Pen-Based Backup and Charging Systems

Sitting pretty on the dock of the bay

In most mobile computing environments, two fundamental activities that must be performed at the end of each workday are transferring data from the mobile system to a host computer for backup or further processing, and recharging the batteries of the mobile system. The ideal system is one in which the mobile worker returns to the home office and plugs the mobile computer into a backup and recharging unit, which takes care of the rest. When the worker returns the next day, the mobile system is recharged and the file system has been cleaned up, ready for another day of data entry. Obviously, the execution of data backup and battery recharging must be simple and reliable.

But effective backup and recharging procedures are not as simple as they appear at first glance. Seamless data transfer requires easy-to-use software to ensure that the proper files are transferred to the host computer and then deleted or relocated on the mobile system so that old and new data are not confused or overwritten. Proper battery recharging requires the battery condition to be determined before the charging process is initiated so that the battery receives the optimum charge. Overcharging damages batteries and reduces battery life.

A small company based in Carle Place, New York, called Cad Forms Technology, may have a headstart in providing solutions for data backup and battery recharging systems. The company makes a backup and charging system for Gridpad notebook computers called the Pen Station. The Pen Station features an 80386 microprocessor and eight docking bays which have built-in receptacles for the charging and data bus ports of the Gridpad, handling eight Gridpads simultaneously.

The MS-DOS based Pen Station includes software for performing the battery charging and file maintenance procedures. The system has a custom designed charging circuit for maintaining the batteries in a fully-charged state without overcharging them. A fully configured 8-bay system with 8 Mbytes of RAM and the backup and charging software is priced at $9950. A “front-end” version which connects to an IBM PC or compatible is also available for $6495.

NCR and IBM Versions

According to company founder John Notarianni, Cad Forms is working on a version of the Pen Station for the NCR 3125 and is also in discussions with IBM about developing a similar system for IBM’s pen-based system expected to be announced next year. Notarianni says that the system is easily adaptable to new pen-based systems as they emerge in the marketplace.

Notarianni says that the company has applied for a patent governing the processes performed by the Pen Station (data transfer, file maintenance, and battery charging). Indeed, Cad Forms is the only vendor that we’re aware of that offers a multiple-bay docking station which performs these backup and charging functions. However, we expect that there will be competitors offering similar solutions. NCR’s product manager, Bruce Langos, tells us that several companies are working on similar systems for the NCR 3125. And the UPS system (see Vol. 1, No. 2) includes an infrared “recharging cradle” that may appear in other applications.

In any case, Cad Forms Technology, which started as a supplier of electronic forms for utility customers, could have a jump in the docking bay market.

Cad Forms Technology
174 Glen Cove Road
Carle Place, NY 11514
516-248-0915

New Sketch-based Geometry Solver Looks Ideal for Pens

Saltire Software of Beaverton, Oregon, has introduced a sketch program that uses variational geometry to convert freehand drawings to precise dimensions.

Called Appolonius, the product runs under Windows 3.0 and sells for $98.00.

The product makes sense for pen-based systems running PenWindows, allowing designers or engineers in the field to make rough sketches which can be converted to precise dimensions.

We hope the company will consider producing a version for PenPoint as well.

Saltire Software
1-800-659-1874
503-642-1874