USOO7593751B2
`
`(12) Unlted States Patent
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 7,593,751 B2
`
`Barbosa et al.
`(45) Date of Patent:
`*Sep. 22, 2009
`
`(54) CONDUCTING FIELD OPERATIONS USING
`HANDHELD DATA MANAGEMENT DEVICES
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors; Frank A, Barbosaa Carrollton, TX (US);
`Luis M_ ()rtizS Dallas, TX (Us)
`
`(73) Assignee; Field Data Management solutions,
`LLCa Albuquerque, NM (Us)
`
`( >1: ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer3 the term Ofthjs
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 547 days.
`
`This patent is subject to a terminal dis-
`claimer.
`
`(21) Appl.No.: 11/262,699
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Oct. 31, 2005
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2007/0095887 A1
`
`May 3, 2007
`
`Related US. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation of application No. 09/955,543, filed on
`Sep. 17, 2001, now Pat. No. 6,961,586.
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/233,120, filed on Sep.
`18, 2000.
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`H04M 1/00
`(2006.01)
`G06Q 10/00
`(52) US. Cl.
`............... .. 455/5561; 455/5662; 455/903
`(58) Field of Classification Search ............ .. 455/5561,
`455/5562, 66.1, 90.01, 90.02, 90.03; 705/1;
`715/733, 964, 210; 709/203
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,561,446 A
`5,935,209 A *
`5,990,932 A
`
`10/1996 Montlick .................. .. 345/173
`8/1999 Budhraja etal.
`709/223
`
`.................... .. 348/15
`11/1999 Bee et al.
`
`6,064,968 A
`6,083,353 A *
`6,192,381 B1*
`6,317,039 B1 *
`6,650,647 B1
`6,662,193 B1
`
`5/2000 Schanz ........................ .. 705/1
`
`7/2000 Alexander, Jr.
`..... ..
`202/158
`...... .. 715/210
`2/2001 Stiegemeier et al.
`11/2001 Thomason ............. .. 340/505
`
`.... .. 370/400
`11/2003 Ishikawa etal.
`12/2003 Christensen ........... .. 707/104.1
`
`6,971,063 B1 * 11/2005 Rappaport et al.
`
`........ .. 715/733
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`JP
`
`408055161 A
`
`2/1996
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary ExamineriMelur Ramakri shnaiah
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Providing users in the field includes portable access to indus-
`try-specific programs, instructions and data. Field data syn-
`chronization and/or delivery is enabled using wireless capa-
`bilities resident in handheld personal computing devices.
`Data can be synchronized with a server over a network using
`wireless radio transmission, or directly to a computer work-
`station using wireless infrared or radio transmission or con-
`nected physical connection. Two-way communications is
`provided between remote computers and handheld data man-
`agement devices to facilitate real-time access to remote pro-
`grams, assistance and/or information related to the field
`assessment being undertaken by using a handheld data man-
`agement device user. Field data management includes activi-
`ties for at least one of: construction industry project analysis,
`HVAC system analysis, project management, equipment
`readiness inspection,
`troubleshooting,
`inventory tracking,
`inventory ordering, sales (e.g., providing cost estimates to
`customers), customer invoicing, conducting legal investiga-
`tions, field data collection, and multi-user remote function
`coordination.
`
`5,444,615 A
`
`8/1995 Bennett et al.
`
`18 Claims, 9 Drawing Sheets
`
`............ .. 364/401
`
`Find location
`
`Bagnr program
`
`
`Obtain client-spams /
`information
`
`/ 707.
`
`703
`
`
`assessor
`
`/704
`
`__l_Idanin assessment
`problem
`
`Information
`Requested from assessor / 7M
`706
`
`Infommlion provided by /
`
`Dara is compiled /707
`
`70x
`
`lnfonnalion analyzad
`Information provided
`
`
`in remote computer /for analysis
`\ by handheld device
`
`
`
`7m
`.
`Output pmvrded m
`handheld device /
`
`
`7m
`
`Exhibit 2003 Page 1
`
`IV Exhibit 2003
`FedEx v. IV
`Case |PR2017-00729
`
`Exhibit 2003 Page 1
`
`IV Exhibit 2003
`FedEx v. IV
`Case IPR2017-00729
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Sep. 22, 2009
`
`Sheet 1 of9
`
`US 7,593,751 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`CONTROLLER
`
`
`32
`
`s4
`
`1o
`
`40 I
`
`36
`
`PC
`
`38
`
`F]C. 3
`
`DEVICE
`
`42
`
`44
`“ail
`FIG. 4
`
`/1o
`
`46 I
`
`F]C. 5
`
`Exhibit 2003 Page 2
`
`30
`
`14
`
`
`
`CONTROLLER
`
`CONTROLLER
`
`CONTROL
`
`
`
`GRAPHIC
`
`F]G. 2
`
`1o
`
`Exhibit 2003 Page 2
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Sep. 22, 2009
`
`Sheet 2 of9
`
`US 7,593,751 B2
`
`
`
`FIG. 6
`
`Exhibit 2003 Page 3
`
`Exhibit 2003 Page 3
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Sep. 22, 2009
`
`Sheet 3 of9
`
`US 7,593,751 B2
`
`Begin program
`
`.
`.
`.
`Obtaln chent-speCIfic
`information
`
`Identify assessment /
`problem
`
`,
`Information
`
`Requested from assessor
`
`_
`.
`Information prov1ded by
`assessor
`
`.
`.
`Data is complled
`
`7m
`
`703
`
`704
`
`705
`
`706
`
`707
`
`
`
`
`Information provided
`Information analyzed
`to remote computer
`by handheld device
`
`for analysis
`
`
`710
`
`Output provided to
`handheld device
`
`FIG. 7
`
`Exhibit 2003 Page 4
`
`708
`
`
`
`700
`
`Exhibit 2003 Page 4
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Sep. 22, 2009
`
`Sheet 4 of 9
`
`US 7,593,751 B2
`
`Identify Job/date
`
`Select/Begin program
`with instructions
`
`
`
`
`801
`
`Rm
`
`803
`
`Provide size of building
`
`Provide structural
`
`characteristics information
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Provide information on
`
`building use
`
`Provide location-based
`
`805
`
`806
`
`807
`
`marketing information
`
`
`Proposed payment method
`
`
`Compile data
`
`
`
`
`
`809
`
`Information analyzed
`by handheld device
`
`Information provided
`
`810
` to remote computer
`
`for analysis
`
`
`
`Output provided to
`handheld device
`
`811
`
`FIG. 8
`
`Exhibit 2003 Page 5
`
`Exhibit 2003 Page 5
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Sep. 22, 2009
`
`Sheet 5 of9
`
`US 7,593,751 B2
`
` Device-server
`synchronization
`
`901
`
` 007.
`
`Task completion
`
`903
`
`904
`
`
`
`
`90
`
`Device-server
`
`
`
`synchronization
`
`
`
`Updated instruction /
`created by server
`
`905
`
`
`
` Unfinished/new task
`prepared for assignment to
`
`a new user
`
`FIG. 9
`
`Exhibit 2003 Page 6
`
`Exhibit 2003 Page 6
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Sep. 22, 2009
`
`Sheet 6 of9
`
`US 7,593,751 B2
`
`Operational readiness
`program selected
`
`User provided assessment
`steps
`
`Run report after all steps
`are completed
`
`1001
`
`1007-
`
`1003
`
`Recommendation
`
`provided /
`
`1 004
`
`
`
`Report provided to remote
`server for
`
`
`
`
`archiving/analysis
`
`I 0 05
`
`FIG. 10
`
`Exhibit 2003 Page 7
`
`Exhibit 2003 Page 7
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Sep. 22, 2009
`
`Sheet 7 of9
`
`US 7,593,751 B2
`
`Start inventory program
`
`Identify service schedule
`
`1101
` 1103
`
`
` 1104
`
`Synchronize schedule
`with inventory manager
`
`Obtain product/part
`availability status
`
`.
`Obtain product/part
`consistent with schedule
`
`1 105
`
`FIG. 11
`
`Exhibit 2003 Page 8
`
`Exhibit 2003 Page 8
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Sep. 22, 2009
`
`Sheet 8 of9
`
`US 7,593,751 B2
`
`Start legal investigation
`program
`
`1 201
`
`Identify legal issue
`
`Instructions provided to
`user
`
`1907-
`
`1203
`
`
`
`
`
`
`server
`
`1204
`
`
`
`Data stored on handheld
`
`Data provided to remote
`
`1205
`
`FIG. 12
`
`Exhibit 2003 Page 9
`
`Exhibit 2003 Page 9
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Sep. 22, 2009
`
`Sheet 9 of9
`
`US 7,593,751 B2
`
`
`
`Remote operator provided
`with instructions from
`portable device
`
`
`1301
`
`
`
`
`
`established by device with / 1302
`
`Communication
`
`remote resource
`
`
`
`Data provided to remote
`
`server
`
`1304
`
`
`
`FIG. 13
`
`Exhibit 2003 Page 10
`
`Exhibit 2003 Page 10
`
`

`

`US 7,593,751 B2
`
`2
`
`ing wireless communication (infrared and radio frequency),
`GPS (global positioning system) mapping, Internet access
`and database storage. Web-phones are also being introduced
`into the wireless marketplaces that have PDA-like capabili-
`ties.
`
`Handheld data management devices are generally enabled
`with connectivity to data sources over, for example, the con-
`nection-oriented Transmission Control Protocol/Internet
`
`Protocol (TCP/IP) or message oriented TME/X protocol. Cel-
`lular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) is a TCP/IP based technol-
`ogy that supports Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) or Serial Line
`Internet Protocol (SLIP) wireless connections to mobile
`devices. Cellular service is generally available throughout the
`world from major service providers. With CDPD, data can be
`transferred over switched PSTN circuits or packet-switched
`networks. Currently, CDPD supports data transmissions up to
`19.2 Kbps. Global System for Mobile Communication
`(GSM) and Personal Communications Systems (PCS) net-
`works operate in the 800 MHZ, 900 MHZ, and 1900 MHZ
`range. PCS provides narrowband digital communications in
`the 900 MHZ range for paging, and broadband digital com-
`munications in the 1900 MHZ band for cellular telephone
`service. In the US, PCS 1900 is identical to GSM 1900.
`GSM operates in the 900 MHZ, 1800-1900 MHZ frequency
`bands. GSM 1800 is widely used throughout Europe and
`throughout many parts ofthe world. In the US, GSM 1900 is
`the same as PCS 1900; thus, these two technologies are com-
`patible.
`Currently, GSM networks support data speeds up to 9.6
`Kbps. The Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) network
`is a digital wireless network that defines how a single channel
`can be segmented into multiple channels using a pseudo
`random signal (or code) to identify each user:s information.
`Because CDMA spread each call over more than 4.4 trillion
`channels across the entire frequency band, it is more immune
`to interference than TDMA or other current wireless net-
`
`works and can support more users per channel in some situ-
`ations. Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) cellular/
`wireless systems are currently deployed throughout
`the
`wireless communication markets. Currently, some networks
`support data at speeds up to 14.4 Kbps. Wideband CDMA
`(W-CDMA), which is called CDMA 2000 in North America,
`will be implemented in the USA in the near future.
`W-CDMA is a true 3G wireless technology. W—CDMA
`increases transfer rates by using multiple 1.25 MHZ cellular
`channels compared to the single channel currently used by
`CDMA 1.
`
`The General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) network is a
`2.5G technology that bridges the gap between the current
`wireless technologies and the next generation of wireless
`technologies known as 3G wireless technologies. GPRS is a
`packet-data transmission technology that will initially pro-
`vide data transfer rates up to 1 15 Kbps. GPRS will work with
`CDMA and TDMA, and it supports X25 and IP communi-
`cations protocols. It will also enable features like Voice over
`IP (VOIP) and multimedia services. Bluetooth is a Personal
`Area Network (PAN) technology. Adopted by a consortium of
`wireless equipment manufacturers called the Bluetooth Spe-
`cial Interest Group (BSIG), it is emerging as a global standard
`for low cost wireless data and voice communication. The
`
`1
`CONDUCTING FIELD OPERATIONS USING
`HANDHELD DATA MANAGEMENT DEVICES
`
`APPLICATION PRIORITY
`
`This application is a continuation of nonprovisional patent
`application Ser. No. 09/955,543 now US. Pat. No. 6,961,586,
`entitled “Field Assessment Using Handheld Data Manage-
`ment Devices”, filed Sep. 17, 2001, which claims priority to
`Provisional Patent Application, Ser. No. 60/233,120, entitled
`“Field Assessment Using Handheld Data management
`Devices,” filed Sep. 18, 2000.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention is generally related to applications
`for handheld data management devices (e.g., personal digital
`assistants, handled computers, two-way pagers, Web/WAP-
`enabled telephony, etc .). More particularly, the present inven-
`tion is related to systems for and methods of conducting field
`assessments utilizing handheld data management devices.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`10
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`15
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`20
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`25
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`30
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`
`One problem with growth and demand for services in many
`of the professions, trades and industries wherein field opera-
`tions (e.g., assessments, estimates or appraisals) are required
`is that less experienced personnel may be undertaking the
`initial tasks of data collection and, sometimes, the analysis
`and troubleshooting of problems in the field. Field personnel
`are usually required to collect data regarding a situation in the
`field that can later be used by more senior, experienced and/or
`responsible personnel to make decisions (business, technical,
`administrative and/or political). Even the most experienced
`professionals may find themselves lacking access to critical
`information or support that would be helpful in undertaking
`field operations.
`Individuals in the construction industry, for example, are
`often responsible for carrying out field assessments and esti-
`mates. The consequences of under bidding a project in the
`construction field can be very costly and/or can affect perfor-
`mance and quality of services/activities related to the under-
`bid project. In cases where a project cost estimate, or bid,
`must be provided for a construction project, a business owner
`or seniorjourneymen can oftentimes be compelled to person-
`ally go the field and collect information regarding a project in
`order to render a realistic and profitable bid because an inex-
`perienced estimators can render inaccurate appraisals. Con-
`struction project estimates require an accurate assessment
`and analysis of a job-site/projects in order to develop the
`data/facts necessary for an estimate to be rendered regarding
`use of labor, materials and completion time for a project.
`If an operator in the field was provided with guidance,
`access to supplemental information and/or years of experi-
`ence (e.g., lessons learned by senior personnel), field opera-
`tions might proceed more accurately and professionally.
`Field operators, however, are unlikely to have reasonable
`means to efficiently access the information or the information
`can not be updated. Materials typically used in the field can
`include reference materials such as codes, regulations, inven-
`tory and price lists.
`current specification for this standard is the 2.4 GHZ ISM
`frequency band.
`Personal digital assistant (PDA) is the generic name used
`Bluetooth technology is based on a short-range radio trans-
`for a device belonging to a family of portable handheld data
`mitter/receiver built into small application specific circuits
`managing devices well known in the art. Currently, handheld
`(ASICS) and embedded into support devices. Initially, Blue-
`data management devices such as PDAs or Palm PCs can have
`tooth enabled devices will have 1 mw of transmitter power
`as much computing power as some desktop personal comput-
`and will be capable of asymmetrical data transfers of up to
`ers and can be used in a wide variety of applications, includ-
`Exhibit 2003 Page 11
`
`Exhibit 2003 Page 11
`
`

`

`US 7,593,751 B2
`
`4
`
`3
`721 Mbps over distances of 10M. The Bluetooth specification
`permits up to 100 mw ofpower, which will increase the range
`to 100M. In addition, it can support up to three voice chan-
`nels. Using short data packets and frequency hopping ofup to
`1600 hops per second, it is a true 3G wireless technology that
`will enable a host of new applications and possibilities for
`wireless data communication. Wireless application protocol
`(WAP) and Extensible Markup Language (XML) are
`examples of current
`technology being used in wireless
`devices and system to provide Web-based (Internet) content
`on wireless devices.
`
`Despite the growing power and popularity of portable data
`management devices and the diverse telecommunications
`alternatives for data communication, few applications are
`available today that directly relate to interactive or industry-
`specific programs providing management of associated data
`and providing users with access to daily business practices
`and procedures related to a particular industry.
`What is apparently needed in industries requiring field
`assessments is access to industry-specific programs, informa-
`tion and/or support that can enable field operators (e.g., users,
`operators, estimators, investigators, salesmen, and the like) to
`more efficiently and accurate operate in the field.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`It is an object of the present invention to provide methods
`for executing field operations using handheld devices.
`It is an aspect of the present invention to provide field
`operators portable access to industry-specific field data man-
`agement programs (“programs”) and data useful in carrying
`out field operations.
`It is another aspect of the present invention provides a
`handheld data management device and solutions for assisting
`personnel in conducting field operations.
`It is another aspect of the present invention to provide
`methods for field operations data synchronization and/or
`delivery using wireless capabilities resident in handheld per-
`sonal computing devices. Data can be synchronized with a
`server over a network using wireless radio transmission, or
`directly to a computer workstation using wireless infrared or
`radio transmission or connected means (e.g., modems,
`cradles, docking stations).
`It is another aspect of the present invention to provide for
`two-way communication between remote computing means
`(e. g., servers, desktop computers) and handheld data manage-
`ment devices to facilitate real-time access to remote pro-
`grams, assistance and/or information related to the field
`operations being undertaken by using a handheld data man-
`agement device user.
`A handheld device for use in the management of data
`during operations in the field can include a memory for stor-
`ing at least one field data management program and related
`data; a microprocessor for executing said at least one field
`data management program; at least one field data manage-
`ment program stored within said memory and including
`instructions for enabling its user to: find a field location,
`collect data at the field location, communicate with a remote
`server while at the field location, retrieve new data from the
`server that is associated with the collected data; a wireless
`communication module for providing access to the remote
`server by said handheld data management device; and a user
`interface adapted for enabling the handheld data management
`device user to interact with said at least one field data man-
`agement program.
`A programming module containing field data management
`software can include software used to accomplish at least one
`Exhibit 2003 Page 12
`
`of: construction industry project analysis, HVAC system
`analysis, project management, equipment readiness inspec-
`tion, troubleshooting, inventory tracking, inventory ordering,
`sales (e.g., providing cost estimates to customers), customer
`invoicing, conducting legal investigations, field data collec-
`tion, and multi-user remote function coordination.
`A method of conducting a field operations using a hand-
`held data management device can include the steps of pro-
`viding access to a industry-specific field operations program
`module; executing said program module to conduct a field
`operation; providing field-specific information required by
`said program module for said program module to render data
`from said module useful in support of said operations; and
`retrieving data from said handheld data management device
`in support of said operations. The method can further include
`providing data to a remote resource (e.g., server or live expert)
`for analysis, and retrieving enhanced data from said remote
`resource for use in conducting the field operations.
`A method of conducting operations in the field utilizing a
`handheld data management device, can also include the steps
`ofobtaining direction to a field problem using positioning and
`navigation means provided through said handheld data man-
`agement device; starting a program associated with the field
`problem; providing specific information required by the field
`data management program and related to the field problem;
`analysis of said specific information by said handheld data
`management device; and rendering output by said handheld
`data management device for use in support of said field prob-
`lem.
`
`The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent
`features of the present invention. These features should be
`construed to be merely illustrative of some ofthe more promi-
`nent features and applications of the invention. Many other
`beneficial results can be attained by applying the disclosed
`invention in a different manner or modifying the invention as
`will be described. Accordingly, other aspects and a fuller
`understanding of the invention can be had by referring to the
`following Detailed Description ofthe preferred embodiment.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`A more complete appreciation ofthe invention and many of
`the attendant advantages thereof will become readily appar-
`ent with reference to the following detailed description, par-
`ticularly when considered in conjunction with the accompa-
`nying drawings, in which:
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable electronic device
`usable in accordance with carrying of methods of the present
`invention;
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram of various components of the
`device;
`FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a device including a commu-
`nication module to facilitate communication of the device.
`
`FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an infrared communi-
`cations link between the device and a personal computer;
`FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a GPS module associ-
`ated with the device;
`FIG. 6 an illustration of a basic operational environment for
`the handheld device and methods of the present invention;
`FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart related to a construction
`
`industry in accordance with a method of the present inven-
`tion;
`FIG. 8 illustrates a flow chart illustrating a more specific
`operation relating to the HVAC industry;
`FIG. 9 illustrates a flow chart ofa methodrelating to project
`management;
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Exhibit 2003 Page 12
`
`

`

`US 7,593,751 B2
`
`5
`FIG. 10 illustrates a flow chart outlining a method relating
`to equipment readiness;
`FIG. 11 illustrates a flow chart outlining a method relating
`to inventory tracking/ordering;
`FIG. 12 illustrates a flow chart illustrating a field operation
`relating to conducting a criminal investigation; and
`FIG. 13 illustrates a flow chart directed to multi-user func-
`
`tions in accordance with carrying out aspects of the present
`invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`The present invention now is described more fully herein-
`after with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
`preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. Like
`numbers refer to like elements throughout. This invention
`can, 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.
`Aspects of the present invention are directed to assisting
`people in the field with operating in the field and, for example,
`rendering accurate assessments of a field situation, job, envi-
`ronment, customer contact, project, etc. Reference to a par-
`ticular field environment (e.g., projects within the construc-
`tion industry) made throughout the description are provided
`for exemplary purposes only and should not be taken as a
`limitation of the present invention. The present invention
`provides portable, handheld data management devices (e.g.,
`handheld or palm computer/PC, PDA, mobile telephony
`devices) with access to industry/profession—specific pro-
`cesses and applications to enable users to be more productive
`while operating in the field.
`A handheld data management device in accordance with
`the present invention can be in the form of any one of a
`number of commercially available hand-held devices such as
`personal digital assistants (PDAs), two -way pagers, and Web/
`WAP-enabled mobile phones. Referring to FIG. 1, a device 10
`exemplary of a prior art PDA that could implement software
`and/or communication methods in accordance with carrying
`out methods of the invention is illustrated. The device 10
`
`includes an outer housing 12 sufficiently small to be easily
`portable such that it substantially fit within the palm of a users
`hand, a display 14 that can also preferably include touch-
`screen technology to operate in combination with control
`buttons 16 to provide a User Interface (UI) for operating,
`controlling and/or otherwise interacting with the device 10.
`Not shown on the device 10, but well known in the art to be
`incorporated in such devices are communication ports (wired
`and wireless).
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram of various components of the
`device 10. The device 10 includes a system bus or plurality of
`system buses 20 to which various resident components are
`coupled and by which communication between the various
`components is accomplished. A processor 22 is connected to
`the system bus 20 and is supported by a read only memory
`(ROM) 24 and a random access memory (RAM) 26. The
`ROM 24 contains among other code the code controlling
`basic hardware operations. The RAM 26 is the main memory
`into which the operating system and application programs are
`loaded. Also connected to this system bus 20 are various I/O
`controllers, including a controller 28 providing the hardware
`interface for the control buttons 16, and a controller 30 pro-
`viding the hardware interface for the display 14. A controller
`32 provides the hardware interface for a speaker 34.
`
`As shown in FIG. 4, the device 10 can preferably commu-
`nicate with a PC 36 through an infrared communications link
`38 to exchange and update information both ways. This fea-
`ture makes it particularly easy to update and change personal
`schedules as needed. The device 10 can include an integrated
`modem 40 to provide data transfer functions and for remote
`connectivity. This feature allows a person (such as a supervi-
`sor, counselor or service representative) remote from the user
`to provide tasks, answers to queries, notes and other informa-
`tion for use and display on the users device 10 using standard
`telecommunications technology (e.g., wired and wireless
`GSM, CDMA, CDPD, and paging networks).
`Referring to FIG. 5, the handheld device can also be
`equipped within a position module 46 to enable the handheld
`device to utilize positioning systems or methods known in the
`art such as satellite position (e.g., Global Positioning System
`(GPS)) or signal triangulation techniques. A GPS compatible
`system, for example, can be used to determine a device loca-
`tion information and can also provide navigational assistance
`to users (e.g., to find a field problem/job) when used in com-
`bination with navigation software or resources, such as the
`Mapblast.comTM resource available from the World Wide
`Web. A navigation module will include positioning and navi-
`gational capabilities. Commercially available navigation
`technology will allow users to download a door-to-door route
`from any two locations in the US. The device will constantly
`update the user’s current position and provide updated direc-
`tions. This feature allows point to point navigational instruc-
`tions to be provided to the users.
`invention, a handheld
`In accordance with the present
`device 10 can be interactive with the field operator when
`programs operated by the microprocessor ask questions or
`provide guidance related to a particular field problem. An
`interactive question and answer session can also include the
`provision of checklists and relevant data in support of a user
`dialogue with the device. Interactivity can also be provided to
`remote resources when two-way communication is provided
`between the device and a remote server and/or support rep-
`resentative. As mentioned above, the present invention can be
`effectively practiced together with a client/server program-
`ming environment. As is known by those skilled in this art,
`Exhibit 2003 Page 13
`
`6
`One of the preferred implementations ofthe invention is as
`a set of instructions in a code module resident in the RAM 26
`ofthe device. The set of instructions can however be stored in
`
`some other computer memory such as a hard disk drive of a
`personal computer (PC) or even downloaded from a server via
`the Internet until required by the device 10. As shown in FIG.
`3, the device 10 can also include an integrated communication
`module 42 to facilitate wired and wireless communication.
`
`Communication can be had with remote resources 44 (e.g.,
`servers) through network and to enable monitoring and feed-
`back offield assessment operations. Wireless communication
`module 42 can include digital communication technology
`and/or wireless modem for facilitating local area communi-
`cation. The module 46 also preferably uses wireless IP tech-
`nology, which is also known as Cellular Digital Packet Data
`(CDPD). CDPD is a method of transmitting data in small
`packets of information over existing cellular phone networks.
`CDPD is a fully digital network overlay, providing all the
`benefits of digital service, including lower error rates and
`lower costs. Communications module 42 provides wireless
`real-time access to servers and personnel in support ofassess-
`ments, and can also provide more traditional information
`available over networks, (e.g., e-mail, chat, Intranet and Inter-
`net information). Preferably, no plugging in or dialing up in
`needed through integration of the communication module 42
`into a handheld device.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`Exhibit 2003 Page 13
`
`

`

`US 7,593,751 B2
`
`8
`It should be appreciated that data collected with the device
`10 can be processed without
`the assistance of remote
`resources and can be directly utilized to render output to the
`user via the device user interface, printed using data rendering
`devices, or can be stored in local memory for subsequent use
`(e.g., synchronization with a desktop, rendering, remote com-
`putation, compilation for use with input from other sources).
`Data provided to remote systems can generally undergo
`computing operations beyond the resident capabilities of the
`handheld device. A limited software program can be used for
`gathering of data during a field assessment, where after a
`larger software application and computing resources may be
`necessary to render a comprehensive analysis relating to the
`particular field problem. A smaller handheld executed pro-
`gram, for example, may only provide a device user with a
`more abbreviated list of questions needed to address a field
`problem. For example, a larger computing capability can
`utilize data collected by several handheld devices deployed to
`assess field problems.
`Methods of the present invention are now described more
`fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying draw-
`ings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are
`shown. Methods of the invention can, however, be embodied
`in many different forms and should not be construed as lim-
`ited to the embodiments (e.g., method step sequences) 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. It
`will be understood after the teachings herein provided that
`each block of the flowchart illustrations, and combinations of
`blocks in the flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by
`computer program instructions. These computer program
`instructions can be provided to a processor of a handheld
`device (e.g., PDA, pager, WAP phone), general purpose com-
`puter (e.g., desktop), special purpose computer (e.g., server),
`or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce
`a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the
`processor of the handheld device, remote computer, server or
`other programmable data processing apparatus, create means
`for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart
`block or blocks. It is generally known that servers or desktop
`computers have more processing capability than handheld
`device. Furthermore, a server or desktop can be used as a
`centralized data collection and analysis facility for input
`received from more than one handheld device/user.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`7
`client/server is a model for a relationship between two com-
`puter programs in which one program, the client, makes a
`service request from another program, the server, which ful-
`fills the request. Although the client/server model can be used
`by programs within a single computer, it is more commonly
`used in a network where computing functions and data can
`more efliciently be distributed among many client and server
`programs at different network locations.
`With a client/server relationship, multiple client programs
`share the services of a common server. Client programs and
`Server programs are often part of a larger program or appli-
`cation. Relative to the Internet, a Web browser is a client
`program that requests services (the sending of Web pages or
`files) from a Web server (which technically is called a Hyper-
`text Transport Protocol or HTTP server) in another computer
`somewhere on the Internet. Similarly, a computer with TCP/
`IP installed allows client requests for files from File Transfer
`Protocol (FTP) servers in other computers on the Internet.
`Referring to FIG. 6, an environment for extended opera-
`tion/communication between a handheld device 10 (client)
`and remote management system 58 (e. g., server, desktop PC)
`is illustrated. At least one device 10/10