Abstract: A carrier for a digital pen includes a main case with an internal channel to closely receive and align the digital pen with an electronic package contained within the main case. In addition, the carrier includes an upper lid rotationally coupled to the main case. In one embodiment, the upper lid may be both partially and fully opened with a dual-action latch mechanism. In addition, the carrier may include a lower lid that may be opened to provide access to an electronic package. In one embodiment, an extendable serial communication device may be extended from the electronic package when the lower lid is open. Further, the carrier is configured to sufficiently protect the digital pen from harsh environmental conditions and even from harsh user-induced conditions, such as drops onto a hard surface, exposure of the carrier to rain, dust, and sand particulate, brief water submersion, and even temperature extremes.

Abstract: A hand-holdable, durable digital writing and sketching device or assembly having rugged construction that houses an on-board camera with a view through an optical window of a writing surface brought in view by a user moving the device. The device is rugged, sealed, and is capable of withstanding dropping, water submersion, abrasive incursions, and resistance to chemical and fungal degradation. The optical window and optic channel to the camera is protected by a durable and replaceable light-transmitting shield that provides a sealed barrier to the environmental elements harmful to the functioning of the device. The writing and sketching device oscillates between a stowed and a deployed state. The deployed state includes the camera being in view the writing surface and the stowed state includes the camera being either masked from viewing the writing surface or aimed internally from viewing the writing surface.

Abstract: A carrier for a digital pen includes a main case with an internal channel to closely receive and align the digital pen with an electronic package contained within the main case. In addition, the carrier includes an upper lid rotationally coupled to the main case. In one embodiment, the upper lid may be both partially and fully opened with a dual-action latch mechanism. In addition, the carrier may include a lower lid that may be opened to provide access to an electronic package. In one embodiment, an extendable serial communication device may be extended from the electronic package when the lower lid is open. Further, the carrier is configured to sufficiently protect the digital pen from harsh environmental conditions and even from harsh user-induced conditions, such as drops onto a hard surface, exposure of the carrier to rain, dust, and sand particulate, brief water submersion, and even temperature extremes.

Abstract: A multimodal data collection device uses a digital pen as a primary input mechanism for data and for controlling the device. The digital pen may be connected to the multimodal data collection device through a wired connection, a wireless host connection, or a slave connection. The multimodal data collection device receives data from a number of input/output devices, captures the data, and then synchronizes selected written, voice and image data with time stamp information and geospatial location information to re-create one or more pre-existing events. In addition, the multimodal data collection device operates to arrange externally and internally received data by synchronizing the data with time and location information.

Abstract: A carrier for a digital pen includes a main case with an internal channel to closely receive and align the digital pen with an electronic package contained within the main case. In addition, the carrier includes an upper lid rotationally coupled to the main case. In one embodiment, the upper lid may be both partially and fully opened with a dual-action latch mechanism. In addition, the carrier may include a lower lid that may be opened to provide access to an electronic package. In one embodiment, an extendable serial communication device may be extended from the electronic package when the lower lid is open. Further, the carrier is configured to sufficiently protect the digital pen from harsh environmental conditions and even from harsh user-induced conditions, such as drops onto a hard surface, exposure of the carrier to rain, dust, and sand particulate, brief water submersion, and even temperature extremes.

Abstract: An RFID tag is provided with a timing module to measure elapsed time and an environment module to detect certain environmental conditions. The RFID tag includes a transmitter/receiver, memory module, antenna module, converter, and the timing and environment modules. In an embodiment of the invention, the timing module enables the user, upon interrogating the RFID tag, to determine the precise length of time from the previous charge of the RFID tag. The environment module enables the user to determine how long the RFID tag has been exposed to certain environmental conditions that have been pre-defined by the user.

Abstract: A hand held user computer interface is capable of being automatically switched between a keyboard input mode and a pen input mode. When the computer is pivoted to the pen input mode, the keyboard is automatically disabled allowing the user to grip the keyboard without concern about accidentally hitting a key. The hand held computer comprises a display portion pivotally connected to a keyboard portion by a hinge. In the keyboard input mode, the display portion is at an angle with respect to the keyboard portion. The keyboard portion is pivotable to a position underneath the display portion so that the display portion overlies the keyboard portion and faces upwards to form a comfortable writing surface. The rotation of the keyboard is detected and the computer automatically switches mode to disable the keyboard portion and activate the pen input mode. Thus, no manual knob or switch control is needed to change from keyboard input mode to pen input mode or vice versa.

Abstract: A device for scanning a bar code symbol is adapted on a glove to be worn comfortably on an operator's bare or gloved hand. The glove includes a scan element on the back of the glove electrically connected to an activation switch disposed on a bottom finger tip of the glove. The activation switch triggers the scan element to scan a bar code by pressing the finger tip at a base of the bar code symbol to be read. Sliding the finger to turn on the scan element is a natural motion and does not interfere with normal use of the hand.

Abstract: A modular battery charging system is provided in two main embodiments. In a first embodiment, the modular battery charging system includes a power supply, an elongated track, a connector, and at least one battery charging module. The power supply converts an outlet alternating current voltage supply to a stepped-down direct current voltage supply of an amount equal to or less than about 30 volts. The elongated track includes a number of conductive strips, interfitting with each other. The battery charging module includes a housing, a charging unit supported within the housing, a number of electrical connection components to contact the track strips and to extend to the charging unit, and a battery device receiving port to receive the particular battery device in need of charging. In a second embodiment, the modular battery charging system includes a power supply and one or more battery charging module modules.

Abstract: A circuit is shown for use with a bar code scanner wherein the scanner includes a laser for producing a beam of light that is scanned across the bar code so that the light reflected from the bar code may be focused upon a sensor which produces an electrical signal representing the bar code. Scanning is stopped by a first circuit after a predetermined number of scans. Thereafter, a second circuit completes the decoding of the electrical signal and outputs the results if that decoding is successful. If not, a third circuit restarts the scanning within the first circuit.