Abstract: The disclosed bar code reader includes an auto-focusing component for rapidly producing in focus images. An imaging system makes use of an aiming pattern that impinges upon the coded indicia of a target. The imaging system includes a light monitoring pixel array and a focusing lens that is fixed with respect to the pixel array for transmitting an image of the target object onto the pixel array. The imaging system also includes a movable mirror mounted for movement along a path of travel to reflect light passing through the focusing lens onto the pixel array. A drive motor moves the mirror relative the lens to adjust a focus of an image of the object formed at the pixel array. An automatic focusing component of the imaging system analyzes the aiming pattern reflected from the target object and projected onto the pixel array by the lens.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus (40) for an imaging-based bar code reader (10) having a field of view (FV) defined by an imaging system (12) of the bar code reader directed toward a target object (32). The illumination apparatus (40) includes: an illumination source (42); an aperture plate (44) defining a plurality of spaced apart apertures (44a-44f) aligned with the illumination source (42) such that illumination generated by the illumination source (42) passes through each of the plurality of apertures (44a-44f) of the aperture plate (44); and a lens array (46) defining a plurality of substantially contiguous lens elements (46a-46f) aligned with respective apertures (44a-44f) of the aperture plate (44) such that for each aperture (44a-44f) of the aperture plate (44) illumination passing through the aperture (44a-44f) is focused by a respective corresponding lens element (46a-46f).

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for charging a battery in a mobile device are described. In embodiments described herein a power supply voltage and/or a power supply current of a power supply coupled to charger of the mobile is reduced. The reduction in power supply voltage and/or current results in a reduction in heat dissipation and power dissipation by the charger.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for decoding dataforms comprising integrating a dataform decoding module into a video processing system. In an embodiment of the invention, video data is analyzed for dataforms as it is being prepared for display on a mobile computer screen. Packaging a dataform decoding algorithm as a video display module allows many hardware devices to easily add dataform decoding capabilities.

Abstract: Described is a method of locating a predetermined pattern. An image is divided into a predetermined number of areas. A search sequence indicative of an order in which the areas are to be analyzed for the predetermined pattern is determined. The areas in the search sequence are analyzed until either a predetermined time elapses or the predetermined pattern is detected. When the predetermined time has elapsed before the predetermined pattern is detected, a further image is obtained. Then, areas remaining in the sequence are analyzed in the further image beginning with an area to be analyzed immediately after a last analyzed area of the image until either the predetermined time elapses or the predetermined pattern is detected in one of the remaining areas.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring electrical contacts comprising measuring a first voltage across a connection between a device and a base, charging a power source in the device, measuring a second voltage across the connection, determining a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage and initiating a signal alarm if the difference is greater than a predetermined threshold value. The device may be maintained by a management system.

Abstract: A lightweight, compact image projection module, especially for mounting in a housing having a light-transmissive window, is operative for causing selected pixels in a raster pattern to be illuminated to produce an image of high resolution of VGA quality in monochrome, color or gray scale. Pixel size is controlled as a function of distance of the image from the module to control image resolution and allow the image to remain sharp and clear over an extended range of distances from the module.

Abstract: A multiplexing circuit uses parallel-configured pairs of resistors and signal sources in a voltage divider network in such a way that a single analog-to-digital input can be used to specify the state of more than one signal source. One circuit includes a microprocessor having an analog-to-digital (ADC) input; a memory communicatively coupled to the microprocessor; and a voltage divider network having an output coupled to the ADC input, wherein the network includes a plurality of resistors paired with a plurality of respective signal sources, and wherein the output is unique for each combination of states of the signal sources in accordance with a known relation that is stored in the memory. The signal sources are selected from two categories of sources: continuous sources and discrete sources, where discrete sources may be binary discrete or random discrete. In one embodiment, the first signal source is either a continuous source or a random discrete source, and the second signal is a binary discrete source.

Abstract: A linear sensor array for imaging coded indicia includes an analog front end and a digital back end integrated on a single CMOS chip. A real-time, correlated double sampling circuit is used for noise suppression.

Abstract: A scanning mirror useful in laser projection devices (LPDs) is provided. The scanning mirror is comprised of a substantially planar member having a movable reflective region and a base region coupled together by a split hinge. A foundation is coupled to the base region by at least one piezoelectric element extending therebetween such that movement the piezoelectric element is transferred to the movable reflective region through the split hinge.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for determining determining a present state of charge of a battery and determining a rate of change of the state of charge of the battery, the rate of change being determined based on a charge current being supplied to the battery. Then, an updated state of charge is determined based on the rate of change.

Abstract: A computing arrangement may include a first radio transceiver operating in accordance with a first communication protocol using a frequency band and a second radio transceiver operating in accordance with a second communication protocol using the frequency band. An access point operates in accordance with the first communication protocol and transmits a communication signal that has a frame including a first time interval indicative of when communications using the first communication protocol via the frequency band are permitted to the computing arrangement. The computing arrangement determines if the frame includes a second time interval, which is indicative of and is reserved for exclusive communications in accordance with the second communication protocol. If the second time interval is absent from the frame, the computing arrangement inserts the second time interval into the frame. The computing arrangement communicates with a further device only during the second time interval.

Abstract: A video imager processor and two radio frequency transceivers are supported on a common support having a predetermined form factor, such as that of a Compact Flash card commonly utilized in mobile computers. Common digital processing circuitry is used for processing the baseband signal from the RF transceivers, making a highly integrated and compact arrangement.

Abstract: An image projection module within a housing accessory is operative for causing selected pixels in a raster pattern to be illuminated to produce an image at different image planes of VGA quality. A personal media player is connected to the housing accessory and the image projection module to supply image signals for the image to be projected.

Abstract: A target is illuminated with illumination light along a direct optical path that has no optical surface areas shared with a folded optical path along which light is captured by an imager in an imaging reader.

Abstract: Management data is uploaded and downloaded in the field to data capture systems, such as electro-optical readers, RFID readers, and imagers, either before, after, or during data capture in a manner transparent to the system without disturbing the data capture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to provide a laser projection display (LPD).

Abstract: An imaging system for an imaging-based bar code reader for capturing an image of a target bar code. In one exemplary embodiment, the imaging system includes: a sensor array including an array of photosensitive elements for converting, light impinging on the array of photosensitive elements into electrical signals based on light intensity; an imaging lens system for focusing light from a field of view onto the sensor array, the imaging lens system including a first lens assembly and a second lens assembly, the first lens assembly defining a first field of view and the second lens assembly defining a second field of view, the first and second fields of view being different; and a control for selectively choosing between the first and second fields of view for imaging the target bar code.