Abstract: An optical scan module, for example for an optical scanner, includes an integrally molded plastics material member which defines not only the laser focusing lens, but also the laser focusing aperture and the collection mirror. In addition, the molded member may act to house and to locate both a semiconductor laser and a photodetector, thereby ensuring easy and accurate placement of those elements within the scanning assembly. The optical assembly may be in modular form, mounted onto a common printed circuit board with a beam scanner.

Abstract: Optical image readers have a two-dimensional image sensor and an auto-discrimination function. The auto-discrimination function identifies optical codes by type for pixel clusters and, in some cases, tilt angle and start/stop coordinates. The clustered pixel data is passed to an appropriate decoder identified by the auto-discrimination function based upon a likelihood that the cluster contains an optical code of a particular type. Line drawing technique provide for adequate sampling of the clustered pixel data code based on the tilt angle of the code relative to an image sensor array.

Abstract: A portable data device system includes a portable data device and a cradle for receiving the portable data device. The cradle is arranged to recharge the portable data device power supply and/or upload or download information to and from the portable data device. The cradle and portable data device are in wireless communication allowing a minimum of processing and data storage capability at the front end and hence operation of the portable data device as a thin client.

Abstract: A wireless local area network that carries mixed traffic of voice and data communications may be provided. The wireless local area network may include an access point and a plurality of remote terminals that are associated with the access point. The access point may be operably coupled to a wireline network. The access point may receive voice and other communications packets from the remote terminals and the wireline network. Some of the packets may be for transmission to the remote terminals. The access point manages which packets to transmit and when to transmit packets. The access point may manage traffic to maintain a fair distribution of packets and to give priority to voice communications over other communications.

Abstract: A system for storing articles having different descriptions in an enclosure and providing the enclosure with an wireless interrogatable unit having stored indications of the descriptions of the stored articles. The system further contemplates interrogating the enclosure's wireless interrogatable unit to determine the enclosure content.

Abstract: A scanning device for reading indicia of differing light reflectivity, including bar code or matrix array symbols, has a single light emitter, such as a laser or light emitting diode, for generating a scanning light beam to visually illuminate sequential portions of the indicia. A sensor, such as a charge coupled or other solid state imaging device, simultaneously detects light reflected from portions of the indicia and generates an electrical signal representative of the spacial intensity variations the portions of the indicia. The scanning device may also include an ambient light sensor, and a second light emitter for use only in aiming or orienting the scanning device. A photodetector may also be provided to separately detect one symbol virtually simultaneous with the detection of another symbol by the sensor or to provide dual modalities. A method for reading indicia is also provided.

Abstract: A hand-held data acquisition terminal includes an ovoid electronic housing having an optical scanning device at one end with respect to a major axis and a handle extending outwardly from the opposite end with respect to the major axis. The electronic housing includes an upwardly facing display and operator controls which can be activated by the thumb of a user holding the terminal by the handle. A compact assembly of electronic components is provided. A cradle is provided having a concave cylindrical surface and a pocket for receiving the handle of the terminal. An accessory is also described for mounting the terminal to a shopping cart.

Abstract: A multiple working range scanner includes a collection mirror which is segmented, with each segment having differing optical properties, such as focal length, optical axis, and so on. Differing segments or combinations of segments deal with reflected light received at differing working ranges, and direct it to a photodetector. In another embodiment, beam shaping may be applied to an astigmatic laser beam, for example by means of a part-concave mirror, to create an x waist in the beam which is further from the scanner than the y waist. This provides enhanced performance when the scanner is used on a bar code symbol which is not accurately aligned. In order to provide improved optical alignment within a bar code scanner, the collection mirror may be adjustable both in the x direction and in the y direction.

Abstract: A high speed non-contact beam scanning device sized and shaped to provide the ergonomic benefits of a pen or wand, yet can scan a wide angle moving beam across an information-bearing target in one or two dimensional scan patterns such as lines, rasters or other patterns in order to read information therefrom. The device is well suited for reading one or two dimensional bar-code or other printed matter. In order to achieve the high density optical packaging necessary for its high performance to size benefits the device employs a novel in-line or “axial” gyrating, or “axial” scan element. The axial scan element can accept an input light beam at one end and cause it to emerge from its opposite end as a scanned beam, propagating in the same general forward direction it had upon entering the element. Reflected light, which carries information contained on the target, is collected by an internal non-imaging light collector and is processed by signal processing electronics.

Abstract: A multiple working range scanner includes a collection mirror which is segmented, with each segment having differing optical properties, such as focal length, optical axis, and so on. Differing segments or combinations of segments deal with reflected light received at differing working ranges, and direct it to a photodetector. In another embodiment, beam shaping may be applied to an astigmatic laser beam, for example by means of a part-concave mirror, to create an x waist in the beam which is further from the scanner than the y waist. This provides enhanced performance when the scanner is used on a bar code symbol which is not accurately aligned. In order to provide improved optical alignment within a bar code scanner, the collection mirror may be adjustable both in the x direction and in the y direction.

Abstract: A differential ring oscillator is provided with three differential amplifiers and provides three-phase output signals which can be used for synchronous detection of a received multi-phase modulated signal in a multi-phase receiver, wherein the phase of the local oscillator signals may be in other-than-quadrature relation. Two of the phase outputs of the local oscillator can be combined to provide a signal that is in quadrature with the remaining output. The oscillator is preferably controlled in coarse frequency control steps and using a fine voltage control signal responsive to a phase-locked loop to reduce frequency modulation of the oscillator signal arising out of leakage signals.

Abstract: A system and method for reading a two-dimensional image, and for comparing the two-dimensional image to stored data representative of a known image. The optical scanning device comprises a sensor for capturing the two-dimensional image, which sensor includes an LED array for projecting an emitted light towards the two-dimensional image. The sensor also includes a lens disposed forward of the LED array for focussing the emitted light and thereby framing the two-dimensional image. The sensor further includes an optical assembly for focussing an ambient light reflected from the framed two-dimensional image. And the sensor includes a CMOS (or CCD) detector for detecting the focussed ambient light, the CMOS detector including a photodiode array for sensing the focussed ambient light and a processor for processing the ambient light to obtain an electrical image signal. The optical scanning device also compresses the electrical image signal.

Abstract: A device for providing angular displacement of an axis in a direction selected from the X or Y direction or rotational movement about the Z direction with respect to the axis. The device comprises a magnetic core element which produces a magnetic field and defines a Z axis. The core element is capable of displacement in the X and Y directions respectively, and also rotational movement about the Z axis. A coil device proximate the core element introduces a distortion force in the core element in at least one of the X and Y directions or about the Z axis as desired a mounting device suspends the core element with respect to the coil means to permit relative movement therebetween in response to the distortion force.

Abstract: An optical scanning system for reading indicia of differing light reflectivity has an optical scan module which is adapted to be mounted on a finger of a user. A first peripheral module, preferably in the form of a wrist watch, has a receiver which detects the reflected light. A second peripheral module, mounted on the other arm of the user, communicates with the first module by radio frequency transmission. According to other aspects of the invention, the light detector may be mounted in a housing which is separate and part from the optical scan module. According to another aspect, a laser pointer or scanner is mounted to a ring which is arranged to be worn on a single finger of the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a data processing and retrieval system for use in a self-checkout system utilized in a retail facility. A plurality of customers are provided with a portable data collecting terminal having a bar code reader. Once the data is collected using the portable terminal, a record of the session is uploaded to a customer's data file upon the entry of an authorization code. In the event errors occur during data entry or in the entry of the authorization codes, a customer service desk is provided which assists the customer in completing the transaction.

Abstract: A miniaturized electro-optical, retro-reflective scanning module. The module has a base, a first circuit board, and a second circuit board mounted substantially orthogonal to the first circuit board. The base supports a light emitter for producing a scanning beam and optical elements for directing and collecting light energy. The emitted beam reflects off a fold mirror onto a reflector mounted on a drive for oscillation. The oscillating reflector, in turn, redirects the beam onto an indicia being read. The reflected light is reflected off the oscillating reflector and directed to the collection mirror before reaching a detector. The detector included in the module senses light reflected from an indicia scanned by the beam. The reflector is driven by an electro-magnetiz driven system, including a flexure and an actuation arm.

Abstract: A computer-assisted shopping system includes a self-service scanning station, a multiplexing tendering station, and associated methods of serving customers at a retail establishment. One of the methods of customer service of the present invention allows a shopping establishment to offer a self-scanning shopping option to customers who are unable or unwilling to obtain a personal identification card, which is required with the prior art self-scanning shopping systems. A self-service scanning station is provided that includes a bar-code scanner, preferably permanently mounted or tethered to the self-service scanning station, a processor, optionally connected by a network to a central computer of the shopping establishment, and a printer for printing itemized receipts of items to be purchased. A customer who does not have a personal identification card may bring the purchases to the self-service shopping station, scan the purchases and obtain an itemized receipt of items to be purchased.