SANTOS ALFRED J (US)
SANTOS ALFRED J (US)
US4961158A | 1990-10-02 | |||
US4710616A | 1987-12-01 | |||
US5267147A | 1993-11-30 | |||
US5261045A | 1993-11-09 | |||
US5093813A | 1992-03-03 | |||
US5007015A | 1991-04-09 | |||
US4977520A | 1990-12-11 | |||
US4891776A | 1990-01-02 | |||
US4866611A | 1989-09-12 | |||
US4853852A | 1989-08-01 | |||
US4536646A | 1985-08-20 | |||
US5068787A | 1991-11-26 | |||
US4625276A | 1986-11-25 | |||
US4549264A | 1985-10-22 | |||
US4460965A | 1984-07-17 | |||
US4358777A | 1982-11-09 | |||
US4195220A | 1980-03-25 | |||
US4852000A | 1989-07-25 | |||
US5021952A | 1991-06-04 | |||
US5159180A | 1992-10-27 | |||
US5229584A | 1993-07-20 |
"RS-PCM Sound Module U-220 Owner's Manual", ROLAND CORP., 1989, Cover page & pp. 3, 8, 32 and 35-36.
"ART- The Sound of Perfection, SGE Mach II User Guide", ART INC., 1990, Cover page & pp. 6, 26 and 32.
1. | 1 . A method for recording billable times and services of a provider for a client comprising the steps of: providing a central processing unit including timer, first memory, second memory and a first data selector, a second data selector, and a timer selector, each being operatively coupled to the CPU; storing in the first memory selectable data entries corresponding to the providers, the clients and the services in each of a plurality of corresponding selectable lists; storing in the second memory a portion of the selectable data from each of said lists along with corresponding time interval data therefor; selecting upon each sequential actuation of the first data selector, data stored in the first memory corresponding to a particular list; selecting upon each sequential actuation of the second data selector, data from each list stored in the first memory corresponding to a particular entry in each respective list to be selected; and selecting upon sequential actuations of the timer selector start and stop times from the timer for the selected data and entering the selected start and stop times, the selected data and the selected time into the second memory concurrently therewith. |
2. | A method according to claim 1 further comprising providing a communications channel coupled to the CPU; entering the selectable data into the first memory via said communications channel and reading out selected portions of the selectable data from the second memory via said communications channel. |
3. | The method according to claim 1 further comprising providing data entry locking means responsive to the timer selector and blocking entry of any data in the first memory into the second memory between the start and stop times. |
4. | The method of claim 1 wherein entering start and stop times upon actuation of the timer selector means comprises initiating a start time upon actuation of the timer selector means and initiating a stop time upon subsequent actuation of said timer selector. |
5. | The method of claim 1 wherein selecting data stored in the first memory comprises scrolling each list. |
6. | The method of claim 1 wherein the second data selector comprises a pair of switches and selecting the data in the first memory comprises the steps of actuating the first switch for scrolling the list in a first direction and selecting the second switch for scrolling the list in an opposite direction. |
7. | A method for operating an apparatus for recording in real time billable time, services and providers for clients comprising: displaying at least one provider from a stored list of providers and incrementing the list until a desired provider is displayed; displaying at least one client from a stored list of clients and incrementing the list until a desired client is displayed; displaying at least one service from a list of services and incrementing the list until a desired service is displayed; actuating a timing switch operative for recording a starting time and for selecting the desired client, provider and service and subsequently actuating the timer to record a stop time for the selected provider, client and service; and preventing any change in the selected client, provider and service between the start and stop times. |
8. | An apparatus for recording in real time billable time and services of providers for clients comprising: a central processing unit (CPU) including a timer for producing time interval data derived from selectable start and stop times; a first memory coupled to the CPU for storing selectable data entries corresponding to the providers, the clients, and the services in each of a plurality of corresponding selectable lists; a second memory coupled to the CPU for storing an entry of the selectable data from each of said lists along with corresponding time interval data; a first data selector coupled to the CPU being sequentially actuable and operative for selecting upon each sequential actuation thereof data stored in the first memory corresponding to a particular list for entry into the second memory; a second data selector coupled to the CPU being sequentially actuable and operative for selecting upon sequential actuations thereof data stored in the first memory corresponding to a particular entry in each corresponding list; and a timer selector coupled to the CPU being sequentially actuable and operative successively for entering upon sequential actuations thereof, start and stop times from the timer for the selected data of the first and second data selector and for entering the start and stop times, the selected data and the time into the second memory. |
9. | The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a communications channel coupled to the CPU operative for carrying the selectable data for entry into the first memory and for carrying selected portions of the selectable data from the second memory. |
10. | The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein each of said first and second data selector means comprises a sequentially actuable switch. |
11. | The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the timer selector means comprises a sequentially actuable switch. |
12. | The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the first memory means comprises a readwrite memory for storing the plurality of lists and the first data selector means is operatively coupled to the first memory means for scrolling the lists. |
13. | The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the second memory means comprises a readwrite memory for receiving the selected data along with the time interval data. |
14. | The apparatus of claim 8 further including a real time clock coupled to the CPU and wherein the timer selector means is responsive to the realtime clock for establishing a start time and a stop time corresponding to the timer interval data. |
15. | 1 5. |
16. | The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the twoway communications channel includes a communications port for access to a remote processing means. |
17. | The apparatus of claim 1 5 wherein the communications port comprises an RS232 port. |
18. | 7 The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the remote processing means comprises a billing computer for writing data to the first memory and reading data from the second memory and for calculating billable time and services in accordance with the data from the second memory. 1 8. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising data entry blocking means responsive to the timer selector for blocking entry of any data from the first memory into the second memory between the start and stop time. 1 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the second data selector is operative for selecting a client, a user and an activity from each corresponding list. |
19. | 20 The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the second sequentially actuable data selector comprises a first switch for selecting data from the list in a first direction and a second switch for selecting data from the list in an opposite direction. |
20. | 21The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a display for displaying the selected data. |
21. | 22 The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the first and second memory each comprise a readwrite memory. |
22. | 23 The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a chip select coupled to the CPU in the first and second memory for selecting therebetween. AMENDED CLAIMS [received by the International Bureau on 21 October 1996 (21.10.96); original claims 1,4,7,8,18 amended; new claims 2428 added; remaining claims unchanged (11 pages)] WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1 A method for recording billable times and services of a provider for a client comprising the steps of: providing a central processing unit including timer, first memory, second memory and a first data selector, a second data selector, and a timer selector, each being operatively coupled to the CPU; storing in the first memory selectable data entries corresponding to the providers, the clients and the services in each of a plurality of corresponding selectable lists; storing in the second memory a portion of the selectable data from each of said lists along with corresponding time interval data therefor; selecting upon each sequential actuation of the first data selector, data stored in the first memory corresponding to a particular list; selecting upon each sequential actuation of the second data selector, data from each list stored in the first memory corresponding to a particular entry in each respective list to be selected; actuating the timer selector for starting the timer and then actuating the timer selector for stopping the timer; and entering upon actuating the timer selector at least once the selected data and the time interval data corresponding to the elapsed time between said actuations into the second memory. |
23. | 2 A method according to claim 1 further comprising providing a communications channel coupled to the CPU; entering the selectable data into the first memory via said communications channel and reading out selected portions of the selectable data from the second memory via said communications channel. |
24. | 3 The method according to claim 1 further comprising providing data entry locking means responsive to the timer selector and blocking entry of any data in the first memory into the second memory between the start and stop times. |
25. | 4 The method of claim 1 comprising entering start and stop times upon actuation of the timer selector means including initiating a start time upon actuation of the timer selector means and initiating a stop time upon subsequent actuation of said timer selector. |
26. | 5 The method of claim 1 wherein selecting data stored in the first memory comprises scrolling each list. |
27. | 6 The method of claim 1 wherein the second data selector comprises a pair of switches and selecting the data in the first memory comprises the steps of actuating the first switch for scrolling the list in a first direction and selecting the second switch for scrolling the list in an opposite direction. |
28. | 7 A method for operating an apparatus for recording in real time billable time, services and providers for clients comprising: displaying at least one provider from a stored list of providers and incrementing the list until a desired provider is displayed; displaying at least one client from a stored list of clients and incrementing the list until a desired client is displayed; displaying at least one service from a list of services and incrementing the list until a desired service is displayed; actuating a timing switch to start a clock and actuating the timing switch to stop the clock to thereby establish time interval data corresponding to elapsed time between such actuations, and recording the elapsed time and the selected client, provider and service by at least one of said actuations; and preventing any change in the selected client, provider and service between actuations. |
29. | 8 An apparatus for recording in real time billable time and services of providers for clients comprising: a central processing unit (CPU) including a timer for producing time interval data; a first memory coupled to the CPU for storing selectable data entries corresponding to the providers, the clients, and the services in each of a plurality of corresponding selectable lists; a second memory coupled to the CPU for storing an entry of the selectable data from each of said lists along with corresponding time interval data; a first data selector coupled to the CPU being sequentially actuable and operative for selecting upon each sequential actuation thereof data stored in the first memory corresponding to a particular list for entry into the second memory; a second data selector coupled to the CPU being sequentially actuable and operative for selecting upon sequential actuations thereof data stored in the first memory corresponding to a particular entry in each corresponding list; and a timer selector coupled to the CPU being sequentially actuable and operative successively for entering upon sequential actuations thereof, the time interval data from the timer for the selected data of the first and second data selector and for entering the selected data and the time into the second memory. |
30. | 9 The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a communications channel coupled to the CPU operative for carrying the selectable data for entry into the first memory and for carrying selected portions of the selectable data from the second memory. |
31. | 10 The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein each of said first and second data selector means comprises a sequentially actuable switch. |
32. | 11 The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the timer selector means comprises a sequentially actuable switch. |
33. | 12 The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the first memory means comprises a readwrite memory for storing the plurality of lists and the first data selector means is operatively coupled to the first memory means for scrolling the lists. |
34. | 13 The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the second memory means comprises a readwrite memory for receiving the selected data along with the time interval data. |
35. | 14 The apparatus of claim 8 further including a real time clock coupled to the CPU and wherein the timer selector means is responsive to the realtime clock for establishing a start time and a stop time corresponding to the timer interval data. |
36. | 15 The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the twoway communications channel includes a communications port for access to a remote processing means. |
37. | 16 The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the communications port comprises an RS232 port. |
38. | The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the remote processing means comprises a billing computer for writing data to the first memory and reading data from the second memory and for calculating billable time and services in accordance with the data from the second memory. |
39. | The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising data entry blocking means responsive to the timer selector for blocking entry of any data from the first memory into the second memory between actuations of the timer selector. |
40. | The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the second data selector is operative for selecting a client, a user and aπ activity from each corresponding list. |
41. | The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the second sequentially actuable data selector comprises a first switch for selecting data from the list in a first direction and a second switch for selecting data from the list in an opposite direction. |
42. | The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a display for displaying the selected data. |
43. | The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the first and second memory each comprise a readwrite memory. |
44. | The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a chip select coupled to the CPU in the first and second memory for selecting therebetween. |
45. | A method for recording time and services of a provider for a client comprising the steps of: providing a central processing unit including timer, first memory, second memory, a first data selector, a second data selector, and a timer selector, each being operatively coupled to the CPU; storing in the first memory selectable data entries corresponding to the providers, the clients and the services in each of a plurality of corresponding selectable lists; storing in the second memory a portion of the selectable data from each of said lists along with corresponding time interval data therefor; selecting upon each sequential actuation of the first data selector, data stored in the first memory corresponding to a particular list; selecting upon each sequential actuation of the second data selector, data from each list stored in the second memory corresponding to a particular entry in each respective list to be selected; actuating the timer selector for starting the timer and then actuating the timer selector for stopping the timer to thereby establish time interval data corresponding to an elapsed time between actuations; and entering upon at least one of said actuations the selected data and the time interval data into the second memory. |
46. | A method for operating an apparatus for recording time, services and providers for clients comprising: displaying at least one provider from a stored list of providers and incrementing the list until a desired provider is displayed; displaying at least one client from a stored list of clients and incrementing the list until a desired client is displayed; displaying at least one service from a list of services and incrementing the list until a desired service is displayed; actuating a sequentially operable timing switch, a first actuation for starting a timer and a second subsequent actuation for stopping the timer to thereby establish time interval data corresponding to the elapsed time between said actuations; and recording upon at least one of said actuations the selected provider, client and service and time interval data. |
47. | The method according to claim 25, further including preventing any change in selected client, provider and service between the first and second actuations. |
48. | An apparatus for recording data in real time comprising: a central processing unit (CPU) including a timer for producing time interval data; a first memory coupled to the CPU for storing selectable data entries corresponding to the providers, the clients, and the services in each of a plurality of corresponding selectable lists; a second memory coupled to the CPU for storing an entry of the selectable data from each of said lists along with corresponding time interval data; a first data selector coupled to the CPU being sequentially actuable and operative for selecting upon each sequential actuation thereof data stored in the first memory corresponding to a particular list for entry into the second memory; a second data selector coupled to the CPU being sequentially actuable and operative for selecting upon sequential actuations thereof data stored in the first memory corresponding to a particular entry in each corresponding list; and a timer selector coupled to the CPU being sequentially actuable and operative successively for starting the timer and then stopping the timer upon sequential actuations thereof to establish the time interval data corresponding to the elapsed time between starting the timer and stopping the timer and for entering the selected data and the time interval data into the second memory. |
49. | A data logging system comprising: a timer startable and stopable for producing time interval data; first memory for storing selectable data entries in each of a plurality of selectable lists; second memory for storing selected portions of the selectable data from each of said lists along with corresponding time interval data therefor; sequentially actuable first data selector means operatively coupled to the first memory operative successively for selecting upon sequential actuations thereof data stored in the first memory corresponding to a particular list for entry into the second memory; sequentially actuable second data selector means operatively coupled to the first memory operative successively for selecting upon sequential actuations thereof data stored in the first memory corresponding to a particular entry in each respective list; sequentially actuable timer selector means operatively coupled to the timer and the second memory and operative successively for starting and stopping the timer respectively upon single sequential actuations thereof and for entering upon at least one of said actuations the data selected by the second data selector means into the second memory. |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a method and apparatus for data
logging. In particular, the invention relates to a hand held data logging
device which records in real time the elapsed time associated with
work or billable activities performed on behalf of a client or beneficiary
by a service provider or other professional. As will be readily apparent
to those skilled in the art, the invention also pertains to a method for
recording in real time billable time and services of providers on behalf
of clients.
Various data entry systems are available which are designed to
simplify the process of collecting time keeper or service provider data
associated with various activities. For example, computer systems
have been employed to track workers, worker activities and the time
spent in handling individual tasks associated with ongoing contracts
and the like. These devices often are complicated and require the
worker to enter codes or to connect an identification device to a
machine during the time of operation. Some devices are designed
specifically to provide time and billing information for doctors, lawyers
and other professional service providers. However, the systems are
difficult to implement and do not carry sufficient information in
memory so that user, client and activity information can be readily
recorded. Further, such systems do not have the ability to receive
updated information or to communicate relevant information to a
centrally located time and billing computer.
There is thus a need for a portable data logging device which
can record in real time relevant information as to the user, the client, activity and storing elapsed time in a form useful for producing time
and billing information. Such a device should incorporate a
streamlined and efficient method for recording time, client and
provider data.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is based upon the discovery that a data
logging device for recording in real time the elapsed time spent on a
particular activity by a particular service provider for a particular client,
may be contained in a portable self-contained unit. The device has a
selectable data memory and a memory for storing selected client, user
and activity data along with start and stop times time for such
activity. The invention allows the user to toggle start and stop times
for particular activities, and to store the information in a nonvolatile
memory. Updates and corrections to the selectable data are provided
by a two way communication port to a separate billing computer. The
data logging function is separate from the computing function.
Communication with other devices is unnecessary, except when it is
desired to read out the recorded data or to update the selectable data.
In one embodiment, the invention is a portable timing device that is designed to interface with the computer for two way
communication. The computer lists names, task descriptions, and any
other text or numerical entries as may be desired. The device
transmits user recorded data to the computer for producing bills and charges. The recorded data includes the user, the client, and start and
stop times, for various activities performed by the service provider.
In a particular embodiment, the invention is directed to a data
logger for recording, in real time, the time expended performing a particular task or activity by a particular user for a client. The
invention comprises a central processing unit for processing data, first
memory for storing selectable client, user and activity data, a second
memory for storing selected client, user and activity data along with
start and stop times for computing a corresponding time interval. A
data selector is provided for selecting from the first memory data
corresponding to a particular client, user and activity. A timer selector
provides start and stop times for the selected data into the second
memory. Two-way communication means is provided for entering the
selectable data into the first memory and for reading out data from the
second memory.
In accordance with the invention, there is provided a method for recording in real time billable time, service and provider information for various clients employing a central processing unit including a timer, a first memory, a second memory, a first data selector, a second data selector, each of which is coupled to the CPU. The method further comprises storing selectable data entries corresponding to providers, clients and services in each of a plurality of corresponding selectable
lists and selecting and storing an entry from each of said lists, along with corresponding time interval data into the second memory. Selecting the list in the first memory means occurring upon each actuation of the first data selector, and selecting data from each list entry occurring upon actuation of the second data selector for entry into the second memory. Entering start and stop times and the data and time into the second memory occurring upon sequential operations of the timer selector. The method further comprises providing a communication channel coupled to the CPU; entering the selectable data into the first memory and selectively reading out selected portions of the data stored in the second memory. The
method further comprises providing data entry blocking means responsive to the timer selector and blocking entry of any data from the first memory into the second memory between the start and stop times. The method further comprises providing a billing computer and
coupling the billing computer via the communications channel to the
CPU; producing the selectable data in the computer and entering the
data into various lists of the first memory and receiving the selected
portions of the selectable data stored in the second memory.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a fragmentary plan view of a hand held data logging
device according to the invention with the billing computer shown;
Fig. 2 is a flow chart illustrating the sequence of operations for
establishing each new data entry.
Fig. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a hand held data logging
device according to the present invention with the billing computer
connected to the device; and
Fig. 4 is an enlarged block diagram illustrating the selectable
memory and timer start/stop elements of the system illustrated in
Fig. 1 .
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is generally illustrated in Fig. 1 and
comprises a hand held data logging device 10 which is more or less
the size of a typical hand held calculator. The data logging device 10
includes a housing 12, a control system 14 located in the housing,
which is described hereinafter, a plurality of switches 16 individually
labeled S, T, U and D, corresponding to select, time, up and down
functions respectively, hereinafter referred to by function, and a
display such as a liquid crystal display 1 8. An on/off switch 20 which
may include an indicator 22 is also provided. The control system has
a battery 24, a low battery indicator 26 and a battery charging port
28. There is also provided a data port 30 which may be connected to
a standard RS232 cable 31 for communication with a billing computer
33. The control system 14 includes a real time clock, a memory for
storing selectable information which may be programmed into the device 10 by an input from the billing computer 31 or from another
appropriate source of data. The device 10 stores information relating
to, for example, the user or service provider, client or patient and the
activity or service provided.
In operation, the user calls up onto the display 1 8 the user
identification by depressing the select switch S. The activation of the
select switch S causes the control system 14 to access a list of users,
activities or clients. The selected list may be scrolled by pressing the
U - Up or D - Down switch in the upper line 32 of the display 18.
Alternatively, code numbers for users may be used if desired. The
user may scan the list of names accessed by simply depressing the up
button U or the down button D. Once the particular user is identified,
the activity may be selected by depressing the select switch S again.
The control system 14 also calls up the second list which may contain
client information. The user likewise selects a particular client by
scrolling up or down through the list using the U and D switches
respectively. In the illustration of Fig. 1 , XYZ Corporation is displayed
on the upper line 32. Thereafter, the user enters and moves to the next list by depressing the select switch S thereby again entering that
client name and calling up the activity list which likewise may be
scrolled for the appropriate activity, for example, a court appearance
or the like. Once the activity is selected, the user starts the timing
function by depressing the time switch T, which records the selected
user, activity and client in the non-volatile memory along with the
current time obtained from the real time clock unit. The elapsed time
ET is displayed on the lower line 34. The lower line may also be
programmed to display a date current time of day, as illustrated.
When the task is complete, the user depresses the time switch T
again, stopping the elapsed time clock and causing the control system
to store the data. The next activity may be timed in the same way
with the same or a different client, simply by repeating the steps as
desired.
It should be understood that the user data may be prestored in
the device. For convenience, the prior data is called up each time the
select button is depressed so that all the user need do is reactivate the
switch to move to the next display. At some later time, device 10
may be coupled to the billing computer 33 by means of the RS232
cable 31 , which reads the stored and selected data via port 30. The
client list, the time of day, the activities and the user information may also be changed by means of the billing computer 33. It should also
be understood that slots are available in each list for miscellaneous
items. For example, when a new client consults the service provider,
that information can be stored under a series of available unassigned
client numbers which later can be formally assigned and entered into
an updated list.
An embodiment of the method according to the invention is
illustrated in the flow chart of Fig. 2. The method comprises a
sequence of steps to efficiently move through the operation described
above. According to the invention, the sequence commences when the system powers up at block 40 and either automatically or upon prompting from the switch actuation S displays the first list, for
example, the user list, at block 42. Respective increment and
decrement blocks 44 and 46 allow the user to scroll the list using the
U and D switches. Again, upon actuation of the switch S, the second
list is displayed at 48 and which likewise may be incremented up or
down by means of the U and D switches at blocks 50 and 52.
Likewise, when the user activity is selected block 54 this may be
incremented and decremented up or down by means of respective
blocks 56 and 68. It should be understood that the activity selected
or scanned from any list does not affect the other list. The user may
return to any previous box by sequentially actuating the select switch
S.
When it is desired to start the timing operation, the user actuates the timer switch T causing the timer to start at 60. If the
user desires to review the client activity or the user designation while
the timer is operating, sequential operation of the select switch S at
block 62 will display the current information on the upper line 32.
However, that information may not be changed until the timing stops.
This is accomplished at block 64 by actuating the timing switch T
which causes the system to stop timing and save the data.
A schematic block diagram of the invention is illustrated in Fig.
3, the switch is 1 6 and the liquid crystal display 1 8 are illustrated and
the billing computer 31 is also shown. The remaining portions of the
diagram represents the control system 14. The control system 14 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 70 which may be part of a
microprocessor chip. The CPU 70 has a system clock input 72 which
provides a high frequency reference clock signal. A real time clock 74
is also provided. The clock 74 provides the CPU 70 with information
as to the actual running time of the device. As indicated by the
connecting arrow, the real time clock may be programmed, as desired.
The CPU 70 is powered by the battery 24 or any other suitable
power supply. The battery 24 is coupled to the CPU 70 via on/off
switch 20. The power on light 22 in circuit with the switch 20 and
battery 24 indicates when the switch 20 is closed. The light 22 may
be a light emitting diode (LED) as illustrated. When the battery
becomes low, a low battery sensor 76 is activated which illuminates
indicator 26, which also may be an LED.
The control system 14 includes a selectable memory 78 which
stores general information pertaining to user, the clients and the
activities. The control system 14 also includes a storage memory 80,
which stores information which has been selected during a particular interval for a particular client, activity and user. The selectable
memory 78 and the storage memory 80 are both read write devices.
Accordingly, when coupled to the billing computer 31 via the port 30,
the memories 78 and 80 may be written to, updated or erased. The
billing computer 31 and the CPU 30 are coupled by the RS232 cable
33 via the port 30 as noted above. The RS232 port 30 has a transmit
line TX and a receive line RX coupled to the CPU 70. Information can
thus be communicated to and from the CPU and the associated
memory cells in a known manner.
The selectable memory 78 and the storage memory 80 are
coupled to the CPU 70 by means of a chip select device 84 which
allows the CPU 70 to choose between the selectable memory 78 and
storage memory 78 and 80. The chip select 84 also allows
subdivisions of the various memories to be accessed. For example,
if additional memory cells are necessary for storing additional
information, additional memory chips may be employed.
In operation, the user actuates the switches 16 to achieve the
select (S) function, the time (T) function, to scroll up (U) function and
the scroll down (D) function, as detailed above. Also, as illustrated,
one or more other functions (O) may be provided as desired.
A liquid crystal display brightener control 86 coupled to LCD 1 8
allows the user to select an appropriate or convenient visual intensity
of the LCD.
Fig. 4 illustrates in greater detail the selectable memory 78 for the user list, the client list and activities list which are labeled 78A,
78B and 78C respectively. Each is connected to the select switch S
and the up and down scrolling switches U and D. The real time clock
74 provides real time information to the storage memory and the display via the CPU, as noted.
In the example illustrated in Fig. 4, the user list 78 has been
selected for Mr. R, the client list has been selected Jones, R. and the
activity is a Trial. While the real timer clock 74 is in operation, those
selections are locked. However, when the real time clock 74 is
released, those selections may then be changed.
While there have been described what are at present considered
to be the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and
modifications may be made therein without departing from the
invention, and it is intended in the appended claims to cover such changes and modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.