Abstract: An adaptive strobe illumination control process for use in a digital image capture and processing system. In general, the process involves: (i) illuminating an object in the field of view (FOV) with several different pulses of strobe (i.e. stroboscopic) illumination over a pair of consecutive video image frames; (ii) detecting digital images of the illuminated object over these consecutive image frames; and (iii) decode processing the digital images in an effort to read a code symbol graphically encoded therein. In a first illustrative embodiment, upon failure to read a code symbol graphically encoded in one of the first and second images, these digital images are analyzed in real-time, and based on the results of this real-time image analysis, the exposure time (i.e. photonic integration time interval) is automatically adjusted during subsequent image frames (i.e. image acquisition cycles) according to the principles of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A system for collecting data comprising a mobile terminal for capturing a plurality of frames of image data, the mobile terminal having a first imaging assembly and a second imaging assembly, the first imaging assembly for capturing a first frame of image data representing a first object and the second imaging assembly for capturing a second frame of image data representing a second object, wherein the system for use in collecting data is operative for associating first frame information and second frame information, the first frame information including one or more of image data of the first frame of image data and information derived utilizing the image data of the first frame of image data, the second frame information including one or more of image data of the second frame of image data and information derived utilizing the image data of the second frame of image data.

Abstract: A mobile electronic device includes a microprocessor, a wireless transceiver, a power supply manager, and a controller coupled to a system bus. The power supply manager is configured to operate the mobile device for a predetermined discharge time, and is coupled to a battery for supplying primary power to the mobile electronic device. The power supply manager is also coupled to a fuel cell for supplying auxiliary power. The power supply manager monitors a dynamic capacity discharge rate, which deviates from a baseline capacity discharge rate due to one or more factors. The controller operates the fuel cell responsive to the deviation of the dynamic capacity discharge rate from the baseline capacity discharge rate to restore the predetermined discharge time. In one aspect, the deviation is due to the temperature of the battery.

Abstract: A portable data terminal including a processor having an instruction set architecture and data storage means configured to store a plurality of operating systems and a virtual machine monitor application program configured to receive at least one instruction from each operating system, communicate with the processor according to the instruction set architecture, and switch operating system access to the processor upon receipt of an electrical signal representing an event.

Abstract: A method of operating an indicia reader for reading information bearing indicia (IBI) positioned in a field of view of the reader includes: transmitting a first laser light beam adapted for scanning an IBI on a target located a first distance from the indicia reader; transmitting a second laser light beam adapted for scanning an IBI on a target located a second distance greater than the first distance from the indicia reader; activating at least one of the first and second laser light beams; scanning at least one of the laser light beams with a flat unitary scan mirror to generate at least one of a first laser light beam pattern and a second laser light beam pattern; directing light reflected from the target from either the first or second laser light beams patterns through a common receive path; the common receive path including being reflected with the flat unitary scan mirror onto a focusing mirror; the focusing mirror directing reflected light along a directed reflected light path; the directed reflected

Abstract: A system for collecting data comprising a mobile terminal for capturing a plurality of frames of image data, the mobile terminal having a first imaging assembly and a second imaging assembly, the first imaging assembly for capturing a first frame of image data representing a first object and the second imaging assembly for capturing a second frame of image data representing a second object, wherein the system for use in collecting data is operative for associating first frame information and second frame information, the first frame information including one or more of image data of the first frame of image data and information derived utilizing the image data of the first frame of image data, the second frame information including one or more of image data of the second frame of image data and information derived utilizing the image data of the second frame of image data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise an image engine constructed as an IC structure that has one or more active regions for illuminating, imaging, and decoding a decodable indicia. In one embodiment of the image engine, the IC structure can comprise an imaging region, an aiming region, and an illumination region, all disposed on a single, contiguous substrate. The resultant constructed embodiment can fit within a form factor, wherein the form factor is less than about 500 mm3.

Abstract: A method of operating an indicia reader for reading information bearing indicia (IBI) positioned in a field of view of the reader includes: transmitting a first laser light beam adapted for scanning an IBI on a target located a first distance from the indicia reader; transmitting a second laser light beam adapted for scanning an IBI on a target located a second distance greater than the first distance from the indicia reader; activating at least one of the first and second laser light beams; scanning at least one of the laser light beams with a flat unitary scan mirror to generate at least one of a first laser light beam pattern and a second laser light beam pattern; directing light reflected from the target from either the first or second laser light beams patterns through a common receive path; the common receive path including being reflected with the flat unitary scan mirror onto a focusing mirror; the focusing mirror directing reflected light along a directed reflected light path; the directed reflected

Abstract: A mobile device comprising: a data collection device; a trigger to activate the data collection device; a communication system for wireless communications; a display for displaying information; a processor for controlling software and firmware operation; a keypad for entering data for the processor; a power supply for providing power to the mobile device, the power supply comprising a fuel cell or an ultracapacitor; and a housing for supporting the data collection device, trigger, communication system, display, processor, keypad and power supply.

Abstract: A lens element is provided that includes a housing defining a center bore and an optical axis, and a light transmissive cover coupled to the housing. A first elastic solid lens is disposed within the housing adjacent the light transmissive cover, and is characterized by a first thickness and a first durometer hardness. A second elastic solid lens is disposed in the housing adjacent to and substantially conforming to the first elastic solid lens, and is characterized by a second thickness and a second durometer hardness. The second lens thickness is less than the first lens thickness, and the second durometer hardness is greater than the first durometer hardness. In one embodiment, the first durometer hardness is less than OO60 as measured by the Shore method, and the second durometer hardness is in the range of A20 to A60 as measured by the Shore method.

Abstract: There is set forth herein an indicia reading terminal having an illumination subsystem for projection of an illumination pattern, the illumination subsystem having at least one light source, the illumination subsystem being switchable between a first state and a second state, wherein the illumination subsystem in the second state projects illumination light at a projection angle that is more narrow than a projection angle of illumination light projected by the illumination subsystem when the illumination subsystem is in the first state. An indicia reading terminal can include an imaging subsystem including an image sensor array and an imaging lens for focusing an image of a target onto the image sensor array, the imaging lens being a variable imaging lens and having a first lens setting at which the lens assembly has a relatively nearer plane of optimum focus and a second lens setting at which the imaging lens has a relatively farther plane of optimum focus setting.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise an indicia reading terminal including a focus element that extends the range of focus distances at which the indicia reading terminal can decode decodable indicia. In one embodiment, the focus element comprises a variable form element and a variable position element, the combination of which causes an image distance that can change in accordance with a separation distance between these two elements. The focus element can comprise an actuator, e.g., a piezoelectric actuator, which can be coupled to the variable position element in a manner that can cause the variable position element to deform the variable form element, and in one example, the deformation changes the focal length of the variable form element.

Abstract: A portable transaction arrangement for permitting a user to conduct a charge card transaction vis-à-vis a charge card terminal of an electronic transaction system. The charge card terminal is configured to communicate with a charge card for the purpose of conducting the charge card transaction. The charge card is one of a magnetic stripe card and an electronic smart card. The portable transaction arrangement includes an emulation card having an emulation card interface. The emulation card interface emulates an interface of the charge card. The interface of the charge card facilitates communication between the charge card and the charge card terminal. There is also included a portable emulation card configuring device arranged to be used in conjunction with the emulation card, which in turn includes a memory configured to store first charge card data pertaining to a first charge card of the user, and an authentication mechanism.

Abstract: A method for completing a transaction request pertaining to an electronic transaction conducted over an electronic network having a server and a requesting device. The method includes receiving from the server at the requesting device a transaction program, which includes an executable portion. The method also includes searching, employing the executable portion, for a transaction approval device associated with the requesting terminal. If the transaction approval device is detected, the method includes employing the transaction approval device to approve the transaction request. There is further included transmitting, using the requesting device, an approved transaction request to the server to complete the electronic transaction. The approved transaction request signifies an approval of the transaction request.

Abstract: A portable electronic authorization device for approving a transaction request originated from an electronic transaction system. The portable electronic authorization device includes first logic circuit configured to receive first digital data representative of the transaction request. There is further included second logic circuit configured to form second digital data responsive to the transaction request received by the first logic circuit if the transaction request is approved by a user of the portable electronic transaction device. The second digital data represents encrypted data signifying an approval by the user of the transaction request. Additionally, the portable electronic authorization device includes transmission circuitry coupled to the second logic circuit. The transmission circuitry is configured to transmit the second digital data from the portable electronic authorization apparatus to the electronic transaction system if the user approves the transaction request.

Abstract: A microfilm reader, which includes a bar code scanner, a controller, and a keyboard, receives microfilm containing documents and corresponding bar code symbols. Each bar code symbol contains data describing the contents of a respective document. The bar code scanner reads the bar code symbols located on the microfilm and transmits data representing the read bar code symbols to the controller. The controller determines whether the data received from the bar code scanner satisfies search criteria entered into the keyboard.