Data Entry Systems

Abstract

A data entry system includes a hand held data entry unit having a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data, rewritable storage for storing information relating to selectable items, a controller (a microprocessor or other processing circuitry) and a display screen for displaying a user readable representation of the commands and/or stored information for a selected item, and a telecommunication interface for the telephonic transmission of information relating to a selected item or items from the storage to a remote processing center and for the telephonic information relating to selectable items from the remote processing center to the storage. Preferably a telecommunications interface is provided in the hand held unit for cellular or other wireless telephony systems. The hand held unit can be configured to combine the data entry functions with those of audio telephony.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A data entry system comprising:
 a hand held unit comprising a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data and for producing input signals in response to said sensed commands and/or data;   rewritable storage for information relating to selectable items; and   a controller connected to receive and process said input signals from said sensor for responding to said commands to control said hand held unit and/or to said data to select a said item and a display screen for displaying a user readable representation of said commands and/or stored information for said selected item, and a telecommunications interface for telephonic transmission of information relating to a selected item or items from said storage to a remote processing centre and for telephone transmission of information relating to selectable items from said remote processing center to said storage.