Interactive data entry apparatus

A data collection, analysis, and recording apparatus for simultaneously producing a written and a computer data record comprising:

• a data entry form having data entry spaces;
• a processor for receiving and recording a description of said form and commands for manipulating data collection, analysis, and recording;
• a digitizer for retrieving said description of said form, for generating a data entry area having data entry locations corresponding to said data entry spaces and command selection locations, and for receiving and recording in said processor, entries made at said data entry locations;
• a clip attached to said digitizer, such that said clip can to hold said form against said data entry area, whereby said data entry spaces are aligned with said data entry locations, and comprising an overlay;
• a template, mounted on said clip, for identifying said command selection locations;
• and
• a stylus for selecting said command selection locations by activating said stylus proximately to said command selection locations or for simultaneously entering data in said spaces and at said data entry locations.

A data collection, analysis, and recording apparatus for simultaneously producing a written and a magnetic data record comprising:

• a data entry form having data entry spaces;
• a local processor for receiving and recording a description of said form and commands for manipulating data collection, analysis, and recording;
• a digitizer for retrieving said description of said form, for generating a data entry area having data entry locations corresponding to said data entry spaces and command selection locations, and for receiving and recording in said processor, data entered at said data entry locations;
• a clip attached to said digitizer, such that said clip can hold said form against said data entry area, whereby said data entry spaces are aligned with said data entry locations, and comprising a transparent overlay, such that said clip holds said form against said data entry area;
• a template, mounted on said clip, for identifying said command selection locations;
• a stylus for selecting said commands and for simultaneously entering data in said spaces and at said data entry locations;
• a central processor;
• and
• means for transferring said commands and said entered data between said local processor and said central processor.

A data collection, analysis, and recording apparatus for simultaneously producing a written and a magnetic data record comprising:

• a data entry form having data entry spaces and optically readable identifying information is encoded on said form;
• a microprocessor for receiving and recording a description of said form and commands for manipulating data collection, analysis, and recording;
• a digitizer for retrieving said description of said form, for generating a data entry area having data entry locations corresponding to said data entry spaces and command selection locations, and for receiving and recording in said microprocessor, entries made at said data entry locations;
• a clip pivotally attached to said digitizer, such that said clip can be pivoted to hold said form against said data entry area, whereby said data entry spaces are aligned with said data entry locations, and comprising an overlay, such that when said clip holds said form against said data entry area;
• a template, mounted on said clip, for identifying said command selection locations and having optically readable identifying information encoded on said template;
• an optical reader, mounted on said clip, for reading and decoding said optically readable information encoded on said form and said clip and transmitting said information to said digitizer;
• at least one communication port for linking said apparatus with external devices;
• a stylus with a replaceable ink cartridge for selecting said command selection locations and for simultaneously entering data in said spaces and at said data entry locations;
• a holder for storing said stylus and a cable for securing said stylus to said apparatus.