HK1132342A - Peripheral unit adapted to variably sized handheld host devices - Google Patents

Description

Peripheral unit adapted for a variable-size handheld host device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to devices and systems for adding functionality to off-the-shelf handheld computing devices or host devices. The system and method of the present invention may enhance protection of the host device from mechanical shock and/or may add peripheral functions to the host device when combined therewith.

Background

There are many handheld devices on the market that can provide computing functionality, which may be referred to as "host devices. Examples of such host devices may include, for example, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), cellular telephones and smart phones (smart phones), and various other handheld computing devices, which may or may not have wireless communication capabilities. While such devices are capable of performing a variety of computing and other tasks, they are often limited in functionality, requiring additional functionality that can be selectively performed using the computing power of the host device. For example, it may be desirable to add peripheral functions such as bar code scanning, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reading, key entry, wireless communication, telecommunications, and network communications.

It can also be noted that for these host devices that are commercially available, the form factors of the various devices vary greatly from one device to another. The different form factors of handheld devices make it difficult to accommodate a variety of handheld host devices of varying sizes or configurations with a single external device, and therefore, all peripheral systems generally need to be customized or specifically designed for a particular handheld computing device, and the devices may vary in configuration, such as the electrical or communication connectors associated therewith, in addition to varying in appearance and size. While a group of host devices typically have standard electrical connectors, such as Compact Flash (CF) sockets and Universal Serial Bus (USB) connectors, the relative positions of such connections in each host device are typically different. Moreover, such variations may generally require that all external devices be specially configured to fit a particular host device.

Thus, to address the above-described problem of host device form factor variations from one host device to another, the peripheral units need to be customized to fit the particular host device. Some examples of existing solutions are (a) custom peripheral units such as the dual-slot card extension pack for its iPaq PDA device offered by hewlett-packard corporation of paloaalto, california; another example of a custom external device is shown in Hanson et al, U.S. patent 5,349,497, (b) CF card based external devices such as a handheld scanner card produced by SocketCommunications, inc. of Newark, california, (c) cable connected peripheral units such as a digital wireless stereo adaptor model SF250 produced by Akron Resource, inc. of Arcadia, california, (d) a universal installation kit for PDA devices provided by Seidio, inc.

By observing these known efforts to provide peripheral functions for host devices, it can be seen that a drawback of the customization solution is that such systems must be continually redesigned when new models of host devices are introduced into the market. This delays market entry of such external devices, thereby increasing their cost. Moreover, such systems have an excessively large modular portion, such as for CF card peripherals, and are therefore susceptible to being damaged when dropped or bumped against another object during use. Alternatively, if the peripheral units are connected by a flexible cable, such connections are less suitable for handheld use because they disrupt the one-piece construction of the handheld host device. The side-shaking employed in the universal bench mount kit is bulky and does not hold the host device in a secure manner for handheld operation.

Based on the foregoing, it would be desirable to provide a peripheral unit that can be adapted for use with a handheld host device of variable size and configuration, which can be selectively combined with the host device to form a one-piece handheld structure. Furthermore, it would be desirable to provide a peripheral unit that provides enhanced protection for the host device with which it is associated to protect the combined system from mechanical shock or other external forces. It would also be desirable to provide a peripheral unit that can add useful input and output functions such as bar code scanning, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reading, key entry, wireless communication, telecommunications and/or network communications.

In light of the above, the present invention provides an external system and method that overcomes the limitations of the prior art and provides these significant advantages, as well as other objects and advantages.

Summary of The Invention

Based on the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a peripheral unit system that avoids the above disadvantages, and that can add peripheral functions to off-the-shelf handheld host devices of different sizes and configurations as a universally applicable system. The system and method according to the present invention can be adapted to variably sized handheld host devices without having to customize the peripheral units of the host device. It is also an object of the present invention to increase functionality, such as robustness of the associated integrated system of a handheld host device, providing a single-piece form factor that is convenient to use without compromising the versatility of the solution.

One aspect of the present invention relates to a peripheral unit that provides additional functionality when combined with an off-the-shelf handheld host device. Such peripheral units include a portion of a housing configured to engage with handheld host devices having various sizes and electrical configurations. A connection mechanism associated with the housing may be used to selectively secure the housing to a variable handheld host device to form a one-piece device suitable for handheld use. The attachment mechanism may be secured to the host device by selectively adjusting the size of the attachment mechanism to accommodate the host device. Furthermore, such a peripheral unit may provide a universal connection for at least one of the electrical connectors of the host device, thereby adding input-output functionality to the operation of the combined system.

According to another aspect of the invention, the connection mechanism of the peripheral unit has at least two arms and an adjustment mechanism, wherein the connection arms are connected on both sides of the handheld host device and the adjustment mechanism is adapted to move at least one of the arms relative to the other arm to selectively engage with the host device.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon further reading of the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

Drawings

A first preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in fig. 1 to 4. Fig. 5 shows a second preferred embodiment, while a third embodiment is shown in fig. 6A and 6B.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary device in accordance with the present invention, showing a peripheral unit and a charging stand;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the combination of such an exemplary device mounted on the back of an off-the-shelf host device;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the combination shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4A is a left side view and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the combination shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a second embodiment of an exemplary apparatus according to the present invention, including an adhesive coated portion;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are side views of a third embodiment of an exemplary device according to the present invention, including a handle;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are top and right side views of a fourth embodiment of an exemplary device according to the present invention, wherein the keyboard is included as a cover on the display of the handheld host device;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an exemplary device in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed Description

Reference is now made to fig. 1, which is a perspective view of an exemplary apparatus according to the present invention from which the performance and function of the invention may be understood. In this embodiment, the peripheral unit 10 has a housing or body portion 11, and a connecting means or mechanism 21. The housing 11 may be designed to be thin and have a long axis, which would enable it to be adapted to engage on handheld host computing devices of varying sizes and configurations. Such host devices may include Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), smart phones (smart phones), cellular phones (cell phones), or any other handheld computing device. Housing 11 is capable of mating with such variably sized handheld host devices in a non-obtrusive manner due to its small size and thin construction. At the same time, the housing 11 can also provide support for added functionality, as will be described below with reference to various embodiments. Electrical or other connectors are provided in the housing 11. In the configuration shown, the peripheral unit 10 may be used to add bar code scanning functionality to a handheld host device, such as by a laser bar code scanner having a scanner housing portion 17. A ribbon cable 14 may be used to removably connect the scanner via a CF card 15 provided on top of the housing 11. In this configuration, the CF card 15 can be easily connected to a connection port provided on the top of the host device. For other standard connection ports, other connection cables may be used. As an example, the housing 11 may also be designed with charging contacts 18 for selective connection with mating contacts 32 in the charging stand 30. Regardless of whether engaged with a host device or not, a peripheral unit may be seated in the charging stand 30 for charging a peripheral unit power supply provided in the housing 11. This power supply, in turn, may be used to operate added functionality such as a bar code scanning system, however, it may also be used to charge a battery power supply in the host device. In this case, a removable direct current plug (DC jack)16 may be utilized to selectively connect the host device. The dc plug 16 is selectively replaceable for full functionality so that a suitable connector can be used for any particular host device.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, unit 10 may be selectively engaged with host device 100. The unit 10 is securely engaged with the host device 100 by the attachment mechanism 21 to form a one-piece device suitable for handheld use. By selectively adjusting the size of the attachment mechanism 21, it can be selectively secured to any particular host device 100 used. In this embodiment, the connection mechanism 21 comprises at least two connection arms 12 arranged on both sides of the housing 11. The extent to which the arm 12 extends outwardly from the housing 11 can be selectively adjusted to a maximum extent that can accommodate a variety of different sizes of the handheld host computing device 100. In the embodiment shown, a plurality of connecting arms 12 are provided, for example near the top and bottom of the housing 11, and each connecting arm 12 carries at its end a coupling hook member 13. In this embodiment, the hook member 13 is capable of securely engaging with the side edge of a handheld host unit 100 of any variable size or shape by its arcuate engagement surface 13 a. The arcuate surface 13a is sized to extend around the edges of various thicknesses of the various host devices 100. Thus, the arcuate configuration of the surface 13a will engage the front and rear corners of the side edges of the host device 100 to securely fasten to the host device 100 regardless of its particular size or shape.

As shown in fig. 4a and 4b, the handheld host device 100 may have a peripheral unit engaged on its back, and the low profile housing 11 does not significantly increase the profile of the handheld host device 100. When unit 10 is engaged with host device 100, the resulting integral one-piece system will be a handheld structure that is easy to use, wherein any functionality of host device 100, as well as any functionality added by unit 10, can be used. The added functionality of unit 10 may also be integrated with host device 100 using the computing and processing capabilities provided by the host device processor and/or a separate processor provided in unit 10. As shown in this embodiment, a dc plug 16 may be selectively connected to the device 100 to provide power from a battery power source provided in the unit 10 to the device 100. The ribbon cable 14 is selectively connectable with the host computing device 100 to enable the scanner disposed in the cradle 17 to selectively operate with the host computing device 100. In this embodiment, to add laser barcode scanning functionality, a trigger 27 may be provided in the housing 11 for selectively activating the scanner therein. The complete integration of the peripheral system associated with unit 10 and host device 100 may form a fully functional, one-piece system suitable for handheld use.

In this embodiment, the connecting arm 12 adjustably supports the housing 11 to accommodate variably sized host devices 100. Any suitable adjustment mechanism may be used in accordance with the present invention, and thus the example shown in this embodiment is only one of the possible design choices. Other suitable configurations will occur to those skilled in the art. As shown in this embodiment, each connecting arm 12 may have a support 23, with a screw 24 or similar capable of selectively engaging a threaded hole in the support 23. It will be seen that when the screw 24 is turned, the relative position of the connecting arm 12 will be adjusted to accommodate any variably sized host device 100.

In addition to the various functions that the unit 10 can provide, the housing 11 and the connection mechanism 21 can also protect the host device 100 from shock impacts when the integrated combination is dropped or bumped against another object. The side edges and back of the device 100 are protected by the unit 100 and the associated attachment mechanism 21. Furthermore, the unit 10 may also be provided with other protective features, such as a cable sheath 19 for protecting the connection of the dc cable 16 and/or a ribbon cable sheath 31 for protecting the connection of the CF card 15 to the device 100. The cable sheaths 19 and 31 protect these connections from impact or other damage and also prevent the cables from becoming entangled with other objects during use.

In this embodiment, as can be appreciated from fig. 4B, the main body portion 11 can be laterally positioned by sliding along the connection arm 12 until the CF card terminal 15 is aligned with a corresponding CF socket on the handheld host device 100. The peripheral unit 10 can be secured to an off-the-shelf handheld host unit 100 by screwing the bolt 24 into the threaded member 23 until the attachment arm 12 and hook member 13 are tightened, holding the main body portion in this position. Similarly, the position of the body portion 11 may be adjusted longitudinally along the length of the handheld host unit 100 until the desired engagement is achieved. For example, when the peripheral unit 10 is in the correct position, no unwanted interference should occur between external elements of the handheld host unit 100 and external elements of the peripheral unit 10, such as the connection arm 12, the hook member 13, the scanner housing portion 17, the charging cable sheath 19 and the ribbon cable sheath 31.

Referring to fig. 5, another alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the low-profile housing 11 may have an adhesive coated portion 25 for selective engagement on the host device 100. The adhesive coated portion 25 is initially covered with a protective layer 26 that is removable by the user and, after removal, may be selectively adhered to any portion of the host device 100. Alternatively, a hook and loop fastening system may be used, one part of which is provided on the housing 11 and the other part on the device 100. The ribbon cable 14 with the CF card or other suitable connector may be provided similarly to the previously illustrated embodiments. A carriage 41 may be provided to serve as a wand support or other suitable support may be provided, such as for a scanner. A plurality of inlet/outlet or communication ports 15 may be provided in the housing 11 for selective connection to the handheld host unit 100. Thus, the added functionality provided by unit 10 is combined with host device 100 to form a single-piece integrated system suitable for handheld use.

Fig. 6A and 6B show a third embodiment according to the present invention, in which the peripheral unit 10 further includes a handle 42 which can be mounted on the main body portion 11 in a variety of positional states, including a positional state directed away from the main body portion 11 as shown in fig. 6A and a positional state directed along the main body portion as shown in fig. 6B. In this embodiment, the body portion 11 is securely attached to an off-the-shelf handheld host unit 100 by a pair of flanges 22. The scanner housing portion 17 is located entirely underneath the handheld host unit 100. Alternatively, the scanner housing portion 17 may be positioned along the body portion as shown in the first embodiment of fig. 1-4. In other respects, this embodiment may operate in a manner similar to the embodiments described above.

Alternatively, in the present embodiment, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader may be further provided in the peripheral unit 10. This may be accomplished by providing interconnections for the rfid reader 173, the peripheral unit processor 119, the auxiliary battery 117, and the power supply circuit 116, as depicted in fig. 8. For example, a suitable radio frequency identification reader may be an OEM module manufactured by Alien Technologies, Inc. of Morgan Hill, Calif. with model number ALR-9930. A radio frequency identification reader may be packaged in the handle 42 along with the auxiliary battery and the power circuit. The peripheral unit processor and the radio frequency identification antenna may be enclosed in the body portion 11.

A further embodiment of the invention is shown in fig. 7A and 7B, in which a peripheral unit 10 according to the invention may provide additional functionality. In this embodiment, the peripheral unit 10 includes a keyboard module 33 that is selectively connectable to the host device 100 in a low profile adjustable manner. In this embodiment, the keyboard module 33 may be hinged to the host device 100, such as by a pair of hinge arms 34. The hinge arms 34 are selectively held stationary by the housing or body portion 11 of the unit 10, as shown in FIG. 7B. To further enhance functionality, the housing 11 may include a plurality of notches 35 or similar structures to selectively retain the hinge arms 34 such that the keyboard module 33 is disposed in a desired position relative to the front surface of the host device 100. For example, the user may selectively position the keyboard module 33 to substantially cover the display screen of off-the-shelf handheld host devices 100 of various sizes. In use, the keyboard module 33 may be flipped or moved between an open position, as shown in FIG. 7A, and a closed position, as shown in FIG. 7B, capable of protecting the display screen of the device 100. The keyboard module 33 may be provided with a keypad 39 on its side and keyboard contacts 37 for selective connection to a keyboard connector 36 provided in the unit 10. As one example, such a configuration may allow for a suitable connection between keyboard contacts 37 and keyboard connector 36 when keyboard module 33 is in the open position. To further improve functionality, the keyboard module 33 in the open position may be held in place by friction between the keyboard recess 38 and one of a set of keyboard retention flanges 43 provided on the surface of the end 29 of the housing 11. It should be appreciated that the mechanical configuration of the keyboard retention flange 43 may be the same as the configuration of the slot 35 for proper operation of the keyboard module 33. This approach ensures that the keyboard retention flange 43 can be properly positioned to mate with the keyboard retention groove 38 regardless of which slot 35 is used to assemble the peripheral unit 10 with the handheld host unit 100. Other suitable adjustment mechanisms that enable selective positioning of keyboard module 33 will also occur to those of skill in the art and are within the scope of the present invention. Also shown in this embodiment, a pair of flanges 22 having arcuate engagement portions may be used to selectively engage the housing 11 with the device 100.

In another embodiment of the exemplary device according to the present invention, the functionality of the keyboard may be implemented in different ways. For example, the method described in detail in the inventor's U.S. Pat. No. 5,638,257, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, may be used in place of the keyboard method described above. In this patent, the keyboard module will undergo planar movement between the open and closed positions, rather than flipping as described in the fourth embodiment above.

With reference now to fig. 8, the different aspects and functions that can be achieved by the peripheral unit 10 according to the invention will be described. As shown in the block diagram of fig. 8, the peripheral unit 10 may have one or more functions that may be integrated with or used with the capabilities and functions of the handheld host device 100.

Handheld host device 100 is shown interconnected to peripheral unit 10 by various suitable connection means such as ribbon cable 14 and Compact Flash (CF) interface circuitry 121. It should be appreciated that handheld host device 100 may also use other suitable connectors that are compatible with these standard connectors. These connectors may in turn be connected to, for example, peripheral unit processors and multiplexer 119. The peripheral unit processor and multiplexer 119 may in turn be connected to various peripheral devices to add functionality to the system in combination with the handheld host device 100. As an example, the peripheral unit may comprise a system and a function selected from the group consisting of: a scanning system such as a bar code scanner 171 or similar scanner, a digital camera 172, a radio frequency identification reader with antenna 173, a magnetic stripe card reader 111, a smart card reader 112, a disk drive memory 113, a portable printer 114, communications circuitry 118, and/or a keyboard module 33. If a scanner is provided, a trigger 27 or similar actuator may be used. These are just a few examples of available peripheral devices that may be combined with peripheral unit 10 to increase the functionality of handheld host device 100. The peripheral unit 10 may also include an auxiliary battery 117, regulated by power circuitry 116, which may provide power to the components in the peripheral unit 10 and may also serve as a backup power source for the handheld host unit 100 via the dc plug 16 described above. Other desired functionalities may also be incorporated into the peripheral unit 10, such as by incorporating a heat generating element 115, to enable the combined system of unit 10 and device 100 to be used in very cold environments. Alternatively, other arrangements may be employed to enhance application in other environments.

All of these and other functional components that may be integrated into the unit 10 are readily available in the market, and those skilled in the art will recognize these and other types of devices and their functions in light of the present disclosure. Such embedded components would be integrated into the unit 10 rather than externally connected to the host device 100. Also, while these components are shown electrically connected to the peripheral unit processor and multiplexer 119, one or more of these components may also be wirelessly connected. Thus, as an example, keyboard module 33 may be wirelessly connected with host device 100 for operation. Peripheral unit 10 may then be customized for an application in which only one or more features may be used, such as for bar code scanning, or may include a smart card reader 112 and/or a magnetic strip card reader 111, depending on the particular application. All such variations are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be understood that this is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of limitation. Accordingly, the scope and content of the present invention are to be defined only by the appended claims.

Claims (19)

1. A peripheral unit for providing additional functionality when combined with an off-the-shelf host device, comprising:

a housing, a portion of the housing configured to engage a portion of a handheld host device of various sizes and electrical configurations,

a connection mechanism associated with said housing for selectively securing said housing to said changeable handheld host device to form a one-piece apparatus suitable for handheld use, wherein said connection mechanism is securable to said host device by selectively adjusting said connection mechanism to accommodate the host device.

2. A peripheral unit according to claim 1, wherein the connection mechanism comprises at least two arms, wherein the at least two arms are connected substantially on opposite sides of the handheld host device, and an adjustment mechanism adapted to move at least one of the arms relative to the other arm to adjust the distance therebetween.

3. A peripheral unit according to claim 2, wherein each of the at least two arms terminates in a curved surface having a width to accommodate the handheld host unit and engageable with front and rear corners of an edge of the handheld host unit.

4. A peripheral unit according to claim 2, wherein each of the arms terminates in a hook, flange or loop, each adapted to engage a portion of the handheld host device.

5. A peripheral unit according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment mechanism comprises a pair of mating threaded fasteners and a threaded member, wherein the threaded fasteners are adjusted by rotating them.

6. A peripheral unit according to claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism is a loop dimensioned to fit over the handheld host device in a loop, the loop terminating in an adjustment mechanism adapted to change the length of the loop.

7. A peripheral unit according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes at least one of a handle and a bracket associated therewith.

8. A peripheral unit according to claim 7, wherein a handle portion is associated with the housing and is positionable in a plurality of positional states including a positional state directed away from the housing and directed along the housing.

9. A peripheral unit according to claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism includes an adhesive coated portion for selectively engaging a portion of the host device.

10. A peripheral unit according to claim 1, wherein the connection mechanism includes a hook and loop snap type fastener associated with the housing and selectively associated with the handheld host device for selectively engaging the housing with the handheld host device.

11. A peripheral unit according to claim 1, wherein the peripheral unit further comprises a keyboard module.

12. A peripheral unit according to claim 11, wherein the keyboard module has a closed position covering a substantial portion of the front side of the handheld host device in which the peripheral unit is used, and an open position exposing a substantial portion of the front side of the handheld host device.

13. A peripheral unit according to claim 11, wherein the keyboard module is hinged to the housing for providing at least rotational movement to the keyboard module.

14. A peripheral unit according to claim 13, wherein the hinged connection is variable between a plurality of positions along at least one of a length and a width of the peripheral unit according to a size of a host device.

15. A peripheral unit according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises at least one peripheral component selected from the group consisting of: a bar code scanner, an RFID reader with antenna, a smart card reader, a magnetic strip card reader, a wireless local area network transceiver, a wireless wide area network transceiver, a radio communication modem, a local area network transceiver, a digital camera, a disk drive memory, a trigger for scanning, a receiver for a Global Positioning System (GPS), a portable printer, a heating element, or a combination thereof.

16. A peripheral unit according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the components is selectively connectable to the handheld host device by a compatible cable or wireless communication.

17. The peripheral unit of claim 1, further comprising at least one cable terminated with an industry standard interface disposed on the handheld host device with which the peripheral unit is used.

18. A peripheral unit according to claim 17, wherein the industry standard interface is at least one interface selected from the group consisting of CF card, SDIO card, PC card and USB connector.

19. A peripheral unit according to claim 1, wherein the housing and attachment mechanism are shaped and dimensioned to mechanically protect a substantial portion of the handheld host device when the housing is engaged with the handheld host device.