Abstract: Methods and apparatus for swipe image scanning comprising a scan stand and an imaging scanner. An exemplary scan stand comprises an illumination module and a receiving structure to receive the imaging scanner. Other embodiments further comprise a scan module, an illumination module, a processing unit, a detection component and memory. In an embodiment, the scan stand illuminates target dataforms brighter than the illumination from the scanner allowing for shorter exposure times and improved scanner performance.

Abstract: An arrangement for determining light beam position in an electro-optical reader, image projector and like devices includes a drive for moving a scanning light beam at a scan frequency across a target as a scan line, and an electro-optical feedback assembly operatively connected to the drive, for optically detecting scan line position during beam movement, and for generating a feedback signal at the scan frequency, the feedback signal being indicative of the scan line position. A feedback coil in the drive is eliminated to avoid electromagnetic coupling between multiple coils in the drive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling the operation of a Laser Projection Display (LPD). Generally, the LPD is comprised of a laser, an optical system and a controller. The laser is adapted to emit a beam of laser light. The optical system is adapted to scan the beam of laser light on a display surface in a two-dimensional raster pattern. The controller is adapted to control the rate at which the laser beam is scanned to produce regions of varying resolution on the display surface. The controller is also adapted to present laser light onto the display surface within only selected portions of the two-dimensional raster scan pattern so that spaced apart image regions may be created.

Abstract: Described is a multi-optic scanner that can detect and/or measure weight placed on its vertical plate. In one embodiment, a portion of the vertical plate is positioned under a portion of a horizontal plate so that a force exerted on the vertical plate is transferred, whole or in part, to the horizontal plate. In alternate embodiments, one or more sensors are coupled to the vertical plate for detecting a force on the plate. The sensors can be coupled to an alert, such as an audible signal, to warn an operator of a misread weight.

Abstract: A lightweight, compact image projection module, especially for mounting in a housing having a light-transmissive window, is operative for causing selected pixels in a raster pattern to be illuminated to produce an image of high resolution of VGA quality in color.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are described for reducing interference amongst frequency identification (RFID) readers operating within an interference range. Groups of frequencies from a range of frequencies are determined such that RFID readers transmitting on adjacent frequencies in a particular group of frequencies experience substantially negligible interference. A first group of frequencies is selected for a first time period of operation. RFID readers are each assigned a unique frequency from the first group of frequencies. At the end of the first time period, a second group of frequencies is selected and RFID readers are each assigned unique frequencies from the second group of frequencies. Substantially all frequencies of the groups of frequencies are assigned during a predetermined time duration.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for communicating with radio frequency identification (RFID) tags using an RFID reader are provided. A first communication signal configured to communicate with at least one RFID tag is generated. The first communication signal is transmitted from a first antenna of the reader. The reader is docked with a docking station, the docking station including a contact member coupled to at least one additional antenna, enabling the reader to couple a second communication signal through the contact member to the at least one additional antenna.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for configuring a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader using an RFID tag are described. A RFID tag is read by the reader to obtain reader configuration information from the RFID tag. A registry of the reader is modified to include the reader configuration information. A management system is communicated with by the reader, based on information obtained by the reader in the reader configuration information. The reader is thereby configured for operation.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for ways of locating tags are described. A power level of a RFID communication signal transmitted by a RFID device, such as a reader, is adjusted to hone in on a specific tag. For example, the power level may be decreased or increased, depending on the situation, to hone in on the tag. The RFID device may be repositioned to aid in further honing in on the tag. Transmitting RFID communication signals, adjusting transmit power levels, and repositioning the RFID device may be iterated as needed to hone in on the tag.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for ways of testing tags are provided. In an aspect of the present invention, an antenna is mounted in a cavity of a surface. The antenna transmits a test signal, such as a radio frequency (RF) test signal, to the antenna of an adjacent tag, to test the adjacent tag. In aspects, multiple cavities having antennas may be arranged in various ways in the surface, such as in a “checkerboard pattern” (e.g., diagonally positioned from each other), to test multiple tags in a web of tags simultaneously. In another aspect, tags that are not being tested may be held at an electrical voltage, such as a ground voltage, to disable the tags from responding to the test signals of other tags. For example, in an aspect, a vacuum system may be used to hold tags in a web of tags to the surface to hold antennas of the tags at the electrical voltage.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for assembling and implementing optically machine readable radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are described. An RFID tag comprises a substrate, an electrical circuit mounted on the substrate, and an antenna that is configured to be machine readable. For example, the antenna may include a plurality of electrically conductive substantially rectangular bars formed on a first surface of the substrate. Bars of the plurality of electrically conductive substantially rectangular bars are positioned in parallel with each other and are configured to be an optically machine readable symbol. Bars of the plurality of electrically conductive substantially rectangular bars form at least one antenna. The electrical circuit is electrically coupled to the plurality of electrically conductive substantially rectangular bars. Alternatively, a plurality of patches are formed on the first surface of the substrate to form a two-dimensional optically machine readable symbol.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for bar code detection. The method comprises generating a digitized bar pattern (DBP) including a series of elements corresponding to elements of a scanned bar code, and identifying a first set of margins around a first portion of the series of elements. When an attempt to decode the first portion is unsuccessful, the first portion is analyzed to determine a second set of margins around a second portion of the series of elements, the second set of margins being within the first set of margins, and the second portion is input to a decoding algorithm.

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. The product is deemed authentic if the item identifier from the analog identification indicium substantially matches the item identifier from the digital identification record.

Abstract: A dual mode mobile unit is arranged to communicate in either a first or second data communications standard, such as combined Bluetooth and 802.11 operation. An interface unit converts received Bluetooth or 802.11 format signals into 802.11 frame format data signals to be provided to a digital signal processor which is programmed to process signals in either standard. The dual mode mobile unit can operate in the 802.11 standard to reserve a time interval for Bluetooth activity during which other 802.11 units will avoid transmissions to avoid interference.

Abstract: A trigger for initiating reading, and a lightpipe for displaying the results of the reading, together form an integrated molded assembly for installation into an electro-optical reader.

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: An image projection system projects an image on a projection screen having a phosphor for converting incident violet light into green light which, together with red and blue light, creates the image in full color. The screen includes an apertured mask having apertures filled with the phosphor, or a phosphor plate in contact with the mask and having lenslets extending through and past the apertures.

Abstract: A global positioning system includes a fixed base unit of known position and at least one mobile unit, the base unit and the mobile unit each including a GPS receiver. This system further includes means for comparing the simultaneous GPS identified positions of the mobile unit and the base unit to establish the relative position of the mobile unit to the base unit. The mobile unit may be provided in a vehicle for allowing the instantaneous position of the vehicle to be identified relative to the base unit. Alternatively the mobile unit may include a bar code scanner for reading a bar code on an item and recording instantaneously the GPS identified position allowing a map of the position of various items relative to a base unit to be compiled.

Abstract: An advertising service divides a consumer transaction at a POS location into multiple time frames. The service then determines an advertisement (ad) for display in one of the time frames and displays the ad in one of the time frames. One of the time frames spans one of the following activities: waiting for a consumer to begin a transaction, greeting a consumer, beginning a transaction, selecting a form of payment, swiping a card for a form of payment, entering a security code for the form of payment, identifying a product for purchase, displaying a total cost for products identified for purchase, signing for a purchase, thanking a consumer his purchase, surveying a consumer, promoting an event, applying for a credit card, informing a consumer, identifying a consumer, interacting with a consumer, and passing through an interstitial period.