Abstract: A cartridge reader device includes an RFID unit that reads cartridge memory (CM) data from an RFID tag of a data cartridge, a bar code unit that reads a bar code of the data cartridge, and a housing that encloses the RFID unit and the bar code unit. The housing defines a first receiving area configured to accept the data cartridge when the data cartridge is enclosed in a case, which enables the bar code unit to read the bar code data from the bar code of the data cartridge when the data cartridge is enclosed in the case, and a second receiving area configured to accept the data cartridge when the data cartridge is not enclosed in the case, which enables the bar code unit to read the bar code data from the bar code of the data cartridge when the data cartridge is not enclosed in the case.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for augmenting an optical barcode scanner. The apparatus comprises an accessory module that includes an RFID reader, a body part attachable to the optical barcode scanner, and an interface connector for forming a communication link between the RFID reader and the optical barcode scanner when the interface connector is connected with the expansion port of the optical barcode scanner.

Abstract: An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory communicatively coupled to the microprocessor, an EIR device, a multi-band antenna, and a wireless communication interface. The EIR device can be provided by a bar code reading device, an RFID reading device, and/or a card reading device. The EIR device can be configured to perform outputting raw message data comprising an encoded message and/or outputting decoded message data corresponding to an encoded message. The wireless communication interface can further comprise a radio frequency front end electrically coupled to the multi-band antenna. The wireless communication interface can be configured to support at least two wireless communication protocols. The microprocessor can be configured to execute a wireless communication protocol selector software program, which in turn can be configured to dynamically select a wireless communication network and/or a wireless communication protocol.

Abstract: A multi-mode ring scanner (MMRS) has a ring unit for wearing on a finger. The MMRS optionally has a wrist unit coupled to the ring unit, such as via a cable. The MMRS optionally communicates wirelessly with a computing device. The ring unit has one or more scanners (such as an optical scanner or an RFID tag reader). The ring unit optionally has two paddle switches for activation by inward pressure from fingers adjacent to the finger. The two switches enable specifying operation of the MMRS in a plurality of modes and/or to communicate a plurality of information codes to the computing device. The computing device is optionally enabled to assign a function to each combination of activation of the two switches. A scanning system including the MMRS optionally provides feedback to a user based on feedback from a host processor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for estimating, refining, and using the tare mass for an item to determine and monitor item depletion. In response to detecting an initial presence of an item in the storage unit, a controller collects data about the item. The controller then searches a database for a recorded item containing the same item identification. The tare mass of the item is set equal to the refined tare mass of the recorded item retrieved from the database. The tare mass is then used to calculate a depletion threshold for the item.

Abstract: An apparatus, device, method, computer program product, and system that detects a first electronic device in a proximity to a second electronic device; and obtains an end user assistance corresponding to an at least substantially common aspect of the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

Abstract: A non-magnetic card reader, a magnetic card reader and a card transaction method are provided to selectively read a magnetic card and a non-magnetic card for identification of payment transaction at a transaction terminal. The non-magnetic card reader includes an integrator module electrically connecting to the magnetic card reader and the transaction terminal. Each of the non-magnetic card reader, the magnetic card reader and the transaction terminal has one or more physical connectors compatible with a magnetic-card communication protocol. A non-magnetic card signal incorporated with card data of the non-magnetic card is converted by the integrator module to match the magnetic-card communication protocol and is selectively transmitted to a main controller of the transaction terminal for identification. A magnetic card signal from the magnetic card reader incorporated with card data of the magnetic card is selectively transceived through the integrator module to the main controller for identification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for mobile retrieval of information over a wireless or mobile network. Information to be retrieved is stored in packets or files in a remotely located server. Each packet of information is assigned a specific serial number, and the serial number is encoded into a coded image. A camera enabled mobile device is used to capture the coded image, then proceeds to decode the coded image into the serial number using an application pre-installed on the mobile device. The mobile device then transmits the serial number over a wireless network to the server where the information to be retrieved is stored. The server then processes the serial number and retrieves the information packet previously associated with this serial number from an internal database.

Abstract: An integrated RF card reader includes an integrated RF transmission unit including a Felica chip and a Felica security unit performing a security function that is needed to process a Felica type RF card where an RF function is removed. Since a variety of types can be embodied through a single RF transmission circuit by using the integrated RF card reader, a manufacturing cost can be reduced.

Abstract: The combination of an electronic fingerprint reader and a second electronic transmission device includes a first portion with a top surface and an electronic transmission device disposed therein and a second portion having a top surface with a width between about 2 inches and about 12 inches and a depth between about 1 inch and about 12 inches. A fingerprint reader is disposed in the top surface of the second portion. The top surface of the second portion is disposed at an angle of between about 0° and about 30° with respect to the horizontal such that the top surface of the second portion slants forwardly from the trailing edge of the second portion towards the leading edge of the second portion. The leading edge of the second portion is disposed at an elevation between about 0 inches and about 4 inches above the trailing edge of the first portion.

Abstract: A data recording apparatus can be attached thereto with a recording medium having a first communication part and a second communication part. The data recording apparatus comprises a third communication part adapted to communicate with the first communication part, and a fourth communication part adapted to communicate with the second communication part. The data recording apparatus takes control to stop communication of the fourth communication part with the second communication part if the third communication part can communicate with the first communication part in a case where the detection part detects the data recording medium being attached to the data recording apparatus.

Abstract: A reading device for identifying a tag or an object adapted to be identified is disclosed. The reading device includes a first reading element for reading a first set of identification features located in the tag or the object adapted to be identified, wherein the first reading element is a magneto-optical reading element; and a second reading element for reading a second set of identification features located in the tag or the object adapted to be identified; wherein the reading device is configured such that a first signal generated from reading the first set of identification features and a second signal generated from reading the second set of identification features are independently used to derive a first signature and a second signature for identifying the tag or object.

Abstract: An “inter-reader rule extracting portion” is provided to extract rules existing among the sets of ID acquired by the respective readers. In addition, the state in which a predetermined number of rules are invalid is defined as the time to change the service, and at the time of changing the service, the latest rules produced by an “inter-reader rule re-constructing portion” that reconstructs rules are used to monitor a system.

Abstract: An integrated scanner and scale is provided having a thin profile and incorporating imaging technology to scan and read optical codes. The scanner-scale is sufficiently thin to allow a cash drawer to fit beneath the scanner-scale in a check stand. Side imagers are positioned and configured to scan multiple sides of an item. The field of view (FOV) of each imager defines at least a portion of a scan volume, wherein scanning is nearest to optimal. One or more imagers can be positioned on the checker side and the customer side, such that an optical path (or a portion thereof) from the scan volume to the one or more imagers is positioned entirely above a platter of the scanner. Mirrors fold and direct the optical path to direct the FOV of a bottom imager such that the bottom imager is positioned sufficiently close to the platter to allow the scanner-scale to have a thin profile.

Abstract: A wireless communication device optically receives an image and processes the optically received image to generate image data. The wireless communication device receives a Radio Frequency (RF) signal and processes the RF signal to derive an image data processing parameter. The image data processing parameter could be an encryption key, authentication code, access code, or some other parameter. The wireless communication device processes the image data and the image data processing parameter to convert the image data into a different format. The different format could be decrypted, authenticated, accessed, or some other converted form of image data.

Abstract: A system manages memory storing data in one or more wireless transceiver devices. A docking station receptacle receives, and makes electrical connection with, a transceiver device used for storing and wirelessly communicating data to a remote location. A docking detector generates a docking signal in response to detecting insertion of a transceiver device into the docking station receptacle. A memory management processor generates a signal for initiating deletion of data from memory in a particular transceiver device inserted in the receptacle in response to a docking signal indicating insertion of the particular transceiver device into the docking station receptacle.

Abstract: A cartridge reader device includes an RFID unit that reads cartridge memory (CM) data from an RFID tag of a data cartridge, a bar code unit that reads a bar code of the data cartridge, and a housing that encloses the RFID unit and the bar code unit. The housing defines a first receiving area configured to accept the data cartridge when the data cartridge is enclosed in a case, which enables the bar code unit to read the bar code data from the bar code of the data cartridge when the data cartridge is enclosed in the case, and a second receiving area configured to accept the data cartridge when the data cartridge is not enclosed in the case, which enables the bar code unit to read the bar code data from the bar code of the data cartridge when the data cartridge is not enclosed in the case.

Abstract: The reader (1) for a utility meter is disclosed. The reader (1) is capable of receiving data, in a variety of different protocols, by either inductive coupling or by radio frequency transmission. The reader (1) is a hand-held device which comprises an inductive read nozzle (2), a RF module, a display (4), a keypad (5) a trigger switch (6), a handle (7) a communication port (8), a battery charging interface (9), a memory and a microprocessor. The reader (1) is capable of storing utility usage data in memory and/or downloading utility usage data to a computer through the communication port (8).

Abstract: An optical imager, a RFID reader, and a single host interface combined into a single module for use as a stand alone device or OEM product. The module includes a system microcontroller that interconnects an optical image microcontroller and a RFID microcontroller through the single interface to a host device, such as a computer. The system microprocessor is configurable via the host interface to selectively provide RFID reading, optical imaging, or a variety of combinations of both techniques. The module is programmable to allow the host computer trigger the RFID reader and optical imager. In addition, the system microcontroller is programmable via the host computer to provide image analysis, such as shape determination or recognition, prior to relaying data to the host computer through the single interface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microprocessor-based decoder board for an optical reader having in one embodiment a plurality of imaging modules that provide frames of image data having a plurality of formats. In one method for operating the decoder board of the invention, and a multiple imaging module reader comprising the decoder board, a frame of image data captured by a selected imaging module is decoded. The decoder board determines the format of the frame of image data from information about which of the plurality of imaging modules provided the frame of image data or from information about the frame of image data, activates as necessary a command to prepare the decoder board to decode the frame of image data according to the format provided by the imaging module, and performs the decoding.

Abstract: The service terminal 1 which contains bar code reader 2, RF-ID reader 3 and information processing block is moved to a medium containing the bar code and RF-ID tag. Both of the bar code reader 2 and RF-ID reader 3 are set to the positions that information can be read from the bar code and RF-ID tag. In this case, the information processing block controls the bar code reader 2 and RF-ID reader 3 to read information from the bar code and RF-ID tag.

Abstract: A card reader with a near field communication (NFC) function is provided. The card reader includes a connector for connecting a host, a radio frequency (RF) antenna, and a circuit board having a secure digital (SD) reader chip and a micro SD interface slot. The micro SD interface slot has two RF pads coupled to the RF antenna, and a micro SD memory card having a flash memory chip, a control circuit, and a smart card circuit is inserted into the micro SD interface slot in a detachable manner. Thereby, the host can access data in the flash memory chip through the SD reader chip and the micro SD interface slot, and the smart card circuit can perform a NFC through the RF antenna and the micro SD interface slot.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to methods and apparatus for protecting against counterfeit products and for methods and apparatus for providing counterfeiting protection for an object. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: (a) accessing an object including an identifying mark having a first portion and a second portion wherein said second portion includes an encrypted feature; (b) reading the first portion to thereby obtain a first set of information; (c) transmitting the first set of information to a remote location; (d) receiving from the remote location a second set of information; and (e) reading the second portion using the second set of information to thereby determine the authenticity of the object.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of information reading, and more specifically, to an improved information reader in a validator which eliminates the requirement to insert an information source in a particular direction in an information reader.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a bar code reader 10 that can both interpret bar codes and determine a feature of a target object 230 not having a bar code affixed thereto. The bar code reader includes a housing including one or more transparent windows H, V and defining a housing interior region. As a target object is swiped or presented in relation to the transparent windows an image of the target object is captured. A camera C1-C6 has an image capture sensor array positioned within the housing interior region for capturing an image of a bar code within a camera field of view. An image processing system has a processor for decoding a bar code carried by the target object. If the target object has no bar code, the image processing system determines a feature such as a dimension of the target object from images captured by the imaging system.

Abstract: A method for displaying the result in an improved manner in the case of collectively reading in and recognizing a plurality of 1D color bit codes is provided. A “recognized data” as a result of recognizing a code symbol and a “corresponding pattern specific display” indicating the successfully recognized code symbol are displayed in such a manner as superimposed on the original image. The recognized data is a data successfully recognized from the code symbol. The corresponding pattern specific display is a graphic pattern for indicating a finally successfully recognized code symbol, such as a rectangular frame (utilizing a conspicuous color, e.g., orange and the like), etc. By virtue of such a display, the operator is able to know which code symbol was recognized and what the recognition result is, and thereby a highly convenient optical recognition code recognizer and method can be obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus, device, method, computer program product, and system that identifies an item having a presence within a geographic locale in response to a signal indicative of the item, obtains a first instance of a supply-chain assistance corresponding to the identified item from a first source and obtaining a second instance of a supply-chain assistance corresponding to the identified item from a second source; and aggregates the first supply-chain assistance and the second supply-chain assistance.

Abstract: A data acquisition system including a first sensor, a second sensor, and an electronic data acquisition device. The sensors can assume a variety of forms, such as analog, digital, bus, GPS, etc., and have disparate information formats. The data acquisition unit is electronically coupled to the sensors, and includes a processor, an aggregator module and a communication device. The processor processes information from the sensors. The aggregator module correlates signaled information from the first sensor with signaled information from the second sensor based on time. Finally, the communication device is adapted to transmit information generated by the aggregator module to a location remote of the housing.

Abstract: A scanning unit is for scanning a measuring standard having a coded track formed by a graduated scale, such as an incremental track, and a reference mark system, including a detector system for scanning the coded track and an additional detector system for scanning the reference mark system. The detector system, when scanning the associated coded track or reference mark system, receives scanning signals on a signal-sensitive surface, and the additional detector system includes at least two sensors, of which only one is used for scanning the reference mark system during operation of the scanning unit. Each of the two sensors is connected to one of the two inputs of a differential amplifier, and the sensor not used for scanning is deactivated in that its signal-sensitive surface is covered.

Abstract: There are provided a barcode reader for reading an article code in a barcode form from an article tag, and an RFID tag reader for reading a shelf code from a shelf tag in a non-contact wireless manner. The article code read by the barcode reader is stored in an article code memory, and the shelf code read by the RFID tag reader is stored in a shelf code memory. There are also provided an information processing unit, a control unit and a transmission unit. The information processing unit is controlled by the control unit to process the article code and the shelf code as one set of information for article management. Then, the transmission unit transmits the processed information to a personal computer.

Abstract: There is a problem related to radio wave interference, e.g. the shade of radio wave of a radio IC tag, when a plurality of radio IC tags are present in a region of electromagnetic wave. When a plurality of antennas each having a large area are present in the vicinity of the radio IC tag, the radio IC tag easily receives the affect of an antenna conductor. In a plurality of radio IC tags present in a radio wave area, width of the antenna conductor of the radio IC tag is set at 1.0 mm or less. Furthermore, in order to realize an antenna conductor having a small width, an IC tag chip of both side electrode structure having electrodes on the front surface and rear surface of a chip is sandwiched between antennas.

Abstract: A dynamic barcode system includes a microprocessor connected to a sensor or group of sensors. The microprocessor connects to a barcode display. Data collected by the sensor or group of sensors is processed by the microprocessor and sent to the barcode display. A barcode reader reads the barcode display. The barcode display, microprocessor and group of sensors are arranged on a packet which is attachable to a specimen to be monitored. The barcode reader has an infrared transmitter for sending a signal to an infrared receiver associated with the barcode display. The infrared receiver upon receiving a signal from the barcode reader sends a signal to the microprocessor requesting that the microprocessor send requested data for viewing on the barcode display. The displayed barcode is then read by the barcode reader. In such a manner, continually changing data collected by the sensors can be stored and retrieved as desired.

Abstract: Provided is a barcode reader module having a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) function, which is loaded on a mobile terminal. The barcode reader module includes: a camera unit reading a barcode symbol containing information; an antenna integrated with the camera unit; an RFID signal transmitting/receiving unit transmitting/receiving an RFID signal through the antenna; and a signal processor processing an analog signal received from the RFID signal transmitting/receiving unit or from the camera unit, and outputting the result of the processing to the outside.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying that a document is included in a document management system is disclosed. This system and method includes radio frequency scanning at least a portion of the document, generating document data dependently upon the radio frequency scanning, comparing the generated document data to stored document data, the stored document data generated dependently upon a prior radio frequency scanning of at least a portion of the document, and outputting an indication of the document being included in the document management system as determined by the comparing.

Abstract: A multiple technology router for radio frequency identification (RFID) and barcode, the device has three ports, one to connect to an external barcode reader, and one to connect to an internal or external RFID reader/writer and finally one to connect to a host computer. The device constantly monitors port connected to barcode reader for intercepting a barcode symbol, sends request to RFID device and checks for RFID tag being sensed. Upon receiving data from either port, the device executes a pre-programmed series of actions. The action can be simply routing data from either port to the host computer or read one or many barcode symbols and write the information to a RFID tag without using a host computer. Additional actions such as EAS bit operation, incrementing/decrementing counters within a RFID tag and writing current time and date to an RFID tag can be done along with the main action of the device. The device can indicate the success or failure of operations audibly and visibly.

Abstract: A handheld scanning device comprising a magnetic stripe reader, a bar code reader and an RFID reader. All three of the readers are integral to the device, and none of the readers needs to be removed in order to install any of the other readers.

Abstract: A portable scanner device with integral audio output for audibly identifying a multiplicity of scanned items for a user is disclosed. The portable scanner device comprises a hand-held housing, a sensor disposed within the housing (the sensor configured to detect and sense a scanned item), an audio output to aurally present audio data to the user of the portable scanner device, a processor to identify the scanned item and to generate an audio response through the audio output, a memory configured to store a plurality of data items for the processor, and a power source disposed within the housing. A speaker, an earphone, a headset and/or a wireless ear piece are used to present the audio data to the user of the portable scanner device.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the present invention, a multi-protocol non-volatile memory (“NVM”) card may include a NVM array, at least two protocol units, and a controller adapted to provide an external application access to the NVM array with the use of one of the protocol units. The controller or control logic may select which protocol unit to use based on a signal or other indicator of the protocol used by the external application. According to some embodiments of the present invention, a method of operating a multi-protocol memory card may include switching between a first and a second protocol or mode of the card based on a signal from an application attempting to access to the NVM card.

Abstract: A method and system for encoding a numeric value by the placement of indicia at fixed sensing locations on a substrate, each indicium chosen from two or more sets of indicia, each set producing different responses in a sensor, and for decoding the numeric value by sensing the presence and character of the indicia with a set of sensors apposed to the fixed sensing locations.

Abstract: An antenna for use in connection with a combined RFID reader and optical imager. A printer circuit board having a wire loop positioned thereon and a hole formed therethrough is positioned in combination with an optical imager so that the imaging element of the optical imager may capture images through the hole. In addition, illuminating elements, such as LEDs may be provided on the printed circuit board to provide external or additional illumination of target objects. By positioning the antenna and optical imager in such a manner, the space required to implement optical imaging and RFID capabilities is improved and optical imaging and RFID interrogation may be more easily directed at a single object. In addition, extra illumination may be easily provided for improved imaging.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing RF interference inside a dual-interface card reader and a dual-interface card reader, which relate to dual-interface card reader field. The method includes: adjusting RF power by the dual-interface card reader to reach a specified maximum value; determining the type of an IC card which is operating currently by the dual-interface card reader; if the IC card is a contactless IC card, responding to the contactless card and not responding to any contact IC card before the operation of the contactless IC card is completed by the dual-interface card reader; if the IC card is a contact IC card, adjusting the RF power so as to make the RF power to be lower and responding to the contact IC card by the dual-interface card reader, and if a contactless IC is operating before the operation of the contact IC card is completed, responding to the contactless IC card simultaneously by the dual-interface card reader.

Abstract: A handheld barcode/RFID reader includes a printed circuit board having a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The first side includes at least a portion of barcode/RFID electronic circuitry affixed thereto. The second side contains a ground plane for the electronic circuitry. The handheld barcode/RFID reader further includes a patch antenna, electrically coupled to the circuitry, and mounted on the second side of the printed circuit board such that the ground plane of the printed circuit board also provides a ground for the patch antenna.

Abstract: A medical device, such as an electrosurgical scalpel, having a base unit and one or more attachable implements for performing medical procedures. The device include a host controllable module for capturing images of the attachable implement, decoding information contained in the image, and reporting the results of the decoding to the medical device. The host controllable module includes a system microcontroller that interconnects an optical imager and/or an RFID transceiver through the single interface to the host medical device. As a result, the module may be easily retrofit into existing medical devices and programmed to perform operations on legacy instruments as well as additional functions not previously available to the medical device.

Abstract: An optical scanner which is configurable to produce a single pattern or a plurality of patterns. The scanner includes an optics engine with first and second laser mounts, first and second detector mounts, a first laser in the first laser mount for producing a first scanning light beam, a mirrored spinner for directing the first scanning light beam, and a first detector in the first detector mount for converting first light reflected from an item with a barcode label into first electrical signals. The scanner further includes pattern mirrors for receiving the first scanning light beam from the mirrored spinner, for producing a first scan pattern from the first scanning light beam for scanning the item, and for directing the first light reflected from the item to the mirrored spinner, and control circuitry for controlling operation of the first laser and the mirrored spinner.

Abstract: The present invention provides an object sensor configured such that excitation coils (13c and 13d) and a detection coil (12) are separately disposed, and the detection is performed in accordance with the balance between the excitation coils (13c and 13d) in a pair, a residual variation amount after the impedance due to a DC resistance part and the like has been offset and removed is obtained at high sensitivity with excellent linearity while using a small core body (11), regardless of the impedance including a DC resistance part. Additionally, the object sensor to be used as an inlet sensor is located in an appropriate position on a more upstream side than the read/write position in an insertion direction of the IC card. A contact terminal portion of the IC card is sensed whereby to detect the validity of the card inserted into the apparatus from a card insertion slot.

Abstract: A Self Service Terminal (SST) has a fascia and a plurality of sensors, each sensor being arranged to detect a signal from a user token when said token is brought into proximity of said sensor. Each sensor is associated with a specific SST service, the SST being arranged to provide the associated service when said token in brought into the proximity of one or more of said sensors.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus for resolving a code, an apparatus for providing code information, and methods used by the apparatuses, which can resolve various codes recorded in a storage medium, such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, or which can obtain content corresponding to the codes. The apparatus for resolving a code comprises a reader which reads an object identifier and a code; a transceiver which transmits information about the object identifier and receives code information required for resolving the code, which is provided in response to the transmitted information; and a resolver which resolves the read code based on the received code information.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for measuring a radiofrequency magnetic field, characterised in that it comprises on a common support: a coil forming a primary reception antenna; a voltage-controlled oscillator, monitored so that its output frequency depends on the amplitude of the magnetic field received on the coil forming primary antenna; an absorption modulation load connected to the oscillator output; a secondary antenna sensitive to the magnetic field influenced by the absorption modulation resulting from the power supply load by the voltage-controlled oscillator, and means for operating the available signal on the secondary antenna.

Abstract: A RFID printer for printing and determining the quality of RFID record members having transponders is provided. The RFID printer may be used to print RFID record members utilizing a continuous moving web. In particular, a RFID printer includes an integrated RFID data collector such that identifying RFID transponder information may be recorded and associated with a barcode for inventory tracking purposes. An association file created by the RFID printer may be transferred to a manufacturer or retailer brand owner. The association file may be deleted from the RFID printer upon acknowledgment of receipt of the transmitted association file to the manufacturer or retail brand owner. The RFID printer provides methods for determining quality of RFID printed record members.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a hybrid printer having printing capabilities at its back end and imagining capabilities at its front end. A conventional receipt printer with a MICR read head has been modified by replacing its front cover with a cover having the same platform but that incorporates a pair of opposed imagers, a second MICR read head, a diverter, and rollers for moving media therethrough.