Method and apparatus for wireless remote information retrieval and

Abstract

A method and system for wireless remote information retrieval and pen-based data entry includes a central computer system having a relatively large storage capacity and/or access to relatively large storage devices and coupled to a wireless network having a plurality of cells. One or more portable pen-based computers are provided with wireless communication capability for connecting with the central computer system through the wireless network. The central computer system is provided with software for accessing a plurality of digitally stored forms and transmitting those forms to the pen-based computers in response to selection requests from the pen-based computers. A selected form is displayed on the screen of the pen-based computer which requested it and data is entered through the pen-based computer by handwriting on the display of the form. The central computer system receives the hand written data as electronic ink and associates the electronic ink file with the form upon which it was written. The form and its associated electronic ink file are stored in the central computer system or in a storage device to which the central computer system has access. The hand written data entered through the pen-based computer is thus associated with other data which can be recalled and/or associated with yet other data without recognizing the handwritten data as text.