Abstract: Embodiments include methods and apparatus for detecting proximity of an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag. A proximity detection system (e.g., a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader) detects a presence of an object within a first area. In response to detecting the proximity of the object, an EAS tag reader alters characteristics of an EAS tag detection signal that is produced by the EAS tag reader in order to detect an EAS tag within range of the EAS tag reader.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods and apparatus for detecting proximity of an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag. A proximity detection system (e.g., a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader) detects a presence of an object within a first area. In response to detecting the proximity of the object, an EAS tag reader alters characteristics of an EAS tag detection signal that is produced by the EAS tag reader in order to detect an EAS tag within range of the EAS tag reader.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods and apparatus for detecting proximity of an electronic article surveillance (EAS) tag. A proximity detection system (e.g., a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader) detects a presence of an object within a first area. In response to detecting the proximity of the object, an EAS tag reader alters characteristics of an EAS tag detection signal that is produced by the EAS tag reader in order to detect an EAS tag within range of the EAS tag reader.

Abstract: A portable instrument incorporates an electro-optical assembly for reading indicia during a reading mode, and for projecting a bit-mapped image during a display mode. A manually operable switch on the instrument is disposed for selecting one of the modes. The image is formed by pulsing a laser at selected times on selected scan lines.

Abstract: A portable instrument incorporates an electro-optical assembly for reading indicia during a reading mode, and for projecting a bit-mapped image during a display mode. A manually operable switch on the instrument is disposed for selecting one of the modes. The image is formed by pulsing a laser at selected times on selected scan lines.

Abstract: A portable instrument incorporates an electro-optical assembly for reading indicia during for projecting a bit-mapped image during a display mode. A manually operable switch on the instrument is disposed for selecting one of the modes. The image is formed by pulsing a laser at selected times on selected scan lines.

Abstract: A portable instrument incorporates an electro-optical assembly for reading indicia during a reading mode, and for projecting a bit-mapped image during a display mode. A manually operable switch on the instrument is disposed for selecting one of the modes. The image is formed by pulsing a laser at selected times on selected scan lines.

Abstract: A portable instrument incorporates an electro-optical assembly for reading indicia during a reading mode, and for projecting a bit-mapped image during a display mode. A manually operable switch on the instrument is disposed for selecting one of the modes. The image is formed by pulsing a laser at selected times on selected scan lines.

Abstract: A portable instrument includes a stylus for contacting a digitizer tablet or a computer touch screen to generate positional input data, as well as a bar code scanner for electro-optically reading bar code symbols. Data indicative of the symbols is downloaded to a remote host.

Abstract: A writing instrument, such as a pen, mechanical pencil, felt marker, or touch-screen stylus, which incorporates a (a) laser pointer, for highlighting a target, and/or (b) a laser bar code reader, which is operable either (i) by manual scanning by the user of the laser beam over the symbol, or (ii) by automatic self-scanning or motion of the beam over a path by means of a motor drive. A manually operable switch is disposed from one mode of use to the other, and also functions to move an appropriate focusing optical element in and out of the beam path.

Abstract: A compact optical code reader is disclosed having multiple functions and a unique shape and configuration of actuators and indicators. A system including the reader also includes a cradle, interface and host terminal, capable of performing various data processing functions involving scanned data.

Abstract: A compact optical code reader is disclosed having multiple functions and a unique shape and configuration of actuators and indicators. A system including the reader also includes a cradle, interface and host terminal, capable of performing various data processing functions involving scanned data. The system includes user and supplier identifiers which are employed to facilitate sales transactions and allocate use-based tolls.

Abstract: A hand-held bar code reader, in particular a bar code wand is used by a consumer to read bar code information accompanying a product displayed at a retail outlet. The bar code information can be presented in, for example, UPC format and carries information relating to the products. The consumer subsequently down-loads information stored in the reader via a suitable interface to a personal computer which accesses information identified by a address included in or comprising the bar code information. The site contains additional information such as price information concerning the advertised product and the consumer may be able to pay for and order the product directly via the site. As a result the consumer has a simple reminder of the product, is able to obtain additional information concerning the product with minimum difficulty and can obtain the product itself with maximum ease.

Abstract: A universal interface system for use with a data acquisition system including a data acquisition device such as a bar code scanner or scanner integrated terminal for providing digital data signals indicative of acquired data for transmission to a host device such as a computer, and a host device having host-specific input/output data format requirements. The universal interface system comprises universal data exchange means located in the data acquisition device for providing digital data signals in a universal data exchange format independent of the data format requirements of the host device; and a host interface cable coupled to the data acquisition device and to said host device, for transmitting acquired digital data from the data acquisition device to the host device, the interface cable comprising means for translating digital data from the universal data exchange format to the host-specific input/output data format requirements.

Abstract: A universal interface system for use with a data acquisition system including a data acquisition device such as a bar code scanner or scanner integrated terminal for providing digital data signals indicative of acquired data for transmission to a host device such as a computer, and a host device having host-specific input/output data format requirements. The universal interface system comprises universal data exchange means located in the data acquisition device for providing digital data signals in a universal data exchange format independent of the data format requirements of the host device; and a host interface cable coupled to the data acquisition device and to said host device, for transmitting acquired digital data from the data acquisition device to the host device, the interface cable comprising means for translating digital data from the universal data exchange format to the host-specific input/output data format requirements.

Abstract: A system for processing output signals of an electro-optical scanner adapted for reading a bar code indicia having parts of different light reflectivity and non bar code indicia adjacent the bar code on an article being scanned comprises a decoder for decoding content of signals input thereto and signal processing circuitry for receiving the scanner output signals and generating input signals for input to the decoder by deleting signals having non bar code indicia content from the received scanner output signals by examining characteristics of the received scanner output signals. The signal processing circuitry is adapted to generate input signals for input to the decoder for bar code indicia of respective different bar code symbologies. The signal processing circuitry includes deletion circuitry for deleting, from the received scanner output signals, signals having less time duration than a predetermined time duration.

Abstract: An optical scanner for reading indicia such as barcode symbols is usable in a first, hand-held mode and in a second, hands-free mode in which the scanner is mounted to a fixed stand. Switching means are provided so that when the scanner is lifted from the stand, for hand-held use, it automatically switches to a first working range, and when it is replaced onto the stand it automatically switches to a second, closer, working range. In the first working range, the software is optimised to read barcode symbols at a relatively long distance from the scanner; in the second working range the software is optimised to read barcode symbols which are relatively close to the scanner. The switching means may comprise any type of contact or non-contact switch such as a reed switch or a Hall effect switch.