Abstract: An automobile auction system to receive scanned automobile bar codes and function bar codes along with location data and to process the scanned bar codes. The system includes a first interface for receiving scanned bar codes, GPS coordinates, scanner ID, and time of scan from a custom scanning device. A second interface is to receive a map of an auto auction facility from a map source. A server is to process the bar codes and the GPS coordinates received from the scanning device and to associate the GPS coordinates to the map of the auto auction facility received from the map source. The system may process bar codes associated with functions, such as employees, shops or staging operations, specific tasks, and work orders. The function bar codes may, for example, assign scanners to employees, record tasks being performed, record employee performing the tasks, and record shop or staging operations opened/completed.

Abstract: A custom location identifying scanner device that is ergonomically designed to be carried around, is easy to use, and is relatively cheap so that they may be utilized on a wider scale (e.g., a majority of automobile auction facility employees). The device may be used to scan bar codes associated with automobiles and record the GPS coordinates, scanner ID, and time of scan along with the automobile information. The device may also be used to scan bar codes associated with functions, such as employees, shops or staging operations, specific tasks, and work orders. Bar codes associated with functions may have a pre-fix to differentiate them from regular automobile ID scans. The function bar codes may be scanned to, for example, assign scanners to employees, record tasks being performed, record employee performing the tasks, and record shop or staging operations opened/completed.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a two dimensional array of modulated light beams. A laser and a collimator are used to generate a single collimated light beam. This collimated light beam is passed through a two dimensional holographic beam splitter. Thereupon, the holographic beam splitter produces a two dimensional divergent array of diffraction limited collimated light beams. These light beams are then independently modulated by a two dimensional modulator array.

Abstract: Micro fabricated arrays of optical modulators of both a surface electrode and machined mesa nature where the small structure size and low capacitance electrical connections permit each modulator element to be individually electrically addressed thus providing modulator optical rise and fall response times in the low and sub nanosecond range. Both sparsely spaced and closely packed arrays are achieved.

Abstract: A read-after-write system for optical recording systems includes a mirror used to direct read beams to a desired position on a recording medium relative to write beams impinging on the recording medium. The mirror may be adjustable to direct the read beams through a range of possible positions.

Abstract: In an optical storage system, an apparatus for focussing a light beam onto a recording medium. A light source generates a light beam which is modulated by a thin-film PLZT modulator array. A beamsplitter is used to direct the modulated light beam to an objective lens which focuses the modulated light beam onto the recording medium. The light reflected back from the recording medium is directed by the beamsplitter to a focus detector which generates an electrical signal corresponding to a degree of focus of the modulated light beam in reference to the recording medium. A focus actuator is placed in close proximity to the modulator, wherein the focus actuator has a mirrored surface for reflecting the light beam to the beamsplitter. By moving the focus actuator in an optical axis according to the electrical signal generated by the focus detector, a high bandwidth servo loop can be closed about the focal position.