Abstract: Described is an optical imaging system which a plurality of optical imaging devices coupled to one another via a communication network. Each of the optical imaging devices may include an apparatus for optically reading encoded data and storing the data in a data file, a voice recording apparatus for recording a voice message and storing the message in a message file and a voice reproducing apparatus. In addition, the device may include a file handling apparatus for assembling a transmission file and addressing the transmission file to an intended recipient one of the plurality of devices. The transmission file may include the data and message files. The transmission file is configured so that, upon receipt by the recipient device, the message file is automatically executed and played. Furthermore, the device may include a communication apparatus for communicating with other devices via the network, wherein the communication apparatus forwards the transmission file to the recipient device via the network.

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.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for virtually presenting a product for purchase by a consumer. The product has one of the following characteristics: vibrations, a mass, a texture, a smell and a temperature. A memory stores a representation of a characteristic of the product. The representation is retrieved on demand from a shopper, and the characteristic reproduced from the retrieved representation for the benefit of the shopper. At the appropriate point—say, after the shopper's buying the product—the retrieval of the product for the shopper may be initiated. The storing of the characteristic representation may involve storing the representation in a database accessible over an internet. The apparatus may include a memory containing a representation of an approximation of a characteristic of the product for purchase, the characteristic from a set of characteristics including vibrations, a mass, a texture, a smell, and a temperature.

Abstract: The operating condition of data capture systems, such as electro-optical readers, RFID readers, and imagers, is monitored and reported to a host which preferably modifies the operating condition when the latter is outside a preestablished setting.

Abstract: A network management system is provided for allowing a user to interface with network management data provided by a network agent via a network. Application level logic obtains and formats the network management data to thereby create a display presented to the user. A library of software processing structures for sharing data with the network agent is provided, and an abstraction layer distinct from the library is configured in communication with the application level logic. The abstraction layer includes a pusher feature configured to facilitate the writing of data from the application level logic to the network agent and a puller feature configured to facilitate the reading of data from the network agent to the application level logic. The abstraction layer uses the library to communicate with the network agent via the network while isolating the application level logic from the library.

Abstract: Barcode imaging and laser scanning systems are disclosed having at least one processor storing barcode decoding algorithms each corresponding to a respective symbology. The at least one processor causes at least one LED and/or a projected laser beam of the barcode imaging system to blink by rapidly turning it off and on one time or several times whenever a successful decode occurs. In the laser scanning system, the at least one processor causes a projected laser beam to be blinked by turning a laser beam system off and on one time or several times whenever a successful decode occurs. The act of blinking the at least one LED and/or the projected laser beam in the barcode imaging system or the act of blinking the projected laser beam in the laser scanning system provides a visual indication to a user of a successful decode. The act of blinking can also be used to visually indicate other information to a user.

Abstract: Working range and laser beam cross-section are adjusted in an electro-optical reader for reading indicia by applying control voltages to a pair of variable lenses to change the shape of a liquid therein. An aperture stop maintains a constant beam cross-section as an input to one of the lenses.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for direct part mark scanning where a scanner operator is provided with a scanner comprising a slanted front end. The slanted front comprises a window for a scan module, such as, for example a camera, and an illumination module. The slanted front guides a user to tilt the scanner when scanning dataforms. Additionally, the internal scan module can be positioned to view a target dataform at an angle, even when the object being scanned is not tilted with regard to the scanner body.

Abstract: A wireless data communication system includes an access port configured to wirelessly communicate with a plurality of mobile units within multiple basic service sets (BSS), and a wireless switch having multiple predefined wireless local area networks (WLANs). The wireless switch is configured to automatically map the WLANs to the basic service sets and transmit to the access port a configuration template depending upon the type of access port. In one embodiment, there are n basic service sets, each having a corresponding basic service set identifier (BSSID), and m WLANs, each having a corresponding WLAN index, wherein the m WLAN indices are uniformly mapped to the n BSSIDs such that each BSSID has substantially the same number of WLAN indices mapped thereto. In a particular embodiment, there are n=4 BSSIDs per access port and m=16 pre-mapped WLANs.

Abstract: Devices and systems to interrogate radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are described. Compact and inexpensive interrogation devices are realized by implementing integrated circuit chip-based RFID reader and antenna on a common substrate. The small form-factor devices may be used for quick and easy installation of RFID reader network. In an aspect, the device may be incorporated into hand-held mobile devices in order to serve as a mobile reader. In another aspect, the device may be installed as a shelf-reader or a rack-reader, displaying product-specific information on a display screen. In a further aspect, the device may comprise an appliance, whose operation can be tailored according to instructions received specific to a RFID-tagged item.

Abstract: An ambient illumination shielding apparatus for an imaging-based scanner adapted to read direct part marking (DPM) bar codes. The shielding apparatus includes an illumination shield extending from a housing of the scanner and extending along at least a portion of a path of travel of an aiming pattern generated by an aiming apparatus of the scanner. The shield passes illumination within a predetermined wavelength range and impedes passage of illumination outside of the predetermined wavelength range. The predetermined wavelength range of the shield includes a wavelength range of the aiming pattern generated by the aiming apparatus. The shielding apparatus further includes a filter disposed in proximity to an imaging system of the scanner and passing illumination within a predetermined wavelength range to the pixel array and impeding the passage of illumination outside of the predetermined wavelength range.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for providing power to a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader on a mobile structure are described. Energy is generated at the mobile structure. A battery or other energy storage device disposed on the mobile structure is charged with the generated energy. The RFID reader is powered with the energy storage device. The energy may be generated in a variety of ways, including using a vibratory energy harvesting device, a magnetic energy harvesting device, an optical energy harvesting device, a heat energy harvesting device, or a mechanical energy harvesting device.

Abstract: A method of locating an imaged bar code in a captured image frame for an imaging-based bar code reader. The steps of the method include: a) determining a mode of operation of the reader; b) if the reader is being operated in a hand-held mode of operation, utilizing a first method of locating an imaged bar code; and c) if the reader is being operated in a fixed position mode, utilizing a second method of locating an imaged bar code. The first method of locating an imaged bar code includes searching for an imaged bar code commencing at a starting location near a geographic center of the selected image frame. The second method of locating an imaged bar code includes determining a location corresponding to movement in a selected image frame of the series of image frames and searching for an imaged bar code commencing at the movement location.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a traffic warning system (TWS) for light aircraft. The TWS comprises a processor coupled to a transceiver, adapted to measure signal strength and send/receive messages containing station ID and preferably altitude and position data. Memory, display and various flight data instruments, such as GPS, altimeter, etc., are also coupled to the processor. The transceiver-processor automatically identifies TWS equipped aircraft within range using an ad-hoc network and exchanges ID and position information. The processor determines range from signal strength and/or received position information and, given enough data, determines direction, altitude, speed, etc., of the other aircraft, which it presents to the pilot. These values and their rate of change are compared to stored alarm thresholds, and the pilot is warned when another aircraft triggers the threshold. Evasive action is recommended where possible.

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: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for adapting a mobile unit to communication requirements of a particular country or geographic region. A wireless local area network communications system may include access points and remote terminals. Remote terminals may use country-specific information in messages from an access point to adapt to the communications requirements of the country in which the access point is operating. The country-specific information may be in a broadcast transmission or a message sent in reply to a remote terminal probe message. The country-specific information may include operating requirements such as channel information, power information, country name, modulation information, etc.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for reordering the transmission of data packets in a queue of a radio system when an error occurs during the transmission of a data packet to any device destination address. A transmission ordering component is provided that transmits data packets in a queue one at a time until a transmission error occurs for a given destination address. The transmission ordering component then searches through the queue for a data packet with a different destination address than the current destination address being transmitted. The transmission ordering component then returns to transmitting packets one at a time until the end of the queue is reached. Once the end of the queue is reached the transmission ordering component reorders the queue and moves the packets in which transmission errors have occurred to the beginning of the queue. The transmission ordering component then repeats the transmitting data packets one at a time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for mode diversity radio frequency identification (RFAID). The apparatus comprises a first transducer configured to receive a first radio frequency (RF) signal, a second transducer configured to receive an acoustic signal, and an impedance modulator coupled to the first transducer and the second transducer and configured to emit a signal identifying an RFAID tag when the first transducer receives the first RF signal and/or the second transducer receives the acoustic signal. The method comprises transmitting an RF signal and an acoustic frequency signal, and detecting a first modulated signal indicating an RFAID transponder. The first modulated signal is based on one of the RF signal and the acoustic signal.

Abstract: A docking station for a portable electronic device comprises a device receiving recess including a device receiving bottom surface and at least one device guiding structure sized to slidingly receive therein a device to be docked in the docking station and to guide the device toward, and maintain the device in, a desired position within the device receiving recess in which an electrical connector of the device mates with an electrical connector of the docking station and a well formed in the bottom surface of the device receiving recess, the well extending downward from the electrical connector of the docking station to a drainage opening formed at a lower-most point of the well in combination with a first lumen extending from the drainage opening to an outlet at an exterior of the docking station.

Abstract: Laser power control arrangements interrupt power to a laser used in electro-optical readers upon detection of an over-power condition not conforming to preestablished standards to meet prevalent safety standards.