Portable computers

Abstract

A portable computer arranged to rest comfortably in the hand has a small display screen. Accelerometers capable of detecting movement of the pen with respect to gravity provide input to a microcontroller which selects a response from a number of viewing modes. The pen may be held in either hand and the output message to the screen will be oriented according to the location of the pen. Full personal digital assistance functionality may be incorporated in a relatively small plastics casing and functions, such as calendar, contracts the like may be incorporated.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001]This application is a reissue application of U.S. Pat. No. 6,956,564, issued Oct. 18, 2005; and is related to co-pending divisional reissue applications Ser. Nos. 12 / 255,557, filed Oct. 21, 2008; 12 / 268,254, filed Nov. 10, 2008; and 12 / 268,336, filed Nov. 10, 2008. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to portable computers and more particularly but not exclusively to hand-held computers of the kind sometimes referred to as personal digital assistants.[0004]2. Related Art[0005]A personal digital assistant includes data files defining such items as an electronic diary, address book and other applications such as word processing software, calculators and the like. As more powerful memories and processors have been developed in smaller packages it has become possible to provide quite powerful computers in relatively small portable cases. However, the limitation of miniaturisation occur...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a portable computer with movement detection means, processing means, and a mode response system. The movement detection means can detect movement of the computer and provide an electrical output signal. The processing means can use this data to select from a multiplicity of possible modes. The computer can also have a data input mode to generate alphanumeric or graphical data using the detected movement data. The processing means can also use the detected movement data to modify the output of the computer display, such as by scrolling or inverting the displayed information. The computer can also have a security mode that requires a user's password for access. The computer can also have a sound input device for voice commands and a sound output device for spoken data. The computer can be housed in a triangular-shaped casing that facilitates holding it like a writing stylus.

Problems solved by technology

However, the limitation of miniaturisation occurs when a viewing screen and keyboard are needed for data input and read out.

However, generally speaking PPCs are not robust and are prone to damage mainly because of the clam shell design requiring a hinge that opens to reveal the incorporated keyboard and screen.

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