Abstract: A handle for receiving a portable data collection terminal includes a trigger mechanism activatable to provide a trigger signal to the portable data collection terminal. A trigger functionality selector has at least first and second states representing different functions of the portable data collection terminal that are to be activated by the trigger signal.

Abstract: A system and method for acquiring a machine-readable symbol are disclosed. Briefly described, one embodiment comprises receiving at least one scan line of a codeword row, determining a number of codewords of the codeword row, and collapsing an initialization symbol matrix into a partially-collapsed machine-readable symbol matrix based upon the determined number of codewords. Once the number of rows in the machine-readable symbol are determined, the partially collapsed machine-readable symbol matrix is further collapsed to the determined number of codeword rows.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is adapted to operate with a wideband or multiple band of frequencies, such as 860-960 MHz. The RFID tag includes a flexible antenna inlay structure that can be integrated into a rigid structure to form a rigid RFID tag. The antenna inlay structure can be folded to provide a compact rigid RFID tag. The antenna inlay structure may also be used in a smart label. The antenna inlay structure can work with RFID chips operating under Gen 2, ISO, or other protocol. The RFID tag can be provided with a metallized label that operates to shield the antenna inlay structure against electromagnetic effects of an object (such as a metallic object) having the RFID tag affixed thereon.

Abstract: The connection of devices for wireless service is typically a tedious process that involves the user in the minutia of an underlying protocol used by a wireless adapter. The present invention enables users of wireless devices to configure a service by automatic connection through the use of a local environmental indication of an identification code such as a barcode. A service is a labor carried out among a group of two or more devices for the benefit of one or more devices in the group. Exemplary services are: one-way file transfer, two-way file transfer, broadcast service, registration of peripherals such as printers or scanners, news aggregation, event notification, email service, calendar update, etc. An indication of an identification code is input to at least one device representing a service over a wireless link among at least a first and second device.

Abstract: A thermal printer includes a capacitor and a power converter operable to step a voltage of a power source, and coupled to charge the capacitor. Printing is controlled based at least in part on a charge state of the capacitor. Delays in charging the capacitor may be avoided where a current line of print data is blank. Operation may be curtailed where the voltage of the power source is below a threshold.

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 radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is powered by a microstructure power device. The microstructure power device can be a microelectromechanical structure (MEMS)-based device that derives power from energy harvested from mechanical vibrations. The RFID tag having the microstructure power device coupled thereto is affixed to an item and placed in an environment where mechanical vibrations are present. The mechanical vibrations provide sufficient power to allow the RFID tag to be read and/or written to by an automatic data collection device.

Abstract: A wireless STAtions (STA) that provides for fast roaming between access points (AP) by maintaining a scan list that is modified based on the results of previous roaming operations. The scan list dictates the order in which the STA scans channels for a satisfactory AP. By modifying the scan list to place channels previously identified as being used by AP's in higher priority positions, the amount of time required to identify a satisfactory AP in future scanning operations is reduced. In particular, the fast roaming STA places the channel used by an AP previously connected to the STA in the highest priority position in the scan list. In this way, channels used by APs previously connected to the STA populate the highest priority positions in the scan list, as the likelihood that the STA will connect to an AP on these channels in the future is very high.

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 tool belt worn by an operator comprises a processor and a plurality of smart sockets. The smart sockets connect various smart cells that perform various functions. The smart cells have a uniform interface to connect to different locations of smart sockets. The smart cells communicate with the processor or each other over a wireless technology or through a data path embedded in the tool belt. Functionality of the tool belt may be extended with an extender that has antennas, lights, speakers, microphones, and additional smart sockets. A data glove extends the functionality of the tool belt further with a glove, smart socket, and smart cell integrated together and used at the operator's hand.

Abstract: A radio-frequency identification (RFID) label carries an embedded RFID antenna and is capable of being affixed to a package or label. The RFID enabled label includes a bottom portion and an RFID flap that includes a first portion attached to the bottom portion and a second portion that carries the RFID antenna. The RFID flap can be placed in a first position in which the second portion carrying the RFID antenna lies adjacent to the bottom portion, such that the RFID enabled label can be used in conjunction with a printer. The RFID flap is put into a second position in which the second portion carrying the RFID antenna is displace from the bottom portion. Displacing the RFID antenna from the bottom portion results in the RFID antenna being displace from the package or surface to which the bottom portion is affixed, allowing the RFID antenna to operate without interference from the package or surface.

Abstract: A tire label that is adapted to adhere to the surface of an irregular surface. The inventive tire label uses a label stock made of an openwork fabric that is a mesh, woven or knit. Optionally, a cap can be used on the label. Preferably, the label has an RFID chip.

Abstract: A data capturing module combined with a portable data terminal of the hand-held type to record handwritten data. Using a digitized pad, the module can provide for direct input of handwritten data into the system, or a peripheral digital scanner can be employed to provide for data entry. Depending upon the particular application, the module therefore provides for data entry of handwritten text or graphics using the data terminal and other components of a portable data system to enter, display, print or otherwise communicate the handwritten data.

Abstract: A method, system, and article facilitate the configuration, supervision, and interaction with a non-storage special-purpose device, such as a barcode printer, using standard file operations on a logical file system. Once the logical file system has been created, logical files and logical directories can be manipulated using standard file manipulation techniques with corresponding functionality, such as updating firmware or installing fonts, carried out on or by the special-purpose device. Any errors that occur when trying to perform the associated functionality result in standard operating system error messages. In addition, in one embodiment, a remote computer may access the logical file system to perform remote configuration and supervision.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) device with two or more antennas may select one antenna to backscatter or otherwise transmit, while deriving power from receipt of a carrier wave at one or more other antennas. The RFID device may select the antenna receiving the lower power or producing the lower voltage to transmit. The RFID device may select the antenna receiving the higher power or producing the higher voltage to transmit if the lower power or voltage is insufficient to operate the RFID device to backscatter or transmit. The RFID device may select neither antenna to transmit if the higher power or voltages are insufficient to operate the RFID device to backscatter or transmit.

Abstract: A system comprising a linerless pressure sensitive label stock and a printer for printing on linerless pressure sensitive label stock exhibit reduced tendency for exposed adhesive to stick to printer components. The linerless pressure sensitive label stock has a plurality of regions that are substantially non-tacky formed along the length of the label stock web. In one embodiment, the non-tacky regions are formed by printing an adhesive deadening agent over the pressure sensitive adhesive. In another embodiment, the adhesive is printed in a pattern having non-tacky regions. Optional perforations in the non-tacky regions aid separation of printed regions from the rest of the web. Various means of web position sensing allow the printer to track the positions of the substantially non-tacky regions. After printing, the web of linerless pressure sensitive label stock is moved to positions where it is unlikely to stick to printer components.

Abstract: Automatic data collection devices such as barcode readers, RFID readers, magnetic stripe readers and the like may be tested using ADC device test executables, modules or processes stored at a variety of network locations. One or more sets of tests or work lists may be defined to facilitate testing. Tests may be identified by name and/or keyword. Keywords may be indicative one or more functionalities tested by the respective ADC device test module.

Abstract: A data utilization installation has various components such as a management computer, a mobile computer system, an access point, a printer, and application software. The management system collects status information from the components, and evaluates whether the components necessary for a particular user e.g. of the mobile computer system, to carry out a task, are ready for use. Status information is communicated to the user based on the evaluation by the management system. The management system of the utilization installation may be located remote from the other components of the installation, and communicate via the Internet or other wide area medium, or the management system may be located locally to the user, e.g. in a branch management station, or in one of the devices to be employed by the user, including the mobile computer system that at least in part may be worn or otherwise carried by the user.

Abstract: A wireless communication system having a terminal unit operates in a reduced noise state during receipt of a wireless transmission from a control unit. The terminal unit includes terminal circuitry, a radio and noise management circuitry. The noise management circuitry partially or fully disables operation of the terminal circuitry during a receipt by the radio. Noise management circuitry may disable a terminal processor, disable interrupts, buffer interrupts and otherwise modify operation of the terminal circuitry to reduce generated radio noise that would otherwise interfere with receipt of data by the radio. The wireless communication system includes noise management circuitry located in a control unit that operates in conjunction with noise management circuitry in a first terminal unit and a second terminal unit to schedule transmissions from the control unit. These scheduled transmissions allow the terminal units to perform required processing functions outside of the reduced noise period.

Abstract: An automatic data collection device, such as a scanner-type device, is provided with an afocal optical element, such as an afocal lens, that operates in conjunction with a scanning mirror to scan a target machine-readable symbol using a scanning beam. The scanning mirror deflects a light beam into the afocal lens. The afocal lens operates to change a resolution or width of the scanning beam for far-field scanning, for example, where resolution is increased by the afocal lens. The afocal lens can also operate to change the resolution or width of the scanning beam for near-field scanning, for example, where resolution is decreased by the afocal lens.