Abstract: An aimer accessory for a mobile device and method of use is provided. The accessory includes a body configured for being affixed to the mobile device. The body includes a collimator terminating with a grating disposed in a distal portion thereof. The grating is configured to receive light from a lamp of the mobile device and to generate a light pattern on the surface containing a barcode. Registration of the light pattern and the barcode in a scan area enhances the ability of the mobile device to capture a barcode image. Registration may be configured for blind or target mode scanning. In blind mode, the registration occurs on detection of the light pattern and barcode in a viewing angle of a camera of the mobile device. In target mode, the registration occurs on a detection of the light pattern hovering over the barcode in a viewing angle of the camera.

Abstract: An aimer accessory for a mobile device and method of use is provided. The accessory includes a body configured for being affixed to the mobile device. The body includes a collimator terminating with a grating disposed in a distal portion thereof. The grating is configured to receive light from a lamp of the mobile device and to generate a light pattern on the surface containing a barcode. Registration of the light pattern and the barcode in a scan area enhances the ability of the mobile device to capture a barcode image. Registration may be configured for blind or target mode scanning. In blind mode, the registration occurs on detection of the light pattern and barcode in a viewing angle of a camera of the mobile device. In target mode, the registration occurs on a detection of the light pattern hovering over the barcode in a viewing angle of the camera.

Abstract: An aimer module for a mobile device and method of use is provided. The aimer module advantageously collimates diffuse light from a lamp on a mobile device for use in capturing a barcode image. The aimer module includes a means for receiving light from a lamp of the mobile device and generating a light pattern on the surface containing a barcode. The receiving and generating means may include a grating, configuration of mirrors, light pipes, or other methods for bending or controlling the lamp source of the mobile device. Registration of the light pattern and the barcode in or near the scan area enable a camera of the mobile device to capture and decode the barcode.

Abstract: Devices and Methods are disclosed for portable devices having a GPS receiver for obtaining location data, a memory for retrieving map data, and which display integrated map and location data. In certain embodiments the device is based upon a generic portable host chassis, such as a PDA having an expansion bus interface such as a CompactFlash interface, and the GPS receiver and map storage functionality are provided by a removable expansion module that serves to customize the portable host as a GPS system. In such removable expansion module embodiments, the GPS receiver location data and the memory may data are transferred from the removable expansion module to the portable host over the expansion interface.