Abstract: Systems and methods for adaptive energy storage in an illumination system are disclosed herein. An example method includes (1) obtaining, by one or more processors, data stored at a memory of a illumination unit; (2) obtaining, by one or more processors, a temperature value from a temperature sensor; (3) analyzing, by one or more processors, the obtained data and the temperature value to determine a minimum capacitor voltage to operate LEDs in accordance with an illumination cycle; and (4) control, by one or more processors, a voltage controller to convert an input voltage to the voltage controller to the determined minimum capacitor voltage, wherein the voltage controller is configured to apply the determined minimum capacitor voltage to a capacitor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an adaptive power drive in an illumination system are disclosed herein. An example method includes (1) analyzing, by one or more processors data in a memory to determine a configuration of one or more LEDs; (2) obtaining, by one or more processors, illumination control instructions for operating the one or more LEDs during one or more illumination cycles; (3) controlling, by one or more processors, one or more switches of an illumination unit in accordance with illumination control instructions; (4) determining, by one or more processors, a current requirement for operating the one or more LEDs in accordance with the illumination control instructions; and (5) setting, by one or more processors, a current control set point of an LED driver to the current requirement.

Abstract: Scanning devices, and related methods, for constraining RFID signals within a physical location are disclosed. An example scanning device includes a housing, an identification tag reader in the housing, the identification tag reader having an active mode in which the identification tag reader is configured to identify tags within a detection region about the housing and determine identification data for the identified tags, and the identification tag reader having an inactive mode in which the identification tag reader is prevented from detecting tags within the detection region, and a detector in the housing configured to detect a presence of a control item in an environment, the identification tag reader in the active mode when the control item is detected in the environment, and the identification tag reader in the inactive mode if the presence of the control item is not been detected.

Abstract: Systems and methods for charging a rechargeable battery of a barcode reader are provided. In one example, two connectors of an interface device are connected to two corresponding host-provided power sources, each with limited output current capacity. The output currents of the host-provided power sources are combined to provide a combined current to a power storage unit of the interface device, which provides power to a wireless power transmitter of the interface device. The wireless power transmitter wirelessly transmits the power received from the power storage unit to a wireless power receiver of the barcode reader that provides power to a rechargeable battery of the barcode reader. In other examples, the interface device does not include a power storage unit, and the battery chargers are replaced with current limiters (e.g., current limited switches with reverse protection).

Abstract: A method and arrangement for wirelessly charging a barcode reader in a base station is disclosed. The barcode reader and base station each have an induction coil. The induction coil in the base station is electrically coupled to an electric power source, and generates an electromagnetic field. The induction coil in the barcode reader is electrically coupled to a power storage component. The barcode reader is configured to rest on the base station. When the barcode reader is resting on the base station, the induction coil in the barcode reader is exposed to the electromagnetic field, and a current is induced in the induction coil in the barcode reader. A positioning feature of the base station constrains movement of the barcode reader along a first plane, and permits rotation of the barcode reader about a vertical axis that is substantially normal to the first plane.

Abstract: A method and arrangement for wirelessly charging a barcode reader in a base station is disclosed. The barcode reader and base station each have an induction coil. The induction coil in the base station is electrically coupled to an electric power source, and generates an electromagnetic field. The induction coil in the barcode reader is electrically coupled to a power storage component. The barcode reader is configured to rest on the base station. When the barcode reader is resting on the base station, the induction coil in the barcode reader is exposed to the electromagnetic field, and a current is induced in the induction coil in the barcode reader. A positioning feature of the base station constrains movement of the barcode reader along a first plane, and permits rotation of the barcode reader about a vertical axis that is substantially normal to the first plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for switching an optical imaging reader between a hands-free mode and a handheld mode using two or more tactile sensors, both of which are actuated by cutaneous contact in order to switch from the hands-free mode to the handheld mode, and which switches from the handheld mode to the hands-free mode if one of the tactile sensors is no longer actuated by cutaneous contact.

Abstract: A scanning device is disclosed for enabling radio frequency identification (RFID) sessions based on imager based object detection. The scanning device includes an optical imaging assembly having an optical field of view (FOV) and an effective reading range for capturing image(s) corresponding to product code(s). The scanning device includes an RFID reader having an RFID antenna configured to emit a radiation pattern extending over at least the optical FOV and the effective reading range of the optical image assembly for reading RFID tag(s). During a scanning session, initiated when a product enters the effective reading range and optical FOV, or the radiation pattern, a processor activates the optical imaging assembly, activates the RFID reader, and terminates the scanning session upon the occurrence of either: the optical imaging assembly scanning a product code associated with the product, or the RFID reader reading an RFID tag associated with the product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for switching an optical imaging reader between a hands-free mode and a handheld mode using two or more tactile sensors, both of which are actuated by cutaneous contact in order to switch from the hands-free mode to the handheld mode, and which switches from the handheld mode to the hands-free mode if one of the tactile sensors is no longer actuated by cutaneous contact.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for capturing an image of at least one object appearing in a field of view (FOV). A housing may be provided having an image sensor at least partially disposed therein. The imaging sensor has a central imaging axis. A first and a second aim line unit are each offset from the image sensor. The first aim line unit is oriented to project a first bounded light pattern that intersects the central imaging axis at an imaging plane. The second aim line unit is oriented to project a second bounded light pattern that intersects the first light pattern and the central imaging axis at the imaging plane.

Abstract: An imaging reader reads targets by image capture in both handheld and hands-free modes of operation. A controller automatically switches from the hands-free mode to the handheld mode when a touch sensor detects that a user is holding the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for powering a handheld data capture device. The apparatus includes a cradle configured to accommodate a handheld data capture device detachably settled therein. The apparatus also includes an energy reservoir installed in the cradle, a charging interface, and a port operative to charge at least the energy reservoir with a current-limited host. The charging interface on the cradle is operative to charge the handheld data capture device with at least the energy reservoir.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of preventing a handheld data capture device from getting lost. The handheld data capture device includes a barcode reading arrangement or an RFID reader. The handheld data capture device also includes a cue-generating element that is operative to generate a perception cue if (1) the handheld data capture device is removed from the host and (2) the handheld data capture device is separated from the hand of a user for a time period that is longer than a predetermined time interval. The perception cue can be in the form of light flashing, audio beeps, or mechanical vibrations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for powering a handheld data capture device. The apparatus includes a cradle configured to accommodate a handheld data capture device detachably settled therein. The apparatus also includes an energy reservoir installed in the cradle, a charging interface, and a port operative to charge at least the energy reservoir with a current-limited host. The charging interface on the cradle is operative to charge the handheld data capture device with at least the energy reservoir.

Abstract: An electrical cable bulk which can be coiled includes a jacket; a first wire assembly and a second wire assembly. The first wire assembly includes a shield conductor member at least partially shielding a first wire set. The first wire set includes a pair of insulated conductors disposed contiguously within the shield conductor member; and a ground conductor disposed within the shield conductor member. The second wire assembly includes a first shield conductor member at least partially shielding a second wire set. The second wire set includes a first pair of insulated conductors disposed contiguously within the first shield conductor member and a second pair of insulated conductors disposed contiguously within the first shield conductor member. The second wire assembly includes a second shield conductor member around a drain conductor and the first shield conductor member. The first and second wire assemblies are disposed within the jacket.