Abstract: This patent specification describes operations of a mobile device with barcode-reading capabilities and an application and license server. A mobile device may include a barcode-reading application downloaded from an application server. The barcode-reading application may operate in a base mode or an enhanced mode. In the base mode, the barcode-reading application may establish a network connection to a licensing server to obtain a license code, and determine at least one operating permission authorized by the license code. In the enhanced mode, the barcode-reading application may implement at least one enhanced barcode-reading function which corresponds to the at least one operating permission authorized by the license code. For example, the enhanced barcode-reading function may be a function of decoding a barcode symbology that the decoder is restricted from decoding in the base mode of operation.

Abstract: This patent specification describes an attachment for a camera device. The attachment comprises at least one of a target generating mechanism, a proximity sensor, illumination that is optimized for bar code reading, optics that provide an alternative optical path to the camera device, and a supplementary lens system that is optimized for bar code reading.

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure a portable computing device may capture an image of a physical bar code, which may exist on some physical medium, such as paper, plastic, glass, etc. The physical bar code may be decoded to obtain decoded data, and the decoded data may subsequently be re-encoded to generate a virtual bar code. The virtual bar code may be rendered (e.g., on a display of a computing device, and/or on some type of physical medium) and read by a barcode reader.

Abstract: The systems and/or processes described herein are configured to help an entity operating one or more facilities manage the scheduling and assignment of jobs. The systems and/or processes implement a loading service to manage the scheduling and assignment of jobs based on one or more factors including, but not limited to, a type of service or work to be performed on an item (e.g., an automobile), an initial estimated duration of time to perform the type of service or work, a revised estimated duration of time to perform the type of service or work (e.g., based on technician input), technician schedules, technician skills, technician skill level, and/or one or more labels assigned to a job. Consequently, the loading service is able to help, e.g., via the generation and output of graphical user interfaces, the entity balance the scheduling of appointments for jobs amongst technicians working at one or more facilities.

Abstract: The system and/or processes described herein are configured to help an entity operating one or more service facilities manage the timing of service jobs across work stations. The entity manages the timing based on receiving, and tracking, job status information received from the work stations. For instance, after receiving the job status information, the entity may implement timing mechanisms to estimate or predict a time when a service job is likely to begin. The entity may also use the timing mechanisms to estimate or predict a time when the service job is likely to be completed.

Abstract: This patent specification describes an attachment for a mobile device. The attachment may have an attachment feature designed to be attached to a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, or smartphone/tablet with a camera. The attachment may also include an optics system and/or an illumination system that cooperates with the camera to facilitate the capture of decodable barcodes. The illumination system may include a targeting illumination system that facilitates proper positioning of the article and/or an exposure illumination system that helps illuminate the article during capture. The optics system may include a lens that modifies the depth of field and/or the size of the field of view of the camera, an aperture that helps define the field of view, a filter that prevents light of undesired wavelengths from reaching the camera, and/or a mirror that redirects the camera's optical pathway.

Abstract: This patent specification describes an attachment for a mobile device. The attachment may have an attachment feature designed to be attached to a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, or smartphone/tablet with a camera. The attachment may also include an optics system and/or an illumination system that cooperates with the camera to facilitate the capture of decodable barcodes. The illumination system may include a targeting illumination system that facilitates proper positioning of the article and/or an exposure illumination system that helps illuminate the article during capture. The optics system may include a lens that modifies the depth of field and/or the size of the field of view of the camera, an aperture that helps define the field of view, a filter that prevents light of undesired wavelengths from reaching the camera, and/or a mirror that redirects the camera's optical pathway.

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure a portable computing device may capture an image of a physical bar code, which may exist on some physical medium, such as paper, plastic, glass, etc. The physical bar code may be decoded to obtain decoded data, and the decoded data may subsequently be re-encoded to generate a virtual bar code. The virtual bar code may be rendered (e.g., on a display of a computing device, and/or on some type of physical medium) and read by a barcode reader.

Abstract: This patent specification describes an attachment for a mobile device. The attachment may have an attachment feature designed to be attached to a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, or smartphone/tablet with a camera. The attachment may also include an optics system and/or an illumination system that cooperates with the camera to facilitate the capture of decodable barcodes. The illumination system may include a targeting illumination system that facilitates proper positioning of the article and/or an exposure illumination system that helps illuminate the article during capture. The optics system may include a lens that modifies the depth of field and/or the size of the field of view of the camera, an aperture that helps define the field of view, a filter that prevents light of undesired wavelengths from reaching the camera, and/or a mirror that redirects the camera's optical pathway.

Abstract: This patent specification describes an attachment for a mobile device. The attachment may have an attachment feature designed to be attached to a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, or smartphone/tablet with a camera. The attachment may also include an optics system and/or an illumination system that cooperates with the camera to facilitate the capture of decodable barcodes. The illumination system may include a targeting illumination system that facilitates proper positioning of the article and/or an exposure illumination system that helps illuminate the article during capture. The optics system may include a lens that modifies the depth of field and/or the size of the field of view of the camera, an aperture that helps define the field of view, a filter that prevents light of undesired wavelengths from reaching the camera, and/or a mirror that redirects the camera's optical pathway.

Abstract: This patent specification describes an attachment for a mobile device. The attachment may have an attachment feature designed to be attached to a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, or smartphone/tablet with a camera. The attachment may also include an optics system and/or an illumination system that cooperates with the camera to facilitate the capture of decodable barcodes. The illumination system may include a targeting illumination system that facilitates proper positioning of the article and/or an exposure illumination system that helps illuminate the article during capture. The optics system may include a lens that modifies the depth of field and/or the size of the field of view of the camera, an aperture that helps define the field of view, a filter that prevents light of undesired wavelengths from reaching the camera, and/or a mirror that redirects the camera's optical pathway.

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure a portable computing device may scan a physical bar code, which may exist on some physical medium, such as paper, plastic, glass, etc. The physical bar code may be decoded to obtain decoded data, and the decoded data may subsequently be re-encoded to generate a virtual bar code. The virtual bar code may be rendered (e.g., on a display of a computing device, and/or on some type of physical medium) and scanned by a bar code scanner.

Abstract: A barcode reader includes a first set of characteristics that are optimized for reading an electronically displayed barcode. The barcode reader also includes a second set of characteristics that are optimized for reading a physically printed barcode. The first set of characteristics may include a first optical path that is optimized for reading the electronically displayed barcode. The second set of characteristics may include a second optical path that is optimized for reading the physically printed barcode.

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure a portable computing device may scan a physical bar code, which may exist on some physical medium, such as paper, plastic, glass, etc. The physical bar code may be decoded to obtain decoded data, and the decoded data may subsequently be re-encoded to generate a virtual bar code. The virtual bar code may be rendered (e.g., on a display of a computing device, and/or on some type of physical medium) and scanned by a bar code scanner.

Abstract: This patent specification describes an attachment for a camera device. The attachment comprises at least one of a target generating mechanism, a proximity sensor, illumination that is optimized for bar code reading, optics that provide an alternative optical path to the camera device, and a supplementary lens system that is optimized for bar code reading.

Abstract: A multi-functional cable apparatus for a barcode reader supplies electrical power to the barcode reader, provides data communication capability for the barcode reader, and performs at least one additional function that is relevant to the operation of the barcode reader. The at least one additional function may include supporting the barcode reader in a fixed position without a user having to hold the barcode reader in place. Alternatively, the at least one additional function may include facilitating efficient cable management.

Abstract: An accessory for a hand-held electronic device includes a protective case and a battery. The electronic device is insertable into the protective case. The battery may be utilized to provide auxiliary power to the electronic device. The battery may be replaceable without having to remove the electronic device from the protective case.

Abstract: A multi-functional cable apparatus for a barcode reader supplies electrical power to the barcode reader, provides data communication capability for the barcode reader, and performs at least one additional function that is relevant to the operation of the barcode reader. The at least one additional function may include supporting the barcode reader in a fixed position without a user having to hold the barcode reader in place. Alternatively, the at least one additional function may include facilitating efficient cable management.

Abstract: Novel POS-based bar code symbol reading systems are disclosed having an integrated customer-kiosk terminal. Also disclosed are novel POS-based bar code reading cash register Systems having integrated Internet-enabled customer-kiosk terminals.

Abstract: Novel POS-based bar code symbol reading systems are disclosed having an integrated customer-kiosk terminal. Also disclosed are novel POS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register Systems having Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminals.