Abstract: An accessory for a mobile device includes a battery pack comprising a battery, battery pack memory, and battery data stored in the battery pack memory. The battery is an auxiliary power source for the mobile device when the accessory is electrically coupled to the mobile device. The accessory additionally includes accessory memory and accessory data stored in the accessory memory. The accessory data and the battery data may be obtained by the application on the mobile device when the accessory is electrically coupled to the mobile device.

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: This disclosure concerns a barcode reading system that includes a barcode reader and a data manipulation module. The barcode reader reads a barcode, decodes the barcode, and generates decoded data. The data manipulation module includes a data validation module and a data formatting module. The data validation module can perform one or more data validation operations on the decoded data. The data formatting module is separate from the data validation module. The data formatting module can perform one or more data formatting operations on either an output of the data validation module or on the decoded data. The output of the data validation module may include one or more data validation modifications. The barcode reading system may also include a host computer that is in electronic communication with the barcode reader. In some configurations, the barcode reader may include the data manipulation module. In other configurations, the host computer may include the data manipulation.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods and systems for using a barcode reader to read multiple barcodes positioned on an object. The barcode reader attempts to locate a first priority barcode within an image using first priority information. The priority information may define a region of interest within the image. The barcode reader may search only the region of interest for the first priority barcode. The priority information may define one or more characteristics of the first priority barcode. Based on the results of attempting to locate the first priority barcode, the barcode reader determines whether to attempt to locate a second priority barcode within the image. The barcode reader may discard the image if the barcode reader fails to locate the first priority barcode or the results of attempting to locate the first priority barcode indicate that the image is unlikely to contain a decodable second priority barcode.

Abstract: An accessory for a mobile device may include a target generating structure. The target generating structure may emit a targeting pattern of illumination into a field of view of a camera of the mobile device. The targeting pattern may facilitate proper positioning of the mobile device for capturing an image of a barcode. The accessory may secure to a corner of the mobile device. The accessory may send a request to the mobile device to establish a focus setting of the camera. The target generating structure may emit the targeting pattern after the accessory sends the request.

Abstract: A barcode-reading enhancement accessory for a mobile device having a barcode-reading capability may include an outer case and an inner carriage. A mobile device may be encased in the inner carriage, and the combination of the inner carriage and the mobile device may be accommodated in the outer case. The inner carriage may be 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 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.

Abstract: A barcode reader system includes a barcode reader, a docking station, and a magnet. The barcode reader includes a housing and a first mating structure connected to the housing. The docking station includes a second mating structure to mate with the first mating structure. The second mating structure and the first mating structure are capable of forming a coupling between the barcode reader and the docking station. The magnet produces magnetic forces that strengthen the coupling between the barcode reader and the docking station. The docking station may include the magnet. The barcode reader may include a magnetic field detector and may enter a presentation mode in response to the magnetic field detector detecting a magnetic field.

Abstract: A barcode reading system for a mobile device that includes a camera and a white illumination source is described. The barcode reading system includes a barcode reading enhancement accessory and a barcode reading application. The barcode reading enhancement accessory is secured to the mobile device and folds a field of view of the camera and a field of illumination of the white light source towards a target area. The barcode reading application includes an image capture function, a decoder function for generating decoded data from the image of the barcode, and a relay function for sending the decoded data to a remote server. The remote server can be an intermediary device or a non-legacy system. The intermediary device can be configured to communicate with a legacy system. The relay function can determine whether the decoded data is intended for the legacy system or the non-legacy system.

Abstract: A barcode reading device includes an image sensor comprising a photosensor array and control circuitry configured to control an exposure period for the photosensor array. The barcode reading device also includes one or more illumination sources configured to generate illumination for illuminating a target area. The barcode reading device also includes circuitry that is configured to read out image data from the photosensor array in response to a trigger signal. The circuitry is also configured to, independent of controlling the exposure period for the photosensor array, illuminate a target area by activating the one or more illumination sources in response to the trigger signal.

Abstract: This patent specification describes operations of a mobile device with barcode-reading capabilities and an application and license server. A mobile device may include a barcode-reading application downloaded from an application server. The barcode-reading application may operate in a base mode or an enhanced mode. In the base mode, the barcode-reading application may establish a network connection to a licensing server to obtain a license code, and determine at least one operating permission authorized by the license code. In the enhanced mode, the barcode-reading application may implement at least one enhanced barcode-reading function which corresponds to the at least one operating permission authorized by the license code. For example, the enhanced barcode-reading function may be a function of decoding a barcode symbology that the decoder is restricted from decoding in the base mode of operation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a barcode-reading system that includes a mobile device accessory attached to a mobile device. The mobile device accessory includes a button assembly having an outer button and dielectric material. When an input object (e.g., a finger) comes into contact with the button assembly, the dielectric material comes into contact with a touch interface (e.g., a button or touchscreen) and causes the mobile device to detect a touch input. In particular, the dielectric material of the button assembly may activate a capacitive property of a button or touchscreen to enable the mobile device to detect the touch input.

Abstract: An attachment for a mobile device includes an attachment feature securable to the mobile device. The attachment also includes a first set of imaging optics that receives, from within a first field of view, first light defining a first portion of image data captured by an image sensing system of the mobile device. The first portion of the image data includes a barcode image. The first field of view is centered on a first optical pathway. The attachment also includes a second set of imaging optics that receives, from within a second field of view, second light defining a second portion of the image data. The second portion of the image data includes a non-barcode image. The second field of view is centered on a second optical pathway nonparallel to the first optical pathway.

Abstract: A barcode reader may include an image sensor array, an optic system, an image buffer, and a plurality of pre-processing circuits implemented in hardware. The optic system may be configured to focus an image of a barcode onto the image sensor array. The plurality of pre-processing circuits may collectively implement a plurality of different image processing functions. Each pre-processing circuit may be configured to receive as input an image frame from the image sensor array or an image data record from the image buffer. The image data record may be derived from the image frame. Each pre-processing circuit may also be configured to perform an image processing function with respect to the image frame or the image data record, thereby generating a new image data record. A decoder may use at least one image data record to decode the barcode.

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: An analysis and decode module is described. A barcode reading system may include an image sensor system package and a separate image decoding system. The image sensor system package may provide input to the image decoding system through an interface. The input may include a captured image, image capture settings, and an operation list. The image decoding system, using the analysis and decode module, may perform one or more operations identified in the operation list on the capture image. The image decoding system may then output information to the image sensor system package using the interface. The output may indicate whether the image decoding system was able to decode a barcode and how the image sensor system package may modify the image capture settings to produce an image more suitable for decoding. The image sensor system package may then determine new image capture settings for capturing a new image.

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: A barcode reader may perform image processing functions to generate distinct image data records from the frame of image data of a barcode, select an image data record from the distinct image data records and decode the selected image data record. Each image data record may be generated by applying a distinct image processing function to the frame of image data. The barcode reader may capture multiple frames of image data in sequence based on image capture parameters. At least one of the multiple frames of image data may be captured with a distinct parameter value. The image capture parameters may include an exposure setting, a gain setting, a resolution setting, and/or an illumination setting.

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 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.