Information-processing apparatus equipped with a cordless pen

Claim 1

An information-processing apparatus equipped with a cordless pen comprising: a cordless pen used for input operation; a pen storing portion for storing said cordless pen; determination means for determining whether or not said cordless pen is stored in said pen storing portion; measuring means for measuring, in response to a state where said cordless pen is determined as being not stored in said pen storing portion by said determination means, an elapsed time elapsed from a most recent input operation of a user input device in said information-processing apparatus; comparing means for comparing the elapsed time to a reference time determined in advance; and informing means for informing the user that said cordless pen is not stored in said pen storing portion when the elapsed time is determined as exceeding said reference time at said comparing means; the input operation of the user input device contributing data to the information processing apparatus such that the data has a principal purpose distinct from an ancillary purpose of triggering the measuring means.

Claim 7

A method for preventing a cordless pen input device for a computer from not being returned to a storage location therefor by a forgetful user, comprising the steps of: (a) determining whether the pen occupies the storage location; (b) measuring an elapsed time from a most recent input to the computer from a user input device; (c) comparing, when the pen is absent from the storage location, the elapsed time against a reference value; and (d) producing, when the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the reference value, a warning signal indicating that the pen is absent from the storage location; the input operation of the user input device contributing data to the computer such that the data has a principal purpose distinct from an ancillary purpose of triggering the measuring step (b).

Claim 8

A method for preventing a cordless pen input device for a computer from not being returned to a storage location therefor by a forgetful user, comprising the steps of: (a) determining whether the pen occupies the storage location; (b) measuring an elapsed time from a most recent input to the computer from a user input device; (c) comparing, when the pen is absent from the storage location, the elapsed time against a reference value; and (d) producing, when the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the reference value, a warning signal indicating that the pen is absent from the storage location; the input operation of the user input device contributing data to the computer such that the data has a principal purpose distinct from an ancillary purpose of triggering the measuring step (b).