Apparatus comprising a pistol grip

A pistol-grip module includes a handle and a coupling member that is configured to couple, mechanically and electrically, to a battery compartment of an active frame. The active frame, which includes at least one electrically powered device, is intended to receive a data-capture device, such as a smart phone. In versions of the pistol-grip module that include a trigger, the trigger can be used to actuate the electrically powered device of the active frame.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to hand-held data-capture devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Handheld data-capture devices, such as bar code scanners, smart card readers, hand-held medical computers, mobile devices enabled with POS systems, and the like are becoming ubiquitous. These devices, which are essentially hand-held computers, are available in variety of form factors, including smartphones, handheld PDAs, tablets, and single-purpose devices.

Most of these hand-held data-capture devices include keys and a screen and are intended to be held like a phone. As a consequence, when a user holds the device for use, the wrist is rotated so the hand is in a palm-up orientation and the device is supported by the palm and four fingers (index through pinky). The buttons can be “pressed” using the thumb or the fingers of the free hand.

In scan-intensive applications, the rotated-wrist orientation leads to discomfort and fatigue. For this reason, many hand-held data-capture units are now available with a “pistol grip.” The pistol grip, which enables a user to hold the data-capture unit in the manner of hand gun, typically includes a “trigger,” which can be used to actuate a function of the unit (e.g., the scanner, etc.).

The pistol grip places the wrist is in a neutral (i.e., non-rotated), “hand-shake” orientation, which results in less discomfort and user fatigue. Furthermore, the trigger of the pistol grip is actuated using the index finger whereas the thumb is used when the device is held in a palm-up configuration. The latter is the far-more fatiguing approach. Alternatively, fingers of the free hand can be used when the device is held in a palm-up configuration. Although not particularly fatiguing, that requires the use of a second hand to operate the data capture device.

In some prior-art hand-held data-capture devices, the pistol grip is an integral part of the device itself; it is not separable. In some others, the pistol grip is an add-on, adapted to removably couple to the data-capture device. For an add-on pistol grip, the manufacturer must address issues such as how to provide a suitably robust mechanical connection between the grip and the device as well as how to create a reliable electrical connection between the trigger of the pistol grip and the data-capture device.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a way to couple an add-on pistol grip to a hand-held “data-capture device” or “engine” (these terms are used interchangeably herein) without some of the drawbacks of the prior art.

In the illustrative embodiment of the invention, the pistol grip is used in conjunction with an active frame. The active frame is configured to receive and operatively couple to an “engine,” which, in the illustrative embodiment, is a smart phone (e.g., the “iPhone™” by Apple, Inc., etc.). The active frame supplements or enhances the capabilities of the engine for use in specific applications. For example, the active frame and engine can be coupled to provide a device particularly useful in medical settings, such as disclosed in U.S. application Ser. No. 61/765,239.

The active frame includes features that require power and, as such, some embodiments of the active frame include a power source. In some embodiments, the active frame is battery powered, wherein the active frame includes a removable battery pack. The battery pack resides in the active frame in an appropriately sized and shaped battery compartment or recess. The compartment includes plural electrical contacts. When a battery pack is inserted in the compartment, contacts on the battery pack engage the electrical contacts in the battery compartment, thereby enabling power to be delivered to the active frame and/or data-capture device.

In the accordance with the illustrative embodiment, a pistol-grip module is provided that includes a coupling member that is sized and configured to be received by the battery compartment in the active frame. The pistol grip module also includes a trigger that actuates at least one function of the active frame and/or data-capture device. For example, some embodiments of the active frame include an optical scanner wherein the trigger of the pistol grip module can be used to actuate the scanner. A battery is disposed in a handle of the pistol-grip module.

The plural electrical contacts in the battery compartment of the active frame include, in addition to power and ground contacts, a contact intended to receive a signal from the trigger for actuating the scanner. Electrical contacts are accessible from the exterior of the coupling member on the pistol-grip module. Once coupled to the active frame, these electrical contacts abut the contacts in the battery compartment of the active frame and are therefore operable to route signal and power to the active frame/data-capture device.

Thus, the battery compartment of the active frame and the coupling member of the pistol-grip module (which has essentially the same shape and size as that of the actual battery pack) form the elements of an interface, both mechanical and electrical, for coupling the pistol grip to the active frame/data-capture device.

By virtue of the aforementioned arrangement, the user can readily reconfigure the active frame/data-capture device from a non-grip implementation to a pistol-grip implementation, as suits a particular work flow. For example, for scan-intensive tasks, a user will typically use the pistol-grip; for communications-intensive tasks, a user might prefer the non-grip implementation.

Consider a setting, such as a hospital or other facility, which will have many data-capture devices in use. When the battery in a dedicated/single purpose data-capture device is depleted, a user will have to exchange that device for one with a charged battery to complete their work shift. In contrast, once the integral battery in a pistol-grip module is depleted, the pistol-grip module can be removed and replaced with another pistol-grip module having a charged battery. In the former case, the facility must have a sufficient number of extra data-capture devices at the ready, costing perhaps $1500 per unit, to replace depleted units. In the latter case, the facility stocks a sufficient number of extra pistol grip modules, costing about $100 per unit, to replace depleted units. When large numbers of units are involved, the cost savings resulting from the pistol-grip module is significant.

Since the pistol-grip module is removable and charged while separated from the data-capture device, a user can keep their data-capture device running nearly 100% of the time by simply exchanging a depleted pistol-grip module for a charged one.

As a function of the intended application, data-capture devices may also be required to meet certain protection standards (i.e., IP protection class). For example, a handheld medical computer for use in a hospital will likely be required to satisfy IP54, which requires protection against contact, dust deposit, and splashed water. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment, the coupling member of the pistol-grip module completes an IP54 seal for the active frame/data-capture device.

Embodiments of the invention provide, among other systems, apparatuses or articles:an apparatus comprising a pistol-grip module;an apparatus comprising an active frame and pistol-grip module;a handheld medical computer; anda system comprising plural pistol-grip modules, plural active frames, and a charging system for charging the pistol-grip modules.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Definitions

The following terms are defined for use in this disclosure and the appended claims:“Engine” means a device capable of acquiring, storing, and/or transmitting data, such as a smart phone, a tablet with wireless telecommunications capability, or a data-only device (e.g., iPod®, etc.). The ability to acquire and store data can be native to the capabilities of the engine, or provided via software (“APPs”) that are downloaded to and stored in the engine.“Active frame” means a structure that includes at least one electronic device (e.g., optical scanner, RFID reader, telecommunications capabilities, etc.) and is configured to mechanically and operatively couple to an “engine.” In this context, “operatively couple” means that the active frame includes features that enable pass-through activation of or access to features on the engine (e.g., buttons on the active frame as situated such that pressing such a button actuates an underlying button on the engine, or opening a port cover on the active frame provides access to an i/o port of the engine. The active frame is not a part of the engine proper; that is, the active frame is an after-market article.

Engine or data-capture device102can be a smart phone, a tablet with wireless telecommunications capabilities, or a data-only device, such as an iPod®. In the illustrative embodiment, engine102is a smart phone. Active frame104, which works in concert with engine102, is designed for use with a particular engine, based on its dimensions, layout of buttons, i/o ports, telecommunications capabilities, and the like. In the illustrative embodiment, active frame104is designed for use with Apple Inc.'s iPhone®5. It is within the capabilities of those skilled in the art, in conjunction with this disclosure, to modify active frame104for use with a different engine, as required by the form factor thereof.

By downloading appropriate software applications “APPS” to engine102, particularly as functionally enhanced by active frame104, the engine and active frame become suitable for various specialty uses, such as a handheld medical computer, a mobile handheld POS terminal, an inventory/price check device, and so forth. In the illustrative embodiment, device600is a handheld medical computer that, for example and without limitation, is capable of optical scanning (e.g., a wrist tag, the label on a vial of medicine, etc.), accessing medical records, and of providing alerts.

As previously discussed, pistol-grip module466provides improved ergonomics to the active frames and engines that it is used with. The pistol-grip module also improves work flow and logistics, providing potential cost savings. It is to be understood that a pistol-grip module in accordance with the present disclosure can be coupled to other active frames, as suitably modified to receive other engines, intended for use in the same (i.e., medical) or different applications. After reading this disclosure, it will be within the capabilities of those skilled in art to modify the pistol-grip module for use with such other active frames.

Active frame104includes upper housing106and lower housing108. The upper and lower housings are attached to one another. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways, such as, for example, using screws114. The screws pass through holes112in upper housing106and are received by threaded openings (not depicted) in lower housing108.

Bumper110overlies the lip (not depicted) of lower housing108and the lip (not depicted) of upper housing106. When the upper housing and the lower housing are attached to one another, bumper110is compressed, thereby providing a dust-tight and water-tight seal. The bumper comprises a resilient material, such as silicone, TPU, or the like. In addition to serving as a seal, the bumper provides a measure of shock protection for active frame104and engine102, so as to prevent damage if device100is dropped, providing an IP54 compliant device.

Upper housing106comprises opening116that enables a user to view a screen of engine102. In embodiments, such as for use as a medical computer, when dust and liquid protection is important, opening116is not “open;” rather, transparent screen protector118is attached to the undersurface of the upper housing106and “covers” opening116. In some embodiments, transparent screen protector118is a tempered glass that is specially adapted not to interfere with the capacitive touch screen function of the underlying screen of the data-capture device, as appropriate. Such glass is available, for example, from Incipio Technologies, Inc. of Irvine, Calif.

The upper housing is appropriately configured to align with features of the engine. For example, button120overlies the “home” button (not depicted) of the engine. Opening122overlies the lens of the front camera of engine102.

Upper housing106also includes front speaker124, microphone126, and visual indicators128A and128B. In the illustrative embodiment, the indicators comprise LED light pipes with multiple color LEDs. The indicators can be used to provide a number of visual alerts/indications to a user. For example, one color indication (e.g., green, etc.) can be used to indicate when device100is plugged in and being charged. A second color indication (e.g., blue, etc.) can be used to indicate when the rear speaker is turned on. A third color indication (e.g., red, etc.) can be used as a low battery warning.

Furthermore, indicators128A and/or128B can be used to alert the user that an urgent message has been received by engine102or active frame104(if it is appropriately configured for telecommunications). In some embodiments, the use of different colors can signify a particular type of indication or the severity of an indication, and is user programmable. Furthermore, the “blink” rate of the LEDs can be used for the same purposes, and can also be user programmable.

Lower housing108includes bump-out130, which accommodates optical scanner132. Scan window134is disposed near one end of active frame104.

A number of buttons are situated along or near bumper110that enable pass-through activation of underlying buttons (not depicted) on engine102. Also, a number of port covers are situated along or near bumper110that cover various ports of engine102. Additionally, there are some buttons situated along or near bumper110that actuate functions of active frame104. The buttons and port covers are formed from the same resilient material as bumper110. The locations of buttons that are intended for pass-through activation and the location of port covers are a function of the particular engine102being used. In the illustrative embodiment, the engine is an iPhone®5, and the location and functionality of certain button and port covers are based on that engine. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that when the active frame104is being used with a different engine, the active frame will include a different complement of buttons and/or different locations therefor.

Button136is the power button and buttons144A/B are volume “increase” and “decrease” buttons (the actual buttons are not depicted inFIG. 1since they are located on an obscured sides of active frame104). Port cover140covers a mini USB port.

Buttons associated with active frame104include button138, which activates optical scanner132and button142, which toggles between front speaker124and rear speaker248(seeFIG. 2), and button143, which checks the level of charge of the battery (of active frame104).

FIG. 2depicts the back of active frame104, showing a further view of lower housing108and some of its features.

Lower housing108includes a compartment or recess252in which battery pack254resides. The battery is hot-swappable and rechargeable. In some embodiments, a lithium polymer battery is used. All native functions of engine102continue to function when battery pack254is removed. Arm or latch260, which is disposed in recess258in the bottom surface of lower housing108, is the lock/release for battery pack254. When battery pack254is disposed in battery compartment252, latch260engages recess256in battery pack to lock the battery pack to active frame104.

Contacts246enable the rechargeable battery within battery pack254to be recharged via a charger.

Lower housing108also includes rear speaker248, which is more powerful than front speaker124. As previously discussed, button142enables a user to activate one or the other of these speakers. For example, if a nurse is having a private conversation, such as when discussing patient information wherein compliance with HIPAA laws is required, front speaker124is preferably used. It is also desirable to deactivate rear speaker248when possible since its use requires an audio amplification circuit.

Opening250(which is covered inFIG. 2) in lower housing108is the opening for the rear camera and flash of engine102(again, when the engine is an iPhone®5).

FIG. 3depicts a view of active frame104with battery pack254removed, revealing battery compartment252and electrical contacts362. The electrical contacts electrically couple the rechargeable battery in battery pack254with electrical devices (e.g., optical scanner, indicators, etc.) of active frame104to provide power thereto. In some embodiments, one of the electrical contacts362electrically couples the rechargeable battery of active frame104to the battery within engine102. This enables battery pack340to recharge engine102. Battery pack254includes protuberances364that engage complementary features (e.g., notches, etc.) in battery compartment252to secure the battery pack in the battery compartment in conjunction with latch260.

Active frame104also includes a main circuit board, not depicted in the figures, which controls the active devices within the frame and enables the frame to electrically interact with engine102. In some embodiments, active frame104includes an RFID device and one or more RF telecommunications receivers (e.g., NFC, Bluetooth, WiFi, etc.) or transceivers. In some embodiments, an antenna, not depicted, is disposed on the exterior of battery pack254.

In addition to providing a hand hold, handle470serves as a housing. For example, contained within handle470are a battery, a pcb that includes charging electronics for charging the battery (e.g., miniUSB connector, contacts for use with a charging cradle, LED to indicate charging and battery level, etc.), elements of the trigger476, etc. Handle470is formed from polycarbonate. In some embodiments, handle470is internally reinforced via a molded “spine” or reinforcement layer of fiber-filled polycarbonate.

Grip472improves the overall ergonomics of handle470, having a somewhat curved surface and formed from a softer material (e.g., TPU, etc.) than polycarbonate implementations of handle470. Also, grip472provides a styling feature as well.

Post474provides a point of attachment for a wrist strap or lanyard. Trigger476is operable to actuate an active device of active frame104or engine102. In the illustrative embodiment, trigger476is operable to actuate optical scanner132. Trigger can be formed from TPU.

Coupling member478is the feature by which pistol-grip module466attaches to active frame104. Coupling member comprises lower portion480and upper portion484, both of which can be, for example, polycarbonate or other rigid and robust material.

Coupling member478, attaches, at lower portion480, to handle470, such as via cooperating male/female features. To more permanently secure coupling member478to the rest of pistol-grip module466, screws (not depicted) extend through lower portion480and into spine or reinforcement layer in handle470.

Lowe portion480of the coupling member includes recess482, which is analogous to recess256of battery pack254. Recess482cooperates with latch260to lock coupling member478, and hence pistol-grip module466, to active frame104.

Upper portion484is the portion of coupling member478that actually engages and couples to active frame104. In this regard, upper portion484is sized and shaped to fit battery compartment282; that is, it has the same form factor as battery pack254. Upper portion484includes protuberances486, which are identical to protuberances364and are intended to engage complementary features (e.g., notches, etc.) in battery compartment252to secure the upper portion484of coupling member478in the battery compartment in conjunction with latch260. Protuberances486are depicted more clearly inFIG. 5.

As depicted inFIG. 5, the uppermost surface of upper portion484of coupling member478includes electrical contacts588. At least one of these contacts is electrically coupled to the battery within handle470and at least one of these contacts is electrically coupled to trigger476.

When upper portion484is inserted in and coupled to battery compartment252, electrical contacts588engaged electrical contacts362in battery compartment252. In this fashion, power from the battery in handle470is delivered to active frame104/engine102. And when trigger476is pressed, a signal generated by the trigger is electrically coupled through the appropriate contact to actuate optical scanner132(or other device) of active frame104or engine102.

FIGS. 6 through 8depict several views of device600in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the invention. Device600includes engine102, active frame104, and pistol-grip module466. As previously discussed, in the illustrative embodiment, device600is a handheld medical computer capable of optical scanning (e.g., a wrist tag, the label on a vial of medicine, etc.) via optical scanner132of active frame104, accessing medical records via Apps stored on engine102and via the telecommunications capabilities thereof, and providing alerts to a nurse or other user via indicators128A/B, among any other capabilities.

FIG. 9depicts facility990in which a plurality of devices600are in use. The facility is divided into four wings,900A,900B,900C, and900D. Seven devices600A-i, i=1,7 are in use in wing900A, five devices600B-i, i=1,5 are in use in wing900B, eight devices600C-i, i=1,8 are in use in wing900C, and six devices600D-i, i=1,6 are in use in wing900D. Each wing has its own charging station992A,992B,992C, or992D.

As a shift starts and devices600are deployed for use, a number of pistol-grip modules446are charging (or fully charged) in the respective charging stations. In the illustrative embodiment, there is a 1:1 ratio, for each wing, between the number of devices600in use and the number of pistol-grip modules446in charging station992. As such, there are seven pistol-grip modules446A-i, i=8,14 charging in charging station992A, five pistol-grip modules446B-i, i=6,10 charging in charging station992B, eight pistol-grip modules446C-i, i=9,16 charging in charging station992C, and six pistol-grip modules446D-i, i=7,12 charging in charging station992D. In other embodiments, there can be a different ratio between the number of deployed device600and charging/charged replacement pistol-grip modules446.

Thus, wing600A has seven devices600A in use and there are seven pistol-grip modules446A charging or charged at the start of a shift. This provides one spare pistol-grip module446A for each deployed device600A. As the battery charge becomes depleted on a particular deployed device600A-i, the pistol-grip module466A-i in that device (in which the battery resides) is replaced with a pistol-grip module have a charged battery.

It is to be understood that many variations of the invention can easily be devised by those skilled in the art after reading this disclosure and that the scope of the present invention is to be determined by the following claims.