Abstract: A system for transmitting a temperature of a patient to an electronic medical record associated with the patient includes a thermometer with a digital display that is configured to display a temperature value associated with the temperature signal and at least one error-checking value. The system also includes a handheld imaging device including a camera to capture an image of the digital display of the thermometer, a processor to extract the text in the image using optical character recognition, and perform an error-check on the temperature value using the at least one error-checking value in the image, and to transmit the patient's identification number and temperature to an electronic medical record system.

Abstract: An illumination control process for use in a digital image capture and processing system includes illuminating an object in the field of view with different pulses of illumination over a pair of image frames, detecting digital images of the illuminated object over these image frames, and decode processing the digital images. In an embodiment, upon failure to read a symbol 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 is adjusted during subsequent image frames. In another embodiment, upon failure to read a symbol 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 energy level of the illumination is adjusted during subsequent image frames.

Abstract: There is set forth herein in one embodiment an image sensor array including a global shutter shared by first and second pixels. The global shutter can include a charge storage area having an associated shield for reducing charge build up on the charge storage area attributable to incident light rays. There is set forth herein in one embodiment an imaging apparatus having one or more configuration. The one or more configuration can include one or more of a configuration wherein a frame read out from an image sensor array has unbinned pixel values, a configuration wherein a frame read out from an image sensor array has binned pixel values corresponding to an M×N, M>=2, N>=2 arrangement of pixel values, and a configuration wherein a frame read out from an image sensor array has binned pixel values corresponding to a 1×N, N>=2 arrangement of pixel values.

Abstract: A scanning code symbol reading system includes an analog scan data signal processor for producing digitized data signals, wherein during each laser beam scanning cycle, a light collection and photo-detection module generates an analog scan data signal corresponding to a laser scanned code symbol, an analog scan data signal processor/digitizer processes the analog scan data signal to generate digital data signals corresponding thereto, and a synchronized digital gain control module automatically processes the digitized data signals in response to start of scan (SOS) signals generated by a SOS detector. The synchronized digital gain control module generates digital control data which is transmitted to the analog scan data signal processor for use in controlling the gain of a signal processing stage in the light collection and photo-detection module and/or analog scan data signal processor, during the corresponding laser beam scanning cycle.

Abstract: A POS-based checkout/scale system having (i) a bar code symbol reading subsystem for reading bar code symbols on products being purchased at a retail POS station, and (ii) a produce weigh scale having a weigh scale assembly for weighing one or more produce items on a weigh platter during produce weighing operations carried out at the time of checkout at said retail POS station. The system also includes an automatic produce weighing interference detection subsystem, supporting an IR-based light curtain about the weigh platter, automatically detects when any object is overhanging the weigh platter during produce weighing operations, and generates an alert signal when such conditions are automatically detected.

Abstract: A decodable indicia reading system can comprise a mobile communication terminal and a removable scanning module. The mobile communication terminal can comprise a microprocessor and a memory. The mobile communication terminal can further comprise at least one wired communication interface including a first electromechanical connector mechanically attached to the terminal housing. The removable scanning module can comprise an encoded information reading (EIR) device and/or an illumination module at least partially disposed within the scanning module housing. Both the mobile communication terminal and the scanning module can be at least partially received by a common housing.

Abstract: A portable radio-frequency identifier (RFID) reading terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, an RFID reading device, and a display. The portable RFID reading terminal can be configured to display a scan trace provided by a line comprising a plurality of time varying points. Each point can be defined by a projection of a radio frequency (RF) signal coverage shape of the RFID reading device onto a chosen plane at a given moment in time.

Abstract: A laser scanning symbol reading system includes an analog scan data signal processor for producing digital data signals, wherein during each scanning cycle, a light collection and photo-detection module generates an analog scan data signal corresponding to a laser scanned symbol, a multi-channel parallel scan data signal processor/digitizer processes the analog scan data signal along multiple cascaded multi-stage signal processing channels, to generate digital data signals corresponding thereto, while a synchronized digital gain control module automatically processes the digital data signals in response to start of scan (SOS) signals generated by a SOS detector.

Abstract: An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a microprocessor communicatively coupled to a system bus, a memory, a communication interface, and a pluggable imaging assembly identified by a type identifier and configured to acquire an image comprising decodable indicia. The imaging assembly can comprise a two-dimensional image sensor configured to output an analog signal representative of the light reflected by an object located within the field of view of the imaging assembly. The EIR terminal can be configured to output, by processing the analog signal, the raw image data derived from the analog signal and/or a decoded message corresponding to the decodable indicia. The imaging assembly can be communicatively coupled to the system bus via an imaging assembly interface comprising a plurality of wires and a multi-pin connector. The imaging assembly inter face can comprise one or more wires configured to carry the imaging assembly type identifier.

Abstract: A self-checkout shopping system improves the retail shopping experience, permitting the self-serve customer to perform checkout tasks that are typically performed at the retailer's checkout area as the customer is selecting items for purchase. The system includes a mobile computer device and an indicia reader. The customer uses the mobile computer device to scan items selected for purchase. The item numbers are then compiled onto a list of acquired merchandise. When the customer has finished shopping, the system transmits the list of acquired merchandise, and any additional information such as customer financial information, to a point-of-sale terminal to facilitate the customer's payment for the merchandise.

Abstract: A laser scanning module employs a scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly supported by a stationary stator structure. The scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly includes: a silicone frame having a pair of silicone torsional hinges (i.e. posts) aligned along a scan axis and a supported by a pair of support elements associated with the stator structure, to support the scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly. When the scan mirror and magnet rotor subassembly is rotated about its scan axis, by forces generated by an electromagnetic coil structure acting on the permanent magnet mounted on silicone frame, the silicone torsional hinges are elastically distorted and generate linear restoring forces which return the rotor subassembly back to its home position about the scan axis.

Abstract: A radio frequency identifier (RFID) tag can comprise an RFID chip, an antenna provided by a patch cell stack; and a feed line electrically coupling the RFID chip to the antenna. An equivalent circuit for the patch cell stack can comprise at least one inductance group comprising at least two series inductances, and at least one shunt capacitance. The antenna can have a composite right- and left-handed (CRLH) structure.

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 strobe illumination control process for use in a digital image capture and processing system includes illuminating an object in the field of view with different pulses of illumination over a pair of consecutive video image frames, detecting digital images of the illuminated object over these consecutive image frames, and decode processing the digital images. In a first illustrative embodiment, upon failure to read a symbol 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 is adjusted during subsequent image frames. In a second illustrative embodiment, upon failure to read a symbol 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 energy level of the illumination is adjusted during subsequent image frames.

Abstract: A method for decoding decodable indicia includes sensing the polarization of light from a plurality of orientations in connection with the decodable indicia, and controlling at least one of energizing an illumination subsystem based on the sensed polarization indicating a generally randomly polarized light, and inhibiting energization of the illumination subsystem based on the sensed polarization indicating a generally linearly polarized light. One or more images are captured, and an attempt is made to decode the decodable indicia using at least one of the one or more images.

Abstract: A computer system for decoding a signal of decodable indicia. The computer system includes a laser scanner configured that outputs a signal of decodable indicia and a microprocessor that include a camera sensor interface that is configured to receive the signal from the laser scanner.

Abstract: An antenna system may include a first metamaterial antenna having a first resonant frequency and a second metamaterial antenna having a second resonant frequency. The first resonant frequency may be different from the second resonant frequency. A first feed point may be connected to the first metamaterial antenna, and a second feed point may be connected to the second metamaterial antenna. A signal may be applied to the first and second feed points so that the first and second metamaterial antennas radiates electromagnetic energy while the signal is being applied and so that the antenna system is configured to send or receive signals over both the first and second resonant frequency bands.

Abstract: A radio frequency identifier (RFID) tag can comprise an RFID chip, an antenna, and a feed line electrically coupling the RFID chip to the antenna. An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory communicatively coupled to the microprocessor, a communication interface, and an EIR device provided by a bar code reading device, an RFID reading device, or a card reading device. The RFID reading device can further comprise an antenna and a feed line. The antenna for the RFID tag or for the RFID reading device can be provided by a patch cell, a patch cell array comprising two or more patch cells, or by a patch cell stack comprising two or more patch cells. An equivalent circuit for the patch can comprise at least two inductances and a shunt capacitance. An equivalent circuit for the patch cell array can comprise two or more inductance groups connected via a series capacitance and two or more shunt capacitances.

Abstract: An indicia reading terminal can comprise an image sensor integrated circuit having a two-dimensional image sensor, a hand held housing encapsulating the two-dimensional image sensor, and an imaging lens configured to focus an image of a target decodable indicia onto the two-dimensional image sensor. The two-dimensional image sensor can include a plurality of pixels arranged in repetitive patterns. Each pattern can include at least one pixel sensitive in a first spectrum region, at least one pixel sensitive in a second spectrum region, and at least one pixel sensitive in a third spectrum region. The image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to capture a frame of image data by reading out a plurality of analog signals. Each read out analog signal can be representative of light incident on a group of two or more pixels of the plurality of pixels.

Abstract: A system and method are presented for improving the performance of full range code scanners. A distance detection module determines the distance of the code symbol from the code symbol reader. In response to the detected distance, the sweep angle of the scanning element is changed to ensure that the code symbol is within the code symbol reader's field of view. The sweep angle is larger when the code symbol is in the near range, and smaller when the code symbol is in the far range.