Pistol grip adapter for mobile device

An adapter for a mobile device is described. The adapter includes a handle portion having a trigger switch that is accessible to an index finger of a hand of the user when the handle portion is held in the hand of the user. A cradle portion is positioned above the handle portion for receiving at least a portion of the mobile device such that a plane of a display of the mobile device is substantially aligned with a long axis of the handle portion and the display is viewable by the user when the mobile device is positioned in the cradle portion and the handle portion is held in the hand of the user. A data acquisition device is coupled to the cradle portion. The data acquisition device acquires data from an object upon actuation of the trigger switch.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to an adapter for a mobile device. More specifically, the invention relates to an adapter for improving ergonomics and adding functionality to the mobile device.

BACKGROUND

A mobile device, such as a smart phone, having a rectangular shape is generally held in a palm of a user's hand. The user interacts with the mobile device using a finger of the other hand or a stylus held in the other hand. In a texting use case, the thumbs of both hands can be used to type on a small keypad or a graphical user interface of the mobile device while the other fingers support the mobile device from the back side of the device.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the invention is embodied in an adapter for a mobile device. The adapter includes a handle portion having a trigger switch that is accessible to an index finger of a hand of the user when the handle portion is held in the hand of the user. A cradle portion is positioned above the handle portion. The cradle portion receives at least a portion of the mobile device such that a plane of a display of the mobile device is substantially aligned with a long axis of the handle portion and the display is viewable by the user when the mobile device is positioned in the cradle portion and the handle portion is held in the hand of the user. A data acquisition device is coupled to the cradle portion. The data acquisition device acquires data from an object upon actuation of the trigger switch.

In one embodiment, the cradle portion also includes a connector that mates with a connector of the mobile device when the mobile device is positioned in the cradle portion. The handle portion can be shaped to receive a battery. In alternate embodiments, the data acquisition device is chosen from the group comprising a laser scanner, an imager, and a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader.

The display of the mobile device can be a touch screen display. The adapter can include a processor that communicates with a processor of the mobile device when the mobile device is positioned in the cradle portion. The cradle portion can also include a transceiver for wirelessly communicating with a remote device.

The adapter can also include a memory for storing a software application. In one embodiment, the mobile device can be configured by the software application when the mobile device is positioned in the cradle portion.

In another aspect, the invention is embodied in a method for fabricating an adapter for a mobile device. The method includes forming a handle portion. A trigger switch is coupled to the handle portion such that the trigger switch is accessible to an index finger of a hand of the user when the handle portion is held in the hand of the user. A cradle portion is formed above the handle portion. The cradle portion is shaped to receive at least a portion of a mobile device such that a plane of a display of the mobile device is substantially aligned with a long axis of the handle portion and the display is viewable by the user when the mobile device is positioned in the cradle portion and the handle portion is held in the hand of the user. A data acquisition device is coupled to the cradle portion such that the data acquisition device is adapted to acquire data from an object upon actuation of the trigger switch.

The method can also include coupling a connector to the cradle portion that mates with a connector of the mobile device when the mobile device is positioned in the cradle portion. In one embodiment, the method also includes forming a cavity in the handle portion that is shaped to receive a battery. A sensor can be coupled to the handle portion. The sensor detects when the handle portion is positioned in a holster.

In yet another aspect, the invention is embodied in a system including a mobile computer and an adapter. The mobile computer includes a display and a connector accessible from a housing of the mobile computer. The adapter is removably coupled to the mobile device. The adapter includes a handle portion having a trigger switch that is accessible to an index finger of a hand of the user when the handle portion is held in the hand of the user. A cradle portion is positioned above the handle portion for receiving at least a portion of the mobile device such that a plane of the display of the mobile device is substantially aligned with a long axis of the handle portion and the display is viewable by the user when the mobile device is positioned in the cradle portion and the handle portion is held in the hand of the user. The cradle portion includes a connector that mates with the connector of the mobile device when the mobile device is positioned in the cradle portion. A data acquisition device is coupled to the cradle portion. The data acquisition device acquires data from an object upon actuation of the trigger switch. The data is transmitted to the mobile device.

In one embodiment, the data can be transmitted to the mobile device though the connector of the mobile device. The adapter can also include a transceiver for wirelessly communicating with a transceiver of the mobile device. The adapter can also include battery positioned in the handle portion. The data acquisition device can be chosen from the group comprising a laser scanner, an imager, and a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader.

In one embodiment, the adapter can include a processor that communicates with a processor of the mobile device when the mobile device is positioned in the cradle portion. The adapter can also include a memory for storing a software application. The mobile device is configured by the software application when the mobile device is positioned in the cradle portion. The display of the mobile device can be a touch screen display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of various embodiments. In addition, the description and drawings do not necessarily require the order illustrated. It will be further appreciated that certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required. Apparatus and method components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the various embodiments so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Thus, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, common and well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment may not be depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any express or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. For the purposes of conciseness, many conventional techniques and principles related to the manufacture and use of device sleds, need not, and are not, described in detail herein.

Techniques and technologies may be described herein in terms of functional and/or logical block components and various processing steps. It should be appreciated that such block components may be realized by any number of hardware, software, and/or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, an embodiment of a system or a component may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices.

The following description may refer to elements or nodes or features being “connected” or “coupled” together. As used herein, unless expressly stated otherwise, “connected” means that one element/node/feature is directly joined to (or directly communicates with) another element/node/feature, and not necessarily mechanically. Likewise, unless expressly stated otherwise, “coupled” means that one element/node/feature is directly or indirectly joined to (or directly or indirectly communicates with) another element/node/feature, and not necessarily mechanically. The term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example, instance, or illustration” rather than “model,” or “deserving imitation.”

Technologies and concepts discussed herein relate to device sleds or adapters for receiving or docking mobile devices. The adapter includes a handle portion having a trigger switch that is accessible to an index finger of a hand of the user when the handle portion is held in the hand of the user. A cradle portion is positioned above the handle portion. The cradle portion receives a portion of the mobile device. A plane of a display of the mobile device is substantially aligned with a long axis of the handle portion and the display is viewable by the user when the mobile device is positioned in the cradle portion and the handle portion is held in the hand of the user. A data acquisition device is coupled to the cradle portion. The data acquisition device acquires data from an object upon actuation of the trigger switch.

FIG. 1illustrates a block diagram of the components of an adapter100for a mobile device102according to one embodiment of the invention. The adapter100includes a housing104having a cradle portion106and a handle portion108. The cradle portion106is situated above the handle portion108. The handle portion108includes a trigger switch110.

The mobile device102can include one or more control switches112for controlling different functions of the mobile device102. A display114of the mobile device102can display a graphical user interface (GUI) including one or more icons116. The icons116can be programmed to correspond to different functions of the mobile device102.

A processor of the mobile device102can provide conventional functionalities for the mobile device102. In a specific example according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention and as will be described in further detail below, the mobile device102can include a plurality of software applications that are executed on the processor such as a software application related to capturing and processing data, images, documents and video. A memory can also provide conventional functionalities for the mobile device102. For example, a memory can store data and software applications related to operations performed by the processor of the mobile device.

The display114can be any component configured to display data to a user. The display114can include, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display114can also include touch screen capability to enable the user to enter inputs directly on the display114. A transceiver of the mobile device102can provide the mobile device102with a method of exchanging data with a communications network.

The processor can generate the graphical user interface (GUI) including the icons116on the display114corresponding to certain functionality of the mobile device102.

The cradle portion106generally includes a processor120and a memory122. The processor120can be used to execute software applications stored on the memory122. The memory122can be any suitable memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, disk drive memory, or any other suitable storage technology.

A data acquisition device124is positioned in the cradle portion106. The data acquisition device124can acquire data from an object. For example, the data acquisition device124can be an image capture device, a laser scanner, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) module or a combination of multiple data acquisition devices124. In one embodiment, when the data acquisition device124is an imager, the cradle portion106can also include a light source126. The light source126can illuminate an object being captured by the imager.

In one embodiment, the imager can be any component configured to capture image data. For example, the imager can include any type of image sensor or sensors. The imager can capture an image in a field of view (FoV) of the imager. In one embodiment, the image captured in the FoV of the imager can be displayed on a display114of the mobile device102.

The cradle portion106also includes a connector128. The connector128is configured to mate with a connector130of a mobile device102that is docked in the cradle portion106. For example, the connector130of the mobile device102is accessible externally from the bottom of the housing of the mobile device102and can be mated with a corresponding connector128that is positioned at the base of the cradle portion106. The cradle portion106can be fitted with the appropriate connector for each corresponding mobile device102. The adapter100can control one or more functions of the mobile device102when the mobile device102is docked in the cradle portion106. For example, the mobile device102can be preconfigured to sense when it is docked in the adapter100.

In one embodiment, a docking application is preloaded into the mobile device102prior to the docking operation. Alternatively, the docking application can be loading onto the mobile device102via the adapter100when the mobile device102is inserted or positioned into the adapter100. The docking application can be used to configure the mobile device102for use with the adapter100. For example, the docking application configures the mobile device102to recognize an activation of the trigger switch110of the adapter100. The activation of the trigger switch110can initiate a data capture function of the data acquisition device124. In one embodiment, the captured data is transmitted to the mobile device102for further processing via the adapter100.

In one embodiment, the cradle portion106can also include a motion sensor134. The motion sensor134can detect a change in the orientation and position of the adapter100. For example, the motion sensor134can generate motion data that indicates if a user moves the handle portion108of the adapter100from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation. The processor120can process the motion data and instruct a processor of the mobile device102to re-orient the display114of the mobile device102from a portrait mode to a landscape mode. When the mobile device102is equipped with an integrated motion sensor, the motion sensor134in the adapter100can be used to detect other motion, such as physical abuse or docking, for example.

In one embodiment, the cradle portion106can also include an optional transceiver136. The transceiver136is coupled to the processor120and can wirelessly communicate with the mobile device102and/or a remote device. For example, data captured using the data acquisition device124can be wireless transmitted to the mobile device102and/or a remote device using the transceiver136. The transceiver136can be any suitable radio device that communicates over a network. For example, the transceiver136can connect to the mobile device and/or another remote device over a personal area network (PAN), such as Bluetooth® or a wireless local area network (WLAN).

The cradle portion106can also include optional components138that increase the functionality of the adapter100. For example, the optional components can be one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs can indicate a successful data capture event. In one embodiment, the LEDs can indicate a charging status of a mobile device positioned in the cradle portion106. In one embodiment, an optional component can include a pointing device located on the cradle portion106such that the pointing device is accessible by a thumb of a user holding the adapter100by the handle portion108. The pointing device can manipulate a mouse pointer displayed on the mobile device102when the mobile device102is positioned in the cradle portion106. The pointing device can be a pointing stick, trackball, touch pad, or any other suitable pointing device.

In general, the handle portion108is in the form of a pistol grip. The handle portion108includes the trigger switch110. The trigger switch110can activate the data acquisition device124. The trigger switch110can also be used to control one or more functions of the mobile device102positioned in the cradle portion106. The trigger switch110is positioned on the handle portion108such that it is accessible to an index finger of a hand of a user when the handle portion108is held in the hand of the user.

The handle portion108can be shaped to receive an optional battery140. For example, the handle portion108can include a cavity that is configured to accept the battery140. In one embodiment, the handle portion108can also include an optional charging/data connector142for charging the battery140and/or transferring data to/from the mobile device102. The optional charging/data connector142can be situated under the handle portion108. In one embodiment, the handle portion108can be docked with a charging cradle (not shown) having a connector which mates with the charging/data connector142in the handle portion108.

The handle portion108can also include an optional sensor144. The sensor144can be a photodetector that detects changes in illumination perceived by the sensor144. However, any suitable sensor can be used in practice. For example, the sensor144can detect when the handle portion108is inserted into a holster that covers the sensor144. In one embodiment, the sensor144can detect when the handle portion108is held in the hand of a user. The sensor144can generate sensor data. The processor120in the adapter100or mobile device102can change an operation of the mobile device102in response to the sensor data. For example, the adapter100with the mobile device102can automatically enter a hands-free presentation mode when the sensor144detects that the adapter100is positioned in the holster.

FIG. 2illustrates a cross-sectional view of an exemplary adapter200according to the invention. The adapter200includes a cradle portion202and a handle portion204. The cradle portion202includes a slot206that is configured to receive a mobile device (not shown). A connector (not shown) is positioned at the base of the cradle portion202. The connector mates with a connector of the mobile device. The connector can pass data and power signals between the adapter200and the mobile device.

The cradle portion202can also include a data acquisition device208. The data acquisition device208can be a laser scanner, an image capture device, or a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device. In one embodiment, the data acquisition device208is situated adjacent to the slot206.

The handle portion204includes a trigger switch210. The trigger switch210can be a momentary switch, such as single pole momentary switch. In one embodiment, the trigger switch210can be a double pole switch. Each switch in a double pole switch can activate a different function of the adapter200and/or a mobile device positioned in the adapter200.

The handle portion204can also include a cavity212for receiving a battery. The battery can be a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery. The handle portion204can also include a charging connector214. The charging connector214can be used to charge the battery and/or a battery in a mobile device inserted in the cradle portion202.

FIG. 3illustrates an adapter300with a mobile device302according to one embodiment of the invention. The adapter300includes a cradle portion304and a handle portion306. The cradle portion304is adapted to receive the mobile device302.

The mobile device302can be a mobile computer, a cellular (smart) telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or any other suitable device. In one embodiment, the mobile device302can include a touchscreen display308. One or more icons310can be displayed on the display308. The icons310can correspond to different software applications or functions that can be executed on the mobile device302. The mobile device302can include other graphical user interfaces.

The mobile device302includes a connector312that is externally accessible. The connector312can be used to provide/receive power and data to/from the mobile device302. The connector312mates with a connector314situated in the cradle portion304.

In operation, a user inserts the mobile device302into the cradle portion304and couples the connector312with the connector314. The mobile device302is positioned such that a plane of the display308of the mobile device302is substantially aligned with a long axis316of the handle portion306and the display308is viewable by the user when the mobile device302is positioned in the cradle portion304and the handle portion306is held in the hand of the user.

The handle portion306includes a trigger switch320that is accessible to an index finger of a hand of the user when the handle portion306is held in the hand of the user. The handle portion306can also include a sensor322that senses when the user holds the adapter300. The sensor322can also determine when the adapter300is held in a holster (not shown). The mobile device302can automatically switch to a predetermined mode of operation in response to output signals from the sensor322.

FIG. 4illustrates an adapter400with a mobile device402in a holster404according to one embodiment of the invention. The holster404is shaped to receive the adapter400. The holster404can be fabricated from a flexible material, such as nylon fabric, plastic, leather, or any other suitable material.

The holster404can be coupled to a belt406. The belt406can include a buckle408for adjusting the length of the belt406. For example, the belt406can be worn around a hip, a torso, or a shoulder of a user. In one embodiment, the holster404can be used to carry the adapter400including the mobile device402. The holster404can position the adapter400such that the data acquisition device202(FIG. 2) is positioned to capture data in a hands-free presentation mode of operation.

In one embodiment, the adapter400can be fabricated by forming a cradle portion410and the handle portion412in a single molded piece of material. The trigger switch (not shown) is positioned on the handle portion412of the adapter400. The trigger switch is accessible to an index finger of a hand of a user when the handle portion412is held in the hand of the user.

In one embodiment, the trigger switch actuates at least one function of the adapter400and/or the mobile device402. For example, the trigger switch can activate a data capture function of the adapter400. In another embodiment, the trigger switch can select an option highlighted by a cursor viewable on the display (not shown) of the mobile device402. In one embodiment, the combination of the adapter400and the mobile device402is configured for single hand control.

It will be appreciated that some embodiments may be comprised of one or more generic or specialized processors (or “processing devices”) such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, customized processors and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and unique stored program instructions (including both software and firmware) that control the one or more processors to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the methods and apparatus described herein. The non-processor circuits may include, but are not limited to, a radio receiver, a radio transmitter, signal drivers, clock circuits, power source circuits, and user input devices. As such, these functions may be interpreted as steps of a method described herein. Alternatively, some or all functions could be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certain of the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could be used. Both the state machine and ASIC are considered herein as a “processing device” for purposes of the foregoing discussion and claim language.

In addition, the section headings included herein are intended to facilitate a review but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative manner and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

In interpreting the appended claims, it should be understood that:

d) several “means” may be represented by the same item or hardware or software implemented structure or function;

e) any of the disclosed elements may be comprised of hardware portions (e.g., including discrete and integrated electronic circuitry), software portions (e.g., computer programming), and any combination thereof;

f) hardware portions may be comprised of one or both of analog and digital portions;

h) no specific sequence of acts or steps is intended to be required unless specifically indicated.