Portable data entry device with a detachable host PDA

摘要

An apparatus and method are disclosed that can adapt off-the shelf PDA devices (90) to user input/output applications such as data entry applications and cellular phone applications. The resulting apparatus (10) may be sized and shaped to be durable and facilitate handheld operation when the user is mobile during use. The apparatus provides features required for portable data entry such as key entry, barcode scanning, radio frequency identification, and wireless local area network (LAN) as well as wide area network (WAN) communications. The apparatus may be operated (a) in a slave mode with inclusion of a PDA device (90) for use in certain input/output operations that are processor intensive as well as (b) in a stand-alone mode without inclusion of a PDA device (90) for use in certain other input/output operations that are not processor intensive.

主权项

1. A portable computing device including a selectively removable communication apparatus provided in conjunction therewith comprising:
a portable computing device having a housing having at least one selectable docking port associated therewith, a selectively removable communication apparatus having at least two selectable docking ports such that the communication apparatus is capable of mechanically docking and interfacing to the portable computing device in at least two operable configurations relative to the portable computing device; and wherein the communication apparatus includes a keypad interface on both sides thereof, one of which is accessible when docked to the portable computing device in at least one operable configuration, and the other of which is accessible when docked to the portable computing device in at least one other operable configuration.