Abstract:
The present disclosure describes a peripheral device. The peripheral device includes a device communication port to communicatively couple with a computer communication port on a computer. The peripheral device includes an automatic latch to mechanically secure the peripheral device to the computer by applying pressure in a direction that connects the device communication port and the computer communication port. The peripheral device includes a ground retention clip, to establish surface contact with an exterior surface of the computer to electrically ground the peripheral device.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    A peripheral device typically connects to another computing device to provide additional functionality. Peripheral devices may include a number of different devices, such as a magnetic card reader, camera, printer, biometric sensor, and many others. In a number of working environments, it is useful to have the peripheral device secured to the computing device in a stable position. For example, at a point of sale, i.e., cash register, the card reader is installed so that the force of swiping the card through the reader does not disconnect, or possibly damage, the two devices. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0002]    Certain exemplary embodiments are described in the following detailed description and in reference to the drawings, in which: 
           [0003]      FIGS. 1A-1B  are block diagrams of an example system or connecting a peripheral device. 
           [0004]      FIGS. 2A-2D  are block diagrams of example peripheral device for connecting to a computing device. 
           [0005]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of an example ground retention clip, in accordance with examples. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0006]    Connected peripheral devices are secured to the computing device using two screws on either side of the communication port. However, attaching and removing the peripheral device can be time consuming and tedious. The screws may not be accessible from outside the device, meaning parts of the computing device are removed just to get to the screws. Further, there may be various types of screws. As such, a tool such as a screwdriver may not be useful. Instead, the tool may be provided by the peripheral device manufacturer. This means that if the tool is lost somewhere between the manufacturer, reseller, and the customer, the customer may not be able install the device until ordering, and receiving, a replacement tool. Accordingly, an alternative to connecting peripheral devices may be useful. 
         [0007]    Examples of the claimed subject matter provide peripheral devices and computing devices that may be stably connected at a communication port, and disconnected from the port, without tools. These examples enable faster connection and disconnection times than possible between current peripheral and computing devices. Examples are described in greater detail with respect to  FIG. 1 . 
         [0008]      FIG. 1A  is a front view of a system  100  for securing a peripheral device  102  to a computing device  104 , in accordance with examples. The peripheral device  102  can be coupled to the computing device  104  to provide additional functionality. The peripheral device  102  refers to a modular device with small form factor that adds functionality to the computing device  104  by communicatively coupling to the computer via a communication port. The peripheral device  102  may be a web cam, a bar code scanner, a card reader, a finger print scanner, or a reverse-facing display screen. The computing device  104  may be a standard desktop computer, a desktop with all-in-one form factor, a tablet computer, laptop computer, point of sale device, and so on. In addition to the communicative connection, the peripheral device  102  is mechanically secured to the computing device  104  such that the peripheral device  102  stays rigid in relation to the computing device  104 . 
         [0009]    The peripheral device  102  includes a cross-bar level  06  that is disposed within a receptacle  108  of the computing device  104 . In one example, the cross-bar lever  106  automatically locks upon insertion. The cross-bar lever  106  latches onto the computing device  104  to lock the devices  102 ,  104  into position for stability. When connected, the cross-bar lever  106  is fixed within the receptacle  108 . The cross-bar lever  106  constrains any degree of motion between the peripheral device  102  and the computing device  104 . Additionally, the cross-bar lever  106  may be spring loaded to a position that maintains the rigid relationship between the devices  102 ,  104 . To disconnect the device  102 , a tab lever (not shown) may be pulled, which lifts the cross-bar lever  106  from the receptacle  108 . In this position, it is possible to disconnect the peripheral device  102  from the computing device  104 . The tab lever may be used to secure and eject the cross-bar lever  106 . 
         [0010]    In an example of the claimed subject matter, the tab lever may be attached to the cross-bar lever  106 . By applying pressure to the tab, the latch  106  may be automatically locked into the receptacle, or lifted from the receptacle  108 . In another example, the tab lever may be incorporated within the peripheral device  102  as a button that pops up when the devices  102 ,  104  are connected. Accordingly, while the devices  102 ,  104  remain connected, pressing the tab-lever button lifts the cross-bar lever  106  from the receptacle. In another example, a tab-lever button may be incorporated within the computing device  104 . The tab-levers described here are merely examples, and not an exhaustive list. Rather, any tab-lever capable of automatically locking the cross-bar lever  106  into the receptacle  108 , or automatically lifting the cross-bar lever  106  from the receptacle  108  may be used. 
         [0011]      FIG. 1B  is a side perspective vie of the peripheral device  102  and the computing device  104 , in accordance with examples. The peripheral device  102  includes a device communication port  110 . Correspondingly, the computing device  104  includes a computer communication port  112 . The device communication port  110  and the computer communication port  112  may utilize any number of communications protocols, proprietary, industry-standard, and so on. For example, the device communication port  110  and the computer communication port  112  may be Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports. When connected, the device communication port  110  is connected with the computer communication port  112 . The computing device  104  also includes a processor  114 , and a system memory  116 . The processor  114  executes computer instructions stored in system memory  116 . 
         [0012]      FIG. 2A  is a back perspective view of a magnetic card reading peripheral device  202  and cross-bar lever  206 , in accordance with examples. The device  202  includes USB communication port  204  and lever attachments  208 . The lever attachments  208  may provide a receptacle for securing the cross-bar level  206  to the device  202 . In one example, the attachments  208  may include springs (not shown) that provide a range of motion for the device  202  in relation to the cross-bar lever  206 . Additionally, such springs may return the device  202  to a position for connecting the device  202  to an example computing device  104 . 
         [0013]    All peripheral devices  102  have electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) regulations with which to conform. These regulations enable the safe operation of electronic devices, and require that electronic devices provide a ground metal contact. Currently, the screws used to secure typical peripheral devices also provide this ground metal contact. However, example peripheral devices  102  do not include screws to secure the peripheral device  102  to the computing device. Accordingly, example peripheral devices  102  provide ground metal contact without the use of screws. Instead of screws, peripheral devices  102  include a ground retention clip that provide ground metal contacts between the peripheral device  202  and the computing device  104 . The ground retention clip is described in greater detail with respect to  FIGS. 2B .  2 C, and  3 . 
         [0014]      FIG. 2B  is a front perspective view of the device  202 , in accordance with examples. The device  202  includes the USB port  204  and ground metal contacts  206 . When the peripheral device  202  is connected, the ground metal contacts  206  provide contact between the computing device  104  and a chassis of the peripheral device. The ground metal contacts  206  are exposed surfaces of the ground retention clip, which is secured within the device  202 . 
         [0015]      FIG. 2C  is a bottom perspective view of the device  202  with covering removed, in accordance with examples. The device includes a ground retention clip  208 , secured to, and in contact with, the chassis of the device  202 . The surface of the ground retention clip  208  is exposed through an opening, providing the ground metal contacts  206 . 
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a block diagram of an example ground retention clip  300 , in accordance with examples. Example peripheral devices  102  may include a ground retention clip  300  to provide grounding contact with a connected computing device  104 . The ground retention clip  300  is installed within the peripheral device  102  such that the clip  300  is in electrical contact with the chassis of the peripheral device  102 . Additionally, once installed in the peripheral device  102 , a portion of the clip  300  is externally exposed to provide the electrical contacts to the computing device  104 . It is noted that examples of the claimed subject matter are not limited to the design shown in  FIG. 3 . Rather, the ground retention clip  300  may be of any shape that, when installed, provides electrical contact with the chassis, and electric contact with the computing device  104 , once secured. 
         [0017]    Advantageously, a tool is not needed to connect or disconnect example peripheral devices. This tool-less technique enables suppliers and resellers of connected devices  102 ,  104  to reduce the time for assembly. This time savings translates to cost savings. Original design manufacturers, suppliers and resellers, who sell connected peripheral and computing devices, can save expenses in assembling example systems. In addition, faster service repair and replacement is possible with example systems because the peripheral devices  102  can be disconnected without tools. 
         [0018]    While the present techniques may be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, the exemplary examples discussed above have been shown only by way of example. It is to be understood that the technique is not intended to be limited to the particular examples disclosed herein. Indeed, the present techniques include all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents falling within the true spirit and scope of the appended claims.