Abstract: A wearable device for capacitive coupled communications is described. The wearable device includes capacitive sensor transceiver circuitry configured to receive a capacitive coupled signal from a host device. The capacitive coupled signal is received through a body of a user of the wearable device and is modulated to include a request for authentication data to authenticate the wearable device with the host device. The wearable device includes processing circuitry in communication with the capacitive sensor transceiver circuitry to process the received capacitive coupled signal and transmit authentication data modulated on a capacitive coupled reply signal to the host device. The capacitive coupled reply signal modulated with the authentication data is transmitted through the body of the user of the wearable device.

Abstract: A bar code reader includes a laser source for emitting a laser beam, and a scan device for scanning a bar code with the laser beam according to a predetermined scanning pattern. A window passes the laser beam from the scanning device toward the bar code which is in the vicinity of the window. A condenser condenses reflected light return from the bar code through the window and scanning device along the route traced by the laser beam. A photosensor detects the condense light and provides an electric signal which is proportional to the intensity of the detected light. A main body accommodates the laser source, the scanning device, the window, the condenser, and the photosensor. A cover is attached to the main body, and has an opening corresponding to the window. A buzzer is provided, to create a buzzing sound which resonates in a space formed between the main body and the cover.

Abstract: The invention provides a control system responsive to a data-bearing record that has two electrodes configured so that one of the two is either in physical contact with, or is at least more nearly proximate, a reader plate than is the other electrode. The reader portion of the system may use a pulsed capacitive apparatus both to sense the object or user's proximity and thereafter for data communication with the escort apparatus e.g., to receive data representative of a bearer's identity. A preferred data bearing escort apparatus is powered by electrical voltage pulses generated by the reader. This preferred escort apparatus comprises a microcomputer and a non-volatile escort memory, but does not contain a battery. Moreover, because the electrodes disposed on the data-bearing record can be very thin, as well as being proscribed in lateral extent, the data-bearing record may be conveniently small.