Abstract: Numerous features and improvements currently related to a portable computing and data collection system are presented. It will be appreciated, however, that although the features disclosed herein are disclosed in connection with a small, portable hand-held system, these features can also be used singly or in combination with a variety of other computing or battery powered devices. Disclosed features include an improved battery pack containing a unique battery temperature-based sensing system, a modular radio system having an antenna board, a radio frame designed to accept any of a variety of different radio boards, a sealed hand-held personal computing system, a light transmissive window that also serves as a door providing access to the interior of the device, and a unique compact flash card implementation. Embodiments containing various combinations and relations of these features in a portable computing system are also disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic data collection device is provided for reading barcodes, matrix codes, stacked codes, or other machine-readable symbol. The data collection device generates an aiming beam that serves a dual purpose of target locating and data acquisition, such as data acquisition using imaging methods. The aiming beam defines the field of view of the data collection device for imaging. The illumination pattern provided by the aiming beam for imaging can have its shape, size, and/or intensity adaptively changed depending on conditions.

Abstract: A method of establishing a network may comprise formatting network establishment parameters into a standard modem command, sending the standard modem command, and extracting the network establishment parameters from the standard modem command. A method of communicating with a device may comprise creating a standard modem command by appending a modem command to a device command and sending the standard modem command to a device. Performance of a method in accordance with the present invention may realize a wireless communication system in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A radio-frequency identification system comprises a radio-frequency identification tag and an interrogator. In one embodiment, the interrogator is configured to determine a nature of a received signal in a frequency channel and to selectively enable transmission of an interrogation signal in the frequency channel based on the determined nature of the received signal. In another embodiment, the interrogator is configured to select an interrogation frequency channel based on whether interference is likely to occur due to signals in the selected channel and/or signals in adjacent frequency channels.

Abstract: An optoelectronic reader for reading machine-readable symbols such as barcode symbols employs an optical assembly to focus a non-Gaussian image on an image sensor. The optical assembly may include a substantially diffraction free optical element, such as an annular slit aperture or a conical lens element, for example a conical refracting surface or axicon lens element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for efficiently encoding source data in radio frequency identification (RFID) systems. The encoded source data may also provide additional functionality such as data error detection and correction. A source data encoding and decoding method for a RFID system having a RFID transponder comprises the steps of obtaining the source data, encoding to provide more efficient data encodation that may also include data error detection and error correction, writing the encoded source data to a RFID transponder, reading the encoded source data from the RFID transponder, and decoding the encoded source data to recover the original source data. The encoding may utilize bar code symbology algorithms or a non-Full ASCII enhanced functionality character set.

Abstract: A coded image capture and decoding system includes an image capture unit and a host unit which operate to capture image data, generate a plurality of coded images, and, thereafter, to decode the plurality of coded images with a non-dedicated host processing circuitry. The system comprises an image capture unit and a host unit which may be installed together or separately in one or more physical devices. The image capture unit includes an image processor, an image buffer, an optical unit, an image buffer and an interface module. The host unit includes a host processor, conventional hardware and software functions, and an interface module. During a capture cycle, the image capture unit repeatedly captures images from a coded target. When the capture cycle is complete, the image capture unit attempts to interrupt the host unit. The host unit responds to the interrupt when it is available, receives the plurality of coded images over a communication link, and performs decode processing of the coded images.

Abstract: A machine-readable symbol reader is operable to read one and two-dimensional machine-readable symbols such as barcode or matrix code symbols. The reader includes an imaging subsystem and a scanning subsystem. The reader initially attempts to acquire a symbol operating as a conventional imager. If unsuccessful, the reader then attempts to acquire a symbol operating as operating as a conventional scanner. If unsuccessful, the reader then employs an image sensor array of the imaging subsystem along with a scanning beam produced by the scanning subsystem, operating as a neither a conventional imager nor a conventional scanner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reading optical information including a photosensitive system oriented to capture optical information. Also included is an optical system focusing optical information onto the photosensitive system, and a display oriented to display optical information captured by the photosensitive system. The apparatus also includes a portable, hand-held housing.

Abstract: A subsurfaced imaged label using a PET thermal transfer ribbon carrier as an overlaminate. A reverse image is printed onto a waste medium. The waste medium and inked reverse image are stripped away. The desired image remains on the PET carrier of the thermal transfer ink ribbon. A pressure sensitive adhesive substrate is laminated onto the carrier on the same side as the ink image. Label stock and another layer of pressure sensitive adhesive is then layered on the ink side of the PET carrier. When the label is applied to a surface the ink image is under the PET carrier and is protected by the PET carrier.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and articles facilitate the loading of a set of new instructions to replace set of existing instructions on a processor based device, for example an automatic data collection device. For example, a new operating system may replace an existing operating system using an executable that disables interrupts and/or exceptions. The new operating system may execute with, or without booting. The set of new instructions may be fragmented to fit the block size of a nonvolatile programmable memory, and/or may be compressed. Validation values such as check sums and/or error correction may be employed.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification system comprises a radio-frequency identification substrate and an interrogator. In one embodiment, the radio-frequency identification substrate comprises a plurality of radio-frequency identification devices. In one embodiment, a controller on the substrate controls a first one of the plurality of radio-frequency identification devices based on a state of a second one of the plurality of radio-frequency identification devices. In one embodiment, an antenna system includes an S-shaped portion electrically coupled to an integrated circuit along a central portion of the S-shaped portion. Adjusting the parameters of the segments making up the S-shaped portion controls performance characteristics of a radio-frequency identification device.

Abstract: A reader for optically reading machine-readable symbols such as barcodes. The reader includes at least one light source for producing light and a number of light emitters for emitting the light from the reader according to a desired sequence. The distinct light emitters are coupled with the at least one light source through an illumination network comprising waveguides and optical switches. The emitted light is controlled by a control subsystem, which can include a microprocessor, a buffer, a bus, and a memory. The distinct light emitters are supported in a holder, which is coupled to a housing of the reader. A focusing device directs the light emitted from the distinct light emitters. An optical sensor coupled to the housing receives at least some of the light reflected from the symbol and can operate with the control subsystem to decode the reflected light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for permitting a base housing to support a plurality of different product configurations. Some of the configurations include different types of optical indicia readers. The base housing has a reading portal capable of receiving a window frame. The window frame is designed for use with a specific type of optical indicia reading component. The invention permits efficient manufacturing of the housing prior to determining which type of optical indicia reader the housing will house.

Abstract: A system useful in providing communications with automatic data collection (ADC) devices employs an antenna located in a potentially hazardous environment, a radio circuit located in a non-hazardous environment, and a coupling apparatus to provide an interface between the antenna and the radio circuit that prevents electrical discharges from occurring in the potentially hazardous environment.

Abstract: An automatic data collection system reads data encoded in data carriers located inside enclosed environments, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags attached to objects located in enclosures, such as buildings, shipping containers, transportation vehicles such as airplanes, and other enclosures. The enclosures have dimensions that normally exceed the read range of the RFID tags, and/or the enclosures are composed of a material (such as metal) that impede communication of signals with external RFID readers. Therefore, internal antenna systems are provided inside of the enclosures to relay interrogation signals from RFID readers to the RFID tags, and to relay response signals from the RFID tags back to the RFID readers.

Abstract: A multistage voltage multiplying circuit for single chip passive RF tags is provided, wherein the parasitic capacitance of the diodes of each stage of the voltage multiplying circuit is much less than the parasitic capacitance of the diodes of the preceding stage.

Abstract: A master entity is capable of broadcasting commands to slaves which move to another state when they satisfy a primitive condition specified in the command. By moving slaves among three sets, a desired subset of slaves can be isolated in one of the sets. This desired subset of slaves ten can be moved to one of the states that is unaffected by commands that cause the selection of other desirable subsets of slaves. In the incorporated U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,550,547 and 5,673,037, certain subgroups of radio frequency tags are selected for querying, communicating, and/or identifying by commands from a base station.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reading embedded indicia. A light energy sensing system for an embedded indicia interpretation apparatus. The system includes a first light sensor and a second light sensor. The first and said second light sensors being directed to sense light energy reflected by an embedded indicia. Also, an embedded indicia reading apparatus having a light energy sensing system. The light energy sensing system having a first light sensor and a second light sensor. The first and said second light sensors positioned to sense light energy that has been reflected from an embedded indicia. The embedded indicia reading apparatus also having a computerized processing system coupled with the light sensing system. The computerized processing system including a program that determines data carried by an embedded indicia by interpreting light energy signals reflected from an embedded indicia and then sensed by the light sensing system.

Abstract: A portable electronic device having a first housing member, a second housing member, and a coupling member. Elements of the coupling member provide respective electrical paths from an exterior of the first housing member to an interior of the first housing member.