US 5,850,214 A · Information manangement system with electronic clipboard

Abstract

An information management system and method incorporates an electronic clipboard having a paper form integrated with projected lights as the user input and output interface, the electronic clipboard being adapted for inputting, processing, displaying, transmitting, receiving and outputting information through an innovative combination of simple, universally understood components, e.g., paper, clocks, pen, switches and lights. The electronic clipboard of the present invention is a unique form interface between user and computer for facilitation of extremely user-friendly remote data entry, information management and communication with a host computer, digital input device or remote pager. The electronic clipboard device comprises a large number of precisely located switches and lights beneath a display surface which project various colors, intensities, blinking frequency, etc., directly through the customized paper form by illuminating formatted paper forms placed firmly and precisely on the display surface. The lights transmit signals and status to an operator by displaying different colors as directed by software in a microprocessor in response to information entered manually by the operator or received from separate digital input devices and effectively convert a standard piece of paper into an 8.5 in..times.11 in. display device.

Claims23

Dependent claims

An information management system adapted for use with a preprinted form interface, said system comprising:

(a) a transparent or translucent display surface adapted to receive a form containing printed blocks for entry of written information,
(b) a multiplicity of lights positioned beneath said display surface for illuminating blocks printed on a form by projecting light through the form,
(c) a first group of manual data input switches associated with said display surface, said switches being adapted for entry of data and instructions related to information written or printed on a form,
(d) a second group of manual data input switches, at least one switch from said second group of switches being associated with at least one of said lights, said second group of switches being operative to enter data or instructions related to information written or printed on a form or in response to visual signals generated by said lights,
(e) a data storage device for storing information and instructions entered through said data input switches,
(f) a microprocessor, and
(g) a timing device,
wherein said microprocessor, timing device and data storage device are operative to cause said lights to generate visual signals by illuminating printed blocks on a form by projecting light through the form and thus converting the form into a display device in response to instructions programmed into said microprocessor and information and instructions entered through said data input switches.

5 more elements

An information management system comprising:

(a) a transparent or translucent display surface adapted to receive a paper form, said paper form containing printed blocks for entry of written information and being adapted to overlay and removably attach to said display surface,
(b) a multiplicity of precisely located lights positioned beneath said display surface for illuminating said printed blocks on said paper form,
(c) a first group of manual data input switches mounted adjacent to and coplanar with said display surface, said switches being adapted for entry of data and instructions related to information written or printed on said paper form,
(d) a character display printed on said paper form adjacent said first group of manual data input switches, said character display indicating the functions of said switches for use with said form,
(e) a second group of manual data input switches, at least one switch from said second group of switches being adjacent to and associated with at least one of said lights, said second group of switches being operative to enter data or instructions related to information written or printed on said paper form or in response to visual signals generated by said lights,
(f) a data storage device for storing information and instructions entered through said data input switches,
(g) a microprocessor, and
(h) a timing device,
wherein said microprocessor, timing device and data storage device are operative to cause said lights to generate visual signals by illuminating said printed blocks on said paper form by projecting light through the paper and thus converting the form into a display device in response to instructions programmed into said microprocessor and information and instructions entered through said data input switches.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Information manangement system with electronic clipboard

Life of this patent

Information manangement system with electronic clipboard

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims23