Abstract:
A detachable trigger unit for a wearable device (e.g., a wearable data acquisition device) includes (i) a trigger housing having a triggering mechanism for engaging a housing unit of the device; (ii) a strap housing detachably coupled to the trigger housing; and (iii) a protective membrane coupled to the strap housing and protecting a body part of a user. The trigger housing includes a first connector for receiving a corresponding second connector of the housing unit. The housing unit is rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to a bottom surface thereof.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to trigger units for wearable devices and, in particular, to wearable data acquisition devices. 
       BACKGROUND INFORMATION  
       [0002]    Conventional wearable data acquisition devices, such as ring scanners, often include an attachment arrangement integrally coupled to a housing thereof. The attachment arrangement is non-removable. In addition, a triggering mechanism is also integral with the housing and does not allow for ambidextrous operation of the data acquisition device. If the attachment arrangement or the trigger mechanism breaks, the entire device must be replaced. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]    A detachable trigger unit for a wearable device (e.g., a wearable data acquisition device) includes (i) a trigger housing having a triggering mechanism for engaging a housing unit of the device; (ii) a strap housing detachably coupled to the trigger housing; and (iii) a protective membrane coupled to the strap housing and protecting a body part of a user. The trigger housing includes a first connector for receiving a corresponding second connector of the housing unit. The housing unit is rotatable about an axis substantially perpendicular to a bottom surface thereof. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0004]      FIG. 1  is an exemplary embodiment of a wearable device according to the present invention. 
           [0005]      FIG. 2  is an exemplary embodiment of a housing unit of a mobile device according to the present invention. 
           [0006]      FIG. 3  is an exemplary embodiment of a trigger unit according to the present invention. 
           [0007]      FIG. 4  is another view of the exemplary trigger unit of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0008]      FIG. 5  is another view of the exemplary trigger unit of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 6  is an exemplary embodiment of a protective membrane according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0010]    The present invention may be further understood with reference to the following description and the appended drawings, wherein like elements are provided with the same reference numerals. The present invention relates to trigger units for wearable devices. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to a wearable data acquisition device such as a ring scanner, however those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be implemented with any type of wearable device, such as a wrist-mounted scanner, a glove scanner, etc. It will also be understood that the present invention is not limited to barcode scanners, but may also include RFID readers, laser-/image-based scanners, card readers and other types of wearable devices. 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary embodiment of a wearable device (e.g., a ring scanner)  100  according to the present invention. The scanner  100  includes a housing portion  120 , which comprises a scanning arrangement (e.g., a barcode scanner)  110 . The housing  120  may be coupled to a communication arrangement, such as data cable  180 . The data cable  180  may transfer data to and/or from the scanner  100 . For example, the data cable  180  may include a hardware connector  182  (e.g., a parallel port connector, a serial port connector, a USB connector, etc.) that couples the scanner  100  to a data storage device such as a computer, a PDA, a mobile terminal, etc. Thus, the data cable  180  may allow the scanner  100  to transmit scanned images to the data storage device and receive instructions therefrom. 
         [0012]    The scanner  100  may also include a trigger unit  200  detachably coupled to the housing  120 . The trigger unit  200  may comprise a ring that includes an adjustable strap assembly  310  for securing the scanner  100  to a body of a user. For example, the strap assembly  310  may be a Velcro® strap sized to fit around a finger of the user. In other embodiments, other types of attachment mechanisms, such as elastic bands, adhesives, snap enclosures, etc. may be utilized. 
         [0013]    The trigger unit  200  includes a trigger portion  210 , which may comprise any type of mechanical and/or electrical switch. For example, the trigger  210  may be a push button, a rocker switch, a slide switch, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the trigger  210  may be a mechanical push button encased within a flexible membrane (e.g., a rubber cover). The trigger  210  is communicatively coupled to the housing  120 . Thus, engaging the trigger  210  by depressing the flexible membrane activates the scanner  100 , enabling a scanning of a barcode or another function. The coupling of the trigger  210  to the housing  120  will be described in detail below. 
         [0014]      FIG. 2  shows an exemplary embodiment of the scanner  100  in a detached configuration. The exemplary embodiment shown is a bottom view of the housing  120 . A lower (e.g., base) portion of the housing  120  includes a mechanical connector  150  for attaching the trigger unit  200 . The connector  150  may, for example, be a male connector shaped as a ring adapted for insertion into the trigger unit  200 . The connector  150  may be formed of the same or substantially similar materials as the housing  120 . For example, the connector  150  may be a hard plastic, a polymer, or any other substantially rigid material. An outer circumference of the connector  150  may include one or more tabs  160 . As will be described below, the trigger unit  200  may be shaped to receive the tabs  160  when the housing  120  and the trigger unit  200  are aligned in a receiving configuration. One or more of the tabs  160  may include a recess or cut-out  152 , which, in conjunction with a locking device, prevents movement of the housing  100  with respect to the trigger unit  200 . 
         [0015]    A triggering area  154  of the housing  120  is communicatively coupled to the trigger unit  200 . When the trigger  210  is engaged, a mechanical and/or electrical connection between the trigger unit  200  and the triggering area  154  is established. For example, if the connection is the mechanical connection, the triggering area  154  may receive a shaft, a gear, etc. If the connection is the electrical connection, the triggering area  154  may receive an electrical contact, a wire, etc. 
         [0016]    The connector  150  may cover a portion of the triggering area  154 . In an exemplary embodiment, the connector  150  may, for example, circumscribe the triggering area  154 , shielding the triggering area  154  from exposure. However, in other embodiments, the connector  150  may not cover the triggering area  154 . 
         [0017]      FIG. 3  shows an exemplary embodiment of the trigger unit  200  according to the present invention. The trigger unit  200  may be shaped to conform to the finger of the user. For example, an inner surface  314  of the trigger unit  200  may be partially or substantially cylindrical. In addition, the trigger unit  200  may be sized to allow for unrestricted movement (e.g., bending) of the finger. For example, a length of the trigger unit  200  may be substantially the same as a proximal phalanx of the finger. As will be described below, the trigger unit  200  is adapted to receive a protective membrane that shields a portion of the user&#39;s body (e.g., the user&#39;s finger) by functioning as a barrier between the finger and the inner surface  314  of the trigger unit  200 . 
         [0018]      FIG. 4  shows an exemplary embodiment of a top view of the trigger unit  200 . The trigger unit  200  may include a hollow portion  220  that receives the connector  150 . The hollow portion  220  may include one or more slots  252  shaped to receive the tabs  160 . Thus, the housing  100  may only be inserted into the hollow portion  210  if the tabs  160  are aligned with the slots  252 . If the tabs  160  are not aligned, the housing  100  is prevented from insertion. 
         [0019]    After the housing  100  is inserted, the trigger unit  200  may be secured using a locking device, such as a screw, a bushing, a dowel, etc. The locking device may be inserted via a port (e.g., a threaded hole) disposed on the interior surface  314 . For example, if the locking device is the screw, it may be inserted through the port such that a shaft end of the screw extends beyond a lower surface of the tabs  160 . In other embodiments, the port may be disposed elsewhere (e.g., a side of) on trigger unit  200 . When the housing  100  is rotated in either a clockwise or counterclockwise fashion about an axis substantially perpendicular to a bottom surface of the base portion, the shaft end is eventually received within the recess  152  and the housing  100  is prevented from further rotation. Thus, rotational motion may be constrained to prevent the tabs  160  from becoming aligned with the slots  252  and the housing  100  cannot be detached from the trigger unit  100 . If detachment is desired, the locking device may be removed (e.g., by unscrewing). The housing  100  may then be rotated until the tabs  160  and the slots  252  are aligned, and the trigger unit  200  separated. 
         [0020]    The hollow portion  220  may include a trigger mechanism (e.g., a trigger plate  254 ). The trigger plate  254  is activated by engaging the trigger  210  and may include a nub  256 . Activation may result in pivoting of the trigger plate  254  about a longitudinal axis of the trigger unit  200 . This pivoting action causes the nub  256  to be elevated above the hollow portion  220  and contact the triggering area  154 . When the trigger  210  is disengaged, the trigger plate  254  returns to a resting position within the hollow portion  220 . 
         [0021]      FIG. 5  shows an exemplary embodiment of a bottom view of the trigger unit  200  in which the strap assembly  310  has been detached. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the inner surface of the trigger unit  200  includes a receiving arrangement (e.g., a receiving recess  260 ) shaped for receiving the strap assembly  310 . The receiving arrangement may further comprise a contoured surface including one or more grooves  262  into which the strap assembly  310  is mated. In an exemplary embodiment discussed below with reference to  FIG. 6 , the groove  262  comprises part of a snap-locking arrangement. However, it will be understood that any conventional attachment arrangement (e.g., adhesive, friction fit, Velcro®, magnets, etc.) may be utilized. The inner surface may also include a port  266  for inserting the locking device. 
         [0022]      FIG. 6  shows an exemplary embodiment of a protective membrane  320  according to the present invention. The protective membrane  320  is a curved sheet that substantially conforms to the inner surface  314  of the trigger unit  200 , extending over the trigger  210 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the protective membrane  320 , along with the strap assembly  310 , are attached to a strap housing  300 . The strap assembly  310  may be attached to the strap housing  300  by looping around a bar  312 . However, other attachment methods such as heat welding, adhesives and Velcro® may be utilized in other embodiments. The protective membrane  320  may be formed of a flexible rubber, plastic, or any other suitable material. In an exemplary embodiment, the protective membrane  320  is a formed of a self-healing polymer that is activated in response to damage (e.g., ripping, punctures, cracks, etc.). However, it will be understood that any material capable of protecting against injury (e.g., cuts, abrasions, etc.) may be utilized. A surface of the protective membrane  320  is substantially smooth. However, a texture of the surface of the protective membrane  320  may be varied to produce a desired friction level between the protective membrane  320  and the user&#39;s finger. For example, if a high friction level (e.g., a gripping surface) is desired, the texture may be substantially granular and/or textured (e.g., ridged, grooved, etc.). If a low friction level (e.g., a comfort surface) is desired, the texture may be substantially smooth. A length of the protective membrane  320  is substantially the same as that of the trigger unit  200 . Thus, the protective membrane may completely separate the user&#39;s finger from contact with the inner surface of the trigger unit  200 . A thickness of the protective membrane  320  may be varied according to user preference and/or desired physical properties. For example, membranes of varying thicknesses may be produced to allow the user to select a membrane of a particular thickness. Those of skill in the art will understand that the thickness may be varied according to physical properties such as flexibility, tensile strength, shearing strength, etc. The membrane is also a hygiene barrier which isolates the user from the ring. The strap assembly can be given out to individual users. Individual users can use their own strap assembly with communal rings, limiting their exposure to germs and bacteria. The membrane material can also be formed out of hygienic materials that resist the growth of bacteria. 
         [0023]    In the exemplary embodiment, the protective membrane  320  is removably attached to the strap housing  300  via an adhesive, Velcro®, friction fitting, or another conventional method. In other embodiments, the protective membrane  320  may be permanently attached. The protective membrane  320  and the strap assembly  310  may be attached to the strap housing  300  prior to attaching the strap housing  300  to the trigger unit  200 . However, it may also be possible to attach the protective membrane  320  and/or the strap assembly  310  after the strap housing  300  is coupled to the trigger unit  200 . 
         [0024]    As seen in  FIG. 6 , the strap housing  300  may comprise a snap-locking arrangement including a locking plate  360 . The locking plate  360  may be formed of a flexible metal or plastic with spring-like characteristics. In an initial configuration, the locking plate  360  may be angled, extending upward from the strap housing  300 . The strap housing  300  may be attached to the trigger unit  200  by sliding the strap housing  300  towards the trigger  210 . The sliding causes the locking plate  360  to deflect downwards into a locked configuration in which the strap housing  300  is secured to the trigger unit  200 . The strap housing  300  may be released by sliding the strap housing  300  away from the trigger  210 , which returns the locking plate  360  to the initial configuration, decoupling the trigger unit  200  and the strap housing  300 . In other embodiments, the locking plate  360  may be coupled to a release mechanism, such as, for example, a release tab. 
         [0025]      FIG. 6  also shows one or more ribs  364  that engage the receiving recess  260 . The ribs  364  may be disposed along opposing sides of the strap housing  300  and engage the receiving recess  260  when the strap housing  300  is slid towards the trigger  210 . The ribs  364  and any other attachment features of the strap housing  300  could be implemented on a terminal, allowing the user a place to store the trigger unit  200  when it is not being worn. This could allow the user to add scanning abilities to a terminal that did not have it. As a receiving interface, the receiving recess  260  and ribs  364  afford the user with another accessory attachment point. 
         [0026]    The exemplary embodiments of the trigger unit  200  described above provide several advantages. In addition to being easily configured for left-handed and right-handed operation, the trigger unit  200  is replaceable and may be compatible with a plurality of data acquisition devices that have different functions. The user may customize the trigger unit  200  by selecting a protective membrane of appropriate size, thickness, texture, etc. and use the trigger unit  200  in conjunction with the plurality of data acquisition devices. In addition, each major component of the trigger unit  200  may be replaceable. Thus, if the strap assembly  310  or the protective membrane  320  becomes worn or broken, a new strap/membrane may be added. Furthermore, this arrangement allows the strap assembly  310  and the protective membrane to be cleaned (e.g., washed, sanitized) between uses. 
         [0027]    The above-described advantages of the present invention are not possible with wearable devices which utilize integral triggering mechanisms. In addition, the present invention is cost-effective, since the components of, or the trigger unit itself, are replaceable. For example, the scanner  100  need not replaced if a component breaks. 
         [0028]    The present invention has been described with reference to the above exemplary embodiments. One skilled in the art would understand that the present invention may also be successfully implemented if modified. Accordingly, various modifications and changes may be made to the embodiments without departing from the broadest spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification and drawings, accordingly, should be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.