Abstract: Systems and techniques for image based bar code scanning. A rotating spinner is positioned to reflect images to an imaging device within the scanner so that a field of view of the scanner encompasses images reflected by the spinner to the imaging device. The rotation of the spinner causes the field of view of the scanner to change. Mirrors positioned and oriented to reflect images to the spinner and from the spinner to the imaging device further shift the field of view of the scanner as the rotating spinner causes images reflected from different mirrors to be delivered to the imaging device so that both cashier and customer side imaging sensing may be employed. The image field may be automatically shifted from cashier side imaging to customer side imaging, shifted based on detection of customer presentation of an item in a customer presentation window field of view, or manually shifted by a cashier.

Abstract: A hybrid optical code scanner, system and method are presented for alerting a user when one or more events related to a handheld imaging scanner, undocked from the hybrid optical code scanner, occur. The events include moving the handheld imaging scanner beyond it communication range, keeping the handheld imaging scanner undocked beyond a predetermined period of time and activation of a switch on the handheld imaging scanner.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for image based bar code scanning. A rotating spinner is positioned to reflect images to an imaging device within the scanner so that a field of view of the scanner encompasses images reflected by the spinner to the imaging device. The rotation of the spinner causes the field of view of the scanner to change. Mirrors positioned and oriented to reflect images to the spinner and from the spinner to the imaging device further shift the field of view of the scanner as the rotating spinner causes images reflected from different mirrors to be delivered to the imaging device so that both cashier and customer side imaging sensing may be employed. The image field may be automatically shifted from cashier side imaging to customer side imaging, shifted based on detection of customer presentation of an item in a customer presentation window field of view, or manually shifted by a cashier.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method are presented for scanning items presented to an assisted hybrid optical code scanner where the scanner includes a handheld imaging scanner located on the customer side of the hybrid scanner. When docked with the hybrid scanner, the handheld imaging scanner is used with a fixed laser scanner to read optical codes. When undocked, the handheld imaging scanner is used to scan items not easily presentable to the hybrid scanner.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are presented for scanning optical codes presented to a hybrid optical code scanner where the scanner uses a laser pattern mirror to aid in determining the location of a sweet spot for an imaging scanner in the hybrid optical code scanner. The pattern mirror is positioned so as to reflect laser beams and an image of an optical code to an operator when the optical code is positioned in the imaging scanner's sweet spot.

Abstract: An entertainment kiosk error handling and troubleshooting method which facilitates correct of errors from a remote computer. An example method includes operating a camera for capturing images within the entertainment kiosk by a processor within the entertainment kiosk, detecting an error by the processor, associating recently captured images with the error, and sending an alert to a remote computer by the processor.

Abstract: A queue management system and method which uses a computer to manage queue priorities and contact customers. The queue management system includes communication circuitry, and a processor for storing contact information of a customer in a list, for establishing a position of the customer in a queue, and for automatically causing the communication circuitry to wirelessly contact a personal communication device carried by the customer using the contact information if the position is first for service in the queue.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a scale which enforces exercise requirements. The method includes causing an interface to provide a first indication to place weight on the scale by control circuitry of the scale, receiving weight signals from a load cell by the control circuitry, causing the interface to provide a second indication that exercising has begun and of the level of weight applied by the control circuitry, determining that a minimum recommended calibration weight has been placed on the scale by the control circuitry, and causing an interface to provide a third indication that the minimum recommended calibration weight has been placed on the scale by the control circuitry.

Abstract: There is provided a system 1 for mounting a handheld barcode scanner 2. System 1 includes a cradle 3 for releasably mounting scanner 2 such that scanner 2 provides a first scanning beam 4 in a predetermined first scanning path 5. System 1 also includes an optical assembly 6 mountable to a bi-optic scanner 7. Assembly 6 is provided in path 5 for receiving beam 4. In response to receiving beam 4, assembly 6 provides a second scanning beam 9 in a second scanning path 10. Beam 9 supplements a third scanning beam, in the form of array 11, provided by bi-optic scanner 7.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method of modifying and utilizing a standard home security system augmenting it into a viable state-of-the-art home health monitoring system. More specifically, this invention relates to an apparatus and method of adding a program and some motion sensors thus using the methods (with slight modification) of an existing home security system in such a way that there is a minimum of intrusion and cost compared to other methods.

Abstract: A system and method of maintaining a bar code reader which bypasses a point-of-sale terminal coupled to the bar code reader. The system includes a maintenance computer, and a connection path between the maintenance computer and the bar code reader which bypasses a point-of-sale terminal connected to the bar code reader. The maintenance computer obtains bar code performance data from the bar code data over the connection path, determines the operating status of the bar code reader, and provides the operating status to a technician operating the maintenance computer.

Abstract: A checkout device with a barcode reader and electronic article surveillance (EAS) system. The checkout device includes a barcode reader having substantially horizontal and vertical apertures for reading barcode labels on products, and a security label sensing and deactivation system for deactivating security labels on the products including a coil below the horizontal aperture. The security label sensing and deactivation system has a first range of operation which is increased by the EAS system by increasing field strength of the coil, or by adding a second coil adjacent the vertical aperture. An audible or visible signaling device notifies an operator that the barcode labels have been read and that the security labels have been deactivated.

Abstract: A bar code scanner has a housing including a surface having a transparent scanning window. The housing contains optical components including a spinner and pattern mirrors arranged to produce sets of densely packed scan lines. The housing further contains a single output mirror which can be arranged in a first position in which the scan lines are optimized for horizontal scanning and a second position in which the scan lines are optimized for vertical scanning.

Abstract: A checkout device with a barcode reader, scale, and electronic article surveillance (EAS) system. The checkout device includes a scale assembly including a base portion and a weigh scale over the base portion. The weigh plate includes an aperture. A barcode reader is between the base portion and the weight scale and reads a barcode through the aperture in the weigh plate. A security label deactivation system is between the base portion and the weigh plate.

Abstract: A produce recognition system and method which use an internal reference to calibrate a produce data collector. The produce data collector collects first data from an external reference, collects second and third data from an internal reference, and collects fourth data from a produce item. A computer determines a first calibration value from the first and second data and a second calibration value from the third data and applies the first and second calibration values to the fourth data to produce fifth data. The computer further obtains sixth data from reference produce data and compares the fifth and sixth data to identify the produce item.

Abstract: A checkout device with a barcode reading apparatus, scale, and electronic article surveillance (EAS) system. The checkout device includes a scale including a base portion and a weigh plate over the base portion, a security label deactivation system between the base portion and the weigh plate, and a barcode reading apparatus including a first barcode reader adjacent the scale including a first aperture, and a second barcode reader between the base portion and the weigh plate including a second aperture. The weigh plate includes a third aperture over the second aperture.

Abstract: A produce data collector which includes a spectrometer which minimizes noise from scattered light and from wavelengths outside the operating range of the spectrometer. The produce data collector includes a light source for illuminating a produce item. The spectrometer obtains spectral information about the produce item in incoming reflected light from the produce item and includes a linear variable filter, a photodetector adjacent the linear variable filter, and an optical slit member above a primary surface of the linear variable filter which has a slit with a width sufficient to minimize scattering of the incoming light by interior surfaces of the linear variable filter. The produce data collector may additionally include a filter, such as an infrared filter.

Abstract: A hand-held produce data collector which captures wavelength information from a produce item. The produce data collector includes a light emitter for illuminating a produce item, collecting optics for collecting light reflected from the produce item and separating the reflected light into a plurality of wavelength portions of light, a photosensor for capturing wavelength information from the wavelength portions of light, control circuitry, and a hand-held housing containing the light emitter, the collecting optics, the photosensor, and the control circuitry. The control circuitry may store reference wavelength information and compare the captured wavelength information to the reference wavelength information to identify the produce item.

Abstract: An item checkout device which combines a produce data collector with an optical bar code data collector. The item checkout device includes a housing, a bar code data collector within the housing, and a produce data collector within the housing.

Abstract: A produce recognition system and method which use an internal reference to calibrate a produce data collector. The produce data collector collects first data from an external reference, collects second and third data from an internal reference, and collects fourth data from a produce item. A computer determines a first calibration value from the first and second data and a second calibration value from the third data and applies the first and second calibration values to the fourth data to produce fifth data. The computer further obtains sixth data from reference produce data and compares the fifth and sixth data to identify the produce item.