Abstract: An automated process for manufacturing smart labels having a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder. The inventive method accurately and reliably inserts RFID transponders into labels onto tags in one pass on a label press equipped with an in-line insertion station. The transponders may be provided In continuous supply reel and singulated as needed to form discrete terms transponders or single transponders may be provided in the hopper. The label is delaminated and the transponders are individually applied directly to the adhesive side of the labels in the machine direction of the moving web. The label liner is then relaminated back onto the label face stock sandwiching the RFID transponder between the liner and the label stock.

Abstract: A microchip system comprises a self check subsystem operable to perform a self test of at least one subsystem of the microchip system, and/or on the interoperability of subsystems. An antenna and a communications subsystem wirelessly transmit self check information from the microchip system. The communications subsystem may also receive information, data or instructions from an off-chip system or device. Self check tests may occur during manufacture of the microchip system and/or during operation. The microchip system may comprise a passive power subsystem coupled to an antenna to receive power in the form of an electromagnetic field, and which provides electrical power derived therefrom to at least one other subsystem of the microchip system.

Abstract: Electromagnetic energy comprising a visible component and non-visible component is emitted from a reader, wherein the emitted visible component that is emitted forms a pattern indicative of a position of the reader with respect to a target. A portion of the emitted electromagnetic energy is returned from the target and received by the reader. A visible portion or component of the received electromagnetic energy is optically, computationally and/or electrically filtered and a non-visible portion or component is processed to resolve and/or decode the symbol. Additionally, or alternatively, a detector substantially detects only the non-visible portion or component of the electromagnetic energy returned from the symbol.

Abstract: Work tools such as a printhead, platen, and/or cutting head are spaced normally with respect to a media path based on a location of one or more objects carried by the media, and the position of the media with respect to the work tool. Additionally or alternatively the work tools are selectively operated based on a location of one or more objects carried by the media, and the position of the media with respect to the work tool. The approaches are suitable for the manufacture and use of RFID tags and labels.

Abstract: A method of gap detection between successive adhesive layers on a media carrier using reflective florescence. Roll of label media is obtained and placed on a printer (not shown). Labels pass by a UV light source and labels and carrier reflect back a portion of the UV light. The reflected light is detected by a photosensor. The difference in florescence between label and carrier is detected. Location of the change of florescence identifies the location of the beginning of gap/end of label or the end of gap/beginning of label. The printer is adjusted if necessary to ensure any markings, printing, logos, symbologies or other indicia is printed in the correct position on label.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting the presence of a signal on a channel mixes signals received with an antenna with a local signal having a controllable frequency within a band of frequencies defined by the channel. The local signal is produced with a sequentially adjusted frequency within the channel. The mixing operation (for each local signal frequency) produces an output signal having a frequency indicative of a difference between a frequency of signals received with the antenna and a frequency of the local signal. The output signal is converted to a baseband frequency band, and is then analyzed to determine whether the signals received with the antenna occupy the channel.

Abstract: An image capture system having an image capture module and a terminal unit captures both photo images and coded images. An alterable optical path of the system operates in a first configuration when capturing coded images and in a second configuration when capturing photo images. Captured images are presented on a display as they are captured. A user of the system may parse through captured images to select one or more of the captured images for permanent storage and/or transmission to a remote location. The system operates to identify coded targets within captured images, to prompt the user to select one or more of the identified coded targets and to decode the selected coded targets. The image capture system may direct a user to reposition the system so that a decodable coded image will be captured. The image capture system communicates over wireless and wired networks with remote computer systems, personnel, and mobile units.

Abstract: A content applicator for selectively processing media received by the content applicator. The content applicator includes a print station having a print station protector subsystem. When the print station is in a print offline mode, the print station protector subsystem protects at least one component of the print station from degradation caused by media being received by the print station while the print station is in print offline mode.

Abstract: A passive radio frequency transponder (RF tag) having a diode rectifier receiver circuit outside the tag power rectification circuit, the tag power rectification circuit supplying power to the electronics of the RF tag. An additional innovative low current circuit protect the signal capacitor from overvoltage produced by the signal diode. An innovative circuit also clips the signal and sharpens it. An innovative low current circuit is used as a comparator to sharpen the signal pulses.

Abstract: A data collection terminal is provided with an audible feedback system that self-compensates for changes in ambient noise levels. The data collection terminal comprises a central processor adapted to execute stored instructions and having at least a display, a keyboard and a communications interface operatively coupled thereto. An audio driver is operatively coupled to the processor. The audio driver includes a speaker for producing sounds responsive to functions performed by the central processor and a microphone for receiving audio input signals. The audio driver adjusts the output volume of the speaker responsive to variations in ambient noise detected by the microphone so that the speaker produces a substantially consistent volume level in relation to the variations of ambient noise.

Abstract: A mobile system having a portable fingerprint collecting system for generating a digitized image of a fingerprint collected from a subject, a database system configured to store a database containing a plurality of fingerprint templates cross-referenced with identification information, the database system configured to compare the digitized fingerprint images generated by the portable fingerprint collecting device with the fingerprint templates stored in the database to provide identification information for the fingerprint, and a communication system providing real time communication of the digitized fingerprint image and identification information between the portable fingerprint collecting system and the database system.

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: A system and method is described which utilizes a dual function reader device, which may be a hand-held inventory control device, which first performs an optical read of an optical bar code on a carrier unit, then based on the identification or other information obtained from the optical read a RF read is made of a RF tag attached to, or within, the carrier unit. An indicator light on the carrier unit illuminates when the optical read is completed, which allows an operator to visually verify that the optical read has transpired for the desired carrier unit. The RF tag provides data regarding the inventory of the goods stored within, or on, the carrier unit, the temperature of the goods, the shelf-life of the goods, the source and/or destination of the carrier unit and/or the goods, or other information. Data can also be written to the RF tag by the reader.

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: 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 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: 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.