Barcode reader and docking station for charging the barcode reader
A barcode reader and a docking station for charging the barcode reader are disclosed. The barcode reader may be an elongated pen-shaped device that includes a capacitive tip for use as a stylus against a capacitive touch screen and a barcode reader for reading a barcode. The barcode reader may be docked in the docking station for charging. The docking station may include a magnetic structure for holding the barcode reader to the docking station, and a positioning structure for aligning the charging contacts of the barcode reader and the docking station. The docking station may include a battery such that the barcode reader may be charged from the battery while being docked in the docking station.
1. A pen-shaped barcode scanning device comprising:
a housing with a generally cylindrical portion sized to be held in an individual's hand in a writing position;
a capacitive tip positioned at a first end of the housing for use as a stylus against a capacitive touch screen;
a barcode reader positioned at a second end of the housing, the second end of the housing being opposite the first end of the housing, the barcode reader being configured to read a barcode;
a mating surface configured to position against a corresponding mating surface of a docking station when the pen-shaped barcode scanning device is positioned for charging;
a magnetic structure for holding the barcode scanning device against the mating surface of the docking station; and
a plurality of charging contacts, including at least one charging contact for power and at least one charging contact for ground, to be coupled to mating contacts on the docking station when the barcode scanning device is positioned against the mating surface of the docking station.
2. The pen-shaped barcode scanning device of claim 1 , further comprising:
a positioning structure for aligning the pen-shaped barcode scanning device against the mating surface of the docking station when the pen-shaped barcode scanning device is positioned against the mating surface of the docking station.
3. The pen-shaped barcode scanning device of claim 2 , wherein the positioning structure includes a cross section at a base end of the positioning structure adjacent to the mating surface which is larger than a cross section at a distal end of the positioning structure spaced away from the mating surface such that when the pen-shaped barcode scanning device is imprecisely aligned with the distal end, the positioning structure guides the pen-shaped barcode scanning device into precise alignment with the base end when the pen-shaped barcode scanning device is positioned against the mating surface of the docking station.
4. The pen-shaped barcode scanning device of claim 2 , wherein the magnetic structure comprises:
a first magnet with a first polarity directed towards the mating surface of the docking station when the pen-shaped barcode scanning device is positioned against the mating surface of the docking station; and
a second magnet with an opposing polarity directed towards the mating surface of the docking station when the pen-shaped barcode scanning device is positioned against the mating surface of the docking station;
such that corresponding magnets within the docking station, including a first magnet of the docking station with the opposing polarity and a second magnet of the docking station with the first polarity, result in the pen-shaped barcode scanning device:
i) being attracted to and positioned against the mating surface of the docking station when a magnetic field of the first magnet of the pen-shaped barcode scanning device is attracted to a magnetic field of the first magnet of the docking station and a magnetic field of the second magnet of the pen-shaped barcode scanning device is attracted to a magnetic field of the second magnet of the docking station; and
ii) being repelled from being positioned against the mating surface of the docking station when the magnetic field of the first magnet of the pen-shaped barcode scanning device is repelled from the magnetic field of the second magnet of the docking station and the magnetic field of the second magnet of the pen-shaped barcode scanning device is repelled from the magnetic field of the first magnet of the barcode reader.
5. The pen-shaped barcode scanning device of claim 4 , wherein the positioning structure is configured to rotate the pen-shaped barcode scanning device into alignment against the mating surface of the docking station when the pen-shaped barcode scanning device is attracted to the mating surface of the docking station by the magnetic field of the first magnet of the docking station being attracted to the magnetic field of the first magnet of the pen-shaped barcode scanning device and the magnetic field of the second magnet of the docking station being attracted to the magnetic field of the second magnet of the pen-shaped barcode scanning device.
6. The pen-shaped barcode scanning device of claim 4 , wherein the positioning structure is configured to laterally displace the pen-shaped barcode scanning device into alignment against the mating surface of the docking station when the barcode reader is attracted to the mating surface of the docking station by the magnetic field of the first magnet of the docking station being attracted to the magnetic field of the first magnet of the pen-shaped barcode scanning device and the magnetic field of the second magnet of the docking station being attracted to the magnetic field of the second magnet of the pen-shaped barcode scanning device.
7. The pen-shaped barcode scanning device of claim 2 , wherein the positioning structure is a cavity within the housing and is configured to be engaged with a corresponding positioning structure extended outward from the mating surface of the docking station.
8. The pen-shaped barcode scanning device of claim 2 , wherein the positioning structure is a periphery of the housing configured to be engaged with an extension formed around an edge of the mating surface of the docking station.
9. The pen-shaped barcode scanning device of claim 1 , further comprising:
a battery for supplying operating power for the pen-shaped barcode scanning device.
10. The pen-shaped barcode scanning device of claim 9 , further comprising:
charging circuitry configured to charge the battery when the pen-shaped barcode scanning device is coupled to an external power source.
11. The pen-shaped barcode scanning device of claim 1 , further comprising:
radio frequency (RF) circuitry for sending image data or decoded data of the barcode to a remote host.
12. The pen-shaped barcode scanning device of claim 1 , further comprising:
a trigger button for triggering capturing an image of the barcode.
13. The pen-shaped barcode scanning device of claim 1 , further comprising:
a signal generator for generating a signal indicating a successful reading of the barcode.
14. The pen-shaped barcode scanning device of claim 13 , wherein the signal is one of sound, light, or vibration.
15. The pen-shaped barcode scanning device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of charging contacts comprises charging contacts positioned around a periphery of the housing.
16. The pen-shaped barcode scanning device of claim 15 , wherein one charging contact is provided on each of opposing sides of the housing.
17. The pen-shaped barcode scanning device of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of charging contacts comprises charging contacts positioned in a ring shape around the housing.
18. The pen-shaped barcode scanning device of claim 1 , wherein the barcode reader has a field of view extending along a longitudinal axis of the housing.
19. The pen-shaped barcode scanning device of claim 1 , wherein the barcode reader has a field of view adjustable with respect to the housing.
20. The pen-shaped barcode scanning device of claim 19 , wherein the barcode reader is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the housing to adjust the field of view.
21. The pen-shaped barcode scanning device of claim 19 , wherein the barcode reader is rotatable about an axis different from a longitudinal axis of the housing to adjust the field of view.
22. The pen-shaped barcode scanning device of claim 19 , wherein the barcode reader is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the housing to adjust the field of view.
23. The pen-shaped barcode scanning device of claim 1 , further comprising a means for sending data via contact of the capacitive tip against a touch screen, wherein the data is related to a result of reading the barcode.
24. The pen-shaped barcode scanning device of claim 1 , wherein the capacitive tip is replaceable.
25. The pen-shaped barcode scanning device of claim 24 , wherein the capacitive tip is replaceable in different sizes depending on an application.