Abstract: An antenna for use in connection with a combined RFID reader and optical imager. A printer circuit board having a wire loop positioned thereon and a hole formed therethrough is positioned in combination with an optical imager so that the imaging element of the optical imager may capture images through the hole. In addition, illuminating elements, such as LEDs may be provided on the printed circuit board to provide external or additional illumination of target objects. By positioning the antenna and optical imager in such a manner, the space required to implement optical imaging and RFID capabilities is improved and optical imaging and RFID interrogation may be more easily directed at a single object. In addition, extra illumination may be easily provided for improved imaging.

Abstract: A medical device, such as an electrosurgical scalpel, having a base unit and one or more attachable implements for performing medical procedures. The device include a host controllable module for capturing images of the attachable implement, decoding information contained in the image, and reporting the results of the decoding to the medical device. The host controllable module includes a system microcontroller that interconnects an optical imager and/or an RFID transceiver through the single interface to the host medical device. As a result, the module may be easily retrofit into existing medical devices and programmed to perform operations on legacy instruments as well as additional functions not previously available to the medical device.

Abstract: A reader for automatically reading electronic voting machine paper audit records containing voting information encoded into barcodes printed on the audit records. The reader includes an optical imager for capturing images of barcodes printed on the audit records and a sensor for triggering the capture of images at the appropriate time. The reader further includes a drive mechanism for automatically advancing the audit records and stopping the records at the appropriate location so that the barcodes containing the voting information may be decoded. The reader is programmed to decode and interpret the encoded voting information and then provide the information to a host device. Once receipt of the information by the host has been confirmed, the reader automatically advances the audit record and repeated the decoding process.

Abstract: An antenna for use in connection with a combined RFID reader and optical imager. A printer circuit board having a wire loop positioned thereon and a hole formed therethrough is positioned in combination with an optical imager so that the imaging element of the optical imager may capture images through the hole. In addition, illuminating elements, such as LEDs may be provided on the printed circuit board to provide external or additional illumination of target objects. By positioning the antenna and optical imager in such a manner, the space required to implement optical imaging and RFID capabilities is improved and optical imaging and RFID interrogation may be more easily directed at a single object. In addition, extra illumination may be easily provided for improved imaging.