Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for sensing which faults have occurred in a laser control system, as well as trapping and identifying the first fault occurrence. The apparatus includes an integrated circuit in which a mask register is set by means of a micro-controller or a host system to select which fault sources are to be recorded. A status bit register in which the fault indications are stored can also be interrogated by the micro-controller or a host system. A settable first fault status register determines whether every fault or only the first fault gets recorded.

Abstract: An optical transceiver with a transimpedance amplifier generates a dynamic common mode voltage of the peak-to-peak output current of the photodetector for use as an in-situ optical power meter. Peak-to-peak voltage signal are imposed on the common mode voltage so optical power measurements are obtained using preexisting electrical contacts. An nfet and a capacitor of the transimpedance amplifier smooths the peak-to-peak voltage to create the control signal for the common mode voltage. The common mode current is mirrored into a bank of pfets at the output stage to create a current sink. Depending upon the potential of the common mode voltage, more or less current will be drawn from the peak-to-peak voltage signals output from a final differential amplifier stage of the transimpedance amplifier.

Abstract: Microprocessor-controlled equipment, such as cash register/inventory control systems, sometimes require in-field modification of programs which run on the microprocessors. Under the invention, such modified programs are downloaded to the equipment, via a commercially available paging service, through a satellite link. When owners of the equipment receive the new programs, they update old programs, as appropriate.

Abstract: An optical transceiver having a transimpedance amplifier with an in-situ optical power meter is disclosed which realizes that the common mode voltage of a peak-to-peak voltage signal derived from impinging light is related to the optical power of the impinging light. The peak-to-peak voltage signals, moreover, can be imposed on the common mode voltage so that the optical power measurements can be derived with existing electrical contacts. In the preferred embodiment, the optical power meter takes advantage of certain functions within a transimpedance amplifier of the optical receiver. First, the use of an nfet and a capacitor smooth the peak-to-peak voltage to create the control signal for the common mode voltage. Then the common mode current is mirrored into a bank of pfets at the output stage to create a current sink.

Abstract: ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) robust current mirror circuits incorporate circuitry for decoupling the gate when the chip is unpowered. Additional protection is provided by a second element which provides de-biasing to prevent Vgs from being established. A third element can be added between the gate and the ground potential on the current mirror gate node to prevent the gate of the current mirror from rising too high and allows the current to be discharged through the element instead of the current mirror.

Abstract: A produce data collector and produce recognition system which illuminates a produce item with substantially uniform light to enhance the accuracy of collected produce data and subsequent identification of the produce item as part of a transaction in a transaction establishment. The produce data collector includes a light source for illuminating the produce item with substantially uniform light during the transaction, a light separating element for splitting light collected from the produce item into a plurality of different light portions having different wavelengths, a detector for converting energy in the plurality of light portions into a plurality of electrical signals, and control circuitry which digitizes the plurality of electrical signals to produce a digital spectrum from the produce item which contains information to identify the produce item for the purpose of determining its unit price.

Abstract: A produce data collector and produce recognition system which illuminates a produce item with substantially uniform light to enhance the accuracy of collected produce data and subsequent identification of the produce item as part of a transaction in a transaction establishment. The produce data collector includes a light source for illuminating the produce item with substantially uniform light during the transaction, a light separating element for splitting light collected from the produce item into a plurality of different light portions having different wavelengths, a detector for converting energy in the plurality of light portions into a plurality of electrical signals, and control circuitry which digitizes the plurality of electrical signals to produce a digital spectrum from the produce item which contains information to identify the produce item for the purpose of determining its unit price.

Abstract: A produce data collector and produce recognition system which illuminates a produce item with substantially uniform light to enhance the accuracy of collected produce data and subsequent identification of the produce item as part of a transaction in a transaction establishment. The produce data collector includes a light source for illuminating the produce item with substantially uniform light during the transaction, a light separating element for splitting light collected from the produce item into a plurality of different light portions having different wavelengths, a detector for converting energy in the plurality of light portions into a plurality of electrical signals, and control circuitry which digitizes the plurality of electrical signals to produce a digital spectrum from the produce item which contains information to identify the produce item for the purpose of determining its unit price.

Abstract: A transaction processing system which includes a produce recognition server for identifying produce items. The produce recognition system further includes a checkout system including a transaction processing terminal, a bar code reader which sends item identification information associated with bar-coded items and with the produce items to the transaction processing terminal, a produce data collector coupled to the bar code reader, and a computer coupled between the bar code reader and the produce recognition server for relaying produce data to the produce recognition server and produce identification information to the bar code reader.

Abstract: A modular bar code scanner and scale assembly which does not use wire cables to connect a bar code scanner to a scale. The assembly includes a bar code scanner including a first printed circuit board having a connector, and a scale including a second printed circuit board having a connector which directly couples to the connector of the first printed circuit board when the scanner is coupled to the scale.

Abstract: A multiple depth of field optical scanner which produces a plurality of scan beams having different focal distances. The optical scanner includes a laser beam having a centerline, a mirrored spinner having a plurality of facets with different curvatures, a detector, and a microcontroller. The optical scanner may additionally include a deflector mirror for changing the direction of the laser beam, collecting optics for equalizing the optical coupling of the reflected light across the field of view of the facets, a distance selection circuit for instructing the microcontroller within the scanner to decode bar code information from a predetermined range of focal distances and an amplification circuit for amplifying the electrical signals from the detector enough to produce other electrical signals having substantially equal amplitudes. The microcontroller may also include the feature of reducing laser power when the scan beams focus more than a predetermined distance from the centerline of the laser beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing different attenuation windows within an optical scanner which adjusts the power level of a laser to a maximum safe power level. The apparatus includes an attenuation sensor which senses the amount of attenuation of the laser beam by a first attenuation window, and a laser power adjuster which changes the laser power level to an optimal but safe level based upon the sensed amount of attenuation of the laser beam. The apparatus may also include a detection circuit having a threshold detection level which is capable of being adjusted based upon the laser power level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a hand-held bar code scanning device having a processor for operating the scanning device. The method includes the steps of mounting the scanning device in a support member, sensing the movement of the device when removed from the support member, operating the device when removed from the support member and disabling the scanning device when returned to the support member. A hand-held scanning device includes sensing means and processing means in which the sensing means outputs a control signal to the processing means upon sensing the movement of the scanner enabling the processing means to operate the scanner.

Abstract: A dynamic laser diode aperture for collimating light from a laser diode within an optical scanner which increases the power of the beam to a predetermined maximum. The optical scanner includes a motor having a hollow circular shaft through which the light passes. A lens member focuses the light, and the dynamic aperture, located within a cap member within an end of the motor shaft closest to the laser, collimates the focused light. The dynamic aperture approximates the shape of the unfocused light pattern from the laser diode. In the preferred embodiment, the dynamic aperture is generally rectangular in shape and rotates with the motor shaft.

Abstract: An automatic sensing and programming circuit for optical scanners which produces a diffuse volume of light substantially encompassing the scan volume of the scanner. A method for programming one optical scanner from another uses the circuit to emit a plurality of pulse trains which in combination represent a predetermined function or set of functions, each pulse train representing predetermined hexadecimal digit, and each pulse train including a predetermined number of binary pulses. A method of programming an optical scanner employs a plurality of tags which in combination represent a predetermined function or set of functions, each tag representing a predetermined hexadecimal digit encoded as bar code labels.

Abstract: An electronic checkbook and method for using it. The checkbook comprises upper and lower parts which fold together when not in use. The lower part receives on its upper surface a booklet of checks. A digitizer is hingedly connected or fixed to the remainder of the lower part and operates as a keyboard in one mode when placed above the check booklet, and can be placed beneath the top check of the booklet and used in a second mode as a means for inputting signals to the remainder of the device representing information written on the check. The lower part of the checkbook also includes other elements of the device including a microprocessor, a power supply and a smart card reader/writer. The upper part includes a display screen upon which checking account information appears during use of the electronic checkbook. The method of use of the checkbook provides maintenance of a record of transactions in the account, including addition of deposits and subtraction of checks drawn on the account.

Abstract: A temperature-sensitive semiconductor device, such as a laser diode, is protected against damage from overheating by use of a temperature sensor which produces a signal that is digitized and applied to a microprocessor. The microprocessor uses a look-up table to determine an appropriate duty cycle for operation of the semiconductor device, based upon the temperature of the semiconductor device, so as to avoid operating the semiconductor devices for a length of time which could produce overheating and damage.