Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
32a~9 i`
Background of the Invention
The invention relates to portable processing units,
and particularly to interconnectable portable processing units
for storing and comparing sets of personal data stored therein
and to methods of comparing such data.
A number of tests have been devised by psychologists
to obtain personality profiles of individual men and women.
Usually, the man or woman answers a large number of questions
to provide the personality data upon which such tests and
comparisons are based. Such personality data can then be
compared for an individual man and woman to provide an indica~
tion of their compatibility as potential marriage partners.
Many individuals, including persons who have never been married
or recently divorced persons wishing to meet persons of the
opposite sex with whom they are compatible, read such books
and publications in an a-ttempt to obtain greater insights into
their own personalities and personalities of others. Single
persons who become personally involved and begin to seriously
contemplate marriage to each other often consult professional
counselors or psychologists, who administer various psychological
tests, such as the Edwards Personal Preference Test, and
advise the clients on the basis of data obtained from such
tests. However, this approach is unsatisfactory during the
early stages of a relationship between a man and a woman because
of the inconvenience and expense involved. Up to now, no
suitable method conducive to comprehensive comparison of the
personality data between a man and a woman early in their
relationship is available. Yet, it is early in the relationship
that such a comparison migh-t be mos-t helpful, since it is well
known that strong attachments may be formed between highly
incompatible persons. Such attachments frequently result in
unhappy marriages or unhappy endings to such relationships.
- 2 -
2~9
Nowadays, single men and women frequently congregate
in so-called "singles" organizations, such as Parents Without
Partners, or in "singles bars". In such placesl and on many
other occasions, a single person has the opportunity to meet
a large number of persons of the opposite sex who are also
interested in meeting persons with whom to date and become
acquainted. In many instances it would be helpful for single
persons to have a convenient, inexpensive, and reasonably
reliable means of "screening" persons of the opposite sex they
meet in order to get a preliminary indication of personality
compatibility. It would be highly desirable that such means of
"screening" not interfere with the ordinary inter~personal
interaction by which single persons customarily get to know
each other. In the past, computers have been utilized to store
personality data for individuals. Computers have also been -~
utilized to compare sets of data for a pair of individuals to ~ ~
determine their areas of compatibility and/or incompatibility ;!~',' ~'
. .'-:
as potential mates. However, the general purpose which computers
have been utilized for is obviously unsatisfactory for "on-the-
spot" analysis and/or comparison of personality data for a
man and a woman at the scene of their first meetings. Computer- ;
ized dating services which select supposedly compa~ible "dates"
for subscribers to the dating services are known. However, -
such dating service organizations are very expensive, and
prevent the individual man or woman from having the freedom
of spontaneously selecting dating partners. Further, due to
the high cost and loss of privacy of such computerized dating
services, the pool of available individuals from which
supposedly compatible dating partners may be selected is very
~ 30 small.
; In summary, there exists a need for an inexpensive,
yet convenient means for on-the-spot comparing of personality
' '
:,
profiles of men and woman to aid them in cliscovering their
various areas of basic compatibility with each other.
Summary of the Invention
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to
provide a low cost system and method for storing and comparing
sets of data.
It is another object of the invention to provide a
low cost portable system and apparatus especially suitable
for storing and comparing sets of personal preference data
and/or personality data and computing and displaying a
compatibility score.
It is another object of the inventi.on to provide a
por~able low cost system for storing and comparing sets of
personality data, which system is sufficiently small in size
to be easily carried in a person's pocket, purse, or worn as
an ornament.
It is another object of the invention to provide a
portable, inexpensive multi-purpose data comparison sys-tem.
; Briefly described, and in accordance with one embodi
ment thereof, the invention provides a portable system and
method for comparison of stored sets of data. The system
includes two portable processors each having a memory for
storing a data set and operating software. The respective
owners of each portable processor can enter personal data into
the memories of the respective por-table processors. The two
portable processors can be interconnected by male and female
connectors or by optical coupling devices such that the
operating program of each causes it to transmit its stored
data to the other portable processor and compare its stored
data with corresponding data received from the other unit.
`'
r~
The software of each portable processor causes tha-t portable
processor to compute a score indicative of the degree of
matching or compatibility be-tween the two se-ts of data and
display that score by means of a display unit of that portable
processor. In one embodiment of the invention, complementary
metal oxide semiconductor integrated circuits are utilized
to implement the microprocessor, the read only memory, the
random access memory and the interface circuitry, and an
alphanumeric liquid crystal display unit is utilized to display
10 the compatlbility scores computed. In another embodiment of
the invention, the portable processor, has storage elements for ^
temporarily storing data received from another portable proces-
sor. The portable proce~sor is subsequently connected to a
central data processing system to input the temporarily stored
data to the central data processing system, which utilizes
stored algorithms to analyze and compare the received data
with the data of the owner of the portable processor being
utilized to enter the data into central data processing system.
In yet another embodiment oE the invention, the portable pro-
20 cessor includes expanded algorithms and storage capability
for storing additional sets of data, and is capable of receiving
and comparing data received from a separate portable processor
with a different operating algorithm. In yet another embodi-
ment of the inventionr the portable processor has its operating
program and algorithm stored in an electrically alterable
read only memory and may be connected to a central data pro-
cessing system to update the operating software and algorithm
by altering the contacts of the electrically alterable read
only memory. Another embodiment of the invention is
incorporated in an electronic timepiece or calculator.
A computing system for comparing first and second
sets of corresponding data, which may be personal sets of data
relating to flrst and second persons, includes first and -
second computing devices, at least one ofwhich is portable,
first and second storage devices for storing first and second
sets of data in the first and second computing devices,
respectively, a first transmitting device in the first computing
device for transmitting data of the first set from the first
computing device to the second computing device, a first
receiving device in the second computing device for receiving
: the transmitted data of the first set, and a comparing
device in the second computing device for comparing the stored
data in the second storage device with corresponding data
received by the first receiving device from the first transmitting
device, and a device for displaying the results of the comparing
of data of the first and second sets. The computing system
also includes a coupling device for coupling the first trans-
mitting means to the first receiviny means for serially conducting
bits of the first set of da-ta from the first transmitting
device to the first receiving device. In one embodiment of
the invention, the coupling means includes an optiGal transmitting ;
device in the first computing device for transmitting light
; signals representative of data of the first set to the first
receiving device and a first optical receiving device in the
second computing device for receiving the light signals from
the first optical transmitting device. In one embodiment of
the invention, the first and second computing devices
respectively include keys for ef~ecting manual entry of the
first and second sets of data into the first and second computing
devices, respectively. The second computing device includes
a microprocessor which computes a compatability score between
the first and second sets of data.
- 5a -
Brief Descript_ n of the Drawing
Figure 1 is a diagram showing two portable proces
sing units coupled together according to the invention.
Figure 2 is a diagram showing a portable processor
having no data input keys, wherein a remote inputting device
is utilized to enter a set of data into the portable processor.
Figures 3A and 3s together, constitute a schematic ~ ;
diagram of circuitry of one embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 is a waveform showing the format of data
1~ serially transmitted by the portable processor circuit of
Figures 3A and 3B.
" Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a complementary
metal oxide semieonductor embodiment of the portable processor
o~ the invention.
Figures 6A through 6E constitute a flow chart of the
stored program which controls operation of the portable pro-
cessor implemented by the circuitry of Figures 3A through 3E.
Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating inputting
of data from a portable processor to a central data processing
system.
Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating a central
data proeessing system modifying the stored program of a
portable proeessor.
Figure 9 is a diagram showing optieal coupling
devices to effeet transmission of data between two portable
processors.
Figure 10 is a diagram of a data comparison processor
incorporated in a pocket calculator.
Figure 11 is a partial diagram of a wristwatch
incorporating a data comparison processor and a calculator.
3%t~
Description of the Invention
Figure 1 shows a portable processor 10 having a
display unit 39 including four separate units 41, ~2, 43, and
44, each of which is a seven segment alphanumeric light emit-
ting diode display unit. Portable processor unit 10 includes
a switch 11, which may be utilized to connect power to the
intexnal microprocessor, as explained subsequently. Portable
processor unit 10 also includes five data entry keys 55, 56,
57, 58 and 59. Portable processor unit 10 includes five control - ~'
keys, labelled 60, 61, 62, 63 and 64.
Portable processor unit 10 includes sockets 70', 71',
and 72', which may be utilized to temporarily connect portable
processor 10 to an identical or similar portable processor 10'.
Portable processor 10 further includes extendible prongs 70,
71, and 72, which may be extended outwardly from the side of
portable processor 10 by means of lever 13, which slides to the
right in slot 15, so that prongs 70, 71, and 72 are inserted
into portable processor unit 10'.
As explained subsequently in greater detail, each
of porkable processors 10 and 10' of Figure 1 store at least
one set of personal data which has been previously entered into
the respective portable processors by means of the above-
mentioned control keys and data keys of the respective
portable processors. Each of portable processors 10 and 10'
include a microprocessor and a memory for storing a set of
data and an operating program. Each portable processor
stores an operating program which permits that unit to
compare its own stored data set with the data set from the
other portable processor, compute a "score" which indicates
the level of personal compatibility between the persons from
whom the two data se-ts were obtained.
As subsequen-tly explained with reference to
Figures lO and ll, the por-table processors of the invention
can be incorporated into ordinary pocket calculators or
electronic wristwatches. Differently shaped units could be
utilized for men's units and women's unlts. By incorporating ~.
all of the digital circuitry on a single integrated chip and
utilizing miniature display units and input keys, the
portable processors may be made sufficiently small to be
easily carried in a pocket or purse, or even worn as an
ornament.
If desired, the keys shown in Figure 1 may be
eliminated, to provide a por-table processor such as 110 in
Figure 2, and data may be entered -therein by means of a remote
keyboard input unit lll as shown in Figure 2. Remote input
unit 111 is coupled by means of an appropriate cable con-
nector to portable processor unit 110. When two portable
processors such as llO in Figure 2 are mated, they automatically
exchange data and compute a compatibility score, which is then
displayed in the display unit 39.
The detailed circuitry lOA for a working model of
portable processor unit lO is shown in Figures 3A and 3B.
Referring now to Figures 3A and 3B, circuitry lOA
of portable processor lO includes microprocessor 12, which
is an eight bit microprocessor. Microprocessor 12 can be
implemented by utilizing the ~OS Technology Inc. model 6502
microprocessor; the same model of microprocessor is also
manufactured by Synertek Corporation and North American
Rockwell Corporation. A crystal oscillator circuit 14 pro-
duces the clock signals required for operation of micro-
processor 12. Microprocessor 12 has its data terminals D0-D7
coupled to the corresponding conductors of bidirectional data
bus 16. The microprocessor address outputs A0-A9, indicated
generally by reference numeral 18, are connected -to the cor-
responding address inputs A0-A6 of random access memory 22
; and to the corresponding address lnputs A0-A9 of read only
memory 24.
Random access memory 22 can be implemented by
utilizing a Motorola MCM6810 128 word by eight bit static
random access memory. Two chip select inputs, CSl and CS2
of random access memory 22 are connected to the A14 and
A15 address outputs, respectively, of microprocessor 12.
Random access memory 22 has its data input/output terminals ;
connected to bidirectional data bus 16.
,
Random access memory 22 is utilized to store a
plurality of pairs of values of X and Y r hereinafter referred
to as X-Y data pairs, wherein X and Y are variables which
represent answers given in response to questions -from a
qùestionnaire and entered into portable processor lO. The
questionnaire includes a plurality of questions which are
grouped in pairs, each pair including a "X" question and a
"Y" question. The response to each "X" question may be
selected as an integer from 1 to 5, the numbers from 1 to 5
designating the "degree" or "weight" of the "X" variable for
that question. For each "Y" question, the response selected
is also an integer from 1 to 5. In this case, the integers
from l to 5 indicate the "importance" of the previous "X"
variable to the person responding to the questionnaire.
The following six questions and selectable responses
constitute three pairs of "X" ~uestions, and corresponding
"Y" questions illustrative of the type and manner of data
which may be entered into random access memory 22.
2~
. 1. My education is:
X
1 more than a college degree
2 a college degree
3 some college
: 4 graduated from high school
5 less than high school diploma
2. My mate's education is:
y
.
; 10 1 not impor-tant
2 somewhat of interest
3 at my own level
4 important to be at my level
:~ 5 essential to be at my level
3. I believe that Bible is:
X
1 the literal truth
2 most, but not all of the Bible is
literally true :~
3 some of the Bible is literally true,
but all of it stands for the truth
4 the Bible is of no significance to me
the Bible is merely writings of
historical value
4. My mate's opinion of the Bible is~
Y
1 not important
2 somewhat of importance
3 desirable to be like mine
4 important to be like mine
essential to be like mine
5. I prefer to live in:
X
1 a rural area
2 a town far from the city
3 a town near large city
4 a small city (50,000 to 150,000)
a large city
-- 10 --
;
6. My mate's preference:
Y : ,~
~ 1 ls of no importance
-. 2 is somewhat of interest
' 3 desirable to be like mine
4 important to be like mine
essential -to be like mine
For example, question 1 is a "X" question. The
` respondent to the questionnaire selects one of the digits
(1 to 5) and enters it as a value of X for the first X-Y data
pair. He then selects one of the responses (1-5) to question 2,
being the "Y" question of the first pair of questions, and
enters the selected digit as the value of Y for the first ~`
X-Y data pair. In a similar manner, a large amount of data
in the form of X-Y data pairs in response to a plurality of
additional pairs o questions may be entered into random
access memory 22.
Referring again to ~igures 3A and 3B, read only
memory 24 can be implemented utilizing an Intel model 2758
erasable programmable read only memory. Address inputs A0-A9
of programmable read only memory 24 are connected to the
corresponding A0-A9 inputs of microprocessor 12 by means of
address bus 18. A chip select input is connected to conductor
26, which is also connected to inverter 27. Inverter 27 pro-
duces the complement of the A15 address output of microproces-
sor 12. Data bus -terminals D0-D7 of read only memory 24 are
connected to bidirectional data bus 16.
Portable processor 10 includes a "power on reset"
circuit 30, including a "one-shot" integrated circuit 32,
which may be implemented utilizing a National Semiconductor
LM555 "one-shot" integrated circuit. The output of "power on
reset" circuit 30 is applied to the reset inputs of micro-
processor 12 and interface adaptor 34.
. The "power on reset" input signal produced on
conductor 33 enables microprocessor 12 to internally
initialize its circuitry, and also clears the appropriate
internal registers of interface adaptor 34 to permit proper
"start up" operation of portable processor 10.
Interface adaptor 34 iS implemen.ted utilizing a
MOS Technology model 6520 programmable peripheral interface
adaptor, which is identical to the Motorola MC6820 peripheral
interface adaptor. The D0-D7 terminals of interface adaptor
34 are connected to bidirectional data bus 16. The interrupt
conductors IRQA and IRQB are connected to conductor 36, which ~ ::
is connected to the IRQ input of microprocessor 12 and to
: the five volt power supply by means of a resistor, which
maintains conductor 36 at a logical "1" so that the interrupt
circuitry of microprocessor 12 remains inactive. The register :
select inputs and chip select inputs of interface adaptor 34
are connected to the A0 and Al address inputs of microprocessor .
12 and to the A14 and A15 address outputs of microprocessor 12, - .
respectively.
Interface adaptor 34 has two eight-bit peripheral data
busses, designated PBO-PB7 and PA0-PA7. The PBO-PB6 peripheral
data bus outputs of interface adaptor 34 are utilized to drive
eight inverters in block 40 oE Figure 3B, which inverters
function as display drivers to drive the raw inputs of display
units 41, 42, 43, and 44. Display units 41, 42, 43, and 44
may be either light emitting diode alphanumeric display units
or liquid crystal alphanumeric display units. Peripheral
data bus outputs PAO-PA3 of interface adaptor 34 are utilized
to drive four inverters in block 46 to Figure 3B, the outputs
of which inverters are connected to drive the bases of PNP
transistors 48, 49, 50, and 51, respectively. The collectors
of transistors 48, 49, 50, and 51 are connected to drive the
- 12 -
column inputs of alphanumeric display devices 41, ~2, 43, and
44 respectively.
The PA0-PA4 terminals of interface adaptor 34 are
utilized to sense switch closures of five data switches
generally indicated in block 54 of Figure 3B and five control
switches in block 60 of Figure 3B. Each of data switches 55, ~
56, 57, 58, and 59 has a first terminal connected to the ~;
peripheral data bus terminals PA0, PAl, PA2, PA3, and PA4,
respectively, which peripheral data bus terminals are initially
programmed as inputs to interface adaptor 34 such that the
switch closure information is transferred via bidirectional
data bus 16 to microprocessor 12 during system operation. ;
Each of control switches 61, 62, 63, 64 and 65 each also has
a ~irst terminal connected, respectively, to the corresponding
first terminals of the above data switches.
Data switches 55, 56, 57, 58 and 59 correspond to
the above-described selectab~le values of the X variables
and Y variables, namely the digits 1-5. Each of the data
switches also has a second terminal connected to conductor
55. Conductor 55 is connected to the PA6 peripheral data
bus of interface adaptor 34. The PA6 peripheral data bus
terminal is programmed as an output having a predetermined ~ ,
logic level thereon during system operation. Each of the
above control switches also has a second terminal connected
to conductor 61j which is connected to the PA7 peripheral data
bus terminal of interface adaptor 34. The PA7 peripheral data
bus terminal is also programmed as an output during system
operation. The control switches 61, 62, 63, 64, and 65
are designated as the X, Y, increment (INC), decrement (DEC),
and transmit (XMIT~ switches in Figure 3B.
The X and Y switches 61 and 62 are utilized ~or
the purpose of determining whether the presently selected data
- 13 -
B~
value inputted to portable processor 10 is a "X" value or
a "Y" value. Increment switch 63 is utilized to increment
to the next stored X-Y pair in random access memory 22 to
permit displaying of the corresponding stored values of X and Y
for that X-Y data pair. Similarly, decrement switch 64 permits
decrementing to the preceding X-Y pair stored in random
access memory to permit display of the stored values thereof.
Transmit switch 65 is utiIized to cause the portable processor
to initiate transmission of a reference pulse (as shown by
reference numeral 80 in Figure 4) to portable processor 10',
as shown in Figure 1, thereby initiating transmission of data
stored in random access memory 22 of portable processor 10
to portable processor 10' to permit portable processor 10' to
compare such received data with corresponding stored data in
portable processor 10', as previously mentioned (and subse-
quently described in greater detail).
As indicated above, with reference to Figure 1, all
communication between computers 10 and 10' occurs over
transmlt line 72 and receive line 70. Transmit line 72 is
connected to the CA2 terminal of interface adaptor 3~, which
can be programmed as either an input or an output of interface
adaptor 34 durlng the initial start-up operation of the
portable processor, so that stored data can be transferred
from microprocessor 12 via a predetermined conductor of
bidirectional data bus 16 into a corresponding bit of an
internal register of interface adaptor 34 and then shifted
serially out on transmit bus 72 to second portable processor
10' .
Receive conductor 70 permits portable processor 10
; 30 to receive data in serial format from portable processor 10'.
Receive line 70 is connected to the PB7 terminal of interface
adaptor 34. The PB7 terminal of interface adaptor 34 may be
-- 1~
g
initially programmed as an input by the operating software,
so that data received from portable processor 10' is trans-
mitted from interface adaptor 34 to microprocessor 12 via
bidirectional data bus 16. The roles of transmit line 72
and receive line 70 may be reversed by the operating software,
depending upon which of portable processors 10 and 10' has
its transmit switch 65 closed first.
In order to avoid the.necessity of expensive precision
timing circuitry for detecting whether signals transmitted on
lines 70 and 72 are logical "ones" or "zeros", the operating
software stored in read only memory 24 is programmed to permit
each portable processor to transmit an initial signal to the
other unit in response to activating of transmit switch 65,
so that the receiving portable processor can measure the width
of a reference pulse 80, as shown in Figure 4. The waveform
shown in Figure 4 illustrates initial reference pulse 80,
which has a width equal to the time duration between edge 82
and edge 84 of the subsequent pulse 83 which, for purposes of
illustration, is chosen to have a width between points 84 and
85 equal to one third of the time elapsed between points 84
and 87. The elapsed time between points 84 and 87 is equal
to the elapsed time between points 81 and 84. A pulse having ~ ;
a width equal to the width of pulse 83 followed by a "low"
level equal to the time be-tween points 85 and 87 is inter-
preted by the receiving unit to be a logical "zero" on the
basis of the initially measured width of reference pulse 80;
a wider pulse is interpreted as a logical "one'i. Thus,
rela~ively imprecise timing generators such as 14 may be
utilized for portable processors 10 and 10' without harming
the reliability of detecting of logic levels of data serially
transmitted between the two portable processors.
- 15 -
An algorithm which per~orms the interpretation of
the received logic levels is stored in read only memory 24.
This algorithm awaits leading edge 81 of the reference pulse
80 received by the receiving portable processor and counts
the number of machine cycles which occur until the arrival of
edge 82. The receiving portable processor stores this count
as a reference. The duration of each succeeding pulse received
by the receiving portable processor is then compared to the
; stored reference, and if such duration is less the duration of
the reference, that succeeding pulse is interpreted as a :
logical "zero", and if its duration exceeds the duration of
: the reference pulse, it is interpreted as a logical "one".
A flow chart of the operating program stored in read
only memory 24 is shown in Figures 6A-E. Referring now to
Figures 6A-E, the stored program operates to continually
produce signals required to display the appropriate alphanumeric
characters on display elements 41-44 of Figures 1, 2, and 3B. .
The four alphanumeric characters represent the values of .~
selected X-Y data pairs stored in random access memory 22 .
: 20 or "scores" resulting from comparison of data stored in one
of the portable processors and compared with corresponding
data received from another portable processor. It will be
; recalled that there are a predetermined number of X-Y data
pairs stored in random access memory 22. Each time the stored
program displays one of the four digits, as indicated in
; block 124 of Figure 6A, the program enters decision block 126
to determine whether a "receive and full" condition is met.
If the 7'receive and full" condition has not been met, the
: program enters decision block 128 to check the keyboard to
determine if any of the data keys 55-59 or control keys 61-65
have been depressed. If none of the keys have been depressed,
the program re-enters display routine 12~ to cause the next
~8%~
digit to be displayed~ Thus, the four alphanumeric display
units are operated at approximately a twenty-five percent duty
cycle at a sufficiently fast rate that the human eye will
perceive all four display digits as being continuously displayed.
If the program detects that a key has been depressed,
the program exits from the display routine. When a signal is
received indicating that the depressed key has been released,
the program re-enters display subroutine 124. If the key
has not been released, decision block 132 i5 entered to
determine which key is depressed. If a data input key has
been depressed, the program then determines whether the switch
closure represents a "X" data input or a "Y" data input. If
the switch closure represents a "X" data input, that value of
X is stored and a "1ag" is set to establish that the next
data number received will be a "Y" data value. The program
then selects an appropriate subroutine represented by block
122 to display the value of the inputted "X" data number.
If it is determined in decision block 134 that the
inputted number is a "Y" value, that value is stored and
the "number" of the X-Y pair is incremented and a "flag" is
set to establish that the next data number inputted will be
a "X" value~ If the X-Y pair number being inputted is equal
to the maximum X-Y pair number permitted to be stored in random
access memory 22, the program causes display routine 124 to
display the word FULL in the alphanumeric display elements
after that X-Y pair is inputted. Decision block 126 then
performs the function of causing the program to enter the
RECEIVE subroutine shown in Figure 6D.
Decision block 130 causes the program to jump back
into display rou-tine 124 if the depressed key has not yet
been released, but the information corresponding thereto has
already been processed. In the event that the information
corresponding to the still-depressed ]cey has not yet been
processed, the program determines whether that key was a
data input key or a control key in decision block 132.
If the program determines in block 132 that the
depressed key is a data key and then determines (in decision
block 134) that the inputted data number is an X value, the
data number is stored in the appropriate part of random access
memory 22, as indicated by block 136 of Figure 6A. The program
then re-enters the display mode and further executes the
instructions represented by b~ocks 122, 124, 126 and 128 of
Figure 6A.
If the data number is a "Y" value, that value is
stored in the appropriate location of random access memory 22.
Also, the current X-Y pair number is incremented, as indicated
by block 142, since the X number and Y number of a X-Y data
pair are always entered sequentially. The program then again
enters the display mode and waits for additional key closures.
Each time the X-Y pair number is incremented, the program also
checks to determine whether the maximum permitted X-Y pair
number has been reached. If this condition is present, the
program causes the display unit to display the word E`ULL, as
indicated by block 144. Once the maximum X-Y pair number has
been attained, all of the data to be compared has been entered
; into the portable processor. A flag bit is then set to
permit the portable processor to receive data from another
portable processor coupled thereto, as shown in Figure 1. In
block 126, if the X-Y data pairs have all been inputted and
the FULL condition has been attained, the program checks to
determine if any data has been received on the receive line
every time a keyboard check operation is performed.
If both interconnected portable processors 10 and 10'
are in the "FULI." condition, either portable processor can
-- lR --
~ r~
receive an incoming digit transmitted by the other por-table
processor, or the users can push the transmit button 65 on
one of the two portable processors, thereby initiating
transmission of X and Y data pairs between the two portable
processors. Comparison of the two stored data sets in the
respective portable processors then proceeds.
For a portable processor operating in the "receive"
mode, the received reference pulse 80 (Figure 4) is followed
by four bits which are interpreted as logical "ones" or
"zeros" by comparing their width to the width of reference
pulse 80. The four bits represent a binary coded decimal
digit. By convention, the first digit received is the first
X value received from the sending portable processor, referred
to as the first portable processor in the following discussion.
The receiving portable processor, referred to as the second ~ ;
portable processor in the following discussion, compares the
received X value with the corresponding value of X stored
in its own memory and stores the difference, as subsequently
explained. Next, the second por-table processor sends its first
X value to the first portable processor, which also compares
its own stored value of X with the value of X received from
the second portable processor. The second portable processor
then awaits reception of the next digit, which, by convention
is a Y digit of the first X-Y pair transmitted by the first `
portable processor. The second portable processor then
processes that value of Y to determine and store the larger
of the two Y values of the two first corresponding X-Y data
pairs, as subsequently explained. The second portable proces-
sor then sends the Y value of its first s-tored X-Y pair to
the first portable processor, which also processes that Y
value in the same manner. At this point, both the first and
-- 19 --
~82~g
second portable processors each store the "partial results"
resulting from the above-described computations.
After the above-described procedure has been
completed for all X-Y data pairs stored in both first and
second portable processors, the cumulative stored results
are processed as indicated in block 178. The result is
displayed as indicated in block 179 of Figure 6s, for the
first portable processor. slocks 168 and 169 of Figure 6D
apply to the second portable processor.
Once both portable processors are in the "display
result" modes corresponding to blocks 169 of Figure 6D and
179 of Figure 6B, both portable processors are ready for new
X and Y data to be entered or to perform another data comparison
with other portable processors.
The PROCESS X subroutine shown in block 172 o:E
Figure 6B is shown in further detail in Figure 6C, and includes
the steps of obtaining the difference between the stored and
received values of X for the current X-Y data pair, determining
whether the difference is negative, complementing the result
if the difference is negative, and re-entering the TRANSMIT
subroutine of Figure 6B and entering the SEND Y block 173
of E'igure 6B. The PROCESS Y subroutine 175 is shown in
Figure 6E, and involves determining and storing the larger
of the corresponding Y values of the first and second portable
processors and multiplying that larger value by the previously
saved magnitude of the difference between the corresponding
X values for the same X-Y data pair. The TRANSMIT and RECEIVE
subroutines each accumulate running totals of the par-tially
processed results, as indicated by block 166 of Figure 6D
and block 176 of Figure 6B. Blocks 168 of Figure 6D and
178 of Figure 6B may incorporate any suitable subroutines
or algorithms for interpreting, scaling, or otherwlse processing
- 20 -
2~
the cumulative results in order to compute a "score" representa-
tive of the desired comparison between the stored data sets of
the first and second portable processors.
The quantity which results when the magnitude of the
difference between the corresponding X values which are
compared as above is referred to herein as a "difference term".
A difference term establishes the differences between the
belief or preferences of the two individuals whose data
sets are being compared with respect to the subject matter of
the particular X-Y data pair. The value of Y which is obtained
by selecting the larger of the compared Y terms as described
above is referred to herein as the "amplifier term". An
amplifier term represents the level of importance of the
particular subject matter in the eyes of the one of the two
persons who are comparing their data who believes it to be
the most important. Thus, little weight will be accorded to
subject matter which neither party believes is very important
to compatibility with a person of the opposite sex.
Low power consumption is an important consideration
in implementing the portable processor of the invention. It
is important that the power level be low so that small batteries
can be utilized to power the random access memory 22 without
danger of loss of stored data in a short period of time because
of battery failure. A block diagram of a low power CMOS
(complementary metal oxide semiconductor) integrated circuit
implementation of the circuitry 10A of the portable processor
unit is shown in Figure 5, wherein CMOS circui-try is utilized
to implement microprocessor 12', random access memory 22',
read only memory 24' and input/output circuitry 34'. All of
these circuit elements, in combination, can be powered
utilizing several 1.5 disc-shaped batteries of the type commonly
utilized to power electronic wristwatches. ~he liquid crystal
- 21 -
32~9
display unit 39' is utilized in this embodiment of the inven-
tion to further reduce the power drain on the batteries over
the power drain which would result from use of light emitting .
diode display units. Because of the very low power dissipa-
tion of CMOS circuitry, the stored data set may be maintained
in random access memory 22 for a length o:E time approaching
the shelf life of the batteries for the embodiment of the
invention of Figure 5. To further reduce the power drain on
the batteries, switch ll, as shown in Figure l, can be
utilized to turn off power to all elements of the portable
processor except random access memory 22 when the portable
processor is not being utilized.
It should be recognized that other types of personal
data than data relating to compatibility of individuals as
potential marriage partners can be compared, according to
the present invention. For example, data concerning an ;
individuals professional abilities and aptitudes can be stored. .
Potential employers can also input sets of data, corresponding `.
:,: .
to their requirements for pote~~.tial employees, and the portable : ~:
processor can be connected to the employerls computer, which
. can be a central data processin~ system or a similar portable
processor, in order to obtain a quick matching of the
applicant's qualifications with the qualifications required
for a particular position.
Another category of personal data which can be
stored in a portable processor of the invention i5 medical
history data. This type of information can then be inputted
to a central data processing system of a hospital or insurance
company. The embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 7
includes a portable processor 10 coupled by means of busses
71 and 72 to a central data processing system. Thus, the
portable processor can be utilized not only as a data compari-
- 22 ~
son device, but also as a data storage device utilized as
a means for conveniently inputting a large amount of personal
data concerning an individual into a laxger data processing
system for analysis by the larger data processing system.
The latter data processing system can then modify or update
(on the basis of a physical examination, for example~ -the
stored data, and write it back into the portable processor
10 . ! ~
According to one embodiment of the invention,
different stored algorithms compare process such different
subsets of data categories and produce separate "compatibility"
scores for each such subset, as well as an overall personal
compatibility score. One embodiment of the invention has
additional or dual function input keys to allow the user to
select and display the separate subgroup scores. In one
embodiment of the invention, the additional input keys are
utilized by the user to select any particular subgroup or
combination of subgroups of data. The portable processors
then perform the previously described transmitting and
comparing operations only for the selected subgroup or sub-
groups. A compatibility score is then computed and displayed
only for the selected su~roup or combination of subgroups.
In the above~described embodiment, wherein the
stored data relates to professional qualifications of a person,
that person inputs data into the portable processor in response
to a questionnaire presented to him by a potential employer,
trade or professional organization.
Yet another embodiment of the invention utilizes
an electrically reprogrammable read only memory and means for
coupling the electrically reprogrammable read only memory to
a central data processing system which a]ters or updates the
operating software of the portable processor by "writing"
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2~v~
improved algorithms in the electrically reprogrammable read
only memory.
Another embodiment of the invention includes a
control which permits a first portable processox to retain
the personal information received by the first portable
processor from a second portable processor during the above
described data comparison operation. The data can be retained
in the first portable processor with permission of the owner
of the second portable processor, wherein the permission is
given in the form of activation of the control of the second
portable processor, enabling the information to be retained
in the first portable processor. The owner of the first
portable processor unit can then input this information into
a centralized data processing system to obtain a more compre-
hensive analysis of his or her compatibility with the owner
of the second portable processor.
Figure 9 shows an embodiment of the invention which
avoids the need for sockets 70', 71.', and 72' and corresponding
extendible prongs 70, 71, and 72 of Figure 1. In Figure 9,
portable processors 10 and 10' in combination include two
optical couplers designated by reference numerals 269 and 270.
Optical coupler 270 includes a light emitting diode 274 housed
within portable processor 10 and connected to and controlled
by circuit 271 responsive to transmit conductor 72 of Figure
3~. Circuitry 271 for activating light emitting diode 274
can readily be implemented by those skilled in the art, and
therefore the details are not set forth herein. Portable
processor 10 includes a transparent window designated by
reference numerals 273, which window permits light emitted
by light emitting diode 274 to propagate to the base of
photo-transistor 278. Phototransistor 278 is housed in port-
able processor 10' and is positioned adjacent a second trans-
- 24 -
æ~
parent window 279 in portable processor 10', so that light,
designated by reference numeral 281, emitted by light
emitting diode 274 propagates to photo-transistor 278,
increasing its collector-emitter current. The increased
collector-emitter current of photo-transistor 278 is detected ~ ;
bv circuitry 277, which circuitry is connected to a receive
conductor such as receive conductor 70 of Figure 3B.
Circuitry for detecting the increased photo-translstor
collector-emitter current to produce a corresponding digital
signal to be applied to the receive circuitry of portable
processor 10' can readily be implemented by those s]cilled in
the art. Consequently, ci.rcuitry 277 is not set forth in
detail. Seal gaskets, designated by reference numeral 275,
are formed around the perimeters of transparent windows 273
and 279 to prevent loss of light and reception of spurious
light during communication of data between portable processor
10 and portable processor 10' by means of optical coupler
270.
Optical coupler 269 is formed, similarly to optical
coupler 270, except that light emitking diode 283, responsive
to circuitry 282, is housed in portable processor 10', and
photo-transistor 284, whose current is detected by circuitry
272, is housed in portable processor 10. Thus, each portable
processor can transmit data to the other and receive data
from the other, so that the two data sets stored in the
respective portable processors can be compared in the manner
as previously described with respect to Figures 1, 3A and ~ -
3~.
The portable processor of the invention can be
incorporated in combination with a variety of other electronic
computing devices, such as an ordinary pocket calculator 10''
shown in Figure 10. Pocket calculator 10'' includes an
- 25 -
Z~
ordinary calculator keyboard, generally designated by
reference numeral 350. ~Iowever, pocket calculator 10'' a]so
includes a group of keys generally designated by 351 for
permitting operation of pocket calculator 10'' as a portable
processor to compare a set of personal data stored therein
with corresponding sets of personal data stored in other
mateable portable processors. Pocket calculator 10'' includes
a "data comparison mode" input key 352 for activating circuitry
such as the circuitry shown in Figures 3A and 3B to set
device 10'' in the data comparison mode. "Calculate mode"
key 353 sets pocket calculator 10'' to a mode wherein keyboard
350 activates conventional calculator circuitry (not shown)
to provide ordinary calculator functions such as add, subtract,
multiply, and divide. For either mode of operation, alpha-
numeric display unit 39 displays the results of operation of
pocket calculator lO"in either the calcùlator mode or in the
data set comparison mode. "Select" key 353 permits displaying
of the values of an X-~ data pair number inputted to pocket
calculator 10'' when it is in the data comparison utilizing
keys 350. "Enter" key 354 permits entry of X and/or Y of a
previously selected X/~ data pair selected by means of "select"
key 353 and keyboard 350. The respective X and Y values are
selected by means of keyboard 350. Transmit key 65 operates
in the manner previously explained with respect to Figures
1, 3A and 3B. Device 10'' can communicate with another
portable processor by means of optical coupling devices 270',
which includes a light emitting diode and a photo-transistor,
housed in separate compartments and as explained previously
with reference to Figure 9. Alternatively, extendible prongs
and corresponding sockets can be utili~ed, as previously
explained with respect to Figure 1.
- 26 -
The portable processor data comparison device of
the present invention can be incorporated within an electronic
wristwatch, as shown in Figure 11. The embodimen-t 110' shown
in Figure 11 incorporates housing 284 and wristband 282.
I,iquid crystal display 39 displays the time of day when the
wristwatch processor 110' is operating in the "time" mode,
and displays the values of the X-Y data pairs being entered,
as previously explained, or the results of a comparison of a
stored set of personal data with a stored set of personal data
of a separate unit, as previously e~plained. A miniature
keyboard, generally indicated by reference numerals 349,
includes data input keys and control keys, and, if an
electronic calculator is also incorporated in wristwatch/pro-
cessor, 110', the usual calculator function keys. The keys
are sufficiently small to be depressed with a pencil tip or
the like. A solar panel 280 is incorporated to provide power
to charge the batteries which operate the time-keeping, computing,
and data processing circuitry incorporated in this embodiment
of the invention. Additional control keys such as 346, 347
and 348 are mounted on the front and sides of housing 284 to
permit the user to easily chanye modes of operation of the
device. An optical coupling unit 270' includes a photodiode in
one compartment and a photo-transistor in another compartment,
so that each can be mated with a corresponding optical
coupling unit of a separate portable data processing device
to permit bidirectional transmission of data between unit
110' and a corresponding unit.
~ ;
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