WO2007021245A1

WO2007021245A1 - A personal digital assistant and an accessory therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2007021245A1
Application number: PCT/SG2005/000278
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ah Hock Law; Tze Wei Henry Wong; Yen Jason Chin; Ji Woei Amos Foo
Original assignee: Olympus Technologies Singapore Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2005-08-16
Filing date: 2005-08-16
Publication date: 2007-02-22

Abstract

A personal digital assistant (PDA) (10) for use in an industrial environment includes an expansion module (100) arranged to be realisably fixed to a rear face of the PDA (10) and so as to be operatively coupled thereto. The expansion module (100) includes an RF aerial (120) therein for use in establishing wireless communication between the PDA (10) and a remote device. The aerial is fixed to material forming a shock-resistant casing of the expansion module (100), thereby helping to ensure that the aerial remains in position in the event of the PDA (10) being dropped. The aerial (120) is positioned on the PDA (10) such that the aerial tends not to be covered by a user's hand gripping the PDA (10) for operation. Thus, the effective operating range of the aerial tends to be maximised. The aerial may alternatively be provided in a cap that fits over an expansion slot (130) of the expansion module (100).

Description

A PERSONAL DIGITAL ASSISTANT AND AN ACCESSORY THEREFOR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to personal digital assistants and to accessories for use therewith..

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Personal digital assistants (PDAs) are handheld, portable, computing devices that provide at least some of the features of a conventional desktop personal computer. Such devices are intended to be of use to those who are not able, or for whom it is inconvenient, to access a conventional desktop personal computer. Ih order that a user may use a PDA to gain access to files stored remotely, some PDAs are provided with a wireless communication facility. This might take the form of a radio frequency (RF) wireless communication facility. Using a wireless communication facility such as this, a PDA can communicate with a wireless local-area network (W-LAN) and thereby receive and transmit email, and access other files stored on that network.

A form of PDA is also used in industrial environments, such as manufacturing facilities and industrial storage facilities. This form of PDA will hereinafter be referred to as an "industrial PDA". In facilities such as these, industrial PDAs are used for tasks such as recording operational data from manufacturing machines and for stock control purposes. The environment in which industrial PDAs are used is therefore a much harsher environment than that to which a conventional PDA might be exposed. The industrial PDA is likely to be exposed to corrosive materials, airborne particles and contaminants; and mechanical impact, vibration and wear. As a result, industrial PDAs must be of more rugged design that conventional PDAs if they are to be of use.

One way in which the suitability of industrial PDAs to their intended environment can be indicated is by way of an ingression protection (IP) rating. This rating is a measure of the degree of protection a PDA has against the ingression of liquids and particles. PDAs can also be assessed in terms of the height of a vertical drop which the PDA can survive without substantial damage. It is an object of this invention to provide a PDA that has a wireless communication facility and has aspects that are suited to use in an industrial environment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of this invention, there is provided a personal digital assistant (PDA) having a casing in which wireless transceiving means are contained and mounted, the wireless transceiving means including electronic circuitry and an aerial electrically connected to that circuitry, the aerial being mounted so as to be supported by the casing.

According to another aspect of this invention, there is provided an accessory for use with a personal digital assistant (PDA), the accessory arranged for attaching to a PDA, or intermediate structure attachable thereto, so as to be electrically connected to the PDA for data communication therewith, wherein the accessory has a casing in which wireless transceiving means are contained and mounted, the wireless transceiving means including an aerial mounted so as to be supported by the casing.

By mounting the aerial so as to be supported by the casing, rather than on, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB) of the electronic circuitry, the likelihood of the aerial coming away from its mounting when the PDA is dropped or exposed to a mechanical shock can be minimised. This also allows the aerial to be spaced from a OV (ie zero volt) terminal of the electronic circuitry of the wireless transceiving means, thereby minimising interference in wireless transmission via the aerial that could otherwise result from proximity of the aerial to the OV terminal.

The aerial maybe mounted on material of the casing. The material of the casing may extend around a part or parts of the aerial and thereby hold the aerial. The aerial may have an aperture therethrough through which material of the casing extends so as to form a rivet integral with the remainder of the casing and so. as to fix the aerial thereto. The casing may be plastic and the aerial may be mounted on material of the casing by heat staking. The aerial may be mounted in material of the casing. Material of the casing may form a cavity in which at least part of the aerial is contained and held. The cavity may be such that the aerial is substantially contained and held therein. The casing may be plastic and the aerial may be mounted therein by insert moulding.

The accessory may be an expansion module for use with a PDA, the expansion module arranged to provide the PDA with the wireless transceiving means and optionally with additional features. For example, the expansion module may include communications interfaces for coupling to other electronic devices such that the PDA can communicate with those other electronic devices when the are so coupled and the accessory is attached to the PDA for communication therewith. The interfaces may, for example, include interfaces arranged to receive memory cards, and/or PCMCIA cards.

According to a third aspect of this invention, there is provided a PDA and an accessory arranged for attaching to a PDA as defined hereinabove.

Preferably, the aerial is mounted in the accessory, and/or the accessory and the PDA are arranged, such that when the accessory is attached to the PDA and the PDA is held in the hand of a user for normal operation, the hand substantially does not overlap the aerial.

By avoiding the user's hand overlapping the aerial, obstruction of radio waves to and from the aerial is also avoided. Thus, a reduction in the effective range of wireless communication between the PDA and external wireless communication means is also avoided.

Preferably, the accessory and the PDA are arranged such that the accessory is attached so as to be positioned at the back of the PDA, the front of the PDA including a graphical display. Preferably, the accessory and the PDA are additionally arranged such that the ' accessory is attached so as to be further positioned towards a-top end of the PDA, the top end being the end adjacent the top of the graphical, display. Thus, the user's palm would tend to extend across the back of the PDA, below the accessory that contains the aerial, thereby avoiding obstruction of the aerial. The accessory of the second aspect of this invention maybe an expansion module that is arranged for attaching to Intermediate structure attachable to a PDA, that intermediate structure including a communications interface arranged to receive the accessory and being attachable to the PDA and the accessory to provide for data communication between the PDA and the accessory. The accessory may be in the form of a cover that fits over at least part of the intermediate structure. The cover may fit over the interface of the intermediate structure so as to deter the ingress of extraneous material into the interface. The cover may fit over another communications interface of the intermediate structure that is for coupling to other electronic devices so as to deter the ingress of extraneous material into that other interface. Preferably the cover forms a liquid-tight seal over the interface or interfaces which it covers.

Preferably, the casing of the accessory is formed from material that is resistant to shock. Preferably the aerial is mounted in the casing and the casing is shaped and arranged to minimise the transmission to the aerial of shocks applied to the outside of the casing. An inside of the casing may have one or more strengthening ribs projecting therefrom so as to define at least one hollow adjacent the rib or ribs, the at least one hollow acting as a shock-absorbing space. The aerial maybe mounted on the casing so as to be substantially positioned in the or one of the hollows.

According to a fourth aspect of this invention there is provided: a PDA; intermediate structure attachable to the PDA as defined hereinabove; and an. accessory in the form of an expansion module arranged for attaching to the intermediate structure as defined hereinabove.

Preferably, the aerial is mounted in the accessory, and/or the accessory and the intermediate structure are arranged, and/or the intermediate structure and the PDA are arranged, such that when the accessory is attached to intermediate structure, and the intermediate structure is attached to the PDA, and the PDA is held in the hand of a user for normal operation, the hand substantially does not overlap the aerial.

Preferably, the accessory, intermediate structure and the PDA are arranged such that the accessory is attached so as to be positioned at the back of the PDA, the front of the PDA including a graphical display. Preferably, the accessory, the intermediate structure and the PDA are additionally arranged such that the accessory is attached so as to be further positioned towards a top end of the PDA, the top end being the end adjacent the top of the graphical display. Thus, the user's palm would tend to extend across the back of the PDA, below the accessory that contains the aerial, thereby avoiding obstruction of the aerial. The intermediate structure rhay be positioned as is the accessory of the third aspect of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

. Specific embodiments of this invention are described below by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of a personal digital assistant (PDA);

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the PDA and of an accessory therefor that is in accordance with a first embodiment of this invention, a rear face of the^' accessory being ^' shown;

Figure 2 A is a perspective view of the accessory shown in Figure 1 , a front face of the accessory being shown.

Figure 3 is a rear view of the PDA with the accessory attached thereto;

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the inside of part of the accessory; . ^{' •}

Figure 5 is a rear view of the PDA with the accessory attached thereto in preparation for operation;

Figure 6 is a side view of the PDA with the accessory attached thereto during operation;

Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the inside of part of an alternative accessory for attaching to the PDA in accordance with a second embodiment of this invention; Figure 8 is a sectional view of a cap of another alternative accessory of a third embodiment of this invention, the section being taken in a transverse direction through the cap; and

Figure 9 is another sectional view of the cap, the section being taken in a longitudinal direction.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows a personal digital assistant (PDA) 10 for use in an industrial environment, i.e. an "industrial PDA". The PDA 10 is shaped as a generally rectangular slab or tablet that is of a size which allows it to be gripped in a user's hand. A front face of the PDA 10 has a graphical display in the form of a display screen 30 mounted therein. The display screen 30 is touch sensitive and in use acts as a graphical user interface. The PDA 10 has a plastic casing 20 that is designed to assist in protecting components of the PDA 10 from damage when the PDA 10 is subject to mechanical shocks, such as those resulting from the PDA 10 being dropped. The plastic casing 20 fits around the components of the PDA 10 so as to resist the ingress of extraneous matter.

As can be seen from Figure 2, a rear face of the PDA 10 includes connecting means in the form of a slot 40 and a series of electrical connection terminals 50. The electrical connection terminals 50 are connected to electrical components of the PDA 10 that are inside the casing 20 and not shown in Figure 2.

As can also be seen from Figure 2, an accessory in the form of an expansion module 100 is provided for attaching to the PDA 10. The expansion module 100 is generally rectangular in plan form and has a thickness similar to that of the PDA 10. As can only be seen in Figure 2A, one face of the expansion module 100 includes projecting spigot structure 102, electrical connection terminals 103 and a latch mechanism 104 projecting from casing 110 of the expansion module 100. User operable parts of the latch mechanism 104 are shown in Figure 2 at 105. The electrical connection terminals 104 are connected to electrical components of the expansion module 100. The spigot structure 102 is sized and arranged so as to be a sliding fit in the slot 40 in the rear face of the PDA 10 and such that, when slid into the slot 40, the expansion module 100 is fitted against the back face of the PDA 10 and the latch mechanism latches 104 over cooperating structure adjacent the slot 40. In this way, the expansion module 100 is releasably fixed in place in a single possible orientation on the rear face of the PDA 10. This arrangement is shown in Figure 3. The electrical connection terminals 103 of the expansion module 100 are arranged to mate with the electrical connection, terminals 50 in the rear face of the PDA 10 when the spigot structure 102 is slid into the slot 40 and the expansion module 100 is fixed in place in the manner just described. When the connection terminals are mated in this way, a wired communications connection between components of the PDA 10 and components of the expansion module 100 is made.

The construction of the expansion module 100 will now be described in more detail. As is shown in Figure 2, the expansion module includes a casing 110. This casing is similar to that of the PDA 10 in that it is formed from plastic and is designed to assist in protecting components of the expansion module 100 from damage when the module 100 is subject to mechanical shocks, such as those resulting from it being dropped.

Figure 4 is an inside view of one half of the casing 110 of the expansion module 100. The casing 110 contains a printed circuit board (PCB) that is electrically connected to the electrical connection terminals of the expansion module 100. The PCB is arranged so as to be. operable as a radio frequency (RF) transceiver under the control of the PDA 10. Also contained in the casing is an aerial that is connected to the PCB for the transmission and reception of RF signals. The PCB is not shown in Figure 4 as this would obscure the aerial, which is shown at 120.

The expansion module 100 shown in Figure 4 also includes an expansion card slot 130_. and an associated interface (not shown) for receiving an expansion card such as, for example, a memory card or PCMCIA card, and for providing for communication between such a card and components of the expansion, module 100. The slot 130 is formed in an end of the module 100. As is shown in Figure 2, a dustproof and waterproof cap 140 is provided. The cap 140 is formed from an elastomeric material and is shaped so as to cover the end on module 100 in which the expansion card slot 130 is formed. The cap 140 acts as a cover for the expansion card slot 130 so as to keep unwanted material out of that slot 130 and out of the module 100.

- The aerial 120 is a planar rectangular strip of metal. The aerial 120 includes two round apertures 122 formed therethrough. Each of the apertures 122 is towards a respective one of the short ends of the rectangular aerial 120. In order that the aerial 120 can be fixed in the expansion module 100, a pair of cylindrical projections 112 project from the half of the casing 110 of the module 100 shown in Figure 4. These projections 112 are spaced apart and sized so that each can fit through a respective one of the apertures 122 in the aerial 120 and so that the aerial 120 can be mounted on the projections 112. In addition, in this embodiment, the projections 112 are both positioned towards an end of the expansion module 100 mat is adjacent the top end of the PDA 10 when the module 100 is fixed to the PDA 10 as described above, the top end of the PDA 10 being the end adjacent the top of the display screen 30 during normal use. In this way, when the aerial 120 is fitted to the expansion module 100, and that module 100 if fitted to the PDA 10, the aerial 120 is positioned so as to lie in a plane substantially parallel to that of the ^' PDA, adjacent the top of the PDA 10, and so as to extend generally from side-to-side with respect to the top of the PDA 10. To secure the aerial 120 on the projections 112, the aerial 120 was mounted on the projections 112 during manufacturing and each of the projections 112 was heated and deformed in the manner of a rivet to form a respective head 114 larger than the respective aperture 122 in the aerial. This procedure is called, "heat staking".

In preparation for operation, the expansion module 100 is fixed to the PDA 10 by sliding the spigot structure of the module 100 into the slot 40 in the rear face of the PDA 10. This sliding continues until the latch mechanism 105 latches over the cooperating structure adjacent the slot. A user then grasps the PDA 10 with the expansion module 100 affixed thereto. As the expansion module 100 is positioned on the rear of the PDA 10 and towards the top thereof, it is most convenient for the user to grasp the PDA 10 by placing his palm across the back of the PDA 10, just below the expansion module 100. This arrangement is shown in Figure 5. Thus, the expansion module 100 is not covered, or at least is not covered to any great degree, by the user's . hand. Operation of the PDA 10 and the expansion module 100 will now be described with reference to Figure 6. In operation, the PDA 10 communicates with the expansion module 100 via the mating electrical connection terminals of each device 10,100. In this way, the PDA 10 can operate the expansion module 100 to transmit a RF signal 150 from the aerial 120. As the expansion module 100, and hence the aerial 120 therein, is not covered by the user's hand, the RF signal 150 does not need to pass through the user's hand in propagating from the aerial. Thus, the user's hand does not tend to have an effect, or at least does not have a marked effect, on the useful range of the RF signal 150 transmitted from the aerial 120. The user's hand similarly does not tend to obstruct an RF signal incident on the aerial 120 and propagating from a direction that the back of the user's hand is facing. It will be understood that the user would also normally be facing such a direction. Thus, there is little or no obstruction of RF signals being transmitted from a direction the user is facing. This is convenient should the user be standing in front of an RF transmitter device from which the user would like to receive ^■ an RF signal using the PDA 10.

Should the PDA 10 with the expansion module 100 attached thereto be dropped during operation, the fixation of the aerial 120 to the casing 110 of the module 100 (instead of, for example, to the PCB therein) guards against the aerial 120 coming free and becoming damaged or damaging any other component in the casing 110 of the module 100.

In a second embodiment that is now described with reference to Figure 7, a second expansion module 200 is provided that is intended to be the same as that 100 described above with reference to Figure 4, but with the exception that the projections 212 of this second expansion module 200 are differently positioned. Specifically, the projections 212 in the second module 200 are positioned such that the aerial 220 is positioned centrally in the module 200, rather than towards an end; and such that the aerial 220 extends from top to bottom of the module 200 when that module 200 is fitted to the PDA 10. In all other respects, this second module 200, the aerial 220 therein and the manner of fixing the aerial 220 to the module 200 are the same as for the first expansion module 100 described above with reference to Figure 4. Ia a third embodiment, a tbdrd expansion module 300 is provided that is similar to the first expansion module 100 described above with reference to Figure 4, but lacks the aerial 120 of that first module 100. This third module 300 includes a dustproof and waterproof cap 340 that is similar to that 140 of the first module described above with reference to Figure 2. The cap 340 of this embodiment is similar to that previously described in covering an expansion card slot in the module 300, that slot being positioned in an end of the module that is adjacent the top of the PDA 10 when the module 300 is fitted thereto for use. However, in this embodiment, the module 300 and the cap 340 differ from those previously described in that each includes electrical contacts (not shown) arranged to engage the respective other contacts when the cap 340 is fitted in place on the module 300. The electrical contacts in the module 300 are connected to a PCB in the module 300 similar to that described above.

As can be seen from Figure 8, the cap 340 further differs from that 120 described above with reference to Figure 2 in including an aerial 320 therein. In this embodiment, the aerial 320 is contained within material of the cap 340 which forms an outer wall 342 thereof. The aerial 320 is positioned within the outer wall 342 during the moulding of the wall 342 by a process known as "insert moulding". The aerial is connected to the electrical contacts in the cap 340. Thus, when the cap 340 is fitted to the module 300, the aerial 320 is in electrical connection with the PCB of the module, which, together, form wireless RF transceiving means of the module 300.

With reference to Figure 9, the cap 340 includes three internal walls 344 therein, integrally formed with the remainder of the cap 340. The internal walls 344 project from the inside of the outer wall 342 of the cap 340 so as to define several chambers between the internal walls 344. The internal walls 344 project from the outer wall 344 to such an extent that, when the cap 340 is fitted to the module 300, the internal walls 344 abut the casing of the module 300. The internal walls 344 abut the casing of the module 300 so as to generally extend around the expansion card slot in the top end of the module 300. This acts as a further guard against the unwanted ingress of material into that slot.

In preparation for operation, the expansion module 300 of this embodiment is fitted to the PDA 10 in the same way as for the first embodiment. For wireless communication, the cap 340 must additionally be put in place at the top end of the module 300. T/SG2005/000278

11

During wireless operation, as the aerial 320 is positioned in the cap 340, and as the cap 340 is positioned so as- to project from the very top of the expansion module 300, the aerial 320 is even further removed from the hand of the user than was the case in the first embodiment described above withreference to Figure 6. This further reduces the likelihood of the user's hand interfering with propagation of RF signals from the module 300. .

Should the module 300 of this third embodiment be dropped, the construction of the cap 340, in particular the provision of the interior walls 344 and the intervening spaces therebetween, assists in the absorption of shocks by the cap 340, Placing the aerial 320 within the outer wall 342 of the cap 340 ensures that the aerial 320 remains in position.

Ia a fourth embodiment, the cap 340 of the third embodiment described above with reference to Figure 7 is modified such that the aerial is located against the outer wall, in a cavity bordered by the three interior walls. Ih this embodiment, it is envisaged that the^' aerial is attached to the inside of the outer wall by heat staking.

Claims

1. A personal digital assistant (PDA) having a casing in which wireless transceiving means are contained and. mounted, the wireless transceiving means including electronic circuitry and an aerial electrically connected to that circuitry, the aerial being mounted so as to be supported by the casing.

2. An accessory for use with a personal digital assistant (PDA), the accessory arranged for attaching to a PDA₅ or intermediate structure attachable thereto, so as to be electrically connected to the PDA for data communication therewith, wherein the accessory has a casing in which wireless transceiving means are contained and mounted, the wireless transceiving means including an aerial mounted so as to be supported by the casing.

.

3. A PDA according to claim 1 or an accessory according to claim 2, wherein the aerial is mounted on material of the casing.

4. A PDA or an accessory according to any preceding claim, wherein the material of the casing extends around a part or parts of the aerial and thereby holds the aerial.

5. A PDA or an accessory according to any preceding claim, wherein the aerial has an aperture therethrough through which material of the casing extends so as to form a rivet integral with the remainder of the casing and so as to fix the aerial thereto.

6. A PDA or an accessory according to any preceding claim, wherein the casing is plastic and the aerial is mounted on material of the casing by heat staking.

7. A PDA according to claim 1 or an accessory according claim 2, wherein the aerial is mounted in material of the casing.

8. A personal digital assistant (PDA) according to any preceding claims and an accessory arranged for attaching to the PDA according to any preceding claim.

9. A PDA and. an accessory according to claim 8, wherein the aerial is mounted in the accessory, and/or the accessory and. the PDA are arranged, such that when the accessory is attached to the PDA and the PDA is held in the hand of a user for normal operation, the hand substantially does not overlap the aerial.

10. A PDA and an accessory according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the accessory and the PDA are arranged such that the accessory is attached so as to be positioned at the back of the PDA, the front of the PDA including a graphical display, and the accessory is attached so as to be further positioned, towards a top end of the PDA, the top end being the end adjacent the top of the graphical display.

11. An accessory according to claim 2 or any one of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 2, wherein the accessory is an expansion module that is arranged for attaching to intermediate structure attachable to a PDA, the intermediate structure including a communications interface arranged to receive the accessory and being attachable to the PDA and the accessory to provide for data communication between the PDA and. the accessory.

12. An accessory according to claim 11 , wherein the accessory is in the form of a cover that fits over at least part of the intermediate structure.

13. An accessory according to claim 12, wherein the cover fits over the interface of the intermediate structure so as to deter the ingress of extraneous material into the interface.

14. An accessory according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the cover fits over another communications interface of the intermediate structure that is for coupling to other electronic devices so as to deter the ingress of extraneous material into that other interface.

15. An accessory according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the aerial is mounted in the casing and the casing is shaped and. arranged to minimise the transmission to the aerial of shocks applied to the outside of the casing.

16. An accessory according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein an inside of the casing has one or more strengthening ribs projecting therefrom so as to define at least one hollow adjacent the rib or ribs, the at least one hollow acting as a shock-absorbing space.

17. An accessory according to claim 16, wherein the aerial is mounted on the casing so as to be substantially positioned in the or one of the hollows.

18. Apparatus including: a PDA; intermediate structure attachable to the PDA according to any one of claims 11 to 15; and an accessory in the form of an expansion module arranged for attaching to the intermediate structure as defined in any one of claims 11 to 15.

19. Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein, the aerial is mounted in the accessory, and/or the accessory and the intermediate structure are arranged, and/or the intermediate structure and the PDA are arranged, such that when the accessory is attached to intermediate structure, and the intermediate structure is attached to the PDA, and the PDA is held in the hand of a user for normal operation, the hand substantially does not. overlap the aerial.

20. Apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the accessory, the intermediate structure and the PDA are arranged such that the accessory is attached so as to be positioned at the back of the PDA, the front of the PDA including a graphical display; and the accessory, the intermediate structure and the PDA are additionally arranged such that the accessory is attached so. as to be further positioned towards a top end of the PDA, the top end being the end adjacent the top of the graphical display. ^' .