Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing dynamic signal processing with, in one exemplary embodiment, a fast swipe image scanner. Dynamic signal processing comprises determining the rate of motion of a dataform, for example a barcode, which is passed in front of the scanner's data collection module. Then, based on the rate of motion, applying a signal processing method to the dataform. The complexity of the selected signal processing method used to decode the dataform can be chosen based on the detected rate of motion of the dataform. In alternate embodiments two or more algorithms are processes concurrently.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for a reader transceiver circuit are described. The reader transceiver circuit incorporates a frequency generator, such as a surface acoustic wave (SAW) oscillator. A reader incorporating the reader transceiver circuit is configured to read a tag at very close range, including while being in contact with the tag. The transceiver can be coupled to various host devices in a variety of ways, including being located in a RFID reader (e.g., mobile or fixed position), a computing device, a barcode reader, etc. The transceiver can be located in an RFID module that is attachable to a host device, can be configured in the host device, or can be configured to communicate with the host device over a distance. The RFID module may include one or more antennas, such as a first antenna configured to receive a magnetic field component of an electromagnetic wave and a second antenna configured to receive an electric field component of an electromagnetic wave.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing alerts on a browser running on a portable handheld device is disclosed. The method generates an asynchronous notification action from the server and in response transmits an alert containing a message indicating availability of HTML pages that describe the nature of the alert. The alert is received at a node on a network and translated into the original message. An alert receipt acknowledgment is transmitted to the server. Access to the alert HTML page is provided through a URL containing the appropriate query strings necessary to present the appropriate HTML page. The invention also discloses a wireless local area network (WLAN) adapter associated with a wireless network that receives paging signals from a server on the network and returns an acknowledgment signal back to the server. The invention also discloses a client/server based method of delivering messages initiated by a client.

Abstract: Systems, devices and/or methods that facilitate automatic data wedge configuration profile switching are presented. An automatic data wedge configuration profile switching system can improve productivity and reduce errors associated with manually switching data wedge configuration profiles. The automatic data wedge configuration profile switching system can automatically switch profiles based in part on indications related to foreground applications. This indication can be related to changing from a first foreground application to a second foreground application, can be related to changing from a first information input scheme to a second information input scheme within a foreground application, can be related to messages sent from foreground applications, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Described is a method and system for detecting a first trigger event using a trigger device, the trigger device including a trigger sensor and a trigger tag. Listening on a predetermined radio frequency band by an interrogator for an activation signal, wherein the activation signal is generated by the trigger tag, the activation signal including a unique identifier of the trigger tag and receiving the activation signal. The activation signal is then validated as being received from an associated trigger tag and the interrogator is activated into an interrogation mode upon validation of the activation signal.

Abstract: A target is illuminated with illumination light for image capture by a solid-state imager of an imaging reader. Internal reflections of the illumination light at a window are minimized, if not eliminated, by configuring the window as a non-planar optical element operative for redirecting the internal reflections away from the imager to enhance reader performance.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for storing and retrieving consumer-transaction information. The method includes capturing transaction information regarding a consumer at a first merchant, storing the captured selection information on a server and applying that captured transaction information to a transaction involving the consumer at a second merchant. Before applying the captured transaction information, the consumer is identified in a transaction at the second merchant. The first and second merchants and the server may be communicatively coupled by means of an internet—perhaps even the Internet. The type of transaction information captured may include credit information or loyalty information. The second transaction may be initiated by a browser on a personal computer connected to the Internet.

Abstract: An interface enables data capture systems, such as electro-optical readers, RFID readers, and imagers operative for capturing transaction data to communicate with a plurality of open applications executed by a host computer. A queue arranges the transaction data processed by one of the open applications, and management data processed by another of the open applications. A queue handler transmits the processed transaction data and the processed management data from the queue to each data capture system without closing any of the open applications.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for adjusting transmission power of different portions of a data packet. The system and method is especially useful when utilizing the IEEE 802.11 standard protocol due to the varying transmission data rates of a packet. A IEEE 802.11 packet includes a preamble portion, a header portion and a data portion. The preamble portion has a data rate of 1 Mbps, the header has a data rate of 1 or 2 Mbps and the data portion has a data rate of 1, 2, 5.5 or 11 Mbps. At a given fixed power level, a transmission at a higher data rate has a lower transmission range than a transmission at a lower data rate. Therefore, the present invention provides for a system and method that adjusts the power level of different portions of a data packet, so that the entire data packet has a more uniform range. This eliminates the need for components in the system receiving a preamble portion of a transmission at higher ranges to remain idle during transmission of an entire frame.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for antenna designs for radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are described.

Abstract: A method for receiving, on a first device connected to a network, a communication including information corresponding to a second device which is not connected to the network. The information is stored on the first device and transmitted to an enterprise management system for the network, wherein the information includes an indication that the information corresponds to the second device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image collecting module. The image collection module is provided with a first indicator operable to provide an indication of a valid read of a first portion of a hybrid dataform and a second indicator operable to provide an indication of a valid read of a second portion of the hybrid dataform.

Abstract: A method of identifying or authenticating a product by providing an analog identification indicium including a randomized pattern of identification features on a first part of the product wherein one or more attributes of the randomized pattern of identification features correspond to an item identifier. A digital identification record is provided on a second part of the product including an encoded digital version of the item identifier, the first and second parts being separable when the product is used. The randomized pattern of identification features of the analog identification indicium is read and decoded to generate an item identifier and the digital identification record is read and decoded to generate an item identifier. A blur analysis is performed on the analog identification indicium and the amount of blur is compensated for during processing.

Abstract: An identification (ID) tag includes a substrate having an input capable of receiving a high frequency signal. A first charge pump is coupled to the input and is configured to convert the high frequency signal to a substantially direct current (DC) voltage. A state machine is disposed on the substrate and is responsive to a data recovered by the second charge pump, where the state machine is capable of generating the control signal for the back scatter switch in response to the data. The DC voltage from the first charge pump is capable of providing a voltage supply for at least one of the data recovery circuit, the back scatter switch, and the state machine. The data recovery circuit includes a second charge pump that is capable of operating on the high frequency signal simultaneously with the first charge pump.

Abstract: A microprocessor and an application specific integrated circuit are embodied as two chips mounted on a printed circuit board which is, in turn, mounted on a scan engine for use in an electro-optical reader. This dual chip architecture is readily configurable and controls reader operation.

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: Described is a system and method for detection using an ultrasonic wave. The system may include a first arrangement and a second arrangement. The first arrangement may include a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter transmits an ultrasonic wave along a surface on which items are to be stored and the receiver receives the wave after it has passed over the surface. The second arrangement receives from the first arrangement data corresponding to properties of the received wave. The second arrangement compares the properties of the received wave to properties of the transmitted wave to generate current condition value. The second arrangement determines based on the current condition value and calibration data a current condition state corresponding to a degree of the surface currently occupied by the items. The calibration data includes at least one calibration value and a corresponding calibration condition state.

Abstract: A method of inventory management is described. Upon activation of a button on a wireless device, the wireless device having a light source and a transceiver with a unique media address corresponding to a unique product, the device broadcasts a first signal including an order command and the unique media address by the transceiver via a wireless medium. A central controller then receives the first signal, identifies the unique media address included in the first signal, and using a database, identifies the unique product associated with the unique media address.

Abstract: A portable indicium scanner that includes circuitry for enabling an aiming pattern through an activation device. The aiming pattern targets selected indicia and signals the operator indicating whether a proper selection has been made, thereby allowing an imaging system to capture and decode the targeted indicia. The activation device includes a switch, two-stage trigger, an accelerometer, or photosensor that is located within the scanner.

Abstract: A Mobile Station (MS) is able to vertically roam in either direction between two different networks, i.e., WWAN and WLAN. The MS is equipped with a dual mode Radio for WWAN and WLAN transmissions. The WLAN Radio is linked to a WLAN Enterprise Gateway Controller (EGC) via a first air link and the WWAN Radio is linked to a WWAN Base Transceiver Station (BTS) via a second air link. An outgoing VoIP call from the WLAN Radio to a remote party on the WWAN will transition or seamlessly switch over to a WWAN connection when the MS detects packet error rates, frequent scale back or consistent signal degradation.