Abstract: A portable data collection terminal has an elongate housing with a hand grip conforming rear surface. A front surface features a numerical keyboard adjacent a lower end of the housing and an LCD screen adjacent the keyboard toward an upper end of the housing. The display screen is of elongate rectangular shape, its length extending longitudinally of the housing of the data terminal. The active area of the display screen is covered by a touch sensitive overlay screen which is configured in one mode of operation of the data terminal into an alphabetical keyboard. The orientation of the display is switchable between orientations in which the line direction of the displayed data extends across or longitudinally of the data terminal. The keys of the numerical keyboard are identified by indicia disposed on a template. The orientation of the template may be sensed to switch the orientation of the displayed data and touch sensitive key identifiers to correspond to the orientation of the indicia on the template.

Abstract: A process for charging one or more lithium containing electrochemical cells which exhibit a plurality of characteristics with respect to time while either being charged with or while discharging energy, wherein the charging process includes an unpetrify phase, a fast phase, a top up phase, a done phase, a good phase, and a low phase.

Abstract: A transceiver apparatus for creating a wireless personal local area network between a computer terminal and one or more peripheral devices. A separate transceiver is connected to the computer terminal and to each peripheral device. The transceivers can be connected to the terminal or peripheral device either internally or externally. A low power radio is used to communicate information between the computer terminal and peripheral devices. Different transceivers can be used for modifying the carrier frequency and power of the local area network. The microprocessor is located inside each transceiver and controls the information flow of the transceiver including the communication protocol which allows each device to know if other devices are communicating, which devices are being communicated to, and selectively address the peripheral devices.

Abstract: A hand-held portable data collection system integrates ideal design features to improve and optimize the data collection process. The operator interface of the hand-held portable data collection system incorporates somatic feedback between the hand-held portable data terminal and the operator, thereby facilitating operation of the data terminal such as reading of optically readable indicia. The hand-held portable data collection system further provides optimal data collection by allowing for variable orientation of the reading field of view of the data file reader allowing for optimal positioning of the reader during the data collection process. Optically readable indicia may be disposed within the reading field of view of the data file reader without having to sight along the terminal as is typical with prior aim and shoot type data readers. The optically readable indicia may be readable regardless of orientational disposition.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electronic memory system having semipermanent memory storage, a memory device for rapid data transfer and temporary memory storage, and controller for monitoring and controlling writes to the semipermanent memory storage.

Abstract: A multi-function fastening apparatus for removably attaching an accessory device to a portable data collection terminal and for joining together two or more sections of the accessory device's housing. The multi-function fastening apparatus may include a seal or the like to provide environmental protection to the accessory device's internal electronic components.

Abstract: Portable measuring devices which communicate by low power transceivers through a communication controller with a printer device collect weight and size data on articles to be shipped. The collected weight and size data are combined with origin and destination data, and labels are printed bearing pertinent shipping and routing information in machine readable format. The labels are attached to the articles to be shipped and accompany the articles to their respective destinations. At transfer points the labels are read by scanner devices which also communicate by low power transceiver links with the communication controller. The wireless linking of the scanner devices promotes human safety by the absence of cords which could cause entanglement of an operator in mechanized conveying equipment. The communication controllers at each stage of the shipping process have the capability of transferring received and updated status information on the shipped articles to a central data station.

Abstract: A hand-held portable data collection system having an optical control link is described. A reflective sensor detects the actuation of a trigger by sensing when a cantilevered extension member of the trigger interposes the operational range of the sensor upon actuation of the trigger. The optical control link of the present invention may be utilized to provide a data communications link between a hand-held portable data terminal and a docking apparatus. The optical control link of the present invention may be further utilized as an optical character reader to read optically readable data files such as bar codes.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held data collection terminal is of modular structure including, among other modules, multiple endcap modules and radio frequency communications pod modules, each of which may be chosen from a plurality of modules available for assembly into the terminal unit therby providing a plurality of modular combinations thereof. The functions of the multiple modular combinations are activated and controlled by a virtual trigger on a touch sensitive display. The virtual trigger may be positioned anywhere on the display to ergonomically accommodate different users. The terminal evaluates touch images retrieved from the touch sensitive display to determine whether they constitute an intentional touch. Unintentional touching will not activate the virtual button. Various other safety and power saving features are provided via orientation and motion sensors placed within the terminal.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes photosensitive arrays for decoding optically readable portable data files. The invention accomplishes focusing, controlling image exposure, capturing data files, and processing information contained within optically readable portable data files.

Abstract: A data capture system is disclosed as comprising a plurality of client data collection terminals, and a server station. Each terminal including a mechanism for collecting data, a dynamic addressable memory and a first controller operating on data formatted in a first style. The server station comprises mass memory, which is larger than the dynamic addressable memory of a terminal for storing data to be used by the data collection terminals, an addresser responsive to a memory altering request for addressing the mass memory and a second controller operating on data formatted in a second style different from said first style. The data stored in the dynamic addressable memory is formatted in the second style. A communication system interconnects the server station and each of the plurality of client data collection terminals.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, portable data devices can be coupled with a local area network at any of a multiplicity of points and integrated into the system. The preferred system is highly flexible and closely adaptable to changing needs of an individual user. For example, unitary multiple docking devices each receiving a plurality of hand-held computerized data terminals may be chained in a series to a single primary controller which may have a further LAN channel including an auxiliary unit which may supply charging power to a further series of multiple docking devices, added to the system as needed. A preferred auxiliary unit is capable of handling two-way communication without the provision of a direction control line in the channel. A preferred LAN system may have unitary printed circuit boards or other rigid network pathways provided with multiple docking receptacles. The control for the LAN system will automatically establish identities for randomly added devices.

Abstract: A hand-held optically readable information set reader includes a user supported information set reader for reading information sets at distances from the reader within a certain operative range. The reader includes a plurality of optically readable information set sensors that generate an output signal according to an image of an information set incident thereon. The information set image is captured and sent to a processor, and at least a portion of the output signal generated by information set sensors is stored in memory during a reading operation wherein a first portion of the output signal is assembled with a second portion of the output signal such that the information set is thereby read.

Abstract: A universal recharging and data communication apparatus for electrically and communicatively connecting a hand-held or portable data terminal with a data terminal docking unit comprises mating modules for electrical coupling and data or signal communication. The design of data terminals and docking stations is simplified and the need for a specialized or customized arrangement for the electrical and data communication interface is eliminated by providing the necessary electrical and data links together. In a preferred embodiment, the data communication is provided by a plurality of pins and mating contacts whereby a moveable housing protects the pins when a data terminal is not in the data terminal dock.

Abstract: A communication network having at least one access point supports wireless communication among a plurality of wireless roaming devices via a first and a second wireless channel. The access point comprises a first and a second transceiver. The first and second transceivers operate on the first and second wireless channels, respectively. Each of the plurality of wireless roaming devices are capable of communicating on the first and second wireless channel. In one embodiment, the first wireless channel is used to exchange data, while the second channel is used to manage such exchanges as well as access to the first channel. In an alternate embodiment, both channels are used to support communication flow, however the first channel supports a protocol that is more deterministic than that of the second channel. Allocation of ones of the plurality of wireless roaming devices from one channel to the next may occur per direction from the access point.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held data terminal of modular structure includes a base module with a keyboard and a display screen. A data collection and communications module includes a stacked arrangement of a communications interface main circuit board, a radio and a laser scanner assembly which are housed in a housing shell which is attachable to the base module. The radio is mounted in spaced relationship to one side of the main circuit board, while the laser scanner assembly is mounted to the other side of the main circuit board. A support frame and a plurality of ground planes in the sandwiched main circuit board and a routing circuit board form an RF cage for shielding RF interference which may be generated by the radio. Also disclosed is a method for reducing the operational power consumption requirements of laser bar code scanners by analyzing reflected laser light in order to determine the presence of optically readable information sets.

Abstract: A hierarchical communication system is described in which wireless local area networks (LANs) exhibiting substantially different characteristics are employed in an overall scheme to link portable or mobile computing devices. In a premises LAN, a series of radio base stations and a backbone LAN make up an infrastructure network. The infrastructure network and at least one mobile computing device make up a higher-power LAN, utilizing a frequency hopping protocol. A lower-power LAN allows for radio communication between a mobile computing device and peripheral devices, utilizing a single-frequency spread spectrum protocol. A vehicular LAN provides for short-range communication between a vehicle terminal and a portable terminal. When out of direct RF range of the premises LAN, the vehicle terminal maintains indirect communication when necessary with the premises LAN via one of several alternate RF channels.

Abstract: A data processing system (100) includes a data processor or CPU (102) having decompression circuitry (208, 212) and decryption circuitry (210, 214) that operates on compressed/encrypted data to produce decompressed and decrypted data. The data processing system includes memory (104) in which instructions and data are stored in a compressed (110) and/or encrypted (114) format. The CPU (102) retrieves the compressed/encrypted data over a system bus (106). A bus interface unit (200) within the CPU (102) receives the compressed/encrypted data, decompresses and decrypts the data and stores the data in cache memory (202). An execution unit (204) and other components within the CPU (102) retrieve the decompressed and decrypted data and operate upon it. Alternatively, upon retrieval of compressed/encrypted data from memory (104) the data is stored in cache memory (202) in its compressed/encrypted format.

Abstract: A data collection network supports roaming terminals which may enter and exit a sleep mode to conserve power. A plurality of base stations each periodically transmit pending message indications to those roaming data collection terminals in range. Instead of requiring the transceiver within each terminal to always be active, the receiver is activated in synchrony with the transmissions of pending message indications from at least one of the base stations. Otherwise, the terminal may deactivate the transceiver, i.e., place it in a sleep state. The terminal may also sleep through pluralities of transmissions of pending message indications, and, thereafter, awake in synchrony to receive subsequent pending message indications. To minimize noise, the terminal may operate using a lower frequency system clock when not collecting data. When collecting data, especially where processing time proves more critical, the system clock frequency is increased.

Abstract: A vehicle for transport, fork lift or delivery route operations, for example, includes on-board peripherals which are coupled through a Local Area Network (LAN) into a data system. A LAN data bus provides selective access to the peripherals or data devices such as, for example, a large area display, a keyboard, a printer and a data terminal. The data system controls or provides data on tasks executed by or in connection with the operation of the vehicle. To increase the versatility of the vehicle, the data terminal, multiple data terminals, or any of the other data devices may be removably coupled to the LAN to be operable externally of the vehicle. A mobile mount adapter provides a secure electrical connection of a respective data terminal to the LAN to removably incorporate the data terminal into the data system, and provide a common supply of both data and power to the data device.