Abstract: The present invention proposes to streamline the process by replacing most of the manual entry and mobile navigation through a mobile client application that will allow the user to [a] capture a barcode using a camera phone or any other camera-equipped communicating device such as a PDA with a camera attachment or a internet connected computer with a web-cam and [b] automatically send—or prepare the transmission of—the relevant information to the vendor directly or through the usage of a centralized platform.

Abstract: A bar-code reader includes a housing, a window affixed to the housing and separating an internal environment from an external environment, and an anti-fog coating on the window within an optical path of the bar-code reader. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the anti-fog coating is a hydrophilic layer; in another embodiment, it is a hydrophobic layer. The anti-fog coating may be used internally, externally, or both, and may be applied to any number of components within the optical path.

Abstract: A reading device adapted to read an interface surface provided on a product item, the interface surface having disposed thereon coded data which includes, at a plurality of locations on the interface surface, a corresponding plurality of coded data portions, each coded data portion being indicative of an identity of the product item, the reading device including: a housing adapted to be held by a user in use; a radiation source for emitting radiation from the housing such that it exposes at least one coded data portion; an image sensor for sensing the at least one exposed coded data portion; a processor for determining, using at least some of the sensed coded data, product identity data indicative of the identity of the product item.

Abstract: A data reader and method for data reading, such as a barcode scanner, wherein the scan pattern generating optics and other features are optimized for different modes of operation. In a preferred embodiment, different patterns are projected from different apertures in the scanner housing, one scan pattern optimized for handheld operation and the other optimized for fixed operation. Other optimizable features include the presence or absence of an aiming beam, which may be generated from the same laser source as the scan pattern or from another source, and enabling or disabling decoding of the received signal during a portion of a facet wheel rotation. Decoding may be disabled while the scan line(s) for handheld use is generated unless a switch or trigger is actuated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a system and method for real-time validation and redemption of paper and electronic coupons; electronic coupon distribution; electronic clearing and reporting of paper and electronic coupon redemptions; and an “Universal Club Card” that combines coupon scanning, coupon redemption, coupon distribution, loyalty cards, club cards, gift cards, frequent shopper programs, store credits and many other retail store promotions into one efficient and convenient portable scanning device.

Abstract: An image capture system having an image capture module and a terminal unit captures both photo images and coded images. An alterable optical path of the system operates in a first configuration when capturing coded images and in a second configuration when capturing photo images. Captured images are presented on a display as they are captured. A user of the system may parse through captured images to select one or more of the captured images for permanent storage and/or transmission to a remote location. The system operates to identify coded targets within captured images, to prompt the user to select one or more of the identified coded targets and to decode the selected coded targets. The image capture system may direct a user to reposition the system so that a decodable coded image will be captured. The image capture system communicates over wireless and wired networks with remote computer systems, personnel, and mobile units.

Abstract: A system for managing a structured cabling system, together with the attached equipment and devices, utilises a hand-held scanner to record moves, adds and changes by scanning machine-readable identifiers (such as bar-code labels) attached to structured cabling components, including but not limited to active and passive communications equipment, cross-connects, patch cords, backbone connections and peripheral equipment. The system records or audits cross-connects by scanning the label of each port and cable in a cross-connect and correlating the cable identifiers to infer the connections. Complete end-to-end connections (‘channels’) can be inferred in the same way, and the system provides a mechanism to filter the display of channels to provide the most relevant details, including display of only frequently changed components, incomplete channels and permanent patches (‘patch by exception’).

Abstract: A device for processing image data relating to bar codes is described. In one embodiment a bar code verification device is provided having an ergonomic form factor characterized by a domed hand held trigger and a viewing window. The verification device may be disposed in a network that includes a host processor system and other bar code reading devices which may include other bar code verification devices. Processing circuitry for processing image signals corresponding to printed bar codes may be partially disposed within the hand held verification device and partially disposed within a host processor system spaced apart from and associated with the hand held verification device. The hand held verification device may be in wireless communication with the host processor system to which it is associated.

Abstract: The disclosed methods and apparatus relate generally to the electronics media industry, such as cable television (CATV), home shopping services, on-line computer services and computer memory applications. These methods and apparatus allow a user to access and make use of electronic media input and output devices by reference to and/or utilization of standard printed matter, such as magazines, textbooks, or any other printed matter that can be correlated to electronic media.

Abstract: A digital imaging-based bar code symbol reading system comprising: an area image formation and detection subsystem having a CMOS area image sensing array with an image capture mode; a LED-based illumination subsystem for producing narrow-band illumination; and a narrow-band transmission-type optical filter subsystem integrated within the hand-supportable housing of the device. During the image capture mode, and only when substantially all rows of pixels on the CMOS area image sensing array are enabled and simultaneously ready for photo-integration, the LED-based illumination subsystem is activated so as to produce narrow-band illumination into the FOV of the area image formation and detection subsystem while the automatic light exposure measurement and illumination control subsystem automatically measures the light exposure incident upon a central portion of the FOV, and controls the time duration that narrow-band illumination is produced from the LED-based illumination subsystem.

Abstract: A portable electo-optical scanner for reading a target bar code having a plurality of bar code elements. The portable scanner includes: a housing supporting a scanning module and an exit window. The scanning module scans the target bar code with a scanning beam and collecting reflected light returning from the bar code. The scanning module includes: a beam source emitting a scanning beam; photodetector circuitry; and a retro-reflective oscillating mirror including a light collection mirror and an integral scanning or beam directing mirror. The scanning mirror is positioned to intersect the scanning beam and direct the scanning beam through the exit window. Oscillation of the oscillating mirror causes the scanning beam to be repetitively scanned along a scanning direction across the target bar code. The light collection mirror has a field of view that follows the scanning beam.

Abstract: Systems and methodologies are disclosed for isolating a portable hand held electronic unit from external mechanical shocks and/or vibrations by dampening them at several levels. The system can absorb an external mechanical shock at three different levels by employing an external bumper system, elastic housing design features, and an internal frame isolation. Moreover, such isolation assembly simplifies production of the portable electronic unit by enabling a “build to order process” according to a customer's specification.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to systems and methods for employing a housing as part of a hand held scanner as to increase utility and add ruggedness. The housing comprises an upper top housing and lower bottom housing, with the top housing comprising a set of accessory rails adapted to accept accessories associated with the hand held scanner, and the lower housing including an adjustable mass element for balancing a weight of the scanner. Also, top housing can be adapted to accept various key pad configurations via a transitional mounting frame, and the bottom housing can hold a stylus. A bar code scanner system employing such housing can incorporate displays located on various sides of the housing and/or key pads to facilitate a reading from the scanner at slanted angles.

Abstract: Described is an electronic device which includes a body, an optical opening in the body and a removable cover. The body contains an optical scanner and a slot for a removable integrated circuit (“IC”) card. The optical opening provides an optical path from an external environment to the optical scanner. The removable cover which, when in a closed position coupled to the body, covers the slot and the optical opening. The cover includes a cover opening extending therethrough and, when the cover is in the closed position, the cover opening is aligned with the optical opening to permit light to enter and exit therethrough.

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus having a mobile storage container (10) having at least two compartments, for use in transporting at least two fluids from main storage tanks to subsidiary storage tanks (17, 18, 19). The apparatus having at least two fluid flow paths, for connection to at least two different fluid flow ports (20, 21, and 22) the apparatus includes electronic means (25) to identify the fluid flow paths and the fluid flow ports, to reduce the risk that a fluid flow path will be put into communication with an incompatible fluid flow port.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reading optical information including a photosensitive system oriented to capture optical information. Also included is an optical system focusing optical information onto the photosensitive system, and a display oriented to display optical information captured by the photosensitive system. The apparatus also includes a portable, hand-held housing.

Abstract: A scanner device includes a body portion with an optical scanner module at a first forward end and having a keypad and display mounted on an upper surface. The handle portion extends from the body portion near the forward end and is oriented at a selected angle to cause a second rearward end of the bottom surface of the body portion to rest on the radial surface of a user's hand when a user grips the handle.

Abstract: A system that facilitates desirable orientation of a display on a machine data reader comprises a keypad that is moveable with respect to a body of the machine data reader, the keypad utilized to relay information to the machine data reader. The system further comprises a component that senses a position of the keypad, and a component that orients the display based at least in part upon the sensed position of the keypad.

Abstract: The tracking product images several coded data sources (41A–41C) concurrently to cause a track signal (12) which represents each of the several coded data source locations and represents each of the several coded data source identities.

Abstract: A portable printer includes a number of input devices mounted in the printer housing including a barcode scanner, keypad, communication interface in a receive mode and an RFID read/write module in a read mode. The portable printer also includes a number of output devices including a printing system, the communication interface in a transmit mode and the RFID read/write module in a write mode for writing to an external RFID chip. A processor selects received data from one or more of the input devices, manipulates the data and/or combines it with other data for an output device wherein the data selected for one output device may be different then the data selected for another output device.

Abstract: A printing unit is built into an upper portion of a handheld terminal, a display unit is built into the middle portion, and a key inputting unit is built into a lower portion. A laser type scanner for reading a barcode, etc., is built into the right side of the main body, and a switch for turning on/off the scanner is built into the proximity of the bottom of the scanners. The scanner is aimed at the direction of a barcode, and the switch is turned on to irradiate a laser beam, so that the barcode can be read.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for scanning an illumination spot over a target area. The present invention removes stored energy from a scanning element to stop the scanning element from vibrating and to substantially return the scanning element to its starting position so as to enable high frame rates.

Abstract: An optical reader, which is operable in a “host commands” mode and a “host routines” mode. In the “host commands” mode, the reader receives and executes a script routine module from a host. In the “host routines” mode, the reader receives a script routine Module identifier from the host, and the reader, in turn, executes a selected one of a plurality of reader-stored script routine modules based on the identifier.

Abstract: An automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system for carrying out bar code symbol reading operations, comprising a hand-supportable housing; a manually-actuatable data transmission activation switch integrated with the hand-supportable housing; and an automatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading engine, disposed within the hand-supportable housing, and having (i) a preprogrammed set of operational states wherethrough the system automatically passes during each bar code symbol reading operation, and (ii) a preprogrammed symbol character data transmission state of operation into which the system is automatically induced in response to the manually-actuation of the symbol character data transmission activation switch.

Abstract: A method relating to film photography and digital delivery of images wherein a consumer can preview images of processed film sent from a film development laboratory to the consumer's cell phone equipped with a visual display. The consumer dropped the film at a service where the film is developed, and then scanned to create digital picture data. The picture data is then sent to the consumer's cell phone or similar device with wireless capability equipped for reception of digital image data, and in response to the data, the cell phone displays the pictures on the camera's image display. The consumer then views the pictures and can make decisions concerning how many prints of each image to order. The print order can then be placed with the service through the cell phone. Additional features include the consumer processing the digital image data including forwarding the images to another cell phone or to a computer.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an adapter unit for a personal digital assistant. More specifically, this invention relates to an adapter unit that provides additional functionality, and improved ergonomics and increased ruggedness to the personal digital assistant.

Abstract: A body portion of an optical reader has an elastomeric skirt surrounding the lateral edges thereof. The laterally spaced front edges of the skirt, which are on either side of a window through which the light is emitted and received along an optical axis, are angled rearwardly from a plane normal to the axis. The front edges extend downwardly and forwardly from a front edge of the bottom wall of a body, and also extend forwardly from a front edge of the top wall of the body. These features allow the lower ends of the front edges of the skirt to be placed on a surface near the target to act as a fulcrum in rotating the handle of the scanner to selectively place the reader in close proximity to the target, while at the same time allowing the operator to view the target.

Abstract: A scanner is programmed to extract a machine-readable identifier (e.g., encoded in watermark or barcode form) from an object, and transmit same to a remote computer (e.g., over the Internet). The remote computer responds with supplemental information or e-commerce opportunities relating to the scanned object. This information may be presented on an LCD display built-in to the scanner. In some embodiments, auxiliary CCD sensors are provided in addition to the scanner's usual image sensor. These auxiliary sensors can be employed for various purposes, including identifying surface texture characteristics so that corresponding filtering/processing of scan data can be performed; detecting affine transformations of the object being imaged so appropriate compensations can be applied, etc., etc.

Abstract: An optical reading device optically reads information on a surface. The optical reading device includes a contact detection unit, a reading unit, and a signal processing unit. The contact detection unit provides a signal when the optical reading device is within a threshold distance of a surface having information. The reading unit includes a light source unit and a light detection unit, wherein the light source unit irradiates light on the surface and the light detection unit detects light reflected from the surface, based on the signal from the contact detection unit. The signal processing unit identifies the information based on analyzing the light reflected from the surface. In addition, the optical reading device may be implemented in a mobile communications device, which also includes a transmitting unit that transmits the information identified by the signal processing unit.

Abstract: A scanning device for scanning coded data indicative of a plurality of locations disposed on a surface is provided. The device generates interaction data based on the sensed coded data. The scanning device comprises a laser source for exposing a coded data portion, a photodetector, an analog to digital converter, a framestore, an image processor and a host processor.

Abstract: A compact display assembly includes a flexible display screen such as a passive LCD screen or an OLED display screen. Printed circuit boards including driving circuitry for the display screen are mounted at its rear in a configuration defining a longitudinal region of the screen about which it may be folded or curved over on itself to a compact configuration. The assembly may be included in electronic computational devices such as laptop computers, electronic books and the like.

Abstract: The invention is defined by systems, methods and applications for establishing a short-range communication link between digital devices for the purpose of transferring data between the devices. The first device generates and displays a visual code that encodes the address of the first device and the location of data element desired to be transferred. A second device, which implements image capture capability, captures the visual code and decodes such to determine the address of the first device and the location of the data element. Upon decoding, the second device will automatically initiate the short-range communication link between the first and second digital devices and the transfer of the data element from the first device to the second device will ensue.

Abstract: A method of developing an application program for running on a wireless portable data terminal (PDT), comprising the steps of (a) during the development of an application program for running on a wireless PDT supported by a first operating system, generating user input and documents using development programs running on a developer computer system supported by a second operating system; (b) developing the application program on the developer computer system into a final application program expressed in the form of binary executable code designed for execution on the first operating system loaded onto the wireless PDT; (c) downloading the binary executable code of the final application program onto the wireless PDT; and (d) running the final application program in binary executable code upon the first operating system loaded onto the wireless PDT.

Abstract: The present invention is an imaging device which can be equipped with decode functionality and which can be configured to operate in at least one of four user selected modes. In a first, “message only” mode, the device stores into a designated memory location a decoded-out message corresponding to a decodable indicia. In a second, “image only” mode, the device stores into a designated frame storage memory location an image representation of a scene. In a third, “omage plu message” mode the device stores into a designated frame storage memory location an image representation comprising a representation of a decodable symbol and into the same or other memory location the decoded-out message decoded from the decodable indicia, or data corresponding to the same.

Abstract: An automatically-activated wireless code symbol reading system comprising a hand-supportable housing having a manually-activatable data transmission switch under automatic communication range dependent control. When a bar code symbol is read, the bar code reader is located inside the predetermined RF data communication range of the system, then the symbol character data string, produced at substantially the same time as the manual activation of the data transmission switch, is transmitted to the base station over the wireless RF communication link. If the device is outside the range, then an audible and/or visual indication is automatically generated, and the packaged symbol character data string is packaged and transmitted to a data storage buffer aboard the bar code reader. Then when the bar code symbol reader is moved within the communication range of the system, the buffered/packaged symbol character data is automatically transmitted to the base station by the RF-based data communication link.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a method and system for simulating data on bar code labels. The system and method include aligning a series of light sources in an array; and driving a selected number of the light sources in the array indicative of data on a bar code label to emit light having a wavelength simulating a light generated from a bar code scanner and reflected from a white space of bar code label.

Abstract: An optical code reader having means for focusing an imaging optics assembly on a target image. The optical code reader includes a chassis and an imaging optics assembly pivotally mounted on the chassis. The imaging optics assembly is housed within an opto-mechanical barrel assembly. Pivotal movement of the opto-mechanical barrel assembly adjusts the focus of the imaging optics assembly on a target image. The optical code reader further includes an illumination device and an aiming device.

Abstract: A multi-mode laser-based bar code symbol reading device having a hand-supportable housing with a light transmission aperture, wherethrough visible light can exit and enter the hand-supportable housing. A laser scanning engine, disposed within the hand-supportable housing, is controlled to selectively operate in either an omni-directional reading mode or a uni-directional bar code reading mode. In the omni-directional bar code reading mode, the laser scanning engine projects pattern through the light transmission aperture, an omni-directional laser scanning pattern producing multiple laser scanning lines with substantially uniform spatial and temporal intensity characteristics at any given scanning plane parallel to the light transmission aperture within the working distance of the system, and detects and decodes bar code symbols on objects passing through the omni-directional scanning pattern, and produces symbol character data representative of decoded bar code symbols.

Abstract: A laser scanning device adapted to scan an interface surface provided on a product item, the interface surface having disposed thereon coded data which includes, at a plurality of locations on the interface surface, a corresponding plurality of coded data portions, each coded data portion being indicative of an identity of the product item, the scanning device including: a housing adapted to be held by a user in use; a laser for emitting a scanning beam from the housing, the scanning beam being directed in first and second orthogonal directions to thereby generate a raster scan pattern over a scanning patch, the scanning patch being provided in the sensing region such that it exposes at least one coded data portion; a sensor for sensing the at least one exposed coded data portion; a processor for determining, using at least some of the sensed coded data, product identity data indicative of the identity of the product item.

Abstract: A hand-held data terminal employs a projection display, thus eliminating the need for a flat screen display conventionally employed in hand-held data terminals. The projection display according to the present invention comprises a light source, a spatial light modulator for varying the light emitted by the light source to produce an optical image that corresponds to visual output of the data terminal, and a lens to project the resulting image. In this manner, the computer output that would normally be visualized using a display such as an LCD display may be viewed as a projected image on a nearby surface, thus allowing the data terminal to be made smaller while providing a robust visual user interface.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for processing captured images within a semi-automatic hand-supportable imaging-based bar code symbol reader in order to read 1D and/or 2D bar code symbols graphically represented therein. The semi-automatic hand-supportable digital imaging-based bar code symbol reader comprises: an automatic object presence detection subsystem; a multi-mode area-type image formation and detection subsystem having narrow-area and wide area image capture modes of operation; a multi-mode LED-based illumination subsystem having narrow-area and wide area illumination modes of operation; an image capturing and buffering subsystem; a multi-mode image-processing bar code symbol reading subsystem; an input/output subsystem; a manually-activatable trigger switch; and a system control subsystem integrated with each of the above-described subsystems. The bar code symbol reader embodies advanced image processing methods for reading 1D and/or 2D bar code symbols graphically represented in captured digital images.

Abstract: Drawing, writing or pointing device (1) for use with data presentations, computer supported work or other interactive use of a computer. The device (1) comprises one or more code patterns (3). Each code pattern (3) is adapted to be detected by a camera and recognition system (13). A camera and recognition system (13) adapted to cooperate with the device (1) records one or more images (31). At least one image contains one or more code patterns (3) from the device(s). Drawing, writing and pointing devices (1) are used in a system (40) and in a method for drawing, writing and pointing at data presentations, computer supported work and other interactive use of a computer where the position and orientation of the device (1) is determined and transferred to a computer. The drawing, writing and pointing device (1) is also used in a method for continuously recording the position and orientation of one or more marked objects, where the marking comprises one or more code patterns (3).

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for insert-molding various electronic and mechanical parts as part of a housing of an electrical device. The insert molded components can comprise antennas, flex members and circuits, electronic, mechanical, and interface units that have been insert molded as part of a plastic housing that contains the electrical device.

Abstract: A method of managing data for a plurality of analyte test instruments connected to a data communication network. The method comprises the steps of: detecting via a host computer the connection of each instrument to the data communication network; uploading data received from each instrument to the host computer; processing the uploaded data on the host computer for operator review; and downloading configuration data from the host computer to each test instrument, the downloaded data comprising instrument-specific setup and control data. The invention further involves a hand-held analyte test instrument and a docking station for the test instrument.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fully automatic bar code symbol reading system having an hand-supportable laser bar code reading device which can be used in either an automatic hands-on mode of operation, or in an automatic hands-free mode of operation. The system includes a scanner support frame for supporting the hand-supportable device in a user-selected mounting position, and permits complete gripping of its handle portion prior to its use in the hands-on mode of operation. In general, the hand-supportable bar code reading device has long-range and short-range modes of object detection, bar code presence detection and bar code symbol reading. In the illustrative embodiment, the long-range mode is automatically selected when the hand-supportable bar code reading device is placed within the scanner support stand during the automatic hands-free mode of operation.

Abstract: An improved code reader for reading and displaying OBD II diagnostic codes. The code reader displays textual diagnosis descriptions corresponding to diagnostic codes. The code reader can display both an OBD II code and the textual diagnosis description corresponding to a selected OBD II code by using multiple display rows for the display. The improved code reader also uses an improved user interface.

Abstract: A reading device adapted to read an interface surface provided on a product item, the interface surface having disposed thereon coded data indicative of an identity of the product item, the reading device including: a housing for mounting on at least one finger of the user in use, the housing including an aperture; a radiation source for illuminating the interface surface of the product item; a sensor provided in the housing for sensing at least some of the coded data through the aperture when the product item is positioned substantially in contact with the housing; and a processor for determining, using at least some of the sensed coded data, product identity data indicative of the identity of the product item.

Abstract: A hand-supportable planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based camera system for producing digital linear images of a object within a working range, wherein the digital linear images contain pixels having a substantially uniform aspect-ratio independent of the measured relative velocity of the object while the PLIIM based camera system is manually moved (e.g. swept) past the object during illumination and imaging operations. The hand-supportable PLIIM based camera system comprises an object velocity measurement subsystem mounted within its hand-supportable housing, for determining the velocity of the object relative to the hand-supportable housing and generating object velocity data indicative of the determined velocity of the object. Also, a camera control computer is mounted within the hand-supportable housing, for controlling the operation of the PLIIM-based linear imaging subsystem, in automatic response to object velocity data generated by the object velocity measurement subsystem.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a consumer interactive shopping and marketing system. The system includes a portable data terminal for communicating information over a communication network. The present system has aspects that may be used within a shopping establishment or at a user's home.

Abstract: A device for scanning and/or recognizing one or more barcodes includes a laser light source for transmitting laser light; a rotatable polygonal mirror for reflecting the transmitted laser light; a number of fixedly disposed flat mirrors for reflecting laser light; a pick-up element for picking up laser light scattered by a barcode; a compact housing in which the laser light source, the polygonal mirror, the flat mirrors and the pick-up element are arranged, which compact housing is constructed from a substantially flat bottom side, a top side and standing walls arranged therebetween and wherein the distance between the standing walls ranges between 1.2–5.5 inches (3–14 cm).