Abstract: A portable instrument incorporates an electro-optical assembly for reading indicia during a reading mode, and for projecting a bit-mapped color image during a display mode. A manually operable switch on the instrument is disposed for selecting one of the modes. The color image is formed by pulsing a plurality of differently colored lasers at selected times on selected scan lines.

Abstract: A portable instrument incorporates an electro-optical assembly for reading indicia during a reading mode, and for projecting a bit-mapped color image during a display mode. A manually operable switch on the instrument is disposed for selecting one of the modes. The color image is formed by pulsing a plurality of differently colored lasers at selected times on selected scan lines.

Abstract: A scan module for use in a bar code reader including a base, a light source, a focusing lens, a scan mirror mounted for oscillatory motion relative to the base so as to create a scanner laser beam, and a magnifying lens for magnifying the angle of reflection of a light beam from the light source off the scan mirror.

Abstract: A system for reading and writing indicia on a medium including a light source for producing a light beam; a reading element for directing the light beam at the medium so as to scan indicia disposed on a first portion of said medium, detecting at least a portion of the light of variable intensity reflected off the indicia, and generating an electrical signal indicative of the detected light intensity; and a writing element for directing the light beam at the medium in a pattern on a second portion of the medium so as record information on the medium. The light beam is preferably a laser beam generated by a semiconductor laser, and a mirror is used to scan the beam both for reading and writing.

Abstract: An integrated scanner for scanning a barcode is formed on a common substrate. The scanner may include a micro-machined mirror, a laser diode, and a detector, mounted on a single substrate or several connected substrates. Lenses can be used to focus a laser beam from the laser diode as well as expand a laser beam deflected by the micro-machined mirror. The scanner may also scan a barcode without using a micro-machined mirror by rotating the laser diode.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a consumer interactive shopping and marketing system. The system includes a portable data terminal for communicating information over a communication network. The present system has aspects that may be used within a shopping establishment or at a user's home.

Abstract: A portable data input or computer system includes an input/output device such as a keyboard and a display, another data input device such as an optical bar code scanner, and a data processor module. To scan bar code type indicia, the operator points the scanner at the bar code and triggers the scanner to read the indicia. All the system components are distributed on an operator's body and together form a personal area system (PAS). Components may include a scanner or imager, a wrist unit, a headpiece including an eyepiece display, speaker and a microphone. Components within a particular PAS communicate with each other over a personal area network (PAN). Individual PASs may be combined into a network of PASs called a PAS cluster. PASs in a particular PAS cluster can communicate with each other over another wireless communication channel. Individual PAS can gain access to a Local Area Network (LAN) and/or a Wide Area Network (WAN) via an access point.

Abstract: An integrated scanner for scanning a barcode is formed on a common substrate. The scanner may include a micro-machined mirror, a laser diode, and a detector, mounted on a single substrate or several connected substrates. Lenses can be used to focus a laser beam from the laser diode as well as expand a laser beam deflected by the micro-machined mirror. The scanner may also scan a barcode without using a micro-machined mirror by rotating the laser diode.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a consumer interactive shopping and marketing system. The system includes a portable data terminal for communicating information over a communication network. The present system has aspects that may be used within a shopping establishment or at a user's home.

Abstract: A communications system has an optical fiber network and a plurality of wall mounted optical outlets connected to the optical fiber network for receiving light having information coded therein applying same to the optical fiber network and receiving light having information coded therein from the optical fiber network.

Abstract: A wireless system for self-service shopping is described that includes a customer identification device with an optically readable code, a portable terminal that includes an optical code reader, a local area radio, a terminal controller, and a locking mechanism, a master station, consisting of a master controller and a master radio, and a receiving rack for the portable terminals to which the scanners may be locked using the locking mechanism. A customer presents his or her identification device to a terminal which reads the code, the code is transferred by radio to the master controller which checks the identification and, if valid, sends an authorized signal by radio to the terminal to unlock the scanner. In addition, several locking mechanisms are described that are controlled by the terminal controller. An additional feature provides a shopping cart with a receiving cradle for a portable terminal that allows the customer to lock the scanner onto the cart for hands-free shopping.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an electronic shopping system are provided. The electronic shopping system includes a shopping cart tablet and a mobile terminal that can be hand-held and/or coupled to any suitable product carrying device. The shopping cart tablet includes a display to display information relating to ordinary operation of the tablet and/or a mobile terminal. The shopping cart tablet also includes a charge cradle for charging the mobile terminal. The mobile terminal includes a window in which a bar code reader is able to read a bar code label and a display for displaying product information. A shopping cart handle is also included in the electronic shopping system for supporting the shopping cart tablet and mobile terminal. A storage rack that is operable to store and/or charge shopping cart tablets and/or mobile terminals is also included in the electronic shopping system.

Abstract: A data terminal includes a digital camera for capturing an image and data processing/storage/encoding means for processing the image information, together with an internal server for creating a web site at the terminal displaying the image. As a result high resolution image information is immediately accessible to authorized users and instantly recorded.

Abstract: A database of a host computer stores attribute data, such as price, of many products. The database is accessed by wireless transmission on a real-time basis to automatically retrieve the price of a selected product. The retrieved data is printed on paper in human-readable form by a printer. The paper and the selected product are presented to a check-out site to complete purchase of the product.

Abstract: A unitary body of optical material and associated methods for reading indicia such as bar codes is provided. The unitary body can focus light from a light source into a beam, redirect light reflected from a target to a photodetector, and provide mechanical support for a light source, printed circuit board, or other indicia reader components. In comparison to conventional apparatus, the unitary body requires a reduced number of components and is therefore easier and less expensive to manufacture and assemble. The unitary design increases reliability and performance consistency while decreasing sensitivity to thermal and mechanical loading. Moreover, the unitary body reduces the overall tolerance budget of a reader and therefore facilitates mass production of optical apparatus and readers. The unitary body and associated methods may be implemented in a compact reader with the aforementioned advantages in the form of a pen, or can be integrated into an antenna of a wireless device, such as a cell phone or a PDA.

Abstract: An integrated scanner for scanning a barcode is formed on a common substrate. The scanner may include a micro-machined mirror, a laser diode, and a detector, mounted on a single substrate or several connected substrates. Lenses can be used to focus a laser beam from the laser diode as well as expand a laser beam deflected by the micro-machined mirror. The scanner may also scan a barcode without using a micro-machined mirror by rotating the laser diode.

Abstract: A portable instrument incorporates an electro-optical assembly for reading indicia during a reading mode, and for projecting a bit-mapped color image during a display mode. A manually operable switch on the instrument is disposed for selecting one of the modes. The color image is formed by pulsing a plurality of differently colored lasers at selected times on selected scan lines.

Abstract: An integrated scanner for scanning a barcode is formed on a common substrate. The scanner may include a micro-machined mirror, a laser diode, and a detector, mounted on a single substrate or several connected substrates. Lenses can be used to focus a laser beam from the laser diode as well as expand a laser beam deflected by the micro-machined mirror. The scanner may also scan a barcode without using a micro-machined mirror by rotating the laser diode.

Abstract: A clip mounted bar code reader worn by a user initiates scanning of a field of view when the reader detects or senses that objects are proximity to the reader.