Abstract: A barcode-reading device can send barcode images to a remote server for decoding. A decoder on the remote server can process the images and attempt to decode any barcodes in the images. Once the decoder on the remote server has successfully decoded a barcode, the remote server can send the decoded data back to the barcode-reading device and/or to a host computing device that is communicatively coupled to the barcode-reading device. If the barcode-reading device receives the decoded data, the barcode-reading device can forward the decoded data to the host computing device. In some embodiments, a barcode-reading device can send all captured images to the remote server. Alternatively, a barcode-reading device can send only some captured images to the remote server. In some embodiments, a barcode-reading device can be configured to perform one or more preliminary processing operations on an image before sending the image to the remote server.

Abstract: A barcode-reading device can be configured to record certain information about events related to the barcode-reading device in a usage log. The barcode-reading device can be configured so that it records certain information in the usage log whenever the barcode-reading device scans a barcode (e.g., a timestamp, an indication of whether the barcode is successfully decoded, a symbology of the barcode, decoded data). The barcode-reading device can also be configured so that it records information about events that are not specifically associated with a barcode scan (e.g., when the barcode-reading device is powered on, when the barcode-reading device experiences a failure). The information contained in the usage log can be processed to determine statistics relevant to the barcode-reading device. The device statistics can be used for various purposes, such as improving the performance of the barcode-reading device, improving the user's experience with the barcode-reading device, and so forth.

Abstract: Data can be collected from a plurality of barcode-reading devices associated with an enterprise. The collected data can be distinct from the decoded data that is generated by the barcode-reading devices when barcodes are read. For example, the collected data can include device data describing one or more characteristics of the barcode-reading device. Other types of data (e.g., camera data, license data, decoding metadata) can also be collected. The collected data can be sent to a remote server for processing and analysis. The remote server can provide feedback to the enterprise based on the results of analyzing the collected data.

Abstract: Data can be collected from a plurality of barcode-reading devices associated with an enterprise. The collected data can be distinct from the decoded data that is generated by the barcode-reading devices when barcodes are read. For example, the collected data can include device data describing one or more characteristics of the barcode-reading device. Other types of data (e.g., camera data, license data, decoding metadata) can also be collected. The collected data can be sent to a remote server for processing and analysis. The remote server can provide feedback to the enterprise based on the results of analyzing the collected data.

Abstract: A barcode-reading device can send barcode images to a remote server for decoding. A decoder on the remote server can process the images and attempt to decode any barcodes in the images. Once the decoder on the remote server has successfully decoded a barcode, the remote server can send the decoded data back to the barcode-reading device and/or to a host computing device that is communicatively coupled to the barcode-reading device. If the barcode-reading device receives the decoded data, the barcode-reading device can forward the decoded data to the host computing device. In some embodiments, a barcode-reading device can send all captured images to the remote server. Alternatively, a barcode-reading device can send only some captured images to the remote server. In some embodiments, a barcode-reading device can be configured to perform one or more preliminary processing operations on an image before sending the image to the remote server.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a barcode reading system that includes an image decoding system, a communication interface, and an image sensor system package. The image decoding system may include a processor, memory, and a decoder stored in the memory. The image sensor system package may be coupled to the image decoding system via the communication interface. The image sensor system package may include a photo sensor array and pre-processing circuitry. The photo sensor array may be configured to capture image frames at a first speed. The pre-processing circuitry may be configured to perform one or more operations on the image frames captured by the photo sensor array. The pre-processing circuitry may be additionally configured to effect transfer of at least some of the image frames to the image decoding system via the communication interface at a second speed. The first speed may be greater than the second speed.

Abstract: A barcode reading application includes an image capture function for controlling a white light source and a camera of a mobile device to capture an image of a barcode in a target area. The barcode reading application also includes a decoder function for receiving the image of the barcode and generating decoded data representing data encoded in the barcode. The barcode reading application also includes a non-legacy mobile client function for transmitting the decoded data to a non-legacy system. The barcode reading application also includes a legacy mobile client function for transmitting the decoded data to an intermediate server, which then provides the decoded data received from the legacy mobile client function to a legacy system. The barcode reading application also includes a relay function for determining whether the decoded data is intended for the legacy system or the non-legacy system.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns systems and methods for controlling access to a device with barcode-reading functionality. Enabling the barcode-reading functionality of the device may require providing authenticating information. A user may provide the authenticating information using an identification card with an embedded near field communication (NFC) tag. After the device or a charger of the device validates the embedded NFC tag, the device may enable the barcode-reading functionality but track an amount of time since a last barcode scan of the device. If the amount of time since the last barcode scan reaches a present period, the device may disable the barcode-reading functionality. The device may send a connection request from a portion of a local area network (LAN). A server may receive the request. The server may deny the device access to the LAN if the device is not authorized for use in the portion of the LAN.

Abstract: A system may include a plurality of stations that implement a workflow process. The workflow process may include reading a barcode in connection with at least some of the plurality of stations. The barcode may be attached to an item that is moved between the plurality of stations during the workflow process. The system may additionally include a plurality of devices. Each of the plurality of devices may be located at one of the plurality of stations. At least some of the plurality of devices may include barcode reading capability. The system may additionally include process management code stored in memory on at least some of the plurality of devices. The process management code may be executable by one or more processors on the plurality of devices to determine auxiliary data corresponding to the workflow process and send the auxiliary data to a server.

Abstract: A barcode-reading system may include a barcode reader and at least one detector that is configured to detect a characteristic of an environment in which the barcode-reading system is located. The barcode-reading system may also include a controller that is configured to adjust at least one output of the barcode-reading system based on at least one detected characteristic.

Abstract: A barcode-reading system for a mobile device may include a camera assembly. The barcode-reading system may include a barcode-reading enhancement accessory and a barcode-reading application. The barcode-reading enhancement accessory may be securable to the mobile device and may be configured to provide an indication of license entitlement to the mobile device. The barcode-reading application may be stored in memory of the mobile device and executable by a processor of the mobile device. The barcode-reading application may also be configured to enable an enhanced mode of operation of the barcode-reading application conditional upon determining obtaining the license entitlement from the accessory.

Abstract: An interim charging system includes a docking station and a case for a mobile device. The case is magnetically secured to the docking station. The docking station includes a power source and a charger that charges the mobile device in the case.

Abstract: This patent specification describes a barcode-reading enhancement accessory for a mobile device having a barcode-reading capability. The accessory may include an outer case and an inner carriage. A mobile device is encased in the inner carriage, and the combination of the inner carriage and the mobile device is accommodated in the outer case. The inner carriage is configured to accommodate a mobile device of a particular size such that a mobile device of a different size may be accommodated in the outer case using a different inner carriage. The accessory may also include an optic system to fold an optical path of a field of illumination of a light source of the mobile device and/or a field of view of a camera of the mobile device.

Abstract: A system includes a barcode reader that is configured to use different types of rechargeable power sources and charging circuitry that is configured to provide a charging current and a charging voltage for a rechargeable power source that is being used by the barcode reader. The charging circuitry is configured to adjust the charging current and the charging voltage for the different types of rechargeable power sources that are used by the barcode reader.

Abstract: A presentation stand for enabling a mobile device to read barcodes in presentation mode includes a cradle portion that is connected to the base portion. The cradle portion is configured to hold the mobile device in a position for reading a barcode. A shield portion is attached to the cradle portion and configured to modify a field of view of a camera of the mobile device. The shield portion is also configured to modify a field of illumination of an illumination source of the mobile device. The shield portion includes a camera optic system that is at least partially aligned with the camera of the mobile device when the mobile device is held in the cradle portion. The shield portion also includes an illumination optic system that is at least partially aligned with the illumination source of the mobile device when the mobile device is held in the cradle portion.

Abstract: A system in accordance with the present disclosure may include a plurality of electronic devices that do not have Internet connectivity. Each electronic device may include a barcode decoder and a license activation application. The system may also include a computing device that has an Internet connection. The computing device may include a master program that is executable to obtain a plurality of identifiers from the plurality of electronic devices. The master program may also be executable to send at least one license request to a license server via the Internet connection. The at least one license request may include the plurality of identifiers. The master program may also be executable to receive a plurality of licenses from the license server in response to the at least one license request. The master program may also be executable to provide the plurality of licenses to the plurality of electronic devices.

Abstract: A mobile device may include a camera assembly, a processor, memory, and a barcode-reading application. The camera assembly may include an image sensor. Pixels in a predetermined location of the image sensor may be defective pixels that provide the same output values regardless of actual characteristics of incident light. The barcode-reading application may be stored in the memory. The barcode-reading application may be executable by the processor to enable at least one enhanced mode of operation of the barcode-reading application conditional upon confirming that the image sensor comprises the defective pixels in the predetermined location.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an attachment for a smartphone. The smartphone may include i) a camera with an image sensor and a focusing lens located on a back side of the smartphone for capturing an image of a target area; and ii) a white light source on the back side of the smartphone. The attachment may include a targeting optic system. When the attachment is secured to the back side of the smartphone, the targeting optic system may receive illumination emitted by the white light source and direct the illumination towards the target area from a location that is not directly in front of the camera's image sensor. The location may be farther from the focusing lens than the white light source when measured parallel to the back side of the smartphone. The attachment may also direct the illumination into the target area via the targeting optic system.

Abstract: An application on a mobile device may include a barcode decoder. The application may be configured to download a configuration file. The configuration file may include an enterprise identifier that is uniquely associated with an enterprise. The application may additionally be configured to obtain a license key for the barcode decoder. The license key may be based on the enterprise identifier. The application may additionally be configured to transition the barcode decoder from an inactive state to an active state conditional upon verifying that the license key is based on the enterprise identifier.

Abstract: A barcode reader may include barcode reading hardware, which may include an image sensor. The image sensor may capture an image of a barcode within a field of view. The barcode reading hardware may also include a communication interface for output of decoded data to a remote computing system. The barcode reader may also include volatile memory and non-volatile memory. The non-volatile memory may include start-up instructions. The barcode reader may also include a processor. The processor may be configured to, upon power-up of the barcode reader, execute the start-up instructions to obtain firmware for operating the barcode reader from a remote configuration server, load the firmware to the volatile memory, and commence execution of the firmware to commence barcode reading functions of the barcode reader without performing a re-boot operation.