Indicia reader

An illuminating, indicia-reading device includes a hand-held indicia reader and a charging-and-communication base. The charging-and-communication base's communication button places the hand-held indicia reader in presentation mode when the hand-held indicia reader is seated in the charging-and-communication base, thereby facilitating hands-free scanning and providing work lamp functionality via activation of the hand-held indicia reader's light source. When the hand-held indicia reader is not seated, the communication button pages the hand-held-indicia reader.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of indicia-reading devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to indicia readers having a presentation mode.

BACKGROUND

Barcode readers are typically configured to acquire information from barcodes and then decode that information for use in data systems. Barcode systems may embrace various kinds of devices used to read barcodes, including hand-held barcode scanners.

Hand-held barcode readers are widely used, in part due to their portability and ease of use. To scan a barcode, a user can easily position a hand-held barcode reader to bring the barcode into its field of view so that the barcode can be read. The hand-held barcode reader usually has a trigger which, when depressed or otherwise activated, will prompt the hand-held barcode reader to read and decode barcodes within its field of view. Alternatively, many hand-held barcode readers can be configured by the user to enter a presentation mode. In presentation mode, the hand-held barcode scanner continuously attempts to read and decode barcodes within its field of view. Presentation mode may time out after a period of inactivity (e.g., one minute) because it tends to deplete the battery and/or increase wear on the unit. Although hand-held barcode readers having a presentation mode are useful in allowing for continuous reading of barcodes (e.g., multiple barcodes presented in succession), the process for configuring the reader to enter (or exit) presentation mode sometimes impedes usability. In particular, many hand-held barcode readers require a user to scan a specific barcode (e.g., a configuration barcode) to enter presentation mode. When the specific configuration barcode is scanned, the hand-held barcode reader enters presentation mode (e.g., for a predetermined duration of time). This approach requires the user to have ready access to the configuration barcode, which is often not the case, especially given, the portable nature of these barcode readers. Alternatively, an application on the host device may be used to send a control command to the scanner to put it into presentation mode. This method requires complexity within the host device application, and requires the scanner to be in a bi-directional interface mode. This approach is often impractical, and, in many cases, is not a desired methodology due to the complexities of the interface logic and the protocol required for the application, to send the appropriate command at the appropriate time.

Furthermore, the health care field has, in general, embraced the use of hand-held barcode readers. In the hospital setting, in particular, hand-held barcode readers are widely used to keep track of patients, medications, patient charts, etc. Hand-held barcode readers are often located on workstations-on-wheels (WOWs), which are portable work areas that typically include battery power for electronic devices, work surface, medication drawers, file storage pockets, and a monitor, keyboard and mouse. These workstations-on-wheels are similar to small desks that an be wheeled from room to room as a healthcare worker (e.g., a nurse) makes the patient rounds, or that can be positioned in any desired area in a hospital or other setting where a portable workstation is desired.

The twenty-four hour nature of healthcare tends to result in medical professionals being required to work in patient rooms during the night. During these and other times, it is often desirable to maintain room lighting at a low level to avoid disturbing the patient. Unfortunately, the low lighting can make it difficult for the healthcare worker to see well enough to perform important tasks such as reading or notating patient charts. While the addition of a small worklight is generally efficacious, the portable nature of the workstation-on-wheels generally means there is little additional space to support another component such as a light and its power cable.

A need exists, therefore, for a hand-held indicia reading device that a user can more easily configure to read indicia in presentation mode. A need also exists for a hand-held indicia reading device that can serve as a light source for a workstation-on-wheels or other work area.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention embraces an illuminating, indicia-reading device. The illuminating, indicia-reading device includes a hand-held indicia reader that has (i) an indicia-capturing subsystem for acquiring information about indicia within the indicia-capturing subsystem's field of view, (ii) an indicia-decoding module configured for decoding indicia information acquired by the indicia-capturing subsystem, (iii) a light-source emitting broad-spectrum, visible light, and (iv) a hand-supportable housing physically integrating the indicia-capturing subsystem, the indicia-decoding module, and the broad-spectrum light source. The illuminating, indicia-reading device also includes a charging-and-communication base (CCB) having exactly one communication button for initiating communication with the hand-held indicia reader. The charging and communication base is configured to removably seat the hand-held indicia reader. The charging-and-communication base's communication button is configured to activate the indicia-capturing subsystem, the indicia-decoding module, and the broad-spectrum light source when the hand-held indicia reader is seated in the charging and communication base.

In another aspect, the present invention embraces an illuminating, indicia-reading device. The illuminating, indicia-reading device includes a hand-held indicia reader. The hand-held indicia reader has (i) an indicia-capturing subsystem for acquiring information about indicia within the indicia-capturing subsystem's field of view, (ii) an indicia-decoding module configured for decoding indicia information acquired by the indicia-capturing subsystem, (iii) a page-receiving subsystem configured for indicating the location of the hand-held indicia reader, (iv) a light-source emitting broad-spectrum, visible light, (v) a trigger configured to activate the indicia-capturing subsystem, the indicia-decoding module, and the broad-spectrum light, source, and (vi) a hand-supportable housing physically integrating the indicia-capturing subsystem, the indicia-decoding module, the broad-spectrum light source, and the trigger. The illuminating, indicia-reading device also includes a charging-and-communication base having exactly one communication button for initiating communication with the hand-held indicia reader. The charging-and-communication base (CCB) also has a page-transmitting subsystem configured for activating the hand-held indicia reader's page-receiving subsystem. The charging-and-communication base is configured to removably seat the hand-held indicia reader. When the hand-held indicia reader is unseated from the charging-and-communication base, the trigger is configured to activate the indicia-capturing subsystem, the indicia-decoding module, and the broad-spectrum light source, and the charging-and-communication base's communication button is configured to activate the paging subsystem. When the hand-held indicia reader is seated in the charging and communication base, the charging-and-communication base's communication button is configured to activate the indicia-capturing subsystem, the indicia-decoding module, and the broad-spectrum light source. In both instances, the light source is used for either illuminating the indicia or illuminating objects for human viewing or inspection.

In an exemplary embodiment, the illuminating, indicia-reading device includes a trigger integrated into the hand-held indicia reader's hand-supportable housing. The trigger is configured to activate the indicia-capturing subsystem, the indicia-decoding module, and the broad-spectrum light source when the hand-held indicia reader is unseated from the charging-and-communication base.

In another exemplary embodiment, the charging-and-communication base's communication button is configured to page the hand-held indicia reader when the hand-held indicia reader is unseated from the charging and communication base.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the hand-held indicia reader is configured to emit a sound when paged by the charging-and-communication base.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the indicia-capturing subsystem, the indicia-decoding module, and the broad-spectrum light source are configured to deactivate after a defined period of indicia-reading inactivity following activation of the indicia-capturing subsystem, the indicia-decoding module, and the broad-spectrum light source by the communication button.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the charging and communication base's communication button is configured to activate the indicia-capturing subsystem, the indicia-decoding module, and the broad-spectrum light source for a predetermined time period.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the hand-held indicia-reader is a hand-held barcode reader.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the hand-held indicia reader is powered by a battery (e.g., a rechargeable battery).

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the light-source emitting broad-spectrum, visible light, is configured to emit white light.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the light-source emitting broad-spectrum, visible light, is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation an wavelengths between about 450 nanometers to 600 nanometers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention embraces an illuminating, indicia-reading device. In particular, the present invention embraces an illuminating, indicia-reading device that includes a hand-held indicia reader and a charging-and-communication base (CCB). The hand-held indicia reader is configured to read and decode indicia. In this regard, the term “indicia” is intended broadly to include any machine-readable indicia, including barcodes, QR codes, matrix codes, 1D barcodes, 2D barcodes, RFID tags, IR tags, near-field-communication (NFC) tags, and characters that are readable via optical character recognition (OCR). Indicia are typically graphical representations of information (e.g., data), such as product numbers, package tracking numbers, patient identification numbers, medication tracking identifiers, personnel identification numbers, etc. The use of indicia readers to input data into a system, rather than manual data entry, results in generally faster and more reliable data entry. The hand-held indicia reader includes a trigger that initiates the reading and decoding of indicia within the hand-held indicia reader's field of view.

The charging-and-communication base is configured to removably seat the hand-held indicia reader and to communicate with the hand-held indicia reader. The charging-and-communication base typically includes exactly one communication button for initiating communication with the hand-held indicia reader. The communication button is configured to page the hand-held indicia reader, thereby providing the user with guidance regarding the physical location of the hand-held indicia reader, when the hand-held indicia reader is unseated from the charging-and-communication base. When the hand-held indicia reader is seated in the charging-and-communication base, the communication button is configured to place the hand-held indicia reader into presentation mode. While in presentation mode the hand-held indicia reader's broad spectrum light source is turned on, thereby providing a source of light for the user (e.g., a worklight at a workstation).

Reference is now made toFIGS. 1 and 2. The indicia-reading device10according to the present invention includes a hand-held indicia reader12. The hand-held indicia reader12may be any kind of device capable of reading and decoding indicia. Typically, the hand-held indicia reader12includes a hand-supportable housing20that physically integrates the other components of the hand-held indicia reader12. The hand-held indicia reader12is of a size, weight, and shape that enable a user to hold the hand-held indicia reader in his or her hand(s) while using the hand-held indicia reader12. Typically, the hand-held indicia reader's hand-supportable housing20is ergonomically shaped such that a user can hold and use the hand-held indicia reader12comfortably for long periods of time.

The hand-held indicia reader12includes an indicia-capturing subsystem14. The indicia-capturing subsystem14acquires information about indicia within the indicia-capturing subsystem's field of view. Typically, the indicia-capturing subsystem14is either a laser-scanning module or, more typically in regards to this disclosure, an imaging module (e.g., optical reader). As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, a laser-scanning module sweeps a laser from a laser source (e.g., laser diode) across its field of view. A photoreceptor (e.g., photodiode) acquires the laser light reflected from the indicia. The laser-scanning module converts the acquired, reflected laser light (e.g., optical signal) into an electrical signal that can be processed and decoded using signal processing techniques. An imaging module captures an image (e.g., frame) representing objects, including indicia, within its field of view. The image module's image sensor converts light received through the imaging module's lens assembly into a digital image capable of being processed and decoded using image processing techniques.

Without intending to limit the scope of the claims in any way, this disclosure is especially pertinent to indicia readers that utilize an imaging module. Because the disclosure is not limited to such a configuration, however, references hereinafter to “indicia information” are intended to encompass indicia-related data acquired by the indicia capturing subsystem, including both electrical, signals derived from a laser-scanning module's acquisition of laser light reflected from insignia as well as the indicia-depicting portion of an image acquired by an imaging module.

The hand-held indicia reader12also includes an indicia-decoding module16. The indicia-decoding module16is configured for decoding indicia information acquired by the indicia-capturing subsystem14. The indicia-decoding module16typically includes a processor (e.g., a computer processor, such as a microprocessor) for processing indicia information and an associated memory for storing indicia information, and software (e.g., image-processing software) that the processor executes to process the indicia information.

The hand-held indicia reader12also includes a light source for emitting electromagnetic radiation. Typically, the light source18emits broad-spectrum, visible light (e.g., white light). The light source18may emit other kinds of visible light, however (e.g., electromagnetic radiation at wavelengths between about 450 nanometers and 600 nanometers), including colored visible light comprised of single or multiple wavelengths (e.g., green light at about 550 nm). The light source18typically emits white light suitable for illuminating objects in and around the field of view of the hand-held indicia reader's indicia-capturing subsystem14. One of the functions of the light-source18is to ensure that indicia are illuminated such that the indicia-capturing subsystem14can acquire an adequate amount of indicia information. For example, the light-source18aids in ensuring that there is enough light reflected off the insignia to allow the indicia-capturing subsystem14to obtain a usable (e.g., decodable) image of the indicia. Other advantages of the visible light produced by the light source18will be discussed (below).

Typically, the hand-held indicia reader12includes a trigger15(e.g., switch) that is configured for activating the indicia-capturing subsystem14, the indicia-decoding module16, and the light-source18when the hand-held indicia reader12is unseated from the charging-and-communication base22. To acquire indicia information, the user actuates (e.g., depresses) the trigger15when indicia are brought within the field of view of the indicia-capturing subsystem14. Typically, the hand-held indicia reader12continuously attempts to read and decode indicia as long as the trigger15is actuated. When the trigger15is released, however, the hand-held indicia reader typically ceases its attempts to acquire indicia information (e.g., by entering standby mode). Typically, the trigger15is integrated into (e.g., disposed on) the hand-held indicia reader's hand-supportable housing20, which also physically integrates the indicia-capturing subsystem14, the indicia-decoding module16, and the light-source18.

The illuminating, indicia-reading device10also includes a charging-and-communication base (CCB)22, commonly referred to as a charging station, base station, or cradle. The charging-and-communication base22is often connectable to a host device (not pictured), such as a computer, cash register, point-of-sale (POS) terminal, transaction terminal, or similar device. The charging-and-communication base22communicates with the hand-held indicia reader12and the host device. For example, the hand-held indicia reader12and the charging-and-communication base22may communicate via wireless technology (e.g., wireless LAN or PAN transmissions). The wireless connection, permits data such as indicia information (e.g., captured image data, or decoded meta data) to be transmitted from the hand-held indicia reader12to the charging-and-communication base22. Communication of data between the charging-and-communication base22and the host device may be by way of these wireless technologies or by way of wired connection technology (e.g., USB, FireWire (IEEE 1394), RS-232, etc.).

The hand-held indicia reader12may be seated in (e.g., removably seated in, removably coupled with, docked with, etc.) the charging-and-communication base22. Typically, when the hand-held indicia reader12is seated in the charging-and-communication base22, the hand-held indicia reader12is in a position were it can still acquire indicia information (e.g., its field of view is not blocked by the charging-and-communication base22or a supporting surface). In this way, the charging-and-communication base22serves as a stand for positioning the hand-held indicia reader12in a suitable position for reading indicia (e.g., in presentation mode), or can be attached to a mounting apparatus that allows optimal light projection to the work surface.

The hand-held indicia reader12can be equipped with a battery (e.g., a rechargeable lithium ion battery) to provide power, such as during periods when the hand-held indicia reader12is removed from the charging-and-communication base22. The battery may be recharged by seating the hand-held indicia reader12in the charging-and-communication base22. Power to operate the hand-held indicia reader12when seated in the charging-and-communication base22can originate from the host device, such as via a wired connection (e.g., USB). As will be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art, electrical terminals and conductive contacts can be used to facilitate communication of an electrical signal between the charging-and-communication base22and the hand-held indicia reader12.

The charging-and-communication base22has exactly one communication button24. The communication button24initiates communication with the hand-held indicia reader12. In other words, when a user wishes to initiate a communication from the charging-and-communication base22to the hand-held indicia reader12, the user actuates (e.g., depresses) the communication button24. The charging-and-communication base22may have other buttons or switches that serve functions other than initiating communication with the hand-held indicia reader12, but the charging-and-communication base22embraced by the present invention has exactly one communication button24for initiating communication with the hand-held indicia reader12.

The nature of the communication transmitted by the charging-and-communication base's exactly one communication button24changes depending upon the positioning of the hand-held indicia reader12. More specifically, when the hand-held indicia reader12is seated in the charging-and-communication base22, the communication button24is configured to activate the indicia-capturing subsystem14, the indicia-decoding module16, and the light source18. Typically, when the hand-held indicia reader12is seated in the charging-and-communication base22, the communication button24is configured to place the hand-held indicia reader12into presentation mode, thereby resulting in the continuous activation of the indicia-capturing subsystem14, the indicia-decoding module16, and the light source18. When in presentation mode, the hand-held indicia reader12continuously attempts to read and decode indicia until a predetermined period of time elapses after the last successful decoding of an insignia. Alternatively, the hand-held indicia reader remains in presentation mode for a set duration (e.g., between about 5 minutes and 30 minutes).

Placing the hand-held indicia reader12into presentation mode by depressing (or otherwise actuating) the communication button24while the hand-held indicia reader12is seated in the charging-and-communication base22provides the user a hands-free indicia-reading experience. The user can place items within the field of view of the hand-held indicia reader12, which will automatically read the indicia while in presentation mode. An additional benefit of this feature is that it allows the illuminating, indicia-reading device10to serve as a worklamp. Because the communication button24also activates the light source18when the hand-held indicia reader12is seated in the charging-and-communication base22, the user can position the illuminating, indicia-reading device10such that, the light source can project light onto the user's work area (e.g., the WOW's work surface). In this regard, the hand-held indicia reader12and charging-and-communication base22may be physically configured such that when the hand-held indicia reader12is seated in the charging-and-communication base22the light source projects light downward onto a work surface (e.g., below horizontal at an angle of between about 30 degrees and 90 degrees, such as between about 45 degrees and 60 degrees) rather than horizontally. Additionally, the hand-held indicia reader12and charging-and-communication base22may be physically configured such that when the hand-held indicia reader12is seated in the charging-and-communication base22the light source projects light through an opening in the charging-and-communication base22.

When the hand-held indicia reader12is unseated from the charging-and-communication base22, the communication button24pages the hand-held indicia reader12. In other words, when the hand-held indicia reader12is not docked with the charging-and-communication base22, depressing the communication button24results in a signal being sent from the charging-and-communication base22to the hand-held indicia reader12that results in the hand-held indicia reader12making an audible sound (e.g., a series of beeps) and/or displaying a visual cue (e.g., flashing light) to assist the user in locating the hand-held indicia reader12.

As shown inFIG. 3, in an exemplary embodiment, the indicia-reading device's charging-and-communication base22has a page-transmitting subsystem28. The page-transmitting subsystem28is typically a wireless communicator for transmitting wireless communication signals (e.g., wireless PAN or LAN signals, RF signals, IR signals, near-field-communication signals, etc.). Similarly, the hand-held indicia reader12has a page-receiving subsystem, which typically includes a wireless receiver for receiving wireless communication signals. The page-transmitting subsystem28is configured for activating the hand-held indicia reader's page-receiving subsystem30when the communication button24is actuated while the hand-held indicia reader12is unseated from the charging-and-communication base22.