Abstract: The apparatus for reading a symbol of a 2-dimensional code has a diffusion plate and a diffuse reflection surface between a light source unit and an opening to prevent light emitted from the light source unit from directly reaching the opening. Illumination light from the light source unit reaches the diffuse reflection surface while the central axis of the light is shifted from the optical path to the diffusion plate. With this arrangement, nonuniformity of illumination light irradiated on a a symbol on object can be prevented, and a halation of light can be prevented. The symbol of the 2-dimensional code can therefore be accurately read.

Abstract: A window glass antenna device disposed on an automobile window glass panel has a dedicated antenna disposed on the automobile window glass panel, a heater antenna comprising a defroster heater pattern disposed on the automobile window glass panel, and a feeder cable for transmitting received signals from the dedicated antenna and the heater antenna. An impedance transformer for effecting an impedance conversion between the dedicated antenna and the heater antenna, and the feeder cable has a primary winding having an end connected to the dedicated antenna, the primary winding having a tap connected to the heater antenna, and a secondary winding connected to the feeder cable.

Abstract: A portable data collection device (10) adapted to be mounted to a shopping cart (18) is disclosed. The device includes a housing (12) having a clamping assembly (80, 82, 84, and 86) for releasably clamping the housing to a pushing bar (16) of a shopping cart (18). The housing (12) defines an interior region supporting device electronics. The device further includes an interactive touch sensitive visual display screen (110, 112) and a retractable, tethered dataform reader (22) releasable mounted on the housing (12). When mounted on the housing (12), an imaging assembly (42) and an illumination assembly (44) of the reader (22) are continuously actuated to read a dataform presented to the reader. When removed from the housing, (12) the reader (22) is actuated by depressing a trigger (40) on the reader. The device also includes a magnetic stripe reading assembly (60), a printer (62) and communications circuitry (118) including a radio communicator module.

Abstract: The encoder has at least one magnetoresistor (120, 220, 320, 322, 324, 326) and the magnetic support has a succession of magnetized regions (242, 342, 442), characterized in that the magnetic encoder also has a flux guide (154, 254, 354, 454), which has reading pole pieces (256, 256', 356) separated by at least one air gap (252, 352, 452) having a length (g) less than the smallest spacing of the magnetized regions.

Abstract: A non-contact IC card reader/writer which offers an improved reliability in communication between a non-contact IC card and its reader/writer by reducing malfunction due to data communication error. The reader/writer includes a reader/writer main body electrically connected to a host machine for controlling communications, and an antenna external to and electrically connected to the reader/writer main body for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves to and from the non-contact IC card. Since the antenna is L-shaped in cross section, the non-contact IC card is free from right-angle antenna geometry to the antenna and maintains a good communications link with the reader/writer.

Abstract: An apparatus for electronically reading tubular members, such as cylindrical vials, marked with electronically readable encoded information is disclosed. The apparatus is in the form of a jig having a receiving means adapted to receive an electronic identification means, such as a pen-type bar code reader therein. A receptacle within the jig is adapted to receive a tubular member therein and to allow rotation of the tubular member. An electronic identification means may be placed within the receiving means to read information encoded on the tubular member when placed within the receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for tracing jumpers used in an exchange to cross-connect optical fibers or wires served by the exchange. The system includes an exchange housing receptacles with optically-encoded data associated with each receptacle or a group of receptacles. The optically-encoded data for a receptacle(s) uniquely identifies the physical location of the receptacle from any other receptacle in the exchange. Likewise, the jumpers each have optically-encoded data formed thereon that uniquely identifies the jumper or jumper end and distinguishes the jumper from any other jumper used in the exchange. If no jumper is to be connected to a particular receptacle, a cover with optically-encoded data can be attached to a receptacle to indicate that no jumper is connected to the receptacle.

Abstract: Optical scanning is established by superimposing the alternating magnetic field of a coil magnet with the permanent field set up by a permanent magnet which surrounds the coil magnet. Both magnets are fixedly secured to a support at one axial end of the magnets and a flexible diaphragm is secured to the other axial end of the permanent magnet. A scanning mirror is effectively attached between the support and the diaphragm. When the coil magnet is activated, the diaphragm is rapidly flexed which causes the movement of the scanning mirror.

Abstract: A portable non-contact label imager captures an image of two-dimensional information indicia on a label. The captured image data is decoded by a decoder. The label imager forms a part of a data terminal, which includes a keypad, display and signature capture pad. Upon receipt of a start signal from the data terminal's circuitry, the label imager automatically carries out the steps required to capture the label information indicia. The label imager provides aiming indicia to allow the user to properly aim the camera. A position sensing device determines when the target label is within the camera's depth of field. At that time, the label imager determines the shutter speed required for a correct exposure by measuring the light reflected from the label. The label imager then captures the label image, which is decoded by the decoder. Corresponding output data is then provided to the data terminal.

Abstract: A portable data collection device adapted to be mounted to a shopping cart includes a housing having a clamping assembly for releasably clamping the housing to a pushing bar of a shopping cart. The housing defines an interior region supporting device electronics. The device further includes an interactive touch sensitive visual display screen and a retractable, tethered dataform reader releasably mounted on the housing. When mounted on the housing, an imaging assembly and an illumination assembly of the reader are continuously actuated to read a dataform presented to the reader. When removed from the housing, the reader is actuated by depressing a trigger on the reader. The device also includes a magnetic stripe reading assembly and communications circuitry including a radio transceiver module.

Abstract: A computer peripheral device for reading and writing cards conforming to the Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) standard using a computer system equipped with a Small Computer Systems Interface (SCSI) bus. The device includes an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a gate array, a microprocessor unit, and a PC card interface unit. The PC card interface unit consists of a pair of latches, a bus transceiver, and a tri-state buffer. Data is transferred at high speed using a commercially available integrated circuit in a configuration in which the card is connected to the integrated circuit as if it were a random access memory buffer in a hard disk drive. Provision is made for automatically identifying the type of card inserted. Card slots are provided for two cards: one Type II card and one Type III card. Additional physical support is given to the card connector guides to prevent reverse card insertion.

Abstract: A waveguide lens antenna system is shown which includes a collapsible support structure and a collapsible waveguide lens array. The collapsible waveguide lens array includes a plurality of integrally connected tubular waveguide cells that form an array which focuses transmitted signals onto a satellite signal processing device. The array is coupled to a support structure that is affixed to a mounting surface, such as a satellite, and that correctly positions the array when the array is operationally deployed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable data collection device. The device includes a two dimensional (2D) photosensor array imaging assembly selectively actuatable for reading bar code dataforms and recording an image of an item in the imaging assembly's target area or field. The portable data collection device includes two triggers, a first trigger actuatable for reading a bar code dataform and a second trigger actuatable for recording an image of an item in the target area. In one embodiment of the portable data collection device of the present invention, a radio module is provided for transmitting an output signal to a remote device. In another embodiment of the portable data collection device of the present invention, an output signal is coupled to a terminal processing board for further processing and storage.

Abstract: A bar code encoding system comprising a representing unit for representing an input character by an information symbol of m bits excluding a bit pattern of all "0" bits, a calculating unit for subjecting a series of a k-number of information symbols to error-correction encoding and calculating a check symbol series of a q-number of check symbols, a converting unit for respectively converting an n=(k+q) number of symbols to predetermined bar code patterns, and arrangement converting unit for converting arrangement of the n-number of symbols so that at most three bar code patterns corresponding to the check symbols may not be consecutively arranged.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for determining whether a negotiable instrument is counterfeit. The method includes the step of placing on the instrument an identifying tag, preferable an RF-ID tag, and also a magnetic strip capable of storing information. The method also includes the step of recording on the RF-ID tag at least one computer-generated, preferably random number and/or a number related to the date and time (e.g. the year, month, date, hour, minute, and second) of its being printed. Alternatively, or additionally, the information recorded on the instrument's magnetic strip is associated with the number of encounters since issuance into public use. This information thus recorded on the instrument is stored in a secure computer database record corresponding to the specific instrument. Each time a bank transaction of the instrument takes place, the instrument is scanned.

Abstract: A portable ID card verification apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing defining an interior region supporting electrical circuitry including a processor. A two dimensional imaging assembly is at least partially enclosed within the housing. A display screen in electrically coupled to the imaging assembly. An upper surface of the housing supports a glass window on which an ID card is positioned for reading a dataform imprinted thereon. The dataform includes a compressed digitized representation of an attribute of the authorized card holder, such as a photograph of the card holder. The imaging assembly images and decodes the 2D dataform on the ID card and the processor in conjunction with display driver circuitry causes an image of the card holder's photograph to be displayed on the display screen.

Abstract: A user interface for a postage meter machine has a number of menu images which are available for display on a single display unit, the menu images containing internally generated and externally entered information, the menu images containing fields in which the information is contained and displayed, these fields being spatially allocated to input elements of the input unit. The setting of the fields in the menu images is variable, i.e., the limits or boundaries of the individual fields can be varied from menu image to menu image, so that the field size can be flexibly matched to the information to be displayed.

Abstract: A feed system for an antenna has a set of inner and outer coaxial waveguides which apply, respectively, both higher and lower frequency radiations to a common radiating aperture provided by a horn and shroud which envelops radiating apertures of the individual feed waveguides. Each of the feed waveguides carries signals having a bandwidth of an octave. Lower frequency radiation to be transmitted by the outer coaxial feed waveguide is applied thereto by a set of four waveguides of a launcher which launches a wave with a desired propagation mode into the outer feed waveguide. Each of the launch waveguides is initially a rectangular double-ridged waveguide for increase bandwidth. The ridging is reduced to a condition of no ridging in the outer feed waveguide by a transition to a single inner ridge which terminates in a tapered star-shaped combination ridge within the outer feed waveguide.

Abstract: Determination of the authenticity and integrity of various types of documents such as lottery tickets is accomplished by using an electronic validation machine to compare data contained in electronic circuits printed on the document to document data printed on the document. The electronic circuits are printed on the document in conductive or semi-conductive ink using, for example the gravure printing process, and the presence or status of the circuits can be used to verify or authenticate the document. Data can be represented in the electronic circuits by the electrical signature of the circuit which is measured by the electronic validation machine. In the case of lottery tickets, a ticket can be validated by having the electronic validation machine determine which play spots have been removed from the ticket and comparing data on the ticket with the removed play spots to determine a play redemption for the ticket.

Abstract: A self-check apparatus is provided for processing a sales transaction of an article having an attached surveillance tag, each attached surveillance tag bearing a coded indicia such as a bar code. The self-checkout apparatus stores an indication of the articles which have been selected for purchase. When the surveillance tag is presented to the apparatus for deactivation, the bar code on the tag is scanned, and a check is made to verify that the surveillance tag is attached to an article which has been selected for purchase, and provided such verification is made, the surveillance tag is deactivated.