Abstract: A data gathering and transmitting system includes a portable data gathering device having a keyboard and an input/output connector, each operable for entering data into, and for providing access to data previously entered into, a random access memory. Data as entered is displayed simultaneously; data in memory may be selectively accessed for display by addressed locations and in various automatic scan modes. The portable device thus operates as a true electronic notebook. An interface-formatter located at a remote terminal communicates with a computer, and provides for read-out of data from the portable data gathering device and automatic conversion and formatting of the data to a form suitable for direct transmission to the computer, and for print-out of a hard copy of the data. Where a hard copy print-out is not required, a read-out unit may simply transmit the data without formatting to a distant central receiver suitably programmed to receive and interpret the data transmission.

Abstract: A data gathering and transmitting system includes a portable data gathering device having a keyboard for entering a line of data of predetermined maximum length, a temporary memory for storing the line of data, means for displaying the temporarily stored data to verify its accuracy, and means for transferring the line of data in the temporary memory to a main memory for storage. The system is also capable of calculating and displaying the total number of lines of data that have been transferred to main memory. The system further includes an interface-formatter which is located at a remote terminal in communication with a computer. After data has been collected, the portable data gathering device is connected to the interface-formatter where the stored data is read out and automatically converted and formatted into a form suitable for direct transmission to a computer.