Abstract: A data terminal includes a digital camera for capturing an image and data processing/storage/encoding means for processing the image information, together with an internal server for creating a web site at the terminal displaying the image. As a result high resolution image information is immediately accessible to authorised users and instantly recorded.

Abstract: The location of unmodified wireless assets in a wireless communication network may be identified using time differences of arrivals of a communication sequence at different network receivers. Time-stamping devices may include correlator circuits in parallel with signal decoders to time-stamp communication sequences. Cellular wireless networks may be frequency-multiplexed to increase spatial time-stamping density. Tags may be attached to passive assets to provide location identification information to network devices. Locations of assets broadcasting standard 802.11 radio frequency structures may be identified. Noise inherent in correlating a communication sequence may be reduced by using a selected correlation function.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for remotely calibrating data symbols received by a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag population are described. Tags are interrogated by a reader, which may be located in a network of readers. The reader transmits data symbols to the tags. Tags respond to the interrogations with symbols that each represent one or more bits of data. To calibrate the tags, the reader transmits a plurality of pulses of different lengths to the tag population. The tags receive the plurality of pulses. A characteristic of each pulse, such as a pulse length, is stored by the tags. The stored pulse lengths are used to define different data symbols that are subsequently received by the tags from the reader.

Abstract: Actuator systems are provided for automatically focusing an optical image reader. Techniques are also provided which are applicable to the design of imaging engines and imaging lens systems associated with image readers of various types. More specifically, the present invention relates to lens guidance assemblies and actuator systems for automatically focusing an objective lens associated with an imaging system of an optical image reader. The optical image reader is preferably an optical code image reader for imaging optical codes, such as bar codes.

Abstract: An optical code reader is provided including imaging circuitry having an array of photo sensing devices capable of sensing light incident on the array and outputting a plurality of pixel signals corresponding to the sensed light. The reader further includes control and logic circuitry for receiving a subset of the plurality of pixel signals, processing the received subset of the plurality of pixel signals for determining if the received pixel signals meet at least one predetermined condition, and outputting a selection control signal in accordance with the processing results. A focus analysis software module executable by the control and logic circuitry determines the focus quality of the received pixel signals. A selector control software module executable by the control and logic circuitry generates a selection control signal in accordance with the determined focus quality of the received pixel signals.

Abstract: Several optical systems for imaging engines of imaging optical code readers are disclosed. Each optical system includes the abilities to change the depth of field of the imaging field and to adjust a focus quality of the imaging field. The disclosed structures for changing the depth of field of the disclosed optical systems allow for the automatic or manual selection of one of a plurality of depths of field.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for a die frame, and for transferring integrated circuit dies therewith, is described. In one aspect for making a die frame, a wafer that comprises a plurality of dies is attached to a surface of a tape structure. A grid of grooves is formed in the wafer to separate the plurality of dies on the surface of the tape structure. A portion of the tape structure that is accessible through the grooves of the grid is caused to harden into a grid shaped structure. The grid shaped structure removably holds the plurality of dies. One or more dies of the plurality of dies can be moved from the grid shaped structure onto a target surface. In an alternative aspect, when the grid of grooves is formed in the wafer to separate the plurality of dies on the surface of the tape structure, the surface of the tape structure is breached in the grooves.

Abstract: An imaging and an illuminating engine is provided for an optical code reader to image and illuminate remote target indicia. The engine includes an image sensor for receiving reflected illumination from the remote indicia and at least two illumination assemblies for providing illumination of the remote indicia. Each illumination assembly is capable of providing a number of different outputs, such as light having different wavelengths or different output durations. A transmissive, optical element overlays the engine for preventing light generated by the at least two illumination assemblies from reflecting back towards the image sensor. The imaging engine is an integrated circuit package for easily inserted and interfacing within an optical code reader as a plug-and-play component.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the negotiation of a population of RFID tags with improved security is provided. In one aspect, tags are singulated without using information that directly identifies the tags in the tag population. A key is generated to identify each RFID tag of the population of RFID tags. The generated key does not include bits identifying an item with which the particular RFID tag is associated. An algorithm is operated to identify one or more tags in the population of RFIDs tags using the generated keys. In another aspect, frequency hopping and/or spread spectrum techniques are used to provide improved security while negotiating tags. In another aspect, the reader causes the tags to scroll series of bits back to the reader for each bit sent to the tags to provide improved security.

Abstract: A device, arrangement, and scanner are provided which are compact, reliable, and cost effective. The device is generally of the type in which a moving beam is scanned along a target object, and light reflected from the target object is detected and analyzed by the device. The device is preferably mirrorless. In addition, the device preferably lacks an integrated scanning component which imparts motion to the beam. In this regard, the device is provided with components for interacting with a separate adjacent scanning component, as well as a flexible connection device.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a communication port integral with a battery pack assembly is disclosed. The system provides a pathway between an external unit and a host unit via a printed circuit board of the battery pack. The battery pack can include communication ports mounted on the printed circuit board for interfacing with external units. The printed circuit board further includes a substrate(s) formed with a predetermined wiring pattern electrically and/or mechanically joined to the CPU of the host unit, as well as the battery cell(s).

Abstract: Described is a system and method for tracking an asset. The system may include an RF tag coupled to the asset; a wireless wide area network (“WWAN”) including a plurality of transceivers and having a first coverage area; and a plurality of wireless local area networks (“WLAN”). Each of the WLANs has a second coverage area within the first coverage area. In addition, the system includes a computer which communicates with the WWAN and the WLANs. The computer generates a signal to be transmitted to the asset using a first transceiver of the WWAN. The asset receives the signal and generates a response signal; the asset transmits the response signal to a particular WLAN within which second coverage area the asset is located via a plurality of second transceivers. The computer determines the location of the asset within the second coverage area as a function of the response signal.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for communicating with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag population that includes one or more tags are described. The tags are interrogated by a reader which may be located in a network of readers. The reader interrogates the tags by transmitting data symbols to the tags. Tags respond to the reader with backscatter symbols. Bit patterns, such as identification numbers stored in the tags, are collected from the plurality of tags without collisions. Collisions are avoided because the backscatter symbols transmitted by the tags use different characteristics to represent different data bits. For example, a first backscatter symbol frequency is used by the tag to represent a “0” bit, and a second backscatter symbol frequency is used by the tag to represent a “1” bit.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for interrogating a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag population are described. Tags are interrogated by a reader. The reader and tags engage in communication according to communications algorithms, where data symbols are exchanged between the reader and tags. Furthermore, a reader implicitly controls the operating state of every tag in the tag population by transmitting a single data symbol. Bit patterns may be collected from the tags by the reader, using a variety of interrogation techniques. In a general interrogation, the reader exchanges symbols with the tag population to interrogate the entire tag population. In a specific interrogation, a reader exchanges symbols with the tag population to target a particular tag identification number. Tags may also be placed in a superposition state by the reader, where they respond whenever a received data symbol matches the next bit of their identification number.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies are provided for improving dynamics of striking a key on a keypad during operation thereof, by shifting contours (e.g., slope of a key's surface plane) on surface of a key, based on location of that key on the keypad, and a manner (e.g., the finger used) the key is being stroked. Accordingly, the subject invention can employ varying surface contours to optimize contact between a user's finger and the key at any point depending on predetermined geometric locus for the movement of a user's hand and/or fingers when employing the keypad. A wave key and a pillowed key arrangement are disclosed according to exemplary aspects of the invention. Moreover, a raised protrusion (“ski jump feature”) can be provided around edges of keypad to enhance grip capabilities for the key pad and/or the host device.

Abstract: Described is a circuit assembly including a circuit board including a connector, a card connectable to the connector and an apparatus securing the card to the connector, wherein the apparatus includes a front portion in substantially close contact with the card and a back portion in substantially close contact with the card, the apparatus being coupled to the circuit board.

Abstract: External lighting on a data collection terminal provides additional illumination in which to capture an image of an optical code to be electro-optically read by the terminal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a scan pattern to a two dimensional bar code having parallel rows of codewords. The two dimensional bar code is scanned with a scanning pattern oriented such that a plurality of lines thereof cross the bar code rows. A determination if there is a non-zero angle between at least one of the plurality of lines and the rows by decoding codewords in rows intersected by the at least one line is made and the orientation of the scanning pattern is adjusted to reduce the absolute value of the angle.