Modular protective housing with peripherals for a handheld communications device
View Patent ↗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.
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.