Abstract: Systems and methods for saving power in a distributed RFID system are provided. One RFID reader includes a RFID radio, a data communication radio, and a controller. The controller is configured to compare a current list of RFID tags responding to a current interrogation signal and a previous list of RFID tags responding to a previous interrogation signal to determine if there has been a change in RFID tags responding to the interrogation signals. The controller is also configured to command the data communication radio to transmit a signal to an external computing device if there has been the change in RFID tags, the signal indicative of the change, or not transmit the signal if there has not been a change. An RFID system includes a central computing device, multiple RFID tags, and multiple RFID readers similar to the above RFID reader.

Abstract: An omnidirectional scanning system and method are provided for reading at least one optical code within a field of view of the scanning system and oriented in an orientation included in a set of multiple orientations. The omnidirectional scanning system includes at least one processor for operating the scanning system in at least two modes including a first mode which is a non-restricted omnidirectional scan mode for reading the at least one optical code oriented in any orientation of the set of multiple orientations, and a second mode which is a restricted omnidirectional scan mode for reading the at least one optical code oriented in an orientation of a selectable reduced set of the set of multiple orientations. The method includes the steps of operating the system in a mode selected from the at least two modes including the first mode and the second mode.

Abstract: A system and method for processing scanner signals by storing both a standard digitizer signal and a more detailed digitizer signal for decoding. The decoder can then use the standard digitizer signal by default and in those cases when the bar code pattern cannot be decoded using the standard digitizer signal the decoder may access the more detailed digitizer signal.

Abstract: An omnidirectional scanning system and method are provided for reading at least one optical code within a field of view of the scanning system and oriented in an orientation included in a set of multiple orientations. The omnidirectional scanning system includes at least one processor for operating the scanning system in at least two modes including a first mode which is a non-restricted omnidirectional scan mode for reading the at least one optical code oriented in any orientation of the set of multiple orientations, and a second mode which is a restricted omnidirectional scan mode for reading the at least one optical code oriented in an orientation of a selectable reduced set of the set of multiple orientations. The method includes the steps of operating the system in a mode selected from the at least two modes including the first mode and the second mode.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for reading at least one optical code, including an omnidirectional optical code scanner system for illuminating, scanning and decoding at least one optical code within a field of view of the scanning system and oriented in an orientation included in a set of multiple orientations. The scanner system includes an actuator assembly having circuitry for providing for user selection of a mode selected from the group of modes consisting of: an omnidirectional mode for performing a read operation for reading an optical code oriented in any orientation included in the set of multiple orientations, a restricted omnidirectional mode for performing a read operation for reading the optical code when oriented only in an orientation of a reduced set of the set of multiple orientations; and an aim mode for illuminating a target object and disrupting a corresponding read operation; and circuitry for generating a signal indicative of the mode selection.

Abstract: An integrated optical communication and barcode scanning module suitable for use with portable electronic devices is provided. In a first mode of operation the module functions as an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) compatible communications interface. In a second mode of operation, IrDA communications is disabled, and the module functions as a barcode scanner. The module may be switched back and forth between the two modes of operation or operated simultaneously.

Abstract: An optical scanning module and a scanner incorporating the scanning module for reading bar codes and other optical indicia that consists of a printed circuit board, an elongated elliptical aperture in the scanning module that is spaced from the circuit board, a light source mounted on the printed circuit board for projecting at least one beam of light through the aperture and onto a dataform to be read, and a detector mounted on the printed circuit board for sensing light reflected from the dataform and through the aperture. Light baffle is preferably used to isolate light source from the detector in the optical scanning module of the present invention.

Abstract: A portable data device system includes a portable data device and a cradle for receiving the portable data device. The cradle is arranged to recharge the portable data device power supply and/or upload or download information to and from the portable data device. The cradle and portable data device are in wireless communication allowing a minimum of processing and data storage capability at the front end and hence operation of the portable data device as a thin client.

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: An electrical interface for a scan engine includes a plurality of control pins including a range limiter mode pin, laser enable and scan enable pins, a signal output pin and a start-of scan indicator pin. Operation of the scan engine can thus be controlled to reduce power consumption and laser on-time as desired.

Abstract: In bar code symbol scanning systems employing laser, optical and sensor components a superstructure mounted on a housing and having a movable exit port to adapt the housing to steer a laser beam through the exit port to a particular course. Both right and left handed users are thereby accommodated.

Abstract: A hand-mounted scanning system for reading indicia having parts of different light reflectivity, including a housing having a window and an actuatable electro-optical scanner in the housing for projecting a light beam through the window to indicia to be read, for scanning the indicia. The system further detects light of variable intensity that is reflected off the indicia to generate an electrical signal representative of the indicia. The housing is mounted on a glove worn on an operator's hand and the scanner initiates reading of the indicia upon movement of the operator's hand, or automatically by object recognition.

Abstract: A hands-free scanning system for reading indicia having parts of different light reflectivity, including a housing having a window and an actuatable electro-optical scanner in the housing for projecting a light beam through the window to indicia to be read, for scanning the indicia. The system further detects light of variable intensity that is reflected off the indicia to generate an electrical signal representative of the indicia. The housing is mounted on an arm of an operator and the scanner initiates reading of the indicia upon movement of the operator's hand relative to the arm by means of an actuator switch.