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: An electrical coupling arrangement, particular for digital transfer, has a female connector and a male connector. Each connector has an electrical coupling portion via which the data are transferred. The connectors are held together by means of a latching arrangement consisting of a pair of fixed latching posts on the male connector which mate with a corresponding pair of flexible latching sleeves which are molded within the body of the female connector. The self-latching action means that the coupling may be effected rapidly but also securely. The invention extends to a method of manufacture, with the body of the female connector being molded around latching sleeves which may have a lower melting point than the material making up the body itself.

Abstract: A method for combining decoded scan fragments of a bar code symbol composed of a delimited plurality of bar code elements representing an ordered sequence of data characters. The method includes scanning the symbol along a first scan path that includes a delimiter to obtain a first sequence of data characters; scanning the symbol along a second scan path that includes another delimited to obtain a second sequence of data characters; comparing the predetermined length of the lengths of the first and second sequences of data characters; and based on the comparison combining the first and second sequences to produce the ordered sequence of data characters. In a further version of the method, the first and second sequences are loaded into a stitching buffer, and a corresponding reliability or redundancy buffer is also maintained where information on the expected reliability of the individual decoded characters can be stored.

Abstract: A system for processing output signals of an electro-optical scanner adapted for reading a bar code indicia having parts of different light reflectivity and non bar code indicia adjacent the bar code on an article being scanned comprises a decoder for decoding content of signals input thereto and signal processing circuitry for receiving the scanner output signals and generating input signals for input to the decoder by deleting signals having non bar code indicia content from the received scanner output signals by examining characteristics of the received scanner output signals. The signal processing circuitry is adapted to generate input signals for input to the decoder for bar code indicia of respective different bar code symbologies. The signal processing circuitry includes deletion circuitry for deleting, from the received scanner output signals, signals having less time duration than a predetermined time duration.

Abstract: A bar code scanner comprises a lens structure for effecting magnification of a bar code image along an optical axis of the scanner. A support member supports the lens structure, the support member being movable into first and second bi-stable positions along the optical axis and disposing the lens structure in respective first and second locations spaced mutually along the optical axis, and a displacing unit for displacing the support member exclusively into residence in one or the other of the first and second positions.

Abstract: Optical scanning is established by superimposing the alternating magnetic field of a coil magnet with the permanent field set up by a permanent magnet which surrounds the coil magnet. Both magnets are fixedly secured to a support at one axial end of the magnets and a flexible diaphragm is secured to the other axial end of the permanent magnet. A scanning mirror is effectively attached between the support and the diaphragm. When the coil magnet is activated, the diaphragm is rapidly flexed which causes the movement of the scanning mirror.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing hand-marked cells from a lottery selection slip. The lottery slip includes a conventional play region of cells (labelled sequentially from 1 to 49, for example) for receiving indicia to be captured, after receiving indicia said play region of cells includes a plurality of occupied cells defined by marked cells and a plurality of non-occupied cells defined by unmarked cells. The lottery slip also includes row-identifier bar codes located at opposite boundaries of the play region. The bar codes are electro-optically scannable and readable and are arranged in a plurality of ordered rows tiered along the transverse direction over the transverse distance of the play region.

Abstract: A scanner with an extended depth of focus for electro-optically reading indicia having parts of different light reflectivity, comprises a collection optical system for collecting radiation reflected from objects in the field of view along plural different optical axes and an optical detector for detecting radiation collected by the collection optical system along each of the plural different optical axes and for generating electrical output signals indicative thereof. The scanner further includes processing circuitry for processing the output signals of the optical detector by comparing the output signals of the optical detector with one another, a memory for storing the detector output signals and further processing circuitry receiving the stored output signals of the optical detector from the memory and selectively outputting one of the received signals to a decoder.

Abstract: A self-check apparatus is provided for processing a sales transaction of an article having an attached surveillance tag, each attached surveillance tag bearing a coded indicia such as a bar code. The self-checkout apparatus stores an indication of the articles which have been selected for purchase. When the surveillance tag is presented to the apparatus for deactivation, the bar code on the tag is scanned, and a check is made to verify that the surveillance tag is attached to an article which has been selected for purchase, and provided such verification is made, the surveillance tag is deactivated.

Abstract: A communications network comprising a cellular local area wireless network includes a plurality of access points connected to a housed computer and each other, and a plurality of mobile units each mobile unit being arranged for association with an access point. The mobile units are arranged to periodically scan for and identify the most eligible access point for association on the basis of the criteria of best quality signal strength and loading factor. In order to identify when mobile units are being removed from a predetermined area, access points having directional antennae are situated adjacent exit points to detect when mobile units are in a vicinity.

Abstract: Apparatus for reading bar code symbols including a laser light source, an optical component for scanning a reference plane, and a sensor for detecting the light of variable intensity reflected from the target. A processor determines whether the reflected light represents a spatial variation that could represent a bar code and generates an enabling signal and a controller is provided for modifying the light beam in response to the enabling signal.

Abstract: A packet data transmission system is disclosed in which remote units, such as remote hand-held data gathering units, which normally communicate with remote base stations via a spread spectrum RF communications, are initialized via spread spectrum RF communications. A network chipping sequence is provided for encoding normal communications and a universal chipping sequence is provided for encoding communications relating to initialization of the remote units. The network chipping sequence is adjustable and must be initialized in each of the remote units to enable normal communications. The universal chipping code is fixed for all remote devices and base stations. Since the universal chipping code is fixed, spread spectrum RF communications of the initialization data, using the universal chipping code, can be effected even if the network chipping sequence is not initially set in the remote units.

Abstract: A electro-optical memory includes a substrate on which is printed (or otherwise inscribed) a complex symbol or "label" or "bar code" of a high density two-dimensional symbology. The bar code contains component symbols or "codewords" which are placed in row and column formation, with a variable number of codewords per row, and a variable number of rows. The symbology utilizes implicit bar code encoding scheme for implicit encoding the number of rows and the number of columns of codewords, as well as a predetermined amount of error correction. The symbology is capable of supporting a fixed number of bar code variants, with each variant having a predetermined number of rows and columns of codewords, and a predetermined error correction capability. For some codewords the implicit encoding scheme is combined with a gray coding scheme to reduce the inter-row codeword crosstalk.

Abstract: To reduce the size and weight of an optical scanner, the present invention provides a mirrorless beam scanning unit. A flexible member, such as a multi-wire, flat, electrical cable is connected to the light emitter. Reciprocation of the light emitter during emission of light by the light emitter causes the light to scan a surface, such as a surface bearing a bar code label. The cable flexes during such reciprocation.

Abstract: In a system for electro-optically reading bar code symbols, a movable reflector is positioned for directly receiving light reflected off a bar code symbol, and for reflecting this light to a sensor. The reflector movement provides the sensor with a field of view that extends across the entire bar code symbol. The reflector and the sensor are mounted in a housing having a handle for enabling a user to hold and support the housing in one's hand, and to aim the housing at the bar code symbol during reading. A signal processor in the housing processes an electrical signal from the sensor to generate therefrom data descriptive of the bar code symbol being read.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a checkout system providing for the pre-processing of scannable merchandise in a customer's possession. The system employs a portable data scanner which is in communication with a checkout register. The portable data scanner is used to record in a data file an itemized list of articles reflecting merchandise in the customer's possession prior to reaching the checkout register. The customer is provided with a transaction identifier which can be read by the checkout register to retrieve the data file and finish processing of the transaction, thereby increasing the throughput of the checkout register. The merchandise is placed in a container which is sealed prior to reaching the checkout register.

Abstract: A system for reading indicia such as bar code symbols having a scanner for generating a scanning light beam directed toward a symbol to be read; a first actuator manually displaceable from a first position to a second position for producing a first light beam for aiming or positioning the reader, and a second actuator manually displaceable from a first position to a second position for initiating a scanning beam pattern for reading the symbol. The actuators are independently operative of each other. A detector receives the reflected light from the symbol and produces electrical signals corresponding to data represented by the symbol. A graphical user interface with icons simplifies system control functions.

Abstract: In bar code symbol scanning systems employing laser, optical and sensor components, a mirrorless scanner arrangement mounts one or more of these components on a drive for repetitive reciprocating movement either about an axis or in a plane to effect scanning.

Abstract: A bar code scanner comprises a first collection optical system having an optical axis and a first magnification, a detector disposed along the optical axis and in optical communication with the first collection optical system, a second collection optical system having a second magnification greater than the first magnification and having an optical axis and displacing means operable for selectively moving the second collection optical system to dispose the optical axis thereof in coincidence with the optical axis of the first collection optical system.

Abstract: A bar code scanner for reading a bar code tag includes a collection optical system, a two dimensional array of detectors, rotating means for imparting rotational movement to the array and displacement means for varying the position of one of the collection optical system and the array along an optical axis of the collection optical system.