Low battery alert for an image reader

• US 20090102671A1
• Filed: 10/17/2007
• Published: 04/23/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 10/17/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Hand Held Products Incorporated (Honeywell International Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hand Held Products Incorporated (Honeywell International Inc.)
• Inventors: Reynolds, Scott, Susewitt, Kevin Donald, Romanchik, Richard A.
• Application Number:
  US11/975,024
• Publication Number:
  US 20090102671A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/636.100
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/3648 comprising digital calculation means, e.g. for performing an algorithm

Abstract

A method of operating an optical reading device for collecting and processing indicia data comprising the steps of: converting light reflected from a target into output signals representative thereof utilizing an image sensor; illuminating the target utilizing an illumination source; directing light from the target to the image sensor array utilizing receive optics; decoding information contained in information bearing indicia within the target derived from the output signals utilizing a processor; powering the image sensor, illumination source, processor and display with a battery; measuring at least one parameter indicative of the battery charge; communicating charge information to an operator on a display; and housing the processor, image sensor, receive optics, illumination source and display in a common housing for hand held operation.

Claims

1. A method of operating an optical reading device for collecting and processing indicia data comprising the steps of:

converting light reflected from a target into output signals representative thereof utilizing an image sensor;

illuminating the target utilizing an illumination source;

directing light from the target to the image sensor array utilizing receive optics;

decoding information contained in information bearing indicia within the target derived from the output signals utilizing a processor;

powering the image sensor, illumination source, processor and display with a battery;

measuring at least one parameter indicative of the battery charge;

communicating charge information to an operator on a display; and

housing the processor, image sensor, receive optics, illumination source and display in a common housing for hand held operation.

2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising comparing the measured battery parameters with predetermined parameter limits and wherein communicating comprises communicating the comparison results information to the operator.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein communicating charge information comprises changing a color on at least part of the display.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the changing a color comprises providing more than one color change in response to the battery charge meeting predetermined parameter limits.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein communicating charge information comprises broadcasting an audible tone.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein a graphical user interface is provided on the display.

7. A method according to claim 1, wherein the parameter comprises a battery charge percent.

8. A method according to claim 1, wherein communicating charge information comprises sending a message to a remote point of sale display.

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein sending a message to a remote point of sale display comprises at least one of the following:

changing a color on at least part of the remote point of sale display;

creating a text message; and

broadcasting an audible tone.

10. A method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of determining whether the battery is charging.

11. An optical reading device for collecting and processing indicia data comprising:

an image sensor for converting light reflected from a target into output signals representative thereof;

an illumination source for illuminating the target;

receive optics for directing light from the target to the image sensor array;

a processor for decoding information contained in information bearing indicia within the target derived from the output signals;

a battery for powering the image sensor, illumination source, processor and display;

a housing for housing the processor, image sensor, receive optics, illumination source and display for hand held operation;

wherein the processor measures at least one parameter indicative of the battery charge and communicates charge information to an operator on a display.

12. An optical reading device according to claim 11, wherein the processor compares the measured battery parameters with predetermined parameter limits and communicates the comparison results information to the operator.

13. An optical reading device according to claim 11, wherein the processor communicates charge information by changing a color on at least part of the display.

14. An optical reading device according to claim 13, wherein the changing a color comprises providing more than one color change in response to the battery charge meeting predetermined parameter limits.

15. An optical reading device according to claim 11, wherein communicating charge information comprises broadcasting an audible tone.

16. An optical reading device according to claim 11, wherein the display comprises a graphical user interface.

17. An optical reading device according to claim 11, wherein the parameter comprises a battery charge percent.

18. An optical reading device according to claim 11, wherein communicating charge information comprises sending a message to a remote point of sale display.

19. An optical reading device according to claim 18, wherein sending a message to a remote point of sale display comprises at least one of the following:

changing a color on at least part of the remote point of sale display;

creating a text message; and

broadcasting an audible tone.