US20030114206A1 - Portable data acquisition and management system and associated device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for manipulating data is provided. Such a system comprises a host system, a discrete portable data acquisition device for collecting the data, at least one of a wireless wide area network (WWAN) data radio, a wireless local area network (WLAN) data radio, and a wireless personal area network (WPAN) data radio operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device and configured to at least one of transmit the data to the host system, communicate with a peripheral device, and receive data, and a memory operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device for storing the data, the memory comprising a FLASH memory module, a DRAM memory module, and an NVDRAM memory module. Associated systems, devices, and methods are also provided.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Nos. 60/314,806, entitled “A System, Method and Apparatus for Collecting and Transmitting Package Data”, filed Aug. 24, 2001; 60/347,086, entitled “Handheld Device for Data Collection and Transmission”, filed Jan. 8, 2002; 60/347,756, entitled “Protected Memory, Ergonomic Design, And Secure Latching System For A Portable Electronic Data Management Device”, filed Jan. 11, 2002; 60/349,319, entitled “Electronic Data Management Device and Methods of Use”, filed Jan. 15, 2002; and 60/360,135, entitled “Portable Data Collection and Management System and Methods of Use, filed Feb. 25, 2002, each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention[0002]
• This invention relates to real-time package tracking systems, devices, and methods and, more particularly, to portable handheld devices configured to acquire information through multiple input interfaces and to provide acquired information to a central computer from remote locations. The device and its method of use are particularly useful in the field of parcel delivery and tracking. In one embodiment, the device of the present invention incorporates improvements in the Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD) presently utilized by United Parcel Service (UPS).[0003]
• 2. Description of Related Art[0004]
• In routine package delivery services, UPS delivery drivers obtain data using a Delivery Information Acquisition Device (DIAD). The DIAD is an electronic clipboard that replaces the driver's written documents and transmits shipment information directly into the UPS tracking system. Because the DIAD electronically records delivery information, it eliminates millions of sheets of paper per year and allows UPS to capture data and electronic signatures at a major point of contact, namely upon delivery to the recipient. Currently, more than sixty thousand delivery personnel utilize such DIADs.[0005]
• To capture digital recipient signatures, the DIAD contains an LCD display having an integral (or separate) signature capture window that accepts input from a stylus. When the customer signs in the capture window using the stylus, the signature also appears on the LCD display. The DIAD's capture of digitized signatures enables these signatures to be available electronically for delivery verification. Signatures are uploaded onto a mainframe computer that is accessible by customer service representatives and by customers. Therefore, business customers who are connected electronically to UPS through secure connections (e.g., via the Internet) have access to the digitized signatures so they can pass them on to customers in response to customer inquiries. Similarly, when a customer asserts that a package was not delivered, the customer (or a customer service representative) can determine its exact status; specifically, whether the package was delivered and, if so, who signed for it.[0006]
• For a typical delivery, the driver identifies a package to be delivered using a laser-scanner, built into or attached to the DIAD, to scan a bar code on the package. Additional data collected by the DIAD upon delivery is also captured using key entry, bar code scanning, electronic signature capture, and electronic data transfer. When a driver collects a package from a customer, shipping information may be captured using the DIAD by scanning a bar code on the package shipping label or by keypad entry. As with deliveries, electronic signature capture and data transfers to the DIAD can occur during a package pickup.[0007]
• Although DIAD systems known in the art are effective, they have certain characteristics that limit their effectiveness in tracking package information in real time. For example, many portable electronic devices include two kinds of memory, namely a Random Access Memory (RAM) and programmable permanent memory. Generally, software applications are loaded, executed, and run in RAM. RAM is also used to receive data input by the user, as well as to display the application output or results to the user. The tasks of receiving data and displaying results are generally performed quickly in the RAM, allowing the user to input data freely, without the delay of storing the data in a more permanent memory. The amount of RAM available generally contributes to the perceived speed of the device. The speed of most RAM configurations, however, must be balanced with the risk of losing data or results. That is, RAM is sometimes called volatile memory because it requires a constant supply of electrical energy to maintain its data. As such, if the supply of electrical power is lost, the data in the RAM will also be lost.[0008]
• Most types of permanent memory are non-volatile; that is, the permanent memory retains the data even if electrical power is lost. Most permanent memory is programmable, and thus suitable for storing software applications, and erasable, so that the memory can be re-programmed. Generally, selected data can be purposely stored in the permanent memory for later use. For example, the user might make ten quick data entries into the RAM, and then later store the data entries in the permanent memory.[0009]
• In use, many portable electronic devices are subject to environmental forces, electronic failure, loss of power, and/or other catastrophic events that can automatically and abruptly erase the contents of the RAM. Once the input data stored in the RAM is lost, it cannot be recovered for storage in the permanent memory. Thus, there exists a need in the field of portable electronic devices for a non-volatile memory to quickly receive and store data, even in the event of a total failure of the device from a catastrophic event, and to provide long-term storage of the data. It would also be desirable to have an application program interface (API) for controlling and monitoring the status of data with respect to the non-volatile memory using the software application within the device.[0010]
• Most portable electronic devices rely primarily or, in some cases, solely on a single operating system to store and access data. An operating system such as Windows™ CE is sometimes used in portable electronic devices. Because catastrophic failures and loss of power often interfere with the functioning of the operating system used in the device, there exists a need for a method of accessing stored data independently of the operating system. This task is further complicated by the variety of types of memory contained within certain portable electronic devices. The operating system is typically used to address or assign a specific location for storing a particular type of data. For example, the data for a particular package delivery might be found at a particular location or electronic address within the permanent memory of the device. Gaining access to the data without using the operating system that assigned the electronic address is very difficult and represents a current technical challenge in the field.[0011]
• Customers with large numbers of packages to be delivered on a regular basis typically develop a shipping database that contains information about each package. Older portable electronic devices sometimes used a cable attachment to obtain data from the customer's database. This kind of direct link, however, sometimes interferes with and/or unduly invades a customer's private database. Also, many such customers are configuring their existing databases to be accessible over wireless networks.[0012]
• Thus, there is a need for a portable electronic device that is capable of interacting with a customer's databases, with the customer's permission and while maintaining the security of the databases, without using a cable. There is also a need for an application that can obtain data from the customer's network without excessive interference or invasion into a customer's private databases or local networks. There is a further related need to provide an application program interface (API) for this feature and to control and monitor the operation thereof using the software application within the device.[0013]
• Rechargeable battery packs have evolved, and some now include internal devices for governing recharging and testing functions for the battery pack. For example, a rechargeable battery may have a specific recharging station, wherein the recharging station may include indicators for the charge status of the battery, devices for testing the current capacity of the battery, and other functions for indicating the operational status of the battery pack. The demands on portable electronic devices currently in use, however, require closer management and control of the battery recharging and monitoring functions. Thus, there is a need for a system having the capacity to control and direct the recharging and testing of the battery, while the device is in use, without relying on the charging and testing system specifically associated with the battery pack and independent of the device. In other words, the technical demands placed upon devices in use today require closer management of the recharging of the battery pack. There is a related need to provide an application program interface (API) for this feature, as well as to control and monitor the operation thereof using the software application within the device.[0014]
• The size and weight of the battery is a continuing technical challenge for portable electronic devices. The advent of rechargeable batteries has increased the predictability of battery life under various power usage conditions, but size and weight continue to present a technical challenge for portable device designers. There is a need, therefore, for a battery that is sized to provide sufficient power to the device during a typical work session while the user is away from the recharging station, without over-sizing the battery and creating an unnecessary size and weight burden upon the user.[0015]
• Further, with regard to portable electronic devices, the increasing volume of data that can be gathered and stored on a portable electronic device has created a need for more efficient ways of storing and displaying data. Whereas older devices may have been capable of storing, for example, only an item number and a date, modem devices are capable of storing a multitude of text and numerical data about a single item or a single delivery. Thus, there exists a need for the capability of entering and displaying a multitude of data in a user-friendly and easily accessible format.[0016]
• The need to enter text data into portable electronic devices has also driven the development of keypads that include every letter of the alphabet. Some designs mimic the arrangement and shape of the typical QWERTY typewriter keyboard, while others place the letters in alphabetical or some other order. The arrangement, size, and shape of the letter buttons vary depending on the particular device. However, in the field of portable electronic devices operated with two hands, there exists a need for a keypad that will accommodate the natural range of motion of the human thumbs. Thumb typing, to be efficient, requires not only a convenient key location but also a design that will account for the natural movement of the device during thumb typing. Further, because of the natural conditions in the operating environment for portable electronic devices, there also exists a need for a keypad that will accommodate gloved hands. In cold climates especially, the user may be wearing gloves during operation of the device and, thus, require keys that will be usable with a gloved hand.[0017]
• The increasing use of rotary switches and dials on handheld portable devices has further created a need to develop ways to prevent accidental activation of the roller or dial, while allowing the switches to be in locations that coincide with the natural position of the fingers or hand. In devices that use a combination of generally-flat buttons and rotary dials, such components should be positioned in the areas that match the natural location of the hand, such that the buttons and the dial scan be operated with minimal, if any, repositioning of the hand.[0018]
• Many handheld devices in use today provide push buttons, flat screens, and toggle switches, all of which can be configured to substantially prevent moisture intrusion into the device. A device with rotary switches, however, presents a unique challenge when the device is exposed to high levels of humidity in the operating environment. A dial for volume control, for example, or a rotary switch for scrolling through a menu or through text on a display, must be designed to freely rotate while not creating a vulnerable point for intrusion of environmental humidity and fluids. Thus, there is a need to develop water-resistant rotary switches that substantially prevent the intrusion of water and water vapor while not interfering with operation of the switch.[0019]
• A variety of belt clips and other attachment units are found in the field of portable electronic devices. Many clips require the user to positively activate a lever or spring to disengage the electronic device from its clip. Providing a positive lock prevents unintentional disengagement of the unit without input from the user. This type of extracting technique, however, requires the use of two hands or at least the use of multiple parts of the same hand. For larger electronic devices and for operating environments where user efficiency would be a sacrificed if two hands were required, there is a need for a clip that is capable of allowing one-handed operation. There is also a need for a device holder that provides positive feedback to the user about the engagement status of the device to the holder. Such feedback is also needed to inform the user when the device is properly aligned for engagement, when the device has been fully engaged, and when the device has been fully disengaged. A further need exists for a device holder which allows the user to access and operate the device without disengaging the device from the holder.[0020]
• Industry standards developed to test the durability of containers to shock and vibration typically provide for the container to be dropped from a measured height such that the container is free of any rotational or horizontal velocity. This kind of drop test is intended to subject the container to the downward force of gravity only. Portable devices, however, are often dropped when the user is in motion horizontally, such as when a user is walking and stumbles. Also, users sometimes exert a rotational force against a portable device while grasping it, especially just as the device is being dropped. Accordingly, there exists a need in the field of shock testing for developing a dynamic test method and an apparatus such that the falling motion of the device during the test will more closely resemble the dynamics observed in the actual operating environment.[0021]
• An unsatisfied need therefore exists in the industry for a real-time package tracking system that overcomes deficiencies in the prior art, some of which are discussed herein.[0022]
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• Though some embodiments of the present invention are described herein in terms of collecting and manipulating package tracking data, it will be clearly understood that such an example in no way limits the applicability of the present invention. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention may be applied to any situation where collection and manipulation of data at a remote location and transmission of this data between the remote location and a central host system would be convenient and advantageous. Moreover, in instances referring to package tracking data, such terminology will be understood to include not only data associated with the packages and the tracking thereof, but any other associated information, whether related to the packages or not, including, for example, payment information, delivery location information, customer preference information, and customer status information. Thus, the terminology presented herein, in terms of the applicability of the present invention, is for example only and the present invention will be understood to have many different applications as described herein and within the spirit and scope of the present invention.[0023]
• Accordingly, the above and other needs are met by the present invention which, in one embodiment, provides a system for manipulating data. Such a system comprises a host system, a discrete portable data acquisition device for collecting the data, at least one of a wireless wide area network (WWAN) data radio, a wireless local area network (WLAN) data radio, and a wireless personal area network (WPAN) data radio operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device and configured to at least one of transmit the data to the host system, communicate with a peripheral device, and receive data, and a memory operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device for storing the data and comprising a FLASH memory module, a DRAM memory module, and an NVDRAM memory module.[0024]
• Another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a portable data acquisition device for manipulating data. Such a device includes at least one data input device for receiving data, a WWAN data radio adapted to transmit the stored data to a discrete, remotely located mainframe data repository, and a memory for storing the data and comprising a FLASH memory module, a DRAM memory module, and an NVDRAM memory module.[0025]
• A further advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a portable data acquisition device for manipulating data, including at least one data input device for receiving data, a memory for storing the data, and a WWAN data radio and a WLAN data radio, wherein each data radio is adapted to at least one of transmit the stored data to a remotely located mainframe data repository and receive data.[0026]
• Still another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises portable data acquisition device for manipulating data, including at least one data input device for receiving data, a memory for storing the data, and a WWAN data radio and a WPAN data radio, wherein each data radio is adapted to at least one of transmit the stored data to a remotely located mainframe data repository and communicate with a peripheral device.[0027]
• Yet another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a portable data acquisition device for manipulating data, including at least one data input device for receiving data, a memory for storing the data, and a WWAN data radio, a WLAN data radio, and a WPAN data radio, wherein each data radio is adapted to at least one of transmit the stored data directly to a remotely located mainframe data repository, communicate with a peripheral device, and receive data.[0028]
• Another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a data collection and transmission method. First information is collected and stored on a portable data acquisition device including a WPAN data radio. The information is then transmitted from the portable data acquisition device to an intermediate transmission device via the WPAN data radio, wherein the intermediate transmission device is connected to a wide area network. Thereafter, the information is transmitted from the intermediate transmission device to a host system via the wide area network. The intermediate transmission device may comprise a cellular phone or a satellite transceiver.[0029]
• A further advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a data collection and transmission system, including a portable data acquisition device for collecting and storing data, and having at least one of a WWAN communication port, a WLAN communication port, and a WPAN communication port. At least one peripheral device includes a WLAN communication port for receiving at least one communication from the portable data acquisition device and for performing an operation in response thereto. A central storage system is capable of communicating with the portable data acquisition device via the at least one of the WWAN communication port, the WLAN communication port, and the WPAN communication port, wherein the central storage system is further configured to receive the collected and stored data from the portable data acquisition device and to form and maintain a database of the collected and stored data.[0030]
• Still another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a data collection and transmission system, including a portable data acquisition device for collecting and storing data, and a transceiver device operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device and including at least one of a WWAN communication port, a WLAN communication port, and a WPAN communication port. The system further includes at least one peripheral device including a WLAN communication port for receiving at least one communication from the portable data acquisition device and for performing an operation in response thereto. A central storage system is capable of communicating with the portable data acquisition device via the transceiver device and the at least one of the WWAN communication port, the WLAN communication port, and the WPAN communication port, wherein the central storage system is further configured to receive the collected and stored data from the portable data acquisition device via the transceiver device and to form and maintain a database of the collected and stored data.[0031]
• Another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a method of delivering an item from an original location to a desired location. At least one of a latitude, a longitude, and an altitude associated with the desired location is loaded into a data acquisition device having an immediate location and the item is then delivered when the immediate location corresponds to the desired location.[0032]
• A further advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a method of identifying an inaccuracy in a delivery of an item. First, a destination address of the item and a destination GPS position associated with the destination address are directed to a data acquisition device, wherein the data acquisition device includes a GPS sensor. The item is transported to a location according to the destination address and an actual GPS position of the location is determined. The actual GPS position of the location is compared to the destination GPS position associated with the destination address and an alert for the inaccuracy in the delivery is provided if the comparison exceeds a selected threshold.[0033]
• Still another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a data acquisition device having a GPS sensor configured to determine a GPS position of a location, wherein the GPS position includes at least one of a latitude, a longitude, and an altitude of the location. A processor is configured to receive NEMA formatted data for a destination address, wherein the NEMA formatted data has at least one of a latitude, a longitude and an altitude associated with the destination address. The processor is further configured to compare the GPS position of the location to the NEMA formatted data associated with the destination address, and to provide an alert if the comparison exceeds a selected threshold.[0034]
• Yet still another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a system for collecting delivery data associated with a driver of a delivery vehicle for a carrier, wherein the delivery data includes at least one of time study statistics and work measurement statistics. Such a system includes a data acquisition device having a GPS sensor configured to determine GPS data, at least one sensor operably engaged with the delivery vehicle and configured to determine particular data, and an application residing on the data acquisition device. The application is configured to selectively direct, in real time, reception and recordation of the GPS data from the GPS sensor and reception and recordation of the particular data from the at least one sensor.[0035]
• Another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a method of delivering an item from an original address to a destination address. First, delivery information associated with the item is directed to a data acquisition device, wherein the data acquisition device includes a GPS sensor, while the delivery information includes the destination address of the item and a GPS position associated with the destination address and provided by the GPS sensor. The item is then transported to a location, where an identifier associated with the item is captured from the item. The delivery information associated with the item is determined from the identifier and an actual GPS position of the location is determined. The GPS position associated with the destination address is then compared to the actual GPS position of the location so as to determine a position differential and an alert is provided if the position differential exceeds a threshold.[0036]
• Still another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a method of delivering an item sent by a sender from an original address to a receiver at a destination address. First, delivery information associated with the item is directed from a server to a portable data acquisition device, wherein the portable data acquisition device includes a GPS sensor and at least one of a WLAN data radio and a WWAN data radio configured to receive the delivery information, while the delivery information includes the destination address of the item and a GPS position associated with the destination address. The item is delivered to a location according to the delivery information and then actual GPS data associated with the location is determined with the GPS sensor, wherein the actual GPS data includes a time of delivery and a physical location of delivery. At least one of the time of delivery and the physical location of delivery is then directed to the carrier server via at least one of the WLAN data radio and the WWAN data radio.[0037]
• Still another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a method of delivering an item from a sender to a consignee. First, delivery information associated with the item is directed from a carrier server to a portable data acquisition device, wherein the portable data acquisition device includes a WPAN data radio, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication port, and at least one of a WLAN data radio and a WWAN data radio for receiving the delivery information. The item is then delivered to the consignee according to the delivery information. Data associated with the delivery of the item to the consignee is then collected and directed via at least one of the WPAN data radio and the IrDA communication port to a computer associated with the consignee.[0038]
• Yet another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a portable data acquisition device adapted to interact with a user. Such a device includes a GPS sensor configured to determine a geographic location of the user and a signature capture window display configured to receive a signature of the user. A processor is configured to compare the signature of the user to a list of authorized signatures for the geographic location of the user so as to verify a signature authority of the user.[0039]
• Still another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a system for a portable electronic device implementing a Windows™ CE operating system, wherein the system is configured to protect data entries into the portable electronic device. Such a system includes a random access memory module for temporarily storing the data entries, a permanent memory module in communication with the random access memory module and configured to permanently store selected ones of the data entries, and an intermediate memory module in communication with the random access memory module and the permanent memory module, wherein the intermediate memory module is configured to be non-volatile and capable of permanently storing the data entries.[0040]
• Yet another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a method of protecting data entries associated with an event and received by a portable electronic device implementing a Windows™ CE operating system. First, the data entries are received in a random access memory module and in an intermediate memory module, both operably engaged with the portable electronic device. Selected ones of the data entries are then transferred, upon completion of the event, from at least one of the random access memory module and the intermediate memory module to a permanent memory module operably engaged with the portable electronic device, for permanent storage thereof.[0041]
• Another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a method of retrieving specific data from a private database of a customer using a portable electronic device having a wireless local area network (WLAN) data radio, a wireless personal area network (WPAN) data radio, a wireless wide area network (WWAN) data radio, and an Infrared Data Association (IRDA) communication port operably engaged therewith. First, communication with a computer device housing the private database is established and the private database accessed via at least one of the WPAN data radio and the IrDA communication port. The specific data from the private database is then determined and received at the portable electronic device.[0042]
• Still another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a method of selecting a data radio from a wireless local area network (WLAN) data radio, a wireless personal area network (WPAN) data radio, and a wireless wide area network (WWAN) data radio operably engaged with a portable electronic device. First, a task to be performed by the portable electronic device is determined and the task then associated with one of the data radios according to a matching criteria, before the data radio associated with the task is actuated.[0043]
• A further advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a tool capable of being operably engaged with and extracting data from a portable electronic device having an operating system, a processor, a Flash Memory module, an NVRAM module, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) data radio, and an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication port. Such a data extraction tool includes a communication port configured to communicate with the portable electronic device via at least one of the WLAN data radio and the IrDA communication port, and a processing portion configured to selectively locate and extract data from at least one of the Flash Memory module and the NVRAM module, independently of the processor and the operating system.[0044]
• Yet another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a method of regulating a battery pack for a portable electronic device having at least one of an application program interface (API) and software capable of directing interaction with the battery pack. First, a condition of the battery pack, having a charge of power, is monitored and then the power from the battery pack is allocated so as to optimize usage of the charge. Recharging of the battery pack is then directed independently of instructional input from an external recharging station.[0045]
• Another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a method of determining a capacity of a battery for a portable electronic device. First, data associated with typical operational conditions of the portable electronic device during a shift is analyzed. A task-specific battery power usage profile for the portable electronic device during the shift is then developed. The battery capacity is then optimized according to the power usage profile, wherein the battery capacity corresponding to power required by the electronic device during the shift.[0046]
• Still another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a method of testing an impact durability of a container, wherein the container being generally defined by a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis disposed perpendicularly thereto. First, the container is released from a height above a surface such that gravity directs the container in a vertical direction toward impact with the surface. The container is simultaneously directed in a horizontal direction such that the container impacts the surface with a velocity having a vertical component and a horizontal component. In some instances, the container may also be simultaneously rotated about at least one of the longitudinal and lateral axes.[0047]
• Yet another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises, in a portable electronic device having a longitudinal axis generally adapted to be directed at a user, a data entry keypad adapted to receive input from a pair of thumbs while the corresponding hands are grasping and supporting the device. Such a keypad includes a plurality of V-shaped rows of keys, wherein the keys are disposed on a face of the portable electronic device within a natural range of motion of the thumbs when the portable electronic device is grasped by the hands. Each V-shaped row has an apex disposed within a central region of the face and directed at the user, wherein the central region is disposed along the longitudinal axis. Each V-shaped row further includes opposing distal ends extending outwardly of the apex and directed away from the user. The keys are disposed on the face and with respect to the central region so as to minimize rotation of the portable electronic device about the longitudinal axis upon actuation of the keys by the thumbs.[0048]
• A further advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a method of stabilizing a portable electronic device having a keypad as the keypad is typed upon with a pair of thumbs, wherein the device includes a longitudinal axis generally adapted to be directed at a user and a plurality of keys in the keypad for entering data into the portable electronic device with the user's thumbs as the portable electronic device is grasped by the user's hands. First, the keys are positioned in a plurality of V-shaped rows, with each V-shaped row having an apex disposed within a central region and directed at the user, wherein the central region is disposed along the longitudinal axis. Each V-shaped row further includes opposing distal ends extending outwardly of the central region and directed away from the user. Each off-apex key is separated from the central region by a distance, wherein minimizing the distance between each of the off-apex keys and the central region thereby minimizes rotation of the portable electronic device about the longitudinal axis upon actuation of the off-apex keys by the thumbs.[0049]
• Another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises, in a portable electronic device, a data entry keypad adapted to receive input from a gloved digit of a hand, wherein the keypad is disposed upon a face of the device. Such a keypad includes a plurality of keys each having a center and separated by a key pitch distance, wherein the key pitch distance is a center-to-center distance between adjacently-disposed keys. The key pitch distance is selected to facilitate actuation of each key by the gloved digit without actuating an adjacently-disposed key on the keypad.[0050]
• Still another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a portable electronic device having a top face and a bottom face, wherein such a portable electronic device includes an actuator adapted to receive input from an index finger of a hand while the hand is grasping the device, the actuator being disposed on the bottom face of the portable electronic device so as to be naturally accessible by the index finger.[0051]
• Another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a portable data acquisition device including a data input device, a memory, a data storage device, a data transmission device, an actuator, and a casing. The casing is configured for containing the data input device, the memory, the data storage device, and the data transmission device. The casing is further configured to be substantially resistant to moisture intrusion and comprises a continuous membrane defining at least one opening configured to receive the actuator. The membrane is configured to operably engage the actuator so as to substantially prevent moisture intrusion into the casing about the actuator.[0052]
• Yet another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a portable electronic device and holder assembly. Such an assembly includes a holder adapted to be attached to a user, wherein the holder has a first end, an elongate arm extending from the first end to an opposing second end, a hook operably engaged with the second end of the arm, wherein the hook has a tine separated from the arm by a span, and a gate having a hinged end rotatably engaged with a pair of rails spaced inward from the second end and a free end extending across the span to the tine, wherein the free end is biased toward the tine by a biasing device operably engaged between the arm and the gate. The span, the arm, the tine, and the gate of the holder are configured to receive and secure a pin therein. The pin is operably engaged with the portable electronic device, and spans a channel defined thereby, and, as such the portable electronic device is secured to the holder. A pair of shoulders on an edge of a casing of the portable electronic device defines the channel and has the pin operably engaged therebetween. The shoulders are configured with respect to the edge of the casing such that the gate is urged away from the tine and toward the arm when the portable electronic device is rotated about the pin and over the tine, toward the first end of the holder. The pin is thereby removable from the span so as to disengage the portable electronic device from the holder.[0053]
• Yet another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a holder adapted to be attached to a user and capable of being operably engaged with a portable electronic device. The device includes a pair of shoulders on an edge of a casing thereof, wherein the shoulders cooperate to define a channel and have a pin operably engaged therebetween. Such a holder includes a first end, an elongate arm extending from the first end to an opposing second end, and a hook operably engaged with the second end of the arm, wherein the hook has a tine separated from the arm by a span. A gate has a hinged end rotatably engaged with a pair of rails spaced inward from the second end, and a free end extending across the span to the tine. The free end is biased toward the tine by a biasing device operably engaged between the arm and the gate. The span is configured to receive the pin therein, wherein the pin is securable between the arm, the tine, and the gate so as to thereby secure the portable electronic device to the holder. The shoulders are configured with respect to the edge of the casing so as to urge the gate away from the tine and toward the arm when the portable electronic device is rotated about the pin and over the tine, toward the first end of the holder. The pin is thereby removable from the span so as to disengage the portable electronic device from the holder.[0054]
• Yet another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a method of non-visually determining a relation of a portable electronic device to a holder, wherein the holder includes a hook operably engaged with one end of an arm. The hook further includes a tine separated from the arm by a span. A gate has a hinged end in rotatable communication with a pair of rails operably engaged with the arm, and a free end extending therefrom across the span to the tine, wherein the free end is biased toward the tine by a biasing device. The portable electronic device has a pin operably engaged therewith, wherein the pin is configured to removably engage the holder so as to secure the portable electronic device thereto. Accordingly, such a method comprises providing at least one of an auditory alert and a tactile cue to a user as the pin is guided into the span of the hook and secured therein via cooperation of the arm, the tine, the gate, and the biasing device.[0055]
• Another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a portable electronic device including an elongate stylus having an actuation end, a medial portion, and a distal end, wherein the medial portion defines a circumferential groove. A casing defines a recess configured to receive and house the actuation end of the stylus, wherein the recess extends to a channel defined by the casing. The channel is configured to receive the medial portion of the stylus, while the recess and the channel are configured to cooperate to receive the stylus such that the distal end extends from the groove and outwardly of the casing. A retaining mechanism is operably engaged with the channel in correspondence with the circumferential groove defined by the medial portion of the stylus, wherein the retaining mechanism is configured to operably engage the circumferential groove so as to removably secure the stylus to the casing.[0056]
• Yet another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a portable electronic device defining a longitudinal axis generally adapted to be directed at a user and adapted to be grasped and operated by the user's hands. Such a portable electronic device includes a casing for containing a data input device, a memory, a data storage device, and a data transmission device, wherein the casing is configured to be substantially resistant to moisture intrusion and comprises a substantially continuous membrane defining at least one opening. An actuator, adapted to receive input from an index finger of a hand while the hand is grasping the device, is disposed on a bottom face of the casing, in the at least one opening, so as to be naturally accessible by the index finger. The actuator is configured to operably engage the membrane so as to substantially prevent moisture intrusion into the casing about the actuator. A main display having a major dimension and a minor dimension is operably engaged with a top face of the casing such that the major dimension is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the case. A keypad including a plurality of keys is disposed on a top face of the casing so as to be capable of being engaged with a thumb of each hand when the casing is grasped by the user's hands.[0057]
• Another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises a portable data acquisition device capable of collecting, storing and transmitting data. Such a device includes a casing and a wireless local area network (WLAN) data radio, a wireless personal area network (WPAN) data radio, and a wireless wide area network (WWAN) data radio housed by the casing. In addition, the device includes at least one of a processor, a real-time clock, a memory, a keypad, a touch screen, a graphic digitizer, a scanner, an audio capturing device, a video capturing device, a receiver, a transmitter, a sensor, a switch, a display, a speaker, an indicator, an alert device, an acoustic modem and dialer, a cellular telephone, a hard copy printing device, a stylus, a battery charging indicator, a battery, a battery interface, a battery charger, a battery tester, a battery charging indicator, a battery level indicator, a power management processor, an Infrared Data Association (IRDA) communication port, a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, an operating system, a diagnostic system, an application software loader, a systems software loader, a database, a database manager, and an application program interface (API), operably engaged with the casing.[0058]
• Thus, embodiments of the present invention meet the needs in the art and provide significant advantages as detailed herein.[0059]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
• Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:[0060]
• FIGS.[0061]1A-1E,2-8, and9A-9E illustrate various views of a portable data acquisition device according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIGS.[0062]10-12 illustrate various views of a portable data acquisition device and relationship thereof to a device holder according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• FIGS.[0063]13A-13D illustrate an operational sequence for a portable data acquisition device being disengaged from a device holder, according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIGS.[0064]14-19 illustrate various views of a device holder for a portable data acquisition device according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIGS.[0065]20A-20C illustrate various views of a portable data acquisition device and relationship thereof to a battery recharging station according to one embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 21 illustrates an assembly view and an exploded view of a roller switch according to one embodiment of the present invention;[0066]
• FIG. 22 illustrates a relationship between a portable data acquisition device and a central host system according to one embodiment of the present invention;[0067]
• FIG. 23 illustrates a system schematic of a data acquisition device according to one embodiment of the present invention; and[0068]
• FIG. 24 illustrates a portable data acquisition device according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.[0069]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• The present inventions now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.[0070]
• FIGS.[0071]1A-1E,2-8,9A-9E, and22-24 show various views of a portable data acquisition device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the device being indicated generally by thenumeral1. As explained in greater detail herein, thedevice1 is generally configured to collect package tracking data, typically at a distribution center, at the package delivery location, and in various locations therebetween or otherwise, to store the package tracking data, and to forward the package tracking data to amainframe data repository200 via one of several communication devices and methods. Thedevice1 generally includes acasing10, akeypad20, and adisplay30. Thecasing10 includes alongitudinal axis11 and thekeypad20 and display are arranged on atop surface12 of thecasing10 and with respect tolongitudinal axis11 so as to be usable by a user when thelongitudinal axis11 is directed at the user. Thedisplay30 is generally rectangular, though other shapes may be used for thedisplay30 in some instances, as includes a major dimension and a minor dimension. In some instances, thedisplay30 may be configured in a “landscape” orientation with respect to thecasing10 such that the major dimension of thedisplay30 is perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis11. Accordingly, more data about a particular item or delivery may be displayed on a continuous line across thedisplay30. For example, thedevice1 and thedisplay30 may be configured such that data from a single delivery, once entered into thedevice1, may be displayed on one continuous line across thedisplay30.
• According to one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the keys comprising the[0072]keypad20 are disposed on thetop surface12 of thedevice1 in a plurality of V-shapedrows22. Each V-shapedrow22 is defined by an apex key22adisposed about thelongitudinal axis11, with the off-apex keys22bextending outwardly from and along thelongitudinal axis11 on either side of the apex key22a. However, in some instances, the apex key22amay be disposed in a central region (not shown), the central region being disposed along thelongitudinal axis11, such that the apex key22ais not necessarily centered on thelongitudinal axis11. In such instances, the off-apex keys22bwould extend from the apex key22ain the central region. Further, when thedevice1 is held by the user with two hands, the keys within each V-shapedrow22 lie within the natural range of motion of the two thumbs so as to allow “thumb typing”. The location of each key on thekeypad22, including the distance of each key from the side edges of thecasing10, is preferably configured to accommodate use by an average size hand without excessive reaching by the thumbs. Accordingly, the apex key22ais closer to a reaching thumb when placed at the apex of the V-shapedrow22 than if it were placed at the center of a straight row. In some instances, thekeypad20 may be arranged such that the alphanumeric and some function keys are within the easiest and most natural reach of the thumbs, while lesser-used keys, such as some lesser-used function keys, are more remotely disposed from the thumbs, but also within reach thereof In other instances, thekeypad20 is arranged such that the alphanumeric keys remain substantially visible to the user during alternating thumb typing by the user. According to another aspect of the present invention, in some instances, the size, shape, and other parameters of the keys on thekeypad20 are optimized for users wearing gloves. That is, for gloved-hand operation, the keys are sized and have a key pitch distance (the center-to-center separation distance between adjacently-disposed keys) that allows each key to be actuated by a gloved thumb without interfering with or unintentionally actuating an adjacently-disposed key. The key pitch distance may range between about 0.4 inches and about 0.9 inches, though, in one embodiment, the preferred key pitch distance is about 0.7 inches (about 1.5 cm).
• According to yet another advantageous aspect of the present invention, the[0073]keypad20 may also be optimized so as to minimize rotation of thedevice1 about thelongitudinal axis11 while the user is thumb typing on thekeypad20. In part, the V-shapedrows22 of keys accommodate the natural rocking motion of thedevice1 during the task of alternating thumb typing. In use, thedevice1 rocks gently back and forth about thelongitudinal axis11 as the user exerts force on the keys with alternating thumbs. Actuation of the keys on or close to thelongitudinal axis11 produces a mild rocking motion, while actuation of the outermost keys may produce a more pronounced rocking motion. Thus, the V-shape of therows22 of keys allows each key to be disposed closer to thelongitudinal axis11 and thereby lowers the effective lever distance between thelongitudinal axis11 of thedevice1 and the key being actuated. Accordingly, the amount of rotation about thelongitudinal axis11 imparted to thedevice10 during thumb typing is reduced. In other words, a straight row of keys extending across the casing would be longer than the V-shapedrow22 and would require the user to actuate keys much further away from thelongitudinal axis11, thereby causing a greater rotation and a more pronounced rocking of thedevice1 about thelongitudinal axis11. As such, the resulting excessive rocking could interfere with efficient use of the device and correct typing thereon. Accordingly, placement of the keys in V-shapedrows22 locates the keys closer to thelongitudinal axis11 of thedevice1 and thereby minimizes the rocking motion of thedevice1 during typing. One skilled in the art will also note that the configuration of thecasing10 in a rounded, approximately hourglass shape provides a rounded surface about thekeypad20 which further assists in minimizing the rocking motion of thedevice1. The rounded surface, for instance, allows the thumbs to move inward toward thekeypad20 about the uppermost and lowermost keys on thekeypad20, thereby requiring less contortion of the hands and thus less rocking of thedevice1.
• Some embodiments of the present invention may implement a[0074]keypad20 having linear rows of keys as shown, for example, in FIG. 24. Further, in some alternate embodiments, as shown in FIG. 24, thekeypad20 may also include one or two sets ofscan keys28 configured to be operated by the thumbs of the user's hands for scrolling through text on thedisplay30 or for performing other input functions. Each set ofscan keys28 includes, for instance, one or morelateral scan keys28aand one or more longitudinal or “up” and “down”keys28b. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the function imparted by each set ofscan keys28 may also be implemented in different manners. For example, a roller, a joystick, or a rocker controller may be implemented and configured to provide the same or similar functionality. In instances where two sets ofscan keys28 are included, one set for each thumb, one-handed operation of thedevice1 may be possible.
• Since the environment in which the[0075]device1 is operated may vary considerably, thekeypad20 and/or thedisplay30 may be configured so as to prevent moisture, for example, in the form of water or water vapor, dust, or other impurities from entering thecasing10 about that component. For example, thekeypad20 may further comprise a flexible membrane (not shown) extending over the keys, or the keys may comprise a flexible membrane, wherein the membrane may be comprised of silicone and is sealed to thecasing10 about the keys. In other instances, the keys may be comprised of silicone and configured to individually engage and form a seal with thecasing10. One skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that many different methods of preventing moisture or other contaminants from entering thecasing10 may also be implemented. Further, though thekeypad20 has been described herein in terms of individual actuatable keys, thekeypad20 may have many other configurations as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art. For example, thekeypad20 may be implemented in an electronic touch screen (not shown), which may be independent of or integral with thedisplay30. Such a touch screen may comprise, for example, a keypad superimposed on a CRT or on an LCD screen. In some instances, thedisplay30 may also be at least partially configured as a touch-sensitive screen where, for example, a portion of thedisplay30 may be configured as a signature capture window (not shown) as will also be appreciated by one skilled in the art and described further herein.
• According to one embodiment of the present invention, the[0076]casing10 of thedevice1 includes abottom surface13 generally opposing thetop surface12. Thebottom surface13 further comprises a plurality ofpads90 extending outwardly therefrom. Thepads90 are configured to cooperate to define abottom plane80 on which thedevice1 rests when placed on a surface. Thebottom plane80 may be generally parallel to thebottom surface12 or may be angled with respect thereto such that, for example, thedisplay30 is tilted upwardly toward the user when thedevice1 is placed on a flat surface. Thedevice1 may includepads90 of any shape that is suited to the particular geometry or spatial needs of thedevice1. As shown, according to one advantageous embodiment, thedevice1 comprises a pair of graspingpads90adisposed about opposite edges of thebottom surface13 so as to be generally opposed to thekeypad20 on thetop surface12. Thegrasping pads90aare configured such that, when the user's hands are grasping thedevice1 such that thekeypad20 is in the natural range of motion of the thumbs, the other fingers of the hands will be able to naturally wrap about the respectivegrasping pads90aso that the hands securely grasp thecasing10. The portions of therespective pads90 defining thebottom plane80 may also be textured or have a textured material applied thereto so as to facilitate a secure grasp by the user or to prevent thedevice1 from sliding when placed on a surface.
• According to another advantageous aspect of the present invention, the[0077]pads90 extending from thebottom surface13 of thecasing10 further cooperate to define anamorphous recess85, wherein the term “amorphous” is meant to convey that therecess85 need not have a definable geometric shape, but rather may be defined by a variety of curvilinear or rectilinear shapes, extending in all three dimensions, across thebottom surface13 of thecasing10. Therecess85 includes all surfaces on thebottom surface13 of thecasing10 which are recessed toward thecasing10 with respect to thebottom plane80. Accordingly, as described further herein, various components, such as ascanner55, apin50, androtary switches40 or other actuators may be located within therecess85. According to one aspect, locating these and other components within therecess85 protects the components from damage caused by surface moisture or physical impact or other contact with an external surface. Further, these components are also protected from unintentional actuation or other corruption caused by unintended motion or contact of thebottom surface13 with external objects. Thepads90, thus arranged, provide a stable base for thedevice1, while raising thedevice1 above the surface upon which it rests and thereby providing protection for components disposed within therecess85.
• In one advantageous embodiment, the[0078]device1 may further include one or morerotary switches40 for scrolling through text on thedisplay30 or for performing other input functions, wherein suchrotary switches40 will be appreciated by one skilled in the art. Accordingly, arotary switch40 may be disposed within therecess85 on thebottom surface13 such that the user, while grasping the side edges of thecasing10 with both hands, with the thumbs within reach of the keys on thekeypad20 and the remaining fingers wrapped about thegrasping pads90a, may readily operate therotary switch40 with an index finger on thebottom face13 of thecasing10. In some instances, the rotary switches40 may also be sized, shaped, and/or textured to accommodate gloved-hand operation. In another aspect, because scrolling through text and menus may be one of the main operations performed by the user, the index finger location on thebottom surface13, as determined at least in part by the configuration of thegrasping pads90a, may also be configured as “anchor points” to place the hands of the user in proper positions with respect to thedevice1. Further, other switches or actuators may be placed about the index finger locations so as to increase the flexibility of thedevice1 and expand the operations that may be performed by the index fingers.
• As shown, one or more[0079]rotary switches40 are located within therecess85 on thebottom surface13 of thecasing10 at locations where therespective rotary switch40 corresponds to the natural location of the user's index finger when grasping thedevice1 with both hands. The rotary switches40 are disposed within therecess85 at least partially to prevent damage and to avoid accidental actuation thereof. When thedevice1 is placed with thebottom plane80 on a surface, the rotary switches40 and other components within therecess85 will be spaced apart from that surface. If thedevice1 is placed, for example, on a table on thebottom plane80 defined by thepads90, the recessed location of the rotary switches40 may prevent accidental actuation or damage thereto. Likewise, if thedevice1 is placed, for example, with thetop surface12 down on the top of a package, thepads90 on the exposedbottom surface13 of thedevice1 may also protect the rotary switches40 from accidental actuation.
• However, since the rotary switches[0080]40 are installed in thecasing10, measures must also be undertaken to prevent moisture intrusion into thecasing10 through or about the rotary switches40. Such arotary switch40, as shown in FIG. 21, typically comprises ahousing41 and aroller element42 disposed at least partially within thehousing41. Accordingly, thehousing41 may be configured to engage thecasing10 so as to prevent moisture intrusion into the casing about thehousing41. For example, a seal (not shown) may be disposed between thehousing41 and thecasing10 so as to seal out moisture. In another embodiment, a water-resistant rotary switch40 may be provided by agrommet43 operably engaged between thehousing41 and theroller element42, theroller element42 comprising, for example, a ball, a dial, or the like. Such agrommet43 would cooperate with theroller element42 so as to allow theroller element42 to freely rotate, while protecting thehousing41 and thecasing10 from water intrusion. In some instances, the moisture resistance of therotary switch40 may be accomplished through the configuration of thehousing41 immediately adjacent to theroller element42, with or without thegrommet43. In still other instances, thehousing41 may be configured to be sealed such that, when engaged with thecasing10, a moisture resistant seal is formed. As such, theroller element42 may then be configured to form a switch with thehousing41. That is, thehousing41 may include a first switch portion (not shown), while theroller element42 would include or comprise a corresponding second switch portion (not shown). The respective switch portions may be configured to cooperate to form a switch mechanism through, for example, electrical, mechanical, and/or magnetic arrangements. One skilled in the art will thus appreciate that many different forms of water-resistant rotary switches40 may be provided. Such water-resistant rotary switches40 are therefore protected against, for example, rain, splashed water from any direction, and ambient humidity, and also serve to protect thecasing10 from moisture intrusion.
• In some embodiments, such rotary switches[0081]40 may not necessarily be implemented in thedevice1. For example, the functionality of suchrotary switches40 may be accomplished through the use of other devices capable of being actuated by the index fingers such as, for example, a roller, a joystick, or a rocker controller, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art. However, in still other instances, the functionality of the rotary switches40 may be obviated by, for example, the use ofscan keys28, wherein thescan keys28 may be incorporated into thekeypad20 for actuation by the user's thumbs or disposed within therecess85 for actuation by the user's index fingers. Thus, one skilled in the art will appreciate that many different configurations of actuators may be implemented for scrolling through text and other input function as described herein with respect to, for example, the roller switches40 and thescan keys28.
• According to some advantageous aspects of the present invention, the[0082]device1 may further include or be capable of housing astylus45 for performing various functions with respect to thedevice1. For example, thedevice1 may comprise a signature capture window (not shown) integral with or separate from thedisplay30, wherein such a signature capture window will be appreciate by one skilled in the art as being capable of electronically capturing writing by thestylus45 on a touch-sensitive screen. Alternatively, thestylus45 may be configured to interact with thekeypad20 or, for example, may merely comprise a writing instrument such as a pen or pencil. Since such a separate component associated with thedevice1 may be prone to being misplaced or lost, thedevice1 may, in some instances, include atether45e(FIG. 4) connecting thestylus45 to thecasing10. In other instances, thecasing10 may be configured to house and secure thestylus45 when thestylus45, having anactuation end45a, amedial portion45b, and adistal end45c, is not in use. More particularly, thecasing10 may define arecess46 along a side of thecasing10, therecess46 extending to anelongate channel47, also along the side of the casing. Therecess46 and thechannel47 are configured to cooperate to receive thestylus45 therein, such that the actuation end45ais disposed in therecess46 while themedial portion45bof thestylus45 is housed by thechannel47 and thedistal end45cextends beyond thechannel47 so as to facilitate removal of thestylus45 for use with thedevice1. In some instances, themedial portion45bof thestylus45 may include acircumferential groove45dconfigured to engage a retaining mechanism, such as a pair offlanges47a, engaged with thechannel47 in correspondence with thecircumferential groove45dand for securing thestylus45 within thechannel47.Such flanges47amay be, for example, comprised of a flexible material or otherwise configured with respect to thecircumferential groove45dto facilitate engagement and disengagement of thestylus45 with respect to thecasing10. For example, theflanges47amay be configured such that thestylus45 engages thechannel47 in a snap fit, a friction fit, or in any other suitable manner.
• As will be further described herein, one skilled in the art will also appreciate that portable electronic devices typically include sensitive components wherein the components and/or the[0083]casing10 may become damaged if thedevice1 is dropped by the user. As such, it would be desirable to test the impact durability of thedevice1 in order to determine if thedevice1 may be suitably configured to resist such impact and continue operation. However, suchportable devices1 are typically not dropped in a direct vertical direction, but bobbled as the user is in motion. Thus, thedevice1 will generally be dropped with some horizontal motion, as well as with some rotation about an axis of thedevice1 as a result of being bobbled by the user. Thus, another aspect of the present invention comprises a durability test for thedevice1 that includes rotating or tumbling drops in addition to purely vertical drops. The dynamic test method includes an apparatus for imparting a known rotational velocity and/or a known lateral or horizontal velocity to thedevice1 at the moment thedevice1 is dropped. The rotational velocity and/or the horizontal velocity imparted to thedevice1 are known and recorded in order to gather data about the relative durability of thedevice1 under different dynamic conditions, and to make any necessary durability improvements to thedevice1. For example, thecasing10 may be selectively reinforced, impact-absorbing material may be added to thecasing10, or the material comprising thecasing10 may be altered. Each test includes, of course, a downward vertical velocity component as thedevice1 accelerates due to the force of gravity, and the dynamic test method and apparatus is further capable of imparting both a rotational and a horizontal velocity component to thedevice1. According to one embodiment, the test method and apparatus may be configured to drop thedevice1 from a height of between about 1 foot and about 10 feet above the impact surface and the reaction of thedevice1 may be measured with, for example, a sensor (not shown) disposed within thecasing10. The combination of velocity components used in the test method and apparatus of the present invention is thus configured to account for the variety of environmental conditions actually observed in the operating environment.
• One ongoing concern with portable electronic devices is the size, weight, and capacity of the[0084]battery400 used to power thedevice1. Thus, according to one aspect of the present invention, one or more battery parameters are monitored and controlled by thedevice1. More particularly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the recharging and testing functions of thebattery pack400 are directed by one or more software applications executed within and by thedevice1. Monitoring and management of thebattery pack400 by thedevice1 thereby reduces the need for an external battery recharging station that implements independent monitoring and status functions. The recharging, testing, and the power usage from thebattery pack400 may be controlled by thedevice1, which serves to optimize the battery operational life and allows operational data to be collected from thebattery pack400 and thedevice1 during operation. The software applications and/or associated hardware may also be configured to allocate battery power to the different functions and components of thedevice1 according to, for example, the highest priority and/or necessity for maintaining operability of thedevice1, wherein such a power allocation capability is generally not available when the battery control functions are associated with an external battery recharging station.
• According to this aspect of the present invention, the software and/or hardware for controlling and powering the[0085]device1 include commands, function, or the like for monitoring the charge, condition, or other status of the battery pack, for controlling the allocation of battery power resources during operation of thedevice1, and for directing and monitoring the recharging process for thebattery pack400. In one advantageous embodiment, thedevice1 includes an application program interface (API) using the application software for controlling and monitoring the status of thebattery pack400, the allocation of power therefrom and the recharging process therefor. The status monitoring functions may include, for example, monitoring the charge level of thebattery pack400, the power usage for a particular task, the time required for a task, and the recharging status of thebattery pack400. In some instances, the monitoring function may also serve to indicate any abnormal power usage conditions, to determine and implement reduced-power usage mode parameters, and/or to indicate operational parameters associated with thebattery pack400. When thebattery pack400 is engaged with the associatedexternal recharging station420 throughcontacts15 in thecasing10, as shown in FIGS.20A-20C, the software/hardware for battery monitoring and/or the API provides the necessary instructional input to the rechargingstation420 for recharging thebattery400 while monitoring the condition of thebattery400 during the recharging process. In some instances, however, the software/hardware for battery monitoring and/or the API may just be configured to determine whether to accept power from the rechargingstation420 for recharging thebattery400. Accordingly, thedevice1 is configured to start and stop the charging process so as to provide for optimum recharging conditions, and is also capable of identifying and alerting the user to any abnormalities in the charging process or with thebattery pack400 and/ordevice1.
• According to one embodiment of the present invention, the operational life or capacity of the[0086]rechargeable battery pack400 is determined according to the duration of the typical work shift for the typical user of the portableelectronic device1. In the alternative, the capacity of thebattery pack400 may be more particularly determined and tailored to a particular work shift for a particular user, or may be determined on a taskspecific basis such that a shift is determined according to a particular allocation of such tasks. Further, studies of the power usage patterns of similar portable electronic devices may provide designers with information about how thedevice1 is likely to be used and the power consumption thereof during a typical work shift or in intervals where the user is away from the recharging station. Thus, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the battery capacity may be customized in many different manners. As a result, according to one embodiment of the present invention, thebattery pack400 used to power thedevice1 may be sized to have a capacity for providing sufficient power for thedevice1 for a typical work shift. Thebattery pack400 may be optimized by altering, for example, the size, the weight, the type, the charging and/or discharging characteristics, and/or the storage capacity of thebattery400, as appropriate. As such, thedevice1 is not burdened with significant extra weight or battery capacity that is not needed. The optimization of the battery life thereby helps to keep the weight of thedevice1 to a minimum, while simultaneously providing sufficient power for the expected conditions of operation during the shift.
• However, in some instances, since the characteristics of a[0087]battery400 may change over time, thebattery400 may be configured to have a reserve charge capable of operating thedevice1 in either a full power or reduced power mode for a particular amount of time until thebattery pack400 can be recharged. Thebattery400 may be configured to indicate to thedevice1 when the reserve charge is actuated or, for example, the software/hardware for monitoring thedevice1 or the API may be configured to identify when the reserve charge is actuated. In either instance, thebattery400 and/or thedevice1 may be configured to provide an alert to the user that the reserve charge is in effect. The reduced-power usage mode for thedevice1 may comprise, for example, a “sleep” mode where only necessary functions of thedevice1 remain operational, wherein the variety of configurations for such a sleep mode will be appreciated by one skilled in the art. In some instances, the reserve charge may provide a reserve power capacity of, for example, between about 5% and about 100% of the optimized battery capacity for theparticular device1. In either instance, regardless of whether a reserve capacity is provided with thebattery400, the conditions during a shift may be continuously or periodically monitored and the battery re-optimized, if necessary. Further, the monitored parameters of thebattery pack400 and/or thedevice1, such as the condition of thebattery pack400, the power allocation to thedevice1, and the recharging conditions, may also periodically be gather and used to provide a report.
• In some instances, a battery system for a portable electronic device may have both a primary and secondary power source. As such, according to some embodiments of the present invention, the[0088]device1 may have abattery pack400 configured so that the primary power source therein serves as both the primary and secondary power sources. For example, thebattery pack400 may be divided into two separate cells, wherein one cell functions as the primary power source, while the other cell functions as the secondary power source. Accordingly, if the primary cell dies or otherwise becomes depleted to the point that it is not able to provide usable power, the secondary cell will have sufficient power to at least preserve the data stored on thedevice1. Such a switch between the primary and secondary cells may occur automatically from the configuration of thebattery400 or may be controlled, for example, by the software/hardware for battery monitoring and/or the API.
• Since the[0089]device1 may, in some instances, be used to store certain data, and since the reliability of the battery power of such portable devices is often uncertain, embodiments of the present invention also address the data storage characteristics of thedevice1. Thus, according to one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, thedevice1 implements a Windows™ CE operating system and includes three types of memory modules, namely a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM)360, a programmable permanent memory known as aFlash Memory380, and a Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM)370, as shown in FIG. 23. Moreover, thedevice1 is capable of using all three types of memory modules, either separately or in combination, to facilitate, as necessary, the variety of complex tasks described herein.
• Software applications are typically loaded, executed, and/or run by the[0090]device1 in theDRAM360, wherein theDRAM360 also receives data input by the user and directs the display of the application output or results. The data contained in theDRAM360 must be refreshed frequently or the contents will be lost. Further, theDRAM360 comprises a volatile storage mechanism, which means the data will be lost if electrical power to theDRAM360 is lost. TheFlash Memory380, on the other hand, is non-volatile, programmable, and provides for permanent data storage unless the data is erased. Data stored in theFlash Memory380 is retained even if electrical power to theFlash Memory380 is lost.Flash Memory380 may also be built into thedevice1 or provided as a removable memory card, which may be engaged with/disengaged from thedevice1 as necessary. Typically, data entered into theDRAM360 may be selectively transferred to theFlash Memory380 for permanent storage. However, the process of writing the data to theFlash Memory380 is sometimes time-consuming and, in the field, could easily interfere with the rapid entry of data that is often required under typical operating conditions for thedevice1. Thus, if power were to be lost before the necessary data could be written to theFlash Memory380 from theDRAM360, such data would also be lost.
• Accordingly, advantageous embodiments of the present invention provide an additional[0091]NVRAM memory module370 for supplementing theDRAM360 andFlash Memory380 modules. TheNVRAM module370 provides thedevice1 and the user with a memory that is both permanent (non-volatile) and configured for high-speed access. Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, theNVRAM module370 acts as an intermediate memory between thevolatile DRAM360 and thepermanent Flash Memory380. Data stored in theNVRAM370 can be recovered even after a total loss of electrical power or a total failure of the operating system while data is being input. Data may be written simultaneously to theNVRAM370 and theDRAM360, or sequentially from theDRAM360 to theNVRAM370. In either instance, theNVRAM370, in use, generally retains all of the input data until the software application/API can purposefully write the data into theFlash Memory380 for permanent storage. In some instances, thedevice1 may provide the user with the opportunity to select the memory module to which entered data will be directed. In still other instances, the data may only be written from theNVRAM370 to theFlash Memory module380 so as to expedite the data storage process and to reduce redundancy in the saving the necessary data, though both theDRAM360 and theNVRAM370 may sometimes be configured such that both memory modules are capable of writing the data to theFlash Memory module380. Thus, theNVRAM370 provides a permanent storage site for data that is usually only stored temporarily in theDRAM360, where it is vulnerable to being lost until it is saved to theFlash Memory380. Without the presence of theNVRAM370, all unsaved data would be lost if thedevice1 experienced a loss of power or a total failure of theoperating system320. Since in the present invention theNVRAM370 stores each data entry permanently, substantially upon being entered in to thedevice1, a loss of power will not cause an irretrievable loss of data. In one embodiment, theNVRAM370 comprises, for example, an SRAM having a separate battery back-up system.
• According to certain advantageous aspects of the present invention, the[0092]device1 is configured to receive, manipulate, and output data related to package tracking. Thedevice1 is thus configured with one or more data input components comprising, for example, akeypad20, a touch screen, a graphic digitizer, ascanner55, an audio capturing device, a video capturing device, a stylus, a Global Positioning System (GPS)sensor310, a real-time clock, aswitch40, and/or combinations thereof. Thedevice1 is also configured with one or more data output components comprising, for example, adisplay30, a speaker, an indicator, an acoustic modem/dialer, a hard copy printing device, and/or combinations thereof. In some instances, thedevice1 may be configured with a data input/output component such as, for example, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA)communication port390 or a cellular telephone, wherein the telephone may be operably engaged with thedevice1 or have the necessary componentry built into thedevice1 itself. Aprocessor300 and anoperating system320 such as, for example, a Windows™ CE operating system, are also generally provided for performing manipulation of the data. Thedevice1 may also include, for example, a diagnostic software and/or hardware system, an application software loader, a systems software loader, and at least one application program interface (API). Embodiments of thedevice1 also include a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM)360, a programmable permanent memory known as aFlash Memory380, and a Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM)370, as previously described, for saving the data. Once the data is input, manipulated, saved, and prepared for output, particularly advantageous embodiments of the present invention may provide at least one of a Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN)data radio330, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)data radio340, and a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN)data radio350 for communicating the data with a discrete and remote central data repository orcentral server200, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23.
• According to one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the wireless wide area network (WWAN)[0093]data radio330 is one of several options available in the portabledata acquisition device1 for communicating with the central data repository or host system, or other systems. TheWWAN data radio330 is capable of providing realtime communication between the portabledata acquisition device1 and thehost system200. For example, theWWAN data radio330 may allow the driver to stay in communication with thehost system200 during the delivery route. Accordingly, during the route, the driver may be notified, in substantially real time, of a change to the route or the route along which the driver is directed may be otherwise dynamically changed during the day. For instance, if Driver A breaks down, a message could be sent via theWWAN data radio330 to Driver B to direct Driver B go to the breakdown location of Driver A and pick up guaranteed delivery packages, and to continue on Driver A's original route. Alternatively, a message could be sent via theWWAN data radio330 to a driver at any time to inform the driver of a new next day air package pick up, in response to which the driver could then change or add to the route to pick up the package.
• Accordingly, the user does not need a separate transceiver (e.g., a DVA or an acoustic modem/dialer) or a telephone line to communicate with the[0094]host system200. However, in some instances, the separate transceiver may be provided with thedevice1, for example, for redundancy, as a back-up communication device, or as a primary communication device in instances where wireless communication may not be available. When thedevice1 is provided with theWWAN data radio330, package tracking data may be uploaded to thehost system200 in real-time or near real-time as that data is entered into the portabledata acquisition device1. Voice/data network protocols and frequencies that may be supported include, but are not limited to, for example, the global system for mobile communications (GSM)/general packet radio service (GPRS), dualmode advanced mobile phone service (AMPS)/circuit switched data and code division multiple access (CDMA/1XRTT), DataTAC, and Mobitex. Other network protocols and frequencies are known in the art and can be supported as well. In one embodiment, the GPRS or CDMA wireless wide area network interface allows communication between the portabledata acquisition device1 and public digital cellular telephone networks. As such, in one embodiment, thedevice1 may be configured as or may include a cellular telephone capable of allowing the user to communicate over the public digital cellular telephone networks.
• A wireless local area network (WLAN)[0095]data radio340 is another one of the several options available in thedevice1 for communicating with thehost system200 or other systems. In one advantageous embodiment, theWLAN data radio340 provides communication between the portabledata acquisition device1 and in-building or other local area systems when thedevice1 is within a confined geographic area such as a carrier or hub facility, a building, a compound, and/or and area within a limited boundary. Data acquisition devices known in the art sometimes rely on separate base station devices with which the device must be engaged in order to download route information and upload end-of-the-day package tracking information and statistics. In one advantageous embodiment, theWLAN data radio340 obviates base station functions and allows direct communication between thedata acquisition device1 and thehost system200 or a local system, through which to upload data and/or to direct applications, software updates, or other data to thedevice1. In another embodiment, theWLAN data radio340 allows for direct communication between thedevice1 and other wireless devices within the local area system so as to facilitate transfer of data between the local area system and thedata acquisition device1 when host access is not necessary or is unavailable. In some instances, however, the local area system may also be configured to independently communicate with thehost system200. In still another advantageous embodiment, communication between theWLAN data radio340 and the local area system may be initiated by a transmitter/receiver arrangement. For example, the local area system may include a transmitter device, while thedevice1 would include a corresponding receiver device. The receiver device may be configured so as to receive an actuation signal from the transmitter device when thedevice1 is within a certain proximity to the local area system, wherein the actuation signal may be configured to initiate the communication of package tracking data between thedevice1 and the local area system and/or thehost system200. One skilled in the art will also appreciate that the receiver and transmitter device could also be switched between components such that the local area system would be provided with the actuation signal upon thedevice1 being within a sufficient range thereof.
• A wireless personal area network (WPAN)[0096]data radio350 is still another one of the several options available to the portabledata acquisition device1 for communicating with thehost system200 or other peripheral devices or systems. In one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, theWPAN data radio350 provides connectivity between the portabledata acquisition device1 and peripheral devices typically used in the carrier industry such as, for example, personal computer systems such as a carrier computer system and a consignee computer system, printers, lock boxes, admonishment devices, and door locks, or combinations thereof using, for example, a protocol such as a Bluetooth protocol. In another advantageous embodiment, theWPAN data radio350 may also be configured to communicate with a cellular telephone. Thus, if a user operates a portabledata acquisition device1 in an area that does not support one of the WWAN data radio protocols, the user can transmit package tracking data from the portabledata acquisition device1 to a cellular phone via theWPAN data radio350 and thereby forward the data to thehost system200 via the cellular network. Alternatively, the data can be transmitted from theWPAN data radio350 to a vehicle-mounted satellite transceiver and forwarded thereby to the host system through, for example, a wide area satellite network. In still another advantageous embodiment, as with theWLAN data radio340, communication between theWPAN data radio350 and the peripheral devices may be initiated by a transmitter/receiver arrangement. For example, a peripheral device may include a transmitter device, while thedevice1 would include a corresponding receiver device. The receiver device may be configured so as to receive an actuation signal from the transmitter device when thedevice1 is within a certain proximity to the peripheral device, wherein the actuation signal may be configured to initiate the communication of package tracking data between thedevice1 and thehost system200 and/or the communication of other data between thedevice1 and the peripheral device. One skilled in the art will also appreciate that the receiver and transmitter device could also be switched between components such that the peripheral device would be provided with the actuation signal upon the device i being within a sufficient proximity thereto.
• As such, the[0097]device1 may include at least one of theWWAN data radio330, theWLAN data radio340, and theWPAN data radio350, wherein the data radio(s) may be integral with thedevice1 or configured as a transceiver unit capable of being operably engaged with thedevice1. According to one embodiment of the present invention, where thedevice1 includes more than one of the data radios, a software application may choose the data radio most suited for the task at hand or the appropriate data radio may be manually chosen by, for example, the user or through a communication from the host system. In instances where the three types of data radios are available (theWWAN data radio330, theWLAN data radio340, and the WPAN data radio350), the software application is preferably configured, using a matching criteria, to choose the appropriate data radio for accomplishing a particular task, however, the data radio may also be chosen by the user from the user's identification of the task, by a sensor engaged with thedevice1 for evaluating the available manners of communication or the available signals therefor, or by thehost system200. For example, the software application would choose theWPAN data radio350 to interact with a customer's database, as described further herein, or theWLAN data radio340 to interact with systems at the carrier's hub, instead of using the other data radios. As previously described, the actuation of a particular data radio may be accomplished manually, via the software system or API of thedevice1, or through the use of an actuation receiver/transmitter system, depending upon the task being accomplished. These options for actuating a particular data radio device are directed by, for example, the software application that includes automatic choosing algorithms, external transmitter actuation, and user actuation functions, among other options, to actuate the data radio most suited for the particular task at hand. As the appropriate data radio is actuated, the details of the particular task may also be stored by thedevice1 in a database therein. Subsequently, either in real time or on a periodic basis, the database entries may be transmitted to the host system via one of the data radios.
• In some particularly advantageous embodiments, the portable[0098]data acquisition device1 may also include aGPS sensor310, as shown in FIG. 23, that is configured to acquire, for example, a latitude, longitude, altitude, course, speed, universal time (UTC), and date, wherein such data may be acquired in National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) data format or other appropriate data format. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, theGPS sensor310 acquires data, sometimes known as ephemeris data, identifying the number of satellites in view and the relative positions of those satellites. In addition, data regarding, for example, heading and ETA can also be captured, which enhances the determination of the position of theGPS sensor310 and allows an area to be profiled or segmented based on the common characteristics of the data.
• Many uses for a[0099]GPS sensor310 in combination with thedevice1 will be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, theGPS sensor310 may assist a delivery person in delivering a package to a specified or desired location. In such an instance, GPS data such as, for example, a latitude, a longitude, and/or and altitude, of the desired location can be loaded onto thedevice1, in some instances as NEMA formatted data. The GPS data may be loaded onto thedevice1 at the direction of thehost system200 or in response to an identifier for the package scanned into thedevice1 where, for example, the identifier may comprise a code from the package label scanned in by thescanner55. When the GPS data is loaded, thedevice1 is at an immediate location. TheGPS sensor310 engaged with thedevice1 can determine GPS data corresponding to the immediate location and then, via the GPS data, may then be configured to direct the delivery person from the immediate location to the desired location, in some instances by determining a route therebetween, such that the package can be delivered to the addressee. That is, the package can be delivered when the immediate location of thedevice1 substantially corresponds to the desired location as determined from the GPS data for each location. Various data may also be gathered along the route such as, for example, the elapsed time between points on a route or the elapsed time for the entire route. However, if the desired location is reached by the delivery person and the package delivered, but the GPS data of the immediate and desired locations do not correspond, thedevice1 may be configured so as to allow the GPS data for the desired location to be modified or updated to the GPS data of the immediate location, wherein the altered data may also be transmitted to the host system for universally updating the data for that desired location.
• In a similar manner, a[0100]GPS sensor310 associated with thedevice1 can identify inaccuracies or prevent mis-delivery of packages in a package delivery system. At present, delivery drivers rely on the destination addresses of packages in the delivery process. The destination address of every package on the delivery route is downloaded to the DIAD that the driver uses for his or her deliveries. A problem arises, however, when a delivery driver mistakenly delivers a package to a wrong address. While current DIAD systems provide the driver with the correct destination address for a package, these systems are not capable of confirming that the package was actually delivered to the correct address. In contrast, theGPS sensor310 of the portabledata acquisition device1 can indicate to a delivery driver that he or she is about to deliver a package to an improper address. In operation, the delivery information that is downloaded to the portabledata acquisition device1 includes GPS data having the latitude, longitude and/or altitude for each package destination address. TheGPS sensor310 engaged with thedevice1 can determine GPS data corresponding to the immediate location of thedevice1 and then, via the GPS data, can direct the delivery person from the immediate location to the destination address, in some instances by determining a route therebetween. Various data may also be gathered along the route such as, for example, the elapsed time between points on a route, the elapsed time for the entire route, or a particular time that thedevice1 is at a specific location along the route. Therefore, when a delivery driver indicates to thedevice1 that the package is about to be delivered to the destination address, the portabledelivery acquisition device1 performs a check of the immediate GPS position and compares the immediate GPS position to the GPS position associated with the package destination address. If the immediate GPS position does not match the package destination GPS position, the portabledelivery acquisition device1 notifies or alerts the delivery driver of a possible mis-delivery. In one embodiment, a possible mis-delivery notification occurs if the current GPS position of the driver is outside predetermined GPS data tolerance limits with respect to the package destination GPS position. In one embodiment, the tolerance limits are based on the size of the service point created by linking delivery address information to the corresponding geographic information from the GPS data. Thus, in one embodiment, the tolerance limits used are specific to the type of territory served. However, if a mis-delivery notification is triggered, indicating that the GPS data of the immediate location and destination address do not correspond within the tolerance limits, the delivery person firsts perform a check to verify the destination address. If the delivery person confirms that the destination address is correct, thedevice1 may be configured so as to allow the GPS data for the destination address to be modified or updated to the GPS data of the immediate location, wherein the altered data may also be transmitted to the host system for universally updating the data for that destination address.
• In addition to determining the position of an immediate location, the[0101]GPS sensor310 associated with the portabledata acquisition device1 allows a delivery route to be determined or accurately mapped. For example, it may often be the case in rural areas that a package destination address is not accurately depicted on a map. Such inaccuracies often hinder dispatch planners in their efforts to create an efficient package dispatch plan or delivery route. Thedevice1 having theGPS sensor310 minimizes or substantially eliminates this problem by providing an accurate longitude, latitude, and/or altitude for each package delivery location or destination address. In one embodiment, pick-up and delivery data is checked and the central database is continually updated with accurate latitude, longitude, and altitude for a location, whenever a package is delivered or picked up. In another embodiment, the database formed by the portabledata acquisition device1 provides information on various destination addresses as well as the traces thereto, wherein a trace is the street path or network traveled to the destination during the delivery route. This trace information contributes additional accuracy to traditional street mapping in a manner that is also useful outside of parcel pickup and delivery such as, for example, in directing emergency response personnel, since such data is collected in a manner that may be useful in practically all GIS (geographic information systems). The trace data is continually validated and updated as a byproduct of the GPS functionality in the portabledata acquisition device1. As a result, updated and accurate geographic and traffic information is provided as a product of a package delivery service. As standardized addresses are added to the trace information, routing will become more accurate than calculations based on street path alone. For example, travel distances along driveways and private roads can thus be identified separately from street path travel to further characterize or profile a given geographic territory.
• There may be some instances when the destination address may not entirely correspond to the actual address to which the package is delivered. That is, packages are often mis-addressed, but often the mistakes made in addressing packages occur with sufficient regularity that a carrier can recognize the error and deliver the mis-addressed package to the correct destination address. For example, a package intended for the corporate office of UPS, Inc., might be incorrectly addressed to “The Brown Uniform Guys”. In such instances, embodiments of the present invention implement a package destination address alias database, which may be resident on the host system and/or stored partially or in total on the[0102]device1. Some carriers may have created alias databases for these regularly used, but inaccurate destination addresses. However, theGPS sensor310, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, facilitates automation of the collection and creation of these destination address aliases by, for example, flagging an incorrect address as an alias and updating the alias database with an associated GPS position information after a single successful delivery of a mis-addressed package. That is, the delivery person may, in some instances, determine the actual address to which the package is being delivered and may enter this actual address into thedevice1 or otherwise compare the actual address to the destination address originally loaded to thedevice1. If the actual and destination addresses do not correspond, the respective addresses may be entered into the alias database as aliases of each other, wherein such aliases may also be supplemented with the GPS data for the actual location.
• In still other instances, the destination address and aliases thereof may be supplemented with additional data such as, for example, census data, zip code+4 data, revenue data, injury data, accident data, theft data, damage data, maintenance data, special request data, preference data, maintenance data, and combinations thereof, which may facilitate positive identification of the destination address by the driver and may also serve to apprise the driver of any special conditions associated with the destination address. The ability to link delivery route information with the position information captured by the[0103]GPS sensor310 thus allows for the creation of a data standard that is an improvement over census and zip code+4 data alone. The benefits of this are far greater than just preventing mis-deliveries. While one use of such data is to enhance the accuracy of customer data in the package delivery industry, this data has value outside the parcel delivery and pickup industry that will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art such as, for example, to direct emergency response personnel to a particular destination or location.
• According to some embodiments of the present invention, some of the applications of the portable[0104]data acquisition device1, for example, may be described in the context of a package delivery. When a driver delivers a package to a consignee, the driver uses theGPS sensor310 to obtain the GPS position information of the consignee's actual physical location. The driver uses thescanner55 of the portabledata acquisition device1 to capture the package tracking data from the package or packages to be delivered and retrieves the corresponding destination address from the delivery information that was previously downloaded to the portabledata acquisition device1 from thecentral host system200 via the WLAN and/orWWAN data radios340,330. The consignee GPS location information is then automatically compared against the geocode (latitude/longitude) of the destination address that had been gathered as part of the delivery information and stored in the host system, and the driver is notified of a possible mis-delivery if the two positions are too far apart. Assuming a successful delivery, the database on the host system may be either manually or automatically updated, over a network and using theWLAN data radio340 orWWAN data radio330, with the time and/or physical location of the delivery. In this manner, real-time package tracking information is expeditiously made available for dissemination on request. Further, a manifest of the package or packages delivered by the delivery person may, in some instances, be downloaded directly to the consignee's personal computer and/or network via theWPAN data radio350, or the Infrared Data Association (IRDA) communication port, or provided in a periodic report to the consignee.
• Further, there may be instances, when a driver is collecting packages from a shipper, where manifest information or other delivery information may be downloaded directly from the shipper's computer system, with the appropriate authorization and/or appropriate security precautions and considerations, to the portable[0105]data acquisition device1 via theWPAN data radio350 and/or theIRDA communication port390. If the shipper's location or other information has not already been obtained, theGPS sensor310 may be directed to capture the latitude, longitude and/or altitude of the shipper's location and then the GPS data and the manifest information or other information may be transmitted to a database on the host system using theWLAN data radio340 or theWWAN data radio330. According to one embodiment of the present invention, theWPAN data radio350 and/or theIrDA communication port390 may be used to obtain data from a shipper's computer without using a cable and without unduly interfering with or invading the shipper's databases or other files. TheWPAN data radio350 and/or theIrDA communication port390 and/or the software or API therefore may be configured to interact with the shipper's computer and databases in a manner that limits the interaction to the needed information in the database. That is, the extent to which theWPAN data radio350 and/or theIrDA communication port390 interacts with the shipper's computer and databases is restricted, either by the operational parameters of theWPAN data radio350 and/or theIRDA communication port390 or by the parameters of the appropriate communication portion the shipper's computer, only to the necessary data, thus preventing any excessive interference with or invasion into the shipper's private files or databases. In an era of growing privacy concerns, the use of theWPAN data radio350 and/or theIrDA communication port390 to obtain such a limited set of data prevents the inadvertent exposure or transmission of private customer data, since only the needed shipping data is accessed and transferred to thedevice1, when and if necessary. In some situations, the information and/or files accessed by theWPAN data radio350 and/or theIrDA communication port390 in the shipper's computer may be tracked and the information gathered and prepared into a report, which may be periodically provided to the shipper.
• In some instances, if a driver is working in an area where the[0106]GPS sensor310 cannot operate, one or more of the wireless communication devices associated with the portabledata acquisition device1 may be used to determine or validate the driver's location. More particularly, eachWLAN data radio340 and/orWPAN data radio350 typically has a unique electronic address. As such, a driver's location may be validated by confirming that one or more of the wireless data radios in the portabledata acquisition device1 is within a predetermined range of a particular wireless device previously accessed by thedevice1 and associated with a consignee or shipper.
• According to yet another advantageous aspect of the present invention, the[0107]device1 may also be configured to verify that the person receiving the package at the destination address is the consignee or an authorized representative thereof. In order to do so, other data may be linked with the information associated with the destination address. Such other data may comprise, for example, a list of authorized personnel, as well as pictures, signatures, and/or fingerprints thereof, depending on the level of security requested by the consignee. As such, when the package is transported to the destination address, a person accepting the package may be required to sign a signature capture window with thestylus45, provide a fingerprint which may be read, for example, through a digitizer function implemented in thedisplay30, or have a picture taken by, for instance, a digital camera implemented in thedevice1. At the same time, photographs and/or corresponding signatures of authorized personnel may be shown on the display for the delivery person's comparison. Thus, not only can the signature, fingerprint, and/or picture be verified against the database records, but the signature may also be verified as corresponding to the person in the picture and/or the provided fingerprint. In some instances, thedevice1 and/or the host system may include automated identification systems for matching and verifying the data provided by the person receiving the package to the authorization information contained in the database. In still other instances, the data collected from the person accepting the package may also be transmitted to the host system and provided upon request, for example, if the consignee wishes to verify the identity of the person receiving the package, or periodically as a report to the consignee.
• In still another embodiment of the present invention, a portable[0108]data acquisition device1 incorporating aGPS sensor310 may be configured to communicate with one or more data sensors on, for example, a delivery vehicle, a building, or about the carrier hub. Accordingly, a system for automating the collection of data for time study and work measurement statistics is provided. More particularly, carriers go to great expense to gather data on package delivery tasks in an effort to make the delivery process more efficient. At present, the process of data gathering is typically performed manually and involves a person with a stopwatch and a clipboard physically traveling alongside delivery drivers, taking meticulous notes of the driver's actions for each stop in the delivery route. In one embodiment of the present invention, theGPS sensor310 in the portabledata acquisition device1 automates the process, wherein theGPS sensor310 provides GPS location information for the delivery driver on any given date and at any given time in the delivery route. As previously discussed, the gathered data for time study and work measurement statistics may be transmitted at any time to thehost system200 via one of thedata radios330,340,350.
• In some instances, sensors may be installed on or about the delivery vehicle, such as on the engine, doors, and other electrical components of the vehicle so as to allow the portable[0109]data acquisition device1 to gather additional package delivery details. In a preferred embodiment, the sensors communicate with thedevice1 and provide data such as, for example, when during the route the vehicle was stopped and started, travel information such as speed and heading, the amount of time the driver was away from the vehicle, and other information such as whether or when the doors of the vehicle were opened and closed. This sensor information, coupled with the GPS location information, allows the carrier to accurately gather data about a driver's movement and actions during all of the tasks performed on a delivery route. In addition, for example, a delivery vehicle door sensor in combination with aGPS sensor310 can also prevent the theft of packages by notifying the delivery driver or the carrier whenever the driver leaves the delivery vehicle area and the vehicle door is ajar or unlocked. In some instances, the vehicle may be equipped with a control system (not shown) to receive and respond to a remote electronic instruction from thedevice1 or the host system so as to, for example, close and lock the doors, or the controller may be configured to determine and provide a response to the carrier in response to a query about the status of the vehicle. In other instances, additional sensors may also be, for example, disposed on or about certain buildings or premises or about the carrier's hub, so as to provide further data for time study and work measurement statistics.
• Since the portable[0110]electronic device1 generally operates on battery power and may be prone to damage from being accidentally dropped, one particularly advantageous embodiment of the present invention comprises a data extraction tool (not shown), operating on a separate computing device, for selectively locating and extracting data from the memory of thedevice1 in the event of power loss, operating system failure, or other problems that may prevent the data stored within thedevice1 from being accessed. Thus, the data extraction tool, which may have portions included in thedevice1, is intended to be functional when theoperating system320 and/orprocessor300 of thedevice1 is not operating or, in some instances, when thedevice1 has no power. More particularly, the data extraction tool according to embodiments of the present invention is capable of locating data stored within theFlash Memory380 or in theNVRAM370 without using the electronic address of that data originally assigned by theoperating system320. In one embodiment, the data extraction tool is configured to use either theWLAN data radio340 or the Infrared Data Association (IrDA)communication port390 through which to access, retrieve, and transfer the data, as shown in FIG. 23. In one particular embodiment, the user may choose either theWLAN data radio340 orIRDA communication port390 through which to access the data when using the data extraction tool. In another aspect, the data extraction tool includes an application program interface (API), operating on a separate computing device, configured to automatically select either theWLAN data radio340 orIrDA communication port390 through which to access the data and to control and monitor access to the memory modules using the application software.
• More particularly, for example, in the event of an operating system crash, the extraction application may be used to recover the data stored in the memory of the[0111]disabled device1. The extraction application typically resides on a separate and discrete computer or other processing device and may be configured to communicate with thedisabled device1 via theIRDA communication port390. In one embodiment, the extraction application operates on asecond functioning device1. Alternatively, the extraction application may run on a laptop computer or other portable computing device since, in some instances, contact with theIrDA communication port390 may be more readily maintained during the data recovery process. As a first step in the extraction process, the extraction application communicates with the motherboard of thedisabled device1 to receive confirmation from the motherboard that the unit is in a failed or monitor state. Once the failure is confirmed, the extraction application sends a series of commands to communicate with the motherboard of the faileddevice1. The syntax of the commands is particular to the motherboard used in thedevice1, not unlike, for example, the BIOS of a personal computer motherboard. Using these commands, the extraction application instructs the motherboard to retrieve and transmit data from the memory of thedisabled device1 to the device on which the extraction application is being run or to a separate designated device. The retrieval commands may vary depending on the situation. For example, a user may retrieve all of the data between two memory addresses, or may retrieve certain amount of memory that follows a starting memory address. In still another example, the extraction application may be configured to capture all of the data stored in the memory of thedisabled device1. Typically, the data retrieved from thedisabled device1 is stored in the memory of the computer or other processing device running the extraction application. In some instances, if the extraction application is operating on a separatesecond functioning device1, then the data becomes available to the user just as if the data had originally been collected and stored on the functioningdevice1. Alternatively, the extraction application may allow a user to access, print, view, transfer or otherwise manipulate the recovered data as needed.
• In one embodiment of the present invention, the portable[0112]data acquisition device1 includes thecasing10, as well as aWWAN data radio330, aWLAN data radio340, and aWPAN data radio350. Further, the device includes any or all of aprocessor300, a real-time clock, aFlash memory module380, aDRAM memory module360, aNVRAM memory module370, akeypad20, adisplay30, a touch screen, a graphic digitizer, ascanner55, an audio capturing device, a video capturing device, a receiver, a transmitter, a sensor, aswitch40, a speaker, an indicator, a microphone, an alert device, an acoustic modem and dialer, a cellular telephone, a hard copy printing device, astylus45, a battery charging indicator, abattery400, a battery interface, abattery charger420, a battery tester, a battery charging indicator, a battery level indicator, a power management processor, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA)communication port390, a global positioning system (GPS)sensor310, a Windows™CE operating system320, a diagnostic system, an application software loader, a systems software loader, a database, a database manager, and at least one application program interface (API) to control and monitor the various components of thedevice1, operably engaged with thecasing10 and configured to provide any or all of the functionality of such adevice1 as described herein.
• Even though the[0113]device1 as described herein has many functional advantages, it may still be inconvenient for the user to carry thedevice1 in hand on a regular basis. Accordingly, particularly advantageous embodiments of the present invention comprise aholder100 or holder assembly, as shown in FIGS.14-19, configured to be removably engaged with thedevice1, as shown in FIGS.10-12. Though thedevice1 is described herein as including apin50 extending along an end of thedevice1 and a pair ofshoulders60 integral with thedevice1 and positioned adjacent to thepin50 so as to provide support therefor, it will be understood and readily appreciated by one skilled in the art that these components may be integral with thedevice1 or provided separately from thedevice1 and secured thereto in many different manners such as, for example, with fasteners or adhesive. In one embodiment, thepin50 generally provides the main point of attachment to theholder100.
• In one embodiment, the[0114]holder100 comprises a generallyelongate arm110 having afirst end111 adapted to be attached to the user. For example, thefirst end111 may be configured to be attached about a belt, to a belt loop, or to a pocket of the user's uniform. Thearm110 extends to a second end having an integral or fixedly-attachedhook112 extending therefrom, wherein the hook includes atine112aand defines aspan112bbetween thetine112aand thearm110. The second end of thearm110 also includes a pair ofrails114 extending along thearm110. Agate120 is rotatably attached to therails114 at a hingedend124 of thegate120, wherein thegate120 has afree end120athat extends across thespan112bto thetine112aof thehook112. Thegate120 is biased by a biasing device (not shown), such as a spring or elastic band, engaged between thegate120 and therails114 and/or thearm110, such that thefree end120aof thegate120 is normally urged against thetine112a. In this manner, thespan112bis enclosed by thetine112a, thearm110, and thegate120 and, in one embodiment, is configured to receive, retain, and secure thepin50 therein.
• The[0115]shoulders60 are spaced apart to define achannel70 therebetween, wherein theshoulders60 are secured to or extend from one end of thedevice1. Thepin50 is secured between theshoulders60 so as to span thechannel70. According to one embodiment of the present invention, when engaging thepin50 with thehook112, thechannel70 is brought into engagement with therails114. Thedevice1 is then directed toward thehook112, with thedevice1 directed downwardly, such that thecasing10, thepin50, and/or theshoulders60 engage thegate120. Thegate120 is then urged toward thearm110 against the biasing of the biasing device such that thefree end120ais separated from thetine112a. Once thefree end120ais separated from thetine112a, thepin50 is capable of entering thespan112bof thehook112. Further, as thepin50 enters thespan112b, thecasing10 and/or theshoulders60 are configured to disengage thegate120 so as to allow the biasing device to urge thefree end120aback against thetine112aand secure thepin50 within thespan112b. Preferably the process of engaging thedevice1 with theholder100 can be performed by the user by using just one hand. Once thepin50 is secured within thespan112b, thedevice1 may be rotated about thepin50 to certain extent. For example, where theshoulders60 andpin50 are engaged with an end of thedevice1 about the lower end of thekeypad20, thedevice1 may be configured to be engaged with theholder100 such that thekeypad20 anddisplay30 are facing away from the user when theholder100 is attached to, for example, the user's belt. Accordingly, thedevice1 may be rotated about thepin50 so as to extend, for instance, at an angle of about 90 degrees (though this angle may vary considerably depending on the requirements of a particular situation) with respect to the user and, in this manner, thedevice1 may be operated by the user without being disengaged from theholder100.
• In order to disengage the[0116]device1 from theholder100, as shown in FIGS.13A-13D, thedevice1 is rotated about thepin50, over thetine112aand toward thefirst end111 of theholder100. After thedevice1 is rotated to a certain extent such as, for example, to an angle of about 90 degrees with respect to the user, theshoulders60 are brought into engagement with thegate120 and begin to urge thegate120 back toward thearm110 against the biasing of the biasing device, thegate120 rotating about the engagement with therails114. Thegate120 is further configured such that, though thefree end120amay be separated from thetine112a, thepin50 cannot be removed from thespan112buntil a certain separation is reached. As such, as thedevice1 is further rotated about thepin50, theshoulders60 continue to urge thegate120 toward thearm110 until a sufficient separation point is attained between thefree end120aand thetine112ais attained and thedevice1 can be lifted such that thepin50 exits thespan112bwhile theshoulders60 maintain thegate120 toward thearm110. Preferably, the rotation of thedevice1 and separation of thedevice1 from theholder100 is also accomplished using just one hand of the user. At the separation point where thedevice1 can be removed from thespan112b, thedevice1 is preferably in a position to be securely and naturally grasped by the user. In one instance, thedevice1 may approach a vertical orientation before being removable from theholder100.
• According to another advantageous aspect of the present invention, the engagement and disengagement of the[0117]device1 with respect to theholder100 can be accomplished without requiring any significant visual attention by the user. That is, thedevice1 and/or theholder100 may be configured to provide an auditory alert and/or a tactile cue to the user about the status of thedevice1 with respect to theholder100. For example, when the user intends to place thedevice1 into theholder100, thechannel70 may be slid along thearm110 until therails114 begin to engage thechannel70. Thechannel70 and therails114 may be configured to provide some indication of a positive engagement therebetween and that thedevice1 is properly aligned with theholder100 for thepin50 to be inserted into thespan112bof thehook112. For example, therails114 may be sufficiently spaced to form a sliding fit with thechannel70 when engaged therewith. In other instances, thechannel70 may be provided with opposing slots (not shown) and therails114 provided with protruding tabs (not shown) configured to engage the slots when thechannel70 is engaged with therails114. In this manner, proper alignment of thedevice1 with theholder110 is indicated by a tactile cue instead of requiring the constant visual attention of the user.
• Further, as the[0118]device1 is directed along therails114, theshoulders60 and/or thecasing10 begin to urge thegate120 to rotate back against thearm110 against the biasing device so as to allow thepin50 to enter thespan112bof thehook112. Once thepin50 enters thespan112b, theshoulders60 and/or thecasing10 are configured to disengage thegate120 such that thefree end120ais caused by the biasing device to rotate outwardly to impact thetine112a. The impact may cause, for example, a click, that would provide the user with positive auditory feedback and/or tactile cue that thedevice1 is fully and securely engaged with theholder100. In other instances, theholder100 and/or thedevice1 may be provided with a sensor (not shown) configured to sense when thepin50 has entered thespan112band is secured therein by thefree end120aengaging thetine112a. Upon sensing the fully engaged condition, the sensor may be further configured to direct an alert device (not shown), also engaged with theholder100 and/or thedevice1, to provide an auditory alert and/or a tactile cue to the user such as, for example, a beep alarm and a vibration of theholder100 and/or thedevice1. In such instances, the user is provided with positive assurance that thedevice1 is firmly secured to theholder100.
• In other instances, the[0119]gate120 biased by the biasing device may also provide a positive tactile cue to the user about the engagement status between thedevice1 and theholder100. That is, as thedevice1 is being inserted into theholder100, thegate120 must be displaced against the biasing of the biasing device. Accordingly, the force of the biasing device is translated through thegate120 and through thedevice1 to the hand of the user, wherein the resistance encountered by the user inserting thedevice1 into theholder100 would provide a tactile cue that thedevice1 is not yet firmly secured to theholder100. Further, as previously discussed, thedevice1, still secured to theholder100, can be rotated about thepin50 and over thetine112ato a certain extent without causing thedevice1 to disengage from theholder100. However, if thedevice1 is rotated too far, theshoulders60 and/or thecasing10 begin to urge thegate120 to rotate back toward thearm110, thereby beginning the disengagement process. Again, the force of the biasing device against thegate120 is translated through thegate120 and through thedevice1 to the hand of the user, thereby providing a tactile cue to the user that further rotation of thedevice1 will lead to disengagement of thedevice1 from theholder100. Accordingly, the prevention of both incomplete engagement and accidental disengagement of thedevice1 with respect to theholder100 is addressed.
• The application program interfaces (API's) or other software of the present invention, each of which comprises an ordered listing of selectable services, can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” can be any means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer readable medium can be, for example but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer-readable medium would include the following: an electrical connection (electronic) having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette (magnetic), a random access memory (RAM) (magnetic), a read-only memory (ROM) (magnetic), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory) (magnetic), an optical fiber (optical), and a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM) (optical). Note that the computer-readable medium could even be paper or another suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured, via for instance optical scanning of the paper or other medium, then compiled, interpreted or otherwise processed in a suitable manner if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.[0120]
• Further, any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the preferred embodiments of the present invention in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present invention.[0121]
• It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention, particularly any “preferred embodiments” are merely possible examples of the implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Any variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of the invention and to the associated drawings without departing substantially from the spirit of the principles of the invention. For example, although many of the embodiments disclosed herein are described in terms of their usefulness in the field of portable electronic devices, it is recognized that many of these embodiments may have applicability and uses in other fields. Further, one skilled in the art will also appreciate that the[0122]device1 as described herein may include many different combinations of any or all of the various disclosed aspects of the present invention. In addition, it will be understood that any of the devices or systems described herein may also have a corresponding method, while any of the described methods may also have a corresponding device or system. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of the disclosure and present invention and protected by the following claims. In concluding the detailed description, it should be noted that it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that many variations and modifications can be made to the preferred embodiment without substantially departing from the principles of the present invention. Also, such variations and modifications are intended to be included herein within the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. Further, in the claims hereafter, the structures, materials, acts and equivalents of all means or step-plus function elements are intended to include any structure, materials or acts for performing their cited functions. In addition, although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims (359)

That which is claimed:

1. A system for manipulating data, said system comprising:

a host system;

a portable data acquisition device for collecting the data, the portable data acquisition device being discrete with respect to the host system;

at least one of a wireless wide area network (WWAN) data radio, a wireless local area network (WLAN) data radio, and a wireless personal area network (WPAN) data radio operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device and configured to at least one of transmit the data to the host system, communicate with a peripheral device, and receive data; and

a memory operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device for storing the data, the memory comprising a FLASH memory module, a DRAM memory module, and an NVDRAM memory module.

2. A system according toclaim 1 further comprising at least one data input device operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device for receiving the data, the at least one data input device being selected from the group consisting of a keypad, a touch screen, a graphic digitizer, a scanner, an audio capturing device, a video capturing device, a switch, and combinations thereof.

3. A system according toclaim 1 further comprising an acoustic modem and dialer operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device and configured to be capable of transmitting the data to the host system.

4. A system according toclaim 1 further comprising at least one of a display, a speaker, an indicator, and a hard copy printing device operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device and adapted to provide system information to a user.

5. A system according toclaim 1 further comprising a processor operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device for processing the data.

6. A system according toclaim 5 further comprising an operating system cooperating with the processor to process the data.

7. A system according toclaim 1 further comprising a power management system operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device, the power management system including a battery and at least one of a battery charger, a battery tester, a battery charging indicator, a battery level indicator, a battery interface, and a power management processor.

8. A system according toclaim 1 further comprising an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication port operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device for data input/output.

9. A system according toclaim 1 further comprising at least one of a diagnostic system, an application software loader, a systems software loader, and at least one application program interface operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device for facilitating the operation of the system.

10. A system according toclaim 1 further comprising a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device for determining at least one of a latitude, a longitude, an altitude, and a time.

11. A system according toclaim 1 further comprising a real-time clock operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device for facilitating system timing.

12. A system according toclaim 1 further comprising a rotary switch operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device for function control.

13. A system according toclaim 1 wherein the portable data acquisition device is housed in an impact-resistant casing.

14. A portable data acquisition device for manipulating data, said device comprising:

at least one data input device for receiving data;

a WWAN data radio adapted to transmit the data to a discrete, remotely located mainframe data repository; and

a memory for storing the data, the memory comprising a FLASH memory module, a DRAM memory module, and an NVDRAM memory module.

15. A device according toclaim 14 wherein the at least one data input device is selected from the group consisting of a keypad, a touch screen, a graphic digitizer, a scanner, an audio capturing device, a video capturing device, a switch, and combinations thereof.

16. A device according toclaim 14 further comprising an acoustic modem and dialer configured to be capable of transmitting the stored data to the mainframe data repository.

17. A device according toclaim 14 further comprising at least one of a display, a speaker, an indicator, and a hard copy printing device adapted to provide information to a user.

18. A device according toclaim 14 further comprising a processor for processing the data.

19. A device according toclaim 18 further comprising an operating system cooperating with the processor to process the data.

20. A device according toclaim 14 further comprising a power management system operably engaged therewith, the power management system including a battery and at least one of a battery charger, a battery tester, a battery charging indicator, a battery level indicator, a battery interface, and a power management processor.

21. A device according toclaim 14 further comprising an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication port for data input/output.

22. A device according toclaim 14 further comprising at least one of a diagnostic system, an application software loader, a systems software loader, and at least one application program interface for facilitating device operation.

23. A device according toclaim 14 further comprising a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor for determining at least one of a latitude, a longitude, an altitude, and a time.

24. A device according toclaim 14 further comprising a real-time clock for facilitating device timing.

25. A device according toclaim 14 further comprising a rotary switch for device function control.

26. A device according toclaim 14 wherein the WWAN data radio is configured to transmit the stored data to the mainframe data repository via a voice/data network.

27. A device according toclaim 26 wherein the voice/data network in configured to utilize at least one of a particular network protocol and a particular network frequency by which to transmit the data.

28. A portable data acquisition device for manipulating data, said device comprising:

at least one data input device for receiving data;

a memory for storing the data; and

a WWAN data radio and a WLAN data radio, each data radio being adapted at least one of transmit the stored data to a remotely located mainframe data repository and receive data.

29. A device according toclaim 28 wherein the memory is selected from the group consisting of a FLASH memory module, a DRAM memory module, an NVDRAM memory module, and combinations thereof.

30. A device according toclaim 28 wherein the at least one data input device is selected from the group consisting of a keypad, a touch screen, a graphic digitizer, a scanner, an audio capturing device, a video capturing device, a switch, and combinations thereof.

31. A device according toclaim 28 further comprising an acoustic modem and dialer configured to be capable of transmitting the stored data to the mainframe data repository.

32. A device according toclaim 28 further comprising at least one of a display, a speaker, an indicator, and a hard copy printing device adapted to provide information to a user.

33. A device according toclaim 28 further comprising a processor for processing the data.

34. A device according toclaim 33 further comprising an operating system cooperating with the processor to process the data.

35. A device according toclaim 28 further comprising a power management system operably engaged therewith, the power management system including a battery and at least one of a battery charger, a battery tester, a battery charging indicator, a battery level indicator, a battery interface, and a power management processor.

36. A device according toclaim 28 further comprising an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication port for data input/output.

37. A device according toclaim 28 further comprising at least one of a diagnostic system, an application software loader, a systems software loader, and at least one application program interface for facilitating device operation.

38. A device according toclaim 28 further comprising a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor for determining at least one of a latitude, a longitude, an altitude, and a time.

39. A device according toclaim 28 further comprising a real-time clock for facilitating device timing.

40. A device according toclaim 28 further comprising a rotary switch for device function control.

41. A device according toclaim 33 wherein the processor is configured to automatically determine an appropriate one of the WWAN data radio and the WLAN data radio for transmitting the stored data to the mainframe data repository.

42. A device according toclaim 28 further comprising a system for allowing manual selection of an appropriate one of the WWAN data radio and the WLAN data radio for transmitting the stored data to the mainframe data repository.

43. A device according toclaim 28 wherein the WWAN data radio is configured to transmit the stored data to the mainframe data repository via a voice/data network.

44. A device according toclaim 28 wherein the WWAN data radio is configured to transmit the stored data to the mainframe data repository via a digital cellular telephone network.

45. A device according toclaim 43 wherein the voice/data network in configured to utilize at least one of a particular network protocol and a particular network frequency by which to transmit the data.

46. A device according toclaim 28 wherein the WLAN data radio is configured to communicate the stored data with a local-area system.

47. A device according toclaim 46 wherein the local-area system is disposed within at least one of a building, a facility, a compound, a boundary, and combinations thereof.

48. A device according toclaim 46 wherein the WLAN data radio further comprises a receiver portion configured to receive an actuation signal from the local-area system when the portable data acquisition device is in proximity to the local-area system.

49. A device according toclaim 48 wherein the actuation signal is configured to actuate the WLAN data radio to at least one of communicate the stored data with the mainframe data repository and communicate data with the local-area system.

50. A portable data acquisition device for manipulating data, said device comprising:

at least one data input device for receiving data;

a memory for storing the data; and

a WWAN data radio and a WPAN data radio, each data radio being adapted to at least one of transmit the stored data to a remotely located mainframe data repository and communicate with a peripheral device.

51. A device according toclaim 50 wherein the memory is selected from the group consisting of a FLASH memory module, a DRAM memory module, an NVDRAM memory module, and combinations thereof.

52. A device according toclaim 50 wherein the at least one data input device is selected from the group consisting of a keypad, a touch screen, a graphic digitizer, a scanner, an audio capturing device, a video capturing device, a switch, and combinations thereof.

53. A device according toclaim 50 further comprising an acoustic modem and dialer configured to be capable of transmitting the stored data to the mainframe data repository.

54. A device according toclaim 50 further comprising at least one of a display, a speaker, an indicator, and a hard copy printing device adapted to provide information to a user.

55. A device according toclaim 50 further comprising a processor for processing the data.

56. A device according toclaim 55 further comprising an operating system cooperating with the processor to process the data.

57. A device according toclaim 50 further comprising a power management system operably engaged therewith, the power management system including a battery and at least one of a battery charger, a battery tester, a battery charging indicator, a battery level indicator, a battery interface, and a power management processor.

58. A device according toclaim 50 further comprising an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication port for data input/output.

59. A device according toclaim 50 further comprising at least one of a diagnostic system, an application software loader, a systems software loader, and at least one application program interface for facilitating device operation.

60. A device according toclaim 50 further comprising a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor for determining at least one of a latitude, a longitude, an altitude, and a time.

61. A device according toclaim 50 further comprising a real-time clock for facilitating device timing.

62. A device according toclaim 50 further comprising a rotary switch for device function control.

63. A device according toclaim 55 wherein the processor is configured to automatically determine an appropriate one of the WWAN data radio and the WPAN data radio for transmitting the stored data to the mainframe data repository.

64. A device according toclaim 50 further comprising a system for allowing manual selection of an appropriate one of the WWAN data radio and the WPAN data radio for transmitting the stored data to the mainframe data repository.

65. A device according toclaim 50 wherein the WWAN data radio is configured to transmit the stored data to the mainframe data repository via a voice/data network.

66. A device according toclaim 65 wherein the voice/data network in configured to utilize at least one of a particular network protocol and a particular network frequency by which to transmit the data.

67. A device according toclaim 50 wherein the WPAN data radio is configured to communicate with a peripheral device.

68. A device according toclaim 67 wherein the peripheral device comprises at least one of a carrier industry device, a cellular phone, a satellite transceiver, and combinations thereof.

69. A device according toclaim 68 wherein the carrier industry device comprises at least one of a carrier computer system, a consignee computer system, a printer, a lock box, an admonishment device, a door lock, and combinations thereof.

70. A device according toclaim 67 wherein the WPAN data radio further comprises a receiver portion configured to receive an actuation signal from the peripheral device when the portable data acquisition device is in proximity to the local-area system.

71. A device according toclaim 70 wherein the actuation signal is configured to actuate the WPAN data radio to at least one of communicate the stored data with the mainframe data repository and communicate data with the peripheral device.

72. A portable data acquisition device for manipulating data, said device comprising:

at least one data input device for receiving data;

a memory for storing the data; and

a WWAN data radio, a WLAN data radio, and a WPAN data radio, each data radio being adapted to at least one of transmit the stored data to a remotely located mainframe data repository, communicate with a peripheral device, and receive data.

73. A device according toclaim 72 wherein the memory is selected from the group consisting of a FLASH memory module, a DRAM memory module, an NVDRAM memory module, and combinations thereof.

74. A device according toclaim 72 wherein the at least one data input device is selected from the group consisting of a keypad, a touch screen, a graphic digitizer, a scanner, an audio capturing device, a video capturing device, a switch, and combinations thereof.

75. A device according toclaim 72 further comprising an acoustic modem and dialer configured to be capable of transmitting the stored data to the mainframe data repository.

76. A device according toclaim 72 further comprising at least one of a display, a speaker, an indicator, and a hard copy printing device adapted to provide information to a user.

77. A device according toclaim 72 further comprising a processor for processing the data.

78. A device according toclaim 77 further comprising an operating system cooperating with the processor to process the data.

79. A device according toclaim 72 further comprising a power management system operably engaged therewith, the power management system including a battery and at least one of a battery charger, a battery tester, a battery charging indicator, a battery level indicator, a battery interface, and a power management processor.

80. A device according toclaim 72 further comprising an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication port for data input/output.

81. A device according toclaim 72 further comprising at least one of a diagnostic system, an application software loader, a systems software loader, and at least one application program interface for facilitating device operation.

82. A device according toclaim 72 further comprising a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor for determining at least one of a latitude, a longitude, an altitude, and a time.

83. A device according toclaim 72 further comprising a real-time clock for facilitating device timing.

84. A device according toclaim 72 further comprising a rotary switch for device function control.

85. A device according toclaim 77 wherein the processor is configured to automatically determine an appropriate one of the WWAN data radio, the WLAN data radio, and the WPAN data radio for transmitting the stored data to the mainframe data repository.

86. A device according toclaim 72 further comprising a system for allowing manual selection of an appropriate one of the WWAN data radio, the WLAN data radio, and the WPAN data radio for transmitting the stored data to the mainframe data repository.

87. A device according toclaim 72 wherein the WWAN data radio is configured to transmit the stored data to the mainframe data repository via a voice/data network.

88. A device according toclaim 87 wherein the voice/data network in configured to utilize at least one of a particular network protocol and a particular network frequency by which to transmit the data.

89. A device according toclaim 72 wherein the WLAN data radio is configured to communicate with a local-area system.

90. A device according toclaim 89 wherein the local-area system is disposed within at least one of a building, a facility, a compound, a boundary, and combinations thereof.

91. A device according toclaim 89 wherein the WLAN data radio further comprises a receiver portion configured to receive an actuation signal from the local-area system when the portable data acquisition device is in proximity to the local-area system.

92. A device according toclaim 91 wherein the actuation signal is configured to actuate the WLAN data radio to at least one of communicate the stored data with the mainframe data repository and communicate data with the local-area system.

93. A device according toclaim 72 wherein the WPAN data radio is configured to communicate with a peripheral device.

94. A device according toclaim 93 wherein the peripheral device comprises at least one of a carrier industry device, a cellular phone, a satellite transceiver, and combinations thereof.

95. A device according toclaim 94 wherein the carrier industry device comprises at least one of a carrier computer system, a consignee computer system, a printer, a lock box, an admonishment device, a door lock, and combinations thereof.

96. A device according toclaim 93 wherein the WPAN data radio further comprises a receiver portion configured to receive an actuation signal from the peripheral device when the portable data acquisition device is in proximity to the local-area system.

97. A device according toclaim 96 wherein the actuation signal is configured to actuate the WPAN data radio to at least one of communicate the stored data with the mainframe data repository and communicate data with the peripheral device.

98. A data collection and transmission method, comprising:

collecting and storing information on a portable data acquisition device, the portable data acquisition device including a WPAN data radio;

transmitting the information from the portable data acquisition device to an intermediate transmission device via the WPAN data radio, the intermediate transmission device being connected to a wide area network; and

transmitting the information from the intermediate transmission device to a host system via the wide area network.

99. A method according toclaim 98 wherein the intermediate transmission device is selected from the group consisting of a cellular phone and a satellite transceiver.

100. A data collection and transmission method, comprising:

collecting and storing data on a portable data acquisition device, the portable data acquisition device including a WPAN data radio;

transmitting the data from the portable data acquisition device to a cellular phone via the WPAN data radio, the cellular phone being connected to a cellular network; and

transmitting the data from the cellular phone to a host system via the cellular network.

101. A data collection and transmission method, comprising:

collecting and storing data on a portable data acquisition device, the portable data acquisition device including a WPAN data radio;

transmitting the data from the portable data acquisition device to a satellite transceiver via the WPAN data radio, wherein the satellite transceiver is connected to a satellite wide area network; and

transmitting the data from the satellite transceiver to a host system via the satellite wide area network.

102. A data collection and transmission system, comprising:

a portable data acquisition device for collecting and storing data, the portable data acquisition device including at least one of a WWAN communication port, a WLAN communication port, and a WPAN communication port;

at least one peripheral device including a WLAN communication port for receiving at least one communication from the portable data acquisition device and for performing an operation in response thereto; and

a central storage system capable of communicating with the portable data acquisition device via the at least one of the WWAN communication port, the WLAN communication port, and the WPAN communication port, the central storage system being configured to receive the collected and stored data from the portable data acquisition device and to form and maintain a database of the collected and stored data.

103. A system according toclaim 102 wherein the at least one peripheral device is further configured to transmit at least one communication to the portable data acquisition device.

104. A system according toclaim 102 wherein the at least one peripheral device is further configured to be capable of communicating with the central storage system.

105. A system according toclaim 102 further comprising a local-area system comprising the at least one peripheral device.

106. A system according toclaim 105 wherein the local-area system is disposed within at least one of a building, a facility, a compound, a boundary, and combinations thereof.

107. A system according toclaim 1 OS wherein the portable data acquisition device further comprises a receiver portion configured to receive an actuation signal from the local-area system when the portable data acquisition device is in proximity to the local-area system.

108. A system according toclaim 107 wherein the actuation signal is configured to actuate at least one of communication of the collected and stored data with the central storage system and communication with the local-area system.

109. A system according toclaim 102 wherein the portable data acquisition device is configured to automatically determine an appropriate one of the WWAN communication port, the WLAN communication port, and the WPAN communication port for transmitting the stored data to the central storage system.

110. A system according toclaim 102 wherein the portable data acquisition device is configured to allow manual selection of an appropriate one of the WWAN communication port, the WLAN communication port, and the WPAN communication port for transmitting the stored data to the central storage system.

111. A data collection and transmission system, comprising:

a portable data acquisition device for collecting and storing data;

a transceiver device operably engaged with the portable data acquisition device and including at least one of a WWAN communication port, a WLAN communication port, and a WPAN communication port;

at least one peripheral device including a WLAN communication port for receiving at least one communication from the portable data acquisition device and for performing an operation in response thereto; and

a central storage system capable of communicating with the portable data acquisition device via the transceiver device and the at least one of the WWAN communication port, the WLAN communication port, and the WPAN communication port, the central storage system being configured to receive the collected and stored data from the portable data acquisition device via the transceiver device and to form and maintain a database of the collected and stored data.

112. A system according toclaim 111 wherein the at least one peripheral device is further configured to transmit at least one communication to the portable data acquisition device via the transceiver device.

113. A system according toclaim 111 wherein the at least one peripheral device is further configured to be capable of communicating with the central storage system.

114. A system according toclaim 111 further comprising a local-area system comprising the at least one peripheral device.

115. A system according toclaim 114 wherein the local-area system is disposed within at least one of a building, a facility, a compound, a boundary, and combinations thereof.

116. A system according toclaim 114 wherein the transceiver device is configured to receive an actuation signal from the local-area system when the portable data acquisition device is in proximity to the local-area system.

117. A system according toclaim 116 wherein the actuation signal is configured to actuate at least one of communication of the collected and stored data with the central storage system and communication with the local-area system.

118. A system according toclaim 111 wherein the portable data acquisition device is configured to automatically determine an appropriate one of the WWAN communication port, the WLAN communication port, and the WPAN communication port for the transceiver device to use for transmitting the stored data to the central storage system.

119. A system according toclaim 111 wherein the portable data acquisition device is configured to allow manual selection of an appropriate one of the WWAN communication port, the WLAN communication port, and the WPAN communication port for the transceiver device to use for transmitting the stored data to the central storage system.

120. A method of delivering an item from an original location to a desired location, comprising:

loading at least one of a latitude, a longitude, and an altitude associated with the desired location into a data acquisition device having an immediate location; and

delivering the item when the immediate location corresponds to the desired location.

121. A method according toclaim 120 further comprising determining a GPS position of the immediate location with a GPS sensor, the GPS position comprising at least one of the latitude, the longitude, and the altitude of the immediate location.

122. A method according toclaim 120 wherein delivering the item further comprises delivering the item when the at least one of the latitude, the longitude, and the altitude of the desired location substantially corresponds to the corresponding at least one of the latitude, the longitude, and the altitude of the immediate location.

123. A method according toclaim 122 wherein loading at least one of a latitude, a longitude, and an altitude associated with the desired location into a data acquisition device further comprises loading at least one of a latitude, a longitude, and an altitude associated with the desired location, as National Electrical Manufacturer's Association (NEMA) formatted data, into the data acquisition device.

124. A method according toclaim 120 further comprising verifying that the immediate location corresponds to the desired location and, if the respective at least ones of the latitude, the longitude, and the altitude of the immediate location and the desired location do not substantially correspond, modifying the at least one of the latitude, the longitude, and the altitude of the desired location to the at least one of the latitude, the longitude, and the altitude of the immediate location.

125. A method according toclaim 120 further comprising tracking a route between the original location and the desired location as the item is delivered to the desired location.

126. A method according toclaim 125 further comprising measuring at least one time along the route between the original location and the desired location.

127. A method of identifying an inaccuracy in a delivery of an item, said method comprising:

directing a destination address of the item and a destination GPS position associated with the destination address to a data acquisition device, the data acquisition device including a GPS sensor;

transporting the item to a location according to the destination address;

determining an actual GPS position of the location;

comparing the actual GPS position of the location to the destination GPS position associated with the destination address; and

providing an alert for the inaccuracy in the delivery if the comparison exceeds a selected threshold.

128. A method according toclaim 127 wherein directing a destination address of the item and a destination GPS position associated with the destination address to a data acquisition device further comprises directing a destination address of the item and a destination GPS position associated with the destination address, as National Electrical Manufacturer's Association (NEMA) formatted data, to a data acquisition device.

129. A method according toclaim 127 further comprising verifying that the location corresponds to the destination address and, if the actual GPS position of the location does not substantially correspond to the destination GPS position associated with the destination address, modifying the destination GPS position associated with the destination address to the actual GPS position of the location.

130. A method according toclaim 127 further comprising determining an actual address of the location if the actual GPS position of the location corresponds to the destination GPS position associated with the destination address.

131. A method according toclaim 130 further comprising saving the actual address as an alias of the destination address if the actual address does not correspond to the destination address.

132. A method according toclaim 130 further comprising saving the destination address as an alias of the actual address if the destination address does not correspond to the actual address.

133. A method according toclaim 127 further comprising linking supplemental data to the destination address, the supplemental data being selected from the group consisting of census data, zip code+4 data, revenue data, injury data, accident data, theft data, damage data, maintenance data, special request data, preference data, maintenance data, and combinations thereof.

134. A data acquisition device, comprising:

a GPS sensor configured to determine a GPS position of a location, comprising at least one of a latitude, a longitude, and an altitude of the location; and

a processor configured to receive NEMA formatted data for a destination address, the NEMA formatted data having at least one of a latitude, a longitude and an altitude associated with the destination address, the processor being further configured to compare the GPS position of the location to the NEMA formatted data associated with the destination address, and to provide an alert if the comparison exceeds a selected threshold.

135. A device according toclaim 134 wherein the processor is further configured to be capable of verifying that the location corresponds to the destination address and, if the GPS position of the location does not substantially correspond to the NEMA formatted data associated with the destination address, modifying the NEMA formatted data associated with the destination address to the GPS position of the location.

136. A device according toclaim 134 wherein the processor is further configured to receive an actual address of the location if the actual GPS position of the location corresponds to the NEMA formatted data associated with the destination address.

137. A device according toclaim 136 wherein the processor is further configured to direct that the actual address be saved as an alias of the destination address if the actual address does not correspond to the destination address.

138. A device according toclaim 136 wherein the processor is further configured to direct that the destination address be saved as an alias of the actual address if the destination address does not correspond to the actual address.

139. A device according toclaim 134 wherein the processor is further configured to cooperate with the GPS sensor to track a route between an original address and the destination address.

140. A device according toclaim 139 wherein the processor is further configured to determine at least one time along the route between the original address and the destination address.

141. A device according toclaim 134 wherein the GPS sensor is further configured to determine a time.

142. A device according toclaim 141 wherein the NEMA formatted data for the destination address further comprises a route between an original address and the destination address.

143. A device according toclaim 142 wherein the processor is further configured to determine a GPS position of an instant location along the route and to determine the time of the GPS position determination for the instant location.

144. A device according toclaim 138 wherein the processor is further configured to link supplemental data to the destination address, the supplemental data being selected from the group consisting of census data, zip code+4 data, revenue data, injury data, accident data, theft data, damage data, maintenance data, special request data, preference data, maintenance data, and combinations thereof.

145. A system for collecting delivery data, the delivery data including at least one of time study statistics and work measurement statistics, associated with a driver of a delivery vehicle for a carrier, said system comprising:

a data acquisition device including a GPS sensor configured to determine GPS data;

at least one sensor operably engaged with the delivery vehicle and configured to determine particular data; and

an application residing on the data acquisition device, the application being configured to selectively direct, in real time, reception and recordation of the GPS data from the GPS sensor and reception and recordation of the particular data from the at least one sensor.

146. A system according toclaim 145 wherein the at least one sensor is configured to sense the data acquisition device being within a proximity to at least one of the delivery vehicle and a selected location.

147. A system according toclaim 145 wherein the at least one sensor is configured to determine a time at which the data acquisition device is within a proximity to at least one of the delivery vehicle, a selected location, and the at least one sensor.

148. A system according toclaim 145 wherein the at least one sensor is configured to determine a condition of the delivery vehicle.

149. A system according toclaim 145 wherein the application is further configured to direct at least one of the GPS data and the particular data to the carrier.

150. A system according toclaim 149 further comprising a controller operably engaged with the delivery vehicle, the controller being configured to at least one of receive an instruction from the carrier and perform an operation in response thereto and receive a query from the carrier and determine and provide a reply thereto.

151. A method of delivering an item from an original address to a destination address, comprising:

directing delivery information associated with the item to a data acquisition device, the data acquisition device including a GPS sensor, the delivery information including the destination address of the item and a GPS position associated with the destination address and provided by the GPS sensor;

transporting the item to a location;

capturing, from the item, an identifier associated with the item;

determining, from the identifier, the delivery information associated with the item;

determining an actual GPS position of the location;

comparing the GPS position associated with the destination address to the actual GPS position of the location so as to determine a position differential; and

providing an alert if the position differential exceeds a threshold.

152. A method according toclaim 151 further comprising delivering the item to the location if the position differential does not exceed the threshold.

153. A method according toclaim 151 wherein capturing an identifier further comprises scanning a label on the item with the data acquisition device.

154. A method according toclaim 151 further comprising verifying that the location corresponds to the destination address and, if the actual GPS position of the location does not substantially correspond to the GPS position associated with the destination address, modifying the GPS position associated with the destination address to the actual GPS position of the location.

155. A method according toclaim 152 further comprising determining an actual address of the location if the actual GPS position of the location corresponds to the GPS position associated with the destination address.

156. A method according toclaim 155 further comprising saving the actual address as an alias of the destination address if the actual address does not correspond to the destination address.

157. A method according toclaim 155 further comprising saving the destination address as an alias of the actual address if the destination address does not correspond to the actual address.

158. A method according toclaim 151 further comprising tracking, with the GPS sensor, a route between the original address and the destination address.

159. A method according toclaim 158 further comprising determining at least one time along the route between the original address and the destination address.

160. A method according toclaim 151 further comprising determining a time with the GPS sensor.

161. A method according toclaim 160 wherein directing the delivery information further comprises directing the delivery information, including a route between an original address and the destination address, to the data acquisition device.

162. A method according toclaim 161 further comprising determining a GPS position of an instant location along the route and determining the time of the GPS position determination of the instant location.

163. A method according toclaim 151 further comprising linking supplemental data to the delivery information, the supplemental data being selected from the group consisting of census data, zip code+4 data, revenue data, injury data, accident data, theft data, damage data, maintenance data, special request data, preference data, maintenance data, and combinations thereof.

164. A method of delivering an item sent by a sender from an original address to a receiver at a destination address, said method comprising:

directing delivery information associated with the item from a server to a portable data acquisition device, the portable data acquisition device including a GPS sensor and at least one of a WLAN data radio and a WWAN data radio configured to receive the delivery information, the delivery information including the destination address of the item and a GPS position associated with the destination address;

delivering the item to a location according to the delivery information;

determining actual GPS data associated with the location with the GPS sensor, the actual GPS data including a time of delivery and a physical location of delivery; and

directing at least one of the time of delivery and the physical location of delivery to the carrier server via at least one of the WLAN data radio and the WWAN data radio.

165. A method according toclaim 164 further comprising verifying at least one of the time of delivery and the physical location of delivery of the item upon request of at least one of the sender and the receiver.

166. A method according toclaim 164 further comprising periodically directing at least one of the time of delivery and the physical location of delivery of the item to at least one of the sender and the receiver.

167. A method according toclaim 164 further comprising determining an actual delivery address of the location.

168. A method according toclaim 167 further comprising saving the actual delivery address as an alias of the destination address if the actual delivery address does not correspond to the destination address.

169. A method according toclaim 167 further comprising saving the destination address as an alias of the actual delivery address if the destination address does not correspond to the actual delivery address.

170. A method according toclaim 164 further comprising tracking, with the GPS sensor, a route between the original address and the destination address.

171. A method according toclaim 170 further comprising determining at least one time along the route between the original address and the destination address.

172. A method according toclaim 166 further comprising determining a time with the GPS sensor.

173. A method according toclaim 172 wherein directing the delivery information further comprises directing the delivery information, including a route between the original address and the destination address, to the portable data acquisition device.

174. A method according toclaim 173 further comprising determining a GPS position of an instant location along the route and determining the time of the GPS position determination of the instant location.

175. A method according toclaim 164 further comprising linking supplemental data to the delivery information, the supplemental data being selected from the group consisting of census data, zip code+4 data, revenue data, injury data, accident data, theft data, damage data, maintenance data, special request data, preference data, maintenance data, and combinations thereof

176. A method of delivering an item from a sender to a consignee, comprising:

directing delivery information associated with the item from a carrier server to a portable data acquisition device, the portable data acquisition device including a WPAN data radio, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication port, and at least one of a WLAN data radio and a WWAN data radio for receiving the delivery information;

delivering the item to the consignee according to the delivery information;

collecting data associated with the delivery of the item to the consignee; and

directing the data associated with the delivery of the item via at least one of the WPAN data radio and the IrDA communication port to a computer associated with the consignee.

177. A method according toclaim 176 wherein directing the data associated with the delivery of the item further comprises directing the data associated with the delivery of the item to the consignee in response to a request therefrom.

178. A method according toclaim 176 wherein directing the data associated with the delivery of the item further comprises automatically directing the data associated with the delivery of the item to the consignee.

179. A method according toclaim 178 wherein automatically directing the data to the consignee further comprises automatically directing the data to the consignee at least one of in real time and at a selected interval.

180. A method according toclaim 176 further comprising linking supplemental data to the delivery information, the supplemental data being selected from the group consisting of census data, zip code+4 data, revenue data, injury data, accident data, theft data, damage data, maintenance data, special request data, preference data, maintenance data, and combinations thereof.

181. A portable data acquisition device adapted to interact with a user, comprising

a GPS sensor configured to determine a geographic location of the user;

a signature capture window display configured to receive a signature of the user; and

a processor configured to compare the signature of the user to a list of authorized signatures for the geographic location of the user so as to verify a signature authority of the user.

182. A device according toclaim 181 wherein the list of authorized signatures is displayed in the signature capture window display for comparison to the user's signature.

183. A device according toclaim 181 wherein the processor is further configured to implement an automatic handwriting analysis to compare the signature of the user to a list of authorized signatures for the geographic location of the user.

184. A device according toclaim 181 wherein the signature capture window display is further configured to receive a fingerprint of the user and the processor is further configured to compare the user's fingerprint to a database of authorized fingerprints for the geographic location of the user.

185. A device according toclaim 184 wherein the processor is further configured to compare the user's fingerprint and the user's signature to a database of authorized fingerprint and signature pairs for the geographic location of the user so as to verify that the user's fingerprint corresponds to the user's signature.

186. A device according toclaim 181 further comprising a image capturing device for capturing an image of the user, the processor being further configured to compare the user's image to a database of authorized images for the geographic location of the user.

187. A device according toclaim 186 wherein the processor is further configured to compare the user's image and the user's signature to a database of authorized image and signature pairs for the geographic location of the user so as to verify that the user's image corresponds to the user's signature.

188. A system for a portable electronic device implementing a Windows™ CE operating system, the system for protecting data entries into the portable electronic device, said system comprising:

a random access memory module for temporarily storing the data entries;

a permanent memory module in communication with the random access memory module and configured to permanently store selected ones of the data entries; and

an intermediate memory module in communication with the random access memory module and the permanent memory module, the intermediate memory module being configured to be non-volatile and capable of permanently storing the data entries.

189. A system according toclaim 188 wherein the random access memory module further comprises a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) module.

190. A system according toclaim 188 wherein the permanent memory module further comprises a Flash Memory module.

191. A system according toclaim 190 wherein the Flash Memory module is housed within the portable electronic device.

192. A system according toclaim 190 wherein the Flash Memory module is housed within a memory device configured to be removably engaged with the portable electronic device.

193. A system according toclaim 188 wherein the intermediate memory module further comprises a Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM) module.

194. A system according toclaim 188 wherein the random access memory module and the intermediate memory module are configured to concurrently receive the data entries.

195. A system according toclaim 188 wherein at least one of the random access memory module and the intermediate memory module are configured to be capable of transferring the selected ones of the data entries to the permanent memory module.

196. A system according toclaim 188 wherein at least one of the random access memory module, the permanent memory module, and the intermediate memory module is selectable for receiving the data entries.

197. A system according toclaim 188 wherein only the intermediate memory module is configured to be capable of transferring the selected ones of the data entries to the permanent memory module.

198. A method of protecting data entries associated with an event and received by a portable electronic device implementing a Windows™ CE operating system, said method comprising:

receiving the data entries in a random access memory module operably engaged with the portable electronic device;

receiving the data entries in an intermediate memory module operably engaged with the portable electronic device; and

transferring selected ones of the data entries, upon completion of the event, from at least one of the random access memory module and the intermediate memory module to a permanent memory module operably engaged with the portable electronic device for permanent storage thereof.

199. A method according toclaim 198 wherein receiving the data entries in a random access memory module further comprises receiving the data entries in a Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) module.

200. A method according toclaim 198 wherein transferring selected ones of the data entries to a permanent memory module further comprises transferring selected ones of the data entries to a Flash Memory module.

201. A method according toclaim 200 wherein transferring selected ones of the data entries to a permanent memory module further comprises transferring selected ones of the data entries to a Flash Memory module housed within the portable electronic device.

202. A method according toclaim 200 wherein transferring selected ones of the data entries to a permanent memory module further comprises transferring selected ones of the data entries to a Flash Memory module removably engaged with the portable electronic device.

203. A method according toclaim 200 wherein receiving the data entries in an intermediate memory module further comprises concurrently storing the data entries in a Non-Volatile Random Access Memory (NVRAM) module.

204. A method according toclaim 200 wherein receiving the data entries in a random access memory module is concurrent with receiving the data entries in an intermediate memory module.

205. A method according toclaim 200 wherein transferring selected ones of the data entries to a permanent memory module further comprises transferring selected ones of the data entries to a permanent memory module only from the intermediate memory module.

206. A method of retrieving specific data from a private database of a customer using a portable electronic device having a wireless local area network (WLAN) data radio, a wireless personal area network (WPAN) data radio, a wireless wide area network (WWAN) data radio, and an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication port operably engaged therewith, said method comprising

establishing communication with a computer device housing the private database and accessing the private database via at least one of the WPAN data radio and the IrDA communication port; and

determining and receiving at the portable electronic device, the specific data from the private database.

207. A method according toclaim 206 further comprising storing the specific data in the portable electronic device.

208. A method according toclaim 206 further comprising executing an application program interface (API) operably engaged with the portable electronic device, the API being configured to select at least one of the WPAN data radio and the IrDA communication port and to define parameters for providing limited invasion into and disruption of the private database.

209. A method according toclaim 206 further comprising reporting to the customer the specific data accessed in the private database.

210. A method of selecting a data radio from a wireless local area network (WLAN) data radio, a wireless personal area network (WPAN) data radio, and a wireless wide area network (WWAN) data radio operably engaged with a portable electronic device, said method comprising:

determining a task to be performed by the portable electronic device;

associating the task with one of the data radios according to a matching criteria; and

actuating the data radio associated with the task.

211. A method according toclaim 210 wherein associating the task with one of the data radios further comprises executing a selection algorithm configured to apply the matching criteria.

212. A method according toclaim 210 wherein determining a task further comprises determining a task to be performed by the portable electronic device from an input to the portable electronic device by a user thereof.

213. A method according toclaim 210 wherein determining a task further comprises determining a task to be performed by the portable electronic device from an input to the portable electronic device by a sensor operably engaged therewith.

214. A method according toclaim 210 wherein determining a task further comprises determining a task to be performed by the portable electronic device from an input to the portable electronic device by a central server communicating with the portable electronic device via one of the data radios.

215. A method according toclaim 210 further comprising saving details associated with the task in a database of tasks performed by the portable electronic device.

216. A method according toclaim 215 further comprising directing the database of tasks performed by the portable electronic device to a central server in communication therewith via one of the data radios.

217. A tool capable of being operably engaged with and extracting data from a portable electronic device having an operating system, a processor, a Flash Memory module, an NVRAM module, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) data radio, and an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication port, said data extraction tool comprising:

a communication port configured to communicate with the portable electronic device via at least one of the WLAN data radio and the IrDA communication port; and

a processing portion configured to selectively locate and extract data from at least one of the Flash Memory module and the NVRAM module, independently of the processor and the operating system.

218. A tool according toclaim 217 further comprising a processing portion configured to direct the data to the tool via at least one of the WLAN data radio and the IrDA communication port.

219. A tool according toclaim 217 wherein the processing portion configured to selectively locate and extract data is further configured to selectively locate and extract the data without accessing any one of the operating system and the processor with respect to an electronic address of the data.

220. A tool according toclaim 217 wherein the communication port is directed by an input from a user to select at least one of the WLAN data radio and the IrDA communication port for communication with the portable electronic device.

221. A tool according toclaim 217 wherein the communication port is configured to automatically select at least one of the WLAN data radio and the IrDA communication port for communication with the portable electronic device.

222. A method of regulating a battery pack for a portable electronic device having at least one of an application program interface (API) and software capable of directing interaction with the battery pack, said method comprising:

monitoring a condition of the battery pack having a charge of power;

allocating the power from the battery pack so as to optimize usage of the charge; and

directing recharging of the battery pack independently of instructional input from an external recharging station.

223. A method according toclaim 222 wherein monitoring a condition of the battery pack further comprises monitoring at least one of the charge of the battery pack, a power usage for a task, a time for a task, a recharging status of the battery pack, any abnormal power usage conditions, reduced-power usage mode parameters, operational parameters, and combination thereof.

224. A method according toclaim 222 wherein allocating the power further comprises allocating the power such that the charge includes a reserve charge capable of maintaining the portable electronic device in a reduced-power usage mode for a selected time until the battery pack is recharged.

225. A method according toclaim 224 further comprising providing an alert when the reserve charge is maintaining the portable electronic device.

226. A method according toclaim 224 further comprising directing the portable electronic device into the reduced-power usage mode when the portable electronic device is being maintained by the reserve charge.

227. A method according toclaim 222 wherein the battery pack is configured to be operably engaged with the external recharging station and directing recharging of the battery pack further comprises directing recharging of the battery pack with instructional input from the portable electronic device via the at least one of the API and software, the external recharging station being configured to be responsive to the instructional input from the portable electronic device to recharge the battery pack.

228. A method according toclaim 222 further comprising preparing a report including the monitored condition of the battery pack, the power allocation, and the recharging direction.

229. A method of determining a capacity of a battery for a portable electronic device, said method comprising:

analyzing data associated with typical operational conditions of the portable electronic device during a shift;

developing a task-specific battery power usage profile for the portable electronic device during the shift; and

optimizing the battery capacity according to the power usage profile, the battery capacity corresponding to power required by the electronic device during the shift.

230. A method according toclaim 229 wherein optimizing the battery capacity further comprises optimizing the battery capacity by altering at least one of the size, weight, type, charging characteristics, discharging characteristics, and the storage capacity of the battery.

231. A method according toclaim 229 further comprising periodically monitoring the operating conditions of the portable electronics device, revising the power usage profile, and re-optimizing the battery capacity in response thereto.

232. A method according toclaim 229 wherein optimizing the battery capacity further comprises adjusting the optimized battery capacity to provide a battery capacity reserve.

233. A method according toclaim 229 wherein optimizing the battery capacity further comprises adjusting the optimized battery capacity to provide a battery capacity reserve of between about 5% and about 100% of the optimized battery capacity.

234. A method according toclaim 229 wherein analyzing data and developing a battery power usage profile for the portable electronic device further comprise analyzing data and developing a battery power usage profile for the portable electronic device on a per route basis.

235. A method of testing an impact durability of a container, the container being generally defined by a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis disposed perpendicularly thereto, said method comprising:

releasing the container from a height above a surface such that gravity directs the container in a vertical direction toward impact with the surface; and

simultaneously directing the container in a horizontal direction such that the container impacts the surface with a velocity having a vertical component and a horizontal component.

236. A method according toclaim 235 further comprising simultaneously rotating the container about at least one of the longitudinal and lateral axes such that the container is also rotating upon impact with the surface.

237. A method according toclaim 235 wherein the height is between about 1 foot and about 10 feet.

238. A method according toclaim 235 further comprising determining at least one force acting upon the container upon impact with the surface with a sensor disposed within the container.

239. A method according toclaim 235 further comprising at least one of selectively reinforcing the container, selectively adding an impact absorbing material to the container, and altering a material comprising the container in response to a condition of the container upon impact with the surface.

240. In a portable electronic device having a longitudinal axis generally adapted to be directed at a user, a data entry keypad adapted to receive input from a pair of thumbs while the corresponding hands are grasping and supporting the device, said keypad comprising:

a plurality of V-shaped rows of keys, the keys being disposed on a face of the portable electronic device within a natural range of motion of the thumbs when the portable electronic device is grasped by the hands, each V-shaped row having an apex disposed within a central region of the face and directed at the user, the central region being disposed along the longitudinal axis, each V-shaped row further includes opposing distal ends extending outwardly of the apex and directed away from the user, the keys being disposed on the face and with respect to the central region so as to minimize rotation of the portable electronic device about the longitudinal axis upon actuation of the keys by the thumbs.

241. A keypad according toclaim 240 wherein the keypad is further configured to prevent moisture from entering the portable electronic device.

242. A keypad according toclaim 241 further comprising a flexible membrane covering the keys and sealed to the portable electronic device so as to prevent moisture from entering the portable electronic device.

243. A keypad according toclaim 240 wherein each of the off-apex keys is separated from the central region by a distance and the distance between each off-apex key and the central region is minimized so as to minimize rotation of the portable electronic device about the longitudinal axis upon actuation of the off-apex keys by the thumbs.

244. A keypad according toclaim 240 wherein each of the keys are separated by a key pitch distance and the key pitch distance is dimensioned so as to adapt the keypad for use by at least one of a gloved hand and an ungloved hand.

245. A keypad according toclaim 244 wherein the key pitch distance is about 0.7 inches.

246. A keypad according toclaim 240 wherein each of the keys has a size and the key size is selected so as to adapt the keypad for use by at least one of a gloved hand and an ungloved hand.

247. A keypad according toclaim 240 wherein the plurality of keys is implemented in a touch screen.

248. A method of stabilizing a portable electronic device having a keypad as the keypad is typed upon with a pair of thumbs, the device including a longitudinal axis generally adapted to be directed at a user and a plurality of keys in the keypad for entering data into the portable electronic device with the user's thumbs as the portable electronic device is grasped by the user's hands, said method comprising:

positioning the keys in a plurality of V-shaped rows, each V-shaped row having an apex disposed within a central region and directed at the user, the central region being disposed along the longitudinal axis, each V-shaped row further including opposing distal ends extending outwardly of the central region and directed away from the user, each off-apex key being separated from the central region by a distance; and

minimizing the distance between each of the off-apex keys and the central region so as to minimize rotation of the portable electronic device about the longitudinal axis upon actuation of the off-apex keys by the thumbs.

249. A method according toclaim 248 wherein positioning the keys further comprises positioning the keys on a face of the portable electronic device within a natural range of motion of the user's thumbs when the portable electronic device is grasped by the user's hands.

250. A method according toclaim 248 wherein minimizing the distance further comprises spacing the keys by a key pitch distance dimensioned so as to adapt the keypad for use by at least one of a gloved hand and an ungloved hand.

251. A method according toclaim 248 wherein minimizing the distance further comprises spacing the keys by a key pitch distance of about 0.7 inches.

252. A method according toclaim 248 wherein minimizing the distance further comprises sizing the keys so as to adapt the keypad for use by at least one of a gloved hand and an ungloved hand.

253. A method according toclaim 248 further comprising configuring the keypad to prevent moisture from entering the portable electronic device.

254. A method according toclaim 248 further comprising disposing a flexible membrane over the keys, the flexible membrane being sealed to the portable electronic device so as to prevent moisture from entering the portable electronic device.

255. A method according toclaim 248 wherein positioning the keys further comprises positioning the keys on a touch screen in a plurality of V-shaped rows.

256. In a portable electronic device, a data entry keypad adapted to receive input from a gloved digit of a hand, the keypad being disposed upon a face of the device, said keypad comprising:

a plurality of keys each having a center and being separated by a key pitch distance, the key pitch distance being a center-to-center distance between adjacently-disposed keys, the key pitch distance being selected to facilitate actuation of each key by the gloved digit without actuating an adjacently-disposed key on the keypad.

257. A keypad according toclaim 256 wherein each of the keys is sized and shaped so as to facilitate actuation thereof by the gloved digit.

258. A keypad according toclaim 256 wherein the keys are disposed in a plurality of V-shaped rows on a face of the portable electronic device within a natural range of motion of the gloved thumbs when the portable electronic device is grasped by the hands.

259. A keypad according toclaim 258 wherein each V-shaped row includes an apex disposed within a central region and directed at the user, the central region being disposed along the longitudinal axis, each V-shaped row further including opposing distal ends extending outwardly of the central region and directed away from the user.

260. A keypad according toclaim 259 wherein the off-apex keys are disposed on the face and a minimal distance away from the central region so as to minimize rotation of the portable electronic device about the longitudinal axis upon actuation of the off-apex keys by the gloved thumbs.

261. A keypad according toclaim 256 wherein the key pitch distance is about 0.6 inches.

262. A keypad according toclaim 256 wherein the keypad is further configured to prevent moisture from entering the portable electronic device.

263. A keypad according toclaim 262 further comprising a flexible membrane covering the keys and sealed to the portable electronic device so as to prevent moisture from entering the portable electronic device.

264. A keypad according toclaim 256 wherein the plurality of keys is implemented in a touch screen.

265. A portable electronic device having a top face and a bottom face, said portable electronic device comprising:

an actuator adapted to receive input from an index finger of a hand while the hand is grasping the device, the actuator being disposed on the bottom face of the portable electronic device so as to be naturally accessible by the index finger.

266. A device according toclaim 265 wherein the actuator is sized and shaped so as to facilitate actuation thereof by a gloved index finger.

267. A device according toclaim 265 wherein the actuator further comprises at least one of a rotary switch, a rocker switch, a key, and a button.

268. A device according toclaim 265 further comprising a recess defined by the bottom face, the actuator being disposed within the recess so as to prevent accidental actuation thereof.

269. A device according toclaim 265 wherein the actuator is configured to prevent moisture from entering the portable electronic device.

270. A device according toclaim 265 wherein the actuator further comprises a rotary switch including a housing having a first switch portion and a textured roller element operably engaged with the housing and having a second switch portion, the first switch portion being cooperable with the second switch portion to form a switch mechanism.

271. A device according toclaim 270 wherein the first switch portion is cooperable with the second switch portion via at least one of a mechanical, an electrical, and a magnetic arrangement.

272. A device according toclaim 265 wherein the actuator is operably engaged with the portable electronic device so as to prevent moisture from entering the portable electronic device about the actuator.

273. A device according toclaim 265 further comprising a seal operably engaged between the actuator and the portable electronic device so as to prevent moisture from entering the portable electronic device about the actuator.

274. A device according toclaim 265 further comprising a data entry keypad disposed upon a top surface and ergonomically adapted to receive input from a thumb of the hand.

275. A device according toclaim 274 wherein the keypad includes a plurality of keys each having a center and being separated by a key pitch distance, the key pitch distance being a center-to-center distance between adjacently-disposed keys.

276. A device according toclaim 275 wherein the key pitch distance is selected to facilitate actuation of each key by one of a pair of gloved thumbs without actuating an adjacently-disposed key on the keypad.

277. A device according toclaim 275 wherein each of the keys is sized and shaped so as to facilitate actuation thereof by a gloved thumb.

278. A device according toclaim 275 wherein the keys are disposed in a plurality of V-shaped rows on a top surface within a natural range of motion of gloved thumbs when the portable electronic device is grasped by the hands.

279. A device according toclaim 278 wherein each V-shaped row includes an apex disposed within a central region and directed at the user, the central region being disposed along the longitudinal axis, each V-shaped row further including opposing distal ends extending outwardly of the central region and directed away from the user.

280. A device according toclaim 279 wherein the off-apex keys are disposed on the face and a minimal distance away from the central region so as to minimize rotation of the portable electronic device about the longitudinal axis upon actuation of the off-apex keys by the gloved thumbs.

281. A device according toclaim 275 wherein the keys are disposed in a plurality of linear rows on a top surface within a natural range of motion of gloved thumbs when the portable electronic device is grasped by the hands.

282. A device according toclaim 275 wherein the key pitch distance is about 0.7 inches.

283. A device according toclaim 275 wherein the keypad is further configured to prevent moisture from entering the portable electronic device.

284. A device according toclaim 283 further comprising a flexible membrane covering the keys and sealed to the portable electronic device so as to prevent moisture from entering the portable electronic device.

285. A device according toclaim 275 wherein the keypad is implemented in a touch screen.

286. A device according toclaim 268 further comprising a pair of grasping pads extending from the bottom face of the device so as to at least partially define the recess, the pair of grasping pads being disposed about outward opposing edges of the bottom face, in generally opposing relation to a keypad on the top face, the grasping pads being configured such that, when the fingers of the hands are wrapped about the grasping pads so as to allow the hands to grasp the device, the keypad is in a natural range of motion of the thumbs and the actuator is naturally accessible by the index finger.

287. A portable data acquisition device, comprising:

a data input device;

a memory;

a data storage device;

a data transmission device;

an actuator; and

a casing for containing the data input device, the memory, the data storage device, and the data transmission device, the casing being configured to be substantially resistant to moisture intrusion and comprising a continuous membrane defining at least one opening configured to receive the actuator, the membrane being configured to operably engage the actuator so as to substantially prevent moisture intrusion into the casing about the actuator.

288. A device according toclaim 287 wherein the actuator is sized and shaped so as to facilitate actuation thereof by a gloved index finger.

289. A device according toclaim 287 wherein the actuator further comprises at least one of a rotary switch, a rocker switch, a key, and a button.

290. A device according toclaim 287 wherein the at least one opening is disposed in a recess defined by the casing and the actuator is disposed in the at least one opening within the recess so as to prevent accidental actuation of the actuator.

291. A device according toclaim 287 wherein the actuator comprises a rotary switch including a housing configured to operably engage the casing and having a first switch portion and a textured roller element operably engaged with the housing and having a second switch portion, the first switch portion being cooperable with the second switch portion to form a switch mechanism.

292. A device according toclaim 291 wherein the first switch portion is cooperable with the second switch portion via at least one of a mechanical, an electrical, and a magnetic arrangement.

293. A device according toclaim 291 further comprising a seal operably engaged between the actuator and the casing so as to prevent moisture from entering the casing about the actuator.

294. A device according toclaim 291 further comprising a data entry keypad operably engaged with the casing and adapted to receive input from a thumb of a hand.

295. A device according toclaim 294 wherein the keypad includes a plurality of keys each having a center and being separated by a key pitch distance, the key pitch distance being a center-to-center distance between adjacently-disposed keys.

296. A device according toclaim 295 wherein the key pitch distance is selected to facilitate actuation of each key by one of a pair of gloved thumbs without actuating an adjacently-disposed key on the keypad.

297. A device according toclaim 295 wherein each of the keys is sized and shaped so as to facilitate actuation thereof by a gloved thumb.

298. A device according toclaim 295 wherein the keys are disposed in a plurality of linear rows on the casing within a natural range of motion of gloved thumbs when the portable electronic device is grasped by the hands.

299. A device according toclaim 295 wherein the keys are disposed in a plurality of V-shaped rows on the casing within a natural range of motion of gloved thumbs when the portable electronic device is grasped by the hands.

300. A device according toclaim 299 wherein each V-shaped row includes an apex disposed within a central region and directed at the user, the central region being disposed along the longitudinal axis, each V-shaped row further including opposing distal ends extending outwardly of the central region and directed away from the user.

301. A device according toclaim 300 wherein the off-apex keys are disposed on the casing and a minimal distance away from the central region so as to minimize rotation of the portable electronic device about the longitudinal axis upon actuation of the off-apex keys by the gloved thumbs.

302. A device according toclaim 295 wherein the key pitch distance is about 0.7 inches.

303. A device according toclaim 295 wherein the keypad is implemented in a touch screen.

304. A device according toclaim 295 wherein the keypad is further configured to prevent moisture from entering the portable electronic device.

305. A device according toclaim 304 wherein the membrane further comprises a flexible portion covering the keys.

306. A device according toclaim 287 further comprising a data display having a major axis oriented perpendicularly with respect to a longitudinal axis of the casing.

307. A portable electronic device and holder assembly, comprising:

a holder adapted to be attached to a user, the holder comprising:

a first end;

an elongate arm extending from the first end to an opposing second end;

a hook operably engaged with the second end of the arm, the hook having a tine separated from the arm by a span; and

a gate having a hinged end rotatably engaged with a pair of rails spaced inward from the second end and a free end extending across the span to the tine, the free end being biased toward the tine by a biasing device operably engaged between the arm and the gate;

a pin configured to be received within the span and secured between the arm, the tine, and the gate, the pin spanning a channel defined by the portable electronic device, so as to secure the portable electronic device to the holder; and

a pair of shoulders on an edge of a casing of the portable electronic device defining the channel and having the pin operably engaged therebetween, the shoulders being configured with respect to the edge of the casing such that the gate is urged away from the tine and toward the arm when the portable electronic device is rotated about the pin and over the tine, toward the first end of the holder, the pin thereby being removable from the span so as to disengage the portable electronic device from the holder.

308. An assembly according toclaim 307 wherein the rails sized and shaped to fit within the channel and configured to guide the pin into the span of the hook.

309. An assembly according toclaim 308 wherein the rails are further configured to positively engage the channel so as to provide a tactile cue indicating that the portable electronic device is properly aligned with the holder for guiding the pin into the span of the hook so as to secure the portable electronic device to the holder.

310. An assembly according toclaim 308 wherein the rails are further configured to cooperate with the channel and the casing so as to urge the gate away from the tine and toward the arm in order to facilitate the guiding of the pin into the span of the hook.

311. An assembly according toclaim 309 wherein the portable electronic device is further configured to cooperate with the holder so as to provide at least one of an auditory alert and a tactile cue as the pin is secured in the span of the hook.

312. An assembly according toclaim 311 wherein the biasing device is configured to urge the gate to impact the tine after the pin is guided into the span of the hook, the impact of the gate with the tine providing both an auditory alert and a tactile cue to indicate that the pin is secured in the span of the hook.

313. An assembly according toclaim 311 further comprising a sensor operably engaged with at least one of the holder and the portable electronic device and an alert device operably engaged with the sensor, the sensor being configured to determine when the pin is secured in the span of the hook and to direct the alert device to produce at least one of an auditory alert and a tactile cue.

314. An assembly according toclaim 310 wherein the biasing device is configured to cooperate with the gate and the portable electronic device so as to provide a tactile cue to the user as the pin is being guided into the span, the tactile cue comprising a resistance, as imparted by the biasing device via the gate, translated through the portable electronic device to a hand of the user as the gate urged away from the tine toward the arm.

315. An assembly according toclaim 307 wherein the shoulders are configured with respect to the edge such that the portable electronic device may be rotated about the pin and over the tine, such that the portable electronic device is at least perpendicular to the arm, before the gate is urged away from the tine and toward the arm.

316. An assembly according toclaim 315 wherein the shoulders are configured with respect to the edge such that the portable electronic device may be rotated about the pin and over the tine and operated without removing the portable electronic device from the holder.

317. A holder adapted to be attached to a user and capable of being operably engaged with a portable electronic device, the device including a pair of shoulders on an edge of a casing thereof, the shoulders cooperating to define a channel and having a pin operably engaged therebetween, said holder comprising:

a first end;

an elongate arm extending from the first end to an opposing second end;

a hook operably engaged with the second end of the arm, the hook having a tine separated from the arm by a span; and

a gate having a hinged end rotatably engaged with a pair of rails spaced inward from the second end and a free end extending across the span to the tine, the free end being biased toward the tine by a biasing device operably engaged between the arm and the gate, the span being configured to receive the pin therein, the pin being securable between the arm, the tine, and the gate so as to secure the portable electronic device to the holder, the shoulders being configured with respect to the edge of the casing so as to urge the gate away from the tine and toward the arm when the portable electronic device is rotated about the pin and over the tine, toward the first end of the holder, the pin thereby being removable from the span so as to disengage the portable electronic device from the holder.

318. A holder according toclaim 317 wherein the rails sized and shaped to fit within the channel and configured to guide the pin into the span of the hook.

319. A holder according toclaim 318 wherein the rails are further configured to positively engage the channel so as to provide a tactile cue indicating that the portable electronic device is properly aligned with the holder for guiding the pin into the span of the hook so as to secure the portable electronic device to the holder.

320. A holder according toclaim 318 wherein the rails are further configured to cooperate with the channel and the casing so as to urge the gate away from the tine and toward the arm in order to facilitate the guiding of the pin into the span of the hook.

321. A holder according toclaim 317 wherein the hook and the gate are configured such that the portable electronic device may be rotated about the pin and over the tine, such that the portable electronic device is at least perpendicular to the arm, before the shoulders urge the gate away from the tine and toward the arm.

322. A holder according toclaim 321 wherein the hook and the gate are configured such that the portable electronic device may be rotated about the pin and over the tine and operated without removing the portable electronic device from the holder.

323. A method of non-visually determining a relation of a portable electronic device to a holder, the holder including a hook operably engaged with one end of an arm, the hook having a tine separated from the arm by a span, and a gate having a hinged end in rotatable communication with a pair of rails operably engaged with the arm and a free end extending therefrom across the span to the tine, the free end being biased toward the tine by a biasing device, the portable electronic device having a pin operably engaged therewith and configured to removably engage the holder so as to secure the portable electronic device thereto, said method comprising:

providing at least one of an auditory alert and a tactile cue to a user as the pin is guided into the span of the hook and secured therein via cooperation of the arm, the tine, the gate, and the biasing device.

324. A method according toclaim 323 wherein providing at least one of an auditory alert and a tactile cue further comprises urging the gate to impact the tine, with the biasing device, after the pin is guided into the span of the hook, the impact of the gate with the tine providing both an auditory alert and a tactile cue to indicate that the pin is secured in the span of the hook.

325. A method according toclaim 323 wherein providing at least one of an auditory alert and a tactile cue further comprises determining when the pin is secured in the span of the hook with a sensor operably engaged with at least one of the holder and the portable electronic device and directing an alert device, operably engaged with the sensor, to produce at least one of an auditory alert and a tactile cue.

326. A method according toclaim 323 wherein providing at least one of an auditory alert and a tactile cue further comprises translating, as the pin is being guided into the span, a resistance, as imparted by the biasing device via the gate, through the portable electronic device to a hand of a user as the gate urged away from the tine toward the arm.

327. A method according toclaim 323 wherein providing at least one of an auditory alert and a tactile cue further comprises directing the rails into positive engagement with the channel, the rails and the channel being configured to cooperate to provide a tactile cue upon positive engagement therebetween in order to indicate that the portable electronic device is properly aligned with the holder for guiding the pin into the span of the hook so as to secure the portable electronic device to the holder.

328. A portable electronic device, comprising:

an elongate stylus having an actuation end, a medial portion, and a distal end, the medial portion defining a circumferential groove;

a casing defining a recess configured to receive and house the actuation end of the stylus, the recess extending to a channel defined by the casing and configured to receive the medial portion of the stylus, the recess and the channel being configured to cooperate to receive the stylus such that the distal end extends from the groove and outwardly of the casing; and

a retaining mechanism operably engaged with the channel in correspondence with the circumferential groove defined by the medial portion of the stylus, the retaining mechanism being configured to operably engage the circumferential groove so as to removably secure the stylus to the casing.

329. A device according toclaim 328 wherein the retaining mechanism further comprises a pair of opposing flanges operably engaged with the channel and protruding into the channel, the flanges being configured to operably engage the circumferential groove so as to removably secure the stylus to the casing.

330. A device according toclaim 329 wherein the flanges are configured to operably engage the circumferential groove so as to removably secure the stylus to the casing with at least one of a snap fit engagement and a frictional fit engagement.

331. A device according toclaim 329 wherein the flanges are configured to be flexible so as to facilitate engagement and disengagement of the stylus with respect to the channel while securing the stylus within the channel.

332. A device according toclaim 328 further comprising a tether operably engaged between the stylus and the casing for securing the stylus to the portable electronic device.

333. A portable electronic device defining a longitudinal axis generally adapted to be directed at a user and adapted to be grasped and operated by the user's hands, said portable electronic device comprising:

a casing for containing a data input device, a memory, a data storage device, and a data transmission device, the casing being configured to be substantially resistant to moisture intrusion and comprising a substantially continuous membrane defining at least one opening;

an actuator adapted to receive input from an index finger of a hand while the hand is grasping the device, the actuator being disposed on a bottom face of the casing, in the at least one opening, so as to be naturally accessible by the index finger, the actuator being configured to operably engage the membrane so as to substantially prevent moisture intrusion into the casing about the actuator;

a main display having a major dimension and a minor dimension, the main display being operably engaged with a top face of the casing such that the major dimension is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the case; and

a keypad including a plurality of keys disposed on a top face of the casing so as to be capable of being engaged with a thumb of each hand when the casing is grasped by the user's hands.

334. A device according toclaim 333 wherein the keys are implemented in a touch-screen display.

335. A device according toclaim 334 wherein the touch-screen display is integral with the main display.

336. A device according toclaim 333 wherein the casing is further configured to house a cellular telephone.

337. A device according toclaim 333 wherein the casing is further configured to house a hard copy printing device.

338. A device according toclaim 333 wherein the actuator is sized and shaped so as to facilitate actuation thereof by a gloved index finger.

339. A device according toclaim 333 wherein the at least one opening is disposed in a recess defined by the casing and the actuator is disposed in the at least one opening within the recess so as to prevent accidental actuation of the actuator.

340. A device according toclaim 333 wherein the actuator comprises a rotary switch including a housing configured to operably engage the casing and having a first switch portion and a textured roller element operably engaged with the housing and having a second switch portion, the first switch portion being cooperable with the second switch portion to form a switch mechanism.

341. A device according toclaim 340 wherein the first switch portion is cooperable with the second switch portion via at least one of a mechanical, an electrical, and a magnetic arrangement.

342. A device according toclaim 333 further comprising a seal operably engaged between the actuator and the casing so as to prevent moisture from entering the casing about the actuator.

343. A device according toclaim 333 wherein the keys each have a center and are separated by a key pitch distance, the key pitch distance being a center-to-center distance between adjacently-disposed keys, and wherein the key pitch distance is selected to facilitate actuation of each key by one of a pair of gloved thumbs without actuating an adjacently-disposed key on the keypad.

344. A device according toclaim 333 wherein each of the keys is sized and shaped so as to facilitate actuation thereof by a gloved thumb.

345. A device according toclaim 343 wherein the key pitch distance is about 0.6 inches.

346. A device according toclaim 333 wherein the keypad is further configured to prevent moisture from entering the casing.

347. A device according toclaim 346 further comprising a flexible membrane covering the keys, the flexible membrane being sealed to the casing so as to prevent moisture from entering the casing.

348. A device according toclaim 333 wherein the bottom surface of the casing further includes a plurality of pads extending outwardly therefrom, the pads cooperating to define a plane.

349. A device according toclaim 348 wherein the pads further include a pair of grasping pads disposed about outward opposing edges of the bottom face, in generally opposing relation to the keypad on the top face, the grasping pads being configured such that, when the keypad is in a natural range of motion of the thumbs, the other fingers of the hands are capable of wrapping about the grasping pads so as to allow the hands to grasp the casing.

350. A device according toclaim 348 wherein the pads further define a recess therebetween.

351. A device according toclaim 350 further comprising at least one of a scanner and a rotary switch operably engaged with the casing within the recess.

352. A device according toclaim 333 wherein the actuator further comprises at least one of a rotary switch, a rocker switch, a key, and a button.

353. A device according toclaim 333 wherein the keys are disposed in a plurality of V-shaped rows on the casing within a natural range of motion of gloved thumbs when the portable electronic device is grasped by the hands.

354. A device according toclaim 353 wherein each-V-shaped row includes an apex disposed within a central region and directed at the user, the central region being disposed along the longitudinal axis, each V-shaped row further including opposing distal ends extending outwardly of the central region and directed away from the user.

355. A device according toclaim 354 wherein the off-apex keys are disposed on the casing and a minimal distance away from the central region so as to minimize rotation of the portable electronic device about the longitudinal axis upon actuation of the off-apex keys by the gloved thumbs.

356. A portable data acquisition device capable of collecting, storing and transmitting data, said device comprising:

a casing;

a wireless local area network (WLAN) data radio, a wireless personal area network (WPAN) data radio, and a wireless wide area network (WWAN) data radio housed by the casing; and

at least one of a processor, a real-time clock, a memory, a keypad, a touch screen, a graphic digitizer, a scanner, an audio capturing device, a video capturing device, a receiver, a transmitter, a sensor, a switch, a display, a speaker, an indicator, an alert device, an acoustic modem and dialer, a cellular telephone, a hard copy printing device, a stylus, a battery charging indicator, a battery, a battery interface, a battery charger, a battery tester, a battery charging indicator, a battery level indicator, a power management processor, an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) communication port, a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, an operating system, a diagnostic system, an application software loader, a systems software loader, a database, a database manager, and an application program interface (API), operably engaged with the casing.

357. A device according toclaim 356 wherein the operating system further comprises a Windows CE operating system.

358. A device according toclaim 356 wherein at least one of the WWAN data radio, the WLAN data radio, and the WPAN data radio is configured to implement at least one of a Bluetooth protocol and a GPS/GPRS system.

359. A device according toclaim 356 wherein the memory further comprises a FLASH memory module, a DRAM memory module, and an NVRAM memory module.

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