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Description  |
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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of data storage, retrieval, and
organization. More particularly, the present invention involves a system
to accept electronic data from a business card (or other information card)
having electronic data stored thereon. The system preferably uses a
portable card reader, which when integrated with a computer system can be
used to organize, store, manipulate, and retrieve the business card
information.
2. Description of the Related Art
The use of traditional printed business cards is well understood. However,
every time information changes, the business cards require revision.
Accordingly, the holder of the card either purchases new business cards,
scribbles new information onto old business cards, or fails to use the
business cards at all. In addition, initial business and professional
meetings commonly involve gathering business cards from acquaintances at
the meetings. Indeed, at trade shows the exchange of information has
become somewhat standardized by using plastic embossed cards; the plastic
cards allow exhibitors and others to take an "imprint" of the plastic
embossed card. Thereby, the exhibitors and others collect significant data
without having to collect stacks of business cards. Oftentimes, when the
information is collected, the information is entered into a conventional
office computer manually so that the data can be kept in an organized
database format. The user then accesses the database to obtain business
information about a contact, make phone calls, generate mailings, and
several other functions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a novel portable electronic business card
reader with a card-file management system for use with novel electronic
business cards. The portable electronic business card reader in
conjunction with the electronic business card allows for total automation
of the common functions that are completed manually with the conventional
business card exchanges. The electronic business cards contain the
information of a conventional business card (and potentially more or
different data) and are easily modified with updated information. Data on
a particular electronic business card can be stored by reencoding the data
on the business card. The electronic business card reader with its
card-file management system allows easy input and manipulation of the
information on the business card. The electronic business card system can
also be utilized with a computer-based system to provide more complex
database functions with the data.
One aspect of the present invention involves a self-contained, portable
electronic information card system configured to receive data from an
information card bearing computer readable data stored on a computer
readable data storage media. The electronic information card system
comprises a card reader configured to accept said information card and
read said computer readable data and a controller coupled to the card
reader to form the self-contained, portable electronic information card
system. The controller is configured to receive the computer readable data
from the card reader and to store the computer readable data.
Advantageously, the self-contained, portable electronic information card
system also has a permanent memory coupled to the controller, and
configured to receive the computer readable data from the controller for
permanent storage. Additionally, the system has a display coupled to the
main controller and configured to receive the computer readable data from
the controller and display the computer readable data in visual text form
on the display.
In one embodiment, the portable electronic information card system also has
a user data interface such as a keyboard coupled to the controller and a
communications interface coupled to the controller. In one embodiment the
communications interface is to a separate computer system adapted to
receive the computer readable data from the controller and store the
computer readable data on a permanent storage media of the separate
computer. Alternatively, the communications interface is to a
communications line adapted to accept the computer readable data from the
controller and to transfer the computer readable data to an independent
data storage device. In one embodiment, the communications interface
comprises a modem with a telephone line interface.
In one particular embodiment, information card comprises a business card
and the computer readable data comprises data representing business
information. In addition, the portable electronic information card system
is specifically configured for use with a predetermined class of
businessman, such as lawyers, doctors, education professionals, military
personnel, government personnel, executives or any other class. In one
embodiment where the information card comprises a business card, the
keyboard has a sufficient number of keys to allow a user to manually enter
business card information.
In one particular embodiment, the portable electronic information card
system further has an audio responsive unit coupled to the controller. The
audio responsive unit configured to receive audio information. Preferably,
an audio information storage unit is coupled to the controller and to the
audio responsive unit to receive and store the audio information.
Another aspect of the present invention involves an portable electronic
business card system configured to receive data from a business card
bearing computer readable data representing business card information. The
electronic business card system comprises a card reader configured to
accept the business card and read the computer readable data and a
computer coupled to the card reader via an interface. The computer is
configured to receive the computer readable data from the card reader and
to permanently store the computer readable data on a permanent storage
media for the computer. In one embodiment, the computer is a portable
computer and the card reader is portable such that the electronic business
card system is a portable system. In another embodiment, the computer
comprises a desktop computer. Advantageously, the computer has a display
configured to display the computer readable data in text form.
Another aspect of the present invention involves an electronic business
card having first and second sides. A first side has computer readable
storage media, wherein business card data is stored on the computer
readable storage media. A second side has a printed text representation of
the business card data for visual presentation.
Yet another aspect of the present invention involves a portable electronic
business card system configured to receive data from a business card
bearing computer readable data stored on computer readable storage media.
The electronic business card system comprises a card reader configured to
accept the business card and read the computer readable data coupled to a
controller to form the portable electronic business card system. The
controller is configured to receive the computer readable data from the
card reader and to permanently store the computer readable data.
Advantageously, the controller is responsive to an information
organization module to store the business card information so that it is
accessible based on one or more of a plurality of organizational
parameters.
In one embodiment, the plurality of organizational parameters are selected
from a group consisting of: a name, a business name, a specialty, an
address, a telephone number, an area code, and a ZIP code.
In one embodiment, the electronic business card system has a user data
interface such as a keyboard or a suitable substitute and a display, both
coupled to the controller. The controller is then responsive to a data
modification module to allow a user of the electronic business card system
to modify the computer readable data with the keyboard or suitable
substitute. The controller is further responsive to the data modification
module to display the modifications made by the user.
In another embodiment, the electronic business card system has a telephone
interface coupled to the controller. In this embodiment, the controller is
responsive to an autodial and record transfer module to dial preselected
telephone numbers utilizing the telephone interface. The telephone
interface advantageously comprises a modem.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a general block diagram of the electronic business card
system in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 1A illustrates an alternative embodiment of the electronic business
card system in accordance with the present invention.
FIGS. 2A and 2B represent one possible embodiment of an electronic business
card in accordance with the present invention.
FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6, 6A, 6B, 7A, 7B, 8, 9, 9A, 9B and 10 depict exemplary
flowcharts, which represent the functional operations of the electronic
business card system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of an electronic business card system 100 in
accordance with the present invention. The electronic business card system
100 of the present invention is preferably totally portable and of a
hand-held size. The exact size depends upon the features of a given
particular unit. As depicted in FIG. 1, the electronic business card
system 100 comprises a main controller 102, a system memory 104, a
nonvolatile permanent storage memory 106, a system read-only memory 108, a
display 110 with associated interface logic 112, a system clock 114, a
conventional card reader 116, and a keyboard 118. The electronic business
card system 100 further has a phone-in jack 120, a phone-out jack 122, and
a printer-out connector 124. In addition, the system has a computer
interface 126, which provides an interface to a computer system 128 such
as a conventional personal computer or portable computer. In one
embodiment, the electronic business card system 100 also has an audio
responsive unit 129.
The main controller 102 preferably comprises an Intel
80.times.86-compatible microprocessor with supporting resources. Other
controllers well understood in the art would also be appropriate.
Similarly, the system clock 114 is a conventional computer-system clock
114, which provides continuous date and time information to the main
controller 102.
In the present embodiment, the system read-only memory 108, the system
memory 104, and the permanent storage memory 106 couple to the main
controller 102 via a controller bus 103. The system read-only memory 108
stores the firmware and the application programs for operation of the
electronic business card system 100. Preferably, corresponding
applications program for operation of the electronic business card system
100 can be stored on the computer 128 such that the computer 128 can
provide at least the same functionality as provided by the electronic card
business system 100.
In the present embodiment, the system memory 104 comprises a one-megabyte,
random-access memory, as well understood in the art. More or less memory
could be utilized. As well understood in the art, the system memory 104
provides storage for run time operations.
The permanent storage memory 106 is used for nonvolatile data storage. In
the present embodiment, the permanent storage memory 106 comprises 256
K-bytes of flash random-access memory (FRAM), as well understood in the
art. As with the system memory 104, the permanent storage memory 106 could
comprise more or less storage than described herein and could comprise a
nonvolatile read/write memory of a different type than described above.
Preferably, the display 110 is configured to display at least two full
business card entries at one time, depending upon the amount of
information provided on the business card. The display 110 may also
display other information, such as the owner's name, date, time, and other
features as may be desired. In one embodiment, the display 110 comprises a
50-column by 8-row LCD or LED display, as well understood in the art;
however, other display sizes are also feasible. Advantageously, the
display 110 is a low power display because the display 110 can be one of
the highest power consumption devices in the electronic business card
system 100. The display 110 interfaces with the main controller 102 with
its interface logic 112. The interface logic required between a
microprocessor and a display is well understood in the art.
Preferably, the electronic business card system 100 operates on DC power. A
DC rechargeable battery is used in the present embodiment. Preferably, the
rechargeable battery is configured to be rechargeable in automobiles or
other sources of 12-volt DC power and to be rechargeable using 120 VAC
power with an appropriate converter, as well understood in the art. The
electronic business card system 100 performs several functions as an
independent unit without the use of the computer 128. These functions are
described in further detail below.
Preferably, the card reader 116 couples to the main controller 102 via a
data bus 117. The main controller 102 issues commands to the card reader
116 and receives data from the card reader 116 via the data bus 117.
Advantageously, the card reader 116 comprises a conventional card reader
such as a magnetic-stripe reader as well understood in the art. Similar
card readers are utilized in the credit card and identification card
industries. Such readers can be configured to read one or more stripes of
magnetic data, as well understood in the art. Preferably, the electronic
business card reader 116 is configured to read electronic business cards
136 (FIGS. 2A and 2B) swiped in either direction through the card reader
116, in the embodiment using a magnetic stripe card reader. Other types of
card readers are also envisioned such as optical, memory cards and others.
The keyboard 118 couples to the main controller 102 via the data bus 117
and provides a user input interface which allows the user to make
selections and enter data as desired. Preferably, the keyboard 118 is
quite small, similar in size to that of electronic daily planners or
programmable calculators, to allow the electronic business card system 100
to maintain its portable size. In one embodiment, the keyboard 118 has 26
keys, each key providing one or more functions. In a further embodiment,
the electronic business card system 100 is configured without the keyboard
118. In such an embodiment, the display 110 could be a touch screen which
allows entry of certain functions. Other data entry devices, such as a
light pen, track-ball, or the like could also be used. Functions which
require a data entry device such as a keyboard 118 would not be available
in embodiments not having a keyboard 118 or suitable substitute, unless
the electronic business card system 100 is coupled to the computer 128.
It should be understood that the configuration shown for the electronic
business card system 100 is exemplary. Other embodiments are envisioned.
For instance, the card reader 116 could be coupled directly to a portable
personal computer 130 via a communications interface 132, as depicted in
FIG. 1A. In such an embodiment, the portable computer 130 provides the
supporting devices for the card reader 116. For instance, the personal
computer disk drives could be utilized for permanent storage and the
portable computer memory could provide the function of the system memory
104. Furthermore, the portable computer 130 could have a modem and
phone-out jacks, a printer interface, a display and a system clock, as
well understood in the art. The portable computer 130 would also have a
keyboard. The interface 132 comprises a standard serial or parallel
interface, as well understood in the art. Similarly, the portable computer
130 could comprise a personal digital assistant, and the card reader 116
could be coupled to the personal digital assistant via a standard PCMCIA
interface, as well understood in the art. In addition, the electronic
business card system may comprise a desktop computer with the card reader
116. Accordingly, other embodiments of the electronic business card system
100 are contemplated in the present invention.
As well understood in the art, the phone-in jack 120 and phone-out jack 122
couple to a phone line interface (not shown) comprising an associated
modem for purposes of data transmission over the phone lines. Similarly,
the printer-out connector 124 couples to the main controller 102 via a
printer interface (not shown), as well understood in the art. Additional
communications interfaces are also envisioned such as radio and other
wireless interfaces.
FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary electronic business card 136. As depicted, the
electronic business card 136 is a standard credit-card or business-card
sized card (made of plastic, cardboard, paper or the like). Preferably, a
back side 139 of the electronic business card 136 has at least one data
storage media 138. For example, one type of data storage media is a
conventional magnetic stripe, as well understood in the art. However,
other data storage media are also known, such as optics, memories, and
others.
The data storage media 138 on the electronic business card 136 is encoded
with computer-readable business card data, such as the full first and last
name, a title or heading (e.g., Dr., Mr., Mrs., President, V.P., etc.), a
company name, a company address, the city, the state, the ZIP code, a
phone number, a fax number, and an Electronic Mail address. Other
information can be provided to suit particular applications. For example,
if the system is configured for doctors, the data may include a license
number, a specialty, and a language spoken. Other particular applications
are envisioned such as dentists, lawyers, government agencies, educational
uses, and military uses. In one embodiment the electronic business card
136 has the information printed on a front side 140 of the card 136 with
the data storage media 138 on the back side 139 of the card 136. In an
embodiment using conventional magnetic stripes, the electronic business
card 136 has multiple magnetic stripes. In the present embodiment, the
electronic business card 129 has one, two or three magnetic data storage
stripes (each stripe having potentially a plurality of tracks).
Preferably, the data storage media is readily re-encodable to change the
business card information as desired.
In the present embodiment, the system read-only memory 108, the system
memory 104, and the permanent storage memory 106 all provide specific
functions for the operation of the electronic business card system 100.
Preferably, the system read-only memory 108 contains the firmware and
applications programs which are utilized by the main controller 102 for
operation and control of the electronic business card system 100. The
system memory 104 preferably comprises random access memory as described
above. Accordingly, the system memory 104 provides operational memory
during execution of the firmware and applications programs of the
electronic business card system 100. In the present embodiment, the random
access memory is used to store basically any data which is utilized on a
temporary basis. Use of random access memory in control systems is well
understood in the art. Data which is to be maintained permanently, or
semi-permanently, is transferred to the permanent storage memory 106. As
well understood in the art, the transfer of data to the permanent storage
memory generally takes place at power-off, and not during runtime.
Similarly, as well known in the art, the data in the permanent storage
memory 106 is transferred to system memory at start-up. The permanent
storage memory 106 has read and write functions, but maintains the data
stored without the continual application of power. Other types of
permanent storage memory 106 which require the continual application of
power via a battery are also well understood in the art. However,
preferably, the permanent storage memory 106 is of the non-volatile type
and does not require continual application of power. The uses and
operation of the electronic business card system 100 will be apparent with
the below discussion of the functions with reference to the exemplary
flowcharts.
FIGS. 3-9 depict exemplary flowcharts representing the functions of the
electronic business card system 100 of the present invention. In general,
the flowcharts depict the operation of receiving and storing data from
electronic business cards 136 and manipulating the data in various ways,
as further described below. Generally, the electronic business card system
100 of the present invention operates is one of several modes, each mode
providing separate functions to the user which relate to the accepting,
storing, accessing, and manipulating the business card data. Preferably, a
record is formed for each business card, and the records are stored in
categories. Each record is accessed with reference to the category or one
or more of a plurality of fields that makes up each record. A more
detailed discussion follows.
FIG. 3 illustrates the general power-on sequence and a data input sequence
that operates without displaying the data entered. When the card reader
116 is powered on, the card reader 116 executes power-on initialization
and self-test functions conventional for microprocessor-based control
systems. The user then determines whether to utilize nondisplay data input
or whether to select a mode which involves data display during data input
or data manipulation, as represented in a decision block 150. The user may
desire to select nondisplay data input in order to conserve power with the
electronic business card system 100. In nondisplay data input mode, the
electronic business card system 100 can accept data from electronic
business cards 136 without the display 110 being active. This conserves
battery power.
If the user selects nondisplay data input, the card reader 116 displays a
ready symbol, as represented in an activity block 152. The ready symbol
preferably comprises a small LED or the like, which indicates that the
electronic business card system 100 is ready to accept data. Other
indicators are well understood in the art. The card reader 116 then
monitors for an electronic business card 136 entry as represented in a
decision block 154. For instance, in the present embodiment, which
utilizes a magnetic swipe card reader, the card reader 116 monitors for
the swipe of a business card with an appropriately encoded magnetic
stripe. Similarly, if the card reader 116 is an optical reader, the
electronic business card system 100 monitors for a business card
appropriately encoded with an optical memory. As explained above, the
magnetic stripe is preferred in that it is easily encoded and inexpensive.
In the present embodiment, the electronic business card system 100
automatically powers-down if it does not receive data within five minutes,
as represented in the decision block 154 and an activity block 156.
Whenever the electronic business card system 100 powers-down
automatically, the system becomes active automatically with the entry of
an electronic business card 136. For instance, if the electronic business
card system 100 has powered down, the swipe of a business card with a
magnetic stripe activates the system and the system reads the data from
the business card. Preferably, when the electronic business card system
100 is activated from power down mode by the entry of the business card,
the electronic business card system 100 enters the nondisplay 110 data
input sequence described with reference to FIG. 3. In other words, the
display 110 does not need to be activated in order to accept the data.
If the electronic business card system 100 detects an entry (whether from
power-down or from active mode), the card reader 116 accepts the data from
the electronic business card 136 (e.g., from the magnetic stripe or
stripes in the present embodiment), checks parity, and stores the data in
the permanent storage memory 106 if the data is not corrupted, as
represented in activity block 158. If data was not received error free,
the electronic business card system 100 provides the user with an
appropriate indicator (e.g., a data error LED or the like). When an entry,
also known as a record, is stored, the entry typically has a number of
fields, such as those described above (e.g., the first name, last name,
title, company name, company address, city, state, ZIP, phone number, fax
number, Email address, area code, etc.). Preferably, the date, time and a
sequence number are also recorded with each entry. When the electronic
business card system 100 has stored the entered data in the permanent
storage memory 106, the system then displays the ready symbol once again
(action block 152) and waits for an entry in less than five minutes
(decision block 154). The sequence repeats itself until five minutes pass
without an entry. It should be understood that the five-minute interval of
inactivity until the electronic business card system 100 automatically
powers down may vary from the five minutes described above. In one
embodiment the period of inactivity is selectable by the user.
If the user does not select nondisplay data input (decision block 150), the
electronic business card system 100 presents a MAIN MENU which allows the
user to select operation in a DATA MODE, a DISPLAY MODE, or a MANAGER
MODE, or to select to power-down the system, as represented in a decision
block 160. If the user elects to turn off the power of the electronic
business card system 100, the system powers down and waits to be activated
by the user. It should be understood, that whenever the electronic
business card system powers on, any data from the permanent storage memory
106 is transferred to the system memory 104 for run time operations.
Likewise, when the electronic business card system powers down, any data
which is to be maintained permanently (permanent denoting storage after
power has been removed) is transferred from the system memory back to the
permanent storage memory. As well understood in the art, this operation is
carried out using memory mapping techniques where the data from the
permanent storage memory 106 is maintained in the system memory 104 during
run time operations.
The operations of the DATA MODE are illustrated in FIG. 4. As represented
in an activity block 200 of FIG. 4, when the electronic business card
system 100 enters DATA MODE, the first and last name from the business
card last entered are displayed on the display 110 with the accompanying
date and time that the last entry was made. The electronic business card
system 100 also displays the ready symbol, indicating that the card reader
116 is ready to accept a card entry. At this point, the user can also
select a different mode of operation or exit data entry altogether, as
represented in a decision block 202. If the user desires to select a
different mode, the user makes that selection, as represented in an
activity block 204. In the meantime, the card reader 116 waits for a card
entry in less than five minutes, as represented in a decision block 206.
As explained above, the electronic business card system 100 will
power-down after five minutes of inactivity to conserve battery power, as
represented in an activity block 208. As explained above, when the
business card system powers down automatically, the system automatically
becomes active and accepts the business card data when a card entry is
received via the card reader 116.
In DATA MODE, each time a card entry is made with less than five minutes
between entries, the data from the business card is displayed on the
display 110, as represented in activity block 210. Preferably, the
electronic business card system 100 also allows the user to edit each
entry, accept the entry, or reject the entry, as represented in a decision
block 212. If the user chooses to edit the entry, as represented in an
activity block 214, the user uses the keyboard 118 to edit any fields or
make additional notes to be stored with the business card data.
Preferably, the system also provides for selecting different categories
for storage of the business card information. For instance, the business
card information could be stored in a category for vendors, for customers,
for clients, etc.
In one embodiment, the electronic business card system 100 also has the
audio responsive unit 129. The audio responsive unit 129 preferably
comprises an audio input and output system that allows the user to record
audio notes to be stored with any entry. This audio storage system
advantageously comprises a digital audio storage and retrieval system, as
well known in the art. In other words, the audio responsive unit comprises
a microphone, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog
converter and a speaker, to allow for the recording and playback of audio
signals. In an alternative embodiment, the audio responsive unit comprises
an analog audio input/output system utilizing a single-chip voice
record/playback device such as the Information Storage Device, Inc., ISD
1012A.
If the user chooses to reject the data from the last card entry (decision
block 212), the data from the entry is not stored, and the electronic
business card system 100 waits for further input. If the user chooses to
accept the data in its present form (either before or after editing), the
data is stored in the portion of the system memory mapped for the
permanent storage memory 106 (along with the date, time and sequence
number of the entry), as represented in an activity block 216. The data
will be transferred to the permanent storage memory 106 of power-off.
FIG. 5 is an exemplary flowchart that illustrates the general functions of
DISPLAY MODE operation for the electronic business card system 100. In
general, in the DISPLAY MODE, the electronic business card system 100
displays any record (entry) through reference to its sequence number, to
its name field, to its category field, to its area code field, or to other
fields. In DISPLAY MODE, the user also requests sort operations, such as
an alphabetical sort for all records in any category, a date sort for all
records entered during a specified time period, an area code sort, and
many other sort operations. Wherever applicable, an alphabetical sort is
performed within any subgroup. The electronic business card system 100
also provides for several functions in relation to the sort operations.
For instance, the reader can delete any record or group of records listed
in a sort operation; the reader can provide a list with the name only of
records found in a sort (when coupled to a printer); the reader can print
records found in a sort; and the electronic business card system 100 can
play back audio or text notes associated with particular records or a
group of records from a sort.
As represented in FIG. 5, when the electronic business card system 100
enters DISPLAY MODE, the DISPLAY MODE MENU is presented on the display
110, as represented in an activity block 250. The DISPLAY MODE MENU allows
the user to select record examination tasks, trash-can tasks, (delete
records) maintenance tasks, or quit.
If the user elects to operate trash can tasks (decision block 252), the
electronic business card system 100 provides a TRASH CAN MENU with several
options. The trash can tasks are further discussed in relation to FIG. 6.
If the user elects to perform examine records tasks, the electronic
business card system 100 displays the RECORD EXAMINATION MENU. The
functions of the examine records tasks are discussed in further detail
below with reference to FIG. 7.
If the user elects to quit, the electronic business card system 100
determines if records are present in a "TRASH CAN," as represented in a
decision block 254. If no records are present in the TRASH CAN, the
electronic business card system 100 returns to the MAIN MENU where the
user selects between DATA MODE, MANAGER MODE, DISPLAY MODE, or power off,
as represented in FIG. 1 (decision block 160).
If the electronic business card system 100 determines that records are
present in the TRASH CAN (decision block 254), the electronic business
card system 100 queries the user whether the records in the TRASH CAN are
to be deleted, as represented in a decision block 256. If the user elects
to delete the records in the TRASH CAN, the electronic business card
system 100 removes the TRASH CAN records from the system memory 104, as
represented in an activity block 258. The records are then deleted from
the permanent storage memory 106 at power down when the records are
transferred to the permanent storage memory 106. If the user elects to not
delete the records in the TRASH CAN, the card system maintains the records
in a TRASH CAN file as represented in an activity block 260. The records
in the permanent TRASH CAN file remain in the TRASH CAN until the user
elects to delete them. It will be understood that in one embodiment the
TRASH CAN comprises a list of records that have been selected for
deletion. The records are still maintained in permanent storage until the
user elects to delete these records. After either removal of the TRASH CAN
records from storage or maintaining the records, the electronic business
card system 100 returns (activity block 262) to the MAIN MENU where the
user selects between the DATA MODE, the MANAGER MODE, the DISPLAY MODE, or
power off, as depicted in FIG. 1 (decision block 160).
If the user elects to perform maintenance tasks (decision block 252), the
electronic business card system 100 displays a MAINTENANCE MENU, as
represented in an activity block 270. The MAINTENANCE MENU provides the
user with the option to alter data attributes or to exit, as represented
in a decision block 272. If the user elects to exit, the electronic
business card system 100 again displays the DISPLAY MODE MENU (activity
block 250).
The MAINTENANCE MENU provides several data attribute alteration selections.
The user can select to alter the date and time for the electronic business
card system 100, alter the category names for records in the electronic
business card system 100, or alter the current signature for the
electronic business card system 100. The category names are simply the
names given to categories of records in the electronic business card
systems 100 such as customers, clients, and any other category desired by
the user. The alteration of the date and time for the electronic business
card system 100 allows the user to alter the internal clock of the
electronic business card system 100 to correct for changes, such as
daylight savings time. Finally, the current signature change allows the
user to alter the signature for the electronic business card system 100.
The signature is essentially an indicator of the owner of the electronic
business card system 100. For instance, the signature may be the name and
phone number of the owner of the electronic business card system 100. This
is advantageous in the event that the electronic business card system 100
owner misplaces or loses the electronic business card system 100, and it
is found by someone else. The finder of the electronic business card
system 100 can access the signature to determine the owner of the
electronic business card system 100. However, the access to the data in
the electronic business card system 100 is preferably protected through a
password connected with the signature. In other words, the signature can
be viewed simply by turning on the electronic business card system 100;
but the data within the electronic business card system 100, other than
the signature, is inaccessible without a password if the password option
is selected.
For each of the attributes that are selectable from the MAINTENANCE MENU by
the user for alteration, the basic functions are the same. First, the
electronic business card system 100 displays the selected attribute, as
represented in an activity block 274. For instance, if the user elects to
modify category names, the electronic business card system 100 displays
the currently defined category names. Similarly, if the user elects to
modify the date and time, the electronic business card system 100 first
displays the current date and time maintained by the electronic business
card 100 system. Finally, if the user elects to modify the signature for
the electronic business card system 100, the system first displays the
currently defined signature or displays no signature if no signature is
defined. Next, the business card system allows the user to edit the
selected attribute or organization feature and concurrently displays the
edits on the display 110, as represented in an activity block 276.
During editing, the electronic business card system 100 allows the user to
indicate when to accept the edits, as represented in a decision block 278.
The electronic business card system 100 allows the user to continue edits
until the user chooses to accept the edits (decision block 278). Once the
user accepts the edits, the electronic business card system 100 stores the
selected attribute or organization change in the system memory 104, as
represented in an activity block 280. The electronic business card system
100 then queries the user whether more changes are desired to data
attributes or organization features, as represented in a decision block
282. If the user elects not to make more changes, the DISPLAY MODE MENU is
again displayed on the display 110 (activity block 250). If the user
desires to select more changes, the user is again prompted with the
attribute selected, and the editing process repeats.
As explained above, FIG. 6 illustrates the trash can tasks performed by the
electronic business card system 100. If the user elects to operate the
TRASH CAN from the DISPLAY MODE MENU (or elsewhere), the electronic
business card system 100 displays the TRASH CAN MENU, as represented in an
activity block 290 of FIG. 6. The TRASH CAN MENU provides the user with
the option to "empty" the TRASH CAN, to manipulate the TRASH CAN, or to
exit, as represented in a decision block 292.
If the user elects to exit, the electronic business card system 100 exits
the trash can tasks (activity block 294) without modifying or removing the
records in the TRASH CAN. Upon exit, the DISPLAY MODE MENU is again
presented (activity block 250 of FIG. 5). If the user elects to empty the
TRASH CAN (decision block 292), the electronic business card system 100
first confirms with the user that the user desires to delete all records
from the TRASH CAN, as represented in a decision block 296. If the user
does not confirm that all records in the TRASH CAN list are to be deleted,
the electronic business card system 100 again displays the TRASH CAN MENU
(activity block 290). If the user confirms the deletion of all records
from the TRASH CAN, the electronic business card system 100 removes all
TRASH CAN records from the portion of the system memory mapped for the
permanent storage memory 106, as represented in an activity block 298. The
electronic business card system 100 then provides an indication to the
user that the TRASH CAN is empty by displaying an appropriate message on
the display 110, as represented in an activity block 300. After the TRASH
CAN records are removed and the appropriate indication is provided, the
electronic business card system 100 returns (activity block 294) and
displays the DISPLAY MODE MENU (activity block 250, FIG. 5).
In an alternative embodiment, after the indication that the TRASH CAN is
empty has been provided (activity block 300), the electronic business card
system 100 provides an undo option. In such an embodiment, the electronic
business card system 100 maintains an undo file, which contains all
records marked | | |
