Abstract: A hand-mountable adaptive bar code scanner includes a scanner for generating a light beam directed toward a target, the light beam sweeping the symbol to be read. The scanner further includes a photodetector for receiving reflected light from such symbol, and circuitry to determine whether the signal received is sufficiently distinct to determine that a valid symbol has been scanned, and signal processing circuitry having adjustable gain, bandwidth, and digitizer threshold characteristics for processing such signals.

Abstract: A housing, held or worn by a user, contains a light emitter for emitting a light beam that is manually moved by the user relative to a target in a pointing mode of operation. An actuator is operative for actuating a scanning element to automatically move the light beam relative to the target in a scanning mode of operation. The actuator may be a switch or proximity sensor to switch between the modes.

Abstract: An auditory beeper mounted in a hand-held scanning head of an electro-optical system for reading light-reflective indicia signals a user that the indicium has been found and is ready to be read by generating a series of sounds or beeps whose rate of beeping changes upon finding the indicium.

Abstract: An optical code reader includes a reading window, a reading control circuit for sensing an image of a 2-dimensional code via the reading window in a state where the reading window is set within a preset distance from the 2-dimensional code and converting the sensed image into image data, a guide light source for applying a guide light beam to permit the 2-dimensional code to be guided within the reading range of the reading control circuit, and a portable frame having an opening used as the reading window, for accommodating the reading control circuit and guide light source. In the optical code reader, the guide light beam indicates the center of the reading range and is applied from the guide light source except for a period during which the image of the 2-dimensional code is sensed by the reading control circuit.

Abstract: A method of printing bar codes, comprising the steps of reading destination data from a piece to be delivered, on which the destination data is provided and which has at least first to third regions, printing a bar code representing the destination data on the piece, and printing on the piece a bar code representing sender's data when the piece is found to be a destination-unknown one.

Abstract: A transaction card includes at least two read-only magnetically encoded stripes encoding different data in accordance with standard data encryption protocols readable by conventional transaction card reading systems. The stripes are on opposite sides of the card adjacent the same edge of the card. In accordance with one embodiment, superimposed upon the card are two sets of printed indicia including, for example, the transaction card number, the expiration date and the name of the card user. The indicia may be placed on the same side of the card or on opposite sides of the card. In this way, magnetically encoded information on the same transaction card may be segregated at the point of sale. The transaction card is readable by standard, existing readers and the information is processed for invoicing by standard processing systems to preferably generate a single statement with two groups of charges, one relating to each magnetically encoded stripe.

Abstract: A system for collecting, storing, and verifying the data pulse train for arm and safing of a nuclear warhead on a submarine using MK 63 or 67 torpedo tubes is provided. The components of the system include a notebook computer operating four software programs. The software programs allow collection of the data pulse train, graphing of the collected data, comparing of the collected data with validated samples, and verifying of the validity of the collected data. The notebook computer operates the system through data acquisition expansion boards and a combat control system interface board connected to a Prearm Load Simulator. Data is also recorded on a strip chart recorder which is connected to the system through the Prearm Load Simulator. An adapter cable connects the system to a digital missile simulator and to the submarine's combat control system via the torpedo tube breech door interface.

Abstract: A electro-optical memory includes a substrate on which is printed (or otherwise inscribed) a complex symbol or "label" or "bar code" with a high density two-dimensional symbology utilizing gray coding scheme for at least part of its content. The bar code contains component symbols or "codewords" placed in row and column formation, a variable number of codewords per row, and a variable number of rows. Codewords indicating spacial arrangement are encoded using gray code, and codewords representing actual information are encoded using any two-dimensional code having at least three subsets of codewords, with each subset containing a full information character set. The memory may be used in conjunction with a scanner and a suitable control system in a number of applications, e.g., robotics operations or automated object searching.

Abstract: When a decoding unit 6 fails in reading bar code information, a control unit 5 writes a corresponding error code into a ring table in the storage unit 4. In an error analyzing mode, the control unit 5 causes a measurement to automatically end when the decoding unit fails to read bar code information after the same bar code information is read a preset number of times or more, when the same bar code as that previously read is read and then bar code information different from that read by the preceding reading operation is read, or when a specific read error occurs. The indicator unit 7 indicates a number of the operations of reading bar code information and a read rate by changes of light colors emitted from light emission diodes of two colors, in a second normal measuring mode, and first and second test modes.

Abstract: A method of space efficient electronic payments. A customer initiates an electronic transaction by transmitting a request for payment information to a seller. In response, the customer receives from the seller the payment information needed to generate an electronic payment. The customer determines the reliability of the payment information by authenticating it. If the payment information is authenticated, then the customer generates an electronic payment using the payment information and a master key unknown to the seller. Finally, the customer transmits the electronic payment to the seller along with a request for desired goods and/or services.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic projection laser scanning system for reading bar code symbols. The system supportable on or above a countertop surface, and includes a laser scanning device having a compact housing from which it automatically produces an object detection field of volumetric expanse for automatic detection of objects, and a scan field including at least one scanning plane for automatic laser scanning of the code symbols on detected objects. Both the object detection field and the scan field spatially arranged with respect to each other and the compact housing to facilitate easy scanning of a bar code symbol presented within the scan field after the associated object has been detected within the object detection field, thereby improving the scanning efficiency of the system.

Abstract: A point-of-sale unit for electro-optically reading bar code symbols includes a housing having a handle and a curved head. The head and the handle have support surfaces for engaging a work surface to support the housing in various orientations. The handle may be removably mounted behind the curved head.

Abstract: High speed scanning arrangements in scanners for reading bar code symbols by oscillating a scanner component in a single line pattern, the scanner assembly being suspended from a single flexural assembly for oscillating movement. The flexural assembly includes a flexure that lies in a plane extending through a central region of a scan mirror in a direction orthogonal to the plane of the mirror. A drive is operative for moving the scanner assembly from a rest position in a circumferential direction to one of two scan end positions. The flexural assembly is tensioned and stores energy, which energy is released in order to return the scanner assembly in the other circumferential direction to the other scan end position.

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: High speed scanning arrangements in scanners for reading bar code symbols by oscillating a scanner component in a single line pattern, the scanner component being suspended from a holder including flexible, resilient spring portions extending in different paths away form the scanner component to a pair of spaced-apart regions on a support. A stop is fixed to the support, for abutting the holder in the event that the arrangement is subjected to external shock forces.

Abstract: When bar code data of a left or right block flanked by a guard bar and a center bar is input, several characters including the first character are demodulated, and a decision is made as to whether demodulation should be continued or not. If demodulation has already been performed a specified number of times, or demodulation free from significant distortion has already been performed, on the block currently subjected to demodulation, the demodulation process is discontinued and demodulation is not performed on the remaining characters.

Abstract: An automated teller machine which issues media such as receipts is provided, this machine having as an object the provision of functions which satisfy a customer's desire for service, while saving space and improving installation efficiency. The automated teller machine has a holding section which holds each of a plurality of paper rolls, a plurality of paper roll drive motors which feed out and returns the paper from each of the paper rolls, a common printing unit which performs printing onto each of the paper fed out by the plurality of paper roll drive motors, a common cutter which cuts the paper from each of the paper rolls to a prescribed length, a common transport belt which transports cut pieces of paper, and a common ejection opening which ejects the thus transported cut pieces of paper.

Abstract: A wrist-mounted terminal for use in electro-optically reading bar code symbols, includes a main body having a display, and a strap for securing the body on and around a wrist of an operator. The terminal includes a detector for detecting light reflected off a symbol. A keypad is mounted on the body for movement between a concealed position in which manually depressible keys are hidden by the body, and an exposed position in which the keys are accessible. The keypad is preferably slidingly received within the body, or hinged to the body.

Abstract: By applying pressure created by a forced guidance of a sled (11) to contact springs (12-19) carried by the sled, a reduced contact friction upon insertion, as well as upon removal, of a chip card (3) results. This forced guidance is achieved by having a cut-out (7) in a circuit board (5) in which the sled is shoved by the inserted card to be guided by double slot guides (9)on each side of the sled.

Abstract: A system for focusing a light beam includes a housing having a sealed cavity filled with a pliable gel for receiving and focusing light rays from a light source. A housing having a hollow cavity is provided. The hollow cavity is filled with a pliable gel for receiving and focusing light rays from a light source. Thereafter, the pliable gel is sealed within the hollow cavity.