Abstract: A method for producing an ink-spread compensated variant of an existing optical code encodation scheme, wherein the existing encodation scheme has printed areas and spaces having a length in at least one dimension being a function of a given unit length for encoding information. In the method, the pattern of printed areas and spaces for a given data input is determined and a given length is added to the length of each space while the length of the printed areas remains unchanged to enlarge the overall length of the resulting code symbol in the at least one dimension.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a consumer interactive shopping and marketing system. The system includes a portable data terminal for communicating information over a communication network. The present system has aspects that may be used within a shopping establishment or at a user's home.

Abstract: An apparatus that prevents tampering into an electrical device container in which a power circuit is at least partially enclosed includes a housing having an end that is adapted to be coupled to the container, an electrical switch secured within the housing and adapted to be coupled to the power circuit, and a skirt substantially covering the housing and the electrical switch, and having a pliable shoulder portion that defines an opening through which the housing end extends. The shoulder portion is formed from a rubber material in an exemplary embodiment.

Abstract: A method of inventory management is described. Upon activation of a button on a wireless device, the wireless device having a light source and a transceiver with a unique media address corresponding to a unique product, the device broadcasts a first signal including an order command and the unique media address by the transceiver via a wireless medium. A central controller then receives the first signal, identifies the unique media address included in the first signal, and using a database, identifies the unique product associated with the unique media address.

Abstract: A semiconductor device for imaging optical code symbols comprises no more than 1024 pixels, wherein each of the pixels has an aspect ratio that is greater than 2 to 1 with a short dimension not greater than 4 ?m and not less than 2 ?m, wherein preferably the pixels are arranged in a single row. The semiconductor may have a collection surface configured as a set of no less than 256 and no more than 1024 pixels. Also provided is a bar code reader including a sensor for imaging a field of view of the reader comprising a single semiconductor device as described above.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an adapter unit for a personal digital assistant. More specifically, this invention relates to an adapter unit that has a handle grip. The adapter unit provides additional functionality, and improved ergonomics and increased ruggedness to the personal digital assistant.

Abstract: A method for producing an ink-spread compensated variant of an existing optical code encodation scheme, wherein the existing encodation scheme has printed areas and spaces having a length in at least one dimension being a function of a given unit length for encoding information. In the method, the pattern of printed areas and spaces for a given data input is determined and a given length is added to the length of each space while the length of the printed areas remains unchanged to enlarge the overall length of the resulting code symbol in the at least one dimension.

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: An arrangement for and method of projecting an image on a viewing surface include sweeping a light beam along a plurality of scan lines that extend over the viewing surface, and selectively illuminating parts of the image at selected positions of the light beam on the scan lines. The viewing surface can be remote from a housing supporting the arrangement, or can be located on the housing.

Abstract: Imaging optical code readers and imaging systems are disclosed for measuring or deriving physical parameters of objects in a field of view such as object dimensions and weights. A projected pattern and weight responsive platform maybe used in such measurements.

Abstract: In a computer system including a central processing unit and a transducer for providing data input to the system from a source having controllable operational features and parameters for adjusting characteristics of the data independently of the source and where the system's operating system manages data requests from an application program with one or more data entry fields and associated data entry criteria, a method for responding to a data request by the application program includes tagging the input data with an input source identification; packaging the data and the input source identification as a data module, the data module being associated with a predetermined data entry field in the application software; transferring the data module from the transducer to the application via the operating system; and associating the data module to one or more predetermined data entry fields of the application software based on the input source identification and the associated data entry criteria.

Abstract: In a bar code reader, a bi-directional motor drive circuit affirmatively drives a scanning element in opposite directions to sweep a light beam across a target over a scan angle which is maintained substantially constant by a feedback circuit.

Abstract: Described is a battery holding portion integrated into a mobile device and a method for its manufacturing. In particular, the battery holding portion may include a battery having an anode and/or a cathode formed in a shape corresponding to a shape of an outer surface of the battery holding portion and a connector connecting the battery to the circuitry of the mobile unit. In addition, the battery holding portion may include a protective material coating a portion of the anode and/or the cathode and a covering material coating the protective material to form an outer surface of the battery holding portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an adapter unit for a personal digital assistant. More specifically, this invention relates to an adapter unit that provides additional functionality, and improved ergonomics and increased ruggedness to the personal digital assistant.

Abstract: An optical collector collects relatively more of the off-axis light directed to a detector, and collects relatively less of the on-axis light directed to the detector, in order to decrease the variation in the amplitude of the electrical signal generated by the detector over a scan of target such as a bar code symbol in order to improve the performance of a bar code symbol reader.

Abstract: A method and system for assembling a keypad or a keypad module to a processing portion of an electronic device is described. The keypad module is a sealed unit connectable to the pre assembled processing portion through a common interface. The keypad module includes a bezel substrate that has a locally thin region where an accessory can be placed. For example, a speaker may be included in the keypad module. The keypad module itself may be its own an electro-mechanical entity.

Abstract: A hand-held bar code reader including a housing bounding an interior, a window, a generally planar printed circuit board mounted in the interior, and an optical scanning assembly mounted on the board and including a scanner for directing a light beam through the window at an acute angle relative to the board. A scanning element of the reader is manufactured by spacing a first and second support element apart by a gap bounded by edges of the support elements; injection molding a curable, elastomeric material in flowable form over the edges and into the gap; and allowing the curable, elastomeric material to cure and bond to the edges, and form a flexible hinge in the gap for enabling movement of the support elements relative to one another both away from and toward a stable rest initial position.

Abstract: A logical relationship is established among peripherals in a wireless local area network managed by a system manager. A readable identifier is associated with each peripheral. A reader for reading the identifiers is respectively associated with selected peripherals during a set-up mode of system operation. A transceiver is in wireless communication with the system manager for identifying the reader and the selected peripherals to advise the system manager of the establishment of the logical relationship.

Abstract: An improved optical system for scanning optical codes is disclosed. A laser beam produced thereby is a diverging, nearly diffraction free beam and may be used to produce an elongated scanning spot. A laser assembly which may be used to produce such beams and spots, combines various optical functions in structures which are relatively insensitive to temperature change.

Abstract: A portable data collection device has a display; manual data entry circuitry; a processor for receiving entered data and for controlling the display; a first wireless communication circuit for receiving data using a first protocol over short range from at least one data transmitting unit and a second wireless communication circuit using a second protocol for transmitting and receiving data over a long range from a host.