Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02509537 2001-06-12
SYSTEMS, METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR REAL-TIME
TRACKING OF PACKAGES
This application is a division of Canadian Patent File No.
2,411,817 filed June 12, 2001.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to real-time package tracking systems and methods,
and to portable hand held devices configured to acquire information thmughi'_
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.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In routine package delivery services, United Parcel Service (UPS) delivery
drivers obtain data using a DIAD device. 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 million sheets of paper a year and allows
UPS to
capture data and electronic signatures at a major point of contact - upon
delivery to
the recipient. Currently, more than 60,000 delivery personnel utilize such
DIAD
devices.
To capture digital recipient signatures, the DIAD device contains an LCD
display and a separate signature capture window that accepts input from a
stylus.
When the customer signs in the capture window using the stylus, the signature
appears in the LCD display. The DLA.D's capture of digitized recipients'
signatures
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CA 02509537 2001-06-12
enables these signatures to be available electronically for delivery
verification.
Signatures are downloaded into a mainframe that is accessible by customer
service
representatives and customers. Therefore, business customers that are
connected
electronically to UPS through secure connections (e.g., via the Internet) have
S access to the digitized signatures so they can pass them on to customers
with
inquiries. Similarly, when a customer claims a package was not delivered, the
customer (or a customer service representative) can determine its status,
specifically, whether the package was delivered, and if so, who signed for it.
In a typical delivery, the driver identifies a package to be delivered using a
laser-scanner built into or attached to the DIAD device. In this manner the
DIAD
captures into its memory data from bar coded packages. Additional data
collected
by the DIAD upon delivery is also captured using key entry, barcode scanning,
electronic signature capture, and electronic data transfer. Once collected,
package
tracking information is transferred to a mainframe based package tracking
system
(PTS) in real time whenever the driver returns to his or her vehicle and
inserts the
DIAD into a delivery vehicle adapter (DVA) in the delivery vehicle which is an
onboard cradle into which UPS drivers insert the DIA.D in order to transmit
data to
the UPS host system over a wireless network. The adapter provides a
communications link between the DIAD and vehicle-mounted data radio
equipment, namely, a cellular telephone modem that can communicate with the
mainframe computer via a nationwide cellular network. Once received, the
information is used to ensure that tracking information available to customers
is
kept current and available to customers via the Internet or telephone call-in
center.
The DIAD also has an acoustic link to a standard telephone so that tracking
information can be transmitted when the driver will be away from the vehicle
for
an extended period.
Although the DIAD has been effective, it is limited by a number of
characteristics which limit its effectiveness as a tool for real-time tracking
of
packages. First, as previously noted, the DIAD device contains an LCD display
and a separate signature capture window that accepts input from a stylus. When
the customer signs in the capture window using the stylus, the signature
appears in
the LCD display. However, the customer signature does not appear within the
signature capture window during customer execution of the signature. Thus,
signing the signature capture window using the stylus is equivalent to writing
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CA 02509537 2001-06-12
using invisible ink. Some customers have been uncomfortable with the remote
appearance of their signature or have found it difficult to sign without
seeing the
result of their writing appear directly under the stylus. Furthermore, because
the
touch panel of the signature capture device may be constructed of a resistive
material, variations in the pressure exerted by the person signing can create
spurious voltages leading to a poor image of the signature or poor accuracy in
reproducing the track of the stylus. For example, when a person lifts a stylus
from
such a device, the release of pressure can be misinterpreted as a written
line. Prior
attempts to solve this problem have typically involved making the screen
structurally less sensitive to pressure, which also results in less accuracy.
Thus,
there has been a need for a better quality representation of signatures and
better
tracking between the stylus movement and the graphic representation thereof as
the
stylus moves across the screen.
Secondly, in using the DIAD device to obtain a customer's signature,;the
driver must hand the DIAD device to the customer and reverses it so that the
customer can sign in the proper orientation. After the customer signs, the
driver
retrieves the device and turns it back around to view the signature and key
enter
the customer's name. Therefore, the driver and customer both view the DIA.D
device from the same perspective. The passing and manipulation of the device
for
this puxpose uses time and increases the risk that the device will be dropped
and
possibly damaged. Furthermore, because the customer controls the device, it is
possible that the customer may inadvertently press one or more buttons on the
DIAD device which require driver correction.
Third, although the DIAD can communicate with a mainframe computer
via a nationwide cellular network, this requires the DIAD to be inserted into
the
vehicle adapter, which provides the communications link between the DIAD and
vehicle-mounted data radio equipment, namely, a cellular telephone modem that
can communicate with the mainframe computer. As an alternative, the DIAD has
an acoustic link to a standard telephone so that tracking information can be
transmitted when the driver will be away from the vehicle for an extended
period.
However, this requires that the driver spend valuable time sending the
information
using a relatively slow acoustic link. Thus, there is no means of rapidly
communicating with the mainframe computer in near real-time after effecting
delivery of a package where the DIAD device is not immediately placed in the
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CA 02509537 2001-06-12
vehicle adapter after package delivery. Furthermore, while data may be
transferred
from the DIAD to the mainframe, there is no two-way communication
functionality allowing the DIAD to receive data, which may be advantageous
when
updating information stored in the DIAD or when communicating with delivery
S personnel who have left their vehicle.
What is needed is an improved DIA.D that includes an improved signature
capture screen that digitally illustrates a signature while it is being
written, an
improved signature screen that permits a driver to maintain control of the
DIAD
while a customer signature is received, and a built in cellular antenna to
transmit
IO shipping data to a mainframe when the DIAD is not docked in the DVA.
SUrMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention is an improved data acquisition system, device and
method providing real-time tracking of packages. According to one embodiment
15 of the invention, there is disclosed a package tracking system, including a
poitable
data acquisition device capable of collecting and storing package data,
wherein the
data acquisition device includes a wireless radio and at least one data input
device,
and a docking device including data storage and a docking device communication
radio, wherein the data acquisition device is associated with the docking
device,
20 wherein the data acquisition device communicates with the docking device
via an
infrared communications port, and wherein the data acquisition device
transmits
collected and stored package data from the data acquisition device to the
docking
device. The tracking system further includes a mainframe data repository,
wherein
the mainframe data repository is capable of receiving collected and stored
package
25 data either from the data acquisition device directly via the wireless
radio or from
the docking device via the docking device communication radio, and wherein the
mainframe data repository maintains a package database that includes the
collected
and stored package data.
According to one aspect of the invention, the at least one data input device
30 comprises a touch screen. According to another aspect of the invention, the
touch
screen comprises a signature capture element capable of receiving signatures
input
using a stylus, and the touch screen is capable of illustrating a signature
during
execution of the signature. According to yet another aspect of the present
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CA 02509537 2001-06-12
invention, the touch screen includes an LCD display and is capable of
inverting the
signature after the execution of the signature is complete.
The data acquisition device further comprises a wireless radio antenna, in
electrical communication with the wireless radio, and wherein the wireless
radio
antenna is wholly contained internal to the data acquisition device. The
tracking
system may also include a packet data radio network for transmitting
communications from the data acquisition device to the mainframe data
repository.
Additionally, the wireless radio may be a two-way radio through which the data
acquisition device can receive wireless communications.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the at least one
data input device is a keyboard comprising a plurality of keys, and at least
one of
the plurality of keys has a plurality of functions associated therewith.
Moreover,
the data acquisition device can include a touch screen, and at least one
function of
the plurality of functions corresponds to the at least one of the plurality of
keys is
displayed on the touch screen.
According to additional aspects of the present invention, the data
acquisition device includes an acoustical modem, and the docking device may be
located in a delivery vehicle. The tracking system may also include a base
station
into which the data acquisition device is docked at the end of the day. The
base
station is preferably in communication with the mainframe data repository via
a
communication network, such as a PSTN or the Intennet. According to another
aspect of the present invention, the data acquisition device includes a
memory,
wherein the memory stores the collected package data, and wherein collected
data
transmitted directly from the data acquisition device to the mainframe data
repository is distinguishable from collected data not directly transmitted to
the
mainframe data repository.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a
hand held data acquisition device. The hand held data acquisition device of
the
present invention comprises a unique combination of features resulting in more
efficient acquisition and remote transfer of information, as well as a device
that is
more durable and easier to use. Broadly stated, these features include data
entry by
keypad, symbol scanner, and signature capture, and an on-board data radio for
transmission of data to a remote computer. In a preferred configuration, the
device
also includes an infrared data link for communication via the vehicle adapter,
an
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CA 02509537 2001-06-12
acoustic data link, an illuminator for lighting a label beneath the device, a
phosphorescent membrane keypad, multiple rows of programmable "soft keys" in
the display, and integration of the signature capture function into the main
display
screen. The components are enclosed in a case that is hourglass shaped for
easy
S handling, with rounded, rubber coated edges, and an internal peripheral
buffer zone
to minimize damage if dropped. Other features are described in other parts of
this
application.
The data acquisition device includes at least one data input device, for
inputting package tracking data into the data acquisition device, a memory,
for
storing the package tracking data input into the data acquisition device, a
wireless
radio, wherein the wireless radio transmits the stored package tracking data
directly to a remotely located mainframe data repository, and an antenna,
wherein
the antenna facilitates the transmission of the stored package tracking data
to the
remotely located mainframe data repository via a packet data radio network,
and
wherein the antenna comprises a first metal strip at least partially embedded
within
a foam member and a second metal strip on the surface of the foam member.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the entire antenna is
internal to the data acquisition device. The second metal strip of the antenna
may
also include at least one lengthwise portion oriented at least 90 degrees from
at
least one other lengthwise portion of the second metal strip, and the entire
second
metal strip may span the entire width of the data acquisition device.
According to
another aspect of the present invention, the second metal strip comprises a
plurality
of metal strip segments, and wherein at least one of the plurality of metal
strip
segments comprises a widthwise portion at least 0.75 centimeters long.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the at least one
data input device is a touch screen, having both LCD and signature capture
capability, wherein the touch screen receives signatures entered using a
stylus.
The screen also includes signature reproducing capability such that a
signature is
digitally reproduced on the screen during execution of the signature.
Moreover,
according to the invention, the data acquisition device may further include a
signature dipping element, which flips a digitally reproduced signature
vertically
such that the digitally reproduced signature is inverted with respect to the
signature
digitally reproduced on the screen after execution of the signature.
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CA 02509537 2001-06-12
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the package data
transmitted to the mainframe data repository can include a digitized customer
signature, data representing the completion of a package delivery, or data
representing the identity of a package. Additionally, according to another
embodiment of the present invention, the at least one data input device may be
a
bar code scanner or a keyboard comprising a plurality of keys, wherein at
least one
of the plurality of keys is a 'soft key' having a plurality of functions
associated
therewith. Accordingly, the data acquisition device includes a touch screen,
and at
least one function of the plurality of functions corresponding to the at least
one of
the plurality of keys is displayed on the touch screen.
According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is
disclosed an improved device and method for inverting data on a screen
display.
The device and method can display data in a first orientation, and then flip
or
invert the data 180 degrees such that it can be viewed by a person standing on
the
,.
opposite side of the device. For instance, data such as text or graphics may
first be
viewed or inspected by a first person handling the device, inverted, and then
viewed by a second person standing on the opposite side of the device and
facing
the first person. After the second person views the inverted data, the data
may then
be reoriented or flipped once again so as to face the first person handling
the
device. The data inverted on the screen may be data received directly via the
screen, which may be a touch screen device having signature capture
capability.
Therefore, according to one aspect of the invention, the device and method
can electronically obtain and inspect hand written text. This may be
advantageously used in obtaining data from a recipient of a parcel upon
delivery.
The device provides an inverted image of a signature form on a display, so
that the
primary user (e.g., a driver or package delivery personnel) can retain the
device
facing the keypad and hold it for another person to sign the inverted form.
After
the signature is complete, the primary user can reverse the image of the
signature
by pressing a button or key, and then inspect the signature without handing
away
or changing the orientation of the device. The name of the signing person can
be
quickly key entered as the primary user now views the signature right side up.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is
disclosed an apparatus, method and computer program product providing
improved processing of the stylus track during signature capture. To counter
the
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CA 02509537 2001-06-12
effect of spurious voltages, the present invention uses a sliding filter to
provide a
graphic display of the path of the stylus that gives the writer more of a feel
of
writing directly on the panel of the display. The resulting signature image
also has
an improved appearance. For example, no unintended line is displayed as the
writer releases pressure when lifting the stylus.
According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is
provided an improved antenna design for implementing an on-board data radio.
The antenna includes a wire wholly encased within a hand held data acquisition
device and extending within the device case, terminating in a strip embedded
in a
foam member having an improved shape. The antenna has improved omni-
directional uniformity and antenna gain. The on-board data radio enables two-
way, text-based communication. Additionally, a light on the corner of the
improved data acquisition device alerts the user when he has a message. The on-
board data radio is included in addition to the conventional means of
communicating with a mainframe computer as described above with respect to the
data acquisition device. Therefore, the device of the present invention can
transmit
data to a mainframe data center three different ways: via an internal packet
data
radio, a cellular modem in the truck and an internal acoustical coupler for an
ordinary telephone line (land-lines). The triple communications redundancy
ensures real-time tracking in every environment.
Using the improved data acquisition device and method, deiivery data may
be uploaded immediately upon receipt. Furthermore, two-way radio capabilities
also allow drivers to maintain contact with dispatchers even while away from
their
vehicles.
Moreover, devices according to the present invention can transmit package
information in three-tenths of a second, as opposed to approximately 10
seconds
using the conventional data acquisition device disclosed above.
CA 02509537 2001-06-12
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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:
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system of the present invention, showing the
methods by which a data acquisition device communicates with a mainframe data
repository, according to one aspect of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of another system of the present invention,
illustrating the download of data from the data acquisition device to a base
station,
according to one aspect of the present invention.
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a data acquisition device of the present
invention, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 shows a top view of a data acquisition device of the present
invention, including a cutaway view showing the packet data radio network
antenna located at the top of the data acquisition device, according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. SA shows a rear view perspective of the packet data radio antenna of
FIG. 4, according to one aspect of the present invention.
FIG. SB shows a bottom view perspective of the packet data radio antenna
of FIG. 4, according to one aspect of the present invention.
FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of the components of the data acquisition
device, including a signature flipping element and a signature display
element,
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7A shows a top view of the data acquisition device, immediately after
receipt of a customer signature, according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 7B shows a top view of the data acquisition device, including an
inverted representation of the customer signature shown in FIG. 7A, according
to
one aspect of the present invention.
FIG. 8 shows a flow chart illustrating the process by which the data
acquisition device screen is inverted for viewing by customers, according to
one
aspect of the invention.
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CA 02509537 2001-06-12
FIG. 9 shows a flow chart illustrating the process by which signatures are
represented on a display of the data acquisition device, according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the
invention are shown. This invention may, however, 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 be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to
those
skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
FIG. 1 shows a package tracking system 10 according to one embodiment
of the present invention. The package tracking system 10 preferably include a
portable data acquisition device 1S, a mainframe data repository 16, a
delivery
vehicle 17, a telephone 18, a communication network 7, and a computer 8 and/or
telephone 9. As will be explained in greater detail below, the data
acquisition
device 15 collects package tracking data, typically at the package delivery
location,
stores the package tracking data, and forwards the package tracking data to
the
mainframe data repository 16 via one of three communication methods. The
package tracking data is received and stored at the mainframe data repository
16 in
a package tracking database (not illustrated), which may be accessed by
customers
and/or customer service representatives via one or more computers 8 and
telephones 9 communicating with the mainframe data repository 16 over a
communication network 7. Preferably the communication network 7 is the
Internet, and customers (e.g., shippers or recipients) and/or customer service
representatives utilize one or more graphical user interfaces, such as web
pages, to
locate and view the delivery status of packages in transit. Alternatively, it
should
be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the communication network 7
may
also represent one or more PSTNs, wide area networks (WANs), local area
networks (LANs), cellular networks, or the like, through which computers,
wireless devices, and/or telephones can access data residing at the mainframe
data
repository 16. Additionally, customer service representatives and/or customers
having authorization may also access package tracking data directly from the
CA 02509537 2001-06-12
mainframe data repository 16. Using the system 10, package deliveries can be
monitored in real time as packages are delivered by delivery personnel.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the data acquisition device 15 of the present
invention may be in communication with the mainframe data repository 16
through
three different methods. Because three different methods of communication are
available, package tracking is enswed in every environment. First, the data
acquisition device 15 of the present invention can communicate with the
mainframe data repository 16 via the delivery truck 17. In this scenario, the
data
acquisition device I5 transmits collected and stored package tracking directly
to a
docking device or delivery vehicle adapter (DVA) (not illustrated) located
within
the delivery vehicle 17 via communication link 13. According to one aspect of
the
present invention, the data acquisition device 15 is physically inserted into
the
DVA, which is configured to receive the data acquisition device 15. The
communication link 13 between the data acquisition device 15 and DVA may be
through infrared communication and an infrared communication port located in
the
data acquisition device I5, or via a direct communication link established
when the
data acquisition device 15 is inserted into the DVA, as is well known to those
of
skill in the art. After the package tracking data is communicated to the DVA,
the
DVA transmits the data to the mainframe data repository 16 via wireless
communications link 14. According to one aspect of the invention, the wireless
communications link 14 is a cellular communications network. However, it
should
be appreciated that the communications Iink 14 may also utilize a public
switch
telephone network (PSTI~, or the like, to communicate with the mainframe data
repository 16. Additionally, although not illustrated, if for some reason the
mainframe data repository 16 is unavailable or off line, the cellular network
and/or
PSTN may reroute the package tracking data to another entity functioning as a
data
repository.
A second method by which the data acquisition device 15 communicates
package~tracking data to the mainframe data repository is via a conventional
telephone 18. In this embodiment the data acquisition device 15 preferably
contains an internal acoustic coupler for communicating over an ordinary
telephone line. Therefore, communications link 11 is representative of the
acoustic
communication between the data acquisition device 15 and the telephone 18. In
this scenario, package delivery personnel dial a mainframe data repository
access
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CA 02509537 2001-06-12
number to access the mainframe data repository 16 via a PSTN, illustrated as
communications link 12. After dialing the mainframe data repository 16, a
speaker
located in the data acquisition device 15 may then be held up to the telephone
18
microphone such that package tracking data can be communicated to the
mainframe data repository I6 from the data acquisition device 15 via
acoustical
signals in a manner similar to conventional acoustical modems, as known to
those
of ordinary skill in the art. Alternatively, although not illustrated, the
data
acquisition device IS can also include a modem and telephone jack such that
the
data acquisition device 15 can hook up to a PSTN directly, and automatically
download the package tracking data to the mainframe data. repository via a
PSTN.
The third, and preferred method of communicating package tracking from
the data acquisition device 15 to the mainframe data repository 16 is directly
via a
packet data radio network 19 using an internal packet data radio located
within the
data acquisition device 15. The packet data radio network 19 may also utilize
one
or more PSTNs, LANs, WANs, or the like, for communicating package tracking
data to the mainframe data repository 16. According to one aspect of the
present
invention the internal packet radio located within the data acquisition device
15 is
an Ardis~ packet data radio, as are well known to those of skill in the art.
Like the
two communication methods previously discussed, the data acquisition device 15
collects and stores the package tracking data. However, instead of
communicating
the package tracking data indirectly to the mainframe data repository via a
delivery
vehicle I7 and DVA, or via an acoustical link with a conventional telephone,
the
package tracking data is communicated directly to the mainframe data
repository
16 immediately after being received and stored in the data acquisition device
15.
The direct communication link via the packet data radio network provides a
number of advantages over the two forms of communication previously discussed.
First, using the direct link, package tracking data may be communicated
immediately after being received in the data acquisition device 15, as opposed
to
being communicated to the mainframe data repository 16 only after the data
acquisition device 15 has been placed in a DVA or the package delivery
personnel
locates a conventional telephone. Secondly, where package delivery personnel
are
away from the delivery truck, and DVA, for a period of time (e.g., multiple
deliveries are required in one location), the mainframe data repository 16 is
continuously updated with real-time package data using the packet data radio,
as
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CA 02509537 2001-06-12
opposed to requiring the personnel to return to the delivery vehicle or locate
a
telephone. Third, using the direct communication saves time over the other two
methods, as the information is transmitted in real-time while the delivery
personnel
are 'on-the-go' and performing other tasks. Because of these advantages, it is
preferred that package tracking data is communicated to the mainframe data
repository 29 via the packet radio, and that the other forms of updating the
mainframe data repository 29 are used only when attempts to update the
mainframe data repository 16 using the packet data radio are unsuccessful.
The three communication methods discussed above for transmitting
package tracking data to the mainframe data repository 16 are exclusive of
each
other; therefore, although all package tracking data received in the data
acquisition
device 15 for a given period (e.g., one day, one delivery route, etc.) is
stored within
the data acquisition device 15, the package tracking data is only communicated
to
the mainframe data repository 29 once using one of the three communication
methods discussed above. To prevent data from being transmitted to the .
mainframe data repository 16 more than once, which wastes valuable system
resources, after each successful transmission of package tracking data the
data
successfully transmitted is marked in memory of the data acquisition device 15
as
having been successfully transmitted so that no addition attempts to transmit
the
package tracking data are made. The mark may include one data element
associated with a specific delivery or pickup record corresponding to one
transaction or package.
For instance, when package tracking data is transmitted from the data
acquisition device 1 S directly to the mainframe data repository 16 using the
device's packet data radio, the data is marked after a receipt transmission
from the
mainframe data repository 16 that the data was accurately received.
Thereafter,
when the data acquisition device 15 is inserted into the DVA, the package
tracking
data previously transmitted via the packet data radio is not communicated to
the
DVA for forwarding via communication link 14 to the mainframe data repository.
Likewise, for instance, where package tracking data cannot be transmitted
effectively to the mainframe data repository 29 via the packet data radio, the
package tracking data stored in the data acquisition device remains unaltered.
Thus, when the data acquisition device is inserted into the DVA, the package
tracking data is transmitted to the DVA for transmission to the mainframe data
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CA 02509537 2001-06-12
repository 16. After acknowledgment from the mainframe data repository 16 that
the package tracking data was received, the DVA communicates with the data
acquisition device 15 to identify that the package tracking data has been
effectively
transmitted to the mainframe data repository 16. The third method of
communicating with the mainframe data repository 16, via the a conventional
telephone 18, is typically used only if the direct communication link or
indirect
communication link via the delivery vehicle 17 and DVA are ineffective. Where
the DVA is ineffective at transmitting the package tracking data, one or more
messages may be presented to the delivery personnel via an audio, visual,
textual,
or graphical message on the data acquisition device 15 or DVA that the
delivery
personnel should locate a telephone and transmit the data to the mainframe
data
repository via the telephone 18.
After all package tracking data for one day, or for one delivery period, is
communicated via one of the three methods described above, the data
acquisition
i
device 15 is returned to a delivery hub location, typically a hub location
associated
with a delivery vehicle or delivery personnel associated with the data
acquisition
device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system 20 according to the present
invention through which package tracking data is download from a data
acquisition
device 25 to a base station 27 over a first communication link 22, and further
downloaded 24 from the base station 27 to the mainframe data repository 29
over a
second communication link 24. The communication links may represent the
Internet, a LAN, WAN, or the like, and are preferably high speed connections
enabling the download of data from multiple data acquisition devices
simultaneously to the mainframe data repository 29. The propose of the
download
of package tracking information is to ensure that package tracking data
received
during the delivery period is accurately represented in the mainframe data
repository 29. This data includes package tracking data associated with
packages
delivered and packages picked up by delivery personnel. According to one
aspect
of the present invention, the download of information replaces all data
previously
communicated from the data acquisition device to the mainframe data
repository,
as discussed in detail with reference to FIG. l, above. Therefore, package
tracking
data downloaded via the three communication methods of FIG. 1 is used for real-
time tracking of packages. On the other hand, any inquiries by customers or
customer service personnel subsequent to the docking and download of package
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CA 02509537 2001-06-12
tracking data to the base station 27 and mainframe data repository 29 utilizes
only
the information directly provided by the data acquisition device to the base
station.
As in FIG. 1, customers or customer service representatives can access the
mainframe data repository 29 using one or more computers 23 or telephones in
S communication with the mainframe data repository 29 via a communications
network 26.
According to one aspect of the invention, some package tracking
information downloaded to the mainframe data repository Z9 via the base
station
27 may not have been previously forwarded to the mainframe data repository 29
prior to the data acquisition device's 25 docking with the base station 27.
For
instance, data requiring substantial bandwidth, but not crucial to the
immediate
tracking of packages, may not be transmitted via the three methods of
communication illustrated in FIG. 1 in an attempt to minimize wireless data
transmission time. Minimizing wireless data transmission time eliminates
;.
unnecessary wireless transmission costs and reduces wireless transmission
errors
that could otherwise result where lengthy wireless data transmissions are
made.
Package tracking data typically communicated via the three modes of
communication of FIG. 1. include a package identification or barcode number,
the
name of the recipient, date, and data indicative of the package's location,
such as
whether the package has reached its ultimate destination. Additional package
tracking data can include, but is not limited to, package weight, the number
of
packages shipped as part of a complete group of items shipped, the receipt of
payment, recipient ar shipper signature (as described in detail below), date
of
pickup or delivery, address of recipient or shipper, and the like, as well as
data
necessary for the carrier to identify and track the package, as is well known
in the
art.
Because the download of package tracking data over communications links
22, 24 is typically over a high speed connection, and may be used by the
system 20
for an accurate and historical package tracking log, all package tracking data
stored
within the data acquisition device 25 is downloaded to the mainframe data
repository 29 via the base station 27. For instance, digital signatures
received at a
point of delivery and/or pickup may be included in complete download of
package
tracking data from the data acquisition device 25 to the base station 27, and
from
the base station 27 to the mainframe data repository 29, even if such
information is
CA 02509537 2001-06-12
it
not downloaded via.the packet data radio, DVA, or telephone and acoustical
modem, as in FIG: 1. Because package tracking data maintained in the data
acquisition device 25 is held to be more accurate than wireless data
transmitted to
the mainframe data repository 29 from the data acquisition device 25, the
S download of data via the base station replaces, or trumps, previously stored
data.
Although the system 20 may only download new data, or package tracking data
from which there is a synchronization error with previously collected package
tracking data, such an implementation is less preferable because comparisons
would be required and any attempts to determine conflicts may result in less
I O reliable package tracking data records.
According to one aspect of the invention, it should also be appreciated that
the base station 27 may also provide one or more functions unrelated to the
download of package data, such as recharging data acquisition devices 25 or
updating software from the data acquisition device 25. After downloading to
the
I 5 base station 27 is complete, the base station 27 may reset or clear from
memory the
package tracking data such that new data relating to additional packages to be
delivered may be downloaded onto the data acquisition device 25. For example,
bar code information for packages to be shipped next time the data acquisition
device 25 is in use may be downloaded to the data acquisition device 25 from
the
20 base station 27.
FIG. 3 shows a data acquisition device 30 of the present invention,
according to one embodiment of the invention. The structure of the device 30
includes an upper case 31 and a lower case 32, which are preferably
constructed of
a hard plastic or similar material that provides durability and strength while
25 remaining relatively lightweight. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the upper case
31 of the
device 30 includes a keypad 33, screen 34, speaker 37, and stylus holder 35,
into
which a stylus (or pen) may be removably affixed. Also included in the data
acquisition device 30 is a handle 40 and a pair of nubs 39 projecting up on
each
side of the screen 34 to protect the device from a fall directly on its front
surface.
30 Additionally, rubber strips (not illustrated) may be included which extend
along
each contoured side of the device 30.
According to one aspect of the invention, the keypad 33, screen 34 and
speaker 37 are inset into one or more openings of the upper case 31 such that
the
keypad 33, screen 34 and speaker 37 may be in contact or communication with
one
16
CA 02509537 2001-06-12
or more elements located within the device. The keypad 33 includes one or more
hard keys, such as numbers letters, and symbols (e.g., a bar code or backlight
graphic), and soft keys 38, which vary their functions. The keypad enables
delivery personnel to input virtually any type of data associated with a
package,
including a recipient's name and address. The functions associated with each
softkey 38 are represented on the screen 34 relative to the softkey's location
on the
keypad 33. For instance, one or more visible lines 41 extend from the softkeys
to
locations on the screen 34 at which functions associated with the softkeys 38
are
presented.
According to one aspect of the present invention, the screen 34 is a multi-
layered touch screen incorporating both LCD and signature capture capability
so
that the touch screen can receive signatures entered using a stylus.
Additionally,
the screen 34 includes a signature reproducing capability such that a
signature is
digitally reproduced on the screen under the stylus 36 during execution of the
signature using the stylus 36. These functions are discussed in greater detail
with
respect to FIGs. 6-8, below.
FIG. 4 shows a top view of a data acquisition device 51 of the present
invention, including a cutaway view showing a strip line packet data radio
network
antenna 50 located at the top of the data acquisition device 51, according to
one
embodiment of the present invention. As previously discussed with reference to
FIG. 1, the radio network antenna 50 facilitates the communication of the data
acquisition device radio with the mainframe data repository 16 such that
package
tracking data can be wirelessly transmitted to the mainframe data repository
16.
The antenna also allows the data acquisition device to receive communications,
from the mainframe data repository, or from another location associated with
the
data acquisition device, such as a hub location where the data acquisition
device
resides when not in use. Therefore, the packet data radio and antenna 50
enable
two-way messaging between the data acquisition device and remote locations
associated with the data acquisition device. The two way function allows up-to-
the-minute information to pass in both directions, such that the driver can
receive
real-time delivery instructions (e.g., a rush pickup that is to be picked up)
while at
the same time transmitting real-time package tracking information to the
mainframe data repository.
17
CA 02509537 2001-06-12
.,
;;
The antenna 50 is located wholly within the upper and lower case of the
data acquisition device 51, such that no part of the antenna 50 protrudes from
the
smooth contoured edges fonmed by the upper and lower cases of the data
acquisition device 51. This provides a significant benefit over conventional
antennas, as the data acquisition device will likely endure environments in
which
the device may be dropped or jarred on a daily basis. However, because the
antenna is wholly contained within the case, no protruding element is required
in
the case, which may get cracked or broken if the device were dropped. As
illustrated, the antenna 50 is generally located above the bar code scanner 55
and
the touch screen components 58. The antenna 50 includes a flat metal strip 52
embedded within a foam member 54. The primary purpose of the foam member
54 is to protect the integrity of the strip line antenna 50 were the data
acquisition
device 51 to be dropped. As illustrated, the flat metal strip 52 spans the
entire
width of the data acquisition device 51. Another metal strip 56 is laminated
~o a
surface of the foam member 54 and is connected at a corner 57 to the strip 52
by a
conductor (not shown). The strips 52 and 56 and foam member 54 are specially
shaped to maximize the omni-directional capability of the antenna 50 and the
antenna gain. By providing a lengthy antenna having strips at multiple
orientations, sufficient antenna gain may be produced regardless of the
orientation
of the data acquisition device 51.
FIG. SA shows a rear view perspective of the packet data radio antenna 50
of FIG. 4, according to one aspect of the present invention. As shown, the
flat
metal strip 52 includes a plurality of straight segments, wherein each segment
is
oriented at an angle with respect to each other segment. Additionally,
segments
located further from the foam member 54 are at increasing angles with respect
to
the lengthwise portion of the foam member adjacent the top of the data
acquisition
device 51. Over the length of the segments, the flat metal strip turns
approximately 90 degrees. According to one aspect of the invention, the
segments
of the flat metal strip 52 include widthwise portions perpendicular to the
length of
the strip 52 (see FIG. SB) at least 0.75 centimeters long, and preferably 1
centimeter in length. As is also illustrated in FIGS. 4 and SA, the flat metal
strip
52 includes at least one lengthwise portion oriented at least 90 degrees from
at
least one other lengthwise portion of the second metal strip. The far end 49
of the
antenna 50 may be mounted to touch screen components 58, generally opposite
the
18
CA 02509537 2001-06-12
first end 48 of the antenna 50, which is also preferably affixed to the touch
screen
components 58. As shown in FIG. SA, the antenna 50 includes a coaxial line 60
emanating from the foam member 54 on the upper inside comer of the antenna 50.
This coaxial line attaches on one end to the flat metal strip 52 at the corner
57 of
the antenna 50, and at the other end to the packet data radio (not
illustrated).
FIG. SB shows a bottom view perspective of the packet data radio antenna
of FIG. 4, according to one aspect of the present invention. The bottom view
perspective illustrates the differing thickness of foam member portions 59,
61, 62.
Specifically, the first end 48 of the flat metal strip extends underneath foam
member portion 61, as illustrated in FIG. SA, such that the metal strip 52 is
generally located in the center of the foam member 54. The first end 48
includes a
hole identical to the hole in foam member portion 61 such that the foam and
first
end may be mounted to touch screen components 58. As illustrated in FIG. SA,
the foam member portion 62 is located above foam member portion 61 such that
'..
the metal strip 56 laminated to the surface of the foam member 54 is separated
from the flat metal strip by the thickness of foam member portions 61 and 62.
The remaining components of the data acquisition device will be described
next with reference to FIG. 6, with particular emphasis on the screen of the
data
acquisition device, and the screen's capabilities to receive, represent, and
flip
signatures. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the data
acquisition
device may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, although it is
preferred that the device will combining software and hardware aspects.
Furthermore, the present invention may take the form of a computer program
product on a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable
program code means embodied in the storage medium. Any suitable computer-
readable storage medium may be utilized including hard disks, removable disks,
CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.
The present invention is described below with reference to block diagrams
and flowchart illustrations of methods, apparatuses and computer program
products according to an embodiment of the invention. It will be understood
that
each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations
of
blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, respectively, can be
implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program
instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, special purpose
i9
CA 02509537 2001-06-12
computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a
machine,
such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable
data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions
specified in
the flowchart block or blocks.
These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-
readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data
processing apparatus to fimction in a particular manner, such that the
instructions
stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture
including instruction means that implement the function specified in the
flowchart
block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a
computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of
operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable
apparatus to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions
that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for
implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.
Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations
support combinations of means for performing the specified functions,
combinations of steps for performing the specified fimctions and program
instruction means for performing the specified functions. It will also be
understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations,
and
combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, can
be
implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems that perform
the specified functions or steps, or combinations of special purpose hardware
and
computer instructions.
FIG. 6 shows a block diagram of the components of the data acquisition
device 80. As illustrated, the data acquisition device 80 generally includes a
radio
88, processor 82, storage device 85, memory 89, antenna 90, bus 83, input and
output devices 88, 87, and battery 86. The memory 89 includes an operating
system 96 and a touch screen control module 91, communication module 94, and
key pad control module 95. Furthermore, the touch screen control module
includes a signature display module 92 and a screen flipping module 93. It
will be
appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the modules 91, 92, 93,
94, 95
within the memory 89 may be embodied in computer software residing in the
memory 89, which runs with assistance from the operating system 96 and the
CA 02509537 2001-06-12 ;
processor 82. The processor 82 and modules 91, 92, 93, 94, 95 communicate with
each other, and with other elements within the data acquisition device 80 via
a
system interface or bus 83.
The storage device 85 represents at least one storage device, such as a hard
disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a CD Rom drive, or optical disk drive, for
storing
information on various computer-readable media, such as a hard disk, a
removable
magnetic disk, or a CD-ROM disk. As wilt be appreciated by one of ordinary
skill
in the art, the at least one storage device 85 is connected to the system bus
83 by an
appropriate interface. The storage device 85 and their associated computer-
readable media provide nonvolatile storage for the data acquisition device 80.
It is
important to note that the computer-readable media could be replaced by any
other
type of computer-readable media known in the art. Such media may include, for
example, magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks, and
Bernoulli cartridges. As illustrated, a primary function of the storage device
85 is
I S to store package tracking data 97 received by the data acquisition device
80.- The
package tracking data is typically received from one or more input devices 88.
The input devices 88 of the data acquisition device 80 include the bar code
scanner 75, key pad 76, touch screen 77 and infrared communication element 78.
It should be appreciated that at least two of these elements, the touch screen
77 and
infrared port 78, also function as output devices 87. Therefore, the output
devices
87 include the acoustical modem 79, speaker 74, touch screen 77, and infrared
port
78. Additionally, although not included in the input or output devices 88, 89,
the
radio 84 acts as an input and output device with the aid of the antenna 90,
although
the items are drawn separately in the block diagram of FIG. 6. Furthermore,
one or
more additional input/output elements not illustrated may also be included in
the
data acquisition device, or may be added to the device via a communications
port
(not illustrated). For instance, a printer, credit card reader, or the like,
may be
added to the data acquisition device 80 via a communications port in
communication with the processor via the bus 83.
Referring again to the memory 89 components, the key pad control module
95 controls the function of the softkeys and the functions that occur when a
key is
depressed. For example, when a driver pushes a bar code key on the key pad 76,
the key pad control module 95 instructs the bar code scanner 75 to scan an
item.
As another illustrative example, the key pad control module 95 instructs the
touch
21
CA 02509537 2001-06-12
screen 77 to display characters entered via the key pad 76, or instructs the
data
acquisition device to store package tracking data 97 in the storage device 85
after
the delivery personnel has concluded a transaction by pressing one or more
keys
on the key pad 76. Therefore, the key pad control module controls the user's
interaction with the data acquisition device. The communication module 94
facilitates the data acquisition device's communication with other components
and
communication networks via radio 84 and antenna 90, bar code scanner 75,
infrared communication element 78, acoustical modem 79, and touch screen 77.
Therefore, the communication module interprets messages received by any input
elements 88 and radio 84, and facilitates the communication of the data
acquisition
device with external components using one or more output devices. For
instance,
after receipt of aclrnowledgement that data has been successfully transmitted
to the
mainframe data repository, the communication module 94, with the aid of the
processor, will instruct the storage device 85 to mark the successfully
transmitted
package tracking data 97 as having been sent and received by the data
acquisition
device 80 so that the device does not attempt to retransmit the package
tracking
data.
The touch screen control module 91 controls the receipt and display of data
input using the touch screen 77. The touch screen control module includes a
signature display module, which is a software algorithm which enables the
accurate display of a signature while the signature is executed on the touch
screen
using the stylus. The function of the signature display module 92 are
described in
detail with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 9, below. The screen flipping
module 93 is a software algorithm, in communication with the touch screen 77,
which alters the output of the touch screen such that it may be inverted, and
thus
easily viewed from either end of the data acquisition device. For instance,
the
screen may be inverted so that data may be viewed by a person standing
opposite
and facing the package delivery personnel as the delivery personnel holds the
data
acquisition device. According to another aspect of the invention, the touch
screen
77 can receive input, such as a customer signature, in one orientation and
slip or
reorient the signature 180 degrees for viewing by the package delivery
personnel
holding the data acquisition device. The function of the screen flipping
module is
described in detail with reference to FIGs. 7A and 7B.
22
CA 02509537 2001-06-12
It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that one or more of
the memory modules 91, 92, 93, 94, 95 may be combined, and additional
components well known to those of skill in the art performing functions
described
herein may be included in the memory 89. Additionally, one or more functions
of
the memory modules may be included in one or more other non-memory
components of the data acquisition device 80. As an illustrative example, bar
code
scanner 75 instructions may reside at the bar code scanner 75 instead of at
the
communication module 94. Therefore, the block diagram of FIG. 6 is intended as
only one embodiment of the data acquisition device 80, and is not intended to
represent the sole embodiment of the data acquisition device 80.
FIG. 7A shows a top view of the data acquisition device 100, immediately
after receipt of a customer signature 105 on the touch screen display 104. As
illustrated, the customer signature is received at the touch screen 104
through
pressure applied by the stylus on the touch screen 104 as a signature is
executed.
1 S After receiving the signature 105, the data acquisition may flip or invert
the
customer signature 106, as illustrated in FIG. 7B. According to one aspect of
the
invention, inverting a customer signature is part of the overall design
concept of
the data acquisition device of the present invention. However, it should be
appreciated that the data acquisition device 100 may be implemented without a
signature flipping capability. More importantly, it should be appreciated that
the
screen flipping module 93, which performs the flipping of data displayed on
the
screen 104, may flip any data displayed on the screen 104, or may be
implemented
independent of the data acquisition device 100. Therefore, the screen flipping
module 93 may be incorporated into handheld devices, signature capture
devices,
and the like, to flip the display of data generated by or input into a device
having
such functionality.
Referring again to the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 7A, after entering all
of the delivery stop/package information, the driver may press a signature key
110
on the keypad 109, which results in the screen displaying the number of
packages
that have been entered for the stop. After the driver verifies this data is by
hitting
one or more keys, such as an 'Enter' key, the data acquisition device 100
enters
into a Signature Mode. In the Signature Mode the data acquisition device 100
flips
the screen 104 so that it can be read from the top end of the data acquisition
device
(customer orientation) while the driver is holding the data acquisition device
100.
23
CA 02509537 2001-06-12
A signature box is displayed for the customer to sign in. According to one
aspect
of the invention, the screen 104 also presents instructions to the customer,
such as
instructions identifying the location in which the customer should sign.
According
to another aspect of the invention, the screen 104 may present additional
package
data which may be verified by the customer, who can read the package data
because it is oriented towards the customer such that the customer can easily
review the data.
During execution of the signature a customer typically rests their hand on
the hand rest 103 incorporated into the data acquisition device 103 directly
adjacent to the touch screen 104. The signature appears inverted in FIG. 7A
because the package delivery personnel retains the data acquisition device
during
the execution of the customer signature, and the customer executes their
signature
as they face the package delivery personnel. In this way, the package delivery
personnel does not relinquish control of the data acquisition device 100 to
the
1 S customer in order to obtain the signature of the customer. Therefore, the
driver can
face the keypad 109 of the data acquisition device 100 at all times. Once the
customer has finished signing, the driver may again press the Signature Key
110
such that the screen including the text and executed signature is flipped
back, as
shown in FIG. 7B, for the driver to view. The driver may then enter the
customer's name in text using the keypad 109. FIG. 7B shows a top view of the
data acquisition device 100, from the same perspective as FIG. 7A, including
an
inverted representation of the customer signature shown in FIG. 7A. As
previously indicated, the screen flipping module 93 within the data
acquisition
device I00 performs the vertical flipping of the screen 105 such that the
digitally
reproduced signature is inverted with respect to the signature digitally
reproduced
on the screen after execution of the signature.
The screen flipping module 93 uses a straightforward graphics flipping
algorithm. FIG. 8 shows a flow chart illustrating the process by which the
data
acquisition device screen is inverted using the graphics flipping algorithm,
according to one aspect of the invention. Because the touch screen 104 is a
series
of pixels, stored within a display buffer associated with the touch screen and
located in memory 89, the signature flipping algorithm executes the flip of
the
screen-presented data by taking the upper left pixel in the display buffer and
moving it to the bottom right position of an inverting buffer (block 1 I2).
The
24
CA 02509537 2001-06-12
inverting buffer may also be maintained in the memory 89, and more
specifically,
within the screen flipping module 93. The purpose of the inverting buffer is
to
store touch screen pixels that are moved commensurate with the production of a
screen oriented at 180 degrees from the screen represented by pixels stored
within
the display buffer. It should be appreciated that although the inverting
buffer is
preferably included within the screen flipping module 93, it may alternatively
be
located at the touch screen 77 or in the storage device 85.
The screen flipping module 93 advances across the touch screen 104 from
left to right, top to bottom, copying pixels from the display buffer to the
inverting
buffer in a right to left, bottom to top orientation (block 113). Therefore,
where the
screen comprises L*H pixels, where L represents the number of pixels spanning
the length of the screen and H represents the number of pixels spanning the
height
of the screen, a pixel in the display buffer at screen location L,,H1,
representing the
upper leftmost pixel in the screen, will be placed in the inverting buffer as
a pixel
at location LL,HH, the lower rightmost pixel in the screen. For instance, a
pixel in
the display buffer at screen location L5, Hg, will be placed in the inverting
buffer as
a pixel at screen location L~_S,HH_8. Therefore, pixels comprising a
horizontal line
in the center of the screen 104 are remain in the center of the screen, albeit
flipped
horizontally, and pixels comprising a vertical line in the center of the
screen 104
remain in the center of the screen 104, albeit flipped vertically. After
completing
the copying of pixels from the display buffer to the inverting buffer in this
manner
(block 116), the contents of the inverting buffer are displayed (block 118).
It will
also be appreciated that the reverse process of that described in FIG. 8 may
also be
used to invert the screen a second time.
FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating the signature imaging algorithm of the
present invention executed by the signature display module 92. The purpose of
the
signature imaging algorithm is to illustrate a digital representation of a
customer's
signature on the screen 104 during the execution of the signature. Although
the
signature imaging algorithm of the present invention as discussed herein
refers to
illustrating a signature during execution of the signature, it should be
appreciated
that the algorithm may be used to illustrate any input received from the
stylus
while the stylus is pressed against the touch screen 104.
Referring to FIG. 9, when a user begins writing on the screen 14 with the
stylus 16, the "pen down" state is detected at step 120. While the stylus is
still
CA 02509537 2001-06-12
down, as tested at step 130, a conventional digitizer circuit located within
the touch
screen control module 91 or touch screen 77 captures the (x,y) coordinates of
the
point of contact at step 140. The point location of the stylus is determined
by the
application of pressure from the stylus on the LCD touch screen when the
stylus is
pressed against the LCD touch screen. At step 150, a queue of 10 points is
stored
in a sliding queue before any display on the LCD screen. Although a queue of
10
points is preferred, it will be appreciated that any number of points may be
used as
an average threshold value that must be met before a digitally created point
is
displayed on the LCD touch screen. After 10 points are in the queue, at step
160
the average of the queued coordinates is computed. If the next point captured
is
within a predetermined tolerance of the average, as tested at step 170, then
at step
180 the point is converted from digitizer coordinates to LCD coordinates. The
formula for the conversion from digitizer coordinates to LCD coordinates uses
a
multiplier against the numerator to limit the impact of rounding error.
The formula is as follows:
LCD POINT = (100 x di itizer,point)
((100 x digitizer range)/LCD range)
The digitizer and LCD ranges depend on the particular devices, for example 0-
1024 for the digitizer range, and 0-330 pixels for the LCD range. This
conversion
is not required where the digitizer and LCD range are equal, but is otherwise
preferred to create a digital image indicative of the movement of the stylus
on the
touch screen. After this conversion, the point is displayed on the LCD at step
l9tl.
The sliding queue is thereafter advanced at step 200 by dropping the first-
acquired
point in the queue, and the process returns to step 130. If the pen is still
down, a
new point is captured and added to the queue, and the foregoing steps are
repeated.
If, however, at step 170 the point is not close enough to the average, the
point is not displayed. The process then continues to step 200 for advancement
of
the queue and testing of the next point. This process solves the problem of
variations in the pressure exerted by the person signing which can create
spurious
voltages leading to a poor image of the signature or poor accuracy in
reproducing
the track of the stylus. Therefore, when a person lifts a stylus, the release
of
pressure will not be misinterpreted as a written line, as occurs in many
conventional signature capture devices.
26
CA 02509537 2001-06-12
vMany modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to
mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the
benefit of
;;
the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings.
Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to
the
specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments
are
intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although
specific
terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense
only
and not for purposes of limitation.
27
