Abstract: There is provided a control apparatus including: a processing unit configured to decide, on a basis of object information indicating a state of an object, a plurality of imaging devices that image the objects such that each of all the objects included in a predetermined area imaged by the plurality of imaging devices falls within an angle of view at which the at least two or more imaging devices perform imaging, and control each of the plurality of imaging devices.

Abstract: Approaches for processing a machine-readable link are described. The machine-readable link is readable by a computing system to obtain access to digital content using a communication network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for link training and low power operation. A multi-lane high speed bus is optimized for transferring audio/visual (A/V) data at slower rates. In one embodiment, the high speed bus is configured to use a packet format structure that allows for more fluid data delivery times, thereby allowing the high speed bus to deliver A/V data at times selected to reduce power consumption. In another embodiment, the high speed bus is configured to cache link initialization data for subsequent link re-initialization before entering a low power state. Thereafter, when the link exits the low power state, the high speed bus can skip certain portions of link initialization. Still a third embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to exemplary modifications to existing high speed bus link training and low power operation, consistent with the aforementioned principles. Variants of a Universal Serial Bus implementation are provided for illustration.

Abstract: A personal hygiene device has a resonant motor and a motor control unit for applying a periodic voltage signal with a driving frequency at the resonant motor for driving the resonant motor into an oscillating motion with an oscillating frequency equal to the driving frequency. The motor control unit comprises a synthesizer circuit for digitally synthesizing the periodic voltage signal from voltage pulses of variable length provided with a pulse frequency higher than the driving frequency such that at least two voltage pulses are applied at least in one of two half cycles of each period of the periodic voltage signal.

Abstract: A portable information code reading apparatus includes an image unit imaging an information code, a processing unit encoding the information code imaged by the imaging unit, a case that holds the imaging unit and the processing unit. An attaching member is produced integrally with the case or produced as a separate member from the case. The attaching member is used to hook the case on a user's ear.

Abstract: A server device that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a memory and a processor. The processor can identify first and second players present at first and second physical locations, to identify first and second boundary and topographical information of the first and second physical locations, to map the first and second boundary and topographical information of the first and second physical locations to a virtual gaming space, to capture first and second position and orientation information for the first and second players, to map the first and second position and orientation information to the virtual gaming space, to generate first and second virtual players corresponding to the first and second players, and to transmit to first goggles information representative of the second virtual player for display superimposed onto a transparent viewing apparatus for viewing of the virtual gaming space. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The described mobile device for optically reading a machine-interpretable code, used for example in an order picking system for consumer and/or consumable goods, includes a head-mountable scanner with a code reader and a control unit controlling the head-mounted scanner to switch the code reader between a detection mode and a reading mode. In the detection mode, the code reader operates in a low power mode sufficient to detect the presence of a machine-interpretable code. The control unit switches the code reader into the higher-powered reading mode when the code is detected to optically read the code. A wireless communication device may also be provided to wirelessly transmit information corresponding to the scanned code to a remote receiving unit for storage and/or data processing.

Abstract: A method of, and corresponding headset computer for, performing instant speech translation including, establishing a local network including a link between a first and a second headset computer in which preferred language settings of each headset computer are exchanged, transmitting captured speech in a first language from a first headset computer to a network-based speech recognition service to recognize and transcribe the captured speech as text, receiving the text at the first headset computer, broadcasting the text over the local network to at least the second headset computer, receiving the text at the second headset computer, transmitting the received text from the second headset computer to a network-based text translation service to translate the text to a text in a second language, receiving the text in the second language at the second headset computer from the network-based text translation service, and displaying the translated text at the second headset computer.

Abstract: A server device that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a memory and a processor. The processor can identify first and second players present at first and second physical locations, to identify first and second boundary and topographical information of the first and second physical locations, to map the first and second boundary and topographical information of the first and second physical locations to a virtual gaming space, to capture first and second position and orientation information for the first and second players, to map the first and second position and orientation information to the virtual gaming space, to generate first and second virtual players corresponding to the first and second players, and to transmit to first goggles information representative of the second virtual player for display superimposed onto a transparent viewing apparatus for viewing of the virtual gaming space. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile terminal having an information recognition module. The mobile terminal having an information recognition module of the present invention comprises: a terminal casing with a front casing and a rear casing coupled with each other; an information recognition module coupled to the terminal casing; and an information recognition module drive unit, which has a trigger provided at the terminal casing in such a manner that the trigger is exposed outside of the terminal casing, and an operation switch, which generates an electrical signal for operating the information recognition module by a trigger pull motion. According to the present invention, procedures for operating the information recognition module can be improved in convenience and stability.

Abstract: A portable device includes coded information reading means, digital image acquisition means and an illuminator, associated with the acquisition means for acquiring images. The illuminator is powerable by a driving signal which corresponds to a first current signal in a first operating mode for illuminating an image to be acquired and is powerable by the driving signal which corresponds to a second current signal in a second operating mode for emitting a visual indication indicating the outcome of the reading of the coded information, read by coded information reading means. The illuminator, which acts as a flash to acquire an image in the first operating mode, thus also acts as a visual indication of the reading outcome in the second operating mode and illuminates with a continuous or intermittent light the space in front of the illuminator to indicate to an operator that the coded information has been read.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for projecting illumination patterns from barcode readers. The apparatus includes a housing, an invisible illumination light source, and a visible illumination light source. The housing comprises a first window located in a generally horizontal plane and a second window located in a generally upright plane that intersects the generally horizontal plane. The invisible illumination light source is operative to project an invisible illumination pattern that is at least partially incident upon the first window or the second window after the invisible illumination pattern is projected out of the housing. The visible illumination light source operative to project a visible illumination pattern out of the housing, and the visible illumination pattern has a visible center ray propagating in a direction different from the invisible center ray of the invisible illumination pattern.

Abstract: A mobile device is described. The mobile device includes a housing having a pistol grip portion. A data acquisition device is positioned in the housing adjacent to the pistol grip portion. The data acquisition device is adapted to acquire data from an object. The data acquisition device generates an electrical signal that is representative of the data. A control activates the data acquisition device. A processor receives the electrical signal from the data acquisition device. A support is worn on a torso of a user. The support supports the housing by the pistol grip portion such that the data acquisition device is positioned to acquire data from the object when the object is located in front of the torso of the user. The support enables hands-free operation of the mobile device.

Abstract: An apparatus for, and method of, imaging printed and electronic codes associated with transactions or objects to be processed, support a window on a housing, illuminate the codes through the window with illumination light from an energizable illumination system, capture return illumination light from the illuminated codes through the window with an array of light sensors looking at a field of view of a solid-state, exposable imager, and process the captured return illumination light. A printed code is read by exposing the imager for a first exposure time and by also energizing the illumination system during the first exposure time. An electronic code is read by exposing the imager for a second exposure time that is longer than the first exposure time and by also deenergizing the illumination system during the second exposure time.

Abstract: Embodiments of an indicia reading terminal have a housing on which is disposed input/output devices on opposing sides of the housing The terminals are configured in one example to distinguish between the input/output devices, to activate one of the input/output devices for use by an end user, and to deactivate another of the input/output devices.

Abstract: Method of and system for reading code symbols a dual-laser scanning bar code symbol reading system having the capacity to automatically select in a user-transparent manner, and activate either a near-field source of laser illumination, or a far-field source of laser illumination, using an automatic object presence detection subsystem in the near-field portion of the laser scanning field.

Abstract: A device for scanning a bar code symbol is adapted to be worn comfortably on an operator's bare or gloved hand, arm, or wrist which does not interfere with normal use of the hand. When provisioned with a glove, a portable bar code scanner means is secured on the back of the glove and is electrically connected to an activation switch disposed at a button provided at the end of a cable for manipulation by a thumb or other finger. The activation switch triggers the portable bar code scanner means to scan a bar code symbol to be read.

Abstract: A surveillance system and method having at least one wireless input capture device ICD(s) and a corresponding digital input recorder (DIR) and/or another ICD, and a security key for ensuring or denying access, including the steps of providing base system; at least one user accessing the DIR via user interface either directly or remotely; the DIR and/or ICD searching for signal from the ICD(s) and establishing communication with them, permitting or prohibiting data transmission and/or access if the security key is connected to the system components, thereby providing a secure surveillance system having wireless communication for monitoring a target environment.

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 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 method of producing a coated optical element which uses in-mold decoration (IMG) techniques. The method includes injection molding an element adjacent a coating of a preform sheet, whereby the coating transfers to the element to create the optical element.

Abstract: Network and device configuration systems and methods are described. In an embodiment, a first user interface configured to receive from a user configuration information regarding a first network provided. Program code stored in computer accessible memory is configured to generate a barcode that includes information related to the first network configuration information, wherein the barcode can be scanned by a device having a barcode scanner and a network interface to configure the network interface to access the first network.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a method and apparatus for determining if an optical scanner is moving. In one embodiment the method for sensing movement of an optical scanner comprises the steps of providing an oscillating system comprising a flexible member, a magnet coupled to the flexible member, a coil disposed within a magnetically effective distance from the magnet, and sense circuitry coupled to the coil; generating a first electrical signal from the oscillations of the flexible member; amplifying the generated electrical signal; analyzing the first electrical signal to determine if the generated signal is indicative of movement of the optical scanner.

Abstract: A unique bar code-encoded identification is designed to be read in large number by a bar code scanner simultaneously or in continuous motion. The unique identification, known as Gentag ID, allows a specific product item to be tracked. In one implementation, that product identification is encoded using code 128 bar code, or another bar code language. In one implementation, the product identification is formed by a combination of multiple characters under the encoding scheme. In one application, a product item with the product identification is placed on a display rack among other product items having like product identification. The product identification may be provided on a surface of the product item at a preferred position, such that all of the product identifications of the products on the display rack may be read by an electronic scanner at the same time or in a continuous motion.

Abstract: An automated storage system for storing large quantities of samples in trays includes a storage compartment, a tray shuttle compartment abutting the storage compartment on one side and a plurality of independent modules on the other side. The modules perform processing of samples that are retrieved from the storage compartment by a tray shuttle, including extraction of selected samples from retrieved source trays and transfer of the selected samples into a separate, destination tray that can be further processed or removed from the system for use. The independent operation of the modules permits handling and processing to be performed simultaneously by different modules while the tray shuttle accesses additional samples within the storage compartment. In one embodiment, a vertical carousel is used to vertically align a desired tray with the tray shuttle, while the tray shuttle operates within a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A camera portion of a portable consumer device obtains data from a field of view, and at least a portion of the data is used to determine existence of an object in the field of view for which the information is available from a reference source. An indication is then provided to the user that the object is in the field of view. This can all be accomplished by a functionality, such as computer software, that executes on one or both of the device and a distal server. Objects within the field that the system can identify and provide information are deemed “linkable.” Once a user is presented with an indication of which objects around him are linkable, he can then directly point and click on the linkable objects without the “trial-and-error” process of pointing and clicking on non-linkable objects.

Abstract: A bar code scanner is disclosed which may include a scanner gun; and at least one sensor in communication with the scanner gun, wherein the at least one sensor is operable to detect at least one operating condition of the bar code scanner.

Abstract: A reader for electro-optically reading indicia, includes a solid-state imager including an array of image sensors for capturing return light from the indicia during reading, and a light source for generating and directing high intensity illumination light to the indicia with concomitant generation of excess heat. Thermal management procedures for dissipating the excess heat are performed to improve reader performance.

Abstract: The present invention provide a motion detection circuit for a handheld item detection system, where the motion detection circuit includes an accelerometer outputting at least one signal corresponding to a measured acceleration. A differentiator differentiates the measured acceleration. A motion detection device evaluates a discriminated version of the acceleration and a discriminated version of the acceleration to determine whether the handheld item detection system is in motion. The present invention extends battery life and allows a handheld system to quickly enter an active operational mode without any user intervention other than handling (moving) the system.

Abstract: A laser power control arrangement and method in an electro-optical reader for reading indicia includes an energizable laser for emitting a laser beam having an output power along a path. An internal light detector, e.g., a monitor photodiode, is mounted inside the laser for monitoring the output power of the laser. An external light detector, e.g., an auxiliary photodiode, is mounted outside the laser for monitoring the output power of the laser independently of the internal light detector. A guide, advantageously a light pipe or a diffuser, is positioned outside the laser in the path of the laser beam for guiding the laser beam from the laser to the external light detector. A controller is operatively connected to each light detector, for controlling a monitored output power of the laser beam by deenergizing the laser when the monitored output power of the laser beam exceeds a safe power level limit.

Abstract: A stop motion sensor supported by a mobile electro-optical reader is operative for sensing when the mobile reader is supported in a steady state by the operator for a predetermined time period, and for automatically actuating the mobile reader in response to sensing the steady state to initiate reading of indicia while the mobile reader is supported in the steady state by the operator for the predetermined time period.

Abstract: A method of waking up an in-counter bar code scanner from its standby mode comprises providing a sensor assembly attached to a touch plate. The sensor assembly comprises an oscillating magnet member affixed at one end and a permanent magnet attached at an opposite free end at the end of a flexible member. When a user touches the touch plate, the impact force exerted on the touch plate is transmitted to the oscillating magnet member causing the magnet to oscillate inducing an electrical signal in a pick-up coil provided near the magnet and wakes up the bar code scanner.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus having a communication interface receives image data through the communication interface to form an image. The image forming apparatus includes a power supply unit, a states monitor unit, and a mode switch unit. The power supply unit supplies electric power either in an operation mode in which the electric power necessary to form the image is supplied or in a power saving mode in which stand-by electric power is supplied. The states monitor unit monitors a connection state and a non-connection state of the communication interface. In the power saving mode, the mode switch unit switches the power supply unit to the operation mode, in response to detection by the states monitor unit of either of a change from the non-connection state to the connection state or a change from the connection state to the non-connection state.

Abstract: Described is a scanner for reading an optical code which includes a light transmission system and an image acquisition system. The light transmission system projects light on a target. The image acquisition system receives light reflected from the target to generate an image of the target. The image acquisition system is arranged to receive the light reflected from the target at a plurality of angles so that, when specular reflection of the target is associated with a first of the plurality of angles, light from a second one of the plurality of angles is available to minimize image degradation associated with the specular reflection.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a method and apparatus for determining if an optical scanner is moving. In one embodiment the method for sensing movement of an optical scanner comprises the steps of providing an oscillating system comprising a flexible member, a magnet coupled to the flexible member, a coil disposed within a magnetically effective distance from the magnet, and sense circuitry coupled to the coil; generating a first electrical signal from the oscillations of the flexible member; amplifying the generated electrical signal; analyzing the first electrical signal to determine if the generated signal is indicative of movement of the optical scanner.

Abstract: A method of waking up an in-counter bar code scanner from its standby mode comprises providing a sensor assembly attached to a touch plate. The sensor assembly comprises an oscillating magnet member affixed at one end and a permanent magnet attached at an opposite free end at the end of a flexible member. When a user touches the touch plate, the impact force exerted on the touch plate is transmitted to the oscillating magnet member causing the magnet to oscillate inducing an electrical signal in a pick-up coil provided near the magnet and wakes up the bar code scanner.

Abstract: A software-programmed controller supported by a mobile electro-optical reader is operative for sensing when the mobile reader is supported in a steady state by the operator for a predetermined time period, and for automatically actuating the mobile reader in response to sensing the steady state to initiate reading of indicia while the mobile reader is supported in the steady state by the operator for the predetermined time period.

Abstract: A barcode sensor package has an optical emitter circuit and an optical detector circuit which are formed as one or more integrated optical circuits disposed in a housing which has a reading surface and one or more apertures located between the optical emitter and detector circuits. The optical emitter circuit has an emitter die, such as a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), for emitting a light beam and a diffraction optical element disposed on the emitter die for focusing the light beam to a bar code. The optical detector circuit has a photodetector die, such as a phototransistor, for detecting reflective light and another diffraction optical element disposed on the photodetector die for guiding light reflected from the bar code to the detector. The diffraction optical elements are fabricated by patterning optical layers, deposited on respective emitter and detector dies, using photolithograph or a direct write process.

Abstract: Laser power control arrangements interrupt power to a laser used in electro-optical readers upon detection of operating conditions not conforming to preestablished standards, and adjust power to the laser to enhance reader performance without violating prevalent safety standards.

Abstract: A handheld combined electronic article surveillance (EAS) and barcode scanner device. The device may be configured for wireless communication with a point of sale network so that is entirely portable within a protected area. The device may include a capacitor disposed in handle at a proximal end of the device and an antenna may be disposed at a distal end of the device. A base station may be provided for receiving the device.

Abstract: Malfunction of a bi-directional resonant motor drive in an electro-optical reader is detected without new hardware by monitoring the frequency of a start-of-scan signal, and by determining whether the monitored frequency lies within a predetermined frequency range.

Abstract: Disclosed is laser beam scanning apparatus in the form of an electronically-controlled mechanically-damped off-resonant laser beam scanning mechanism. The scanning mechanism comprises an etched scanning element having a small flexible gap region of closely-controlled dimensions disposed between an anchored base portion and a laser beam deflection portion The light beam deflection portion supports a permanent magnet and a light beam deflecting element (e.g., mirror or hologram). A reversible magnetic force field producing device (e.g., an electromagnet) is placed in close proximity with the permanent magnet so that it may be forcibly driven into oscillation in response to electrical current flowing through the electromagnet. The resonant frequency of oscillation of the laser beam deflecting portion relative to the anchored base portion is determined by the closely controlled dimensions of the flexible gap region set during manufacture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scanning device for reading bar code symbols, wherein the scanning device comprises a housing having a substantially horizontal surface and a substantially vertical surface. A motor rotates a polygon mirror, which reflects a light beam from a light source and redirects it toward a mirror array and out a window in the substantially horizontal window. Another motor rotates another polygon mirror, which reflects a light beam from a second light source and redirects it toward a second mirror array and out a window in the substantially vertical surface. A plurality of sensors detects light reflected back from a bar code and generates a plurality of electrical signals proportional to the intensity of the reflected light.

Abstract: Techniques for determining a position for a rotating optical element, or spinner, of a bar code scanner are described. A diffractive element is positioned so as to be struck by a laser beam produced by a laser source and reflected from the spinner when the spinner is in a reference position. The diffractive element diffracts the reflected beam to produce a diffracted line which strikes a reference position photodetector, thereby causing the reference position photodetector to produce a reference position photosignal. The reference position photosignal can be read by a controller to determine when the spinner is in the reference position and used by the controller as a signal to deactivate the laser source.

Abstract: Described are a system and method for monitoring a location. The system may include a scanner having a digital imager, a processor and a communication device. The scanner is situated at the location. The system also may include a computing arrangement for accessing the scanner. The processor detects when the scanner is in a scanning mode in which information encoded on a scanned item is decoded. When the scanner is detected not to be in the scanning mode, the processor controls the digital imager to operate in a monitoring mode in which images of the location are generated for output to the computing arrangement via the communication device.

Abstract: A variety of PC card interfaces to interface from many different types of input devices to Personal Digital Assistants or palmtop computers through PCMCIA slots. The disclosed interfaces can receive data in undecoded format from laser based, wand based or CCD based barcode scanning engines, decode the data to alphanumeric characters and pass the decoded data to the PDA via the PCMCIA 68 pin bus. Other PC card based interfaces are also disclosed which can accept input data in the form of ASCII or EBCDIC characters from virtually any type of input device which a standard serial or parallel output or custom output bus and input that data to the PDA through the PCMCIA bus. Some embodiments use programmed general purpose microprocessors to decode undecoded barcode scan data on the PC card. Other embodiments use custom-programmed, commercially available barcode decoding chips to decode incoming undecoded barcode scan data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing power consumption in a data collection device. The method includes providing a power detector in an interface component of the data collection device and sensing the power delivered to the scan engine component of the device using the power detector. The power delivered to at least a portion of the interface component is selectively reduced according to the sensed power delivered to the scan engine component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scanning device for reading bar code symbols, wherein the scanning device comprises a housing having a substantially horizontal surface and a substantially vertical surface. A motor rotates a polygon mirror, which reflects a light beam from a light source and redirects it toward a mirror array and out a window in the substantially horizontal window. Another motor rotates another polygon mirror, which reflects a light beam from a second light source and redirects it toward a second mirror array and out a window in the substantially vertical surface. A plurality of sensors detects light reflected back from a bar code and generates a plurality of electrical signals proportional to the intensity of the reflected light.

Abstract: An optical scanning module and a scanner incorporating the scanning module for reading bar codes and other optical indicia that consists of a printed circuit board, an elongated elliptical aperture in the scanning module that is spaced from the circuit board, a light source mounted on the printed circuit board for projecting at least one beam of light through the aperture and onto a dataform to be read, and a detector mounted on the printed circuit board for sensing light reflected from the dataform and through the aperture. Light baffle is preferably used to isolate light source from the detector in the optical scanning module of the present invention.

Abstract: A data processing terminal sends control commands to an external device to control the external device. The data processing terminal has a control command sending unit and an external device determining unit. The control command sending unit is used to send a control command to the external device. The external device determining unit is used to determine a type of the external device according to a response returned by the external device in response to the control command. Therefore, the data processing terminal is capable of determining the type of an external device such as a bar code reader connected thereto and of converting a control command in a predetermined format into one in another format, so that the data processing terminal can employ a single program to control bar code readers which use different command systems.