Abstract: A method for identifying/authenticating a product. The method includes providing a substrate coupled to the product that includes an identification pattern within a region of interest and imaging the region of interest of the substrate to identify identification particles of the identification pattern. For the identified identification particles in the region of interest, calculating a mathematical value representative of a position of the particle relative to at least one other identification particle and converting the mathematical values of the identified identification particles into an identification value representative of the identified identification particles. The identification value is compared with stored identification values in a database to identify/authenticate the product. Alternately, or in addition, the identification value is compared to an identification value decoded from a bar code imprinted on the product.

Abstract: A low pass filter that approximates a Gaussian transfer function filters the analog bar code signal prior to digitization is used to smooth the bar code signal. The Gaussian filter has a transfer function that compensates for beam distortion close in to the bar code scanner. The smoothed bar code signal is provided to the digitizer to improve the efficiency with which the bar code signal can be digitized.

Abstract: A target is illuminated with high intensity light pulses to make the target appear stationary to a solid state imager of an imaging reader to improve reader performance at high swipe speeds of the target.

Abstract: Working range is increased in an electro-optical reader or an imager for reading indicia by applying a voltage to a variable lens to change the shape of a liquid therein.

Abstract: Performance of an imaging reader for electro-optically reading direct part markings on workpieces is enhanced by ensuring that such markings are read in the vicinity of an ideal, focused, target plane, and by enhancing the contrast of such markings. Calibration and self-calibration of the reader improve performance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for obtaining data from radio frequency identification (RFID) tags in an efficient manner are described. The method includes the following steps. During the course of an interrogation of an RFID tag population, an RFID tag in the population determines a time slot in which it is designated to respond to a reader. The tag receives signals that are transmitted during the interrogation. The tag determines efficiency-characteristics of the interrogation based on the received signals. The tag autonomously adjusts (e.g., without explicit instructions from the reader) the time slot in which it is designated to respond to the reader based on the efficiency-characteristics.

Abstract: Interleaving multiple logical data streams into one physical data stream reduces overhead required to process the multiple logical data streams. Multiple arrays of data values are interleaved into a combined array of data that simulates a frame of data for input to a data port such as a video port. Revised timing and synchronization signals are provided to permit transmission of the combined array according to video data port protocol. The processor includes instructions for locating the various arrays of data values within the combined array.

Abstract: An image projection module within a housing is operative for causing selected pixels in a raster pattern to be illuminated to produce an image on a display screen of VGA quality. The screen is provided with an array of lenslets to reduce speckle noise in the image.

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: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for the dispensing of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. In a first aspect of the present invention, a stack of tags is described. In one aspect, the tags are arranged in the stack so that alternate parallel ends of the tags in the stack are removably attached to next tags in the stack by an adhesive material. In an alternative aspect, the tags are arranged in the stack so that the same ends of the tags are removably attached to next tags in the stack by the adhesive material. In a further aspect of the present invention, a dispenser for dispensing tags is described. The dispenser includes a container defining a volume. The container has an outer surface having a slot shaped opening therethrough that opens into the volume. A stack of tags are present in the container. The tags are removably attached to adjacent tags in the stack in an alternating fan-folded configuration.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for RFID tags, RFID readers, communications algorithms, and RFID-related applications are described herein. In an aspect of the invention, an RFID tag is capable of storing data, receiving a signal from a reader, determining a response taking into account the tag mode and the data, and transmitting a response to the reader. The data includes a first plurality of bits and a second plurality of bits. The tag mode may be set by a current or a prior command by the reader. Depending on the tag mode, the response may be complete, or the second plurality of bits may be truncated, compressed, or encrypted. In an aspect of the invention, the response includes an implicit indication of whether the response is complete, truncated, encrypted, or compressed. In another aspect of the invention, a command from the reader indicates how many bits should be truncated, compressed, or encrypted.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for detection of a preamble portion of a data packet. A plurality of samples are received in an input signal. Samples that occur between consecutive sign changes in the received plurality of samples are counted. The counting of samples is performed a number of times to produce a sequence of counts of samples between consecutive sign changes in the received plurality of samples. Matched filtering of the sequence of counts of samples is performed to determine whether a preamble is detected. Bit rate and timing are initialized for data decoding based on parameters of the sequence of sample counts of a detected preamble.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies are disclosed for isolating a portable hand held electronic unit from external mechanical shocks and/or vibrations by dampening them at several levels. The system can absorb an external mechanical shock at three different levels by employing an external bumper system, elastic housing design features, and an internal frame isolation. Moreover, such isolation assembly simplifies production of the portable electronic unit by enabling a “build to order process” according to a customer's specification.

Abstract: A mobile computing device is provided having more than one imaging engine, and preferably, two imagining engines. Switching circuitry is provided for switching between the two imaging engines. Each imaging engine is optimized for use in specific applications and includes different specifications from the other imaging engine. Preferably, one imaging engine is optimized to provide higher resolution images than the other imaging engine, and one imaging engine is optimized to focus an object located 7.50 to 12.50 cm from the mobile computing device (near-to-mid range imaging), while the other imaging engine is optimized to focus an object located from 12.50 cm to infinity from the mobile computing device (mid-to-far range imaging). One imaging engine preferably includes a color image sensor, while the other imaging engine includes a black and white image sensor.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to systems and methods for employing a housing as part of a hand held scanner as to increase utility and add ruggedness. The housing comprises an upper top housing and lower bottom housing, with the top housing comprising a set of accessory rails adapted to accept accessories associated with the hand held scanner, and the lower housing including an adjustable mass element for balancing a weight of the scanner. Also, top housing can be adapted to accept various key pad configurations via a transitional mounting frame, and the bottom housing can hold a stylus. A bar code scanner system employing such housing can incorporate displays located on various sides of the housing and/or key pads to facilitate a reading from the scanner at slanted angles.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for tracking items automatically are described. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is used with a material tracking system to enable the identification and locating of aviation assets in an airport environment. For example, passive (e.g., non-battery) RFID tags are attached to an aviation asset. Antennas are placed at locations where monitoring of assets is necessary. A local controller and RFID reader use the antennas to communicate with the passive RFID tags to determine the identity and location of the asset.

Abstract: A method and system of determining and correcting modulation and offset effects in a received signal. A signal [s(n)] is received subject to modulation effects A on pulse shape or peak [p(n)] and vertical offset B due to multipath where “n” is a pulse rate or samples of the signal. A template of length N incorporates a replica of the original signal [s(n)] without multipath or vertical offset. The template is normalized and generates either an extended template or a balanced template. The extended template is correlated with the received signal [s(n)] by shifting the extended template along the received signal to estimate modulation effects of A at a particular time, n. The average difference between the template and the modulated signal [p(n)] is calculated to determine the magnitude of the offset B for a particular time, n.

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.