Abstract: The present invention embraces a system, device, and method for adding lighting effects to augmented reality (AR) content (i.e., virtual objects). Light sensors in an augmented reality (AR) system monitor an environment's lighting conditions to acquire lighting data that can be used to create (or update) virtual light sources. Depth sensors in the AR system sense the environment to acquire mapping data that can be used to create a 3D model of the environment while tracking the system's location within the environment. Algorithms running on a processor may then add the virtual light sources to the 3D model of the environment so that, when AR content is created, lighting effects corresponding to the virtual light sources can be added. The resulting AR content with virtual lighting effects appear more realistic to a user.

Abstract: Search and rescue (SAR) systems utilizing Earth-orbiting satellites are provided. In one implementation, a SAR system comprises a plurality of reference beacons, each having a known geographical location, and a ground-based station. The ground-based station includes one or more antennas for communicating with the reference beacons via a plurality of Earth orbiting satellites. The ground-based station is configured to receive reference signals from each of the reference beacons and calculate estimates of the locations of the reference beacons from the received reference signals. Also, the ground-based station is configured to calculate system calibration factors based on the location estimates and known geographical locations of the reference beacons. The ground-based station is further configured to receive distress signals from at least one distress beacon via the Earth-orbiting satellites and calibrate the distress signals based on the system calibration factors.

Abstract: A retail store communications network, a point of transaction (POT) terminal and methods of using the same according to embodiments of the application can include a hand held and/or stationary optical reader for reading a bar code symbol of an item and generating a decoded out bar code data message. The network is configured so that the POT terminal can use linked or identified mobile devices by way of wireless communication, to provide a sequenced order of identified customers at the POT terminal among a plurality of discoverable wireless devices.

Abstract: A system for secure network access by unattended devices is described. The system describes how unattended devices that have encrypted data at rest and/or require secure authentication to an open network may procure the access credentials for authentication and/or decryption. With these access credentials, then the unattended devices may exchange information with and/or receive updates from servers on the network.

Abstract: Methods to improve the accuracy of non-contact measurements of an object's dimensions using a dimensioning system are disclosed. The methods include a method for creating a mathematical model (i.e., error model) based on an observed correlation between errors in an estimated dimension and the characteristics of the measurement used to obtain the estimated dimension. These error models may be created for various dimensions and stored for future use. The methods also include a method for using the stored error models to reduce the error associated with a particular dimensioning-system measurement. Here an error model is used to create an estimated error. The estimated error is then removed from the estimate of the dimension to produce a final estimate of the dimension that is more accurate.

Abstract: The disclosure embraces a system and method for providing a continuous communication link between a server computer and a symbol reading device, and a novel symbol reading device adapted for use in such a system. The system greatly simplifies the remote management, diagnostic evaluation, and monitoring of symbol reading devices, especially those devices connected to host devices that are not PC-based or running a complete operating system.

Abstract: Provided is an improved beacon, associated system, and methods of using the same. In particular, provided is an improved beacon that upon actuation, is modified from an idle state to a non-idle state, where the beacon transmits advertisement packets. Once the advertisement packets are received and/or acted upon, the beacon is modified from non-idle state to idle state. Accordingly, the beacon efficiently provides access to or monitoring of remote locations and, thus, has reduced maintenance costs and an increased lifetime.

Abstract: Systems and methods illustrated herein disclose error correction of a two-dimensional (2D) symbol. The systems and methods include reading, by a hardware processor, a plurality of codewords in the 2D symbol. Further, the systems and methods include identifying, by the hardware processor of, an optically ambiguous codeword of the plurality of codewords in the 2D symbol. The optically ambiguous codeword corresponds to a codeword with a minimum interior contrast level below a predefined minimum interior contrast level. Further, the systems and methods include correcting, by the hardware processor, errors in the optically ambiguous codeword based on, a location of the optically ambiguous codeword and an erroneous decoded value associated with the optically ambiguous codeword.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein relates to a lens cap, adapted to be mechanically engaged over a lens assembly of an optical projector. The lens cap, as described herein, is adapted for vignetting a light pattern projected by the optical projector. The lens cap includes a front surface and a back surface, where on at least a portion of the front surface, an elliptically shaped aperture is defined. In this aspect, the elliptically shaped aperture is chamfered towards its peripheral ends, as the elliptically shaped aperture extends out from the back surface of the lens cap towards the front surface of lens cap. Also, the elliptically shaped aperture is defined on the lens cap such that, a center axis of the aperture is offset to a central axis of the lens cap, so as to match an offset at which the light pattern is projected by the optical projector.

Abstract: Provided herein is an RFID reader system and method for determining an RFID tag distance. The RFID reader receives a first backscattered signal from an RFID tag in response to transmission of a first RF interrogation signal, and determines a first phase angle of the first backscattered signal. A radio transceiver device receives a second backscattered signal in response to transmission of a second RF interrogation signal, and determines a second phase angle of the second backscattered signal. A main control unit determines a plurality of first distances and a second distance between the RFID reader and the RFID tag based on the first phase angle and the second phase angle, and select one of the plurality of first distances with respect to the determined second distance as a final distance.

Abstract: A workflow management system for managing the storage, retrieval, and transport of items in a warehouse includes a voice-directed mobile terminal. The system also includes a server computer in communication with the voice-directed mobile terminal. The server computer includes a tasking module for transmitting task data to the voice-directed mobile terminal. The server computer also includes a workflow-analysis module for generating, based at least in part upon an analysis of workflow dialog between the voice-directed mobile terminal and the user, performance data relating to the performance of tasks associated with the storage, retrieval, and/or transport of the items.

Abstract: The present application discloses methods to reliably verify pick locations in a warehouse, with minimal or no interaction by the user. Once verified, the user can proceed to pick-up a product or deliver a product to the pick location. In one embodiment, the user may wear binocular augmented reality headset. The headset renders a hologram that is viewed by the user. Aided by the hologram and depth sensing capabilities of the headset that confirms a pick location without any user interaction, the user may be able to reliably verify pick locations and select the correct product. In another embodiment, the user may wear haptic feedback gloves. The gloves comprise force sensors, actuators and a wireless interface. The forces sensors may determine whether the user is holding the product and a location system may determine whether the user is in proximity to the correct pick location.

Abstract: A system and a method for validating items gathered (i.e., picked) as part of a logistics process are disclosed. The picking system uses one or more sensors to sense the physical attributes of an item (e.g., weight, color, size/shape, etc.). The sensed-physical attributes are compared to expected-physical attributes stored for the item. Based on the comparison, a user may receive feedback confirming or rejecting the picked item. In some embodiments, the picking system uses the collected physical data to improve, or add to, the expected-physical attributes. The picking system may also be integrated with a powered-industrial vehicle and/or a warehouse management system to improve usability and effectiveness.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating and editing an inspection plan and directing an inspector through an inspection are provided. An exemplary system, according to one implementation, comprises a mobile computing device and a server computer. The mobile computing device is configured to communicate audible prompts to an inspector and receive audible replies from the inspector. The server computer is configured to store an inspection plan comprising a sequence of inspection steps, translate each of the inspection steps of the inspection plan into audible prompts, transmit the audible prompts to the mobile computing device, receive the audible replies from the mobile computing device, and translate the audible replies into a set of inspection results.

Abstract: Example methods, apparatuses and systems are disclosed for providing a device for capturing a barcode image within an augmented reality environment. An example method includes detecting a target object within a field of view of an augmented reality viewing device. The method further includes rendering an image of a scanning device within the field of view of the augmented reality viewing device, and rendering a scanning area within the field of view of the augmented reality viewing device. Further, a camera associated with the augmented reality viewing device captures an image of a barcode located on the target object. Corresponding apparatuses, systems, and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: An illuminator is provided, comprising a support frame arranged symmetrically around an optical axis of an optical sensor. The illuminator includes at least one light bar connected to the support frame. At least one light source is connected to the support frame, wherein each of the at least one light source is configured to direct light towards one of the opposing ends of one of the at least one light bar. The illuminator further includes a peripheral cover configured to receive light emitted from the front face of each of the at least one light bar. The peripheral cover is further configured to emit dark field illumination at a low incident angle with respect to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis and to emit bright field illumination at a high incident angle with respect to the plane perpendicular to the optical axis.

Abstract: Cordless indicia readers may use a rechargeable energy storage unit (RESU) for power. The RESU may include either at least one lithium-ion battery or at least one super capacitor. Problems may arise when an RESU containing a lithium-ion battery is charged using a super-capacitor charging-scheme. The present invention embraces a system and method for charging a barcode scanner that includes determining the RESU type and then charging the RESU with a charging process that is appropriate for the RESU type.