This invention relates to a wearable imaging device, particularly a data collection and communication device.
Wearable devices are increasingly being used for a range of functions involving data collection and communication. Such devices are being used for example in bar code or image capture, identification and verification, and in services such as parcel location and tracking which include transmission of data relating to the captured information. Such devices can be worn by a user on one or more fingers of the hand, on the front or back of the palm, on the wrist or on the forearm.
These devices normally are made as small and light as possible and communicate by short range wireless links such as Bluetooth, for example to a receiver carried by the user, e.g. on a larger belt, or for example to a nearby terminal such as a desk mounted computing unit which may have a keyboard and display for user entry and display of information.
A simple known wearable device, for example for capturing and communicating data relating to bar codes or still images, consists of a housing or body containing: a lens, an optical imager such as an imager chip, a microprocessor, a short range radio transmitter an antenna and a battery. Also usually incorporated in the body is an indicator light such as a LED (Light Emitting Diode) which is used to indicate successful bar code or image capture and/or data transmission. The housing or body may include a user wearable strap, e.g. designed to go around and be carried by two fingers of the user.
For ergonomic reasons it is desirable to reduce, as far as possible, the weight of the housing or body and its components in a device of the kind described. This is because for a such a device the weight of the housing and components acts through the device centre of gravity and the distance to the centre of the finger straps, forms a leverage force. Over a typical operator working shift of say 8 to 10 hours, such forces can cause operator fatigue, and in the long term, RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury).
Also the position of the indicator light must be carefully chosen to ensure that in all modes of use, it is still readily viewable, and this requirement may necessitate the use of multiple lights, such as LEDs, with greater energy consumption, thus further adding to the weight.
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a user wearable imaging device such as a data collection and communication device in which the above disadvantages are reduced.
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a wearable imager device according to claim 1.
The device may for example be a data collection and communication device.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Other light sources incorporated in a flexible material can be used instead of LEDs, e.g. based on known light emitting technologies such as EL (Electro-Luminescent, OLED (Organic LED), and lasing fibres.
Further, several different colour sources can be used, either alongside each other, or twisted together, to give a number of different colour indications, e,g to indicate different operational indications relating to the device 21.
Further, the above light sources can be fabricated together in one piece in the strap material or woven together with the strap material, e.g. where of a fibrous material, such that they form both the strap and the light indicator in an integral, flexible structure.
The embodiment shown in
The device shown in
(i) There are reduced leverage forces on the finger or hand of the user, so there is a reduced risk of RSI and a more comfortable working shift.
(ii) Since the whole length of the strap (or a major portion of its length) can be used to provide the light indicator, there is little chance of the user missing the indication.
(iii) Better sealing of the device body 3 can be provided as no hole or window is required for the LED indicator as in
(iv) A strip of light may be considered to be more user friendly and easier on the eyes of the user compared to a spot light source.
(v) A lower level of illumination energy can be used because it is over a large area, so saving energy and potential allowing battery weight and size to be reduced.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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GB0421652.9 | Sep 2004 | GB | national |