Mobile computer with scan engine and NFC lifter coil

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile computer with a scan engine and an NFC riser coil. A mobile barcode reader may include a housing having a defined exit window, a scan engine, a primary NFC antenna, and a secondary NFC antenna. The scan engine may be configured to read the barcode and positioned within the front portion of the housing, the scan engine having one or more imagers with a field of view extending out of the exit window. The primary NFC antenna may be deployed in a first plane extending in a longitudinal direction of the housing, the primary NFC antenna being operably coupled with electronics of the mobile barcode reader to facilitate NFC reading. The secondary NFC antenna may be disposed near the front portion and extend in a second plane transverse to the longitudinal direction of the housing, and configured as a lift antenna for the primary NFC antenna without electrically coupling with electronics of the mobile barcode reader. Related methods of operation and manufacture are also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to mobile computers with barcode scanning capabilities, and more particularly to mobile computers with barcode reading and near field communication for card reading and payment processing. Background Art

[0002] Mobile computers are often used to assist workers in scanning machine-readable indicia (e.g., barcodes, QR codes, etc.) to perform various tasks. Such tasks often involve reading machine-readable indicia to take inventory in warehouses and retail stores, reading product identifiers (e.g., performing rental car checkouts at airports, checking out customers in retail environments), and other routine tasks in which workers use mobile computers to perform scanning of machine-readable indicia. Some mobile computers have been equipped with near-field communication (NFC) antennas that enable reading of cards placed near the antenna, such as payment cards (e.g., credit cards, debit cards, etc.). Conventionally, these NFC antennas have been deployed on battery packs or on the rear top side of the mobile computer, allowing card reading to be performed near the rear side of the mobile computer. However, the inventors have recognized that conventional devices do not provide an optimal user experience in the case of credit card payment applications where the user may prefer to place the credit card on the front / top of the device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A mobile barcode reader includes: a housing having a defined exit window; a scan engine positioned within a front portion of the housing, the scan engine having one or more imagers whose field of view extends beyond the exit window, the scan engine being configured to read barcodes; a primary NFC antenna disposed in a first plane extending in a longitudinal direction of the housing, the primary NFC antenna being operably coupled to electronics of the mobile barcode reader to facilitate NFC reading; and a secondary NFC antenna disposed adjacent the front portion and extending in a second plane transverse to the longitudinal direction of the housing, the secondary NFC antenna being configured as a boost antenna for the primary NFC antenna without being electrically coupled to the electronics of the mobile barcode reader.

[0004] A method of manufacturing a mobile barcode reader, the method comprising: forming a housing having a defined exit window; disposing a scan engine within a front portion of the housing, the scan engine having one or more imagers whose field of view extends beyond the exit window, the scan engine being configured to read barcodes; disposing a primary NFC antenna in a first plane extending in a longitudinal direction of the housing, the first plane being operatively coupled to electronics of the mobile barcode reader to facilitate NFC reading; and disposing a secondary NFC antenna disposed proximate the front portion and extending in a second plane transverse to the longitudinal direction of the housing, the secondary NFC antenna being configured as a lift antenna for the primary NFC antenna without being electrically coupled to the electronics of the mobile barcode reader.

[0005] A method of operating a mobile barcode reader, the method comprising: operating a scan engine positioned within a front portion of a housing, the scan engine having one or more imagers whose field of view extends beyond an exit window of the mobile barcode reader, the scan engine being configured to read a barcode; activating a primary NFC antenna disposed in a first plane extending in a longitudinal direction of the housing, the primary NFC antenna being operably coupled to electronics of the mobile barcode reader to facilitate NFC reading; and activating a secondary NFC antenna disposed proximate the front portion and extending in a second plane transverse to the longitudinal direction of the housing, the secondary NFC antenna being configured as a booster antenna for the primary NFC antenna without being electrically coupled to the electronics of the mobile barcode reader. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 A mobile computer according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 2 A simplified view of the internal components of a mobile computer is shown with the housing removed.

[0008] Figures 3A-3B An example of a mobile device for reading an NFC-enabled card is shown.

[0009] Figure 4A A simulated diagram of the electromagnetic field generated by a mobile computer with only a primary NFC antenna.

[0010] Figure 4B is a simulation of the electromagnetic field generated by a mobile computer having both a primary and a secondary NFC antenna.

[0011] Figure 5A is a table showing exemplary read ranges for various NFC cards when placed in front of a mobile computer device in different configurations.

[0012] Figure 5Bis a table showing exemplary read ranges for various NFC cards when placed under the bottom surface of a mobile computer device in different configurations.

[0013] Figures 6A-6C are various representations of the configuration of a secondary NFC antenna according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 7 The different metal layers of the construction of a secondary NFC antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown.

[0015] Figures 8A-8B is an additional simplified diagram of a mobile computer device including a primary NFC antenna and a secondary NFC antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 9-13 Various configurations of secondary NFC antennas incorporated into mobile computer devices according to embodiments of the present disclosure are described.

[0017] Figures 14A-14D A mobile computer device with a detachable protective case having a secondary NFC antenna disposed therein is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The illustrations included herein are not intended to be actual views of any particular system, memory device, architecture, or process, but are merely idealized representations for describing the embodiments herein. Elements and features that are common between the figures may retain the same numerical designations, but to facilitate the following description, in most cases, the reference numerals will begin with the number of the figure that introduces or most fully describes the element. Furthermore, the elements shown in the figures are schematic in nature and may not depict many details regarding the physical layout and construction of the memory array and / or all steps required to access data, as those skilled in the art would understand such details.

[0019] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0020] As used herein, "or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, both in a conjunctive and disjunctive sense. Any intended description of an "exclusive or" relationship will be specifically noted.

[0021] As used herein, the term "configuration" refers to a structural arrangement, such as size, shape, material composition, physical construction, logical construction (e.g., programming, operating parameter settings), or other operational arrangement of at least one structure and at least one device that facilitates its operation in an intended manner (e.g., to perform a particular function or set of functions).

[0022] As used herein, the phrases "coupled to" or "coupled with" refer to structures that are operatively connected to each other, such as by a direct connection or by an indirect connection (eg, via another structure or component).

[0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a mobile computer equipped with a first near field (NFC) communication antenna oriented in at least two directions. The first NFC antenna can be deployed along a first plane of the mobile computer (such as the bottom plane of the housing). The second NFC antenna can be deployed along a second plane of the mobile computer (such as the front end of the housing), where a scanning engine is deployed with its scanning area extending from the front end of the housing. Such mobile computers can be manufactured according to various form factors, such as a rectangular housing that fits in the user's hand or other housings that may have a separate handle for the user to hold. Other form factors may be wearable, such as being mountable on the user's wrist. Examples of form factors may include the Memor, Joya, Skorpio, and / or Falcon product lines offered by Datalogic of Bologna, Italy. Other form factors and configurations are also contemplated, but for convenience, a handheld mobile computer is used in the figures as an example of one type of device.

[0024] Figure 1 1 is a mobile computer or device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The mobile computer 100 may include a housing 110 that is portable and configured for handheld operation by a user. The mobile computer 100 may include a touch screen 120 that provides an interface for the user to operate and interact with the device (e.g., via icons). The mobile computer 100 may also include a scanning engine 130 that is configured to scan machine-readable indicia (e.g., 1D barcodes, QR codes, etc.). The scanning engine 130 may include one or more cameras, lenses, illumination sources, aimers, etc., that are electrically coupled to at least one processor that performs analysis (e.g., decoding, optical character recognition, object recognition, etc.) on the captured image. The scanning engine 130 may be deployed within the mobile computer 100 so that its field of view can extend beyond a scanning window deployed at the front end (or other location) of the housing 110.

[0025] Figure 2A simplified view of the internal components of the mobile computer 100 is shown with the housing 110 removed. For ease of description, the top, bottom, front, and rear planes of the mobile computer 100 are labeled based on the orientation shown. Of course, the mobile computer 100 can be operated in any orientation during use. Therefore, these designations are used to distinguish components. In some embodiments, the front and rear planes can be substantially parallel to each other. For a rectangular body, the front / rear planes can be substantially orthogonal to the top / bottom planes. The mobile computer 100 is equipped with a first near-field (NFC) communication antenna 232 disposed within the housing 110 along its bottom plane, and a second near-field (NFC) communication antenna 234 disposed within the housing 110 along its front end. The first NFC antenna 232 may also be referred to as a "primary" antenna (i.e., a coil) or a "primary" antenna, while the second NFC antenna 234 may also be referred to as a "secondary" antenna (i.e., a coil), a "booster" antenna, an "extender" antenna, and / or a "range extender" antenna. It should also be understood that either of the NFC antennas 232, 234 can be used to read a payment card (eg, credit card, debit card, prepaid card, etc.) for payment processing. The terms "antenna" and "coil" may also be used interchangeably herein.

[0026] The primary antenna 232 is connected to an NFC transceiver circuit (not shown) on a primary printed circuit board (PCB) 240, on which other system components (e.g., the system processor) are mounted. The secondary booster antenna 234 is coupled to a tuning capacitor placed on its own flexible PCB (as a flexible printed circuit (FPC)) (see, e.g., FIG. Figure 6B ), which is separate from and unconnected to the main PCB 240. The booster antenna 234 can be wirelessly coupled to the primary NFC antenna 232 and, therefore, not directly driven by RF power. More specifically, the booster antenna 234 is wirelessly powered by electromagnetic coupling (e.g., via close proximity) rather than by physical or electrical coupling to the primary NFC antenna 232. The periphery of the secondary booster antenna 234 can extend around the front of the scan engine 130, such as around the periphery of the scan window in a manner that does not obstruct the field of view of the imager of the scan engine 130.

[0027] In some embodiments, the secondary NFC booster antenna 234 can be secured (e.g., via an FPC) to the inside of the glass of the scan engine 130 in a manner that is not visible to the user from the outside. In some embodiments, the FPC for the secondary NFC booster antenna 234 can be integrated near the scan engine rubber boot, allowing the secondary NFC booster antenna 234 to be bent into an L- or U-shape that surrounds the scan engine 130. In embodiments where the scan engine 130 has a metal shield, the secondary NFC booster antenna 234 may not be secured directly to contact the scan engine 130. In some embodiments, the metal shield of the scan engine 130 can be covered by a thin rubber boot, acting as a spacer for the secondary NFC booster antenna 234. In some embodiments, the FPC for the secondary NFC booster antenna 234 can be integrated (e.g., molded) into the outer plastic device rubber boot for the mobile computer 100. In this case, the extender coil can be positioned to enable coupling with the primary NFC antenna 232 connected to the NFC transceiver on the main PCB 120.

[0028] Figures 3A-3B An example of a mobile computer 100 being used to read an NFC-enabled card, such as a payment card (e.g., credit card, debit card, etc.) or other similar card or device that can be equipped to communicate with an NFC reader is shown. The presence of the primary antenna 232 (see Figure 2 ) can be placed on top of the mobile computer at card 302 (see Figure 3A ) above (such as parallel to the top or bottom plane) enables card reading. The presence of the auxiliary lift antenna 234 (see Figure 2 ) can be placed on the front of the mobile computer 100 (see Figure 3B ) enables card reading when the secondary booster antenna 234 is connected to the NFC transceiver. This improves NFC performance for card detection in multiple planes. By wirelessly coupling with the primary NFC antenna 232, a less complex solution can be achieved compared to embodiments where the secondary booster antenna 234 is directly coupled to the NFC transceiver. The secondary NFC antenna 234 can be a standalone coil with tuning capacitors implemented on its own PCB or FPC to facilitate bending of the coil itself. In operation, the secondary NFC antenna 234 can redirect a portion of the electromagnetic field generated by the primary NFC antenna 232 toward the field on the front of the mobile computer 100. The primary NFC antenna 232 can be powered by the RF signal used for NFC communication (e.g., 13.56 MHz). The secondary NFC antenna 234 can be tuned using one or more capacitors and may not be physically and / or electrically connected to the primary NFC antenna 232 or any other electronic components, but can be electromechanically coupled to the primary NFC antenna 232.

[0029] Figure 4A is composed of only the primary NFC antenna 232 (see Figure 2) is a simulated diagram of an electromagnetic field (having regions 402A, 402B) generated by a mobile computer 100, and Figure 4B 4 is a simulated diagram of the electromagnetic field (having regions 404A, 404B) generated by the mobile computer 100 when having both the primary NFC antenna 232 and the secondary NFC antenna 234. As shown, Figure 4B The H field strength in the area 404B in front of the mobile computer 100 (with the booster secondary NFC antenna 234) is greater than Figure 4A The H field strength in the area 402B in front of the mobile computer 100 (without the secondary NFC antenna). Figure 4A NFC reading range for mobile computer 100 in an embodiment, Figure 4B In embodiments of the present invention, the NFC read range for the mobile computer 100 may be improved, particularly from the front of the device. Figure 4B The H field strength in the area 402A below the mobile computer 100 (with the booster secondary NFC antenna 234) is compared to Figure 4A The H-field strength in the area 404A below the mobile computer 100 is substantially the same (without the secondary NFC antenna).

[0030] Figure 5A Table 500A shows illustrative read ranges for various NFC cards when placed in front of a mobile computer device having a primary NFC antenna but no secondary NFC antenna (e.g., parallel to the orientation of the scan engine glass) (left column) and when placed in front of a mobile computer device having both a primary NFC antenna and a secondary NFC antenna (right column). Thus, the presence of a secondary NFC antenna can significantly improve read range in the area in front of the mobile computer device.

[0031] Figure 5B Table 500B shows illustrative read ranges for various NFC cards when placed beneath the bottom surface of a mobile computer device having a primary NFC antenna but no secondary NFC antenna (left column) and when placed beneath the bottom surface of a mobile computer device having both a primary NFC antenna and a secondary NFC antenna (right column). Therefore, the presence of the secondary NFC antenna does not significantly degrade the read range in this direction.

[0032] Figures 6A-6C are various representations of the configuration of the secondary NFC antenna 234 according to embodiments of the present disclosure (see also Figure 2 ). In particular, Figure 6B yes Figure 6A An enlarged view of an indicated portion of the secondary NFC antenna 234 is shown. Figure 6Cis a schematic representation of the secondary NFC coil 234. In this example, the secondary NFC antenna 234 can be constructed in or on the flexible PCB 602 and has tuning capacitors 604 and 606. It should be understood that alternative numbers and / or arrangements of tuning capacitors can be used. Tuning capacitors 604 and 606 can be soldered or otherwise connected to the antenna. The secondary NFC antenna 234 can be deployed in the mobile computer device, such as, for example, embedded in scanner glass material, adhered to scanner glass material, embedded in rubber boot material, embedded in a plastic housing, adhered to a plastic housing, or at other locations as described herein. The capacitance values ​​of the tuning capacitors 604 and 606 can be selected in conjunction with an inductor or coil having a coil inductance to achieve a desired resonant frequency. In some embodiments, the secondary NFC antenna 234 can be tuned at a different resonant frequency than the primary NFC coil 232 so as not to detune the primary NFC antenna 232. For example, the primary NFC antenna 232 can be tuned at a resonant frequency of approximately 13.56 MHz (e.g., an NFC carrier frequency transmitter), while the secondary NFC antenna 234 can be tuned at a resonant frequency within the range of 13.9 MHz and 14.6 MHz. In some embodiments, the secondary NFC antenna 234 can be tuned at approximately 14.30 MHz. Alternative values ​​for capacitors 604 and 606 and the inductor can be used according to the principles provided herein.

[0033] In some embodiments, tuning of the secondary NFC antenna 234 can be achieved without the use of such tuning capacitors. For example, the secondary NFC antenna 234 can be tuned by adding more turns to the coil design, thereby creating more inductance. In some embodiments, the secondary NFC antenna 234 can be tuned by adding metal plates to the coil to create capacitance. In practice, once the dimensions (W, L) of the overlapping copper metal plating between the two overlapping metal plates, the separation distance (D), and the dielectric constant (E) of the material are known, the achievable capacitance value of the NFC antenna 234 can be calculated. By removing the tuning capacitor from the design, the cost of the secondary NFC antenna 232 can be reduced.

[0034] Figure 7 The following diagram illustrates the different metal layers used to construct the secondary NFC antenna 234 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The secondary NFC antenna 234 may include a top metal layer 702 and a bottom metal layer 704, which overlap to form a capacitor (e.g., two plates overlap). When tuning the secondary NFC antenna 234, a target resonant frequency can be defined and the coil inductance and coil self-capacitance can be determined, thereby enabling the determination of additional capacitance that can be used to achieve the target resonant frequency by determining the dimensions of the metal plates. Thus, the secondary NFC antenna 234 can be tuned to the target resonant frequency without a separate tuning capacitor, which can provide a low-cost solution depending on the cost of the FPC.

[0035] Figures 8A-8B The embodiment of the present disclosure includes a primary NFC antenna 232 (see also Figure 2 ) and a secondary NFC antenna 234. For simplicity, components such as the external housing, scanning engine, etc. are not shown to focus on the NFC antennas 232, 234. Figure 8A is a top perspective view of mobile computer 100, and Figure 8B is a side perspective view of mobile computer 100. The coil for primary NFC antenna 232 may be formed from a flexible PCB to be at least partially coextensive with the top of the scan engine and then bend to make contact with PCB 120.

[0036] Figure 9-13 is a secondary NFC antenna 234 ( Figure 2 ) various configurations.

[0037] Figure 9 The secondary NFC antenna 234 is shown disposed between the exit window 802 (e.g., glass, plastic, or other transparent material) of the mobile computer 100 and the scanning engine 130. In some embodiments, the secondary NFC antenna 234 can be adhered (e.g., with glue, tape, etc.) or otherwise secured to the back of the material of the exit window 802 and / or the front of the scanning engine 130. The secondary NFC antenna 234 may not be visible to the user from the outside of the mobile computer 100. In some embodiments, an additional intermediate material (e.g., rubber) can be disposed between the secondary NFC antenna 234 and the scanning engine 130 to act as a separator to prevent direct contact.

[0038] Figure 10 The secondary NFC antenna 234 is also shown disposed between the exit window (not shown) of the mobile computer 100 and the scan engine 130. In this embodiment, the secondary NFC antenna 234 can be formed into a curved shape, such as an L-shape, so that the secondary NFC antenna 234 can be adhered (e.g., with glue, tape, etc.) or otherwise secured to the top side of the scan engine 130 (e.g., via an intermediate substrate, such as a rubber spacer material). The L-shaped secondary NFC antenna 234 can have a first portion extending in a plane parallel to the primary NFC antenna 232 and a second portion extending in a plane transverse to the primary NFC antenna 232. This second portion can extend in front of the front face of the scan engine 130, leaving an opening around the periphery of the exit window 802 for the scan engine 130 to allow for a field of view for the scan engine 130.

[0039] Figure 11The secondary NFC antenna 234 is shown disposed within (i.e., embedded in) the material (e.g., glass, plastic, or other transparent material) of the exit window 802. The periphery of the secondary NFC antenna 234 can extend around the periphery of the exit window 802, leaving an opening for the scanning engine 130 to allow for a field of view for the scanning engine 130.

[0040] Figure 12 The secondary NFC antenna 234 is shown disposed between the exit window 802 (e.g., glass, plastic, or other transparent material) of the mobile computer 100 and the external housing 1202. In some embodiments, the external housing 1202 can be formed of a sturdy plastic material to provide the form factor of the mobile computer 100 and protect the internal components. In some embodiments, the secondary NFC antenna 234 can be adhered (e.g., with glue, tape, etc.) or otherwise secured to the front surface of the material of the exit window 802 and / or the interior-facing side of the external housing 1202.

[0041] Figure 13 The secondary NFC antenna 234 is shown disposed within (i.e., embedded in) the molded material (e.g., plastic) of the outer housing 1202. The periphery of the secondary NFC antenna 234 can extend around the periphery of the portion of the outer housing that provides the opening for the scanning engine 130 to allow a field of view for the scanning engine 130.

[0042] In some embodiments, the mobile computer 100 may also include an indicator light 1302 configured to indicate to the user where to place the NFC-enabled device for reading. The indicator light 1302 may include an LED disposed within the scan engine 130 (e.g., next to the imager) that may emit light through an exit window so that the user can see it from the front of the mobile computer 100. The mobile computer 100 may also include another indicator light 1304 that may be disposed within the housing to illuminate through the housing so that the user can see it from the top of the mobile computer 100.

[0043] When the processor is ready to perform an NFC read, such as when ready to receive a customer payment during a transaction, one or both of the indicator lights 1302, 1304 can be active. For example, the indicator lights 1302, 1304 can generate a flashing green light to indicate to the user that payment is ready, as well as indicate where the payment card (or other NFC device) should be presented to improve placement within the read field of the NFC antennas 232, 234.

[0044] Figures 14A-14D A mobile computer 100 with a detachable protective case 1402 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown (see also Figure 1 ), the protective shell is equipped with an auxiliary NFC antenna 234. For simplicity, Figures 14A-14D The external housing is not shown, and the protective shell 1402 is made transparent to focus the discussion on the NFC antennas 232, 234. The secondary NFC antenna 234 can be integrated (e.g., molded, embedded, etc.) within the material forming the protective device 1402, which is located at the front end surrounding the opening for the scanning engine 130 to allow a field of view for the scanning engine 130. This placement also enables coupling with the primary NFC antenna 232 to extend the range of the NFC field in the front area of ​​the mobile computer 100.

[0045] A protective shell 1402 can be added to the external housing to provide additional protection in the event of a drop or other contact. In some embodiments, the protective shell 1402 can extend completely around the entire back of the mobile computer 100, while in some embodiments, the protective shell 1402 can extend around portions of the external housing of the mobile computer 100 (e.g., corners) but not around other portions of the external housing.

[0046] The secondary NFC antenna 234 embedded in the detachable protective shell 1402 can be configured similarly to the other embodiments described above. For example, the secondary NFC antenna 234 can be configured in an L-shape, a ring shape, or other shapes desired for a particular application. The secondary NFC antenna 234 embedded in the detachable protective shell 1402 can also include one or more tuning capacitors for defining a target resonant frequency and / or overlapping metal plates to form a distributed capacitor for tuning the secondary NFC coil to the defined target resonant frequency. The resonant frequency of this secondary NFC coil 234 can be different from that of the primary NFC coil described above.

[0047] Additional non-limiting examples include:

[0048] Embodiment 1. A mobile barcode reader comprises: a housing having a defined exit window; a scan engine positioned within a front portion of the housing, having one or more imagers whose field of view extends beyond the exit window, the scan engine being configured to read a barcode; a primary NFC antenna disposed in a first plane extending in a longitudinal direction of the housing, the primary NFC antenna being operably coupled to electronics of the mobile barcode reader to facilitate NFC reading; and a secondary NFC antenna disposed near the front portion and extending in a second plane transverse to the longitudinal direction of the housing, the secondary NFC antenna being configured as a lift antenna for the primary NFC antenna and not electrically coupled to electronics of the mobile barcode reader.

[0049] Embodiment 2. The mobile barcode reader of embodiment 1, wherein the primary NFC antenna and the secondary NFC antenna are orthogonal to each other.

[0050] Embodiment 3. The mobile barcode reader of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein the secondary NFC antenna extends around the exit window and is not visible to a user from outside the housing.

[0051] Embodiment 4. The mobile barcode reader of Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, wherein the secondary NFC antenna is embedded within the material forming the housing.

[0052] Embodiment 5. The mobile barcode reader of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein the secondary NFC antenna is disposed between the housing and the scan engine.

[0053] Embodiment 6. The mobile barcode reader of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein the secondary NFC antenna is disposed between the housing and the material forming the exit window.

[0054] Embodiment 7. The mobile barcode reader of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein the secondary NFC antenna is disposed between the material forming the exit window and the scanning engine.

[0055] Embodiment 8. The mobile barcode reader of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein the secondary NFC antenna is configured in an L-shape with one end coupled to the top portion of the scan engine and the other end extending downward relative to the front portion of the scan engine.

[0056] Embodiment 9. The mobile barcode reader of Embodiment 8, wherein the secondary NFC antenna is coupled to the top portion of the scan engine via a rubber spacer material.

[0057] Embodiment 10. The mobile barcode reader of embodiment 1 or embodiment 2, wherein the secondary NFC antenna is embedded within the material forming the exit window.

[0058] Embodiment 11. The mobile barcode reader of any one of Embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the secondary NFC coil includes one or more tuning capacitors to define a target resonant frequency.

[0059] Embodiment 12 The mobile barcode reader of any one of Embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the secondary NFC coil comprises overlapping metal plates that form a distributed capacitor for tuning the secondary NFC coil to a defined target resonant frequency.

[0060] Embodiment 13 The mobile barcode reader of any one of Embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the primary NFC coil has a first resonant frequency and the secondary NFC coil has a second resonant frequency different from the first resonant frequency.

[0061] Embodiment 14. The mobile barcode reader of Embodiment 13, wherein the first resonant frequency is approximately the same frequency as a carrier frequency used for the NFC transmitter.

[0062] Embodiment 15. The mobile bar code reader of Embodiment 13 or Embodiment 14, wherein the first resonant frequency is approximately 13.56 MHz and the second resonant frequency is in the range between 13.9 MHz and 14.6 MHz.

[0063] Embodiment 16. A mobile barcode reader as described in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 or Embodiment 8 or Embodiments 11 to 15, further comprising a detachable protective shell configured to accommodate the housing to protect its integrity, wherein the secondary NFC antenna is embedded in the material of the detachable protective shell around its hole aligned with the exit window.

[0064] Embodiment 17. A method of manufacturing a mobile barcode reader, the method comprising: forming a housing having a defined exit window; disposing a scan engine within a front portion of the housing, the scan engine having one or more imagers whose field of view extends beyond the exit window, the scan engine being configured to read a barcode; disposing a primary NFC antenna in a first plane extending in a longitudinal direction of the housing, the first plane extending in a longitudinal direction of the housing, the primary NFC antenna being operably coupled to electronics of the mobile barcode reader to facilitate NFC reading; and disposing a secondary NFC antenna disposed proximate the front portion and extending in a second plane transverse to the longitudinal direction of the housing, the secondary NFC antenna being configured as a lift antenna for the primary NFC antenna and not electrically coupled to electronics of the mobile barcode reader.

[0065] Embodiment 18 The method of Embodiment 12, wherein deploying the secondary NFC antenna comprises securing the secondary NFC antenna to the exit window and / or the scan engine via an adhesive material.

[0066] Embodiment 19. A method of operating a mobile barcode reader, the method comprising: operating a scan engine positioned within a front portion of a housing, the scan engine having one or more imagers whose field of view extends beyond an exit window of the mobile barcode reader, the scan engine being configured to read a barcode; activating a primary NFC antenna disposed in a first plane extending in a longitudinal direction of the housing, the primary NFC antenna being operably coupled to electronics of the mobile barcode reader to facilitate NFC reading; and activating a secondary NFC antenna disposed near the front portion and extending in a second plane transverse to the longitudinal direction of the housing, the secondary NFC antenna being configured as a lift antenna for the primary NFC antenna and not electrically coupled to electronics of the mobile barcode reader.

[0067] Embodiment 20. The method of embodiment 19 further comprising activating an indicator light incorporated into the scanning engine in response to the mobile device being ready to receive payment for the transaction, the indicator light indicating to the user where to place the NFC-enabled device for reading.

[0068] The above description is of various preferred embodiments for implementing the present disclosure, and the scope of the present invention should not be limited by the description, but rather defined by the claims.

Claims

1. A mobile barcode reader comprising: a housing having a defined exit window; a scan engine positioned within the front portion of the housing, the scan engine having one or more imagers having a field of view extending beyond the exit window, the scan engine being configured to read a bar code; a primary NFC antenna disposed in a first plane, the first plane extending in a longitudinal direction of the housing, the primary NFC antenna operably coupled with the electronics of the mobile barcode reader to facilitate NFC reading; and A secondary NFC antenna is disposed near the front portion and extends in a second plane transverse to the longitudinal direction of the housing, the secondary NFC antenna being configured as a lift antenna for the primary NFC antenna without being electrically coupled to the electronics of the mobile barcode reader.

2. The mobile barcode reader of claim 1 , wherein the primary NFC antenna and the secondary NFC antenna are orthogonal to each other. 3 . The mobile barcode reader of claim 1 , wherein the secondary NFC antenna extends around the exit window and is not visible to a user from outside the housing.

4. The mobile barcode reader of claim 1 , wherein the secondary NFC antenna is embedded within a material forming the housing. The mobile barcode reader of claim 1 , wherein the secondary NFC antenna is disposed between the housing and the scanning engine. The mobile barcode reader of claim 1 , wherein the secondary NFC antenna is disposed between the housing and a material forming the exit window. 7 . The mobile barcode reader of claim 1 , wherein the secondary NFC antenna is disposed between a material forming the exit window and the scanning engine.

8. The mobile barcode reader of claim 1 , wherein the secondary NFC antenna is configured in an L-shape, one end of which is coupled to a top portion of the scan engine and the other end of which extends downward relative to a front portion of the scan engine.

9. The mobile barcode reader of claim 1, wherein the secondary NFC antenna is coupled to a top portion of the scan engine via a rubber spacer material.

10. The mobile barcode reader of claim 1, wherein the secondary NFC antenna is embedded within a material forming the exit window.

11. The mobile barcode reader of claim 1 , wherein the secondary NFC coil comprises one or more tuning capacitors to define a target resonant frequency.

12. The mobile barcode reader of claim 1, wherein the secondary NFC coil comprises overlapping metal plates that form a distributed capacitor for tuning the secondary NFC coil to a defined target resonant frequency. 13 . The mobile barcode reader of claim 1 , wherein the primary NFC coil has a first resonant frequency, and the secondary NFC coil has a second resonant frequency different from the first resonant frequency.

14. The mobile barcode reader of claim 13, wherein the first resonant frequency is approximately the same frequency as a carrier frequency used for the NFC transmitter.

15. The mobile bar code reader of claim 13, wherein the first resonant frequency is approximately 13.56 MHz and the second resonant frequency is within a range between 13.9 MHz and 14.6 MHz.

16. The mobile barcode reader of claim 1 , further comprising a detachable protective shell configured to house the housing to protect its integrity, wherein the secondary NFC antenna is embedded in a material of the detachable protective shell around a hole thereof aligned with the exit window.

17. A method of manufacturing a mobile barcode reader, the method comprising: forming a housing having a defined exit window; a scan engine disposed within the front portion of the housing, the scan engine having one or more imagers having a field of view extending beyond the exit window, the scan engine configured to read a bar code; a primary NFC antenna disposed in a first plane, the first plane extending in a longitudinal direction of the housing, the primary NFC antenna operatively coupled with electronics of the mobile barcode reader to facilitate NFC reading; as well as A secondary NFC antenna is disposed adjacent the front portion and extending in a second plane transverse to the longitudinal direction of the housing, the secondary NFC antenna being configured as a lift antenna for the primary NFC antenna without being electrically coupled to the electronics of the mobile barcode reader.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein disposing the secondary NFC antenna comprises securing the secondary NFC antenna to the exit window and / or the scanning engine via an adhesive material.

19. A method of operating a mobile barcode reader, the method comprising: operating a scan engine positioned within the front portion of the housing, the scan engine having one or more imagers having a field of view extending beyond an exit window of the mobile bar code reader, the scan engine being configured to read a bar code; activating a primary NFC antenna disposed in a first plane, the first plane extending in a longitudinal direction of the housing, the primary NFC antenna operably coupled to electronics of the mobile barcode reader to facilitate NFC reading; as well as A secondary NFC antenna disposed near the front portion and extending in a second plane transverse to the longitudinal direction of the housing is activated, the secondary NFC antenna being configured as a lift antenna for the primary NFC antenna without being electrically coupled to the electronics of the mobile barcode reader.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising activating an indicator light incorporated within the scanning engine in response to the mobile device being ready to receive payment for the transaction, the indicator light indicating to a user where to place the NFC enabled device for reading.

Images