Patent Publication Number: US-8973827-B2

Title: Adapter system for a portable electronic device

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to an adapter system for use with a portable electronic device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The widespread use of portable electronic devices (PEDs), for example personal digital assistants (PDAs) and smart-phones have led to many accessories being developed for use therewith. These accessories include commercial devices, for example barcode scanners, being made available to extend the capabilities of the PEDs. However, such commercial devices require the PEDs to be designed for physical accommodation thereof which in turn result in the commercial devices being size-restricted or the PEDs being enlarged. Commercial devices with such restrictions are coupled to the PED using a cable which renders the connection between the PED and the commercial device flimsy for use in an industrial setting. Furthermore, typically available commercial devices for use with the PEDs have limited functionality. For commercial devices that are developed for integration as adapters with purpose PEDs, the handling dexterity and ergonomic efficacy are low. 
     Alternatively, purpose-built industrial devices, for example hand-held barcode scanners, have built in telecommunication functionality. However, these devices typically have limited functional expansion capabilities and cumbersome in size. Therefore, there exists a need for an improved adapter system for use with PEDs. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is disclosed an adapter unit comprising an adapter portion and a grip portion. The adapter portion is shaped for removably coupling with a portable electronic device and the adapter further for electrically communicating with the adapter portion when coupled therewith. The grip portion is formed adjacent the adapter portion and shaped for enabling one hand grip thereof by a user. The adapter unit further comprises at least one input actuator operable for communicating input signals with the portable electronic device via the adapter portion. The at least one input actuator and the grip portion being inter-configured to enable gripping of the grip portion and operation of the at least one input actuator with one hand and the input signals for at least one of providing data to and controlling the portable electronic device. 
     In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is disclosed an adapter system comprising a first adapter system which comprises a first adapter portion and at least one input actuator. The first adapter portion is shaped for removably coupling with a portable electronic device and the at least one input actuator is operable for communicating input signals with the portable electronic device via the first adapter portion. The adapter system further comprises a second adapter unit wherewith the input signals from the at least one input actuator is further communicable. The second adapter unit comprises a second adapter portion shaped for removably coupling with the portable electronic device. The first adapter portion and the second adapter portion further being inter-couplable for encasing the portable electronic device at least along the periphery thereof. The second adapter unit further comprises at least one of an image capture device and a data capture device controllable by operating the at least one input actuator for generating data signals providable to the portable electronic device. 
     In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is disclosed an adapter unit comprising an adapter portion an adapter portion shaped for removably coupling with and receiving at least a portion of a portable electronic device therewithin. The portable electronic device has at least one user interface. The adapter unit further comprises at least one of an image capture device and a data capture device controllable by operating the at least one user interface of the portable electronic device. The at least one of an image capture device and a data capture device being in data communication with the portable electronic device when coupled therewith. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  shows a plan view of an adapter system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, having a data capture device and with a first adapter unit and a second adapter unit being coupled with a portable electronic device (PED); 
         FIG. 2  shows a bottom view of the adapter of  FIG. 1  with the data capture device being a barcode scanner; 
         FIG. 3  shows a bottom view of the adapter system of  FIG. 1  with the first adapter unit and the second adapter unit being decoupled from the PED; 
         FIG. 4  shows a front elevation of the of the adapter system of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  shows an isometric view of the adapter system of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  shows a front elevation of the adapter system of  FIG. 1  with the data capture device being a card reader; 
         FIG. 7  shows a front elevation of the adapter system of  FIG. 6  with the first adapter unit and the second adapter unit being decoupled from the PED; 
         FIG. 8  shows a bottom view of the adapter system of  FIG. 1  with the first adapter unit having a grip portion and the data capture device being a barcode scanner; 
         FIG. 9  shows a plan view of the adapter system of  FIG. 8 ; and 
         FIG. 10  shows an isometric view of the adapter system of  FIG. 8  with the first adapter unit and the second adapter unit being decoupled from the PED and with the data capture device being a card reader. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an adapter system  20 , is described hereinafter with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 10 . The adapter system  20  is for use with a portable electronic device (PED)  22 . The PED  22  is, for example, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smart phone, a hand-held barcode scanner, a GSM enabled hand-held scanner or the like devices. 
     The adapter system  20  comprises a first adapter unit  24  and a second adapter unit  26 . The first adapter unit  24  comprises a first adapter portion  28  shaped for removably coupling with the PED  22  and at least one input actuator  30  operable for communicating input signals with the PED  22  via the first adapter portion  28 . Preferably, the input signals are further communicable with the second adapter unit  26 . Preferably, the second adapter unit  26  comprises a second adapter portion  34  shaped for removably coupling with the PED  22 . The first adapter portion  28  and the second adapter portion  34  further being inter-couplable for encasing the PED  22  at least along the periphery  36  thereof. 
     Preferably, the second adapter unit  26  comprises a data capture device  38  controllable by operating the at least one input actuator  30 . When operated, the data capture device  38  generates data signals providable to the PED  22 . Preferably, the data capture device  38  comprises a barcode scanner  41   a  for generating the data signals from scanning of a barcode (not shown). Alternatively, the data capture device  38  comprises a card reader  41   b  shaped for receiving a portion of a card therewithin, for example a smartcard, or for swiping of a data carrying card, for example a card with a data-carrying magnetic strip, therethrough as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . Further alternatively, the data capture device  38  is a near-field transceiver (not shown) for capturing data from an active transponder or a passive transponder, for example, by back scattering techniques. Further alternatively, the data capture device  38  can contain one or a combination of the barcode scanner  41   a , the card reader  41   b  and the near field transceiver. Alternative or in addition to the data capture device  38 , the second adapter unit  26  comprises an image capture device (not shown). 
     Each of the first adapter portion  28  and the second adapter portion  34  comprises a receptacle shaped for receiving a portion of the PED  22  therewithin. Each of the first adapter portion  28  and the second adapter portion  34  further comprises a plurality of adapter contacts for engaging and electrically communicating with corresponding plurality of device contacts of the PED  48 . 
     The receptacle of each of the first adapter portion  28  and the second adapter portion  34  comprises a first arm  48   a / 48   b  and a second arm  50   a / 50   b  spatially disposed from the first arm  48   a / 48   b . Each of the first arm  48   a / 48   b  and the second arm  50   a / 50   b  defining a trench  52  therealong. The trench  52  of one of the first arm  48   a / 48   b  and the second arm  50   a / 50   b  inwardly opposing the trench  52  of the other thereof. 
     The PED  22  is preferably rectilinearly-shaped with ribs  54  formed along two opposite sides of the periphery of the PED  22 . Preferably, the ribs  54  are for enabling better grip of the PED  22  by a user. Preferably, the ribs  54  are rounded to enable accommodation thereof within the trench  52  of each of the first arm  48   a / 48   b  and the second arm  50   a / 50   b  when the PED  22  slides into the receptacle of the first adapter portion  28  for coupling therewith and into the receptacle of the second adapter portion  34  for coupling therewith. 
     A groove  56  is defined on the two opposing sides of the PED  22  along the length thereof. The groove  56  cuts through the ribs  54 . Rails  58  extends along and from within the trench  52  of each of the first arm  48   a / 48   b  and the second arm  50   a / 50   b  for mating with the grooves of the PED  22  and functioning as a guide for sliding of the first adapter portion  28  and the second adapter portion  34  relative thereto. 
     Each of the first adapter portion  28  and the second adapter portion  34  further comprises a backing structure  60   a / 60   b  extending between the first arm  48   a / 48   b  and the second arm  50   a / 50   b . The backing structure  60   a / 60   b  extends over a face of the PED  22  when the first adapter unit  24  and the second adapter unit  26  couples therewith. The backing structure  60   a / 60   b  defines at least one opening  62  for exposing and enabling access to at least one portion of the face of the PED  22 . Preferably, the PED  22  comprises a plurality of user interfaces  64 . The plurality of user interfaces  64  of the PED  22  comprises one or more of buttons, a scroll-wheel, a display, a touch-screen and a joy-stick. The at least one opening  62  defined by the backing structure  60   a / 60   b  enables the plurality of user interfaces  64  to be accessed by a user. 
     Each of the first adapter unit  24  and the second adapter unit  26  further comprises catches (not shown) or the like fastening means for releasably securing the PED  22  to each thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the catches further inter-couple the first adapter unit  24  and the second adapter unit  26 . 
     The second adapter unit  26  further comprises an end portion  66  wherefrom the first arm  48   b  and the second arm  50   b  extends. Preferably, the data capture device  38  of the second adapter unit  26  is formed on the end portion  66 . Alternatively, the data capture device  38  of the second adapter unit  26  is formed on the backing structure  60   b  thereof. Additional user interfaces (not shown) are formable on the end portion  66  to enable control of, for example, the data capture device  38  or the PED  22  therevia. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 to 10 , the first adapter unit  24  further comprises a grip portion  68  formed adjacent the first adapter portion  28  and shaped for enabling one hand grip thereof by a user. Preferably, the at least one input actuator  30  and the grip portion  68  are inter-configured to enable gripping of the grip portion  68  and operation of the at least one input actuator  30  with one hand. Preferably, the input signals further at least one of provides data to and controls the PED  22 . 
     The grip portion  68  comprises a body  70 , whereon the first adapter portion  28  is supported, and a mound  72  protruding from the body  70  and shaped and dimensioned for wrapping of fingers of the user thereover. Preferably, the body  70  interposes the first adapter portion  28  and the mound  72 . Preferably, the body  70  defines a concavity (not shown) along where the mound  72  protrudes for accommodating the fingertip of at least one of the fingers of the user when wrapped over the mound  72 . 
     Preferably, the at least one input actuator  30  comprises a button and a scroll-wheel. Alternatively, the at least one input actuator  30  comprises at least one of a button, a scroll-wheel, a scroll-ball, a joy-stick and a touch-sensor (not shown). Preferably, the scroll-wheel is disposed adjacent the button. The mound  72  is preferably elongated with the button and the scroll-wheel being disposed at one extremity of thereof. Preferably, the button, the scroll-wheel and the mound  72  are inter-disposed for concurrent one-hand gripping of the grip portion  68 , thumb-operation of the scroll-wheel and finger operation of the button. 
     Preferably, the body  70  comprises a first face and a second face outwardly opposing the first face. The at least one input actuator  30  further comprises a plurality of buttons  84  disposed on the first face of the body  70 . Preferably, the mound  72  protrudes from the second face of the body  70 . The body  70  further comprises a display  86  formed on the first face thereof. The display  86  is preferably a touch-screen for capturing user-input for conveyance to the PED  22 . 
     Preferably, one or each of the first adapter unit  24  and the second adapter unit  26  comprises a compartment for accommodating a battery (not shown) for providing electrical power to at least one of the first adapter unit  24 , the second adapter unit  26  and the PED  22 . 
     Additionally, one or each of the first adapter unit  24  and the second adapter unit  26  further comprises at least one external connector whereto at least one of an external power source and an external device (both not shown) is connectable for provision of at least one of data signals and power thereto. The at least one external connector can, for example, provide a data link with the PED  22  without detachment of either the first adapter unit  24  and the second adapter unit  26  from the PED  22 . 
     Preferably, one of the first adapter unit  24  and the second adapter unit  26  is adaptable and configurable for use without the other thereof. The first adapter unit  24  can further comprise one or both of an image capture device and a data capture device (both not shown). This enables the first adapter unit  24  to be coupled to for use with the PED  22 , without the second adapter unit  26 , for capturing of images via the image capture device or capturing of data by scanning a barcode using the data capture device. 
     The PED  22  preferably operates in either a device mode or an adapter mode. When either or both of the first adapter unit  24  and the second adapter unit  26  is coupled with the PED  22 , the respective plurality of adapter contacts electrically couples with the corresponding plurality of device contacts to switch the PED  22  from the device mode to the adapter mode. The switch between the device mode and the adapter mode is preferably effected via provision of interrupts to one or both of software applications and firmware operating the PED  22 . When the first adapter unit  24  and the second adapter  26  are decoupled from the PED  22 , the PED  22  switches from the adapter mode back to the device mode. Preferably, the adapter mode has a plurality of sub-modes for catering to configurations of the PED  22  being coupled to the first adapter unit  24  only, the second adapter unit  26  only and both the first adapter unit  24  and the second adapter unit  26 . 
     The adapter mode is preferably configurable for enabling one or any of the controlling of the data capture device  38  of the second adapter unit  26  by operating the at least one input actuator  30  of the first adapter unit  24  or the user interface  64  of the PED  22  and the controlling of the data capture device (not shown) of the first adapter unit  24  by the operating the at least one input actuator  30  of the first adapter unit  24  or the user interface  64  of the PED  22 . 
     Preferably, the PED  22  further comprises at least one of a capture module  84  for capturing at least one of images and data. The data is captured, for example, from a barcode by scanning thereof using the capture module  84 . In the adapter mode, the capture module is controllable by operating the at least one input actuator  30  of the first adapter unit  24  or the user interface  64  of the PED  22 . 
     Each of the first adapter unit  24  and the second adapter unit  26  can add further functionality to the PED  22 . For example, either or each of the first adapter unit  24  and the second adapter unit  26  can further comprise storage module for providing additional storage capacity to the PED  22 , a biometric or fingerprint scanner, or a global positioning system (GPS) device (all not shown). 
     In the foregoing manner, an adapter system and an adapter unit for use with a portable electronic device is described according to one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Although only one exemplary embodiment of the present invention is disclosed, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art in view of this disclosure that numerous changes and/or modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention.