Abstract: A transaction system and method in which a customer operates a mobile device, such as a smart phone, to interact with a transaction server during a transaction at a checkout station while scanning items. An example method includes establishing by the server a connection with a mobile communication device, receiving by the server item descriptions associated with items purchased from a code reader, sending by the server prices of the items and the item descriptions to the mobile communication device for display by the mobile communication device, and receiving payment by the server from the customer for the items.

Abstract: An optical code scanner is presented that includes multiple scanning windows for reading an optical code where each scanning window can be optimized for reading optical codes presented in either printed or electronic form. The optical code scanner supports multiple scanning modes where each scanning mode is based on a different method of reading optical codes and each method offers different advantages. Each of the multiple scanning windows is assigned to use one of the scanning modes. The scanning mode for a window can also be reassigned at any time to a different mode.

Abstract: A transaction system and method in which a customer operates a mobile device, such as a smart phone, to interact with a transaction server during a transaction at a checkout station while scanning items. An example method includes establishing by the server a connection with a mobile communication device, receiving by the server item descriptions associated with items purchased from a code reader, sending by the server prices of the items and the item descriptions to the mobile communication device for display by the mobile communication device, and receiving payment by the server from the customer for the items.

Abstract: An optical code scanner is presented that includes multiple scanning windows for reading an optical code where each scanning window can be optimized for reading optical codes presented in either printed or electronic form. The optical code scanner supports multiple scanning modes where each scanning mode is based on a different method of reading optical codes and each method offers different advantages. Each of the multiple scanning windows is assigned to use one of the scanning modes. The scanning mode for a window can also be reassigned at any time to a different mode.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader. The tag reader includes a power detection circuit operable to detect power from a plurality of different power sources, and a controller for operating the radio frequency identification tag reader at a power consumption level commensurate with a detected power source.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for periodically measuring the level of ambient noise found on a radio frequency channel used by a radio frequency identification interrogator to read radio frequency identification tags. The measured level of ambient noise is then used to dynamically adjust a threshold value used to predict collisions on the channel.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a completed payment document ready for signature in image form and enabling signature in image form, storing the image and providing a printed copy of the document including the signature. A write input device for showing the image and enabling the signature includes a transparent interactive digitizing element with writing stylus, a display module positioned beneath the digitizing element and visible therethrough, and optionally a magnetic stripe reader for providing document-related information for the display. The device is embodied in a system which also includes a point of sale terminal, a printer for printing records of transactions processed by the system and a controller operatively coupled to other elements of the system.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for periodically measuring the level of ambient noise found on a radio frequency channel used by a radio frequency identification interrogator to read radio frequency identification tags. The ambient noise is measured after the radio frequency identification interrogator has transmitted a signal. The measured level of ambient noise is then used to dynamically adjust a threshold value used to predict collisions on the channel.

Abstract: A method of determining failure of an RFID label reader.

Abstract: A method of determining failure of a CBS.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for periodically measuring the level of ambient noise found on a radio frequency channel used by a radio frequency identification interrogator to read radio frequency identification tags. The measured level of ambient noise is then used to dynamically adjust a threshold value used to predict collisions on the channel.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for periodically measuring the level of ambient noise found on a radio frequency channel used by a radio frequency identification interrogator to read radio frequency identification tags. The ambient noise is measured after the radio frequency identification interrogator has transmitted a signal. The measured level of ambient noise is then used to dynamically adjust a threshold value used to predict collisions on the channel.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a completed payment document ready for signature in image form and enabling signature in image form, storing the image and providing a printed copy of the document including the signature. A write input device for showing the image and enabling the signature includes a transparent interactive digitizing element with writing stylus, a display module positioned beneath the digitizing element and visible therethrough, and optionally a magnetic stripe reader for providing document-related information for the display. The device is embodied in a system which also includes a point of sale terminal, a printer for printing records of transactions processed by the system and a controller operatively coupled to other elements of the system.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a completed payment document ready for signature in image form and enabling signature in image form, storing the image and providing a printed copy of the document including the signature. A write input device for showing the image and enabling the signature includes a transparent interactive digitizing element with writing stylus, a display module positioned beneath the digitizing element and visible therethrough, and optionally a magnetic stripe reader for providing document-related information for the display. The device is embodied in a system which also includes a point of sale terminal, a printer for printing records of transactions processed by the system and a controller operatively coupled to other elements of the system.

Abstract: A remote control device and method for electronic price label (EPL) systems which includes circuitry from EPLs. The remote control device includes a first EPL circuit, a second EPL circuit, and a control circuit coupled between the first and second EPL circuits for enabling transmission of alternating signals to the EPL computer by the first and second EPL circuits. The EPL computer executes a function in response to the alternating signals.

Abstract: A system for capturing handwritten data includes a base station, a docking station coupled to the base station and a plurality of portable handwriting capture devices, which may be in the form of pads or trays. The pads or trays normally rest in quick release slots in the docking station, and are removed from the slots when put into use. Each pad includes a digitizer for capturing handwritten information, a controller for digitizing the information, a memory for storing the digitized information and an interface for transmitting the digitized information through the docking station to the base station, where it is decoded. A paper slip may be placed over the digitizer and retained in position, where it provides visual feedback to a person writing on the pad and also provides a written record.

Abstract: A handwriting capture system which includes a handwriting capture device containing a segmented digitizer. The handwriting capture device also includes circuitry which processes handwriting information entered into the segmented digitizer, a controller which determines position coordinates associated with the handwriting information, a memory coupled to the controller which stores position coordinates, and circuitry coupled between the controller and the segmented digitizer which drives and calibrates the segmented digitizer. The system also includes a host computer system coupled to the controller through an interface so that the controller can upload positional coordinates to the host system.

Abstract: Driving apparatus for a liquid crystal display. The apparatus includes a square wave generator which drives an operational amplifier. The operational amplifier has a pair of parallel feedback paths, one of which is a capacitive feedback path and the other of which is a resistive feedback path. Automatic temperature compensation is provided by incorporating a thermistor in the resistive feedback path. The output signal from the operational amplifier varies in a linear manner with temperature so as to produce an optimal drive for the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: A handwriting capture system which includes a handwriting capture device containing a segmented digitizer. The handwriting capture device also includes circuitry which processes handwriting information entered into the segmented digitizer, a controller which determines position coordinates associated with the handwriting information, a memory coupled to the controller which stores position coordinates, and circuitry coupled between the controller and the segmented digitizer which drives and calibrates the segmented digitizer. The system also includes a host computer system coupled to the controller through an interface so that the controller can upload positional coordinates to the host system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electronically capturing handwritten information and for providing a visual feedback to the user of the device to show what has been written. A digitizer is provided for the electronic capture of the handwritten data, and a device comprising multiple superimposed sheets, which coact to produce a visible mark when pressure is applied thereto, is placed over the digitizer to receive a writing impression at the same time that the digitizer does. A mechanical eraser is placed between the sheets to separate them and thereby erase the visible mark which has been made. The eraser also includes a sensing device to sense when an erasure has been made, and to provide a signal indicating that this has been done. In using the device, it is first ascertained that any previous marking has been erased, the desired handwritten entry is then made, and is subsequently erased, to ready the device for its next use.