Abstract: A mode switch audible indication method, computer-readable medium, and apparatus are provided. In one embodiment, the method receives a switch scan mode signal and transmits an audio output signal in accordance with the switch scan mode signal. Thereafter, the method switches to a scan mode associated with the switch mode signal if the scan mode is not associated with the switch mode signal. In other embodiments, apparatuses and computer-readable medium, respectively, are also provided which perform similar features recited by the above method.

Abstract: A scan mode indication method, computer-readable medium, apparatus, processor, and system are provided. In one embodiment, the method scans code using a scan mode and transmits a mode output signal indicative of the scan mode. In various embodiments, the mode output signal is an audio output signal. The audio output signal can be at least one audio tone or at least one word. In yet other embodiments, a computer-readable medium, an apparatus, a processor, and a system are also provided which perform similar features recited by the above method.

Abstract: A method of and system for automatically identifying packages during manual package sortation operations, wherein, a laser scanning system is supported above a workspace environment of 3-D spatial extent, which can be occupied by a human operator involved in the manual sortation of packages bearing bar code symbols. During operation of the system, a laser scanning pattern generator projects an omnidirectional laser scanning pattern that spatially encompasses a substantial portion of the workspace environment, through which packages are transported during sorting operations. A visible scanning-zone indication pattern is projected onto the floor surface immediately beneath the omni-directional laser scanning pattern. As the human operator uses the visible scanning-zone pattern to guide the transport of a package bearing a bar code symbol through the workspace environment, the package is automatically identified by the laser scanning system supported above the workspace environment.

Abstract: A method of and system for automatically identifying packages during manual package sortation operations, wherein, a laser scanning system is supported above a workspace environment of 3-D spatial extent, which can be occupied by a human operator involved in the manual sortation of packages bearing bar code symbols. In the illustrative embodiment, the laser scanning system includes a housing having a light transmission aperture, and a laser scanning pattern generator disposed within the housing. During operation of the system, the laser scanning pattern generator employs a holographic scanning disc to project through the light transmission aperture, an omnidirectional laser scanning pattern which is substantially confined within the spatial extent of a predefined 3-D scanning volume that spatially encompasses a substantial portion of the workspace environment, through which packages are transported during sorting operations.

Abstract: An improved 3-D omni-directional holographic laser scanning system including visible indicia specifying location of the 3-D scanning volume (and the 3-D omni-directional scanning pattern therein) that is visibly discernable to users of the system. Such visible indicia may be one or more visible light beams that provide a visible light pattern characterizing location of the 3-D scanning volume (and the 3-D omni-directional scanning pattern therein). Alternatively, such visible indicia may be visible markings, such as reflective paint or reflective tape, affixed to a surface (over which objects are moved through the 3-D scanning volume) in a manner that characterizes location of the 3-D scanning volume (and the 3-D omni-directional scanning pattern therein).