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 portable hand-held reader unit includes a photosensor array interiorly of the unit and optics for focusing an image of indicia of information contained on and occupying a predetermined area on a label exteriorly of the reader unit. The reader unit further includes a flashable light source such as a xenon flash tube which is disposed in a ring-like manner about the optical field of view of the reader unit. A marker source which in a preferred embodiment comprise four light sources such as photo diodes or laser diodes, for example, are peripherally disposed interiorly of the reader unit laterally adjacent the photosensor array or in another embodiment at the four corners of the photosensor array. Light emitted from the light sources is projected through the optics of the reader unit peripherally of the field of view of the reader unit as marker beams which impinge a surface toward which the reader unit may be pointed in marker spots peripherally of the predetermined area.

Abstract: A method for automatically adjusting the setting of a thermal printer when a new roll of media is inserted in the printer. A maximum and a minimum energy needed to print are determined. This information is used to determine a coarse energy setting. The printer next performs a series of adjustments to find the optimal setting. The optimal setting is used to set the printer automatically.

Abstract: An RF transponder comprises a transponder integrated circuit, an antenna connected to the transponder integrated circuit, and at least one parasitic element adapted to interact electrically with the antenna and thereby affect antenna impedance. The orientation of the parasitic element with respect to the antenna is selected to achieve a desired operational frequency band for the RF transponder. Specifically, the spacing between the antenna and the parasitic element is selected to achieve the desired operational frequency band. For example, a first selected spacing may enable an operational frequency band suitable for a first geographic region (e.g., the United States), a second selected spacing may enable an operational frequency band suitable for a second geographic region (e.g., Europe), and a third selected spacing may enable an operational frequency band suitable for a third geographic region (e.g., Japan).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for printing information. The printer including a paper feed motor, a carriage motor and a printer control system. The system causing the paper feed motor and the carriage motor to move at least partially simultaneously.

Abstract: A first machine-readable data carrier comprises an embedded command to control communication with a second machine-readable data carrier. An automatic data collection system is configured to extract the embedded command from the first machine-readable data carrier and to execute the command with respect to the second machine-readable data carrier.

Abstract: An automatic data collection device, such as a scanner-type device, is provided with a deformable mirror that operates in conjunction with a scanning mirror to scan a target machine-readable symbol using a scanning beam. The deformable mirror includes a reflective membrane having a shape that can be changed by applying electric charge to conductors, or by some other type of actuation. In this manner, the focus distance, depth of field, wavefront shape, or other property of the scanning beam can be changed dynamically. Feedback information can be provided to a focus control algorithm to control adjustment of the deformable mirror so as to optimize the scanning.

Abstract: Wireless remote control may omit batteries. A carrier wave from an external carrier wave source may be modulated and backscattered with information identifying a user selection. The backscattered modulated carrier wave response may be received and interpreted for controlling one or more electronic devices.

Abstract: A system and method for limiting the reading out of data from an RFID tag by requiring a reader of the tag to be authenticated by providing the correct key to the tag, static or rotating, before the tag will transmit data. The limitation of transmission is done irrespective of whether the data is encrypted or not. The system and method may have a segmented or tiered access scheme where segments or portions of the data stored in the RFID tag are accessible by differing keys. Additionally, different encryption keys or schemes may be employed to provide differing encryption methods for the data in the differing segments or portions of the data stored in the RFID tag.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) assembly includes a MEMS substrate having a plurality of MEMS devices, a plurality of bond pads, and a wafer cap. The wafer cap includes a unitary structure having a plurality of pockets and a plurality of apertures. The wafer cap is fixed to the MEMS substrate such that at least some of the MEMS devices are enclosed within respective enclosed cavities formed by the pockets and the MEMS substrate, and such that at least come of the apertures provide access to the bond pads from an exterior of the wafer cap.

Abstract: A wireless, batteryless microphone includes an antenna and passive circuitry to backscatter a carrier wave signal modulated with audio information from a sound transducer. A wireless, batteryless speaker or headphone includes an antenna and passive circuitry to drive a sound transducer based on a received modulated carrier wave. A headset may include a wireless, batteryless microphone and one or more wireless, batteryless speakers or headphones.

Abstract: A machine-readable symbol reader includes a microfluidic lens assembly providing responsive, reliable auto-focus functionality. A range finder may provide distance to a planar target (e.g., barcode symbol) information for use in auto-focusing, with or without localization. Illumination system, if included, is selectively controlled based on the distance to target and auto-focusing functionality to substantially reduce power consumption. The localization may color optical sensors.

Abstract: A system and method for limiting the reading out of data from an RFID tag by requiring a reader of the tag to be authenticated by providing the correct key to the tag, static or rotating, before the tag will transmit data. The limitation of transmission is done irrespective of whether the data is encrypted or not. The system and method may have a segmented or tiered access scheme where segments or portions of the data stored in the RFID tag are accessible by differing keys. Additionally, different encryption keys or schemes may be employed to provide differing encryption methods for the data in the differing segments or portions of the data stored in the RFID tag.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a multi-rate data conversion circuit receives digital data at varying data rates, receives a data rate input corresponding to the digital data and converts the digital data to a converted output based upon the data rate input. A direct digital synthesis circuit receives the converted output and synthesizes a modulated output signal based upon the converted output. A multi-rate converter receives the digital data, the data rate input and a clock signal and converts the digital data to converted digital data. A multi-rate digital data filter receives the converted digital data and produces a filtered digital output. An output scaler receives the filtered digital output and produces a scaled and filtered digital output. Finally, an adder combines the scaled and filtered digital output with a center frequency input and produces the converted output.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes a tag reader configured to interrogate RFID tags in repeated transmission pulses, and a monitor module configured to monitor a transmission pulse rate of the RFID. When a pulse rate falling within a selected frequency range is detected, the monitor module is configured to modify the pulse rate to produce a transmission pulse rate that falls outside of the selected frequency range. Modification may include, for example, any of shortening an off-period between transmission pulses, shortening the transmission pulses, and introducing single electromagnetic spikes between transmission pulses. The monitor module may also be configured to interrupt operation of the system upon detection of a pulse rate falling within the selected frequency range, or to produce a signal indicating a detected pulse rate falling within the selected frequency range. The system may include a plurality of tag readers configured to interrogate RFID tags sequentially.

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 first radio-frequency identification device on the substrate monitors an indication of a response of a second radio-frequency identification device on the substrate to an interrogation signal and selectively responds to the interrogation signal based on the monitoring of the indication.

Abstract: An RFID tag may include an antenna substrate comprising a conductive layer etched or deposited to form an antenna, and a circuit substrate comprising a conductive layer etched or deposited to form a circuit, the antenna electro-magnetically coupled to the circuit. An RFID tag may be formed from an insert substrate comprising an insulative layer between two conductive layers, one of the conductive layers etched to form an antenna and the other conductive layer etched to form a circuit. The insert substrate may be received in an envelope formed by a label substrate, which may carry a pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: An abrasive cleaning strip is a functional component of a media roll incorporated into the media strip as a header or a trailer. The abrasive cleaning strip is a plastic film coated with 1200 grit aluminum oxide particles. By including the cleaning strip on the media roll, users are provided with automatic print head cleaning. The media can be thermal transfer media, direct thermal media, or linerless thermal media.

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: A cargo transportation device includes a lift assembly for raising and lowering cargo and an operator cabin in which an operator controls the lift assembly. A load backrest is coupled to the cabin, and an automatic data collection device, which is configured to interrogate wireless communication devices, is coupled to the load backrest. The cargo transportation device includes a computing device having logic for controlling the automatic data collection device and logic for controlling the lift assembly, and a display device in communication with the computing device. The display device is coupled to the cabin and configured to provide the operator with information from the computing device.