Abstract:
A data collection device having a touch pad, supported by a housing, for receiving input from a stylus having a first end adapted to interact with the touch pad so as to input data through movement of the first end relative to the touch pad and a second end having a light source to illuminate dark areas. The housing is adapted to receive and support the stylus. In an additional embodiment, the stylus is supported by the housing in such a manner as to allow the stylus to project light in a predetermined direction to assist with the illumination of a data source. In another additional embodiment, the housing has contacts that facilitate the provision of power to the stylus for charging a battery in the stylus and/or powering the light source. In yet another embodiment, the light source on the stylus is adapted to be controlled via user interaction with interface elements on the housing, such as keys, buttons, or the touch pad.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    Data collection devices are a class of device used to collect, process, and transfer data to a data processing system. Data collection devices may be provisioned with one or more of a variety of data collection sub-systems including: imager, laser scanner, RFID scanner, and magnetic media scanner. Such sub-systems generally scan some data bearing device such as dataforms (e.g. barcodes), magnetic stripes, and RFID tags. The collected data is processed within the data collection device by a processor and associated circuits. The type and amount of processing may vary depending on the class of device, but usually includes, at a minimum, decoding the output of the data collection sub-system to generate a string of data corresponding to the encoded data contained within the data bearing device. The decoded data is then generally transferred using any number of wired and wireless communication paths, such as 802.11, cellular, IrDA, USB, serial and parallel paths. 
         [0002]    Generally, data collection devices can be thought of as falling into three classes, fixed, mobile, and handheld. Fixed devices are generally incorporated into stationary objects such as point of sale systems (examples include transaction terminals and image kiosks) and walls (examples include RFID tracking devices). Mobile devices generally have similar electronic configurations to fixed devices, but are mechanically designed to be mounted on movable objects, such as carts and fork lifts. Finally, hand held devices are designed to be carried around by a user (examples include portable data terminals (PDTs), and bar code scanners). 
         [0003]    Many handheld and mobile class devices are utilized in environments wherein the lighting is less than ideal. For example, one industry where data collection devices are popular is package delivery. Delivery persons are often called upon to utilize portable data collection devices in poorly illuminated areas such as the back of delivery trucks. Another industry that extensively utilize data collection devices is the warehousing industry where workers area often in dimly lit areas for much of their shifts. The classic solution in these and other industries is to carry a flashlight in addition to the data collection device. This can be cumbersome where additional items are also being carried, such as packages. The present inventors have recognized a need for a more user friendly solution to illuminating dark areas. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]    An understanding of certain embodiments of the present invention can be gained from the following detailed description of said embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which: 
           [0005]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a PDT in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a PDT in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0007]      FIGS. 3   a  through  3   d  are views of stylus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of a PDT in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a PDT in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  is a circuit diagram of a stylus system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0011]    Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. It is to be noted that an element number followed by a letter generally indicates multiple occurrences of elements that are similar in structure and/or function. Further, the use of an italicized “n” associated with an element number generally denotes either an unspecified number of instances of such element or a partial or complete grouping of such elements—the meaning of which is to be drawn from the context of such use. 
         [0012]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a portable data terminal (PDT) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. PDTs generally integrate a mobile computer, one or more data transport paths and one or more data collection subsystems. The mobile computer portion is generally similar to known touch screen consumer oriented portable computing devices (e.g. “Pocket PCs” or “PDAs”), such as those available from PALM, HEWLETT PACKARD, and DELL. The data transport paths include wired and wireless paths, such as 802.11, IrDA, BLUETOOTH. RS-232, USB. CDMA. GSM (incl. GRPS), and so forth. The data collection subsystem generally comprises a device that captures data from an external source, for example, touches, keystrokes, RFID signals, images, and bar codes. PDTs further distinguish from consumer oriented portable computing devices through the use of “industrial” components integrated into a housing that provide increased durability, ergonomics, and environmental independence over consumer oriented devices. Additionally, PDTs tend to provide improved battery life by utilizing superior batteries and power management systems. PDTs are available from several sources, including the assignee of the present application: HAND HELD PRODUCTS, INC. 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a PDT  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The PDT  100  utilizes an elongated water resistant housing the top half  102  of which is clearly illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The housing supports a variety of components, including: a battery (not illustrated); a touch screen  106  (generally comprising a LCD screen under a touch sensitive panel); a keypad  108  (including a scan button  108   a ); a scan engine (not illustrated): and a data/charging port  112  (see  FIG. 2 ). The scan engine may comprise, for example, one or more of an image engine, a laser engine or an RFID engine (the present description will assume the use of an image engine). The scan engine, generally located near a top end  110  of the PDT  100 , has a scan zone  101  within which a data carrier, such as a 1-D or 2-D barcode, may be sensed. The data/charging port  112  typically comprises a proprietary mechanical interface with one set of pins or pads for transmitting and receiving data (typically via a serial interface standard such as USB or RS-232) and a second set of pins or pads for receiving power for operating the system and/or charging the battery. The data charging port is generally located near a bottom end  111  of the PDT  100 . 
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a PDT  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. A window  114  on the top end  110  of the PDT  100  permits the scan engine to receive light, reflected or otherwise, to perform dataform scanning within an aiming area  101 . The bottom housing has a battery well  116  to receive a battery (not illustrated) and stylus well  122  to receive a stylus  150 . A finger saddle  118  facilitates ergonomic grip of the PDT  100 . 
         [0015]    In use, the user positions the PDT  100  such a that a dataform, for example a bar code, is positioned within the scan zone  101  and presses the scan key  108   a  to initiate data capture via the image engine. The captured data is analyzed. e.g. decoded (to identify the information represented), stored, and displayed on the touch screen  106 . Additional processing of the data may take place on the PDT  100  and/or an external data processing resource to which the data is transmitted. 
         [0016]    The stylus  150  generally comprises a first end  152  with a tip designed to interact with the touch screen  106  and a second end  153  with a light source  159 . It may prove beneficial to align an arc  151  of light emitted by the light source  154  with the scan zone  101 . The stylus is secured in the stylus well  122  by a flexible tab  121  on a stylus cover  120 . The stylus cover  120  may be integrally molded with the bottom housing  103  or, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , may comprise a separate part secured to the bottom housing  103 , for example by ultrasonic welding, glue, or mechanical fasteners such as screws. 
         [0017]      FIG. 3   a  through  3   d  are views of styluses  300 ,  320 ,  350  and  370  in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The styluses  300 ,  320  and  350  illustrate various combinations of features, including recharging contacts and activation means. 
         [0018]      FIG. 3   a  illustrates a cylindrical stylus  300  having a first end  302  with a tip  303  for interacting with a touch screen and a second end  304  with a light source  310 , such as an LED. The stylus  300  preferably has a diameter slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the stylus well  122  so as to be insertable therein. A feature  306 , such as the illustrated groove, interacts with the tab  121  when inserted into the stylus well  122 . The LED light source  310  may be powered using any suitable means, including for example AAAA sized batteries (42.5 mm long and 8.3 mm in diameter) secured within a shaft  308  of the stylus  300 . In the example illustrated in  FIG. 3   a , the state of the light source  310  is controlled by two conductive rings  312   a  and  312   b . The user may illuminate the light source  310  by laying a finger across both rings  312   a  and  312   b . One suitable touch sensitive mechanism is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,185,999 incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0019]      FIG. 3   b  illustrates a stylus  320  having a first end  322  with a tip  323  for interacting with a touch screen and a second end  324  with a light source  326 , such as an LED. The stylus  320  is further provided with two conductive bands  328   a  and  328   b  which may be used to charge batteries secured within the shaft of the stylus  300 . The state of a light source  328  is controlled using a touch sensitive switch  330 . 
         [0020]      FIG. 3   c  illustrates a stylus  350  having a first end  3351  with a tip  353  for interacting with a touch screen and a second end  354  with a light source  358 , such as an LED. The second end  354  has a larger diameter than a central shaft  352  of the stylus  350 . The larger diameter accommodates a rotating ring  356  that controls the state of the light source  358 . A lens  360  may be provided to protect the light source  358  and optionally focus light emanating therefrom. The stylus  350  is further provided with two conductive bands  362   a  and  362   b  which may be used to charge batteries secured within the shaft  352  of the stylus  350 . 
         [0021]      FIG. 3   d  illustrates a cylindrical stylus  370  having a first end  372  with a tip  374  for interacting with a touch screen and a second end  376  with a light source  378 , such as an LED. The stylus  300  preferably has a diameter slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the stylus well  122  so as to be insertable therein. A feature  30 , such as the illustrated groove, interacts with the tab  121  when inserted into the stylus well  122 . The LED light source  378  is powered with a rechargeable power source secured within a shaft of the stylus  370 . In the example illustrated in  FIG. 3   d , the state of the light source  378  is controlled in two manners. A touch sensitive switch  382  is provided to allow a user to turn the light source  3780 N and OFF when the stylus  370  is separated from the PDT  100 . Three conductive rings  384   a ,  384   b  and  384   c  are provided to interface with the PDT  100 . The conductive rings  384   n  facilitate control of the state of the light source  378  from the PDT  100  along with recharging the stylus&#39;  370  power source from batteries on the PDT. Additionally, the conductive rings  384   n  facilitate powering the light source  378  from the battery on the PDT. 
         [0022]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view of a PDT  100  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In particular.  FIG. 4  illustrates a stylus system utilizing the stylus  370  illustrated in  FIG. 3   d . The stylus cover  120  secures a stylus  370  in a well  122  on the bottom housing  102  of the PDT  100 . The well  122  has three contacts  130   a    130   b , and  130   c , comprising, for example, leaf springs or POGO pins. The contacts  130   n  engage the conductive rings  312   n  on the stylus  370  when the stylus  370  is inserted into the well  122 . As noted, the conductive rings  384   n  facilitate control of the state of the light source  378  from the PDT  100  along with recharging the stylus&#39;  370  power source from batteries on the PDT. Additionally, the conductive rings  384   n  facilitate powering the light source  378  from the battery on the PDT. In the event, a stylus is utilized with alternative configurations, such as those illustrated in  FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b , and  3   c , the contacts  130   n  may have a different configuration. For example, if the stylus is configured to be one of rechargeable or remote activatable, only two contacts may need to be provided. 
         [0023]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of a PDT and stylus in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the illustrated design of the PDT  1000  has been simplified so as to permit a briefer explanation of systems and components not directly related to the present invention. 
         [0024]    A central processing unit (CPU)  1010  receives data from and outputs data to other sub-systems for storage, transmission and additional processing. CPU  1010  may 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 CPU  1010  is controlled by software or firmware, typically referred to as an operating system, stored in one or more memory locations  1017   n , including RAM  1017   a  and FLASH memory  1017   b . Examples of suitable operating systems for PDT  1000  include: WINDOWS MOBIL, WINDOWS CE, WINDOWS XP, LINUX, PALM, SYMBIAN, and OSX. 
         [0025]    In general, communication to and from the CPU  1010  and the various sub-components takes place via one or more ports or busses, including a main system bus  1012 : I 2 C busses  1013   a  and  1013   b ; a plurality of Universal Asynchronous Receivers/Transmitter (UART) ports  1014   n , a Universal Serial Bus (USB)  1015   n , and an RS-232 port  1016 . 
         [0026]    The illustrated CPU  1010  also includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) controller  1018  for controlling an LCD  1020 . A touch sensitive panel  1021 , which may be in communication with one or more of the CPU  1010  and an auxiliary processor  1024  via the I 2 C bus  1013   b , may be associated with the LCD  1020  for receipt of data thereon. The combination of the LCD  1020  and the touch sensitive panel  1021  is often referred to as a “touch screen.” 
         [0027]    A variety of secondary (or “sub”) processors may be provided to perform general and application specific functions. The example illustrated in  FIG. 2  provides two such processors: a field programmable gate array (FPGA)  1022  and the auxiliary processor  1024 . The FPGA  1022  may comprise any number of FPGA including the Virtex-4 family available from XILINX. The auxiliary processor  1024  may comprise any number of embedded (or general purpose) processors, including the PICmicro® family of microcontrollers available from MICROCHIP TECHNOLOGY. 
         [0028]    The auxiliary processor  1024  may interface with and control a variety of data input devices including, for example, the touch panel  1021 , a keyboard  1034  and a scan button  1036 . By way of example, the PDT  1000  may be configured so that displayed menu options are selected by physically depressing a key on the keyboard  1034  or activating the touch screen  1021  with use of a finger or stylus. The scan button  1036  may be used for initiating and controlling the various data collection systems, such as an image signal generating system  1028 , an RFID sensing system  1030 , or a magnetic stripe reader  1040 . 
         [0029]    Any resident data collection systems (e.g. an image signal generating system  1028 ) may be controlled by one or more of the CPU  1010 , the auxiliary processor  1024 , and the FPGA  1022 . In this case, the FPGA  1022  initiates and controls the operation of the data collection systems and accumulates data received there from prior to depositing such data in memory  1017   n . Possible configurations of FPGA  1022  are illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,947,612 incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0030]    The image signal generating system  1028  generally comprises a two dimensional solid state image sensor  1029  utilizing 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 system  1028  further includes an imaging optics (not shown) focusing an image onto an active surface of the image sensor  1029 . Image sensor  1029  may 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. FPGA  1022  manages the capture and transfer of image data into RAM  1017   n . Decoding may be performed by the CPU  1010  or any suitable secondary processor. Examples of devices suitable for use as the imaging assembly  1028  include 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. 
         [0031]    One use of the image signal generating system  1028  is for reading and interpreting bar codes such as bar code  1051   a  on an item  1050 . For this operation, when the scan button  1036  is actuated, the CPU  1010  causes the appropriate control signals to be sent to the image sensor  1029 . In response thereto, the image sensor  1029  outputs digital image data including (hopefully) an adequate representation of the bar code symbol  1050 . The digital image data is streamed to the FPGA  1022  where it is collected and subsequently deposited in memory  1017   n . 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 scan button  1036  or a pre-selected key on keyboard  1034 . For example, the CPU  1010  may be configured, typically through execution of a program resident in memory  1017   n , to continuously capture and decode bar code symbols represented therein as long as scan button  1036  is actuated. The cycle may be terminated upon successfully decoding the bar code symbol or by timing out after a number of unsuccessful attempts. 
         [0032]    In addition to having a decode operation, the image signal generation system  1028  may also be configured for an image capture operation. In an image capture operation, control circuit  1010  captures an electronic image representation in response to the scan button  1036  being 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 memory  1017   n , (ii) transmitted to an external spaced apart device, or (iii) displayed on LCD  1020 . This mode may be used to capture, for example an image of a signature or damage to a package. 
         [0033]    In an image capture operation, the image signal generation system  1028  may be operated in two distinct stages: aiming and final capture. During the aiming stage, frames output by the image signal generation system  1028  are displayed on the LCD display  1020 . These frames are not saved. Once a user is satisfied with the content of the image displayed on the LCD display  1020 , he or she initiates the final capture stage. In final capture stage, a frame (either the frame currently in the buffer or a next frame) is saved and typically displayed on the LCD  1020 . Generally, the aiming stage is initiated by pressing a designated button (such as a scan button  1036 ) with the final capture stage being initiated by releasing the designated button. It is generally desirable to display frames as quickly as possible in the aiming stage to ensure that the user is viewing a recently outputted frame. Otherwise there is a danger that the frame the user views when deciding to initiate capture is outdated and does not accurately reflect what the image signal generating system  1028  is currently outputting (and what will be captured in final capture stage). 
         [0034]    The PDT  1000  may further include a plurality of wireless communication links such as an 802.11 communication link  1260 , an 802.16 communication link  1262 , a communication link  1264  for communication with a cellular network such as a network in accordance with the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), an IR communication link  1268 , and a Bluetooth communication link  1270 . Each of these links facilitates communication with a remote device and may be used to transfer and receive data. 
         [0035]    A power circuit  1100  supplies power to the PDT  1000 . The power circuit  1100  generally comprises a series of power supplies  1102   n  that regulate the power supplied to the various components of the PDT  1000 . The power supplies  1102   n  each generally comprise step up or step down circuits which are in turn connected to each of the various components in the PDT  1000  that require the particular voltage output by that power supply  1102   n.    
         [0036]    The power supplies receive current from a power bus  1103  which is, in turn, supplied by one of a battery  1104 , a first power input  1106  or a connector  1108  that includes a second power input. The first power input  1106  may 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 connector  1108  may 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 connector  1108  may 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 supply  1102   a , 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 input  1106  from the second power input on the connector  1108  and other components in the PDT  1000  in the event that a user attempts to supply power to both power inputs. 
         [0037]    The battery  1104  may be selected from any of a variety of battery technologies including fuel cell, NiMh, NiCd, Li Ion, or Li Polymer. The battery  1104  is charged by a charge circuit  1110  which receives power from either the first power input  1106  or the second power input on the connector  1108 . The charge circuit may comprise any of a number of available circuits. In the example shown in  FIG. 2 , control is provided to the CPU  1016  which may modify the charging behavior of the charge circuit  1110  based on information generated by the auxiliary processor  1024 . In this example the auxiliary processor  1024  monitors 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 switch  1112  isolates the battery based upon the presence of power from the first power input  1106  or the second power input on the connector  1108 . Thus, when an external power supply is connected to the power input  1106  or the second power input on the connector  1108 , the battery is isolated from the power supplies  1102   n  and may be charged via the charge circuit  1110 . Once power is removed from the power input  1106  and the connector  1108 , the battery is connected to the power supplies  1102   n.    
         [0038]    A stylus  2004  is illustrated as being connected to the charge circuit  1110  and the auxiliary processor  1024 . The charge circuit  1110  provides a charging current to the stylus  2004 . The auxiliary processor  1024  controls the ON/OFF state of the stylus  2004  in response to user actions. It is to be noted that both connections may not be needed depending on the configuration of the stylus  2004 . For example, the stylus may be turned ON when the user presses a scan button  1036  to illuminate the barcode being scanned. As another example, the keyboard  1034  may be provided with a special key that turns the stylus ON and OFF. Alternatively, the touch panel  1021  may be utilized to instruct the auxiliary processor  1024  to turn the stylus  2004  on and off. In yet another example, the PDT  1000  may be executed using a vertical grip with a trigger. The trigger may be a two stage affair wherein activation of the first stage causes the stylus  2004  to illuminate and activation of the second stage causes the image sensor  1029  to capture an image. 
         [0039]      FIG. 6  is a circuit diagram of a stylus system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The circuit illustrated in  FIG. 6  is suitable for use with the stylus  370  illustrated in  FIG. 3   d . The circuit provides the following features: 1) charging of the stylus&#39; battery: 2) turning the stylus light source ON and OFF from the PDT; and 3) using the PDT battery to power the stylus light source. 
         [0040]    Although some embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents. For example, it may prove preferable to attach the stylus to a strap associated with the PDT as opposed to a well in the housing of the PDT. This mode of securing the stylus is particular applicable to embodiments wherein electrical communication. e.g. for recharging and switching, with the PDT are not required.