Abstract: A secure, smart credit card system having the same basic dimensions of a standard credit card. The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a main body having situated thereon a main central processing unit (CPU). A portion of the main body has formed therein a space or slot for accepting a key unit, which is configured to engage the main body in the formed space or slot, the joined pieces maintaining the same basic dimensions of a standard credit card. The key unit may include an intelligent micro-memory module and power supply, and, upon physical engagement to the main body, may be programmed to initiate a "key" protocol to open or lock access to the functions of the main body, communicating with the main CPU upon physical insertion into the main body, thereby initiating or preventing functioning of electronically programed features of the main CPU.

Abstract: Data collection apparatus includes an assemblage of a data collection terminal and a carrying case which is a combination of a printer module and a docking module which are joined and combined into a unitary structure. The carrying case has an attached handle which is preferably attached to the printer module. The carrying case further includes a holder for temporarily grasping an data collection accessory, such as a bar code scanner. The data terminal is quickly insertible and removable from the docking module. Communication connectors and communication wiring becomes coupled to the data collection terminal upon insertion of the data collection terminal into the docking module.

Abstract: A circuit is shown for use with a bar code scanner wherein the scanner includes a laser for producing a beam of light that is scanned across the bar code so that the light reflected from the bar code may be focused upon a sensor which produces an electrical signal representing the bar code. Scanning is stopped by a first circuit after a predetermined number of scans. Thereafter, a second circuit completes the decoding of the electrical signal and outputs the results if that decoding is successful. If not, a third circuit restarts the scanning within the first circuit.

Abstract: An extended working range dataform reader with reduced power consumption having a camera assembly and a circuit control board including game control circuitry and exposure control circuitry configured to set an initial gain value and an initial exposure period, respectively, resulting from a previous dataform reading session. Subsequent fields of image data are captured by the camera which are used to correct the gain and exposure relative to the initial values for gain and exposure period, thereby reducing the latency period for realizing correct values and reducing power consumption during power up. Furthermore, the gain control system and the exposure control system each utilize an open loop feedback such that successive fields of image data captured by the camera are utilized to calculate correct values, thereby reducing the latency time for realizing a correct value.

Abstract: A data processing apparatus for an IC card includes an interface section for receiving and accessing an integrated circuit medium, a first application function for performing data processing for the integrated circuit medium on the basis of the first application, a second application function for performing data processing on the basis of the second application, and a control unit for selecting one of the first and second application functions on the basis of an instruction from a keyboard and controlling it so as to perform data processing.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a SIM card reader which is especially adapted to be mounted in a device such as a telephone. To obtain a contact or contact engagement in the reading position between the card contacts and the reading contact elements transport or moving means for said card are provided which bring the card contacts and the contact elements into contact with each other. Preferably, the card together with its card contacts is moved by said transport means towards the stationary reading contact elements, without causing a relative movement between the card contacts and the contact elements. The transport means comprises card receiving means (receptacle) and actuating means.

Abstract: A bar code scanning engine is disposed in a housing with a device that tracks the movement of the housing over a surface displaying symbols, such as bar codes, and provides an integrated bar code reading and locating assembly, commonly known as a mouse. When the mouse is in proximity to the bar code on the surface over which is tracks, switches on the mouse are actuated and circuitry in the mouse associated with the device and with the scanning engine initiates scanning, and provide outputs representing the location of the mouse on the surface and the bar code. The circuitry may be adapted to enable bar code scanning only when the mouse is located at selected positions on the surface where bar codes are expected to be found. The entire mouse assembly may be lifted from the surface and operated in a manner similar to a tethered hand-held bar code scanner using switches and scanner engine.

Abstract: An extended working range dataform reader with reduced power consumption having a camera assembly and a circuit control board including game control circuitry and exposure control circuitry configured to set an initial gain value and an initial exposure period, respectively, resulting from a previous dataform reading session. Subsequent fields of image data are captured by the camera which are used to correct the gain and exposure relative to the initial values for gain and exposure period, thereby reducing the latency period for realizing correct values and reducing power consumption during power up. Furthermore, the gain control system and the exposure control system each utilize an open loop feedback such that successive fields of image data captured by the camera are utilized to calculate correct values, thereby reducing the latency time for realizing a correct value.

Abstract: Apparatus for reading bar code symbols including a laser light source, an optical component for scanning a reference plane, and a sensor for detecting the light of variable intensity reflected from the target. A processor determines whether the reflected light represents a spatial variation that could represent a bar code and generates an enabling signal and a controller is provided for modifying the light beam in response to the enabling signal.

Abstract: A laser bar code is provided with a check sum that serves to validate the read accuracy with the action of reading itself. A bar code reader system includes a frame grabber in conjunction with video image processing software that utilizes the check sum to ensure accurate reading. The reader is used to check the accuracy and readability of the bar code mark and also for downstream bar bode reading.

Abstract: A modular point-of-sale transaction apparatus comprising a modular portion having a printer mechanism mounted within a housing thereof and having structure providing a terminal platform for supporting a transaction terminal in a prearranged position forward or rearward of the printer mechanism. The housing for the printer and the platform for supporting the transaction terminal are formed in size and shape and location such that the combination of the modular portion and the transaction terminal has substantially the appearance of a single integrated terminal and printer apparatus.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for attaching a lens to a image scanner housing. In the present invention a lens is secured to a housing by a clamping force supplied by a closed peripheral wall which forms a housing tip, and a shelf which is rigidly formed in the housing interior. The closed peripheral wall contacts the top surface of the housing, and the top surface the shelf contacts the bottom surface of the lens, to hold the lens in a secure position. A substantially soft, friction-producing member such as an o-ring may be interposed between the shelf and the lens to absorb shock, to provide a tolerance between the lens and the shelf, and to prevent rotation of the lens.

Abstract: A data communication manager provides a versatile interface between different types of scanners and a central computer system. Each data manager periodically receives loading data from the host computer. A scanner is used to read package tracking numbers on packages at a predetermined point in a hub facility. The data is transmitted from the scanner to the data manager via radio frequency (RF) link. The data manager uses stored disposition data (received from the host earlier) to determine whether the package should be loaded and transmits the appropriate signal to the load/no-load indicator via another RF link. The data manager stores data indicative of the disposition of the package data in its memory and also forwards the data to the host computer, where it may be used for tracking purposes. The data communication manager provides a "smart" data manager that reduces the amount of traffic on the host computer's network and provides sub-second response times to a loader.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a checkout system providing for the pre-processing of scannable merchandise in a customer's possession. The system employs a portable data scanner which is in communication with a checkout register. The portable data scanner is used to record in a data file an itemized list of articles reflecting merchandise in the customer's possession prior to reaching the checkout register. The customer is provided with a transaction identifier which can be read by the checkout register to retrieve the data file and finish processing of the transaction, thereby increasing the throughput of the checkout register. The merchandise is placed in a container which is sealed prior to reaching the checkout register.

Abstract: A system for reading indicia such as bar code symbols having a scanner for generating a scanning light beam directed toward a symbol to be read; a first actuator manually displaceable from a first position to a second position for producing a first light beam for aiming or positioning the reader, and a second actuator manually displaceable from a first position to a second position for initiating a scanning beam pattern for reading the symbol. The actuators are independently operative of each other. A detector receives the reflected light from the symbol and produces electrical signals corresponding to data represented by the symbol. A graphical user interface with icons simplifies system control functions.

Abstract: An inventoriable-object control and tracking system comprising, in accordance with its preferred embodiments, an object identification assembly having an electronic device, with a unique electronically-readable identification code, which is connected to an inventoriable-object to enable control over access to the object and tracking of the object to identify a user in possession of the object. The system further includes a row and column matrix of electrical connectors located offset from a panel defining a corresponding row and column matrix of polarized slots for receipt of a plurality of object identification assemblies in a single orientation. Each connector of a matrix of electrical connectors comprises a pair of opposed, spring contacts having independently-deflectable portions to insure proper electrical contact with an electronic device of each object identification assembly.

Abstract: In a method for forming a bar code, a data pattern comprised of narrow bars and wide bars is prepared. In this case, a width ratio of one of said narrow bars to one of said wide bars being definite. Also, a reference pattern comprised of reference bars each having the same width as said narrow bars is prepared. Then, transitions of bars are OR-logically extracted from a parallel combination of said data pattern and said reference pattern. Black level bars and white level bars are allocated alternately between the transitions.

Abstract: In bar code symbol scanning systems employing laser, optical and sensor components, a mirrorless scanner arrangement mounts one or more of these components on a drive for repetitive reciprocating movement either about an axis or in a plane to effect scanning.

Abstract: A bar code recognizing/demodulating circuit compares with each other a demodulated data string including a start bar but excluding an end bar and a demodulated data string including the end bar but excluding the start bar among a variety of demodulated data strings obtained by a scan/convergence optical system scanning a bar code. A total sum of the numbers of digits of the two demodulated data strings is detected, and whether the total sum is larger than the number of digits of the bar code to be read is checked. If larger than the number of digits of the bar code, whether data of overlapped portions of the two demodulated data strings coincide with each other is checked. If coincident, demodulated data corresponding to the whole bar code are synthesized based on the two demodulated data strings.

Abstract: A bar code scanner comprises a first collection optical system having an optical axis and a first magnification, a detector disposed along the optical axis and in optical communication with the first collection optical system, a second collection optical system having a second magnification greater than the first magnification and having an optical axis and displacing means operable for selectively moving the second collection optical system to dispose the optical axis thereof in coincidence with the optical axis of the first collection optical system.