Abstract: A miniature imager for reading target images. The optical and electrical systems of the miniature imager are optimized to reduce one or more dimensions or the volume of the imager. In accordance with one embodiment the pixel pitch and focal length are decreased for that of a larger imager to maintain a comparable field of view for each pixel. The decreased pixel pitch allows the area of the aperture and the instantaneous field of view of the pixel to remain constant while decreasing the overall size of the imager. In other embodiments apparatus and techniques reduce and/or eliminate the need for illumination of a target by the imager thereby reducing the overall power consumed by the imager and/or its overall size. The imager has an increased working range.

Abstract: A method and system for connecting a user identification module to a wireless host device are described. The user identification module is inserted in an accessory card that fits in the host device, and includes a radio transreceiver to connect to a wireless network. When the accessory card is placed in the host device, a mating surface of the host device blocks removal of the user identification module from the accessory card. The accessory card may be connected to the host device by inserting in a slot of the host device an edge of the accessory card from which extends an interface.

Abstract: A scan module in an electro-optical reader includes a first beam-folding mirror on a raised support wall at a rear of a support, and a second beam-folding mirror at a front of the support and operative for reflecting light through an opening in a frame wall to the first mirror for reflection therefrom above the frame wall between the front and rear of the support.

Abstract: An apparatus and actuator assembly for and method of projecting an image on a viewing surface either attached to the apparatus, or on a distant surface, includes 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 selected by the user by moving a panel on the housing, thereby allowing the user either option for display.

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 wireless system for self-service shopping is described that includes a customer identification device with an optically readable code, a portable terminal that includes an optical code reader, a local area radio, a terminal controller, and a locking mechanism, a master station, consisting of a master controller and a master radio, and a receiving rack for the portable terminals to which the scanners may be locked using the locking mechanism. A customer presents his or her identification device to a terminal which reads the code, the code is transferred by radio to the master controller which checks the identification and, if valid, sends an authorized signal by radio to the terminal to unlock the scanner. In addition, several locking mechanisms are described that are controlled by the terminal controller. An additional feature provides a shopping cart with a receiving cradle for a portable terminal that allows the customer to lock the scanner onto the cart for hands-free shopping.

Abstract: Curved reflecting surfaces on a rotary scan component produce an aiming spot of enhanced visibility during a single scan line mode of operation for an electro-optical reader capable of reading bar code symbols in a multiple scan line mode of operation.

Abstract: A touchpad assembly is ruggedizing and sealed against moisture. The assembly includes a touchpad that receives a user-generated data signal that is cable-coupled to a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), which components are disposed upon a support lens. A shield over-covers the touchpad assembly but has an through-opening providing user-access to the touchpad. An anti-theft mechanism secures the shield to the PCBA, and a security chamber space is sealingly defined between the shield, PCBA, and the support lens. The security chamber space is secured with injected resin, into which the anti-theft latch is thereby molded. A cable opening in the support lens is water sealed using double-sided adhesive tape or the like.

Abstract: Wireless data communications using a master/slave protocol are easily established between a master radio module which is part of a POS terminal and a slave radio module which is part of a portable bar code scanning device. A bar code identifying the portable bar code scanning device is provided on the outside of the housing of the portable device. By scanning this bar code with a scanner associated with the POS terminal, such as a fixed scanner built onto a counter, the master/slave radio communications link can be automatically implemented.

Abstract: The present invention is useful in connection with calibration of a wireless location system based on RF signals within a facility. Identification devices are provided at fixed locations which are selected within the facility. The RF environment is sampled at selected locations and data representing the sampled RF environment and the corresponding selected location is provided to a computer which maintains a database corrolating the RF environment data and the selected locations to be used with calibrating a location system.

Abstract: A method and system for scanning bar code data that can be published in near real time on Internet or intranet sites. The format is preferably XML-based, so the data is ready for e-commerce applications without further manipulation or conversion. The data can also be translated to more traditional bar code formats for backward compatibility with established barcode scanning practices.

Abstract: A portable communications and display system and methodology is provided in accordance with the present invention. The system includes a chip antenna for transmitting and receiving RF signals, a lens material for mounting the chip antenna and a conductive material for providing a chip antenna ground plane. The conductive material provides an operative coupling between the lens material and the chip antenna. A communications subsystem is provided that is associated with the lens material and is operatively coupled to the chip antenna for processing the RF signals.

Abstract: A scan engine is disclosed for use in a data collection device, as well as a method for producing a scan engine and an image sensor assembly. The scan engine includes a housing with an opening for receiving light from a scanned dataform, an image sensor which is located within the housing to sense light entering an aperture in the image sensor, and a prism located within the housing for receiving light from the opening along a first path and to provide at least a portion of the received light to the aperture along a second path.

Abstract: Described are a system and method for monitoring a location. The system may include a scanner having a digital imager, a processor and a communication device. The scanner is situated at the location. The system also may include a computing arrangement for accessing the scanner. The processor detects when the scanner is in a scanning mode in which information encoded on a scanned item is decoded. When the scanner is detected not to be in the scanning mode, the processor controls the digital imager to operate in a monitoring mode in which images of the location are generated for output to the computing arrangement via the communication device.