Handle for portable data terminal

A portable device having a body, a battery, a display, a data acquisition device, a handle, a trigger supported by the handle, and a first power port supported by the handle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable data terminals (PDT) are a type of data collection device used to collect, interpret, process, and ultimately transfer data to a larger data processing system. PDTs generally comprise a mobile computer, a keypad, and a data acquisition device. It is to be noted that some PDTs utilize more durable or “industrial” versions of their constituent components. The mobile computer generally comprises a hand held (or “pocket”) computing device, such as those available from INTEL, PALM, HEWLETT PACKARD, and DELL. Keypads come in a variety of alpha-numeric and numeric configurations. The data acquisition device generally comprises a device that captures data from, for example, radio frequency IDs (RFID), images, and bar codes. Data may also be captured via keypad entry and utilization of a touch pad associated with the mobile computer. PDT's are available from several sources, including the assignee of the present application: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC.

FIG. 1Ais an orthogonal view of a known PDT100.FIG. 1Bis a plan view of a known PDT100. In particular, the example illustrated inFIG. 1Autilizes a popular form factor incorporating a body102and a handle101. The body102generally supports a variety of components, including: a battery (not shown but typically located the rear half of the body); an LCD with touch screen106; a keyboard108(including a scan button108a); a scan engine110; and a data/charging port112(not fully illustrated). The scan engine110may comprise, for example, an image engine or a laser engine. The data/charging port112typically comprises a proprietary (and often expensive) interface with one set of pins or pads for the transmitting and receiving of data and a second set of pins or pads for receiving power for powering the system and/or charging the battery.

The handle101extends from a bottom surface of the body102thereby facilitating a pistol like grip. Known handles, including the illustrated handle101, incorporate a trigger114and a receptacle116(not fully illustrated) for receiving and retaining a stylus for activation of the touch screen106.

In use, the user may actuate either the scan key108aor the trigger114to initiate an image capture via the image engine110. The captured image is analyzed, e.g. decoded, to identify the data it represents. The decoded data is stored and possibly displayed on the PDT100. Additional processing of the data may take place on the PDT100and/or a data processing resource to which the data is transmitted via any available transport mechanism on the PDT100. Some examples of known transport mechanisms utilized by PDT's include: Bluetooth, WiFi, GSM, CDMA, USB, IrDA, removable FLASH memory, parallel and serial ports (including for example, RS-232).

Handled PDTs, such as the PDT100, are usually designed by adding a handle onto an existing bar shaped PDT. In some instances, the handle is a user assembled after-the-fact accessory. Accordingly, the present inventors have recognized a need for an improved handled portable data terminal. Additionally, it has been recognized that additional options for providing power to PDTs are needed as the cable assemblies required to interface with receptacles such as the receptacle116are expensive and cumbersome.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The following description will use nomenclature associated with a PDT, however those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the present invention is applicable to a variety of other portable devices including personal data assistants (PDAs); bar code scanners, consumer electronics (including portable radios, televisions and phones), and the like. It is anticipated that many such portable devices would benefit from the present invention, including the embodiments thereof described herein. It is to be noted that an element number followed by a letter generally indicates multiple occurrences of similar, either in structure or function, elements. Further, the use of an italicized “n” (e.g. n) associated with an element number generally denotes either an unspecified one of such elements or a partial or complete group of such elements—the meaning of which is to be drawn from the context of such use.

FIG. 2is a block diagram of a PDT1000in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the illustrated design of the PDT1000has been simplified so as to permit a briefer explanation of systems and components not directly related to the present invention.

A central processing unit (CPU)1010receives data from and outputs data to other sub-systems for storage, transmission and additional processing. CPU1010may be implemented using any number of off the shelf solutions including: embedded processors, such as an XSCALE processor available from INTEL; general purpose processors, such as a PENTIUM 4 available from INTEL; or any number of custom solutions including pre-configured field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Overall operation of the CPU1010is controlled by software or firmware, typically referred to as an operating system, stored in one or more memory locations1017n, including RAM1017aand FLASH memory1017b. Examples of suitable operating systems for PDT1000include graphical user interfaces such as WINDOWS MOBIL, WINDOWS CE, WINDOWS XP, LINUX, PALM, and OSX.

In general, communication to and from the CPU1010and among the various sub-components takes place via one or more ports or busses, including a main system bus1012; I2C busses1013aand1013b; a plurality of Universal Asynchronous Receivers/Transmitter (UART) ports1014n, a Universal Serial Bus (USB)1015n, and an RS-232 port1016.

The illustrated CPU1010also includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) controller1018for controlling an LCD1020. A touch sensitive panel1021, which may be in communication with one or more of the CPU1010and an auxiliary processor1024via the I2C bus1013b, may be associated with the LCD1020for receipt of data thereon. The combination of the LCD1020and the touch sensitive panel1021is often referred to as a “touch screen.”

A variety of secondary processors may be provided to perform general and application specific functions. The example illustrated inFIG. 2provides two such processors: a field programmable gate array (FPGA)1022and the auxiliary processor1024. The FPGA1022may comprise any number of FPGA including the Virtex-4 family of FPGAs available from XILINX. The auxiliary processor1024may comprise any number of embedded (or general purpose) processors, including the PICmicro® family of microcontrollers available from MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY.

The auxiliary processor1024may interface with and control a variety of data input devices including, for example, the touch panel1021, a keyboard1034and a trigger1036. By way of example, the PDT1000may be configured so that displayed menu options are selected by physically depressing a key on the keyboard1034or activating the touch screen1021with use of a finger or stylus. The trigger1036may be used for initiating and controlling the various data collection systems, such as an image signal generating system1028, an RFID sensing system1030, or a magnetic stripe reader1040.

The data collection systems (e.g. the image signal generating system1028, the RFID sensing system1030, and the magnetic stripe reader1050) may be controlled by one or more of the CPU1010, the auxiliary processor1024, and the FPGA1022. In this case, the FPGA1022initiates and controls the operation of the data collection systems and accumulates data received there from prior to depositing such data in memory1017n. Possible configurations of FPGA1022are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,947,612 incorporated herein by reference.

The image signal generating system1028generally comprises a two dimensional solid state image sensor1029utilizing such technologies as CCD, CMOS, and CID, for capturing an image containing data, e.g. a bar code or signature. Two-dimensional solid state image sensors generally have a plurality of photo sensor picture elements (“pixels”) which are formed in a pattern including a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns of pixels. The image signal generating system1028further includes an imaging optics (not shown) focusing an image onto an active surface of the image sensor1029. Image sensor1029may be incorporated on an image sensor IC chip having disposed thereon image sensor control circuitry, image signal conditioning circuitry, and an analog-to-digital converter. FPGA1022manages the capture and transfer of image data into RAM1017n. Decoding may be performed by the CPU1010or any suitable secondary processor. Examples of devices suitable for use as the imaging assembly1028include an IMAGETEAM 5x00VGA/5x00MPX imaging module of the type available from Hand Held Products, assignee of the present application. A variety of alternatives, including dedicated laser barcode scanners may also be utilized.

One use model of the image signal generating system1028is for reading and interpreting bar codes such as bar code1051aon an item1050. In this mode, when the trigger1036is actuated, the CPU1010causes the appropriate control signals to be sent to the image sensor1029. In response thereto, the image sensor1029outputs digital image data including (hopefully) an adequate representation of the bar code symbol1050. The digital image data is streamed to the FPGA1022where it is collected and subsequently deposited in memory1017n. In accordance with a decoding program (not specifically illustrated) an attempt may be made to decode the bar code represented in the captured electronic image representation. The capture and decoding of image data may occur automatically in response to a trigger signal being generated, usually by activation of the trigger1036or a pre-selected key on keyboard1034. For example, the CPU1010may be configured, typically through execution of a program resident in memory1017n, to continuously capture and decode bar code symbols represented therein as long as trigger1036is actuated. The cycle may be terminated upon successfully decoding the bar code symbol or by timing out after a number of unsuccessful attempts.

In addition to having a decode mode of operation, the image signal generation system1028may also be configured for an image capture mode of operation. In an image capture mode of operation, control circuit1010captures an electronic image representation in response to the trigger1036being actuated without attempting to decode a decodable symbol represented therein. The captured electronic image representation may be one or more of (i) stored into a designated memory location of memory1017n, (ii) transmitted to an external spaced apart device, or (iii) displayed on LCD1020. This mode may be used to capture, for example an image of a signature or damage to a package.

The RFID reader unit1030includes an RF oscillation and receiver circuit1032aand a data decode processing circuit1032b. RFID reader unit1030may be configured to read RF encoded data from a passive RFID tag, such as tag1051b, which may be disposed on article1050.

Where the RFID reader unit1032ais configured to read RF encoded data from a passive RFID tag, the RF oscillation and receiver circuit1032atransmits a carrier signal to the passive tag which in turn converts the carrier energy to voltage form and actuates a transponder (not shown) to transmit a radio signal representing the encoded tag data. The RF oscillator and receiver circuit1032a, in turn, receives the radio signal from the tag and converts the data into a digital format. The data decode processing circuit1032b, typically including a low cost microcontroller IC chip, decodes the received radio signal information received by RF oscillator and receiver circuit1032ato decode the encoded identification data originally encoded into RFID tag.

RFID reader unit1030may, for example, operate in a selective activation mode or in a continuous read operating mode. In a selective activation mode, RFID reader unit1030broadcasts radio signals in an attempt to activate a tag or tags in its vicinity in response to an RFID trigger signal being received. In a continuous read mode, RFID reader module1030continuously broadcasts radio signals in an attempt to actuate a tag or tags in proximity with unit automatically, without module1030receiving a trigger signal. PDT1000may be configured so that the CPU1010recognizes a trigger signal under numerous conditions, such as: (1) the trigger1034is actuated; (2) an RFID trigger instruction is received from a remote device; or (3) the CPU1010determines that a predetermined condition has been satisfied.

Still further, the PDT1000may include a card reader unit1040for reading data from a card11052. Card reader unit1040generally comprises a signal detection circuit1042aand a data decode circuit1042b. In operation, the signal detection circuit1042adetects data, from for example a magnetic strip1053on a card1052. Subsequently, the data decode circuit1042bdecodes the data. The decoded data may be transmitted to the CPU1010for further processing via the FPGA1022. The card reader unit1040can be selected to be of a type that reads card information encoded in more than one data format. For example, the card reader unit1040may comprise a Panasonic ZU-9A36CF4 Integrated Smart Reader capable of reading any one of magnetic stripe data, smart card or Integrated circuit card (IC card) data, and RF transmitted data.

A power circuit1100supplies power to the PDT1000. The power circuit1100generally comprises a series of power supplies1102nthat regulate the power supplied to the various components of the PDT1000. The power supplies1102neach generally comprise step up or step down circuits which are in turn connected to each of the various components in the PDT1000that require the particular voltage output by that power supply1102n.

The power supplies receive current from a power bus1103which is, in turn, supplied by one of a battery1104, a first power input1106or a connector1108that includes a second power input. The first power input1106may comprise a DC power jack, for example, a 2.5 mm coaxial DC power plug which receives 9.5 volts from a conventional AC/DC transformer. The connector1108may comprise any number of known connection technologies, such as the D Series of circular plastic connectors or the HCL D-sub derivative design data transfer connector available from HYPERTRONICS, INC. Certain pins of the connector1108may be dedicated to receiving DC power, for example 9.5 volts, while other pins are dedicated to one or more communication paths, e.g. RS-232 and USB. It may also prove advantageous to provide DC power out, for example from a power supply1102a, so as to power tethered accessories, such as external magnetic stripe or RFID readers (not shown). It may prove further advantageous to add circuitry to insulate the first power input1106from the second power input on the connector1108and other components in the PDT1000in the event that a user attempts to supply power to both power inputs.

The battery1104may be selected from any of a variety of battery technologies including NiMh, NiCd, Li Ion, or Li Polymer. The battery1104is charged by a charge circuit1110which receives power from either the first power input1106or the second power input on the connector1108. The charge circuit may comprise any of a number of available circuits. In the example shown inFIG. 2, control is provided to the CPU1016which may modify the charging behavior of the charge circuit1110based on information generated by the auxiliary processor1024. In this example, the auxiliary processor1024monitors battery chemistry, such as gas content, via known interfaces, such as the SMART battery interface as specified by the Smart Battery System Implementers Forum. A switch1112isolates the battery based upon the presence of power from the first power input1106or the second power input on the connector1108. Thus, when an external power supply is connected to either the power input1106or the second power input on the connector1108, the battery is isolated from the power supplies1102nand may be charged via the charge circuit110. Once power is removed from the power input1106and the connector1108, the battery is connected to the power supplies1102n.

The PDT1000may further include a plurality of wireless communication links such as an 802.11 communication link1260, an 802.16 communication link1262, a communication link1264for communication with a cellular network such as a network in accordance with the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), an IR communication link1268, and a Bluetooth communication link1270. Each of these links facilitates communication with a remote device and may be used to transfer and receive data.

FIGS. 3A,3B, and3C are top, bottom and side views, respectively, of a handle300in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 4is a cross-sectional view of a handle300in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The handle300generally comprises an elongated housing302(in turn comprising a first half302aand a second half302b) with a trigger304on a side surface thereof and a charging port306on a bottom surface thereof. The charging port306may comprise a 2.5 mm DC plug. The top surface includes a mating portion310which is to be inserted into a recess on a lower portion of a body of a PDT. The mating portion310includes screw holes312nand an opening314through which a wiring harness320passes. Rubber over-molding311surrounds the mating portion310preferably extending past an edge310athereof. The over-molding311mates with the walls of a cavity506in the body of the PDT (seeFIG. 5) and, depending on the selected tolerances may conform thereto. The thickness of the over-molding311may be varied based on the tolerances available in the plastic molding process used to create the elongated housing302. The rubber over-molding311is deformable and can serve to fill in (partially or fully) a tolerance induced gap between the edge310aof the plastic projection310and the cavity506of the plastic housing500. By filling in the gap between the handle300and the body500with rubber, the fit between the two is improved and movement may be reduced between the two parts when under stress.

A wiring harness320extends from an opening305in the top of the handle300through the opening314on the top of the handle300. A first end, the end exiting the opening314, of the wiring harness320is provided with a plug322. The plug322is adapted to interface with a receptacle on a board supported in the body (not shown). In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, four wires extend from the plug322into the handle300. Two wires (collectively322b) interface with the trigger304while the other two wires (collectively322a) interface with the charging port306. A gasket324is overmolded onto the wiring harness320and seals the opening314. Similarly, a gasket328is overmolded on to the ends of the wires322ato cover otherwise exposed solder joints with the charging port306. The charging port may be protected by a rubber flap308. The ends of the wires322bare connected to a printed circuit board331of the trigger assembly330, for example using a plug326or by being soldered thereto.

The trigger assembly generally comprises the PCB331; a metal dome switch332mounted to the PCB331; and a trigger304biased away from the PCB331by a spring336. When pressed, a projection304aon the trigger304activates the switch332thereby electrically connecting the ends of the trigger wires322ballowing a signal to pass there through (of course the switch332could also open the circuit to indicate activation of the trigger304). It may be preferable for the trigger operation to be handled in the same manner as a press on the keyboard1034. Alternatively, the trigger may be implemented as an interrupt.

The handle halves302aand302bare preferably injection molded. Injection molding utilized two or more dies which are filled with a plastic material and then pulled apart to produce the molded article. As the dies are pulled apart, their movement must be unimpeded by features in the article. Looking atFIG. 4, a T-shaped tab342is molded adjacent to a channel extending from the opening340which receives a stylus341. The tab342, flexes toward the trigger302as the stylus is inserted and then biases against a groove341ain the stylus341to secure the stylus341upon full insertion into the handle. Notice that the biasing force acts at right angles to the direction of mold movement during formation of the handle half302a.

FIG. 5is a cross sectional view of a portion of a body in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular,FIG. 5illustrates a lower half500of a body of a PDT. The lower half500generally defines three cavities: a battery cavity502, an electronics cavity504and a handle cavity506. The battery cavity502is shaped to receive and secure a battery (not shown). The electronics cavity504is shaped to receive and support a variety of mechanical and electrical components, such as one or more printed circuit boards, an imaging engine, a central processing unit, memory, and antennas.

The handle cavity506is shaped to receive a handle300and in particular the mating portion310. The handle cavity is provided with an opening508for receiving the first end of the wire harness320. It may prove beneficial for the opening508to closely interface with the gasket324so as to protect the wires320. Screw holes510nare provided to receive screws (not shown) which terminated in screw holes312nin the handle300.

FIG. 6is an assembly diagram of a PDT in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In general, the projection310of the handle300is secured in the recess506of the lower body half500with screws604n. A layer of flexible adhesive602is provided between the body500and the handle300. The flexible adhesive602may, for example, comprise a layer of foam adhesive tape cut to fit the recess506. The flexible adhesive602provides sealing around screw holes510nand adds additional strength to compensate for the loosening of screws604n.

An idealized electronics package is illustrated by elements610through616. The electronic package is supported by body500and generally comprises an imager610, a printed circuit board612, an LCD614and a touch panel616. The connector322is connected to an interface on the printed circuit board612and supplies power and an indication of the activation of the trigger304thereto.