Abstract: A code symbol reading device includes a portable housing that contains a light source. Light from the light source is projected into a scan field external to the housing and onto a code symbol on an object located within the scan field. The light reflected off the code symbol is detected within the housing to produce scan data that is indicative of the detected light intensity. The scan data is processed to detect and decode the code symbol and to produce symbol character data that are representative of the decoded code symbol. A data packet utilizing the symbol character data is synthesized and modulated onto a carrier signal that is transmitted to a base unit where the carrier signal is demodulated and the data packet recovered. The received data packet is analyzed to recover the symbol character data, and an acknowledgment signal is produced to acknowledge the receipt of the symbol character data at the base unit.

Abstract: A code symbol reading device includes a portable housing that contains a source of optical energy. This optical energy is projected into a scan field external to the housing and is incident upon a code symbol situated on an object located within the scan field. Optical energy reflected off the code symbol is detected within the housing to produce scan data that is indicative of the detected optical energy. The scan data is processed to detect and decode the code symbol and to produce symbol character data that are representative of the decoded code symbol. A data packet utilizing the symbol character data is constructed and then used to modulate an electromagnetic carrier signal that is transmitted to a base unit. At the base unit, the carrier signal is demodulated and the data packet is recovered. The received data packet is processed to recover the symbol character data, and an acknowledgment signal is generated to acknowledge the receipt of the symbol character data at the base unit.

Abstract: A novel system and method for programming one or more functional parameters of programmable bar code symbol readers and scanners, while avoiding the need to connect a data communication port of a computer system to a bar code symbol reader that is to be programmed. In a first illustrative embodiment, the function-encoded parameters of a master bar code symbol reader are determined using a computer-based-function-parameter device and subsequently buffered in memory buffer contained therein; the buffered function-encoded parameters are used to produce a list of function-encoded bar code symbols which are printed in a specified reading sequence; and the list of printed-function encoded bar code symbols are read in the specified reading sequence so as to configure the bar code symbol reader with the same set of function-encoded parameters that were programmed in the master bar code symbol reader.

Abstract: A novel hand-supportable wireless Internet-enabled terminal is disclosed, wherein a transaction-enabling Java-Applet is embedded within 2-D bar code symbol. An HTML-encoded document and code associated with the transaction-enabling Java-Applet is created and stored in an HTTP server for use in enabling a predetermined information-related transaction. When a bar code symbol encoded with a transaction-enabling Java-Applet is read using the hand-supportable wireless Internet-enabled terminal, the corresponding code on the HTTP Server is automatically accessed and one or more HTML-encoded documents are displayed at the hand-supportable wireless Internet-enabled terminal, and the transaction-enabling Java-Applet initiated for execution so that the customer, consumer or client desiring the transaction can simply and conveniently conduct the information-related transaction over the Internet.

Abstract: An automatic bar code symbol reading system comprising components for carrying out object detection, scanning, photoreceiving, A/D conversion, bar code presence detection, symbol decoding, data format conversion, data storage and data transmission functions. In general, the automatic bar code symbol reading device includes a manually actuatable read-repeat switch and control system having a plurality of control centers that control the operation of the system components in accordance with preselected system control operations. Each of the control centers are responsive to control activation signals generated by certain of the system components upon the occurrence of predefined conditions. Certain of the control centers are capable overriding other control centers to provide diverse control capabilities which facilitates execution of intelligent operations and power conservation, during bar code symbol reading.

Abstract: An optical scanner comprising an automatic (i.e., triggerless) portable bar code symbol reading device with an omnidirectional scanning engine mounted within the head portion of its housing, and adapted for use with an associated base unit. The bar code symbol reading device produces a confined scanning volume for omnidirectional scanning of code symbols presented therein, while preventing unintentional scanning of code symbols on nearby objects located outside of the confined scanning volume.

Abstract: A novel system and method of programming the function parameters of programmable bar code symbol readers and scanners, while avoiding the need to couple the data communication port of a function parameter computer system and the programmable bar code symbol reader to be configured. In a first illustrative embodiment, the function-encoded parameters of a master bar code symbol reader are determined using a computer-based function-parameter device and subsequently buffered in memory buffer contained therein; the buffered function-encoded parameters are used to produce a list (i.e., ordered set) of function-encoded bar code symbols which are printed in a specified reading-sequence; and the list of printed function-encoded bar code symbols are read in specified reading sequence so as to configure (i.e., program) the bar code symbol reader with same set of function-encoded parameters that were programmed in the master bar code symbol reader.

Abstract: A fully automatic bar code symbol reading system having an automatic (i.e., triggerless) portable bar code symbol reading device with an omnidirectional projection laser scanning engine mounted within the head portion of its hand-supportable housing, and an associated base unit positioned within the data transmission range thereof without a physical wiring connection thereto. The hand-supportable bar code symbol reading device produces a narrowly confined scanning volume for omnidirectional scanning of code symbols presented therein, while preventing unintentional scanning of code symbols on nearby objects located outside thereof.

Abstract: A fully automatic bar code symbol reading system comprising an automatic (i.e., triggerless) portable bar code symbol reading device with an omni-directional laser scanning engine mounted within the head portion of its hand-supportable housing, and an associated base unit positioned within the data transmission range thereof without a physical wiring connection thereto.

Abstract: A bar code scanner for projecting a scanning pattern comprising a plurality of groups of scan lines, where each scan line in a given group is substantially parallel to other scan lines in the same group. The scanning pattern is provided within a relatively narrow, yet diverging, volume, such as a pyramid, cone, etc., as referenced to a projection axis. The scanner includes a housing having a window. Within the housing are a plurality of stationary mirrors, a laser beam generating mechanism, a rotating reflective polygon for sweeping the laser beam across the mirrors and a window, such that the projection axis intersects the window. The scanner also includes a fixed collecting mirror and a concentrating lens to focus light which is reflected off a bar code to a photodector. One mirror extends along an axis substantially parallel to the transverse axis to produce a first group of scan lines.

Abstract: A portable automatic code symbol reading system having a laser scanning engine that provide hands-free automatic laser scanning capabilities. The automatic code symbol reading system includes a self-contained power supply aboard its housing, and a power-conserving control subsystem for conserving the consumption of electrical power during automatic portable laser scanning operations. The control subsystem of the present invention has a plurality of control centers which control the operation of the system components in accordance with preselected system control operations. Each of the control centers is responsive to control activation signals generated by certain of the system components upon the occurrence of predefined conditions. Certain of the control centers are capable of overriding other control centers to provide diverse control capabilities.

Abstract: A novel system and method for programming one or more functional parameters of programmable bar code symbol readers and scanners, while avoiding the need to connect a data communication port of a computer system to a bar code symbol reader that is to be programmed. In a first illustrative embodiment, the function-encoded parameters of a master bar code symbol reader are determined using a computer-based-function-parameter device and subsequently buffered in memory buffer contained therein; the buffered function-encoded parameters are used to produce a list of function-encoded bar code symbols which are printed in a specified reading sequence; and the list of printed-function encoded bar code symbols are read in the specified reading sequence so as to configure the bar code symbol reader with the same set of function-encoded parameters that were programmed in the master bar code symbol reader.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fully automatic bar code symbol reading system having an hand-supportable laser bar code reading device which can be used in either an automatic hands-on mode of operation, or in an automatic hands-free mode of operation. The system includes a scanner support frame for supporting the hand-supportable device in a user-selected mounting position, and permits complete gripping of its handle portion prior to its use in the hands-on mode of operation. In general, the hand-supportable bar code reading device has long-range and short-range modes of object detection, bar code presence detection and bar code symbol reading. In the illustrative embodiment, the long-range mode is automatically selected when the hand-supportable bar code reading device is placed within the scanner support stand during the automatic hands-free mode of operation.

Abstract: A portable automatic code symbol reading system having a laser scanning engine mounted upon the hand of its operator to provide hands-free automatic laser scanning capabilities. The automatic code symbol reading system includes a battery power supply aboard its hand-mounted housing, and a power-conserving control subsystem for conserving the consumption of electrical power during automatic portable laser scanning operations. The control subsystem of the present invention has a plurality of control centers which control the operation of the system components in accordance with preselected system control operations. Each of the control centers is responsive to control activation signals generated by certain of the system components upon the occurrence of predefined conditions. Certain of the control centers are capable of overriding other control centers to provide diverse control capabilities.

Abstract: A novel optical filtering system for a laser bar code scanner having narrow band-pass characteristics is disclosed. The optical filtering system has two different optical filtering elements which are disposed in a scanner housing in a spatially separate relationship. One of the optical filtering elements is positioned inside of the scanner housing in front of and close to the light detection element. The other optical filtering element is positioned in the light transmission aperture of the scanner housing and forms the scanning window. The optical filtering characteristics of the scanning window obscure the internal components of the scanner from plain view making the scanner appear more aesthetically pleasing. Together the optical filtering element cooperate to form a narrow-band pass filter to provide for better light collection and scanning.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fully automatic bar code symbol reading system having an hand-supportable laser bar code reading device which can be used in either an automatic hands-on mode of operation, or in an automatic hands-free mode of operation. The system includes a scanner support frame for supporting the hand-supportable device in a user-selected mounting position, and permits complete gripping of its handle portion prior to its use in the hands-on mode of operation. In general, the hand-supportable bar code reading device has long-range and short-range modes of object detection, bar code presence detection and bar code symbol reading. In the illustrative embodiment, the long-range mode is automatically selected when the hand-supportable bar code reading device is placed within the scanner support stand during the automatic hands-free mode of operation.

Abstract: A fully automatic bar code symbol reading system comprising an automatic (i.e., triggerless) portable bar code symbol reading device with an omnidirectional projection laser scanning engine mounted within the head portion of its hand-supportable housing, and an associated base unit positioned within the data transmission range thereof without a physical wiring connection thereto. The hand-supportable bar code symbol reading device produces a narrowly confined scanning volume for omnidirectional scanning of code symbols presented therein, while preventing unintentional scanning of code symbols on nearby objects located outside thereof.

Abstract: A laser bar code symbol scanner employing a narrow band-pass optical filtering system of novel construction is disclosed. A first optical filtering element is installed in the light transmission aperture of a bar code scanner housing. A second optical filtering element is installed inside the scanner housing near the light detecting element. The first and second optical filtering elements have wavelength selective properties such that taken together they cooperate to form a narrow wavelength band-pass optical filtering system which allows only transmission of light at and around a certain predetermined wavelength into the photodetector element. The present invention also hides aesthetically unappealing electro-optical components mounted in the scanner housing from plain view and the optical filtering elements of the system can be easily and inexpensively manufactured without compromising the performance of the scanner.

Abstract: A novel transaction-enabling system is disclosed, wherein a transaction-enabling Java-Applet is embedded within 2-D bar code symbol. An HTML-encoded document and code associated with the transaction-enabling Java-Applet is created and stored in an HTTP server for use in enabling a predetermined information-related transaction. When a bar code symbol encoded with a transaction-enabling Java-Applet is read using a bar code symbol reader interfaced with a Java-enabled Internet terminal, the corresponding code is automatically accessed and the HTML-encoded document is displayed at the terminal, and the transaction-enabling Java-Applet initiated for execution so that the customer, consumer or client desiring the transaction can simply and conveniently conduct the information-related transaction over the Internet.