiver coupled to the processor, a display coupled to the processor, and a Compact-Flash interface coupled to the processor.

In another embodiment, the invention is a means for receiving a wireless data transmission. Accordingly, this embodiment of the invention includes a fransceiving means, a processing means coupled to the fransceiving means, a display means coupled to the processing means, and an interface means capable of integrating with a Compact-Flash enabled port coupled to the processing means.

Furthermore, in yet another embodiment, the invention provides a system that enables a Compact-Flash slash enabled wireless data transmission module. The system is preferably provided through a processing subsystem, a franceiving subsystem coupled to the processing subsystem, a display subsystem coupled to the processing subsystem, and a Compact-Flash interface subsystem coupled to the processing subsystem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various aspects of the invention, as well as an embodiment, are better understood by reference to the following EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF

A BEST MODE. To better understand the invention, the EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF A BEST MODE should be read in conjunction with the drawings in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a wireless data communication device capable of providing a user access to e-mail and digitized sound files;

Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of a wireless data fransmission device;

Figure 3 illustrates a wireless data fransmission device that is integrated with a PDA through a Compact-Flash connection;

Figure 4 illustrates a system that provides a compact flash-enabled wireless data transmission module;

Figure 5 is a data entry system embodied as a Compact-Flash compatible information entry device; Figure 6 illusfrates one embodiment of a data entry system according to the teachings ofthe present invention;

Figure 7 illusfrates one embodiment of a data reception algorithm; and

Figure 8 illusfrates a data fransmission algorithm which illusfrates how information is fransmitted from a user to the wireless communications network.

AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT OF A BEST MODE

One advantage ofthe present invention is that it provides a user the ability to automatically detect a wireless network, register with a wireless network, and then display certain regisfration information for the user through a single touch of a soft key or a hard key in either the information entry device or the wireless data fransmission device. Alternatively, the present invention may also incorporate GPS status information and display the GPS status information alone, or in combination with other Internet based information to provide a user near instantaneous access to location specific information.

To achieve these and other advantages, the present invention is implemented as a Compact-Flash enabled wireless data fransmission module (the fransmission module). The transmission module generally comprises a processing subsystem, a transceiving subsystem, a display subsystem, and a Compact-Flash interface subsystem. The Compact-Flash enabled wireless data fransmission device generally comprises a transceiver, a display, a processor, and a Compact¬

Flash interface. Accordingly, the present invention provides a user with the ability to access a wireless telecommunications system with a Compact-Flash enabled device, such as a PDA. Points of Attention

When reading this section (An Exemplary Embodiment of a Best Mode, which describes an exemplary embodiment of the best mode of the invention, hereinafter "exemplary embodiment"), one should keep in mind several points. First, the following exemplary embodiment is what the inventor believes to be the best mode for practicing the invention at the time this patent was filed. Thus, since one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize from the following exemplary embodiment that substantially equivalent structures or substantially equivalent acts may be used to achieve the same results in exactly the same way, or to achieve the same results in a not dissimilar way, the following exemplary embodiment should not be interpreted as limiting the invention to one embodiment.

Likewise, individual aspects (sometimes called species) of the invention are provided as examples, and, accordingly, one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize from a following exemplary structure (or a following exemplary act) that a substantially equivalent structure or substantially equivalent act may be used to either achieve the same results in substantially the same way, or to achieve the same results in a not dissimilar way. Accordingly, the discussion of a species (or a specific item) invokes the genus (the class of items) to which that species belongs as well as related species in that genus. Likewise, the recitation of a genus invokes the species known in the art. Furthermore, it is recognized that as technology develops, a number of additional alternatives to achieve an aspect of the invention may arise. Such advances are hereby incorporated within their respective genus, and should be recognized as being functionally equivalent or structurally equivalent to the aspect shown or described.

Second, the only essential aspects of the invention are identified by the claims. Thus, aspects of the invention, including elements, acts, functions, and relationships (shown or described) should not be interpreted as being essential unless they are explicitly described and identified as being essential. Third, a function or an act should be interpreted as incorporating all modes of doing that function or act or an equivalent function or act, unless otherwise explicitly stated (for example, one recognizes that "tacking" may be done by nailing, stapling, gluing, hot gunning, riveting, etc., and so a use of the word tacking invokes stapling, gluing, etc., and all other modes of that word and similar words, such as "attaching"). Fourth, unless explicitly stated otherwise, conjunctive words (such as "or", "and", "including", or "comprising", for example) should be interpreted in the inclusive, not the exclusive, sense. Fifth, the words "means" and "step" are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding ofthe invention and do not mean "means" or "step" as defined in §112, paragraph 6 of 35 U.S.C., unless used as "means for -functioning" or "step for -functioning" in the Claims section.

Computer Systems as Software Platforms

A computer system (or, system) typically includes hardware capable of executing machine readable instructions, as well as the software for executing acts

(typically machine-readable instructions) that produce a desired result. In addition, a computer system may include hybrids of hardware and software, as well as computer sub-systems.

Hardware generally includes processor-capable platforms, such as client- machines (also known as personal computers or servers), and hand-held processing devices (such as smart phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), or personal computing devices (PCDs), for example. Furthermore, hardware typically includes any physical devices that are capable of storing machine- readable instructions, such as memory or other data storage devices. Other forms of hardware include hardware sub-systems, including transfer devices such as modems, modem cards, ports, and port cards, for example. The way hardware is organized within a system is known as the system's architecture (discussed below).

Software includes machine code stored in RAM or ROM, machine code stored on other devices (such as floppy disks, or a CD ROM, for example), and may include executable code, an operating system, as well as source or object code, for example, hi addition, software encompasses any set of instructions capable of being executed in a client machine or server — and, in this form, is often called a program or executable code.

Programs often execute in portions of code at a time. These portions of code are sometimes called modules or code-segments. Often, but not always, these code segments are identified by a particular function that they perform. For example, a counting module (or "counting code segment") may monitor the value of a variable. Furthermore, the execution of a code segment or module is sometimes called an act. Accordingly, software may be used to perform a method which comprises acts. In the present discussion, sometimes acts are referred to as steps to help the reader more completely understand the exemplary embodiment. Hybrids (combinations of software and hardware) are becoming more common as devices for providing enhanced functionality and performance to computer systems. A hybrid is created when what are traditionally software functions are directly manufactured into a silicon chip — this is possible since software may be assembled and compiled into ones and zeros, and, similarly, ones and zeros can be represented directly in silicon. Typically, the hybrid (manufactured hardware) functions are designed to operate seamlessly with software. Accordingly, it should be understood that hybrids and other combinations of hardware and software are also included within the definition of a system and are thus envisioned by the invention as possible equivalent structures and equivalent methods.

Computer sub-systems (or, sub-systems) are combinations of hardware or software (or hybrids) that perform some specific task. For example, one computer sub-system is a soundcard. A soundcard provides hardware connections, memory, and hardware devices for enabling sounds to be produced and recorded by a computer system. Likewise, a soundcard may also include software needed to enable a computer system to "see" the soundcard, recognize the soundcard, and drive the soundcard. Sometimes the methods of the invention may be practiced by placing the invention on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable mediums include passive data storage, such as a random access memory (RAM) as well as semipermanent data storage such as a compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM). In addition, the invention may be embodied in the RAM of a computer and effectively transform a standard computer into a new specific computing machine.

Data structures are defined organizations of data and enable an embodiment of the invention. For example, a data structure may provide an organization of data, or an organization of executable code (executable software). Furthermore, data signals are carried across fransmission mediums and store and transport various data structures, and, thus, maybe used to transport the invention. It should be noted in the following discussion that acts with like names are performed in like manners, unless otherwise stated.

The Figures Users often demand access to e-mail services as well as voice messaging services (such as via a .WAV) file. Figure 1 illusfrates a wireless data communication device capable of providing a user access to e-mail and digitized sound files. The wireless data communication device 100 generally comprises a wireless data fransmission device 110 which is coupled to a information entry device 120 via Compact-Flash port connection. Typically, the wireless data transmission device 110 may comprise a male Compact-Flash connection, while the information entry device 120 preferably comprises a female Compact-Flash connection when the wireless data transmission device 110 has a male CompactFlash connection. Thus implemented, the wireless data communication device 100 facilitates user data transfers, such as data transmissions and receptions required for text messaging via e-mail or instant messaging protocols. Furthermore, through a calendar or other scheduling software, the wireless data communication device may alert a user when an event occurs. Events could include specific occurrences, such as web page changes (which may be indicative of stock prices, weather forecast, or traffic reports), or time driven (scheduled) occurrences, such as those that may be scheduled through Internet-based scheduling packages.

Furthermore, users may take advantage of location software applications via the wireless data communication device 100. For example, when the wireless data communication device 100 incorporates a global positioning system locator, then an application executing on the wireless data communication device 100 may integrate web page information with global positioning system information. Thus implemented, the system is enabled to inform a user of the nearest location of selected restaurant, the nearest location of a merchant which will accept a credit card (or other form of payment selected by the user), or location specific traffic information, for example.

The wireless data fransmission device 110 provides a user dual functionality. First, the wireless data transmission device 110 acts as an information display module and may display for the user the text or web page based information received from a wireless communications network. In addition, the wireless data transmission device 110 provides the additional functionality of a data modem.

As a display module, the wireless data transmission device 110 provides a user the ability to view or preview data. For example, as a display module could be implemented as an inexpensive Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and provide the user a limited preview of email or other text information. Likewise, the display module could be a plasma display and provide a user crisp, sharp picture and video imaging capabilities. Furthermore, it is anticipated that alternative display devices may be incorporated as display modules to achieve similar functionality, such as touch-sensitive screens, for example.

Accordingly, as a data modem, the wireless data fransmission device 110 may send and receive data transmissions with a wireless network via any one of a number of data transmission protocols, such as the Internet protocol. In addition, the wireless data transmission device 110 preferably supports the wireless application protocol (WAP), and has the abiltiy to push or pull data through a wireless communications network. Furthermore, wireless data fransmission device 110 may provide the optional ability to detect a serial connection and operate in a serial mode to send and receive data from a serialized data entry or data display device.

The information entry device 120 communicates with the wireless data fransmission device 110 via the Compact-Flash connection. The information entry device 120 preferably comprises a FITALY keyboard that may also include other means of data entry such as a microphone. In addition, the information entry device 120 may operate as an information display device through the incorporation of a speaker or other display means, and thus may be used for presenting information. To enable communication with the wireless data fransmission device 110, the information entry device 120 includes an operating system, such as a Palm operating system, a Windows operating system, or a Pocket PC Operating system, for example. Furthermore, information entry device 120 may facilitate the fransmission of data by providing processing and memory power capable of accomplishing text to speech conversion and for providing sound or speech to data conversion (such as through the creation of a .WAV file).

A better understanding ofthe wireless data communication device may be achieved by examining a wireless data fransmission system. Figure 2 illusfrates one embodiment of a wireless data transmission system implemented as a wireless data fransmission device 200. The wireless data fransmission device 200 generally comprises a housing 210 which supports a display 220 and a radio frequency (RF) antenna 230. Integrally coupled with the housing 210 is a Compact-Flash interface 240. The housing 210 also provides is a gripable portion 260 to enable a user to more securely hold the housing 210, thus facilitating attachment and detachment of the wireless data fransmission device 200 from a Compact-Flash port.

The wireless data fransmission device 210 also provides some data entry and command features. For example, a switch 250 is provided which may be used to turn on and off the wireless data fransmission device 210. Also, a second switch 252 may be provided such that the second switch 252, when touched, will display global positioning system (GPS) information on the display 220. Similarly, a rollerball 262 may be used to scroll a cursor or other position locator up and down (as well as across) the display 220. Furthermore, a jogdial 264 may be provided to scroll through information, and to select information (typically by pressing the jogdial).

Returning to the housing 210, although the RF antenna 230 is shown as being an external antenna, it should be understood that he wireless data fransmission device 200 may be located completely within the housing 210. Also, although various other features of the device such as the switch 250, the second switch 252, the display 220, the gripable portion 260, the rollerball 262, and the jogdial 264, are shown in specific locations on the housing 210, the invention should not be so limited. Accordingly, any ofthe aforementioned features may be relocated at any position on the housing 210.

Similarly, although the Compact-Flash interface 240 is shown as a male

Type I Compact-Flash interface (Type I being the thinnest form of Compact-Flash interface). It should be understood that other types of Compact-Flash interfaces may be utilized. Accordingly, the more thick Type II or Type III Compact-Flash interfaces may be integrated with the housing 210 to provide for wireless data transmission device integration with an information entry device. Thus, the wireless data fransmission device 210 may be capable of being interfaced with any Compact-Flash enabled device such as a digital camera, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or an .MP3 audio file player, for example.

It should be noted that integration with some types of PDAs, such as a Handspring PDA, may be achieved through a port translation device which provides for a Compact-Flash interface at one end and a springboard interface at a second end. Similarly, the wireless data transmission device 210 may be integrated with other PDAs by enabling the integration device to attach to a Compact-Flash interface on one end, and on the other end to attach to a PDA device via an appropriate port type for a specific PDA-such as a COMPAQ PDA, a Casiopia PDA, or a Palm device.

Accordingly, features, functions, functions, and other enhancements may be provided to a personal digital assistant (PDA) through the use of a wireless data fransmission device 110, or another means for wireless data fransmission. Figure 3 illusfrates a wireless data fransmission device that is integrated with a PDA through a Compact-Flash connection (not shown). Although a Compaq type PDA is illustrated in Figure 3, other types of PDA platforms may be similarly integrated with the data fransmission device 110. For example, PDAs integratable with a wireless data transmission device 110 include Hewlett Packard PDAs,

Cassiopeia PDAs, Handspring PDAs, and Palm devices, for example. Furthermore although a PDA 310 is illustrated in Figure 3, it should be understood that any Compact-Flash enabled device may be integrated with the wireless data fransmission device 110 for example, a Compact-Flash enabled laptop may provide similar functionality.

Additional understanding of the invention may be achieved by examining the invention from a system level point of view. Accordingly, Figure 4 illustrates a system that provides a Compact-Flash enabled wireless data fransmission system 400 (the system 400). The system 400 includes a processing subsystem 440, a fransceiving subsystem 450, a display subsystem 430, and a Compact-Flash interface sub-system 420. Preferably , the Compact-Flash interface subsystem is a male Compact-Flash connection (male connection), however, it should be understood that the Compact-Flash interface subsystem 420 could also be a female Compact-Flash connection (female connection). The display subsystem

430 is for displaying information entered by a user, or received from a wireless

communication network. Preferably, the display subsystem 430 will display for a

predetermined amount of time certain system information at start up. For

example, the display subsystem 430 could display for ten seconds information regarding the wireless communication connection, such as signal quality, signal

strength, and network type (such as GSM, or CDMA, for example).

The transceiving subsystem 450 is enabled to communicate via radio

frequencies with a wireless communication network through an antenna 452. The

antenna 452 may be an internal antenna as illustrated in Figure 4, or may be

located externally to the wireless data transmission device housing 410.

Accordingly, the fransceiving subsystem 450 may communicate with 3.0 G

systems, GSM, CDMA, TDMA, and other wireless communication networks.

Preferably, the communication with wireless networks fransmits and receives data

communication only, as opposed to sending and receiving data, voice, and video.

The data received by the transceiving subsystem 450 is passed to the processing

subsystem 440.

The processing system 440 maintains the firmware 442 and algorithms needed to control the display subsystem 430. Preferably, the display subsystem 430 will be a LCD and thus the firmware 442 will control a LCD. In addition, the firmware 442 manages the air-link protocol necessary to communicate with the wireless communication network. Furthermore, the processing subsystem 440 is capable of communicating with e-mail clients, such as POP3, and EMIT 4 e-mail clients, for example. Preferably, the processing subsystem 440 supports any IP enabled application run over a wireless IP network.

Additional functionality is provided to the system 400 by utilizing a first switch 480 and a second switch 482 (the switches). The switches 480, 482 are configured via software in the processing subsystem 440 to implement specific functionality at the touch of a switch. For example, GSM data may be displayed by touching the second switch 482 one time. Similarly, wireless network communication information may be displayed by touching the first switch 480 one time. Then, software, or firmware maintained by the processor 440, will execute the specific algorithms needed to implement the functionality initiated by touching one of the switches, and may implement these algorithms through RISC processing.

A position locating subsystem 460 is provided as a GPS position locator. The position location subsystem 460 provides the processing subsystem 440 with information that may be integrated with web pages and other wireless communication information to enable a user to access a location's specific information, h addition, a power source 470, preferably a lithium-ion battery, is provided to give the module 400 a reliable and long lasting power source that is capable of driving the processing subsystem 440, display subsystem 430, transceiving subsystem 450, and position location subsystem 460, in addition to any other subsystems utilized by the module 400.

Although PDAs, digital cameras and other existing devices are capable of entering data into a wireless data transmission device, these devices suffer from excessive bulk and provide irrelevant and unnecessary processing overhead. Accordingly, it is preferable to provide a means for entering data into a wireless data fransmission device that takes advantage of the data only functionality otherwise the data transmission device. One advantage of such a system would be the ability to provide easy data entry in a very small device. Accordingly, the preferred means of entering data into a wireless fransmission device is about the size of the wireless data fransmission device itself. One such preferred means according to the teachings of the present invention is illustrated in Figure 5 as a data entry system embodied as a Compact-Flash compatible information entry

device 500 (the information entry device 500).

The information entry device 500 has a housing 510 that is approximately

the size of the wireless data transmission device 110 and has disposed within the

housing 510 a Compact-Flash port connection 540 for accepting a Compact-Flash

connection from a wireless data fransmission device. Furthermore, the

information entry device 500 utilizes a first door 520 and a second door 522 to

maximize the efficient use of available space and preferably present a user with a

FITALY keyboard 530. Of course, different keyboard formats may be used and

various keys may be utilized to provide specific functionality such as one touch

hot keys. Furthermore, the use of doors 520, 522 provide protection for the

keyboard 530 when the doors 520,522 are shut.

Figure 6 illusfrates one embodiment of a data entry system 600 according

to the teachings of the present invention. Generally, the data entry system 600

includes within a housing 610 a Compact-Flash interface subsystem 630, which is

preferably a female Compact-Flash connection. In addition, the data entry system

600 includes a processing subsystem 640 that is preferably a processor. The

processing subsystem 640 monitors an internal clock and calendar as well as the data entry device(s) utilized by the data entry system 600. The processing subsystem 640 functions concurrently with a memory subsystem 650 shown as memory.

The memory subsystem 650 may provide a user access to data management software, voice recognition software, synchronizing software, as well as other software capable of converting one file format into another file format. For example a .WAV file may be converted to a text file, or a sound file may be converted to a .WAV file, for example. Furthermore, the memory subsystems 650 maintain WAP software capable of alerting and messaging. Of course, the algorithms and software utilized in the memory subsystem 650 and processed by the processing subsystem 640 are numerous and may be customized for the specific capabilities ofthe data entry system, as well as customized for the capabilities of the wireless transmission device to which the data entry system is attached.

Power is provided to the data entry system 600 through the power source

690. Preferably, the power source 690 is a lithium ion batter capable of providing power not only to the processor and memory, but to the other information entry and information output devices utilized by the data entry system 600. In addition, other types of batteries may be used, and a powercord may connect to the data

entry system 600 through a transformer to provide power to the data entry system

600.

To enable data entry, the data entry system 600 utilizes data entry

subsystems such as a keyboard 620, a microphone 660, a position sensitive touch

screen 625, or a soft key 627, for example. The keyboard 620 is preferably a

FITALY keyboard. In addition, the touch screen 625 may provide user input via

a display keyboard on which a user could touch letters (or write letters), which

will then be recognized as characters by the processing subsystem 640 and

memory 650. Furthermore, the touch screen 625 may be icon driven.

Furthermore, soft key 627 could provide user access to specific functionality at

the touch of a button, and the specific functionality of the soft key 627 could be

customized by the user interacting with the data entry system 600 to select a

function implemented in software. Furthermore, a microphone 660 can be used to

enter sound into the data entry system 600 which could then be converted into text

via voice detect software, or could be converted to a .WAV file for transfer across

the Internet.

Information outputs are provided for a user through the data entry system 600 through a speaker 670, an alert light 675, as well as a vibrating alert 680. In addition, it is foreseeable that the touch screen 625 could be used to provide additional user outputs as well as user inputs. Accordingly, the speaker 670 could be used to play a .WAV file. Likewise, the alert light 675 may be used by the information entry system 600 to inform the user of an incoming e-mail message, incoming .WAV file, or that a monitored device (such as the data entry system 600), is running low on power.

Each of these situations may be identified through a different type of linking of the alert light. For example, an incoming e-mail message may be indicated by a constant blinking alert light 675. Similarly, and incoming .WAV file may be indicated by a alert light 675 that blinks in alternating long and short sequences. Different light intensities may also be indicative of different alarm types. Likewise, the vibrating alert 680 may also indicate an event occurring and may differentiate for a user between different monitored events by using one type of vibration for one alert and second type of vibration for a second alert. For example, vibrations may vary by the strength ofthe vibration, or by the turning on and off of the vibrating alert 680 in various sequences. Exemplary Methods

When implementing the present invention, some of the advantages of the present invention may be better understood by recognizing that the wireless data communications device preferably sends and receives data from the wireless communication network (data, as opposed to voice and video). Figure 7 illusfrates one embodiment of a data reception algorithm 700. First, the data reception algorithm initiates with a receive data act 710. In the receive data act 710 data is obtained from the wireless communications network by the wireless data communications device.

Preferably, data is either pushed to the device via CDPD push technology, or the data is received by the device through CDPD pulls. Alternatively, WAP protocols may be used to send and receive data. However, it should be understood, that data may be received through any Internet protocol or wireless Internet protocol. Next, the data reception algorithm 700 proceeds to a process data act 720 in which the data reception algorithm 700 converts the raw data received by the wireless data communications device into information that a human user can understand. Next, in a present information act 730, the data reception algorithm 700 presents to the user information generated from the data received in the received data act 710. For example, the information may be displayed through a visual means such as through a wireless data transmission device, or may be presented through a play means such as through as a speaker located within the information entry device.

Figure 8 illusfrates a data transmission algorithm 800 which illustrates how information is fransmitted from a user to the wireless communications network. First, in an inter-information act 810, the user preferably uses a microphone or a FITALY keyboard, or other data entry device to enter data into an information entry device. Then, the data transmission algorithm 800 proceeds to a convert act 820.

In the convert act 820 information is converted into a data format capable of being received by a wireless communication network. For example, sound may be converted from raw audio information into a .WAV file, which is capable of being attached to an e-mail and transmitted to a wireless communications network. Similarly, information entered via a keyboard, such as a text document, may be converted into a more fransmittable format in the convert act 820. Then, the data fransmission algorithm 800 continues to the transmit act 830 in which the data generated by the convert act 820 from the information entered by a user in the inter-information act 810 is sent to the wireless communications network, which could be any wireless communications network such as AGSM, CDMA, TDMA or 3.0 G network, for example.

Though the invention has been described with respect to a specific preferred embodiment, many variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the present application. It is therefore the intention that the appended claims be interpreted as broadly as possible in view of the prior art to include all such variations and modifications.

Claims

CLAIMSI Claim:

1. A Compact-Flash enabled wireless data fransmission device, comprising: a processor; a transceiver coupled to the processor; a display coupled to the processor; and a Compact-Flash interface coupled to the processor.

2. The device of Claim 1, wherein the Compact-Flash interface is a male connection.

3. The device of Claim 1 further comprising a global positioning system

(GPS) position locator coupled to the processor.

4. The device of Claim 1 further comprising a power source coupled to at least the processor.

5. The device of Claim 1 further comprising an antenna coupled to the transceiver.

6. The device of Claim 1 further comprising an information button coupled to the processor and capable of sending the processor a signal.

7. The device of Claim 6 wherein the information button causes the displaying of communication data.

8. The device of Claim 6 wherein the information button causes the displaying of global positioning system (GPS) information.

9. The device of Claim 1 further comprising a housing having a gripable member, the housing storing at least the processor.

10. The device of Claim 1 further comprising a roller-ball information entry device coupled to the processor.

11. The device of Claim 1 further comprising a jog dial coupled to the processor.

12. The device of Claim 1 wherein the display is a liquid crystal display (LCD).

13. The device of Claim 1, wherein the transceiver is capable of sending and receiving cellular digital packet data (CDPD) information via data pushes.

14. The device of Claim 6, wherein the information button connects a user with the Internet with one touch.

15. A means for receiving a wireless data fransmission, comprising: a transceiving means; a processing means coupled to the fransceiving means; a display means coupled to the processing means; and an interface means capable of mating with a Compact-Flash enabled port, the interface means coupled to the processing means.

16. The means for receiving of Claim 15 further comprising a position locating means.

17. The means for receiving of Claim 15 further comprising a data entry means coupled to the processing means capable of connecting a user with the

Internet with one touch ofthe data enfry means.

18. A system that provides a Compact-Flash enabled wireless data fransmission module, comprising; a processing subsystem; a tranceiving subsystem coupled to the processing subsystem; a display subsystem coupled to the processing subsystem; and a Compact-Flash interface subsystem coupled to the processing subsystem.

19. The system of Claim 18 further comprising a position locating subsystem coupled to the processing subsystem.

20. The system of Claim 18 further comprising a data entry subsystem capable of connecting a user with the Internet with one touch ofthe data entry subsystem.