Abstract: A method, a system, and a server provide context aware multiple-input-multiple-output MIMO antenna systems and methods. Specifically, the systems and methods provide, in a multiple MIMO antenna or node system, techniques of antenna/beam selection, calibration, and periodic refresh, based on environmental and mission context. The systems and methods can define a context vector as built by cooperative use of the nodes on the backhaul to direct antennas for the best user experience as well as mechanisms using the context vector in a 3D employment to point the antennas in a cooperative basis therebetween. The systems and methods utilize sensors in the nodes to provide tailored context sensing versus motion sensing, in conjunction with BER (Bit Error Rate) measurements on test signals to position an antenna beam from a selection of several “independent” antenna subsystems operating within a single node, as well as, that of its optically connected neighbor.

Abstract: A method includes transmitting from at least one of the imaging sensors to a controller a short frame data that is collected by the at least one of the imaging sensors when the illumination source is activated to provide the illumination light toward the target object with a first illumination level. The method further includes transmitting subsequently from the at least one of the imaging sensors to the controller a regular frame data that is collected by the at least one of the imaging sensors when the illumination source is activated to provide the illumination light toward the target object with a second illumination level that is determined based upon the short frame data. The size of the regular frame data being at least 50 times larger than the size of the short frame data.

Abstract: A method of decoding a Direct Part Marking (DPM) indicia. The method includes: (1) generating a polarized illumination light; (2) illuminating the DPM indicia with the polarized illumination; (3) detecting light scattered from the DPM indicia through a linear polarizer with an imaging sensor while the DPM indicia is illuminated by the polarized illumination to capture an image of the DPM indicia though an imaging lens while preventing at least 80% of onetime scattered light caused by the target object from entering the imaging lens; and (4) processing the image of the DPM indicia to decode the DPM indicia.

Abstract: A bi-optical, dual window, point-of-transaction workstation images indicia associated with multi-sided products over a full coverage scan zone by splitting each field of view of only two imagers into three subfields that pass through each window and fill the scan zone and minimize dead areas therein. Twisting of the subfields relative to the windows is minimized so that the subfields fit fully with minimal clipping through each window. Splitting of each field of view is remotely performed well away from each imager. The imagers have lens assemblies of substantially the same optical power and are spaced from their respective windows by substantially the same distance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting electronic components on an antenna structure includes at least one conductive antenna element 102, an insulating layer 106 disposed on the antenna element 102, at least one electronic component 108 disposed on the insulating layer 106, and at least one electrical trace 110 disposed on the insulating layer 106 and connecting to the at least one electronic component 108. The trace follows contours of the antenna structure, such that the trace and component are electrically isolated from the antenna element.

Abstract: A method determines an operating mode for a first communications device to communicatively connect to a second communications device. The method includes transmitting, by a first communications device to a wireless services manager arrangement (WSMA), contact identification data associated with a second communications device. The method includes determining, by the WSMA, association data as a function of the contact identification data and a contact identification database. The method includes determining, by the WSMA, one of a plurality of operating modes for the first communications device as a function of the association data. The method includes communicatively connecting the first communications device with the second communications device utilizing the determined operating mode.

Abstract: Indicia are imaged at a workstation having windows arranged in intersecting planes. The workstation also has solid-state imagers with fields of view that are split into intersecting subfields that look out through the windows, as well as illumination assemblies each having multiple light sources that illuminate each subfield with illumination light over an illumination field that overlaps a respective subfield. Light-modifying elements, such as lenses or baffles that are radially offset from the multiple light sources, condition the illumination light from the multiple light sources to be generally uniform in light intensity over at least one illuminated subfield.

Abstract: A transparent force sensor for use in touch panel displays (touch screens) and method for fabricating the same are disclosed. The transparent force sensor is capable of detecting touch by measuring local pressure applied by a touch input to a display area of the touch screen.

Abstract: A reader for electro-optically reading a target in the presence of ambient light to be suppressed, includes a laser for emitting a laser beam, a scan component for scanning the laser beam across the target, a photodetector for detecting return laser light from the target to generate an information signal bearing information related to the target, and for concomitantly detecting the ambient light to generate an ambient light signal, and signal processing circuitry for measuring the ambient light signal, for processing both the information signal and the ambient light signal in one mode of operation when the measured ambient light signal is below a threshold, and for suppressing the ambient light signal and for processing only the information signal in another mode of operation when the measured ambient light signal at least equals the threshold.

Abstract: A checkout system includes a workstation having a data capture arrangement for capturing through a horizontal window a target associated with a product to identify the product being checked out at the workstation, and a scale for weighing the product at the workstation. The scale has a scale mechanism, and a weighing platter on which the product is placed for weighing. The weighing platter is integrated with the horizontal window and overlies the scale mechanism. The weighing platter projects past the scale mechanism and has a front end that overhangs the scale mechanism. Non-threaded, interlocking connectors, which are provided on the weighing platter and the scale mechanism, prevent the weighing platter from tipping if a force is exerted on the front end of the weighing platter. The weighing platter is mounted on, and removed from, the scale mechanism without the aid of tools.

Abstract: A reader for electro-optically reading a target in the presence of ambient light, includes a scan component for scanning a laser beam across the target, a first filter for passing return laser light from the target and the ambient light to a first photodetector system for generating a first output signal constituted of an information signal and a first ambient light signal, a second filter for passing the ambient light to a second photodetector system for generating a second output signal constituted of a second ambient light signal, and signal processing circuitry for measuring a difference between the first and second ambient light signals, for equalizing the first and second ambient light signals when the difference exceeds a threshold, and for subtracting the second output signal from the first output signal to obtain a receiver output signal substantially constituted only of the information signal.

Abstract: Defining a radio frequency identification read area includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader operable to read RFID tags within a specified read area. An RFID transmitter is coupled with the RFID reader and is operable to radiating a modulated carrier in an area adjacent to the specified read area. The RFID reader controls the RFID transmitter to transmit the modulated carrier during a preamble transmission of the RFID reader to prevent any RFID tags in the adjacent area from recognizing an interrogation signal from the RFID reader.

Abstract: An imaging system for electro-optically reading a symbol located within a range of working distances from the system, utilizes a solid-state imager for capturing return light from the symbol and for generating an electrical signal indicative of the captured return light, and a controller for decoding the electrical signal into data indicative of the symbol A memory stores a known set of values for a plurality of optical characteristics of the symbol, such as size and contrast characteristics of the symbol when the symbol lies in a restricted zone within the range of working distances. The controller is operative, after the symbol has been successfully decoded, for processing the size and contrast characteristics of the decoded symbol, and for determining that the decoded symbol has been successfully read within the restricted zone when each size and contrast characteristic lies within the known set of values stored by the memory.

Abstract: A system and method for orientation of an ultrasonic signal includes at least two emitters in a mobile device that includes an orientation sensor that can determine a device orientation. A receiver at a fixed, known point includes at least two microphones operable to receive an ultrasonic signal from the device. The mobile device can drive the emitters to produce an ultrasonic signal that is oriented towards the receiver. A location engine can establish a location of the mobile device using the time delay of arrival of an ultrasonic burst from the mobile device impinging on each microphone of the receiver. In response to the location and/or the orientation, the mobile device operable to drive the emitters to produce a signal that is oriented towards the receiver.

Abstract: A method and system for an access point assisted active roam scanning includes first and second access points, a switch and a client device. The switch communicates with the first and second access points that operate in a communication network, each access point having a respective operating area. The client device, within the first operating area, includes a wireless transceiver broadcasting first and second probe requests to the first and second access points, respectively, the second probe request being broadcast without receiving a probe response to the first probe request. The first and second access points generate first and second probe responses in response to receiving the first and second probe requests. The switch receives the first and second probe responses and generates a consolidated probe response as a function of the first and second probe responses.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a display device that is at least semi-transparent. The electronic device includes a housing with a first coupling component, a data acquisition device configured to capture first data within a first field of view (FOV), and the display device. The display device includes a viewable portion that is semi-transparent and configured to display second data. The display device includes a second coupling component disposed at least partially on the viewable portion and coupling with the first coupling component to couple the display device to the housing. When the first and second coupling components are coupled, the display device is positioned in such a manner that a second FOV viewed through the viewable portion is viewable by a user. The first FOV of the data acquisition device is within at least a portion of the second FOV of the viewable portion.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a diffusive plate that is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of an imaging lens arrangement and covers a side face of a solid rectangular defining a volume space within which parts of a scan engine are deposited. The parts of the scan engine including at least the illumination light source, the imaging lens arrangement, an imaging sensor, and a controller for controlling both the illumination light source and the imaging sensor. The diffusive plate includes a first opening to allow light enter the imaging lens arrangement through the first opening. The area enclosed by the boundary of the diffusive plate substantially equal to the area of the side face of the solid rectangular.

Abstract: A method for controlling a workstation includes the following: (1) energizing a first illuminator to illuminate a first subfield of view with a first illumination pulse and subsequently energizing the first illuminator to illuminate the first subfield of view with a second illumination pulse; (2) exposing the array of photosensitive elements in the imaging sensor for a first sensor-exposure time and subsequently exposing the array of photosensitive elements in the imaging sensor for a second sensor-exposure time; and (3) processing an image captured by the imaging sensor to decode a barcode in the image. The first illumination pulse overlaps with the first sensor-exposure time for a first overlapped-pulse-duration, and the second illumination pulse overlaps with the second sensor-exposure time for a second overlapped-pulse-duration. The first overlapped-pulse-duration is different from the second overlapped-pulse-duration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving reception of responsive RFID signals is provided. The method includes transmitting a plurality of interrogation signals each having a different polarization to activate one or more RFID tags. Responsive signals from the RFID tags are analyzed for receive symbol quality data to select a transmit polarization subset. These polarizations are then used for transmitting further interrogation signals to the RFID tags. The apparatus includes a dual element orthogonal radiator coupled to a transmitter and receiver. A processor controls the transmitter and receiver to transmit a series of RFID interrogation signals each having a different polarization, and receive a series of responsive signals from one or more RFID tags. The responsive signals are analyzed to select a particular a transmit polarization subset that will improve reception of future responsive signals from the RFID tags.