Abstract: A barcode symbol having an encoded symbology is provided with color or shades of gray to add additional information at the time of printing. The color or shades of gray provides the current barcode symbology with a third dimension of information. The color or shades of gray can encode information over a specific one-dimensional or two-dimensional symbology. White spaces can be replaced with colors or shades of gray to add coded information to the standard one-dimensional and two-dimensional codes. The number of colors and how they are distributed or arranged can provide the basic backbone of information. A barcode reader that can detect the different color spectrums, can be employed to decode the information. Furthermore, color is not limited to white spaces, but can be implemented into black spaces. Additionally, colored background information can provide additional information to the current symbology.

Abstract: The present invention relates to network communication systems for managing client/server connections in a wireless environment. In accordance with the invention, a mobile communication unit (i.e., client), deploys keepalive packets at selected times in order to reset a keepidle timer of a server (e.g., host computer). By periodically resetting the keepidle timer a current connection between the mobile communication unit and server can be maintained as long as desired even when the mobile communication unit is in a power suspend mode. When in a power suspend mode, the mobile communication unit can briefly awake long enough to activate its transmitter and send a keepalive packet to the server to maintain the current connection. In this manner, the mobile communication unit can obtain the power savings of being in primarily a power suspend mode, but still prevent the current connection from timing out.

Abstract: A portable data collection device having a modular imaging-based dataform reader. The dataform reader is adapted to independently read first and second overlying dataforms, the first dataform is imaged and decoded when illuminated by radiation having a first wavelength and the second dataform is imaged and decoded when illuminated by radiation having a second wavelength. Control and selection circuitry is electrically coupled to an imaging assembly and an illumination assembly to actuate the imaging assembly and selectively energize a first illumination source which generates radiation having a first range of wavelengths to image and decode the first dataform while a second illumination source is deenergized and to actuate the imaging assembly and selectively energize the second illumination source which generates radiation having a second range of wavelengths to image and decode the second dataform while the first illumination source is deenergized.

Abstract: A wireless communication system includes a system backbone, a host computer coupled to the system backbone, at least one base station coupled to the system backbone, the at least one base station including a base station transceiver for communicating wirelessly with mobile devices within the system, and at least one mobile device having a mobile device transceiver for communicating wirelessly with the host computer on the system backbone via the at least one base station. A method of operation includes the steps determining whether a version of operating software stored in the at least one mobile device is a current version of the operating software, and wirelessly updating the operating software stored in the at least one mobile device if it is determined that the operating software stored in the at least one mobile device is not the current version.

Abstract: A dataform reader module is provided utilizing a piezoelectric reflector with a reflecting angle that is adjustable to provide for an optimal focus of an image projected onto a photosensor array. A distance measurement device can provide a distance measurement utilized in adjusting the piezoelectric reflector, such that an optimal focus can be made without the use of multiple lenses and/or reflectors. Alternatively, various dataform readings can be performed to find the optimal focus without employing a distance measurement device. Additionally, distance measurements and readings can be performed on segments of the dataform and the dataform reconstructed after all of the readings have been performed.

Abstract: A dataform reading module includes at least one photosensor providing a plurality of different zones for image capture. The reader module further includes a plurality of optics for focusing a respective image representing a portion of a dataform taken along a target line onto a respective one of the plurality of different zones. At least two of the plurality of optics are configured to focus an image of adjacent and partially overlapping portions of the dataform taken along the target line. An illuminating device included as part of the reading module is used for illuminating the dataform.

Abstract: An RFID tag system is provided that is convertable from a passive system to an active system. This is accomplished by providing chargeable ink wells on the RFID tag system that can provide power to components in the RFID tag system. The power provides the components with power to communicate messages between the RFID tag system and a base unit. The chargeable ink wells are formed by printing a conductive ink onto the RFID tag system. The conductive ink forms a capacitive well having stored up energy upon charging of the conductive ink. The ink can be charged prior to printing on the RFID tag system or charged after the ink is printed onto the RFID tag system. The printed wells can be formed similar to large capacitive plates. The capacitive wells can also be formed from printed features such as a barcode or such as a group of alphanumeric characters.

Abstract: A system and method for an information system for use by customers in a retail shopping environment are provided. The system includes a host computer and a portable terminal for use by a customer. The portable terminal is located within a retail environment and interacts with the host computer to access product information. A customer enters a request for product information via an input device. The portable terminal then transmits the customer request and receives the product information from the host computer. A processor is employed for generating a request or query related to the received product information; and both the product information and additional query information is then displayed to the customer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dataform reading module. At least one photosensor provides a plurality of different zones for image capture. A lens focuses a respective image representing a portion of a dataform taken along a target line onto a respective one of the plurality of different zones. At least two mirrors are configured to focus an image of adjacent and partially overlapping portions of the dataform taken along the target line onto the lens. An illuminating device illuminates the dataform.

Abstract: A hand held portable device is provided that includes a signature pad for receiving a customer's signature and a carbon copy receipt printer that can print out a receipt with customer information, product information and the customer's digitized signature on both a merchant receipt and a customer receipt. The hand hold portable device can also be provided with a bar code reader and a thermal transfer bar code printer. The hand held portable device is adapted to allow a user to input product information, inventory information, customer information and accept customer signatures. The portable device allows the user to select between reading a bar code, printing a bar code label and printing a receipt containing at least one of the digitized signature received by the digitized pad and the bar code information read from the bar code label. The hand held portable device can also download data to a main computer via a communication system with a connector or a radio frequency link.

Abstract: A multi-level encryption scheme is provided for a wireless network. A first level of encryption is provided primarily for wireless communications taking place between a mobile terminal and an access point. In addition, a second, higher level of encryption is provided which is distributed beyond the wireless communications onto the system backbone itself. Through a key distribution server/access point arrangement, the second level of encryption provides a secure means for distributing the encryption scheme of the first level without compromising the integrity of the network.

Abstract: In an enterprise network system a plurality of software systems are integrated using an enterprise wide software management system and communicate with a plurality of clients. At least one of the clients is functionally represented by a plurality of subclients through a midware which is transparent to the software systems. Communication destined for any of the clients interfaced through the midware is received by the midware and converted to a format suitable for communication with one or more of the subclients prior to transmission thereto. Correspondingly, communications received from one or more subclients is converted to an appropriate format by the midware and forwarding to the assigned destination. Communications received by the midware is further monitored for fields which are tracked. Upon receiving communications having fields being tracked, the midware stores a least a portion of the communication in a report table.

Abstract: In an enterprise network system a plurality of software systems are integrated using an enterprise wide software management system and communicate with a plurality of clients. At least one of the clients is functionally represented by a plurality of subclients through a midware which is transparent to the software systems. Communication destined for any of the clients interfaced through the midware is received by the midware and converted to a format suitable for communication with one or more of the subclients prior to transmission thereto. Correspondingly, communications received from one or more subclients is converted to an appropriate format by the midware and forwarding to the assigned destination. Communications received by the midware is further monitored for fields which are tracked. Upon receiving communications having fields being tracked, the midware stores a least a portion of the communication in a report table.

Abstract: A multi-level encryption scheme is provided for a wireless network. A first level of encryption is provided primarily for wireless communications taking place between a mobile terminal and an access point. In addition, a second, higher level of encryption is provided which is distributed beyond the wireless communications onto the system backbone itself. Through a key distribution server/access point arrangement, the second level of encryption provides a secure means for distributing the encryption scheme of the first level without compromising the integrity of the network.

Abstract: A portable data terminal for use in a portable data collection network including a backbone network and a plurality of access points coupled to the backbone network. The portable data terminal includes a keypad for inputting data; a barcode reader for inputting barcode information an RF transceiver for wirelessly communicating at least one of data input via the keypad and barcode information read by the barcode reader to the backbone network by way of at least one of the plurality of access points a speaker; and a voice circuit operatively coupled to the RF transceiver and the speaker for receiving voice data via the RF transceiver, and for converting the voice data into a voice signal which is output through the speaker.

Abstract: A system for scanning a target is provided. A light source directs a beam of light toward a radially-arced piezoelectric material having a reflective surface. The reflective surface directs at least a portion of the beam of light to the target. A power source provides movement in the radially-arced piezoelectric material to scan at least a portion of the beam of light across at least a portion of the target. The at least a portion of the beam of light is reflected onto a photosensor to provide an electrical signal representing the reflected light.

Abstract: In a wireless network having a plurality of nodes which roam about the network, a method for routing data packets among the nodes whereby each of the nodes carries out the steps of maintaining a list of nodes which are reachable through the node based on advertisements received from other nodes; advertising to other nodes the list of nodes which are reachable through the node; and when receiving a data packet for which the node is not the ultimate destination, forwarding the data packet towards the ultimate destination based on the list of nodes.

Abstract: A bar code reader includes a housing and a reader module disposed in the housing for reading bar code indicia and producing an analog signal representative of the bar code indicia. A decoder is coupled to the reader module for receiving the analog signal and decoding the analog signal into decoded data representative of the bar code indicia. A central processor is coupled to the decoder and serves to receive and process the decoded data representative of the bar code indicia. The reader module and the decoder operate independently of the processor.

Abstract: An access point is provided for use in a wireless network having a system backbone and a plurality of mobile terminals. The access point includes a communication circuit coupling the access point to the system backbone, and a first transceiver for wirelessly communicating with at least one of the plurality of mobile terminals on a first communication channel. In addition, the access point includes a second transceiver for wirelessly communicating with at least another of the plurality of mobile terminals on a second communication channel different from the first communication channel.

Abstract: A hand-held portable computer is disclosed. The computer includes a housing at least partially enclosing computer electronics, a visible display screen supported by the computer housing and a handle assembly connected to the computer housing. The handle assembly includes a handle support, a support retainer affixed to the housing at a location opposite the screen and a handle supported by the handle support. The support retainer adjustably connects the handle support to the computer housing. In the preferred embodiment, the handle support is rotatably adjustable with respect to the computer housing. The handle support includes an annular ring having a plurality of indentations on one surface and the support retainer includes a detent which engages a selected one of the indentations to secure the handle support in a desired rotational orientation.