Abstract: A system and method of selectively reading sensor data from a memory device is able to search the memory device for an indicator that identifies the sensor data, and read only the sensor data identified by the indicator from the memory device. In this way, interrogating devices are able to sort through sensor data stored in a network of memory devices, such as an RFID network, and report specific data of interest despite the existence of a variety of data types in the network. In some embodiments, flags are stored and associated with specific types of data, such as various sensor data, thereby allowing numerous memory devices and sensors to operate and be read efficiently in the same environment.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for using topographic and/or contrast spot scanning to facilitate various types of functionality in context of a data storage library. A robotic mechanism includes a hand assembly that has one or more integrated spot scanners. The hand assembly is configured to travel in at least two directions and to rotate, thereby locating and/or pointing the spot scanner in desired locations throughout the data storage library. By sweeping the spot scanner across a scan window, contrast and/or topographic data can be acquired and decoded to generate a profile of a region. The profile can be interpreted to facilitate functions, such as calibration of robot location with respect to media cartridges, targeting, proximity detection, empty cell detection, etc.

Abstract: A reader device for identifying a label associated with a section of a printed publication and presenting first information adjusted for the section. The device comprises a sensing unit for reading a unique machine-readable representation of the first information from the label, a voice recognition unit for intercepting a voice message having a related audio signature associated with second information, a processing unit for identifying the first information according to the representation and the second information according to the related audio signature, and a presentation unit configured for presenting the first and second information.

Abstract: A data reading system for reading encoded data, such as barcode labels or RFID tags, from an item. The data reading system includes a housing, a data reader disposed within the housing, the data reader configured to read the encoded data from the item through a scan window on the housing. A clamp secures the housing to a receiving post on a base mount, and supports rotational movement of the housing about both a first axis and a second axis. In one configuration, the clamp and receiving post each include through holes that together form a passageway to support a communication/power cable from the base mount through the passageway and into an interior portion of the housing to communicate with and/or provide power to the data reader without limiting rotational movement of the housing.

Abstract: There is described an imaging apparatus having an imaging assembly that includes an image sensor. The imaging apparatus can capture a frame of image data having image data corresponding to a first set of pixels of the image sensor. The imaging apparatus can capture a frame or image data having image data corresponding to a second set of pixels of the image sensor.

Abstract: A method of operating an indicia reader adapted to read information bearing indicia (IBI) is accomplished by putting the indicia reader in a set up mode to enable the indicia reader to read N types of user usage IBIs; reading at least one user usage IBI with the indicia reader that is one of the N types of IBI the indicia reader is enabled to read; configuring the indicia reader in accordance with the at least one IBI read while the indicia reader is in the set up mode; putting the indicia reader into a use mode and reading user usage IBIs of the type read while the indicia was in the set up mode.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a candidate point detecting section configured to detect a plurality of candidate points on a boundary of a code region of a two-dimensional code in an image capturing the two-dimensional code, by scanning the image starting from an internal point of the two-dimensional code in the image, the two-dimensional code including a plurality of modules being arranged in two dimensions; a calculating section configured to calculate a first boundary line using the candidate points; a selecting section configured to select the candidate points located within a distance less than a threshold value from the first boundary line; and a boundary line detecting section configured to detect a second boundary line calculated using the selected candidate points selected by the selecting section.

Abstract: Infrared light, which is non-readily visible, illuminates at least part of a field of view containing indicia to be electro-optically read. Visible light illuminates another field of view containing the same indicia. The indicia is read by image capture by the illumination light from one of the illuminated fields of view. The use of IR light minimizes an adverse reaction due to only using bright visible light. The use of visible light enables thermally printed indicia, which is not readily readable by IR light, to be read.

Abstract: A system in one embodiment is operative to attempt to decode decodable indicia. The system can include an imaging assembly and a display. The display can be operative to display image data output utilizing the imaging assembly.

Abstract: A low profile tri-aperture optical code scanner and operating method are presented. The scanner includes three scanning apertures and a front and a rear low profile housing component. Each housing component includes a scanning aperture tilted toward a point about the center of the scanner. A third scanning aperture is located in a horizontal top surface of the scanner. The low profile housing elements allow an operator to scan items by standing either on the front side or the rear side of the scanner. When used in a convertible point of sale terminal, a cashier operates the scanner from the front side of the scanner when the terminal is in the assisted mode and a customer operates the scanner from the rear side of the scanner when the terminal is in the self-service mode.

Abstract: There is set forth herein an indicia reading apparatus comprising two or more light sensing assemblies. In one embodiment, the indicia reading apparatus can comprise a linear light sensing assembly and an area light sensing assembly, and can be operative to determine the range between the apparatus and the indicia. In one embodiment, the indicia reading apparatus can be operative to apply a range-assisted gain to the data output by one or more of the linear light sensing assembly and the area light sensing assembly to increase the likelihood of indicia reading and improve expected indicia read time.

Abstract: In a data region of each microdot block on a microdot matrix, a coordinate of each the microdot block on the microdot matrix is encoded into a plurality of microdots included by the data region according to an encoding method based on Reflected Gray codes. With the aid of a unique changed bit between any two consecutive Reflected Gray codes, an estimated coordinate of a frame, which is fetched by scanning the microdot matrix, on the microdot matrix, may still be decoded even if no complete microdot block is fetched within the frame.

Abstract: A printer with integral scanner obtains a digital signature from an article as it is printed. The integral scanner has a coherent source which directs a light beam to illuminate the article and a detector arrangement to collect data points from light scattered from many different parts of the article to collect a large number of independent data points. The digital signature derived from the data points is stored in a database with an image of what was printed on the article. The authenticity of an article purported to be the originally printed article can be verified by scanning the purported genuine article to obtain its digital signature. The database is then searched, to establish whether there is a match. If a match is found, the image is displayed with the matched digital signature to allow a further visual check that the article is genuine.

Abstract: A decodable indicia reading system can comprise a mobile communication terminal and a removable module. The mobile communication terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, and an imaging device comprising a two-dimensional image sensor, all disposed within a housing. The removable module can comprise a housing at least partially containing an encoded information reading (EIR) device, an illumination module, and/or an optical system configured to focus the light reflected by a physical object located within a field of view of the two-dimensional image sensor onto the two-dimensional image sensor. The decodable indicia reading system can further comprise a decoding program executable by the microprocessor, which can be configured to input an encoded information item the imaging device and/or the EIR device. The removable module can be mechanically attached to the mobile communication terminal. The removable module can further comprise a memory configured to store a secret string.

Abstract: Method, system and program product, the system comprising: computer programmed for accessing databases comprising: aggregated deposit account information for plurality of FDIC-insured aggregated deposit accounts held in plurality of depository institutions; and client account information; obtaining fund transfer instructions; allocating fund amounts for other depository institutions; generating data for depositing funds to or withdrawing funds from at least one aggregated deposit account multiple times in a month period, comprising generating data for instructions for making a withdrawal from one depository institution more than six times during the month period, using methods: in person, by mail, messenger, telephone, automated teller machine, for withdrawals except for a set of at least 1-6 withdrawals within last six business days of the month period, and presenting instructions to depository institution using method that counts against a 6 withdrawal limit for this set of the withdrawals during the last s

Abstract: A method, system and program product, the method comprising accessing, databases, comprising: aggregated account information for FDIC accounts; client account information for each of the respective client accounts, wherein the client account represents funds of the respective client held in the one or more aggregated deposit accounts holding funds of the respective client, the client account information; capacity caps; and obtaining, high, second and lowest stratification balances held in respective depository institutions; calculating for depository institutions a respective total balance in the program; calculating respective excess capacities for respective depository institutions; modifying, parameters selected from the group of a number of client accounts, additional client account funds, a total number of the depository institutions participating in the program, and the capacity caps for one or more of the depository institutions.

Abstract: An assembly and method for tracking implant devices within a sterile field, the assembly comprising a reader that includes a housing structure with a base and a cover, a scanner having a scanner housing, where the scanner housing is at least partially positioned in a cavity provided in the base; and an aperture provided in the cover, where the cover is configured to receive a transparent sterile sheath to at least partially encase the cover.

Abstract: A low profile tri-aperture optical code scanner and operating method are presented. The scanner includes three scanning apertures and a front and a rear low profile housing component. Each housing component includes a scanning aperture tilted toward a point about the center of the scanner. A third scanning aperture is located in a horizontal top surface of the scanner. The low profile housing elements allow an operator to scan items by standing either on the front side or the rear side of the scanner. When used in a convertible point of sale terminal, a cashier operates the scanner from the front side of the scanner when the terminal is in the assisted mode and a customer operates the scanner from the rear side of the scanner when the terminal is in the self-service mode.

Abstract: A mobile device is described. The mobile device includes a handle for gripping the mobile device with fingers of one hand. A display is oriented substantially parallel to a long axis of the handle such that a thumb of the one hand is capable of touching at least a portion of the display when the fingers of the one hand grip the handle of the mobile device. A data acquisition device is positioned so as to capture product information from an object located on an opposite side of the display.

Abstract: A mobile device is described. The mobile device includes a handle portion having a longitudinal axis. A trigger switch is positioned on the handle portion and configured to activate a data capture function of the mobile device when the trigger switch is depressed. A top portion accommodates a display device and a data acquisition device. A planar surface of the display device is oriented at a first angle between one degree and thirty degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion. The data acquisition device is disposed on an opposite side of the display device such that a central axis of a field of view of the data acquisition device is oriented at a second angle between ninety degrees and one-hundred and thirty-five degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the handle portion.

Abstract: A mobile unit (MU) is described. The MU includes a handle configured for gripping the MU with fingers of one hand of a user's arm. The MU includes a trigger switch positioned on the handle and configured to activate a data capture function of the MU when the trigger switch is depressed. The MU includes a display device positioned above the handle of the MU such that the display device is viewable to the user when the fingers grip the handle of the MU and the user's arm is maximally extended. The MU includes a data acquisition device located on an opposite side of the display device so as to capture data from an object positioned in a field of view of the data acquisition device when the trigger switch is depressed.

Abstract: A mobile device is described. The mobile device includes a housing having a pistol grip portion. A data acquisition device is positioned in the housing adjacent to the pistol grip portion. The data acquisition device is adapted to acquire data from an object. The data acquisition device generates an electrical signal that is representative of the data. A control activates the data acquisition device. A processor receives the electrical signal from the data acquisition device. A support is worn on a torso of a user. The support supports the housing by the pistol grip portion such that the data acquisition device is positioned to acquire data from the object when the object is located in front of the torso of the user. The support enables hands-free operation of the mobile device.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a candidate point detecting section configured to detect a plurality of candidate points on a boundary of a code region of a two-dimensional code in an image capturing the two-dimensional code, by scanning the image starting from an internal point of the two-dimensional code in the image, the two-dimensional code including a plurality of modules being arranged in two dimensions; a calculating section configured to calculate a first boundary line using the candidate points; a selecting section configured to select the candidate points located within a distance less than a threshold value from the first boundary line; and a boundary line detecting section configured to detect a second boundary line calculated using the selected candidate points selected by the selecting section.

Abstract: Embodiments of an indicia reading terminal have multiple fields of view (“FOV”). This feature allows decoding of decodable indicia that exhibit different characteristics. These characteristics may affect the ability of the terminal to identify and decode the information stored therein. In one embodiment, the terminal comprises an optical imaging assembly with at least two FOVs. One of the FOVs is adequate to acquire information from decodable indicia with higher density than other decodable indicia.

Abstract: An optical reading device for collecting and processing symbology data comprising: a back-illuminated image sensor for converting light reflected from an information bearing indicia (IBI) into output signals representative thereof; receive optics for directing light from the target to the back-illuminated image sensor; a processor for decoding the output signals; an illumination source for generating illumination light illuminating the target and illumination optics for directing the illumination light onto the target and a housing encompassing the back-illuminated image sensor, receive optics and illumination source adapted for hand held operation.

Abstract: A decodable indicia reading system can comprise a mobile communication terminal and a removable scanning module. The mobile communication terminal can comprise a microprocessor and a memory. The mobile communication terminal can further comprise at least one wired communication interface including a first electromechanical connector mechanically attached to the terminal housing. The removable scanning module can comprise an encoded information reading (EIR) device and/or an illumination module at least partially disposed within the scanning module housing. Both the mobile communication terminal and the scanning module can be at least partially received by a common housing.

Abstract: Data reading systems and methods for operating data readers such as optical code readers and RFID readers. Certain preferred embodiments are directed to data readers having improved operation features for switching between various operation modes such as, for example, switching between handheld/portable mode and fixed mode using an on board inertial sensor such as an accelerometer or gyroscopic device capable of sensing various movements, motions, and/or orientations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a data reading system that includes a housing and a platter window for concealing a data reader configured to read an optical code borne by an item transported through a read zone. The read zone is defined at least in part by the platter window. The data reading system also has a platter supportable on the housing that encompasses the platter window. The platter includes a first integral feature and a second integral feature bordering opposing peripheral sides of the platter window. The first and second integral features cooperatively delineate a preferred data-reading sweep path through the read zone.

Abstract: An assembly and method for tracking implant devices within a sterile field, the assembly comprising a reader that includes a housing structure with a base and a cover, a scanner having a scanner housing, where the scanner housing is at least partially positioned in a cavity provided in the base; and an aperture provided in the cover, where the cover is configured to receive a transparent sterile sheath to at least partially encase the cover.

Abstract: An image capture system includes an imaging device and a reflective arrangement having reflective components positioned relative to an article to reflect portions of a surface of an article to the imaging device. The reflective arrangement reflects an image of the portions of the surface of the article for capture by the imaging device, the image collectively representing a contiguous periphery of a predetermined region of the surface of the article, the image usable to identify a symbol code on the predetermined region.

Abstract: An optical slot scanner (10) and method includes a housing (12) supporting a scanning arrangement (22) within an interior region (14) of the housing. The scanning arrangement (22) includes an imaging camera (26) and light source (24) disposed within a recess compartment (80) located in the interior region of the housing. The imaging camera defines an imaging field (40) of view for reading indicia located on a target object. The light source defines an illumination field (42) for illuminating indicia located on a target object, such that the illumination field is substantially coaxial with the imaging field during a reading of indicia located on a target object.

Abstract: A scanner according to an embodiment includes a housing, an imaging device provided in the housing, and a light source. The housing has an imaging window. The imaging window is sectioned by an upper side portion, a lower side portion, and a pair of side portions. The lower side portion is spaced apart from the upper side portion. The pair of side portions connect respective ends of the upper side portion and the lower side portion. The imaging device picks up, via the imaging window, an image of a reading target present in a reading area formed on the outer side of the housing through the imaging window and outputs image data of the reading target. The light source is located on the outer side of the reading area and arranged along each of the side portions of the housing and irradiates illumination light on the reading area.

Abstract: A carrier with the optical registration function is disclosed. The carrier allows the registration of inspected results of the sampling images of the sample to the corresponding address codes of the address coding site of the carrier.

Abstract: A method for collecting and processing information bearing indicia (IBI) comprising the steps of: converting light reflected off an IBI into IBI signals representative of the IBI; running at least one signal process for processing the IBI signals on a first processor if the IBI is of a first type; and running at least one signal process for processing the IBI signals on a second processor if the IBI is of a second type, wherein the first processor and second processor are configured to run in parallel.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a code symbol reading apparatus includes a decoder, a candidate area detection unit, a direction determination unit, and a direction notification unit. The decoder decodes a code symbol attached to an article, based on an image picked up by a camera. The candidate area detection unit detects an image area to be a candidate of the code symbol from the image of the article picked up by the camera. The direction determination unit determines such a direction that a decoding rate of the code symbol becomes higher based on the image area detected by the candidate area detection unit when the decoder cannot decode the code symbol. The direction notification unit notifies of the direction determined by the direction determination unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for using topographic and/or contrast spot scanning to facilitate various types of functionality in context of a data storage library. A robotic mechanism includes a hand assembly that has one or more integrated spot scanners. The hand assembly is configured to travel in at least two directions and to rotate, thereby locating and/or pointing the spot scanner in desired locations throughout the data storage library. By sweeping the spot scanner across a scan window, contrast and/or topographic data can be acquired and decoded to generate a profile of a region. The profile can be interpreted to facilitate functions, such as calibration of robot location with respect to media cartridges, targeting, proximity detection, empty cell detection, etc.

Abstract: A method of mapping the location of at least one object in three dimensional space, relative to an initial point in three dimensional space by an EIR terminal which contains a microprocessor, memory, a scanning device, a motion sensing device, and a communication interface. The method includes scanning a signal of decodable indicia located at a pre-defined area of a physical object, locating the decodable indicia within this signal, decoding the decodable indicia into a decoded message. The decoded message is an identifier for said physical object, which is then displayed. After receiving an interface command, the EIR terminal is placed in mechanical contact with the pre-defined area of the physical object and a first spatial position is stored as a point of origin in the EIR terminal.

Abstract: A flicker-free illumination apparatus (28) for a code reader (10) has an illumination control (26) which is configured for a pulsed operation with an illumination intensity varying between light pulses (30) and pulse pauses (32). The illumination control (26) is further configured to maintain a non-zero illumination intensity during the pulse pauses (32), such that a basic intensity (34) remains.

Abstract: A device for registering goods in a self-service cash register system is proposed, comprising a conveying device (2) for conveying goods in a predefined conveying direction (3), with at least one conveying means (4, 5, 10) of the conveying device onto which the goods can be placed for conveying, with at least one scanning device (1) arranged in a locally fixed manner at the conveying device (2) for registering machine-readable codes with which the goods are equipped, with at least one source for emitting optical radiation in the direction of the conveying device and at least one detector for receiving the radiation reflected by the goods lying on the conveying device and for generating a signal that corresponds to the intensity of the reflected radiation, wherein the conveying means (10) is pervious to the optical radiation from the source at least in some sections.

Abstract: A method for collecting and processing information bearing indicia (IBI) comprising the steps of: converting light reflected off an IBI into IBI signals representative of the IBI; running at least one signal process for processing the IBI signals on a first processor if the IBI is of a first type; and running at least one signal process for processing the IBI signals on a second processor if the IBI is of a second type, wherein the first processor and second processor are configured to run in parallel.

Abstract: There is set forth herein an indicia reading apparatus having a plurality of configurations that can be activated with use of a manually actuated multiple state trigger. According to a first configuration the indicia reading apparatus can project a light pattern while maintaining in an inactive state decoding operations for attempting to decode a decodable indicia by processing of image data. According to a second configuration the indicia reading apparatus can activate decoding operations.

Abstract: Data reading systems and methods for operating data readers such as optical code readers and RFID readers. Certain preferred embodiments are directed to data readers having improved operation features for switching between various operation modes such as, for example, switching between handheld/portable mode and fixed mode using an on board inertial sensor such as an accelerometer or gyroscopic device capable of sensing various movements, motions, and/or orientations.

Abstract: A system in one embodiment is operative to attempt to decode decodable indicia. The system can include an imaging assembly and a display. The display can be operative to display image data output utilizing the imaging assembly.

Abstract: he method for marking a product includes: a step of forming, on or in the product, a mark robust to copying, with a first resolution, a step of forming, on or in the product, a mark sensitive to copying, with a second resolution higher than the first resolution, a step of capturing an image of the robust mark, the sensitive mark and another part of the product and a step of memorizing an item of information representing the image of the robust mark, the sensitive mark and the other image part. In embodiments, during at least one forming step, the position of the mark formed during this forming step is random in relation to the other image part.

Abstract: An enhanced security system utilizes a consumer wireless device and independent secure servers to enhance identification and authentication of the electronic ticketing. The consumer may make an eTicket purchase using a network, such as the Internet, in a conventional manner. The server involved in the purchase may send an eTicket confirmation to a consumer wireless device. However, master records of the transaction are sent via a secure link to a vendor server, typically associated with a wireless service provider. At a point just-in-time, the vendor server transmits symbology to the consumer wireless device and transmits additional data related to the symbology to a security server. When the consumer arrives with the eTicket, the consumer also uses the displayed symbology on the consumer wireless device. The symbology is scanned and compared with data transmitted from the vendor server to the security server. If authenticated, the eTicket may be authenticated.

Abstract: There is set forth herein in one embodiment an indicia reading terminal having an imaging assembly operative so that a manner in which a decodable indicia representation is searched for is responsive to one or more of a terminal to target distance and a projected light pattern representation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security tag made by randomly distributing a mixture of large numbers of multicolored objects into a unique, non-reproducible geometric array and encapsulating it onto a substrate. The 3-D aspect of the objects will prevent printing or 2-D copying of the stamp. The data, saved to a secure database, can be processed and quantities can be calculated from the field of binary data and can be affixed to the part that the stamp is affixed to. For one level of authentication, the array can be read out by scanner and compared to values printed on the part. For an additional level of authentication, the array can be read out by optical scanner and compared to the data stored in the secure database. The security tag is capable of replacing 2-D barcodes while containing only information capable of being scanned by 2-D barcode scanners.

Abstract: Successive products associated with targets to be electro-optically read are swiped or presented, in their respective turns, to a window in a point-of-transaction workstation. A proximity system detects entry of each product into a zone outside the window. The products are distinguished from one another in response to detection by the proximity system of the exit of each product from the zone, preferably by sensing a change in magnitude over time of return infrared light returned by each product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for optically scanning a machine-readable device applied to an object, comprising a transport apparatus for transporting the object in a transport direction, the object being supported on the transport apparatus on an underside, the transport apparatus containing a first transport belt with a first upper strand and a second transport belt with a second upper strand, wherein a gap is formed between the first transport belt and the second transport belt which is arranged ahead of the first transport belt in the transport direction, and comprising a scanning apparatus for scanning the machine-readable marking, wherein the scanning apparatus has at least one scanning element associated with the gap, wherein the first upper strand and the second upper strand are arranged so as to have a height offset relative to each other in such a way that the underside of the object can be scanned by tipping the object when the object is transferred from the first transport belt to the second t

Abstract: A method, system and program product, the method comprising: obtaining at or before a first source reception cutoff time, first client account transaction information; obtaining a respective net transfer amount; selecting respective aggregated deposit account in depository institution in a first group based on selection rules, first group having recipient cutoff times in a first time range; generating transfer data; obtaining at or before a second source reception cutoff time, second client account transaction information; selecting an aggregated deposit account in a depository institution in a second group to deposit/transferor withdraw/transfer funds, based on selection rules, the second group having respective cutoff times in a second time range different from the first time range; generating transfer data; allocating funds from multiple of the client accounts to the transfers; and updating databases.