GB2514746A - Connectivity sled for electronic pairing and physical cooperation between a mobile device and associated peripheral devices - Google Patents

Abstract

A specialized modular sled system combines, both in a physically proximate sense and electronically, peripheral devices 10 such as a compact bar code scanner, magnetic strip reader, IC card reader, RF tag reader, charging base, multi-threat monitors, biometric verification modules, etc., with a mobile device 11 without the need for cables. The sled attaches to a mobile device such as a smartphone and communicates with it wirelessly (eg via BluetoothRTM), thereby providing the functionality of the peripheral device to the mobile device. The sled may include a dual wireless communication port, the first port of which may connect the sled with the mobile device and the second of which may connect the sled with at least one further peripheral device.

Description

Connectivity Sled for Electronic Pairing and Physical Cooperation Between a Mobile Device and Associated Peripheral Devices

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claim priority from US Pat. App&. No. 13/177,465, titled Connectivity Sled for Electronic Pairing and Physical Cooperation Between a Mobile Device and Associated Peripheral Devices" as filed on July 6, 2011, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

1. Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operative physical cooperation between a mobile phone or PDA and an associated peripheral device, and improved methods for both physically combining the above and for electronically connecting the same.

2. Discussion of the Related Art [0002] Recently, mobile terminal such as mobile phones, smart phones and/or PDAs are becoming widely used as more than mere communication or media devices. There are a variety of applications for such mobile terminals that strive to amplif5 the abilities of such terntals for additional purposes that nity be achieved through the use of special purpose peripherals that can be connected thereto.

10003] However, when the mobile temthal is connected to certain peripheral devices, eflctive operation between the same is often limited by the thct that it is difficult to use the devices at the sane tint, especially given the need to maintain proximate electronic connectivity ranges and given the physical limitations inherent in trying to manually hold or manipulate all of the above at the sane tim during the course of operation by an end user.

100041 Curent approaches for using any of the above devices have been hitherto limited to eniploynrnt of awkward physical and electronic connections required thr the simultaneous use arid connection of the peripheral devices that a user may wish to associate therewith. Moreover, certain peripheral devices such as handheld barcode scanning devices and Magnetic Strip Readers (MSRs) currently are not easily associated or connected with mobile terminals such as mobile telephonic devices.

SUMMARY OF TIlE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to a mobile device and peripheral device consolidation system for providing improved interoperability between a mobile device and a peripheral device.

More particularly, the present invention is directed to a system and nrthod fbr providing both a physical and electronic approach to enabling a mobile terminal to be readily and conveniently paired with a peripheral device, including bar code readers and MSRs that substantially obvtes one or more problent due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

[0006] The proposed invention thereffire relates to a novel approach to augmenting the use of PDAS, nrbile phones and smart phones with peripheral add-on devices such as cou!act bar code scanners and imgnetic strip readers (MSRs) and virtually any other manner of corrçact peripheral device. When a peripheral device (such as the illustrative handhekl barcode scanning device and/or MSR) needs to be used and with a PDA, mobile phone or smart phone, the present invention thusly provides a physical and electronic piatlbrm or "sled" that can physically attach any of the aibrementioned to each other in a convenient, modular fashion. In doing so, the present inventive approach utilizes a plastic housing that can house a handheld barcode scanning device and/or a MSR in a streamlined, consolidated fashion fbr ready attachment to the back of a mobile device, with an electronic communication being afforded between all devices in a variety of ways, including according to wireless communication means, such as a connection via a Bhietootlt-protocol based connection available from the Bluetooth SIG Inc., of Kirkland, Wk [0007] Furthermore, in one optional instantiation, provision of such means that a user can easily employ a hands-free trigger connected to the handheld barcode scanning device or other apparatus while the sant is currently connected via a Bluetooth®-protocol based connection to the other afbrenrntioned devices. The inventive approach is therefore especially valuable in that permits usage of nDblle phones, smart phones and PDAs with a handheld barcode scanning device, a MSR, or other peripheral apparatus in a wireless, physically compact and consolidated thshion that requires little or no set up and integration, and which can fürtherirore be ençloyed in a hands-free irnde, if required.

100081 Accordingly, the present invention oilers fix the following beneficial advances relating to providing a nnbile device and peripheral device consolidation system for providing ftnproved interoperability between a imbile device and a peripheral device through: (1) provision of a "sled" that comprises a physical sntu-t phone/cell phone cover that can provide for convenient, durable physical attachment between the same and peripheral devices; (2) provision of optional side scan button utilizing a hands free trigger technobgy (3) provision of said sled with physical capacity Jbr insertion ofoptional peripheral device such as a compact bar code reader and/or a MSR (4) inherent nodularity fbr connection of each of the above-reirenced devices, whereby the sled may be used to connect the peripheral device (bar code reader and/or MSR, etc.) with the smart phone/cell phone via a wireless connection such as a Bluetooth® -type connection, without the need for use of a physical electronic connector (cable); (5) enabling a user, through the inventive architecture, to change smart phones/cell phones (as well as peripherals such as the compact bar code reader and/or MSR) periodically, without replacing the inventive sled; (6) provision of a supplemental battery pack wn the sled tint allows a user to charge the smart phone/cell phone using a sled battery pack contained within the sled; (7) provision of a wireless port, such as an illustrative dual Bluetooth® port which oilers a first port which can wirelessly connect the sled with the smart phone/cell phone, and a second port which can wirclessly connect the sled and other Bluetooth® devices, such as Bluetooth® based printer.

[0009] Broadly speaking, the inventive nodular approach therethre may use three component parts as an independent system and/or as a compact barcode reader by itself with or without an MSR This nndularity can thcilitate ongoing use of the system with little to no nodifications in the case ofwhere a user desires to switch or replace a given nnblle device. Moreover, the actual design of the modular sled is sixth that it can be used on all types of mobile devices, without blocking the mobile device conininications andlor charging ports, and also supports all manner of native services, even those from specialized smart devices, such as iTunes®-type devices made by from Apple, Inc. of Cupertino, California. To this end, the present invention overcomes the aforenentioned and other disadvantages inherent in the prior art.

[00101 Technical subject matters to be realized by entodinents of the present invention are not limited to the following technical subject matters, and other technical subject matters not mentioned in the folIo wing description may be easily appreciated by those skilled in the art to which the present inwntion pertains, without difficulty. Accordingly, additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in pail in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinaiy skill in the art upon examination of the following may be learned from practice of the invention The objectives and other advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the strwtiire particularly pointed out lithe written description and claiim hereof as well as the appended drawings. It is therefore to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are examples and explanatoiy and are intended to provide thrther explanation of the invention as chinS.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

10011] The acconpanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate entodinent(s) ofthe invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings: [0012] FIG. 1A depicts an illustrative cooperative physical engagentntofa mobile device and an illustrative peripheral device, such as a compact bar code reader, that would efléctuate the novel operations peribmrd therebetween according to one entodintnt ofthe present invention; [00131 FIG. I B depicts an illustrative cooperative physical engagement ofa mobile device and an illustrative peripheral device, such as a compact bar code reader with a peripheral trigger, that would effectuate the novel operations perfbrnrd therebetween according to one embodiment of the present invention; F 10014] FIG. 2A depicts an oet top view of an Illustrative peripheral device, such as a compact bar code reader with an illustrative cooperative physical engagement holes (hr attachment to a native mobile device casement engagenrnt structure that would eflëctuate the novel operations perlbmtd therebetween according to one embodiment ofthe present invention; 15] FIG. 2B depicts an oflet bottom view of an illustrative peripheral device, such as a compact bar code reader with illustrative features for operative connection and controls that would eflèctuate the novel operations performed therebetween according to one embodiment of the present Mwntion [0016] FIG. 3A depicts an oflet frontal side view of an Illustrative peripheral device, such as a MSR with illustrative features for operative connection and controls that would eflèctuate the novel operations peribrmed therebetween according to one entodintnt of the present invention; [0017] FIG. 3B depicts an ofiet back side view of an illustrative peripheral device, such as a MSR with illustrative features (hr operative connection and controls that would effectuate the novel operations perfbrnrd therebetween according to one embodiment ofthe present invention; [0018] FIG. 3C depicts an oet back side view of an Illustrative peripheral device, such as a MSR with Illustrative features fix operative connection and contmls that would effectuate the novel operations perthrntd therebetween according to one embodiment of the present invention; [0019] FIG. 3D depicts an oflet bottom side view of an Illustrative peripheral device, such as a MSR that would eflbctuate the novel operations perlbrmed therebetween according to one embodiment of the present invention; [0020] FIG. 4 depicts an three dimensional side view of an illustrative peripheral device, such as a charging base with illustrative features thr operative connection and controls that would effectuate the novel operations pertbrmed therebetween according to one embodiment of the present invention; [002 1] FIG. 5 depicts a side view oftwo Illustrative peripheral devices, such as a compact bar code scanner mated with a MSR that would eflèctuate the novel operations perfbrnrd therebetween according to one embodiment of the present invention; [0022] FIG. 6 depicts an three dimensional side view of an Illustrative peripheral device, such as a trigger gun handle of a peripheral device trigger with Illustrative features fix operative connection arid controls that would eflèctuatc the novel operations perfbmS therebetween according to one embodiment ofthe present invention; [0023] FIG. 7A depicts an oet top view of a variant of an illustrative peripheral device, such as a compact bar code reader with an Illustrative cooperative physical engagement holes fbr attachment to a native mobile device casennt engagement structure that would efléctuate the novel operations perfbrned therebetween according to one entodfrnent of the present invention; 100241 FIG. 7B depicts an oet bottom view of a variant of an Illustrative peripheral device, such as a compact bar code reader with Illustrative features for operative connection and controls that would effectuate the novel operations perthrnrd therebetween according to one entodinrnt of the present hvention [00251 FIG. 7C depicts an offiet top/frontal view of a variant of an illustrative peripheral device, such as a compact bar code reader with an Illustrative attachment to a custom engagement structure with lateral engagement rails and with Illustrative features Ibr operative connection and controls that would effectuate the novel operations perfbrned therebetween according to one entodinrnt of the present invention; [0026] FIG. 7D depicts an olLet top/side view of a variant of an illustrative peripheral device, such as a compact bar code reader with an illustrative attachment to a custom engagement structure with lateral engagement rails and with illustrative features for operative connection and controls that would effectuate the novel operations perfbrmed therebetween according to one entodhent of the present invention; [0027] FIG. 7E depicts an scheiratic view of a variant of an Illustrative attachnrnt accomplished via a universal engagement structure lix attachment of a peripheral device to a mobile device that would efléctuate the novel operations performed therebetween according to one embodiment of the present invention; [0028] FIG. S is a flow chart Illustrating an operational relationship between a mebile terminal and peripheral devices such as a compact bar code reader, MSR and charging base according to one entodintnt of the present invention that would effectuate the novel operations performed therebetween according to one embodiment of the present hvention and [0029] FIG. 9 is an electronic schentitic of an inventive USB connector arrangement for charging a mobile device andlor a peripheral device when a charging base is included as part of the inventive modular sled system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] To achieve the objects and other advantages and, in acconlance with the purpose of the invention as entodied and broadly described herein, the proposed invention relates at its broadest level, to a method and apparatus whereby inproved interoperability between the peripheral device and a mobile terminal is provided according to the following which comprises a nethod and a mobile device and peripheral device consolidation system fOr providing improved interopembility between a mobile device and at least one peripheral device, the mobile device and peripheral consolidation system comprising: (a) a modular sled having an attachment nrans for attaching the at least one peripheral device to the n-iobile device, the attachment means fOr attaching the at least one peripheral device to the mobile device providing at least one point of secure attachment with at least one of the following of a custom engagement structure, universal engagement structure, or a native mobile device casement engagement structure, the modular sled being thither structurally provkled for so as to cooperatively secure, physically proxiimte to the mobile device; (b) the modular sled farther including at least one of the following peripheral devices comprising compact bar code readers, MSRs, charging bases, IC card readers, peripheral device triggers, RF ID tag readers, biometric verification modules and/or multi threat monitors; and (c) the modular sled thither including electronic circuitry fOr provision fOr electronic connectivity, such as wireless communication, between the mobile device and the at least one peripheral device. In additional enbodirnents, the inventive mobile device and peripheral device consolidation system for providing improved interoperability between a ntbile device and at least one peripheral device farther includes electronic circuitiy fOr provision fOr supplemental power connectivity between said at least one peripheral device and said mobile device, as well as fOr a peripheral device trigger.

S

[0031] In another broad entodinent, the present mobile device and peripheral device consolidation system fbr providing improved interoperability between a mobile device and at least one peripheral Tray ifirther include a sled which provides for: (a) a ntmory unit configured to store instructions in a peripheral device; (b) at least one configurable key in a peripheral device and/or mobile device lix implenenting user commands selected from the group comprising at least ore of the fbllowing of a toggle command, a wake up process, a connection process, a data collection process, a synchronization process, and a transmissionprocess; (c) a processor connected to said at least one key, both of which are configured to execute instructions for executing at least the Ibilowing instnictions: (i) establishing a wireless connection between the at least one peripheral device and sail mobile device upon receiving a user data connection process command; (ii) executing a data collecting tbnction of said peripheral device upon receiving a user data collection process commarti; (iiO executing a synchronization process, if required; (iv) transmitting any data collected during said data collecting function, from sail at least one peripheral device, to sail mobile device. The aforeimntioned may be accomplished in accordance with the particulars descnbed herein, as well optionally through additional particulars that maybe Ibund in pending U.S. Pat. Applic. No. 13/018,286, titled ThD Protocol-based Soft Keyboard Toggle With Initialization and Synchronization Capability fbr Mobile Phones and PDAS Connected to a Peripheral Device", filed Januaiy 31, 2011, pending U.S. Pat. Applic. No. 12/384,022, tiled Method and Apparatus lix Improved Interlacing of Connections Between a Multiplicity of Handheld Devices", filed March 31, 2009, pending U.S. Pat. Applic.

No. 12/384,023, titled Method and Apparatus fbr Improved Automatic Bluetooth Device Identification for Data Exchange", filed March 31, 2009, and pending U.S. Pat. Applic. No. 12/798,184, titled Method and Apparatus fur Improved Connection ofWireless Devices Using Third Party Progranining Capability", filed March 31, 2010, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

100321 Reference will now be made in detail to the Illustrative embodinents of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the sane reference nurrbers will be used throughout the drawings to refir to the sane or like parts. Constituent components and operations of the present invention shown in the drawings will be disclosed only for illustrative purposes of the present invention, such that technical spirit, important constructions and operations of the present invention are not limited to only the fOllowing embodiments, and can also be applied to other embodiments.

I00J FIG. IA Illustrates an example of one Illustrative embodiment ofthe inventive mobile device and peripheral device consolidation system for providing improved interoperabllity between a mobile device and a peripheral device. As depicted therein, an inherent part ofthe n-iodular sled aspect of the present invention comprises (at least one) peripheral device 10 physically consolidated or connected with mobile device 11 via an attachment means 20 fOr attaching the at least one peripheral device to nxbt device 11, as well as provides fOr electronic connection between the respective devices, as described hereafter. Peripheral device 10 ofthe modular sled may be of any type of at least one of the fOllowing peripheral devices conç±ing compact bar code readers, MSRS, charging bases, IC card readers, peripheral device triggers, RF ID tag readers, biometric verification modules, and/or multi4hreat monitors, but fOr purposes of illustration in this particular example, a compact bar code reader is shown in FIG. IA. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible from this description, but in general, mobile device 11 is ofthe type chosen from the groups comprising mobile phones, smart phones, PDAS, and the like. In any case, mobile device 11 any be connected in a wired fashion (not depicted), or alternatively, in a wireless fashion to the peripheral device 10 of the inventive sled through a protocol such as the Illustrative Bluetooth® protocol.

[0034] As will be shown hereafter by way of additional figures and Illustrations, attachment means 20 provides at least one point of secure attachment and is structurally provided for so as to cooperatively secure, in a physically proximate fashion, peripheral device 10 to mobile device 11. Attachment means 20 tiny be configured in a multitude of ways, such as according to at least one of the fOllowing of a custom engagement structure (see hereafter FIGs. 7C and 7D), universal engagement structure (see hereafter FIG. 7E), or a native mobile device casement engagement structure depicted herein, with an offthe shelf smart phone cover having holes (not depicted), locking prongs (not depicted), or other means that can accommodate approaches such as a clicking adapter system 101, shown in FIG. 2A, or through mounting screws and holes 205, -10 as shown in FIG. 7A, hereafter. As can be appreciate, other variants of attachnrnt means 20 may also be employed, such as hook and ioop listening, double sided tape, andlor glue fix physically securing the aforementioned.

100351 FIG. lB depicts approximately the same system described above in regards to FIG. 1A, but with the addition of an optional side scan button utilizing a peripheral device trigger which can, in one embodintnt, be mounted to a sled surface are (not depicted) or to the off the shelf mobile device case (e.g., the native mobile device casement engagement structure part of attachment means 20). The specific type of peripheral device trigger may vary, but in one embodiment, may be provided according to that described in U.S. Pat Applic. No. 13/014,446, titled 1-Iandheld Barcode Input Device With No-Power Supplied Trigger", filed January 6, 2011, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In any case, the inventive sled utilizing an optional side scan button utilizing a peripheral device trigger as shown in FIG. lB night comprise an illustrative mobile device case 30, irigger cable 40, trigger box 50, trigger button 60, peripheral device (illustrative compact barcode scanner 70), trigger box mounting hole 80, and trigger cable connector 90 tbr a wired connection to compact barcode scanner 70.

100361 FIG. 2A depicts an oflet top view of one Illustrative embodiment of a peripheral device portion of the inventive modular sled, in this case, and exemplary compact bar code reader such as a KDC® 400 type unit, available from KoamTac® Inc., ofPrinceton, NJ, with an optional MSR This Illustrative embodiment shows one example of attachment means 20 wherein either a custom engagement structure, or a native mobile device casement engagement structure (e.g., utilizing an off the shelf srrmrt phone cover having holes (not depicted)) may be utilized. In either case, locking prongs (not depicted) tray be provided therefrom so as to locking engage as a clicking adapter system 101, or alternatively, locking engagement may be provided through mounting screws maybe provided therefrom (not depicted) for a screw type engagement with mounting holes 100. On a separate note, it is further described that such a peripheral device tray also include a USB connector 102, Power On/Off Switch 103, trigger button 104, status LED 105, and a barcode scan engine (ID laser and 2D iimger) 106. SimIlarly, FIG. 2B depicts an oet bottom view ofthe same illustrative embodiment of a peripheral device provided with the aibrementioned details, plus trigger button 110, Up/Down button 111, an 8PIN Ultra Micro USB 1] Connector 112, batte case cover 113, cable guide 114, status LED 115, e hole 116, connector to MSR and charging base 117, charging contact (Vcc) 117.1, trigger contact 117.2, ground 117.3, (integrated) MSR base 118 with trigger gun handle connecting screw, and trigger gun handle nminting means/screw 119.

[0037] FIG. 3A depicts an offiet frontal/top view of one illustrative entodinent of a peripheral device portion of the inventive modular sled, which in this case night comprise an exemplaly MSR module 120 that may be stand alone, or otherwise integrated with the above described compact bar code reader. As depicted therein, MSR module 120 may be provided with a connecting means 121 (connecting screw insert hole, as part of attachment means 20 (as described elsewhere), power switch 122, and status LED 123. Similarly, FIG. 3B depicts an offset back/side view of one illustrative entodinrnt wherein exeaplaiy MSR module 120 may beproviledwithguidebar 130, connectorto thebarcodebase 131, andMSRandbarcode connecting means/screw hole 132 (as part of attachment means 20, as described elsewhere), (hr use with either a custom engagement structure, or a native mobile device casement engagement structure). When MSR module 120 is integrated with compact bar code reader 10 (as described elsewhere), charging base 140, shown in FIG. 4A, may be utilized where barcode and MSR base insert hole 141 and USB connector 142 are provided (hr optimal connectivity and power supply provision \A/lien provided in accordance with this approach, an integrated barcode 150 and MSRbase 151 maybe seenas configured inthe side view showninFlG. 5.

(0038] Alternatively, FIGs. 3C and 3D depict an Illustrative MSR independent system 160, used separate from another peripheral such as a compact bar code scanner. This entodintnt will be similarly provided with features such as the illustrative power switch 161, status LED 162, and USB connector 163. The type ofMSR that may be employed as a peripheral device within the context of the inventive modular system irny vaz. However, the present system contemplates and supports various MSR standards with different interthce, especially where the illustrative KDC®400 is selected as the compact bar code reader when such peripherals are included as part of the inventive modular sled system. This variant supports both the international triple track standard and the Japanese dual header standard (e.g., one head -one/two/triple track MSR devices, as well as dual head -double track and MS-H track). Either way, support (hr any given MSR standard can be supplied by provision of (i) an internal DIP Switch (as shown in FIG. 8 and elsewhere herein); (ii) a mobile device conliguration utility; and/or (iii) scanning of a specki barcode, if integrated with the described barcode base 300.

[0039] With attention now to FIG. 6, a depiction is made ofa trigger gun handle 170 that may be used in conjunction with the optioriai peripheral trigger device described elsewhere hereia The purpose oftrigger gun handle 170 is to hold and pull the trigger button in more convenient way, and s supplemental device that maybe combined with the trigger described elsewhere, and may be obtained from a supplier such as Motorola Inc., of Schaumberg, IL. As seen, this device may ièature aspects such as trigger button 171, trigger gun handle imunting hole 172, ground signal contact 173 and trigger signal contact 174.

[0040] Depicted in FIGs 7A and 7B, is an illustrative embodiment of a barcode only sled 206.

As seen, this device may feature aspects such as trigger button 200, Up/Down (scroll) button 201, 8-pin micro USB connector lbr both sled and mobile device charging 202, hand strap holder 203, barcode scan engine (1D laser or 2D imager) 204, 214, nubile device case nuuntiug means/screw hole 205 (as part of attachment means 20 for use with either a custom engagement structure, or a native mobile device casement engagement structure), power switch 210, status LED 211, buzzer hole 212, and trigger button 213.

[00411 Depicted in FIGs 7C and 7D, is an illustrative embodiment of a barcode and MSR integrated sled 225. This version, which is intended to be used within the meaning of attachment means 20 as a custom engagenent structure, rather than as part of a native mobile device casement engagement structure, includes integral lateral raIls 234 which slidingiy engage and lock or otherwise frictionally secure a mobile device (not pictured) laterally along the length of integrated sled 225. It should be noted that, although integrated sled 225 is depicted as including both a barcode and MSR, integral lateral rails 234 are intended to be within the meaning of attachment means 20 for use with other peripheral devices by themselves (e.g. with just a compact barcode scanner, with just an MSR, with just an IC reader, just at least one of the biometric verification modules, just at least one of the multi-threat monitors or other peripheral devices), or in conjunction with each other. In any case, as seen this device may feature aspects such as the illustrative barcode scan engine (1D laser or 2D imager) 220, trigger button 221,233, Up/Down (scroll) button 222, 8-pin micro USB connector fix both sled and mobile device charging 223, MSRnudu1e 224, 230, power switch 231, and status LED 232.

[0042] FIG. 7E depicts an schematic \tw of a variant of an Illustrative attachment accomplished via a universal engagement structure fbr attachment of a peripheral device to a mobile device, which is also intended to be used within the meaning of attachntnt means 20.

As seen, this embodiment may feature aspects such as the illustrative universal mobile device case 400, 500, mounting means/screw tbr plastic bar or elastic band 410, 540, plastic bar or elastic band 430, 530, circular (or triangular) corner! side holder 420, 520, elastic rubber band 450, 550, bottom guild bar 510. As can be appreciate, this variant engagement structure of the sled allows fbr virtually any type of mobile device to be readily combined with alnxist any manner ofperipheral device in a secure physical lishion 10043] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a biock diagram representing portions of the overall of the connectivity of the various inventive aspects that can be Inçlentntcd with peripheral devices such as an illustrative compact bar code scanner, MSR with MSR controller and a charging base according to one enibodinent of the present invention. As seen therein, the sled may be comprised, among other things, of Barcode Base board 300 which may oiler features such as status LEDs, scan, scroll and power buttons, as well as diflèrent types ofUSB and micro USB ports, as depicted therein for operational control and connectivity with other components of the overall system. Barcode base/MSR base/Charging base connector 301 will connect, in one entodintnt, MSR Base 310 and Charging Base 320 with Barcode Base 300. To that end, MSR Base 310 may include features such as an MSR Header Controller, MSR module, and pin connectors. An MSR controller board 330 fbr an MSR independent system may be connected via a special pin connector at 302 to MSR Base 310. Similarly, Charging Base 320, which may include features such as a power switch, status LEDs, a 7 pin dip switch and a micro USB connector is connected via Barcode base/MSR base/Charging base connector 301 to Barcode Base board 300 and/or MSR Base 310. Note that where Charging Base 320 is provided as an optional peripheral device, it can also be used to charge uobile device 11.

[0044] As it pertains to the provision of the charging base as perjpheral aspect of the inventive sled, circuitry irny be provided fbr both the charging of a peripheral such as the compact barcode reader, again Illustratively shown as the KDC4OO or a KDC®400-type unit as well as for the charging ofthe mobile device itself In describing this circuitry, reference will also be imde for use of the optional peripheral device trigger thereia Specifically, one USB port (e.g., an 8-pin micro USB, as depicted in FIG. 9) ny be provided for the above uses whereirt (i) GND and USBVBUS pins are utilized to charge the KDC®400 or a KDC®400-type unit; (ii) the USB_DP aixi USB DM signals are used to comnicatbn with another USB device, such as the mobile device (or another peripheral device); (iii) use is imde of FJNGER_TRIGGER4!= and GND signals to allow external trigger mechanism such as the peripheral trigger and/or trigger gin handle; (iv) use is imde of GND, USB VBUSEXT, USB DM EXT, USB_DP_EXT signals to charge the mebile device. Thereafter, a custom cable any be developed in accordance with the above in order to connect 8-pin USB connector on the KDC®400 or a KDC®400-type unit with the mobile device (or another peripheral device). Provision of the above charging circuitry within the Illustrative the KDC®400 eliminates the need fOr use of multiple USB ports fOr charging. The signal schentic grid for the above signals and operative charging elements (eg as achieved through the 8-pin micro TJSB PIN assignment arrangement discussed above) any be depicted by virtue ofthe below chart: PIN# Sil Base Snntphone Trjer I USB VBUS EXT __________ 0 __________ 2 USBDMEXT _______ 0 _______ 3 FINGER TR1GGER _________ _________ 0 4 USBDPEXT _______ 0 _______ GND 0 0 0 6 USBDP 0 _______ _______ 7 USBDM 0 ______ ______ 8 USB VBUS 0 ________ ________ [00451 When provided as described herein, the inventive system will siqportwrious charging logic, including but not muted to, the standard USB charging and mobile device-specific charging logic such as that found in lPhone specific charging logic. In doing so, any exemplary compact barcode reader-type peripheral, such as the aibrenrntioned KDC400 type unit can select the matching charging logic depending on a specifc user selection, which can be selecting by provision of (i) an internal DIP Switch (as showii in FIG. 8 and elsewhere herein); (ii) a mobile device configuration utility; and/or (iii) scanning of a special barcode, if integrated with the described barcode base 300. These choices can also be Illustratively implemented as a separate menu in the exemplary KDC®400 or a KDC®400-type unit can automa±ally select the charging logic depends on the exact user selection of the specific Bluetooth® profile, thereby supporting proprietary mobile device circuitry, such as an IPhone®-specific charging circuit if a given user selects an IPhone® Bluetooth connection method.

(00461 As previously mentioned, peripheral device 10 of the modular sled tiny be ofany type of at least one ofthe fbllowing peripheral devices comprising compact bar code readers, MSRs, charging bases, IC card readers, peripheral device triggers, or RF ID tag readers. In one alternative embodiment, peripheral device 10 of the nodular sled may be of any type of at least one of the fbllowing peripheral devices conTprising: biometric verification modules or multi-threat monitors. Spccifically, portable, wireless biometric verification nndules, when employed as peripheral devices, may include at least one of the fbllowing of iris readers, fingerprint readers, thcial recognition readers, and the like, although other possible enbodinrnts related thereto may be included herein One such Illustrative portable, wireless device might be sonrthing akin to the HIDE device, available from L-I Identity Solutions of Billerica, MA, or the like as may be knowii. As fbr multi-threat nirnitors, such monitors may include gas detection monitors, radiation monitors, man-down monitors, volatile organic compound monitors, and the like, each having integrated wireless functionality. Non-limiting, illustrative examples of such devices might include: Mu1tlRAE' portable multi-threat monitors, available comntrcially from RAE systems of San Jose, CA; Thstadose dosineters available from Global Dosimetry of Trvine, CA. One other alternative monitor intended to be included within the afuren-entioned multi-threat monitors grouping may include available technology currently known as Citizen's Dosimeter (the details of which are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,781,747 to Klemic, Issued August 24,2010, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by rnkrence herein), avaiiable from the U.S. Departrent of Homeland Security, which is a radiation-sensitive material similar to a credit card in size, which couki be read with a card reader such as a StorCard® reader available from Stoifard, Inc. ofCanrel, CA. - [0047] Similarly, mobile device 11 may be of the type chosen from the groups comprising mobile phones, snnrt phones, PDAs, etc. and will generally inchxle a display for implementing interactivity with a user. Such displays often have a "soft keyboard" that is frequently used by a user in order to input data. By way ofjust one illustration, the example utilized herein i1be a compact bar code scanner that has a configurable key for controlling the soft keyboard of the mobile device, such as that found in the illustrative KDC® 400 type unit, available from Koamiac® Inc., of Princeton, NJ, and includes a relatively smaller display fbr interactivity with a user, and may provide the user with diflirent menu screens for the various functions described herein. Other menu images can be implemented on the display as neeessaiy, and provision is also made for the configurable key therein to control mobile devices without soft keyboards.

Similarly, multiftinction keys, such as those found in the KDC® 400 can also be provided fbr various operations, including but not liSed to: power ON/OFF buttons, scan buttons on both sides, and up/down (scroll) control buttons. It is worth noting that, whcn choosing a compact bar code scanner as peripheral device 10, one generally would need to employ a bar code scanning unit with programing capability, or the ability to function with KTSync® type software downloaded therein, in order to provide the configuration options on any configurable keys (e.g., toggle key, menu, etc.). Accordingly, provision can be made for auto reconnection and toggling, a feature that is most useful in cases where it is found that a Bluetooth® connected device can often be abnormally disconnected due to unexpected noise in the 2.4G range Bluetooth® spectrum or fbr other reasons known in the art ofwireless connectivity. In accordance with the above, the illustrative KDC®400 can be reconnected to the host computer automatically by pressing the side up button, while the down button can be defined as Bluetooth® disconnection key or soft keyboard toggling key vkien in HID mode.

[0048] As it relates to provision of Bluetooth® profile selection, in cases where the Illustrative KDC® 400 is employed as, say, a compact barcode reader within the overall inventive modular sled system, it is worth noting that three different Bluetooth® connection modes can be supported, depending on the mobile device that is desired to be connected thereto. An SPP made imy be used to connect host devices supporting SPP or RFCOMM profiles such as Android®, Blackberry® and Microsoft Windows® that may be Ibund on various mobile devices. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, RFCOMM profiles ofièr a socket-based client-server paradigm for providing services, and are typically employed where a user desires to create a client-server based application using Bluetooth®. Similarly, a Serial Port Profile (SPP) defines the requirements Iuiw Bluetooth® devices that are necessary tbr setting up emulated serial cable connections using RFCOMM between two peer devices, and are requirements that are expressed both in terms of services provided to applications, and by defining the fratures and procedures that are required for intemperability between Bluetooth® devices. Essentially, the Serial Port Profile defines the protocols and procedures that shall be used by devices using Bluetooth® fbr RS232 (or similar) serial cable emulation, and can even be employed with legacy applications that are using Bluetooth as a cable replacement through a virtual serial port abstraction In one specific example, a proprietary mobile device such as an IPhone® will use an IPhone® mode to connect to OS® devices such as IPhone®, IPad® and iPod® touch In a separate example, an HID nrde can be used to connect a host device that supports HID pmflles. In any case, these various Bluetooth profiles can be configured from a native mobile device conflgui-ation utility or through the use of scanning of special barcodes. Additionally, special Bluetooth® management software such as the KTSync® software, also available from KoamTac® Inc., of Princeton, NJ may also be employed to eflëctuate provision of the above. Alternatively, a unit such as an illustrative KDC® or KDC® 300 type unit (also available from KoamTac® Inc., of Princeton, NJ) already has specialized built in Bluetooth® management software (such as that fbund in KTSync®), may also be utilized.

[0049] As it relates to provision ofBluetooth® pairing and connection procedures, in cases where the illustrative KDC® 400 is employed as a compact barcode reader within the overall inventive nodular sled system, the several different approaches are supported. Specifically: 0) a user can set up the illustrative KDC® 400 to enter pairing mode automatically upon powering on, (ii) a user can set up the illustrative KDC® 400 to enter pairing mode upon powering on and by pressing certain combination of KDC® 400 buttons; (ii the illustrative KDC® 400 can be progi-amrmd to exit the pairing and connection node Wa pairing and connection status is successfully achieved, or if otherwise timed out; and/or (iv) a user also can abort the pairing and connection procedure by sinply pressing certain combination of KDC® 400 buttons. It is noted, in accordance with the disclosure elsewhere herein, a dual (Bluetooth®) port can be provided fur the above-referenced connectivity aspects, with a first port connecting the sled and the mobile device, and a second port connecting the sled and other peripheral Bluetooth® devices described herein, as well as physically separate peripheral devices such as Bluetooth® connected printers and the lilce.

Within the aibrenrntioned schemes, specific additional features nny further be utilized according to the present invention within the sled as a feature of a peripheral such as the illustrative KDC®400. For exanple, status LEDs (of different colors), \trators, or beepers/buzzers ny be provided in other to let users know operational statuses such as: (i) scan success or thilure; (ii) Bhjetooth® pairing and connection, (iii) Bluetooth® pro file; and/or (iv) battery charging or low battery. Although not meant to be limiting in any way as it pertains to the disebsure and coverage of the invention, one might employ the Ibilowing status signifiers shown in the table below for possible KDC®400 (or other peripheral device) settings in the modular sled:

_____________ LED BEEPER VIBRATOR

Scan success Green Short Short Scawthiure RED Long Long Bkietooth Pairing Greeit iPhone mode N/A N/A Red: SPP mode _____________ Orange: HID mode __________ ________ Bluetooth N/A ShOrt N/A connection Bluetooth N/A Long N/A disconnection Battery charging Red N/A N/A Full charged Green N/A N/A Low battery Orange N/A N/A 10051] Having described the basic concept of the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the foregoing detailed disclosure is intended to be presented by way of example only, and is rot limiting. Various alterations, inprovenrnts, and nxxli&ations are intended to be snggested and are within the scope and spirit of the present invention Additionally, the recited order of the e1ennts or sequences, or the use of nijn,bers, letters or other designations therefore, is not intended to limit the clainrd processes to any order except as may be specified in the claims.

Claims (12)

1. I claim: 1. A mobile device and peripheral device consohdation system for iiwroved physical and electronic interoperability between a mobile device and at least one peripheral device, said mobile device and peripheral device consolidation system comprising: (a) a modular sled having an attachment means fOr physically attaching said at least one peripheral device to said mobile device, said attachment means fOr attaching said at least one peripheral device to said mobile device providing at least one point of secure attachment with at least one of the fOllowing of a custom engagement structure, universal engagement structure, or a native mobile device casement engagement structure, said modular sled ifirther including engagement stmcturc fOr cooperatively securing said at least one peripheral device physically proxiimte to said mobile device; (b) said modular sled thrther including at least one of die following of said at least one peripheral device chosen from the group consisting of compact bar code readers, Magnetic Strip Readers (MSRs), Integrated Circuit (IC) card readers, peripheral device triggers, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag readers, biometric verification modules, or multi-threat monitors; and (c) said modular sled further including electronic circuitry for wireless electronic coninunication connectivity between said mobile device and said at least one peripheral device.
2. 2. The mobile device and periphen device consolidation system fOr improved physical and electronic interoperability between a mobile device and at least one peripheral device of claim 1, wherein said modular sled includes a dual wireless communication port having a first port that connects said modular sled with said mobile device, and having a second port that connects said modular sled with said at least one peripheral device.
3. 3. The mobile device and peripheral device consolidation system fbr improved physical and electronic interoperability between a mobile device and at least one peripheral device of claim 2, wherein said at least one sail conpact bar code reader includes a peripheral device trigger connected thereto, wherein said peripheral device trigger is chosen from the group conristhg a side scan button or a no-power supplied trigger.
4. 4. (currently anended) The mobile device and peripheral device consolidation system for inçroved physical and electronic interoperability between a mobile device and at least one peripheral device of claim 3, wherein said attachment means thr attaching said at least one peripheral device to said nithile device provides said at least one point of secure attachment thereto through a custom engagement stnicture.
5. 5. The nubile device and peripheral device consolidation system fbr lirproved physical and electronic interoperability between a mobile device and at least one pcriphcnl device of claim 3, wherein said attachment means Ibr attaching sail at least one peripheral device to said mobile device provides said at least one point of secure attachment thereto through a native mobile device casement engagement structure.
6. 6. The mobile device and peripheral device consolidation system for improved physical and electronic intemperability between a mobile device and at least one peripheral device of claim 3, wherein said attachntnt means for attaching said at least one peripheral device to said mobile device provides said at least one point of secure attachntnt thereto through a universal engagement structure.
7. 7. The mobile device and peripheral device consolidation system fbr impmved physical and electronic interoperability between a mobile device and at least one peripheral device of claim 3, wherein said modular sled includes charging circuitty that utilizes only one charging port for charging said mobile device when said mobile device is connected to said at least one peripheral device.
8. 8. The nnblle device and peripheral device consolidation system for improved physical and electronic interoperability between a mobile device and at least one peripheral device of claim 3, wherein said at least one peripheral device includes at least one said compact bar code reader and at least one said MSR
9. 9. The mobile device and peripheral device consolidation system thr improved physical and electronic interoperability between a mobile device and at least one peripheral device of claim 3, wherein said at least one peripheral device includes at least one said compact bar code reader and at least one said IC card reader.
10. 10. The mobile device and peripheral device consolidation system fbr improved physical and electronic iriteroperability between a mobile device and at least one peripheral device of claim 3, wherein sail at least one peripheral device includes at least one sail compact bar code reader L and at least one said RFID tag reader.
11. 11. The mobile device and peripheral device consolidation system ibr improved physical and electronic interoperability between a nnbile device and at least one peripheral device of claim 3, wherein said at least one peripheral device includes at least one of said bionlric verification modules.
12. 12. The mobile device and peripheral device consolidation system for improved physical and electronic interoperability between a mobile device and at least one peripheral device of claim 3, wherein said at least one peripheral device itrludes at least one of said multi-threat monitors.