Abstract: A bar code reader has an integrated scanning component module which is mountable on a printed circuit board. In one embodiment, the module may include the digitizer/decoder electronics, enabling the module to be used with a generic PCB. In some embodiments, the module includes a high speed optical scanning arrangement having an optical element which extends longitudinally of a flexible member, secured at one end. In other embodiments, the invention extends to a hand-held optical scanner having a scanning assembly, detector and data transmission coupling all mounted to a common printed circuit board, preferably located within a manually-graspable handle. In yet a further embodiment, an abuse-detector or accelerometer is provided for determining when the device is exposed to deceleration above a predetermined limit, and optionally for automatically shutting down applications programs and for providing a black-box-record of a short time frame before the device was exposed to an unexpected shock.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to retail transactions and, more particularly, to systems and methods for monitoring consumer behavior and for providing a secure electronic payment in exchange for goods and services.

Abstract: On-line purchasing of products from an electronic commerce (e.g., a Web page) seller is assisted by providing users with a list of previously purchased products. The list of products can be used for simplified reordering of a product previously purchased. In one embodiment, the list is categorized based on, for example, product type, purchase date, etc. Additional product information can also be provided when a product is selected from the list.

Abstract: The Internet appliance accesses an HTML page on a Web site containing configuration information for an Internet appliance, such as an Internet compatible telephone. Data from the HTML page are downloaded to the Internet appliance to modify its options or settings automatically upon accessing the HTML page, or as directed by the user. The data may be downloaded to a programmable memory in the Internet appliance and the stored data may be used to upgrade the Internet appliance. The upgrade HTML page may include information to alert the user when the new information is available regarding changes to options and settings of the Internet appliance. Alternatively, data from the Internet appliance are placed in an HTML page and the data are then uploaded to the Web site. Additional embodiments provide other functions that may be placed in an HTML page to effect some internal action in the Internet appliance, such as checking e-mail.

Abstract: A bar code reader has an integrated scanning component module which is mountable on a printed circuit board. In one embodiment, the module may include the digitizer/decoder electronics, enabling the module to be used with a generic PCB. In some embodiments, the module includes a high speed optical scanning arrangement having an optical element which extends longitudinally of a flexible member, secured at one end. In other embodiments, the invention extends to a hand-held optical scanner having a scanning assembly, detector and data transmission coupling all mounted to a common printed circuit board, preferably located within a manually-graspable handle. In yet a further embodiment, an abuse-detector or accelerometer is provided for determining when the device is exposed to deceleration above a predetermined limit, and optionally for automatically shutting down applications programs and for providing a black-box-record of a short time frame before the device was exposed to an unexpected shock.

Abstract: Various optical components of an electro-optical system for reading coded indicia are mounted on a chassis snap-mounted in a housing. The optical components are supported by the chassis at an elevation relative to a printed circuit board snap-mounted to the chassis. The optical components are automatically adjusted in a test fixture.

Abstract: A compact optical code reader is disclosed having multiple functions and a unique shape and configuration of actuators and indicators. A system including the reader also includes a cradle, interface and host terminal, capable of performing various data processing functions involving scanned data.

Abstract: An integrated graphical user interface is provided to both Internet and telephone function screens in an Internet access device. An integrated graphical user interface includes a home screen having selectable areas that represent a primary level of Internet and telephone functions. A telephone function screen automatically slides up to cover a portion of a previously-displayed screen in response to a selected condition, including receiving and initiating a telephone call. The slide-up window may also be manually controlled. The slide-up window displays information related to the telephone call being initiated or in progress. Selectable areas are provided for user control of call functions including answering, initiating a call, implementing telephone company services, and user defined functions. Upon termination of the selected condition, or upon user selection, the telephone function screen slides down to expose the previously displayed screen.

Abstract: Antique identifying electro-optical marker is associated with a base unit having a receiver. During a set-up mode of operation, an electro-optical reader reads the marker. During subsequent reading of indicia, the reader generates electrical signals which are transmitted to the receiver of the uniquely identified base unit.

Abstract: A bar code reader has an integrated scanning component module which is mountable on a printed circuit board. In one embodiment, the module may include the digitizer/decoder electronics, enabling the module to be used with a generic PCB. In some embodiments, the module includes a high speed optical scanning arrangement having an optical element which extends longitudinally of a flexible member, secured at one end. In other embodiments, the invention extends to a hand-held optical scanner having a scanning assembly, detector and data transmission coupling all mounted to a common printed circuit board, preferably located within a manually-graspable handle. In yet a further embodiment, an abuse-detector or accelerometer is provided for determining when the device is exposed to deceleration above a predetermined limit, and optionally for automatically shutting down applications programs and for providing a black-box-record of a short time frame before the device was exposed to an unexpected shock.

Abstract: A device and method are set forth for electro-stimulation. The user can select an overall treatment protocol of current frequencies and amplitudes to be applied for specified dwell periods defining a sweep cycle. The user can select for one or more periods in the cycle a frequency/amplitude to be applied to elicit a response such as a muscle contraction or the like. The device protocols may be selected to elicit responses while conserving power, to provide for heating without eliciting a response or to hop between frequency/amplitude combinations to produce the desired effect.

Abstract: A laser focus control system including a laser for generating a scanning light beam to visually illuminate an information encoded bar code symbol. A segmented photodiode detects light reflected from the symbol and generates a plurality of electrical signals, each signal based on the light energy incident on the segments of the photodiode, thereby representing the spatial intensity variations of the symbol. A scanning zone processor then filters, averages, and compares the electrical signals to a noise threshold, and assigns logic levels based on the comparisons. Thereafter, a scanning zone detector determines the corresponding scanning zone distance based on the combination of logic levels and determines whether the system has stabilized within the zone distance. The scanning zone distance is then furnished to the laser focus controller in order to adjust the laser focus of the scanning device. The system is incorporated in a shock-resistant hand-held device.

Abstract: An optical scanner having an adjustable cradle or stand for allowing the user either to operate the scanner in the hand or while positioned in the cradle. In one embodiment, suitable for use with wireless-based hand-held scanners, a particular scanner may be associated with an individual cradle by scanning a bar code symbol associated with that cradle and storing and/or processing the ID data contained in the symbol. A simple mechanical arrangement is provided for switching the scanner either manually or automatically between one-dimensional and two-dimensional scanning, with corresponding changes in the cross-sectional shape and/or focus of the scanning laser beam.

Abstract: A point-of-sale (POS) processing system includes a host and a plurality of portable POS terminals. A local controller may be provided intermediate the host and the POS terminals, so that the POS terminals communicate with the host via the local controller. Each POS terminal includes a main portion and an extension portion. The main portion may be supported by a harness for strapping the main portion to a dealer's body. The extension portion may be small in size and light in weight so that it can be easily held with one hand. The main portion includes a two-way communication subsystem, a processor, and at least one data interface. The extension portion includes a reading device (e.g., a magnetic strip reader) for reading financial account data from an account authorization device (e.g., a credit card, debit card or prepay card). It further includes an input device (e.g., a keypad) for inputting a security code access key (e.g.

Abstract: Various optical components of an electro-optical system for reading coded indicia are mounted on a chassis snap-mounted in a housing. The optical components are supported by the chassis at an elevation relative to a printed circuit board snap-mounted to the chassis. The optical components are automatically adjusted in a test fixture.

Abstract: An optical scanner for reading indicia having part of differing light reflectivity, including an optical element and a mounting bracket. The optical element is mounted for oscillation with respect to the mounting bracket by first and second wires forming a first spring having a relatively high modulus of elasticity, the optical element having a relatively low inertia when oscillating by elastic movement of the first spring. A stationary frame is provided with the mounting bracket mounted for oscillation with respect to the frame by third and fourth wires having a relatively high modulus of elasticity; the optical element, mounting bracket and first and second wires taken together having a relatively high inertia when oscillating by elastic movement of the third and fourth wires. The optical element is oscillated with respect to the mounting bracket at a relatively high frequency, and the mounting bracket oscillated with respect to the frame at a relatively low frequency by an electromagnetic drive.

Abstract: A scan module is mounted in a frame within an electro-optical scanner. External shocks from the scanner to the frame are resisted by a plurality of shock mounts. Internal vibrations generated by the scan module are resisted from being transmitted to the frame by a plurality of isolation mounts. Printed circuit boards are mounted on the frame to make a compact, vibration-isolated, shock-protected assembly.