Abstract: A handwritten data capture apparatus is disclosed. The handwritten data capture apparatus can include a user-supported portable data capture unit and a handgrip region. The apparatus includes a handwritten data capture component having a receiving surface. A method for using a data collector to receive, compare and evaluate inputted signatures is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile customer service station operating within a wireless multi-hop communication network includes a console on a wheeled chassis. The console carries and houses a number of components which are used in merchandising operations to conclude customer purchase transactions. The items supported externally on the console are a printer for printing purchase receipts, customer credit charge agreements and records of transactions, and a magnetic card reader for reading information from a magnetic stripe of a customer's credit card. In one embodiment, the operation of the printer, credit card reader and the cash drawer is controlled by a multi-function control unit located within an enclosure of the console. The control unit is electrically powered by a self-contained power source which is preferably a deep cycle rechargeable battery. The console also houses a transceiver unit which under the control of the control unit is capable of interactive communication with a premises network.

Abstract: A data capturing module combined with a portable data terminal of the hand-held type to record handwritten data. Using a digitized pad, the module can provide for direct input of handwritten data into the system, or a peripheral digital scanner can be employed to provide for data entry. Depending upon the particular application, the module therefore provides for data entry of handwritten text or graphics using the data terminal and other components of a portable data system to enter, display, print or otherwise communicate the handwritten data.

Abstract: An image capture system (100) having an image capture module (102) and a terminal unit (104) captures both photo images and coded images. An alterable optical path of the system (100) operates in a first configuration when capturing coded images and in a second configuration when capturing photo images. Captured images are presented on a display (114) as they are captured. A user of the system (100) may parse through captured images to select one or more of the captured images for permanent storage and/or transmission to a remote location. The system (100) operates to identify coded targets within captured images, to prompt the user to select one or more of the identified coded targets and to decode the selected coded targets. The image capture system (100) may direct a user to reposition the system (100) so that a decodable coded image will be captured. The image capture system (100) communicates over wireless and wired networks with remote computer systems (307), personnel, and mobile units (307).

Abstract: A hand-held data input system having an input stylus and a data receiving pad is disclosed. The data input system can include a recessed stylus holder. The recessed stylus holder can receive the input stylus such that it does not protrude from the system's housing. The data input system can alternatively include a grip facilitator. The grip facilitator can be located proximate the data receiving pad to make contact with a finger of a hand gripping a side of the hand-held unit. Other embodiments include features such as an active stylus, a radio frequency receiver, input keys, handwriting recognition capability, an indicia reader and a handstrap.

Abstract: A code reader configured with a plurality of types of illuminators is disclosed. Having access to the plurality of illuminator types, the code reader controls a reading attempt by first selecting and using one of the available illuminators. If the use of that illuminator fails to yield a valid read, the code reader selects a second of the available illuminators and reattempts the read. Again, upon failure to obtain a valid read, the coder reader selects yet another illuminator and so on until a valid read is obtained else all illuminator options have been exhausted. Illuminator selection order is set as a factory default, but adapts based on actual performance in a users environment. Alternately, illuminator order selection is based on range from the target. Such range may be proximity based, or based on marker beam distance calculations. Additionally, the illuminators are mounted on a single assembly along with read control program memory for ease in upgrade replacement.

Abstract: A hand-held data collection device with a user interface surface that is wider than its handgrip area. Also, a hand-held data collection device with an upwardly facing surface containing a user interface and a side surface containing a plurality of actuators. The data collection device can be held in one hand with a finger reaching the actuators. An opposite side surface can also contain a plurality of actuators. The data collection device can include combinations of a marker beam generator, an indicia reader, a display, a manually actuatable selector, a voice input and a digitizer. The indicia reader can be an optical reader or a radio frequency tag reader. Some of the actuators can have different shapes. The actuators can include an indicia reader actuator or a function selector. The data collection device can collect, for example, handwritten information, including signatures.

Abstract: A computerized system for managing freight or the like which is picked up at various points and delivered to other various destinations, and more particularly to such a system which utilizes hand-held terminals, scanners and printers which are linked together by a micro link radio to each other and by a wide area network radio link to a main area station which can receive and transmit information to a plurality of sets of terminals, printers and the like for managing an overall freight system.

Abstract: A scanner for reading two-dimensional optical information sets is described which includes a housing for supporting a photosensitive array associated with an optical string adapted to focus optical information on the array. Also provided are array and optical string controls for controlling the array and optical string such that the output of selected images on the array are processed via pattern recognition techniques. Images recognized to contain decodable optical information are displayed and highlighted by a display. In addition, the scanner provides autodetect circuitry for determining the type of terminal to which it is attached and automatically converts the two-dimensional code information into an appropriate one dimensional format, as needed, for communication to an attached terminal.

Abstract: A hand-held data processing system of modular structure includes a base unit that couples with a reader unit as well as other units. The other units can include display, printing, communication or other interface functionality. The base unit can also function when separate from the reader unit and the other units. The base unit can include an indicia reader or a display component. In addition, the base unit, reader unit and the other units can possess the capability of coupling with an accessory module such as a memory device, processor or microcomputer. The reader unit and the other units can include power supplies that can supply power to the base unit. Finally, a combined assembly of a base unit and a reader or other unit can be of a size that fits within a shirt pocket.

Abstract: A portable data collection terminal has an elongate housing with a hand grip conforming rear surface. A front surface features a numerical keyboard adjacent a lower end of the housing and an LCD screen adjacent the keyboard toward an upper end of the housing. The display screen is of elongate rectangular shape, its length extending longitudinally of the housing of the data terminal. The active area of the display screen is covered by a touch sensitive overlay screen which is configured in one mode of operation of the data terminal into an alphabetical keyboard. The orientation of the display is switchable between orientations in which the line direction of the displayed data extends across or longitudinally of the data terminal. The keys of the numerical keyboard are identified by indicia disposed on a template. The orientation of the template may be sensed to switch the orientation of the displayed data and touch sensitive key identifiers to correspond to the orientation of the indicia on the template.

Abstract: An indicia reader operable over a broad range of distances and a method for reading indicia therewith. The indicia reader having a sensor and a distance determining device. The indicia reader being capable of configuring itself to read indicia at the determined distance. The indicia reader can have an aiming aid, communications capability, a keyboard, a motor, an actuator, an intensity sensor as well as audio and visual signaling components. The method of using involves the steps of determining distance and configuring the device to read. Other steps can include aiming, reading, decoding, automatic termination, communicating, signaling and automatic reinitiation.

Abstract: A portable data collection terminal has an elongate housing with a hand grip conforming rear surface. A front surface features a numerical keyboard adjacent a lower end of the housing and an LCD screen adjacent the keyboard toward an upper end of the housing. The display screen is of elongate rectangular shape, its length extending longitudinally of the housing of the data terminal. The active area of the display screen is covered by a touch sensitive overlay screen which is configured in one mode of operation of the data terminal into an alphabetical keyboard. The orientation of the display is switchable between orientations in which the line direction of the displayed data extends across or longitudinally of the data terminal. The keys of the numerical keyboard are identified by indicia disposed on a template. The orientation of the template may be sensed to switch the orientation of the displayed data and touch sensitive key identifiers to correspond to the orientation of the indicia on the template.

Abstract: A hand-held portable data collection system integrates ideal design features to improve and optimize the data collection process. The operator interface of the hand-held portable data collection system incorporates somatic feedback between the hand-held portable data terminal and the operator, thereby facilitating operation of the data terminal such as reading of optically readable indicia. The hand-held portable data collection system further provides optimal data collection by allowing for variable orientation of the reading field of view of the data file reader allowing for optimal positioning of the reader during the data collection process. Optically readable indicia may be disposed within the reading field of view of the data file reader without having to sight along the terminal as is typical with prior aim and shoot type data readers. The optically readable indicia may be readable regardless of orientational disposition.

Abstract: A code reader configured with a plurality of types of illuminators is disclosed. Having access to the plurality of illuminator types, the code reader controls a reading attempt by first selecting and using one of the available illuminators. If the use of that illuminator fails to yield a valid read, the code reader selects a second of the available illuminators and reattempts the read. Again, upon failure to obtain a valid read, the coder reader selects yet another illuminator and so on until a valid read is obtained else all illuminator options have been exhausted. Illuminator selection order is set as a factory default, but adapts based on actual performance in a users environment. Alternately, illuminator order selection is based on range from the target. Such range may be proximity based, or based on marker beam distance calculations. Additionally, the illuminators are mounted on a single assembly along with read control program memory for ease in upgrade replacement.

Abstract: Portable measuring devices which communicate by low power transceivers through a communication controller with a printer device collect weight and size data on articles to be shipped. The collected weight and size data are combined with origin and destination data, and labels are printed bearing pertinent shipping and routing information in machine readable format. The labels are attached to the articles to be shipped and accompany the articles to their respective destinations. At transfer points the labels are read by scanner devices which also communicate by low power transceiver links with the communication controller. The wireless linking of the scanner devices promotes human safety by the absence of cords which could cause entanglement of an operator in mechanized conveying equipment. The communication controllers at each stage of the shipping process have the capability of transferring received and updated status information on the shipped articles to a central data station.

Abstract: A portable hand-held optical reader having an optical reader for scanning a plurality of optical indicia on a generally horizontally oriented target surface. The reader has a tablet configuration with a display device on an upper side thereof and an optical window on the bottom side thereof for directing a scanning beam, laser or otherwise, downwardly, either vertically or obliquely. The reader may be configured to automatically utilize laser scanning for certain ranges between the reader and the target surface and to utilize non-laser scanning for other ranges between the reader and target surface. The reader is configured to read two-dimensional information, spaced either adjacently or separately, and to generate corresponding images of the two-dimensional information on the display device. The reader is configured to operatively correct for distortion caused by oblique scanning of the coded information.

Abstract: A hand-held optically readable information set reader includes a user supported information set reader for reading information sets at distances from the reader within a certain operative range. The reader includes a plurality of optically readable information set sensors that generate an output signal according to an image of an information set incident thereon. The information set image is captured and sent to a processor, and at least a portion of the output signal generated by information set sensors is stored in memory during a reading operation wherein a first portion of the output signal is assembled with a second portion of the output signal such that the information set is thereby read.

Abstract: A data collection network supports roaming terminals which may enter and exit a sleep mode to conserve power. A plurality of base stations each periodically transmit pending message indications to those roaming data collection terminals in range. Instead of requiring the transceiver within each terminal to always be active, the receiver is activated in synchrony with the transmissions of pending message indications from at least one of the base stations. Otherwise, the terminal may deactivate the transceiver, i.e., place it in a sleep state. The terminal may also sleep through pluralities of transmissions of pending message indications, and, thereafter, awake in synchrony to receive subsequent pending message indications. To minimize noise, the terminal may operate using a lower frequency system clock when not collecting data. When collecting data, especially where processing time proves more critical, the system clock frequency is increased.

Abstract: A hand held data entry apparatus having a body for receiving, storing and transmitting information, including a camming mechanism for quickly sealingly attaching an accessory such as a scanner to the top of a hand held data entry apparatus. Additionally, a similar camming mechanism is utilized to hold a battery pack in place with the additional feature of not only pulling the battery pack securely against the housing, but also pushing the battery pack contacts into abutment with complementary contacts disposed within the housing. A keypad is provided for permitting information to be manually entered into the hand held body and this keypad is encased in a layer of elastomeric material such as silicone. A pair of LED's are utilized, one to indicate a "good scan" and the other to indicate something else, such as a "bad scan." Additionally, these LED's can be encased in operative or dummy keys in order to save keyboard space. A mechanism is provided for pivoting the scanner about either of two perpendicular axes.