Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for managing power consumed by an RFID reader are described. Such methods, systems and apparatuses can include, for example, controlling RFID reader power levels by detecting proximity to an RFID tagged object, by motion detection of RFID readers and tags. Using internal and/or external sensor modules, power management capabilities of the RFID reader are enhanced leading to less frequent recharging of the RFID reader.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for an electronic shopping service. The service enables a consumer to select line items from electronic receipts and group them as a review list. The consumer may create groups of people to have access to the review list and may assign access permissions to each of the review groups. A member of a review group may review the items in a review list and comment on the items. The comments may be directed to the consumer or to other members of the review group. The review may be off-line or on-line, as in a chat session or telephone or audiovisual conference. The consumer or a review-group member may order on-line any of the items listed in a review list. The consumer or a review-group member may add products from e-commerce sites to the review list (if so authorized). The shopping service handles the ordering. Where the items to be purchased are from multiple e-commercial sites, the shopping service places multiple orders as necessary, with shipping and payment as directed by the consumer.

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, systems, and apparatuses for tracking and monitoring tagged objects in an RFID environment is described. By varying RFID reader antenna output power levels and detecting RFID devices in the vicinity, data about position and orientation of the RFID devices can be gathered. This gathered data is used to correlate with pre-stored data about RFID devices' position and orientation. Such a correlation then can be used to infer data about neighboring RFID devices based upon data stored in the database. Such an inferential technique also results in a faster analysis of position and orientation data of RFID devices, and also leads to faster tracking of RFID enabled devices. Unnecessary reads and high power operations of the RFID reader are also avoided.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first lens, a liquid lens, imaging sensor arrays, an aperture stop, and a barcode decoding system. The first lens has a fixed optical power. The liquid lens has a variable optical power. The imaging sensor arrays are operable to receive light passing through both the first lens and the liquid lens. The liquid lens is positioned between the aperture stop and the imaging sensor arrays. The barcode decoding system receives signals from the imaging sensor arrays.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for forming a wireless personal area network (WPAN) from an array of intercommunicating personal area network (PAN) devices. The system comprises a location determinator configured to determine a location for each of the PAN devices, a comparator coupled to the determinator for comparing the location of each of the PAN devices with WPAN association criteria to choose a subset meeting the WPAN criteria at least in part, and a communication link coupled to the comparator to transmit identification data of the subset to some or all of the subset of PAN devices. When received, the information causes the subset to form the WPAN, which then intercommunicate substantially ignoring the non-WPAN devices. In a preferred embodiment, the comparator selects the WPAN from those of the plurality of PAN devices that are within a predetermined distance of each other and/or move as a group.

Abstract: Described is a method and system for optimizing scanner performance. The method comprises obtaining a digitized representation of a bar code, estimating a set of parameters from the digitized representation, adjusting a scan angle as a function of at least one parameter in the set of parameters.

Abstract: A mobile communication device for allowing a user to interact with network or internet based data using only verbal communications. The mobile communication device provides the functionality to browse internet web sites and select menus items and hyperlinks by listing to a web page and speaking the identity of the menu item or the hyperlink. The mobile communication system also provides functionality to listen to email and reply to or forward the email, including adding a response by speaking to the mobile communication device. Security is also provided, when appropriate, by requiring the user to speak a predefined security phrase before listening to data designated as secure.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for communicating information between a wireless client device (CD) and an infrastructure device (ID) in a WLAN in which the CD wirelessly communicates with the ID in IBSS mode over a pseudo-BSS/IBSS air interface. The CD includes a WLAN NIC that operates in IBSS mode and a client host system that includes a client custom driver module (CCDM) and a WLAN NIC driver module configured to operate in IBSS mode. The ID includes a hardware interface and a host system which includes a packet separation driver module (PSDM) and an infrastructure custom driver module (ICDM). The CD operates in pseudo-BSS/IBSS mode (PBIM). The CCDM provides pseudo BSS-like service(s) with respect to packets generated by upper protocol layer modules to generate pseudo-BSS-like packets that it provides to the WLAN NIC via WLAN NIC driver module. Based on the pseudo-BSS-like packets, the WLAN NIC generates PBIM packets and transmits them. The PSDM receives packets from the hardware interface and separates them.

Abstract: A handheld radio frequency identification (RFID) reader includes a polarization insensitive antenna that enables simultaneous operation in two orthogonal polarization modes. The RFID reader includes an RF communication module and an antenna coupled to the RF communication module. The RF communication module is configured to process RF signals associated with operation of the RFID reader, and the antenna is configured to transmit and receive RF energy associated with operation of the RFID reader. The antenna includes a conductive loop element having a major longitudinal path, and a slot formed in the conductive loop element along the major longitudinal path. The conductive loop element is configured to operate as a first antenna polarized in a first orientation, and the slot is configured to operate as a second antenna polarized in a second orientation.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for communicating information between a wireless client device (CD) and an infrastructure device (ID) in a WLAN in which the CD wirelessly communicates with the ID in IBSS mode over a pseudo-BSS/IBSS air interface. The CD includes a WLAN NIC that operates in IBSS mode and a client host system that includes a client custom driver module (CCDM) and a WLAN NIC driver module configured to operate in IBSS mode. The ID includes a hardware interface and a host system which includes a packet separation driver module (PSDM) and an infrastructure custom driver module (ICDM). The CD operates in pseudo-BSS/IBSS mode (PBIM). The CCDM provides pseudo BSS-like service(s) with respect to packets generated by upper protocol layer modules to generate pseudo-BSS-like packets that it provides to the WLAN NIC via WLAN NIC driver module. Based on the pseudo-BSS-like packets, the WLAN NIC generates PBIM packets and transmits them. The PSDM receives packets from the hardware interface and separates them.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for communicating information between a wireless client device (CD) and an infrastructure device (ID) in a WLAN in which the CD wirelessly communicates with the ID in IBSS mode over a pseudo-BSS/IBSS air interface. The CD includes a WLAN NIC that operates in IBSS mode and a client host system that includes a client custom driver module (CCDM) and a WLAN NIC driver module configured to operate in IBSS mode. The ID includes a hardware interface and a host system which includes a packet separation driver module (PSDM) and an infrastructure custom driver module (ICDM). The CD operates in pseudo-BSS/IBSS mode (PBIM). The CCDM provides pseudo BSS-like service(s) with respect to packets generated by upper protocol layer modules to generate pseudo-BSS-like packets that it provides to the WLAN NIC via WLAN NIC driver module. Based on the pseudo-BSS-like packets, the WLAN NIC generates PBIM packets and transmits them. The PSDM receives packets from the hardware interface and separates them.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for releasably coupling an electrical component to a circuit board comprising a frame and at least one tab. The frame releasably couples to the electrical component and circumscribes at least a portion of a perimeter of the electrical component when coupled thereto. The at least one tab mates with a tab receiving slot in the circuit board to releasably couple the frame to the circuit board. When the electrical component is coupled to the frame, a portion of the electrical component opposite the circuit board is exposed.

Abstract: Described is a ceiling mount for a device comprising a channel member and a latch. The channel member includes a side surface extending upward a first predetermined distance from a top surface of a housing of the device and a horizontal surface extending for a second predetermined distance away from the side surface in a direction substantially parallel to the top surface to define a first ceiling member receiving channel between the horizontal surface and the top surface. The latch is rotatably attached to the top surface. The latch defines a second ceiling member receiving channel between the latch and the top surface, so that when rotated, the latch covers the second ceiling member receiving channel.

Abstract: A system and method to distinguish an RFID tag which is moving synchronously with an RFID reader from other RFID tags which are not moving synchronously with the reader. In one embodiment, the reader emits read signals at a fixed frequency with a corresponding period. A determination is made by the RFID reader as to the signal strengths received from an RFID tag at time intervals which are integer multiples of the half-period of the signal. Signal strengths from the tag which are the same or substantially the same at these prescribed measurement intervals are taken as an indication that the tag is moving synchronously with the RFID reader. In an alternative embodiment, the frequency of the read signals may vary over time. Correlations between received tag signal strengths with particular frequencies are an indication that the RFID tag is moving synchronously with the RFID reader.

Abstract: A solid-state imager detects return light from a target, and generates an electrical signal corresponding to the return light. A controller processes the electrical signal into data indicative of the target during an imaging mode of operation. An imaging lens assembly captures, optically modifies and directs the return light over a field of view along an optical path onto the imager. The imaging lens assembly includes a variable liquid lens controlled by the controller for optically modifying the return light. The liquid lens has an entrance area and is located in close proximity to an aperture stop A plurality of solid lenses magnifies the aperture stop and has an entrance pupil larger in size than the aperture stop and the entrance area to increase throughput of the return light to the imager.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile terminal that can interoperate with a plurality of headsets. The present invention further relates to systems and methodologies for facilitating communication to the mobile terminal from the plurality of headsets. The plurality of headsets can be of various types. For example, the headset can be a push button enabled signaling headset, which includes a signaling mechanism, such as a button, mounted to the headset or a headset cord. The mobile terminal includes a sensing component to detect the signaling from the headset. The signaling mechanism is employed to issue commands to the mobile terminal. Alternatively, the headset can be a standard, commercially available audio headset. If the standard headset is employed, the signaling function is not available and the standard headset operation is not impacted.

Abstract: A multicamera imaging-based bar code reader for imaging a target bar code on a target object features: a housing supporting a plurality of transparent windows and defining an interior region, a target object being presented to the plurality of windows for imaging a target bar code; an imaging system including a plurality of camera assemblies coupled to an image processing system, each camera assembly of the plurality of camera assemblies being positioned within the housing interior position. Each camera assembly includes a sensor array and an imaging lens assembly for focusing a field of view of the camera assembly onto the sensor array. One or more processors prioritize an order of image capture or interpretation based upon user tendancies.

Abstract: A method and imaging system (10) is disclosed having a lens assembly (40) adapted for reading a target object (18) comprising an anamorphic lens assembly with first (L3) and second (L4) toroidal lenses adapted for positioning between a target object (18) and a sensor array (32) of an imaging system (10) such that an image received from the target object (18) is anamorphically magnified before impinging onto the sensor array along first and second directions by the anamorphic lens assembly (L3, L4). The anamorphic magnification in the first direction differs from the magnification in the second direction such that the image of the target object (18) projected onto the sensor array (32) appears elongated along the first direction relative to the second direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading optical indicia. The method includes generating calibration light, and measuring an intensity of the calibration light reflected into a detector system. The method also includes determining an optimum exposure level for the imaging system based on the measured intensity of the calibration light reflected into the detector system, and generating an illumination light with an illumination system. In addition, the method includes capturing an image of the optical indicia with the imaging system subjecting to the optimum exposure level.