Abstract: A laser scanning bar code symbol reading system having a scanning window, from which blue/red beam-waist-extended laser scanning planes are projected and intersect within an extended depth of field (DOF) defined adjacent the scanning window. In the illustrative embodiment, the laser scanning bar code symbol reading system includes a laser scanning subsystem having: a dual laser sources for producing a laser beams having blue and red spectral components; a collimating lens for collimating the laser beams; an aperture stop for shaping the cross-sectional dimensions of the collimated the laser beams; and beam-waist extending optics (e.g. axicon-lens) for extending the waist of the laser beam having a red characteristic wavelength.

Abstract: A laser scanning bar code symbol reading system having a scanning window, from which blue/red beam-waist-extended laser scanning planes are projected and intersect within an extended depth of field (DOF) defined adjacent the scanning window. In the illustrative embodiment, the laser scanning bar code symbol reading system includes a laser scanning subsystem having: a dual laser sources for producing a laser beams having blue and red spectral components; a collimating lens for collimating the laser beams; an aperture stop for shaping the cross-sectional dimensions of the collimated the laser beams; and beam-waist extending optics (e.g. axicon-lens) for extending the waist of the laser beam having a red characteristic wavelength.

Abstract: An optical switch (10) includes a light input (12a), a plurality of light outputs (12b) and at least one light pathway movable from a first position where a light communication path is formed between a light input (14a) and a first light output (14b) and a second position where a light communication path is formed between the light input and a plurality of light outputs. Multiple light pathways are configured within the switch and selectable by rotation of a switch housing part enabling sequential selection of light communication paths. The switch can be used on a surgical device to control illumination of the surgical field during a procedure.

Abstract: A device for processing image data relating to bar codes is described. In one embodiment a bar code verification device is provided having an ergonomic form factor characterized by a domed hand held trigger and a viewing window. The verification device may be disposed in a network that includes a host processor system and other bar code reading devices which may include other bar code verification devices. Processing circuitry for processing image signals corresponding to printed bar codes may be partially disposed within the hand held verification device and partially disposed within a host processor system spaced apart from and associated with the hand held verification device. The hand held verification device may be in wireless communication with the host processor system to which it is associated.

Abstract: A method of operating a terminal at an airport beyond security screening, the terminal having a housing, a display, a reader configured to read data from an information bearing medium comprising the steps of: reading a personal identification; performing at least one of the following functions: gate check-in; employee access terminal to a jetway; changing seats; ordering meals; accessing frequent flier programs; processing boarding passes; reading passports and displaying flight information. A method of operating a terminal at a restaurant, the terminal being hand held and having a housing, a display, a reader configured to read data from an information bearing medium comprising the steps of: reading personal identification; performing at least one of the following functions: ordering meals; bill payment; displaying menu items; viewing meal order status; and verbal communications.

Abstract: A method of processing a transaction comprising the steps of generating a position signal indicative of position of a touching of a touch screen having a transparent reference surface, displaying an image of the touching of the screen responsive to the position signal, and changing the image as a function of the difference between the position signal and a predetermined position value.

Abstract: A hand held data collection device, such as a bar code scanner, portable data terminal, transaction terminal, or bar code verifier, containing at least one light-emitting diode (LED) that has been modified to improve the efficiency of light energy transmission. The modification involves transition features at the interface between the LED die surface and the ambient environment. Devices using such modified LEDs may offer a number of advantages such as extended read range, decreased read time, and improved battery life.

Abstract: Systems and methods for making and using endoscopes comprising one or more fluid lenses. An endoscope or bore-scope for various highly accurate imaging, visual inspection and measurement applications is equipped with an adaptive lens operated based on the electrowetting or electro-capillarity phenomenon. The adaptive lens is digitally controlled and is able to provide auto-focusing and optical zooming functions while remaining in a stationary position relative to a distal end section of the endoscope. Endoscopes equipped with these adaptive lenses provide a simpler, more compact design and a faster response while providing high quality images. Several functions needed in a variety of endoscopic imaging, inspection and measurement applications are further enhanced through the addition of a number of improvements of the adaptive lens itself and of the systems incorporating the adaptive lens.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a fluid lens in a data collection device. One or more micropump control systems are used to control one or more fluid lenses. The micropump control systems are used to change volume and/or pressure within the fluid lens system, changing the radius of curvature of the lens.

Abstract: A data collection device is configured so that the device receives and processes various radio signals and automatically changes an operating mode of the data collection device in response to the processing of the radio signals or in response to the presence or absence of radio signals without manually inputting any commands with use of a user interface. By configuring the data collection device to automatically change an operating mode in response to sensed radio signals, operating modes are presented to an operator that may be tailored to the preferences of the present operator and/or tailored to the particular requirements of the device at present location of the device. With highly featurized operating modes being automatically and selectively presented to operators under specific circumstances, an operator is relieved of a variety of burdensome and time consuming exercises that are typically associated with learning how to access particular functions of a highly featurized electronic device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for making and using handheld data readers comprising one or more fluid lenses. One or more fluid lenses are provided to allow a handheld data reader to perform such operations as reading indicia, including such additional operations as zooming, reorienting a viewing direction, focusing, adjusting an optical axis, and correcting for the effects of motion such as hand jitter. The fluid lens or lenses can be operated for example by applying electrical signals to fluid lenses comprising a plurality of fluids including at least one that is conductive and at least one that is non-conductive.

Abstract: An optical reader can include an image sensor. In one embodiment an optical reader can be configured to have different operating modes, the different operating modes optimizing the reader for reading different indicia. In another embodiment an optical reader can comprise a multiple color emitting light source. In another embodiment an optical reader can be provided in a specialized form factor including an enlarged head portion and an elongated body portion extending from the head portion.

Abstract: A bar coded patient wristband identifies a patient wearing the wristband. The system comprises a bar code reader to read the bar coded wristband. A host computer is connected to the digital link to receive the segment of data from the bar code reader. A database correlates the segment of data to a patient to identify the patient. The patient wristband comprises a plurality of bar code symbols. A computer then retrieves a patient record from the database to identify the patient wearing the wristband. In one embodiment, a patient wristband for identifying a patient accepts a plurality of markings of 2 D bar codes distributed along the strip. In another embodiment, the wristband comprises a plurality of linear bar code lines and spaces distributed along the strip. The lines and spaces form a 1 D bar code.

Abstract: An indicia decoding device can have an image sensor and a laser diode assembly configured to project laser light onto a substrate. When a trigger signal is received by the indicia decoding device, the device can calculate a delay and enable the laser diode assembly if a delay threshold is satisfied. The indicia decoding device, in one embodiment, can include a hand held housing and an imaging module carrying the image sensor.

Abstract: The invention features a system and method to automatically focus an image reader using a single frame of image data. The method comprises exposing sequentially a plurality of rows of pixels in the image sensor. The method further comprising varying in incremental steps the focus of the image reader's optical system from a first setting where a distinct image of objects located at a first distance from the image reader is formed on the image sensor to a second setting where a distinct image of objects located at a second distance from the image reader is formed on the image sensor. As part of the method, the varying of the focus of the optical system occurs during the exposure of the plurality of rows of pixels.

Abstract: The invention features an image reader and a corresponding method for capturing a sharp distortion free image of a target, such as a one or two-dimensional bar code. In one embodiment, the image reader comprises a two-dimensional CMOS based image sensor array, a timing module, an illumination module, and a control module. The time during which the target is illuminated is referred to as the illumination period. The capture of the image by the image sensor array is driven by the timing module that, in one embodiment, is able to simultaneously expose substantially all of the pixels in the array. The time during which the pixels are collectively activated to photo-convert incident light into charge defines the exposure period for the sensor array. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the exposure period occurs during the illumination period.

Abstract: The present invention is a bar code verification device having an ergonomic form factor characterized by a domed hand held trigger and a viewing window. The verification device may be disposed in a network that includes a host processor system and other bar code reading devices which may include other bar code verification devices. Processing circuitry for processing image signals corresponding to printed bar codes may be partially disposed within the hand held verification device and partially disposed within a host processor system spaced apart from and associated with the hand held verification device. The hand held verification device may be in wireless communication with the host processor system to which it is associated. The bar code verification system may include signal enhancement modules which interpolate constructed pixel values from actual pixel values and which correct for signal degradation resulting from high frequency spatial sampling.

Abstract: The invention is an optical reader having a plurality of imaging modules. In one method for operating a multiple imaging module reader of the invention, a second frame of image data captured via actuation of a second imaging module is automatically captured and subjected to decoding in the case an attempt to decode using a frame of image data captured via actuation of a first imaging module fails. In another embodiment, a frame of image data captured via actuation of an image sensor of a first module and actuation of illumination of a second imaging module is subjected to decoding. In another embodiment, frames of image data captured via actuation of image sensors of spaced apart modules are combined. The various modules of a multiple imaging module reader can be adapted to have different best focus positions so that a field depth of the reader is improved.

Abstract: The invention is a transaction terminal configured to perform a financial transaction intermediated by an RFID bearing payment token. The financial transaction is of a general type.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for reading a bar code symbol with an optical reader. The method includes the step of scanning the bar code symbol to obtain a plurality of scan lines. Each of the plurality of scan lines includes a linear array of N-pixel values. Adjacent pixels in the linear array of N-pixel values are separated by a sample separation distance. A reconstructed scan line is generated that interleaves the N-pixel values from selected scan lines of the plurality of scan lines. A reconstructed pixel sample separation distance of adjacent interleaved pixels is an integer fraction of the pixel sample separation distance.