Abstract: A system and method described for tracking portable devices. The system may include a transmitter which transmits wireless inquiries to a plurality of portable devices and a receiver receiving replies to the inquiries from the portable devices. In addition, the system may include a memory storing identifier data corresponding to the portable devices and a processor coupled to the memory and to the receiver, the processor retrieving from each reply, identifier data uniquely identifying a particular one of the portable devices which generated the reply and comparing the identifier data to the stored identifier data. Furthermore, the system may include an alarm system coupled to the processor and controlled based on the comparison of stored identifier data to the identifier data retrieved from the replies.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) architecture is described. RFID tags are interrogated by a reader, which may be located in a network of readers. The reader transmits symbols to the tags. Tags respond to the interrogations with symbols that each represent one or more bits of data. An RFID tag includes an antenna pad, a receiver, a state machine, and a modulator. The receiver is coupled to the antenna pad. The receiver receives a symbol from the antenna pad and outputs a received signal. The state machine is configured to determine a response symbol from the received signal and an operating state of the tag. The modulator is coupled to the antenna pad. The modulator is configured to backscatter modulate the received symbol with the response symbol. The modulator is configured to output the backscatter modulated symbol to the antenna pad.

Abstract: A semiconductor device for securely controlling access to a cryptographic processor including a semiconductor package with a biometric data capture device therein operative to acquire data associated with predetermined biometric characteristic of a user and store it as a biometric key, and a processing unit in the package coupled to the data capture device. An encryption/decryption circuit is also disposed in the semiconductor package and is operative to perform encryption or decryption on input data utilizing the biometric key.

Abstract: Scanning in an electro-optical reader for reading indicia is obtained by moving one array of microlenses relative to another microlens array. An outgoing laser beam directed to indicia for reflection therefrom and/or return light reflected from the indicia is steered through a scan angle by the moving array.

Abstract: Described is an electronic device which includes a body, an optical opening in the body and a removable cover. The body contains an optical scanner and a slot for a removable integrated circuit (“IC”) card. The optical opening provides an optical path from an external environment to the optical scanner. The removable cover which, when in a closed position coupled to the body, covers the slot and the optical opening. The cover includes a cover opening extending therethrough and, when the cover is in the closed position, the cover opening is aligned with the optical opening to permit light to enter and exit therethrough.

Abstract: Methods and systems for testing tags in volume are described. According to a first embodiment, an array of radiation sources is present. Each radiation source in the array corresponds to a tag in a plurality of tags. A plurality of radiation sources in the array controllably emit radiation to their corresponding tag to inhibit operation of an integrated circuit of their corresponding tag. A first radiation source in the array does not emit radiation to its corresponding tag. The tag corresponding to the first radiation source is tested. In a second embodiment, an array of blocking elements is present. Each blocking element in the array corresponds to a tag in a plurality of tags. The blocking elements in the array controllably inhibit radiation from being incident upon corresponding tags. A first blocking element in the array inhibits radiation from being incident upon its corresponding tag. The tag corresponding to the first blocking element is tested.

Abstract: Described is a multi-function portable device which includes a memory, a transmitter, a scanning arrangement for obtaining images to be stored in the memory, a processor coupled to the memory and the transmitter for generating encoded commands for transmission to a further device. The encoded commands are generated based on corresponding commands for the further device stored in the memory. The processor processed the images to extract digital data included in the image. The portable device also includes a housing situating the memory, the transmitter, the scanning arrangement and the processor.

Abstract: A software method and apparatus for installing and configuring network nodes in a wireless local area network by detecting noise levels on each of the available channels in the network. Each stationary access points listens on the available channels on the network. Each of the stationary access points determines a prioritized list of preferred frequencies or channels of operation based on the noise levels from the surrounding channels in use by other stationary access points. The listening stationary access point chooses a frequency and sets itself to the associated channel based on the strength of the other signals on that channel in the network.

Abstract: A non-parallax optical auto-focusing system focuses an image and determines a distance to an optical target without being prone to errors due to parallax. The system includes a first beam splitter, a second beam splitter, and a lens positioned therebetween on an optical axis. An aiming beam is directed towards an optical target and the redirected reflected beam is received by a quadrant sensor assembly for generating an output signal indicative of a parameter of the redirected reflected aiming beam. A processor receives the output signal and generates a control signal for actuating an actuator to reposition the lens. The system continues to position the lens until the measured parameter is within a predetermined range for optimally focusing the optical target on an image sensor. The distance to the optical target is determined by using a look-up table to correlate the measured parameter to the distance to the optical target.

Abstract: A drive circuit for operating a resonant motor includes a motor circuit, a feedback circuit, a control circuit, and a coil drive circuit. A feedback loop includes the motor circuit, the feedback circuit, and the control circuit. The feedback loop in conjunction with the coil drive circuit monitors, maintains, and adjusts the oscillatory motion of the resonant motor. The drive circuit is suitable for operating a resonant motor of an optical code reader.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing power consumption in a data collection device. The method includes providing a power detector in an interface component of the data collection device and sensing the power delivered to the scan engine component of the device using the power detector. The power delivered to at least a portion of the interface component is selectively reduced according to the sensed power delivered to the scan engine component.

Abstract: A transceiver which keeps circuitry associated with a receiver in a powered down state during periods when a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) indicates that a signal being received is below a pre-determined threshold level, and which begins to power up the transmitter as soon as it is determined that a packet being received requires a response. The RSSI signal represents the strength of any signal current being received, and if the RSSI signal falls below a given threshold level, digital circuitry associated with the back-end circuitry of the receiver system is disabled. If the RSSI signal rises above the threshold level, the digital circuitry of the receiver is enabled. A control circuit within the transceiver processes the packet as it is received to determine whether the packet requires a response.

Abstract: A full color image of a target and/or a monochrome image of an optical code are captured by an imaging array in which each sensor measures red, green and blue signals. Optical codes are electro-optically read with higher resolution, sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio, thereby improving performance of optical code readers.

Abstract: A solid-state imager is mounted at a point-of-transaction workstation for capturing images of diverse targets useful for customer identification, customer payment validation, and operator surveillance. The imager is manually or automatically triggered and is operated at high speed to resist image blurring due to relative movement between the target and the imager.

Abstract: An architecture for updating corrupted instructions in a computing device. The computing device includes a housing for enclosing a flash memory for storing a boot loader routine, and at least one boundary-scan device internal to the computing device for processing the boot loader routine, and operatively disposed on a boundary-scan bus. The housing includes a boundary-scan port through which updated instructions are communicated and power provided. The port is concealed under a label, cover, or in a location that limits access by the device owner, such as the battery well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and methodology to enable efficient storage and handling of hand held devices and conveniently provide access to information within the devices. Single-handed storage and removal features enable users to insert and remove the device into and from a multifunctional cradle. The cradle mitigates device damage by limiting device movement and/or vibration once accepted into the cradle. One or more auxiliary storage compartments that feature single-handed component storage and removal can be included with the cradle. Functional segmentation of the cradle enables interface components within the cradle to be isolated from regions that can be exposed to contamination. The cradle includes operative connections for devices stored in the cradle to facilitate operations, such as charging the device and exchanging or updating device information with other local and/or remote systems.

Abstract: A dynamic omni-directional scan pattern is generated in an electro-optical reader for reading indicia by oscillating a mirror located between a light source and a rotating mirrored component. Light from the mirror is reflected off the rotating component and swept across a plurality of stationary mirrors for reflection therefrom through a window of the reader.