Abstract: Barcode fragments of a barcode symbol to be read by an imaging-based presentation workstation are stitched together by capturing a plurality of images, each containing a barcode fragment and a plurality of features located adjacent to the barcode fragment. The features in each captured image are detected and matched. The barcode fragments are stitched together based on the matched features in the captured images. The barcode symbol is read from the stitched barcode fragments.

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 workstation processes a product by imaging an indicium associated with the product in a transaction, and images a sheet-like target associated with the transaction. A window is supported in a window plane in contact with the target during target imaging. An imaging assembly captures light from the indicia during product processing, and from the target during target imaging, over a plurality of fields of view extending along different directions through the window. Each field bounds an area in the window plane that is smaller than the entire target. At least one pair of the fields partially overlaps each other in the window plane. The fields overlap contiguous portions of the target during target imaging. The light from the contiguous portions is captured by the imaging assembly as a plurality of target images. A controller compiles the target images into a single output image indicative of the target.

Abstract: A device may include a memory for storing a set of instructions associated with at least one of an orientation and a position of the device. The device may also include a near field communication (NFC) transceiver for pairing the device with a second device. A processor in the device determines that the device is paired with the second device via the NFC transceiver; determines at least one of the orientation and the position of the device; and executes the set of instructions associated with at least one of the determined orientation and position of the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided by which a mobile device performs power management functions. According to some embodiments, a controller detects a pattern of push events on at least a button of the mobile device and determines whether the detected pattern matches the stored pattern or not. The controller upon detecting that the detected pattern matches the stored patterns, transmits a signal to a processor of the mobile device to perform a predetermined power management function on the mobile device when the detected pattern matches the stored pattern wherein the predetermined function is associated with the stored pattern.

Abstract: An imaging scanner includes an aiming light source configured to emit visible light through both the shape defining element and the aiming lens arrangement to generate an aiming pattern on a target object. The shape of the aiming pattern changes with the distance between the target object and the imaging scanner. For determining the distance, the shape of the aiming pattern in a pixel data is compared with the expected shape of aiming patterns at multiple distances.

Abstract: Objects associated with targets to be read by image capture are detected without any additional hardware in an imaging module. Return light is captured over a field of view of the module. Images are processed, during an object detection mode, to determine their image brightness from the captured return light. Illumination is emitted from an illumination light assembly at a first power level to determine a first image brightness from a first processed image, and at a different, reduced, second power level to determine a second image brightness from a second processed image. An object is determined to be in the field of view when a difference between the first image brightness and the second image brightness equals or exceeds a detection threshold value.

Abstract: Targets to be read by image capture are illuminated and imaged over an extended range of working distances. A near imager captures return light over a relatively wide imaging field of view from a target located in a close-in region of the range. A far imager captures return light over a relatively narrow imaging field of view from a target located in a far-out region of the range. A single illuminating light assembly is shared by both the near and far imagers. An illumination light source emits illumination light, and an illuminating lens assembly optically modifies the emitted illumination light, and simultaneously illuminates a wide illumination field to illuminate the target located in the close-in region of the range, and a narrow illumination field to illuminate the target located in the far-out region of the range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a variable data capture process at a data capture device comprising a data capture module and a trigger mechanism is provided. In operation, the data capture device detects an initial activation of the trigger mechanism. In response to the activation, data capture is initiated at the data capture module. A continued activation of the trigger mechanism subsequent to the initial activation is also detected. Following the detection of the continued activation of the trigger mechanism, the device identifies an obtained gesture and performs a data capture operation based on the identified gesture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for activating a trigger mechanism at a data capture device having a touch display, and a data capture module is provided. In operation, a first region associated with a first application and an input region is provided on the touch display. An input is received at the device, including at least a touch sensor input from the touch display. Based on the input, an obtained input pattern may be identified. The identified input pattern may include at least one of a spatial pattern, a temporal pattern, a touch size and a hard-tap. When the identifying is successful, either an input may be provided to the first application or the trigger mechanism may be activated to initiate a data capture at the data capture module. Alternatively, when the identifying is successful, an operation associated with the first application may be performed or a mode of operation of the data capture device may be changed to a second mode.

Abstract: A method for controlling an alternative motion-based user interface in a device comprising a projector is provided. The method comprises receiving, at the device, an input comprising an instruction to switch from a previous user interface to the alternative user interface. The device then generates an image containing a plurality of selectable elements and a pointing element, and projects the image on a surface with the projector. The device detects a movement of the device, and updates the image to stabilize the plurality of selectable elements against the detected movement and to track the detected movement with the pointing element. The device projects the updated image on the surface, and selects one of the selectable elements based on a motion vector of the pointing element relative to the selectable elements. The device performs an action corresponding to the selected one of the selectable elements.

Abstract: A workstation includes a proximity system having multiple object sensors each associated with an object field of view for detecting a target object outside the housing. Each object sensor includes an IR emitter for emitting IR light into an IR emission field and an IR sensor for sensing returned IR light within an IR detection field that intersects the IR emission field. The workstation also includes a controller is operatively connected to the proximity system for activating each one of the multiple object sensors sequentially.

Abstract: A method of decoding a barcode includes determining number of barcode candidates in the image captured and processing the image captured in accordance with the number of barcode candidates found. If the number of barcode candidates is one, the image captured is processed to decode the only one barcode candidate in the image captured. If the number of barcode candidates is larger than one, the image captured is processed to find a barcode candidate that overlays with an aiming location between a first location and a second location on a scan line and to decode the barcode candidate that is found that overlays with the aiming location.

Abstract: An imaging scanner includes an illumination light source and a hybrid illumination lens. The hybrid illumination lens includes a first Fresnel surface facing the illumination light source and a second surface having a microlens array thereon. The first Fresnel surface is configured to direct light received from the illumination light source towards the second surface to generate illumination light towards a target object through the microlens array on the second surface.

Abstract: A reader antenna for a radio frequency (RF) identification (RFID) reader operative for scanning RFID item tags that are oriented at different orientations and that are associated with items contained in a controlled area, includes a pair of mutually orthogonal dipoles for radiating electromagnetic waves with mutually orthogonal polarizations, an electrically energizable RF switch for switching between the dipoles, and an RFID antenna tag mounted adjacent the dipoles, and operative for receiving the radiated wave from either dipole, for locally generating electrical power to supply power to the RF switch, and for energizing the RF switch to switch between the dipoles.

Abstract: A technique for the detection of an unauthorized wireless communication device includes monitoring of Bluetooth® communications activity by a Bluetooth® capable communication device. Any monitored communication activity is analyzed against parameters that are predefined to detect suspected illegal activity. If illegal activity is suspected by the analysis, an alert is generated for a system administrator. The predefined parameters associate illegal activity with; data that includes credit card numbers and expiration dates, credit card transaction logging information, non-discoverable devices, activity after store hours, exceedingly long activity, etc.

Abstract: A method of decoding one or more barcodes on a target object with an imaging scanner is described. The imaging scanner comprises an image sensor and a dynamic linear polarizer. The method includes the following: (1) capturing at least one image of the target object through the dynamic linear polarizer with the imaging sensor while the dynamic linear polarizer is set to a different defined polarization during each of N time periods; and (2) processing at least N images of the target object to decode the one or more barcodes on the target object. At least one image that is captured during each of the N time periods. Here, N is an integer that can be three, four, five, six, or other natural numbers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a haptic feedback to a rotary knob is provided herein. During operation the rotary knob will be rotated, causing a display to cycle through menu items. A haptic feedback is provided to the rotary knob in order to identify a border (transition) between menu items. During operation a different haptic effect may be provided to different borders in order to distinguish between menu items. In addition, an angle of rotation for a particular menu is allowed to vary prior to a border being encountered. Because both the haptic effect and the angle of rotation for the rotary knob is allowed to vary, a user may be able to easily identify transitions to various menu items.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying an edge of a target object using laser distance measurement. The method comprises rotating a laser distance measuring head in intervals of a predetermined angle in a first direction. Further, at each step of rotation, directing a scan beam onto the target object at a point of incidence and measuring a distance between the laser distance measuring head and the point of incidence. When a difference between a measured distance at a first step of rotation and a measured distance at a second step of rotation exceeds beyond a predetermined threshold value, identifying, that an edge of the target object has occurred at the point of incidence of the scan beam corresponding to the second step of rotation, wherein the second step of rotation precedes the first step of rotation.

Abstract: A heater management system provides heat to heated zones of a mobile unit. For each heated zone, the heater management system includes a heater driver and a sensor. The heater driver is controlled by a unique control channel that is configured to heat the heated zone. The sensor senses environmental data external and internal to the heated zone. The heater management system includes a memory storing a heater driver prioritization database. The heater management system includes a heater control logic unit programmed to receive periodic reports from each of the sensors, prioritize the heated zones by utilizing the heater driver database as a function of the periodic reports, and determine power to be provided to each of the heater drivers based on the prioritizing operation and a predetermined global power limitation.