Abstract: A feed line is coupled to a driven element of an antenna using capacitive coupling elements, such as coupling rods, coupling wires, or conductive tape. The capacitive coupling elements allow signal transfer to or from the radiating element at an optimal transfer point, despite the fact that the optimal transfer point varies with respect to frequency. Conductive extensions may be electrically connected to the capacitive coupling elements to increase the available capacitive coupling. The constant impedance matching system provides a broader frequency response and lower standing wave ratio (SWR) to create a more efficient signal transfer to or from the driven element. A switch may be provided to directly connect and disconnect the capacitive coupling elements from the driven element and allow a choice between the broader frequency response with a flatter SWR curve and a focused frequency response with a sharper SWR curve.

Abstract: A Consumer Data Device of a plastic encased, credit-card sized case containing a memory for data and transaction retention, an LCD display for displaying information, an LCD display for bar-codes to be read by a bar-code scanner, a controller to scroll through stored information, and a data communication link via spread-spectrum RF or direct electrical contact to a host computer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading bar code symbols using a substrate hand-holdable bar code symbol reading device. In general, the automatic bar code symbol reading device comprises a hand-holdable housing containing operative elements which provide an object detection field and a scan field each defined external to the housing. The method involves automatically detecting the presence of an object within the object detection field by sensing object sensing energy reflected off the object. In a preferred embodiment, the object sensing energy is IR radiation produced from an object sensing energy source disposed within the housing. In automatic response to the detection of the object within the object detection field, the hand-holdable device detects the presence of a bar code within the scan field using a laser beam produced within the housing.

Abstract: A double side scanner and method for controlling the scanner. The double side scanner performs a scanning operation of a single sheet at a same time, and the double side scanner has a memory that can store the scanned image data. A data transfer device transfers the image data from the memory to an external device.

Abstract: Printing to aNd MICR code reading from a cut-sheet form imprinted with an MICR code, such as personal checks, are continuously accomplished by a single apparatus, thereby simplifying processing and reducing the required installation space. A magnetic head and a magnet for reading the MICR code are disposed on the slope of a paper path provided in a printer housing. A personal check in paper path is held by cut-sheet form loading rollers and/or transportation rollers which operate at a synchronized speed, and is passed over the magnetic head for MICR code reading. Thereafter, the personal check is held by the loading rollers and/or the transportation rollers for endorsement printing by the print head.

Abstract: An interface between a two-dimensional bar code scanner and a host digital decoder is provided through a 15-pin electronic connector, which transfers to the decoder an actuating signal either from a scanner trigger switch or from an external device. In response, the digital decoder provides the scanner with operating power. The scanner generates and relays a bar code signal and a scanning direction signal back to the digital decoder, which uses these signals to identify a bar code being scanned as a one-dimensional or two-dimensional code. If the bar code is determined to be a two-dimensional code, upon detection of laser pattern alignment with the label the digital decoder sends a scanning control signal to the scanner to control a laser pattern generated by the scanner.

Abstract: An optical smart card (10) including a microchip (14) having information stored thereon, an optical holographic sensor pad (16) capable of detecting and collecting light beams emitted from a remote reader/transmitter (52), a light source (18) capable of emitting dataelectronic information contained on the microchip (14) back to the remote reader/transmitter (52) and electronics (20) connected to the sensor pad (16), the light source (18) and the microchip (14).

Abstract: A laser bar code symbol scanner embodying a narrow band-pass optical filtering system of novel construction. A first optical filter element is installed over the light transmission aperture of the scanner housing, and has wavelength selective properties which transmit only light having wavelengths from slightly below a predetermined wavelength in the visible band of the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., greater than slightly below 670 nanometers). A second optical filter element is installed within the housing, along the focused laser return light path between the light focusing element and the light detecting element, and transmits only light having wavelengths from slightly above the predetermined wavelength (e.g., less than slightly above 670 nanometers). Collectively, the first and second optical filter elements cooperate to form a narrow wavelength band-pass filtering system centered about the predetermined wavelength, providing improved signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: A method of encoding and decoding a transaction card with a block of image data digitally representing the features of a digital portrait of an authorized transaction card user is disclosed along with apparatus for performing the method. The encoding method partitions the digital portrait of the transaction card user into feature blocks. Each feature block is compared against a library of like feature blocks to determine the best match with a pair of library feature blocks. The library's feature blocks are derived from a plurality of portraits taken from the general population. Each library feature block is represented (addressed for access) by a code-vector in a codebook.

Abstract: An optical reader is suitable for reading 2-dimensional indicia. The optical reading device, that may include a bar code reader, comprises a lens assembly and a guide detachably mounted on a front portion of the housing for establishing a distance between the lens assembly and an equipment target that is displaced a predetermined distance from a mark target wherein the optical reader further comprises an attaching member for supporting the lens assembly on the guide to form a detachable lens-guide assembly.

Abstract: A miniature scan engine module for bar code reading and data collection systems utilizes a light source 44 and a light collector 42, which in one embodiment, are flexurally supported on a platform 62 which reciprocates 88 on pivots defined by flexures 46, 48 or 96. The optical collector faces the bar code and pivots with the scanning beam source (a laser diode). A diffraction grating or Fresnel lens on the surface of the optical collector which faces the code directs the incoming light so that it propagates internally in a substrate within the body of the collector, i.e. in the optic itself and without air paths which require additional volume in the module, to a photodetector. The scan engine can be configured so that it occupies a volume of less than 1 cubic inch. A data collection system, in the form of a portable terminal 10, has a housing which provides the handle 12 of a scanning accessory.

Abstract: A device for reading the labeled contents of an insulin container and then providing an audible message informing the user of the labeled contents. The device includes a recessed surface, such as a cylindrical well, into which an insulin container is insertable by a vision impaired person. An optical scanner or reader reads a code furnished as part of the labeling on the inserted insulin container. A microcomputer compares the read code to known code patterns and a speech output is generated as to the type of insulin within the container. The speech output is broadcast over a speaker so as to be audible to a listener. The device may be integrated into a blood glucose sensor, or furnished in a unit that may assemble to an existing blood glucose sensor.

Abstract: A tapered notch antenna structural panel array that can serve both as a structural member and an antenna is made from an injection molded monolithic three dimensional grid of thermoplastic material. The notch and feed line are in the form of microstrip or stripline circuitry formed to the sidewalls of adjacent cells. Dielectric sheets of material are bonded to the upper and lower edges of the grid. Interconnect circuitry on the antenna ground plane is supported by the sheet bonded to the lower edge and connected to the antenna circuitry of the sidewalls.

Abstract: An optical device for reading one- and two-dimensional symbologies at variable depths of field, the device including a light source for projecting an emitted light towards the two-dimensional image and an optical assembly, or zoom lens, with dual field of view capability for focusing light reflected from the framed symbology onto a CCD detector for detecting the focussed light and generating a signal therefrom. The dual field of view capability enables scanning of both wide and narrow fields of view. An apodizing filter is provided within the optical assembly to increase depth of field. Aiming of the sensor to read the symbology is facilitated by a frame locator including a laser diode which emits a beam that is modified by optics, including diffractive optics, to divide the beam into beamlets having a spacing therebetween that expands to match the dimensions of the field of view of the sensor, forming points of light at the target to define the edges of the field of view.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating and decoding machine-readable symbols is provided. The present invention stores an image of the symbol and locates all Jordan curves having an angular length less than .pi. within the image of the symbol. The present invention finds and selects all convex Jordan curves from the set of all Jordan curves found within the stored image. The present invention determines equations of a pair of tangent lines from end points of each convex Jordan curve and determines an equation of a center line for each pair of tangent lines. The present invention determines a point of intersection of the center lines, and based on the point of intersection, locates a center point of a finder pattern of the symbol. The present invention confirms that the located center point is indeed the center of the finder pattern, and thereafter decodes the symbol.

Abstract: A linear CCD hand held bar code reader which includes a vibrator to provide a vibration signal when the reader completes a reading of a bar code is described. A sensor is provided having a metal antenna mounted around the area to be held by the operator and the capacitance of the operator is used to trigger a sensor when the operator holds the reader, thus causing the sensor to turn on the reader. A reflector is mounted and shifted between two reflecting positions to reflect an image of a bar code at different scanning lines when the bar code is stained with dirt or blurred. The reflector can be shifted either by a drive mechanism, or by a magnet combination.

Abstract: A compact diversity antenna is presented consisting of two electrically isolated orthogonal loop conductors joined at a midpoint. This midpoint is also electrically attached to a vertical conductor which produces a third mode of operation electrically isolated from the first modes. The two horizontal conductors and the vertical conductor may be constructed to have various relationships with a ground plane of various shapes and sizes. Some of the possible feed arrangements for each of the antennas is presented as well as matching and tuning circuits. All three antenna elements are found to have relatively weak near electric and magnetic fields on the ground plane side of the antenna where the ground plane is small in extent. This feature provides for reduced radiation into the head and neck of the cellular phone user.

Abstract: The device includes an imaging assembly including a two dimensional (2D) photosensor array overlied by a RGB color filter. The imaging assembly includes an illumination assembly providing a relatively uniform illumination pattern over an imaging target area. The illumination assembly includes a plurality of sets of surface mount illumination LEDs mounted on a board and a spaced apart lens array for focusing the LEDs on the target area. The lens array includes orthogonal cylindrical optical entry and exit surfaces aligned with each of the illumination LED sets. The optical entry surface defines illumination intensity distribution horizontally while the optical exit surface defines illumination intensity distribution vertically. The board also supports a pair of spaced apart targeting LEDs. The lens array includes aspherical optical entry surfaces and cylindrical optical exit surfaces aligned with each of the targeting LEDs.

Abstract: Herein is revealed a helical antenna apparatus wherein the direction of beam radiation hardly changes even if the frequency in use changes. Two helical antennas which are wound with two conductive wires spirally, respectively, at equal intervals with a specified pitch .alpha. in the form of a cylinder are disposed along the length of the helical antennas so that the axes thereof substantially coincide with each other. By determining the lengths of the feeders of the respective helical antennas appropriately in order to set the phase of supplied power, it is possible to form the beam of signals radiated into space in the shape of conical beam having a directivity oriented obliquely upward. Additionally, it is possible to obtain the conical beam in which the direction of beam radiation does not change even if the frequency in use is changed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing an antenna feed (10) operative at different microwave frequency bands employ a circular waveguide (14) interconnecting an orthomode transducer (20) to a feed horn (16) thereby providing a feed (10) suitable for illuminating the reflector (54) of an antenna (12). The orthomode transducer provides for a coupling of waves in the first frequency band with both vertical and horizontally polarized waves. Included within the feed is a coupler assembly (26) of waves of the second frequency band operative via a sidewall of the circular waveguide. The coupler assembly includes plural identical coupling sections (28) each having a rectangular waveguide section contiguous and parallel to the circular waveguide with a row of apertures for coupling power into and out of the circular waveguide. Pairs of the coupling sections are disposed in orthogonal planes so as to introduce two linearly polarized waves which are perpendicular to each other.