Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading and decoding one-dimensional (1D) bar code symbols. A 1D bar code symbol is imaged by an optical assembly which includes a cubic phase mask that causes the optical transfer function of the optical assembly to remain approximately constant over a range of distances between the apparatus and the symbol to be read. An electrical representation of the resulting image is converted to a smoothly varying analog image signal. A transition identifying circuit processes the analog image signal, without first applying a recovery function that takes into account the effect of the phase mask, and generates a binary signal which is used to decode the symbol.

Abstract: A method and apparatus employs a production system-like rule based routine to process signals, such as reflectance signals produced from machine-readable symbols (e.g., bar code symbols). Relevant features data is extracted from each peak or valley in the signal, such as width, height, and relative size. The routine then uses the extracted data for each peak and valley with a set of rules to refine the reflectance signals. Under one or more iterations, the routine selects and resolves conflicting rules and applies resulting rules to process the signal. The processed signal can then be more readily decoded. The routine preferably processes a reflectance signal in portions, such as on a codeword-by-codeword basis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multifunction card system which provides a multifunction card capable of serving as a prepaid phone card, a debit card, a loyalty card, and a medical information card. Each card has an identification number comprising a bank identification number which assists in establishing communications links. The card system can be accessed from any existing point-of-sale (POS) device. The POS device treats the card as a credit or debit card and routes transaction data to a processing hub using the banking system. The processing hub coordinates the various databases corresponding to the various functions of the card.

Abstract: A bi-directionally scannable bar code pattern having a parallel array of alternating lines and spaces, each having selected widths. Each line has a common series of segments and segment spaces of selected lengths. The length of each segment may be the same as the width of a corresponding line, and the length of each segment space may be the same as the width of a corresponding space between lines. The pattern may be printed on a sheet of printer media, or on a strip attached to such a sheet.

Abstract: A keyboard includes a keyboard membrane where the membrane comprises a top layer, a spacer layer and a bottom layer. The spacer layer has interconnecting voids that are connected to the atmosphere by a common vent. A patch made of a hydrophobic material prevents water entering the keyboard membrane via the vent, but allows the air pressure inside the voids to remain balanced with the atmospheric air pressure.

Abstract: A scanner with multiple modes of operation producing two or more distinct scan patterns, with each scan pattern optimized for different modes of operation with a manually actuated switching mechanism whereby the operator may readily select a desired scan pattern. The switching mechanism may operate by mechanically moving one set of scan pattern generating optics out of the optical path of the scanner and/or moving another set of scan pattern generating optics into the optical path. Alternatively, the different sets of scan pattern generating optics may remain stationary while the optical path of the scanner is moved. In either case the operator may choose from among two or more distinct scan patterns the scan pattern most appropriate to the scanning application at hand.

Abstract: A data well arrangement for storing data and for interfacing with a writing implement having a writing end with a writing tip and data transfer end with a data transfer tip is described. The data well arrangement has a housing with an inlet opening for receiving an end of the implement. A data reader resides in the housing for facing the data transfer tip to exchange data with the implement when the data transfer end of the implement is received in the opening. A shutter in the housing is engageable with an engagement portion of the implement for moving of shutter between a writing end storage position in which the data reader is inaccessible, and an interface position in which the data reader is accessible to the data transfer tip with the shutter being engaged by the engagement portion of the implement, only when the data transfer end is received in this opening.

Abstract: A hand-held reader of an optical code comprises a shell containing a mirror capable of deflecting a beam of light diffused by the optical code of a label or of a product. The mirror is mounted elastically in the shell by means of a spring element formed by a central plate capable of supporting the mirror, provided with two protruding fins. Each of the fins comprises a first portion inclined with respect to the central plate and a second portion folded over with respect to the first portion and provided with a slot capable of engaging in a disconnectable manner a projection of a supporting element integral with the shell.