Abstract: A decoding device includes an aiming component and a scanning component of a scanning engine; a display component and tactile components of a touch screen; and a processor configured to operate the display component to display an initial icon, monitor the tactile components to detect a commencement of a digit tip press on the touch screen at the initial icon, and in response to the digit tip press having a pressure between predetermined lower and higher pressure levels, perform operations including: operate the aiming component to project the visual guide; monitor the tactile components to detect a pressure increase of the digit tip press to higher than the predetermined higher pressure level; and in response to the increase in pressure, operate the scanning component to attempt to scan an encoded data marking, and operate the tactile components to provide a haptic indication of the attempt to the digit tip.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein describe a method comprising receiving indicia data from an indicia scanner. The indicia data comprises at least decoded data obtained based on decoding an indicium in an image, an image tile comprising a portion of the indicium, and/or location of one or more corners of the portion of the indicium in the image. Further, the method includes generating an image of an ideal indicium based on at least the decoded data. Thereafter, the image of the ideal indicium is modified to generate a modified image of the ideal indicium. Further, the portion of the indicium is retrieved from modified image. A clean image tile comprises a portion of the ideal indicium. Furthermore, the method includes generating training data, wherein the training data includes the portion of the indicium and the portion of the ideal indicium.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein relate to calibration for scanning device decoding based on aimer pattern detection. In this regard, a first image frame captured using a scanning device is decoded. The first image frame is related to an object associated with a barcode. Additionally, a second image frame related to the object associated with the barcode is capture using the scanning device. The second image frame comprises an aimer pattern generated by an aimer of the scanning device. A location of the aimer pattern in the second image frame is determined based on a motion transform correlation between the barcode in the first image frame and the aimer pattern in the second image frame. Additionally, an aiming position of the aimer is calibrated based on the location of the aimer pattern determined by the motion transform correlation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for configuring reduced decode ranges for barcode scanners are disclosed. An example method includes determining a closest focus distance of a plurality of focus distances at which a barcode placed at a furthest limit of a reduced decode range can be successfully decoded; determining a furthest focus distance of the plurality of focus distances at which the barcode placed at a closest limit of the reduced decode range can be successfully decoded; determining a subset of the plurality of focus distances that consists of the closest focus distance, the furthest focus distance, and focus distances between the closest focus distance and the farthest focus distance; and configuring the barcode scanner to only use the subset of focus distances during subsequent attempts to decode barcodes.

Abstract: In order to enable high image acquisition rate with simultaneous low energy consumption of a camera 1, a camera (1), in particular a 3D time-of-flight camera, is provided, comprising an illumination unit (2) which emits light pulses during an illumination phase (Bp), an image sensor (3) which generates images from the light pulses reflected by an object, a switching controller (4) which controls current to the illumination unit (2), the switching controller (4) being operable in a continuous and a discontinuous mode (CCM; DCM), and a control unit (5) which is designed to activate and deactivate the continuous mode (CCM) of the switching controller (4) as a function of the illumination phase (Bp) of the illumination unit (2).

Abstract: A finger device initiates actions on a computer system when placed in contact with a surface. The finger device includes instrumentation that captures images and gestures. When in contact with a surface, the finger device captures images of the surface and gestures made on the surface. The finger device also transmits the images and gesture data to the computer system. An application on the computer system matches the images received from the finger device to a representation of the surface, identifies an action associated with the surface representation and gesture, and executes the action. Instrumenting the finger instead of the surface, allows a user to configure virtually any surface to accept touch input.

Abstract: A barcode reader assembly for capturing at least one object appearing in a field of view (FOV) is provided that includes a reader enclosure, a circuit board to capture and decode the image, an imaging system, a sound generator housing, and a sound generator. The reader enclosure has an internal cavity in which the circuit board is disposed. The sound generator housing is operably coupled with the circuit board and includes at least one wall having at least one sound port and extending upwardly from the circuit board to form a sound chamber. The sound generator is operably coupled with the circuit board and is at least partially disposed within the sound chamber to generate a sound at a resonant frequency. The sound generator housing is dimensioned to amplify the resonant frequency of the sound generator and port the generated sound to the internal cavity of the reader enclosure.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product are provided. A computing system collects information related to a patient's preparation for a medical procedure and provides information regarding the medical procedure and a medical condition of the patient to at least one member of a medical procedure team. Data pertaining to performance of the medical procedure in an operating room is collected from multiple sensors. Progress of the medical procedure is monitored in real time by analyzing the collected data, a procedure reference library, and a physician history to determine a status of the medical procedure. A schedule of one or more subsequent medical procedures for the operating room is adjusted in real time based on the monitored progress. Notifications of the adjusted schedule may be transmitted to participants of the one or more subsequent medical procedures.

Abstract: An interactive shopping system, or smart cart. The system allows a user to select items in a store and complete a purchase without having to wait in lines or interact with store personnel. The system can have a container for holding products selected by at least one user, a user interface, a scanner in communication with the user interface, a processor in communication with the user interface, and a data storage comprising computer instructions executable by the processor. A user can select products, place them within the container, scan the products, and initiate a payment transaction to complete a purchase.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically changing displayed content of a tag coupled to an item. The methods comprising: detecting when an individual is in proximity to the tag; triggering operations, by a computing device remote from the tag, to obtain customer related information associated with the individual, when a detection is made that the individual is in proximity to the tag; determining, by the computing device, a price discount for the item based on the customer related information which was previously obtained; and dynamically changing the displayed content of the tag to include the price discount while the individual is still in proximity to the tag.

Abstract: Provided are a method for limiting an object detection area in a mobile system equipped with an image sensor and an apparatus for performing the method. The method comprises receiving an image obtained with respect to a detection target object from the image sensor and receiving sensor information from a rotation detection sensor only when the mobile system is equipped with the rotation detection sensor—the sensor information includes at least one of 3-axis angular velocity and steering information, wherein the steering information includes a steering angle and a speed; determining rotation of the mobile system by using at least one of the sensor information and motion vectors; and if it is determined that the mobile system is rotating, limiting an object detection area by using at least one of the sensor information and the motion vectors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing the value of trash. By increasing the value of trash, persons have an incentive to collect litter and deposit the collected litter at an appropriate trash collection site (e.g., garbage can, reverse vending machine, recycling center, etc.). In one aspect, a financial instrument (e.g., a Bitcoin, Bitcoin-like value, account identifier, or any other financial instrument) or a pointer to a financial instrument is attached to the object itself or placed inside of the object in a way that is not easily extracted before appropriate time.

Abstract: This invention provides a module/base assembly for a handheld device. The module includes an imager with optics and image acquisition/processing processors that provide high speed acquisition and handling of acquired image data. The acquired image data is processed by the device processor using a module application that resides within the device. A removable retaining component mounts within the base. The base houses a battery and charging assembly e.g. an inductive charging unit. The inductive charging unit can be adapted to pass data, in addition to power, between the inductive coils and the charging unit can be interconnected to a data network with attached devices that employ data from the module. The base can charge the device via a connector and/or wireless charging arrangement. Data communication between the base and mobile device can occur using an RF link, e.g. an integrated Bluetooth® functionality.

Abstract: The invention features an image reader and a corresponding method for capturing a sharp distortion free image of a target, such as a one or two-dimensional bar code. In one embodiment, the image reader comprises a two-dimensional CMOS based image sensor array, a timing module, an illumination module, and a control module. The time during which the target is illuminated is referred to as the illumination period. The capture of the image by the image sensor array is driven by the timing module that, in one embodiment, is able to simultaneously expose substantially all of the pixels in the array. The time during which the pixels are collectively activated to photo-convert incident light into charge defines the exposure period for the sensor array. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the exposure period occurs during the illumination period.

Abstract: In some cases, a handheld device that includes a microphone and a scanner may be used for voice-assisted scanning. For example, a user may provide a voice input via the microphone and may activate the scanner to scan an item identifier (e.g., a barcode). The handheld device may communicate voice data and item identifier information to a remote system for voice-assisted scanning. The remote system may perform automatic speech recognition (ASR) operations on the voice data and may perform item identification operations based on the scanned identifier. Natural language understanding (NLU) processing may be improved by combining ASR information with item information obtained based on the scanned identifier. An action may be executed based on the likely user intent.

Abstract: A processor is configured to: analyze multiple read paths of multiple read operations to identify a cluster of read operations associated with attempts to read encoded data of a first barcode; analyze results of the cluster of read operations to identify successful read operations; in response to at least one successful read operation, provide the successfully read encoded data to another device; and in response to a lack of success among the cluster of read operations, analyze the results of the cluster of read operations to identify any read operation in which both a start end and a stop end of the first barcode were successfully read, and store, as part of a set of indications of read failures for a set of barcodes that includes the first barcode, an indication of at least whether both the start end and the stop end of the first barcode were successfully read.

Abstract: Embodiments position a barcode reader, or other optical detector, to scan upright barcodes when the user hand is in the neutral position. To do this, embodiments rest the body of the ring scanner device on top of the index finger, with the palm facing inward toward the users body. Embodiments have integrated interactivity, including a touchscreen display and separate buttons that can be used to operate the optical detector and input data into an integrated computing device. The integrated computing device can run software applications on board the ring scanner device. Finally, the integrated computing device can be remotely managed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a magnetic resonance imaging system for imaging a subject by a multi-shot imaging. The magnetic resonance imaging system comprises an acquiring unit for acquiring MR raw data corresponding to a plurality of shots; an imaging unit for generating a plurality of folded images from the MR raw data, wherein each of the plurality of folded images is generated from a subset of the MR raw data; a deriving unit for deriving magnitude of each pixel of each folded image; a detecting unit for detecting a motion of the subject during the multi-shot imaging based on similarity measurements of any two folded images of the plurality of folded images, wherein the detecting unit further comprises a first deriving unit configured to derive the measured similarities; and a reconstructing unit for reconstructing a MR image of the subject based on MR raw data obtained according to a detection result of the detecting unit.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to facilitate proximity detection and location tracking. An example apparatus includes a real time location system (RTLS) health processor. The example RTLS health processor includes an event processor to process an event included in a message from an RTLS device to identify event information related to the RTLS device, the event relating to a health of the RTLS device and the event information including an event type and an event detail. The example RTLS health processor includes a health analyzer to compare the event detail to a prescribed bound for the event type, the event relating to a health of the device. The example RTLS health processor includes an output generator to, when the event detail is outside the prescribed bound, trigger a response to address the event with respect to the RTLS device.

Abstract: This patent specification describes a barcode-reading enhancement accessory for a mobile device having a barcode-reading capability. The accessory may include an outer case and an inner carriage. A mobile device is encased in the inner carriage, and the combination of the inner carriage and the mobile device is accommodated in the outer case. The inner carriage is configured to accommodate a mobile device of a particular size such that a mobile device of a different size may be accommodated in the outer case using a different inner carriage. The accessory may also include an optic system to fold an optical path of a field of illumination of a light source of the mobile device and/or a field of view of a camera of the mobile device.

Abstract: A bioptic barcode reader has a housing having a lower housing portion with an upper surface and an upper housing portion extending above the lower housing portion. A generally horizontal window is positioned at the upper surface, a generally upright window is positioned in the upper housing portion, and an imaging assembly having a primary field-of-view and a set of optical components are positioned within the interior region. The housing has a width greater than or equal to 5 inches and less than or equal to 7 inches, the lower housing portion has a height greater than or equal to 3 inches, the upper housing portion has a height greater than or equal to 4 inches and less than or equal to 6 inches, and the upper surface has a length greater than or equal to 6 inches and less than or equal to 8 inches.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical imaging devices and methods for reading optical codes. The image device comprises a sensor, a lens, a plurality of illumination devices, and a plurality of reflective surfaces. The sensor is configured to sense with a predetermined number of lines of pixels, where the predetermined lines of pixels are arranged in a predetermined position. The lens has an imaging path along an optical axis. The plurality of illumination devices are configured to transmit an illumination pattern along the optical axis, and the plurality of reflective surfaces are configured to fold the optical axis.

Abstract: In an example, a handle may include a grip to attach to a device, an attachment post disposed on a first end of the grip, a slot interface disposed on a second end of the grip, and a supplemental interface disposed in between the attachment post and the slot interface. The attachment post, the slot interface, and the supplemental interface may extend radially out from the grip and may attach the grip to the device.

Abstract: A system and method of scanning a machine-readable indicia may include, in response to determining that the scan engine module is in an engaged state and electrically connected to a computer, communicating the decoded data to the computer via a wired communications channel. Otherwise, in response to determining that the scan engine module is in a released state and wirelessly connected to the computer, communicate the decoded data to the computer via a wireless communications channel. The scan engine module may be configured to operate autonomously from the mobile computer to be able to scan machine-readable indicia, decode the machine-readable indicia to generate decoded data, and store the decoded data. In response to the machine-readable indicia being electrically connected to the mobile computer, the machine-readable indicia may be batched uploaded to the mobile computer.

Abstract: A system may include a memory that includes a database of retailer-supplied promotions associated with a first plurality of brand items, and a database of promotions associated with a second plurality of brand items. The system also includes a communications interface configured to communicate with a remote device and a processor coupled to the memory and the communication interface. The processor is configured to determine whether a given promotion matches any retailer-supplied promotion, and when the given promotion matches, then not send a corresponding digital promotion via the communications interface to the remote device. The processor is also configured to, when the given promotion does not match, then send the corresponding digital promotion via the communications interface to the remote device for redemption.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein relate to the manufacture of optical elements and optical systems. An example method includes providing a first substrate that has a plurality of light-emitter devices disposed on a first surface. The method includes providing a second substrate that has a mounting surface defining a reference plane. The method includes forming a structure and an optical spacer on the mounting surface of the second substrate. The method additionally includes coupling the first and second substrates together such that the first surface of the first substrate faces the mounting surface of the second substrate at an angle with respect to the reference plane.

Abstract: A method and system of a brain computer interface in a headset including an augmented reality display, one or more sensors, a processing module, at least one biofeedback device, and a battery. The interface may include a printed circuit board that has the sensors to read bio-signals, provides biofeedback, and performs the processing, analyzing, and mapping of bio-signals into output. The output provides feedback via stimulation of multiple sensory brain systems of a user, including audio and visual on the augmented reality display, or audio and haptic in terms of vibration patterns that a human user may feel. All together this forms a closed-loop system, by detecting the bio-signal, then providing sensory-feedback, which in turn enhances the bio-signal.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for facilitating cable plugging in a network by receiving, from a scanner associated with the network, wirelessly read connector identifying information from a tag accompanying a cable connector at one end of a cable to be plugged in the network, and using, by a processor, the connector identifying information to ascertain, from a database, applicable cable rules guidance for where to properly plug the cable connector in the network. Based on ascertaining the guidance, one or more indicators associated with one or more plug locations in the network are illuminated to assist in properly plugging the cable connector in the network.

Abstract: A scanner that includes a pressure-sensitive component and a haptic feedback component. The pressure-sensitive component can active a function of the scanner. The scanner may include a biometric-sensitive component which may activate additional or similar functions of the scanner. When a function is activated, a plurality of haptic feedbacks may be presented by the haptic feedback component. A method of manufacturing the scanner is also provided.

Abstract: Electronic devices may be provided that contain flexible displays that are bent to form displays on multiple surfaces of the devices. Bent flexible displays may be bent to form front side displays and edge displays. Edge displays may be separated from front side displays or from other edge displays using patterned housing members, printed or painted masks, or by selectively activating and inactivating display pixels associated with the flexible display. Edge displays may alternately function as virtual buttons, virtual switches, or informational displays that are supplemental to front side displays. Virtual buttons may include transparent button members, lenses, haptic feedback components, audio feedback components, or other components for providing feedback to a user when virtual buttons are activated.

Abstract: A portable terminal includes a device body, a grip section located closer to a first end than to a second end of the device body, and a projecting section located closer to the second end than to the first end of the device body. An operation switch is provided between the projection section and the first end of the device body. The operation switch includes a pressing surface that is at an angle with respect to a thickness direction of the device body to face outward from the device body and in a direction toward the second end of the device body. The grip section includes a sloped surface provided between the operation switch and the first end of the device body. And the sloped surface faces away from a direction faced by the pressing surface of the operation switch.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes: a display panel configured to display an image, the display panel including first, second, and third areas, a sound-generating device in at least one among the first, second, and third areas on a rear surface of the display panel, and at least one partition for dividing the first, second, and third areas from each other, the at least one partition including a first side and a second side at an angle to the first side, the second side including at least one member perpendicular to the second side, wherein: the first area is a left area of the display panel, the second area is a right area of the display panel, the third area is a central area of the display panel, and the member is in the third area.

Abstract: In various embodiments, methods, systems, and vehicles are provided that include a head-up display and a locator system. In an exemplary embodiment, the head-up display system includes a housing; a light source disposed within the housing; and one or more mirrors disposed within the housing. Also in certain embodiments, the locator system includes: a galvanic mirror disposed outside, and in proximity to, the housing; a laser formed on the galvanic mirror; and a receiver formed on the galvanic mirror.

Abstract: A code reader may include a light source configured to illuminate a target area in which items are to be located for reading machine-readable indicia associated with the items, an image sensor configured to capture an image of the target area, an illumination drive circuit in electrical communication with the light source, and an image capture circuit. The image capture circuit may be configured to (i) enable and disable the image sensor to capture an image of the target area during the high illumination and a portion(s) of the low illumination of the target area, and (ii) read an image captured by the image sensor. The illumination drive signals may cause the illumination drive circuit to generate a high illumination drive signal to cause the light source to produce a high illumination, and generate a low illumination drive current to cause said light source to produce a low illumination.

Abstract: A wireless charging guide system includes a wireless charging cradle, an electronic device and a visual guide medium. The electronic device includes a power storage unit and a charging unit. When the visual guide medium guides the electronic device to be placed at a first position on the top surface of the wireless charging cradle, the charging unit, with respect to the wireless charging cradle, has a charging rate larger than a first default value and starts to charge the power storage unit, wherein the visual guide medium is accessed from a remote server according to the model of the electronic device.

Abstract: The present specification provides a two-part code reading apparatus, including: a supporting base with a reading window that comprises: a cavity formed in the supporting base; a reflector disposed on one side of the cavity, wherein the reflector is parallel to a flat surface when the supporting base is placed on the flat surface; a translucent plate that covers an opening of the cavity and forms an acute angle with the reflector; and a hole disposed on a side of the cavity opposite to the reflector, the hole allows light to pass through; and a handheld code scanner with a camera, wherein the camera is aligned with the hole when the handheld code scanner is detachably placed on the supporting base, so that incoming light reflected by the reflector is capable of being directed to the camera through the hole.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in decoding a bar code symbol may include an image sensor integrated circuit having a plurality of pixels, timing, and control circuitry for controlling an image sensor, gain circuitry for controlling gain, and analog to digital conversion circuitry for conversion of an analog signal to a digital signal. The apparatus may also include a PCB for mounting the image sensor integrated circuit and light source bank. The connection between the image sensor integrated circuit and/or light source bank and the PCB characterized by a plurality of wires connecting a plurality of bond pads and a plurality of contact pads, where the wires, bond pads, and contact pads provide electrical input/output and mechanical connections between the image sensor integrated circuit and the PCB. The apparatus may be operative for processing image signals generated by the image sensor integrated circuit for attempting to decode the bar code symbol.

Abstract: An antenna device of a reading apparatus configured to read a wireless tag includes a housing, an antenna element bent and extending in first and second directions within the housing, a first conductor that covers a bottom surface of the antenna element, and a second conductor that covers one or more of side surfaces of the antenna element on a major angle side thereof.

Abstract: An augmented reality device is provided to assist users in performing new or unfamiliar experimental techniques, identify materials and products utilized in a documented action set and within a work environment, identify equipment and instruments needed in the documented action set and within the work environment, assist in performing single person (autonomous) work, collaborate with other workers, and record data and observations in an electronic laboratory notebook.

Abstract: A system provides consumers more product information to make informed buying decisions as well as recommendations, promotional messages, or couponing associated with a selected or related product. When used in a retail environment, radio or visual tagging of the products, displays, or retail shelf allows a mobile or other computing device to read a unique identifier and use it to retrieve the product information from a remote server. In some embodiments, structured identifiers indicate particular sources, product lines, production batches, marketing channels, retail destinations, and the like. In others, the information is retrieved as a function of one or a combination of products that the consumer has considered during a single in-store shopping trip.

Abstract: A device (1, 33) for readout of and/or communication with a consumer carried token is proposed comprising a first area (5) for wireless radiofrequency detection and/or communication; and a second area (6) spatially separated from said first area for a wireless optical detection and/or communication; wherein said first area (5) is located above said second area (6). Said second area (6) comprises a cavity with at least a front opening (53) for inserting said token by a user, bordered by at least a bottom surface (7), a backside wall (41), and a top illumination unit (54), wherein said top illumination unit (54) comprises at least one essentially vertical translucent skirt (8) with its free edge (55) pointing towards the second area (6); as well as an opening (9).

Abstract: Embodiments relate to ordering food using RFID. Tag information is read from at least one of tags matched to each of multiple products of a menu by using a mobile terminal having a built-in RFID module or an RFID external module. A main server is accessed through a URL corresponding to the tag information. Product information corresponding to the tag information is received by the mobile terminal from the main server. The number of the products are filled out and an order request message is transmitted to the main server by the mobile terminal. The order request message is received and a payment is performed according to the order. An order item is transmitted to a kitchen server by a Point of Sales (POS) server connected to the main server if the payment is completed.

Abstract: A method for determining a value of an item includes receiving an image of a first item captured as a result of focusing an augmented reality (AR) device on the first item. The image of the first item is compared with images of one or more second items from a database. An image of one of the second items is identified that closely corresponds to the image of the first item. Metadata is obtained for the one of the second items. Using the metadata, value information is obtained for the first item. The value information is permitted to be displayed on the AR device.

Abstract: A mobile device cradle for interlacing two different mobile devices, comprising: a front surface; a first opening in the front surface for access to a display of the mobile devices; a second opening in the front surface for access to a keypad of the mobile devices; a third opening between the first and second openings in the front surface for access to a set of function keys of the mobile devices; a rear surface; a side surface extending between the front surface and the rear surface; an interior region formed between the front surface, the rear surface, and the side surface; a region of separation opposite the side surface for receiving one of the mobile devices into the interior region; and a coupling assembly at the rear region for coupling the cradle to the other of the mobile devices to an exterior of the rear region.

Abstract: A method for improving the delivery of items based on the likelihood of shoplifting, theft history, security threat level, and identifying information is presented. The information is stored an online order system that receives data, reads data, and performs computations from a data storage system. The online order system assigns a level of security to the items in order to implement delivery of the items at a specific conveyor belt within a store that is equipped with a pre-delivery alert system that cooperates with the online order system. The pre-delivery alert system produces a specific alert based on the contents of the customer's order.

Abstract: Messaging communications systems and methods are disclosed herein. An example system includes a beacon architecture including a server; and a plurality of beacons arranged around an environment, the server being configured to sense a real-time center of gravity of a communication device from any of the plurality of beacons receiving communications from the communication device, the real-time center of gravity being a location of the communication device within the environment, transmit a notification to the communication device, the notification including a link to content based on the real-time center of gravity, and transmit the content to the communication device based on a selection of the link.

Abstract: A first system for maintaining an inventory of goods available for purchase and providing images relating thereto; a second system for wirelessly communicating the images to a mobile communications and computing platform; a third system operationally coupled the mobile communications and computing platform for displaying on the mobile platform at least one of the images of one of the goods on the platform in response to a user's navigation; and a fourth system for effecting a purchase transaction with respect to at least one of the goods correlated with the displayed image. In the augmented reality embodiment, navigation is effected by physically moving the mobile platform relative to the inventive vending machine whereby the products displayed, and the views thereof, change and vary as a function of the relative position of the mobile platform and the vending machine.

Abstract: A reader includes a scanning head that comprises an optical sensor to capture an indicia that encodes data and a processor to interpret the indicia to decode the data, and an elongate handle connected at a first end to the scanning head and graspable to orient the optical sensor toward the indicia. A selected one of the scanning head and the elongate handle includes: a first receiving coil; a second receiving coil; a battery to provide electric power to the processor and the optical sensor; and a power receiving circuit coupled to the first and second receiving coils in series, and configured to operate the first and second receiving coils together to wirelessly receive electric power to charge the battery.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and systems for automatic power control (APC) in a communications device that communicates via inductive coupling are described. In an embodiment, a method for APC in a communications device that communicates via inductive coupling involves obtaining multiple system parameters, determining an APC configuration of the communications device from the system parameters, and controlling a transmission configuration of the communications device based on the APC configuration. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A machine readable symbol reader can provide illumination form portions other than or in addition to the head of the reader, to enhance the ability to successfully read machine-readable symbols, for example symbols on curved surfaces and/or DPM symbols. A machine readable symbol reader include a first set of receiving optics in a head of the reader and a second set of receiving optics in a portion of the reader other than the head, to provide an alternative line of sight or field of view.