WO2008010185A2 - Mobile computer - Google Patents

Mobile computer Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2008010185A2
WO2008010185A2 PCT/IB2007/052844 IB2007052844W WO2008010185A2 WO 2008010185 A2 WO2008010185 A2 WO 2008010185A2 IB 2007052844 W IB2007052844 W IB 2007052844W WO 2008010185 A2 WO2008010185 A2 WO 2008010185A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
housing
operatively
section
mobile computer
handgrip
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2007/052844
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2008010185A3 (en
Inventor
Gerhard Stephanus Mynhardt
Original Assignee
Sygade Solutions (Proprietary) Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sygade Solutions (Proprietary) Limited filed Critical Sygade Solutions (Proprietary) Limited
Publication of WO2008010185A2 publication Critical patent/WO2008010185A2/en
Publication of WO2008010185A3 publication Critical patent/WO2008010185A3/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1684—Constructional details or arrangements related to integrated I/O peripherals not covered by groups G06F1/1635 - G06F1/1675
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1626—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
    • G06F1/16—Constructional details or arrangements
    • G06F1/1613—Constructional details or arrangements for portable computers
    • G06F1/1633—Constructional details or arrangements of portable computers not specific to the type of enclosures covered by groups G06F1/1615 - G06F1/1626
    • G06F1/1656—Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a mobile computer, and in an example embodiment, to an ergonomically designed hand held computer terminal comprising a wide landscape orientated display.
  • Mobile computers are used extensively in industry for data capture, barcode reading and other identification activities.
  • Such mobile computers typically comprise a processor system, a liquid crystal display, a keypad, a communications module, and, depending upon the application, a barcode and/or RFID reader.
  • FIG. 1 A number of prior art mobile computers are shown in Figures 1 to 3. These devices are typically used for extended periods of times, such as when taking inventory in warehouses.
  • the mobile computer is typically supported by a user from below by one hand, while the other hand is used to press buttons or enter data on a touch screen on an operatively upper side of the device.
  • the devices shown in Figures 1 and 2 need to be kept as narrow as possible.
  • the device shown in Figure 2 aims to improve comfort by providing a handle that extends downwardly away from the device.
  • a drawback with the Figure 2 device is that the handle tends to make the device bulky to carry around, especially in very mobile applications.
  • the devices shown in Figures 1 and 2 work relatively well with relatively narrow displays, they are not practical with larger displays, especially with displays arranged in a wide, landscape mode, as shown in Figure 3.
  • Typical industrial mobile computers use a large screen display arranged in a landscape mode (in which the display, in use, is wider than it is high) and have a flat bottom, as shown in Figure 3, which makes holding and using the device relatively difficulty and cumbersome.
  • the prior art device shown in Figure 3 is especially not ideal in cases where the device has to be held and supported from below while data is being entered via a keypad or a touch screen on the upper side of the unit. In some cases, the device shown in Figure 3 may even require the use of two hands.
  • the aim of the present invention is thus to provide a mobile computer that can be comfortably held from below by a user and that includes a landscape arranged display, thereby allowing a free hand to be used to enter data and/or to control the device from above.
  • a mobile computer comprising:
  • a housing defining an operatively top section and an operatively bottom section, and an operatively front section and an operatively rear section;
  • a handgrip fitted to the operatively bottom section of the housing, wherein the handgrip protrudes from, and extends along, the bottom section of the housing between the operatively front and rear sections of the housing.
  • the mobile computer comprises a plurality of keys for allowing a user to input data, with the housing further including electronic circuitry to receive and process the entered data.
  • the handgrip is elongate and is centrally located on the bottom section of the housing, the handgrip being dimensioned so as to allow the mobile computer to be easily held in, and supported from below by, one hand of a user.
  • the mobile computer is a data reading device comprising a barcode reader and/or a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader and associated circuitry.
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • the handgrip includes a T-shaped formation comprising a first section that extends along the bottom section of the housing between the operatively front and rear sections of the housing, and a second, transversely extending, section that extends along the bottom, front section of the housing.
  • a housing for a mobile computer the housing defining an operatively top section and an operatively bottom section, and an operatively front section and an operatively rear section, the housing being arranged to receive a display having a landscaped arrangement in which the display in use has a width greater than its height, the housing further including a handgrip fitted to the operatively bottom section of the housing, wherein the handgrip protrudes from, and extends along, the bottom section of the housing between the operatively front and rear sections of the housing.
  • Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first, known mobile computer comprising a narrow display with a user using one hand to hold the terminal from below;
  • Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a second, known mobile computer comprising a pistol style grip that extends downwardly away from the device;
  • Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a third, known mobile computer comprising a landscape display arrangement, being gripped with one hand by a user;
  • Figure 4 shows a bottom perspective view of a mobile computer according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the mobile computer comprises a central, protruding, elongate grip that extends from the bottom of the computer and that runs along a substantial length of the bottom of the computer;
  • Figure 5 shows a side perspective view of the mobile computer shown in Figure 4, highlighting how the grip in the central part of the bottom side of the computer facilitates gripping of the device and also support for the device from below;
  • Figure 6 shows a circuit diagram for the mobile computer shown in Figures 4 and 5; and Figure 7 shows a bottom perspective view of a mobile computer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • a mobile computer 10 comprises a housing 12 that defines an operatively top section 14 and an operatively bottom section 16, as well as an operatively front section 18 and an operatively rear section 20.
  • a display 22 is fitted to or within the operatively top section 14 of the housing 12, the display 22 having a landscaped arrangement in which the display 22 in use has a width greater than its height.
  • the display 22 is a 7 inch (17.8 cm) diagonally across display.
  • a handgrip 24 is fitted to the operatively bottom section 16 of the housing 12, wherein the handgrip 24 protrudes from, and extends along, the bottom section 16 of the housing 12 between the operatively front 18 and rear sections 20 of the housing 12.
  • the mobile computer 10 comprises a plurality of keys 26 for allowing a user to input data, with the housing 12 further including electronic circuitry, which will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 6, to receive and process the entered data.
  • a battery may be housed internally, and typically may be accommodated within the handgrip 24.
  • the handgrip 24 is elongate and is centrally located on the bottom section 16 of the housing 12, as shown in Figure 4.
  • the handgrip 24 may be dimensioned so as to allow the mobile computer 10 to be easily held in, and supported from below by, one hand 28 of a user, as shown in Figure 5. Although not shown, the user's other hand may then be used for data entry and computer activation.
  • the central handgrip section 24 may have a width of no more than 65 mm and may protrude no more than 40 mm from the bottom section 16 of the housing 12.
  • the central handgrip section 24 may extend almost the entire front to back dimension of the mobile computer, but, in an example embodiment, it will not be longer than 120 mm.
  • the bottom of the central handgrip section 24 may be substantially flat, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. This allows the device to be placed on a flat surface. In another version, however, the bottom of the central handgrip section 24 may be rounded so as to provide a better fit for a user's hand.
  • the complete housing 12 for the mobile computer 10 may be injection moulded, using a plastic material such as ABS, or it may be cast in a magnesium alloy material.
  • the mobile computer 10 comprises a data reading module 30.
  • the data reading module 30 may comprise a barcode reader and/or a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader and associated circuitry.
  • RFID radio frequency identification
  • the electronic circuitry 32 for the mobile computer 10 comprises:
  • a wireless module 40 for allowing the mobile computer 10 to communicate wirelessly with remote hosts for downloading of captured data, uploading of software etc., - the display 22 described above, and an associated display driver 42,
  • processor 46 such as a 32 bit ARM7 processor, that controls the above electronic components.
  • a handgrip 48 takes the form of a T-shaped formation.
  • the handgrip 48 may comprise a first section 50 that extends along the bottom section of the housing between the operatively front and rear sections of the housing, and a second, transversely extending, section 52 that extends along the bottom, front section of the housing.
  • This arrangement allows the user's hand to support the device by holding and gripping the long end (i.e. section 50) of the T section.
  • the upper end of the T section i.e. section 52

Abstract

A mobile computer comprising a housing defining an operatively top section and an operatively bottom section, and an operatively front section and an operatively rear section. A display is fitted to or within the operatively top section of the housing. The display has a landscaped arrangement in which the display in use has a width greater than its height. A handgrip is fitted to the operatively bottom section of the housing. The handgrip protrudes from, and extends along, the bottom section of the housing between the operatively front and rear sections of the housing.

Description

MOBILE COMPUTER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a mobile computer, and in an example embodiment, to an ergonomically designed hand held computer terminal comprising a wide landscape orientated display.
Mobile computers are used extensively in industry for data capture, barcode reading and other identification activities. Such mobile computers typically comprise a processor system, a liquid crystal display, a keypad, a communications module, and, depending upon the application, a barcode and/or RFID reader.
A number of prior art mobile computers are shown in Figures 1 to 3. These devices are typically used for extended periods of times, such as when taking inventory in warehouses. In use, and with particular reference to Figure 1 , the mobile computer is typically supported by a user from below by one hand, while the other hand is used to press buttons or enter data on a touch screen on an operatively upper side of the device.
To allow the product to be comfortably held when being used and to prevent repetitive strain injuries to the user, these devices, such as the devices shown in Figures 1 and 2, need to be kept as narrow as possible. The device shown in Figure 2 aims to improve comfort by providing a handle that extends downwardly away from the device. However, a drawback with the Figure 2 device is that the handle tends to make the device bulky to carry around, especially in very mobile applications. Although the devices shown in Figures 1 and 2 work relatively well with relatively narrow displays, they are not practical with larger displays, especially with displays arranged in a wide, landscape mode, as shown in Figure 3. Typical industrial mobile computers use a large screen display arranged in a landscape mode (in which the display, in use, is wider than it is high) and have a flat bottom, as shown in Figure 3, which makes holding and using the device relatively difficulty and cumbersome. The prior art device shown in Figure 3 is especially not ideal in cases where the device has to be held and supported from below while data is being entered via a keypad or a touch screen on the upper side of the unit. In some cases, the device shown in Figure 3 may even require the use of two hands.
The aim of the present invention is thus to provide a mobile computer that can be comfortably held from below by a user and that includes a landscape arranged display, thereby allowing a free hand to be used to enter data and/or to control the device from above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a mobile computer comprising:
a housing defining an operatively top section and an operatively bottom section, and an operatively front section and an operatively rear section;
a display fitted to or within the operatively top section of the housing, the display having a landscaped arrangement in which the display in use has a width greater than its height; and
a handgrip fitted to the operatively bottom section of the housing, wherein the handgrip protrudes from, and extends along, the bottom section of the housing between the operatively front and rear sections of the housing.
In an example embodiment, the mobile computer comprises a plurality of keys for allowing a user to input data, with the housing further including electronic circuitry to receive and process the entered data.
In an example embodiment, the handgrip is elongate and is centrally located on the bottom section of the housing, the handgrip being dimensioned so as to allow the mobile computer to be easily held in, and supported from below by, one hand of a user.
In an example embodiment, the mobile computer is a data reading device comprising a barcode reader and/or a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader and associated circuitry.
In an example embodiment, the handgrip includes a T-shaped formation comprising a first section that extends along the bottom section of the housing between the operatively front and rear sections of the housing, and a second, transversely extending, section that extends along the bottom, front section of the housing.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a housing for a mobile computer, the housing defining an operatively top section and an operatively bottom section, and an operatively front section and an operatively rear section, the housing being arranged to receive a display having a landscaped arrangement in which the display in use has a width greater than its height, the housing further including a handgrip fitted to the operatively bottom section of the housing, wherein the handgrip protrudes from, and extends along, the bottom section of the housing between the operatively front and rear sections of the housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention is illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first, known mobile computer comprising a narrow display with a user using one hand to hold the terminal from below;
Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a second, known mobile computer comprising a pistol style grip that extends downwardly away from the device;
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a third, known mobile computer comprising a landscape display arrangement, being gripped with one hand by a user;
Figure 4 shows a bottom perspective view of a mobile computer according to a first embodiment of the present invention, wherein the mobile computer comprises a central, protruding, elongate grip that extends from the bottom of the computer and that runs along a substantial length of the bottom of the computer;
Figure 5 shows a side perspective view of the mobile computer shown in Figure 4, highlighting how the grip in the central part of the bottom side of the computer facilitates gripping of the device and also support for the device from below;
Figure 6 shows a circuit diagram for the mobile computer shown in Figures 4 and 5; and Figure 7 shows a bottom perspective view of a mobile computer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring first to Figures 4 and 5, a mobile computer 10 comprises a housing 12 that defines an operatively top section 14 and an operatively bottom section 16, as well as an operatively front section 18 and an operatively rear section 20.
A display 22 is fitted to or within the operatively top section 14 of the housing 12, the display 22 having a landscaped arrangement in which the display 22 in use has a width greater than its height. In an example embodiment, the display 22 is a 7 inch (17.8 cm) diagonally across display.
A handgrip 24 is fitted to the operatively bottom section 16 of the housing 12, wherein the handgrip 24 protrudes from, and extends along, the bottom section 16 of the housing 12 between the operatively front 18 and rear sections 20 of the housing 12.
In an example embodiment, the mobile computer 10 comprises a plurality of keys 26 for allowing a user to input data, with the housing 12 further including electronic circuitry, which will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 6, to receive and process the entered data. In an example embodiment, a battery may be housed internally, and typically may be accommodated within the handgrip 24.
In an example embodiment, the handgrip 24 is elongate and is centrally located on the bottom section 16 of the housing 12, as shown in Figure 4. The handgrip 24 may be dimensioned so as to allow the mobile computer 10 to be easily held in, and supported from below by, one hand 28 of a user, as shown in Figure 5. Although not shown, the user's other hand may then be used for data entry and computer activation. In an example embodiment, the central handgrip section 24 may have a width of no more than 65 mm and may protrude no more than 40 mm from the bottom section 16 of the housing 12. In addition, the central handgrip section 24 may extend almost the entire front to back dimension of the mobile computer, but, in an example embodiment, it will not be longer than 120 mm. These dimensions advantageously allow the device 10 to rest comfortably in even small hands supporting the device 10 from below.
In one version, the bottom of the central handgrip section 24 may be substantially flat, as shown in Figures 4 and 5. This allows the device to be placed on a flat surface. In another version, however, the bottom of the central handgrip section 24 may be rounded so as to provide a better fit for a user's hand.
The complete housing 12 for the mobile computer 10 may be injection moulded, using a plastic material such as ABS, or it may be cast in a magnesium alloy material.
In an example embodiment, the mobile computer 10 comprises a data reading module 30. The data reading module 30 may comprise a barcode reader and/or a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader and associated circuitry.
Turning now to Figure 6, the electronic circuitry 32 for the mobile computer 10 comprises:
- a keypad 34 corresponding to the keys 26,
- memory in the form of a 16 MB flash program memory 36 and a 2 MB RAM memory 38,
- the data reading module 30 described above,
- a wireless module 40 for allowing the mobile computer 10 to communicate wirelessly with remote hosts for downloading of captured data, uploading of software etc., - the display 22 described above, and an associated display driver 42,
- a battery power supply 44, and
- a processor 46, such as a 32 bit ARM7 processor, that controls the above electronic components.
Turning now to Figure 7, in an example embodiment, a handgrip 48 takes the form of a T-shaped formation. In this embodiment, the handgrip 48 may comprise a first section 50 that extends along the bottom section of the housing between the operatively front and rear sections of the housing, and a second, transversely extending, section 52 that extends along the bottom, front section of the housing. This arrangement allows the user's hand to support the device by holding and gripping the long end (i.e. section 50) of the T section. The upper end of the T section (i.e. section 52) may be used to accommodate internal circuitry.

Claims

1. A mobile computer comprising:
a housing defining an operatively top section and an operatively bottom section, and an operatively front section and an operatively rear section;
a display fitted to or within the operatively top section of the housing, the display having a landscaped arrangement in which the display in use has a width greater than its height; and
a handgrip fitted to the operatively bottom section of the housing, wherein the handgrip protrudes from, and extends along, the bottom section of the housing between the operatively front and rear sections of the housing.
2. A mobile computer according to claim 1 , wherein the mobile computer comprises a plurality of keys for allowing a user to input data, with the housing further including electronic circuitry to receive and process the entered data.
3. A mobile computer according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the handgrip is elongate and is centrally located on the bottom section of the housing, the handgrip being dimensioned so as to allow the mobile computer to be easily held in, and supported from below by, one hand of a user.
4. A mobile computer according to claim 1 , wherein the mobile computer is a data reading device comprising a barcode reader and/or a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader and associated circuitry.
5. A mobile computer according to claim 1 , wherein the handgrip includes a T-shaped formation comprising a first section that extends along the bottom section of the housing between the operatively front and rear sections of the housing, and a second, transversely extending, section that extends along the bottom, front section of the housing.
6. A housing for a mobile computer, the housing defining an operatively top section and an operatively bottom section, and an operatively front section and an operatively rear section, the housing being arranged to receive a display having a landscaped arrangement in which the display in use has a width greater than its height, the housing further including a handgrip fitted to the operatively bottom section of the housing, wherein the handgrip protrudes from, and extends along, the bottom section of the housing between the operatively front and rear sections of the housing.
PCT/IB2007/052844 2006-07-18 2007-07-17 Mobile computer WO2008010185A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US83156906P 2006-07-18 2006-07-18
US60/831,569 2006-07-18

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2008010185A2 true WO2008010185A2 (en) 2008-01-24
WO2008010185A3 WO2008010185A3 (en) 2008-05-29

Family

ID=38957171

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2007/052844 WO2008010185A2 (en) 2006-07-18 2007-07-17 Mobile computer

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WO (1) WO2008010185A2 (en)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5349497A (en) * 1989-06-07 1994-09-20 Norand Corporation Detachable handle structures for terminals
US5382962A (en) * 1993-01-11 1995-01-17 Young; Edgar D. Dual purpose handle and controller for handheld computer
US5530619A (en) * 1989-06-07 1996-06-25 Norand Corporation Hand-held data capture system with interchangeable modules and side-mounted function key
DE19501018A1 (en) * 1995-01-14 1996-07-18 Frauke Winkelmann Hand-held calculator with touch-screen display protection
US5831819A (en) * 1997-05-13 1998-11-03 Intermec Corporation Hand-held data collection terminal with a contoured protrusion
US6421234B1 (en) * 2000-10-10 2002-07-16 Juniper Systems, Inc. Handheld electronics device having ergonomic features

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5349497A (en) * 1989-06-07 1994-09-20 Norand Corporation Detachable handle structures for terminals
US5530619A (en) * 1989-06-07 1996-06-25 Norand Corporation Hand-held data capture system with interchangeable modules and side-mounted function key
US5382962A (en) * 1993-01-11 1995-01-17 Young; Edgar D. Dual purpose handle and controller for handheld computer
DE19501018A1 (en) * 1995-01-14 1996-07-18 Frauke Winkelmann Hand-held calculator with touch-screen display protection
US5831819A (en) * 1997-05-13 1998-11-03 Intermec Corporation Hand-held data collection terminal with a contoured protrusion
US6421234B1 (en) * 2000-10-10 2002-07-16 Juniper Systems, Inc. Handheld electronics device having ergonomic features

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