Modular protective housing with peripherals for a handheld communications device

• US 8,077,453 B2
• Filed: 02/12/2010
• Issued: 12/13/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 03/23/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Daniel Doczy
• Original Assignee: Daniel Doczy
• Inventors: Swan, Harris Kent, Little, Kirk
• Primary Examiner(s): Gandhi, Jayprakash N
• Assistant Examiner(s): WRIGHT, INGRID D
• Application Number:
  US12/705,360
• Publication Number:
  US 20100208424A1
• Time in Patent Office: 669 Days
• Field of Search: 361/679.41, 361/679.3, 361/679.19, 361/679.55, 361/679.56, 361/679.57, 361/679.58, 361/679.4, 4555751-5754, 710303-305, 37943311-43313
• US Class Current: 361/679.41
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3203 Power management, i.e. event-based initiation of a power-saving mode
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3215 Monitoring of peripheral devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1633 Protecting arrangement for the entire housing of the computer
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0362 with detection of 1D translations or rotations of an operating part of the device, e.g. scroll wheels, sliders, knobs, rollers or belts
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 1/0202 Portable telephone sets, e.g. cordless phones, mobile phones or bar type handsets constructional features of telephone transmitters or receivers, e.g. of speakers or microphones H04M1/03

Abstract

A peripherals device for coupling with a handheld communication device includes an interface to the handheld communication device and a processor for performing functions complementary to the communications device. According to another embodiment, the peripherals device includes a conformal cavity for receiving a handheld communications device in a secure fashion. According to yet another embodiment, the peripherals device includes a data collection device for collecting data and using the interface for sending the collected data to a remote processor for further processing. The data collection device can include an image reader, a barcode reader, a signature capture device, an optical character recognition. In yet another embodiment, there is a power subsystem that powers the peripherals device and the handheld communications device. The power system has a low power state to conserve energy. In another embodiment, the peripherals device comprises a plurality of processors that automatically reconfigure themselves to work with the communication device to which the peripherals device is connected.

Claims

1. A sensor clip for use with a handheld communication device, the sensor clip comprising:

a housing;

at least one sensor unit for receiving information, the sensor unit interchangeably mounted in the housing;

a replaceable cradle connector configured to accept one or more I/O devices configured to connect with the same cradle connector; and

an interface between the sensor unit and the handheld communication device configured to provide a communication link between the sensor unit and the handheld communication device.

2. The sensor clip of claim 1, further comprising circuitry, coupled to a processor, configured to allow the processor to process the information received by the at least one sensor unit.

3. The sensor clip of claim 1, wherein the sensor unit is configured to provide a global positioning system.

4. The sensor clip of claim 1, wherein the sensor unit is configured to provide an image reader.

5. The sensor clip of claim 1, wherein the sensor unit provides a function selected from the group consisting of a barcode reader, a credit card reader, a fingerprint reader, a camera, and a combination thereof.

6. The sensor clip of claim 1, wherein the interface comprises a mechanical connection.

7. The sensor clip of claim 1, wherein the communication link is a wireless communication link.

8. A peripheral device for portable use with a handheld communication device, the peripheral device comprising:

a sensor clip, the sensor clip including

a housing;

at least one sensor unit for receiving information, the sensor unit interchangeably mounted in the housing; and

an interface between the sensor unit and the handheld communication device configured to provide a communication link between the sensor unit and the handheld communication device;

a processor, coupled to the sensor unit, for processing the information;

circuitry, coupled to the processor, configured to provide one or more functions complementary to the handheld communication device;

a replaceable cradle connector configured to accept one or more I/O devices configured to connect with the same cradle connector; and

a power supply circuit for portably powering the peripheral device.

9. The peripheral device of claim 8, further comprising a conformal cavity configured to hold the handheld communication device and to redirect external forces on the housing around the handheld communication device.

10. The peripheral device of claim 8, further comprising an I-beam cross section structure configured to accommodate the communication device.

11. The peripheral device of claim 8, further comprising a touch screen overlaying the display of the handheld communication device, wherein the touch screen allows a user to control the handheld communication device.

12. The peripheral device of claim 8, wherein the sensor unit provides a global positioning system.

13. The peripheral device of claim 8, wherein the sensor unit provides an image reader.

14. The sensor clip of claim 8, wherein the sensor unit provides a function selected from the group consisting of a barcode reader, a credit card reader, a fingerprint reader, a camera, and a combination thereof.

15. The peripheral device of claim 8, wherein the power supply circuit comprises a power subsystem including a host battery and a logic circuit configured to detect a charge level of the host battery and a charge level of a handheld communication device battery, wherein current from the host battery is directed to the handheld communication device battery when the charge level of the handheld communication device battery is below a threshold.

16. The peripheral device of claim 8, wherein the interface comprises a mechanical connection.

17. The peripheral device of claim 8, wherein the interface is configured to provide a wireless communication link.

18. A peripheral device for portable use with a handheld communication device, the peripheral device comprising:

a sensor clip, the sensor clip including

a housing;

at least one sensor unit for receiving information, the sensor unit interchangeably mounted in the housing; and

an interface between the sensor unit and the handheld communication device configured to provide a communication link between the sensor unit and the handheld communication device;

a system circuit board including a processor and electronics coupled to the sensor unit and configured to process the information;

a replaceable cradle connector configured to accept one or more I/O devices configured to connect with the same cradle connector; and

a conformal cavity configured to hold the handheld communication device.

19. The peripheral device of claim 18, wherein the interface provides a wireless communication link.