Data collection system having stationary unit with electromagnetic induction circuitry for bidirectionally relaying data

Claim 1

A data collecting system for collection of data and entry of said data to a host computer comprising: a portable hand held data collector for collecting data and for transmitting said data externally of the data collector, the data collector comprising a case of a size and shape to be held by one hand during use, a keyboard for inputting data and having numeral keys and function keys, display means for displaying said data, memory means for storing said data inputted by a user, and interface means for transmitting said data stored in said memory means to a stationary data relay; said stationary data relay having means for receiving said data from said data collector and for transmitting said data to said host computer, the data relay including a case having means for removably setting said portable data collector thereon, first interface means for receiving said data transmitted from said interface means in said data collector, and second interface means for communicating bi-directionally to the host computer; wherein said interface means in said data collector and said first interface means in said data relay have respective circuit means for transmitting said data bi-directionally using electromagnetic induction, and wherein each said circuit means comprises a tuning unit having a coil, and a capacitor connected in parallel with said coil for generating an electromagnetic field when data are transmitted and for generating an electric signal by electromagnetic induction when data are received, a transmitting unit for inputting an electric signal to said tuning unit when data are transmitted, and a receiving unit for outputting said electric signal generated in said tuning unit as serial data, said transmitting unit and said receiving unit being coupled together through a capacitor.