Abstract: A light source mechanism of a barcode scanner includes a laser diode as the point type light source, a collimating lens and a standing cylindrical lens in front of the laser diode. A mirror or a thin-film coating prism can be installed in front of the collimating lens to have the light beam from the collimating lens be reflected at least once to go out in horizontal direction. The reflected light beam from barcode passes through a condensing lens and is received by a linear receiver (CCD or CMOS sensor, for example) and is converted into electrical signals, and decoded by a circuit to get the data.

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 viewer (100) is provided which senses machine-readable coded data (202), decodes the coded data (202), transmits the decoded data to a computer system, and receives in response from the computer system display data for display on a screen (102) and/or for playback via a speaker (106).

Abstract: A portable hand-supportable data terminal for allowing an operator to enter, collect, and display data. The data terminal comprises a hand-supportable housing having a light transmission aperture and an automatically-activated bar code symbol reading subsystem integrated therewithin. The bar code symbol reading subsystem includes a bar code symbol reading mechanism. Each instant a bar code symbol is read within a predetermined time period, a symbol character data string representative of the read bar code symbol is automatically produced. A manually-activatable data transmission switch generates a data transmission control activation signal in response to the activation of the switch. A system controller controls a data transmission circuit so that the symbol character data string, produced at substantially the same time when the data transmission control activation signal is generated, is transmitted to a data storage device aboard the data terminal or to a host system in communication therewith.

Abstract: Wireless data communications using a master/slave protocol are easily established between a master radio module which is part of a POS terminal and a slave radio module which is part of a portable bar code scanning device. A bar code identifying the portable bar code scanning device is provided on the outside of the housing of the portable device. By scanning this bar code with a scanner associated with the POS terminal, such as a fixed scanner built onto a counter, the master/slave radio communications link can be automatically implemented.

Abstract: A hand-held portable reader and labeling device for interrogating data storage cartridges of the type containing an in-built memory chip having information stored describing details of data contained on the data storage medium is disclosed. The reader-labeling device comprises a processor, random access memory, printer, display, keypad, operating system, transponder, receiver and battery power supply. By scrolling a menu display, key parameters describing a data cartridge can be accessed quickly and efficiently without the need to access the data storage medium itself. A cartridge media specific label may be rapidly printed for attachment to a data storage cartridge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating, in a commercial environment, alternative or complementary suggestions in response to a specific inquiry about a product, for displaying the suggestions on a display device at the point of purchase, and for providing real time electronic communication with a product expert.

Abstract: A portable hand-supportable data terminal for allowing an operator to enter, collect, and display data. The data terminal comprises a hand-supportable housing having a light transmission aperture and an automatically-activated laser scanning bar code symbol reading subsystem integrated therewithin. The bar code symbol reading subsystem includes a bar code symbol reading mechanism. Each instant a bar code symbol is read within a predetermined time period, a symbol character data string representative of the read bar code symbol is automatically produced. A manually-activatable data transmission switch generates a data transmission control activation signal in response to the activation of the switch.

Abstract: An imaging optical code reader is adapted for use in producing video displays and for use in motion detection surveillance using video compression and narrow band width communication links. An optical system including a plane parallel plate may be employed to change the system focal distance.

Abstract: A portable device having code scanning features is provided. Information associated with scanned codes may be communicated to the portable device. This information may be communicated from a remote site, a docking station or another portable device. Information associated with scanned codes may be stored at a storage device at the portable device. Information associated with codes may be presented to the user via an output device at the portable device. In another suitable embodiment, information associated with scanned codes may be acquired by a docking station. Information acquired by the docking station may be presented to the user via an output device at the docking station. The docking station and portable device may have suitable communications circuitry such that portable device may interface with the docking station.

Abstract: An optical device for bar-code reading capable of improving the degree of freedom in design of component lenses so as to allow free positional adjustment of the lenses while ensuring downsizing and weight reduction of the device, and a method for manufacturing are disclosed. An optical device for bar-code reading comprises a light emitting element; a light projection lens for focusing light from the light emitting element so as to irradiate a bar code; a light receiving lens for focusing reflected light from the bar code and having formed therein a penetrating hole which penetrates a plane of incidence of light and a plane of outgoing of light, in which the light projection lens is inserted; and a light receiving element for receiving the light focused by the light receiving lens so as to perform photo-electric conversion.

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: A signaling arrangement and method for use in a wireless local area network managed by a system manager include a reader for electro-optically reading bar code symbols. The system manager verifies that a symbol has been successfully read and sends an acknowledgment signal by wireless, radio frequency transmission to a remote indicator operative for generating an alert signal noticeable to a user.

Abstract: A code symbol reading device includes a portable housing that contains a light source. Light from the light source is projected into a scan field external to the housing and onto a code symbol on an object located within the scan field. The light reflected off the code symbol is detected within the housing to produce scan data that is indicative of the detected light intensity. The scan data is processed to detect and decode the code symbol and to produce symbol character data that are representative of the decoded code symbol. A data packet utilizing the symbol character data is synthesized and modulated onto a carrier signal that is transmitted to a base unit where the carrier signal is demodulated and the data packet recovered. The received data packet is analyzed to recover the symbol character data, and an acknowledgment signal is produced to acknowledge the receipt of the symbol character data at the base unit.

Abstract: An operation member is provided with a planar input device, and a detachable display sheet is overlaid on the surface of the planar input device. There are two types of display sheets, in which input items are different. Cutouts are formed at the respective peripheral edge portions thereof, and a determination device for detecting these cutouts is provided. Wireless communication is performed between the operation member and a host, and the display sheet is replaced according to the function performed by the host.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking victims of a mass casualty incident includes the steps of: (a) providing a tag to be associated with each victim, each tag containing machine-readable data representing information including at least the victims triage priority; (b) reading the machine-readable data; and (c) displaying the information read in step (b). Each tag may further contain machine-readable data representing information including at least one of (1) an identification code uniquely associated with the victim; (2) name of the victim; (3) the nature of the victim's injuries; (4) the victim's medical condition; (5) the victim's initial treatment; (6) physical characteristics of the victim; (7) the victim's photo; and (8) the location to which the victim was transported or assigned.

Abstract: An auto ID reader and a radio frequency transceiver are supported on a common support having a predetermined form factor, such as that of a scan engine module commonly utilized in hand-held bar code symbol scanners. Common digital processing circuitry is used for processing the signal from the auto ID sensor, and the RF transceiver baseband signal, making a highly integrated and compact arrangement.

Abstract: The invention is a data editing system for configuring a data collection device to edit decoded-out message data according to a data editing routine specified by a user programmer. In one embodiment the system includes a data collection device and a host processor assembly including a display, a user interface and a program builder program which displays on the display either representation of instructions being authored by the user-programmer or prompt messages prompting the user-programmer to information respecting requirement of the message data to be output by the data collection device. In response to information input by the user programmer, the program builder program builds a set of data editing instructions, and the set of data editing instructions are transmitted to the data collection device.

Abstract: Automatic actions can be obtained through a network using an area of marking medium with machine-readable markings that encode an action/medium identifier. The action/medium identifier identifies an action that can be produced through the network, and also identifies the area of marking medium. For example, it may include a globally unique or network-wide page identifier as well as an action identifier that can be used to produce an action described by data associated with a counterpart digital page. Or it can include both a page identifier and a location identifier, with the location identifier also identifying an action that relates to the page's digital counterpart. Or it can include a document identifier and an action identifier. Or it can be a globally unique or network-wide sticker identifier that can be used to identify a document, a peripheral device, or another object to which the sticker is attached, and that also produces an action through the network.

Abstract: A key for accessing an electronic lock that also has an optical scanner includes a user interface, first and second memories and a shared data transfer circuit. The first memory serves to store access data detailing identities of locks accessed by the key. The second memory stores data scanned by the scanner. The access data and the scanned data can both be downloaded from the key via the shared data transfer circuit.

Abstract: A hand held terminal for optically scanning coded information has an electronic housing with a major axis, an intermediate axis and a minor axis. An optical scanning device is mounted at a first longitudinal end of the terminal with respect to the major axis. A multi-line information display is arranged on a top surface of the housing such that the display is facing in a direction corresponding to the minor axis. The terminal further has a handle with a handgrip extending outwardly from the housing at a second longitudinal end. The axis of the handle forms an angle of approximately 0 to 45 degrees from the major axis and is perpendicular to the intermediate axis. An operator control is arranged on said top surface adjacent the second end of said housing such that the control can be operated by the thumb on a hand grasping the device.

Abstract: A database of a host computer stores attribute data, such as price, of many products. The database is accessed by wireless transmission on a real-time basis to automatically retrieve the price of a selected product. The retrieved data is printed on paper in human-readable form by a printer. The paper and the selected product are presented to a check-out site to complete purchase of the product.

Abstract: A unitary body of optical material and associated methods for reading indicia such as bar codes is provided. The unitary body can focus light from a light source into a beam, redirect light reflected from a target to a photodetector, and provide mechanical support for a light source, printed circuit board, or other indicia reader components. In comparison to conventional apparatus, the unitary body requires a reduced number of components and is therefore easier and less expensive to manufacture and assemble. The unitary design increases reliability and performance consistency while decreasing sensitivity to thermal and mechanical loading. Moreover, the unitary body reduces the overall tolerance budget of a reader and therefore facilitates mass production of optical apparatus and readers. The unitary body and associated methods may be implemented in a compact reader with the aforementioned advantages in the form of a pen, or can be integrated into an antenna of a wireless device, such as a cell phone or a PDA.

Abstract: A sales system having a plurality of wearable portable terminals each having an optical code reader and a wireless transceiver, a plurality of stationary terminals each having a wireless transceiver and a central database having information relating to goods to be sold by the system. A wireless network interconnects the portable terminals, stationary terminals and the central database.

Abstract: A system for reading a two-dimensional image, and for comparing the two-dimensional image to stored data representative of a known image. The optical scanning device comprises a sensor for capturing the two-dimensional image, which sensor includes a light source for projecting an emitted light towards the two-dimensional image and an optical assembly for focussing light, which may be ambient and or emitted light from the light source, reflected from the framed two-dimensional image onto a CMOS or CCD detector for detecting the focussed light, the detector including a photodiode array for sensing the focussed light and generating a signal therefrom.

Abstract: A system and method for interaction between an electronic writing device (102) and a wireless device (104) includes the electronic device (102) being capable of generating a keystroke signal (106). The system and method further includes the wireless device (102) receiving the keystroke signal (106) and executing an operation (168) in response thereto. The electronic writing device (102) includes a motion sensor (110) that generates a motion displacement signal (116), a toggle switch (112) that generates an engagement signal (118), a pressure sensor (114) that generates a depression signal (120) and an optical sensor (128). The wireless device (102) includes a receiver (162) that receives the keystroke signal (106) and a processor (164) that executes an operation in response thereto or may provide for operating in a bar code mode, such that a bar code may be scanned and the keystroke signal including a bar code signal.

Abstract: An imaging optical code reader is adapted for use in producing video displays. A rotating plate carrier is capable of placing several different optical elements into the optical paths of the system including at least one plane parallel plate to change the system focal distance.

Abstract: An interface selection and configuration system for a computer peripheral in which configuration for the peripheral and/or the host interface is at least in part accomplished by the interface connector cable. In a preferred embodiment, the computer peripheral is equipped with one or more hardware interfaces. The interface connector cable has a first end connector for attaching to the computer peripheral. The first end connector of the interface connector cable is typically a multiple pin connector constructed and arranged to be properly physically and electrically connectable only to a specific computer peripheral or class of computer peripherals, the first end connector including at least one electrical connection between two pins for completing a circuit within the computer peripheral thereby enabling the computer peripheral.

Abstract: A reconstituting section obtains block-address information from each of read out blocks. According to the obtained pattern in the block-address information obtained by the reconstituting section, a reproducing section determines a code-scanning state of manual scanning performed along a scanning direction. When scanning is performed in an off-code state and an overspeed state, and when scanning is terminated in an incomplete state, notification is performed in each of modes differing from each other depending on the scanning state.

Abstract: A device for recording information has at least one light-sensitive sensor (8) with a two-dimensional sensor surface. The device is adjustable between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the device is adapted to essentially abut against and be passed over a surface for imaging the same by means of a plurality of images. In the second mode, the device is adapted to image an object located at a distance.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for counting the number of people crossing from one side of a given threshold to the other. The apparatus comprises a plurality of sensing means (10) for mounting above the threshold, each capable of detecting an item passing beneath it. Processing means compare the detection signals of each pair of adjacent sensing means to prevent the same person from being counted separately by the adjacent sensing means.

Abstract: A versatile system and method for VCSEL (vertical cavity surface emitting laser) bar code and data scanning is disclosed, including a housing (102) having a scanning surface (116), a detector element (106) disposed within the housing in close proximity and normal to the scanning surface, a VCSEL component (104) disposed within the housing in close proximity to the detector element and scanning surface, and an aperture (122) formed within the housing between the scanning surface and the detector element.

Abstract: A reflection cowl for a bar-code scanner features that the light source wherein is a mono luminous element of light-emitting diode (LED) with a reflection cowl disposed in the rear aspect thereof, the reflection cowl is divided by the center line passed through the light source into a left and a right portions of reflection curved surfaces; respectively, the left and the right portions of the curved surfaces have a plurality of concaved reflection spherical surfaces thereon; all the reflection spherical surfaces have the function of distributing the light so as to make all the light rays reflected back from all the reflection spherical surfaces fall evenly on the convex light stick, thereby adjusting the curvature of the reflection cowl further adjusts the left and the right distribution areas of the reflected light, that means, evenly distributes the brightness at the center and on the side rim thereof.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held computer handle that may be detachable secured to a conventional hand-held computer such as a personal digital assistant or the like. The handle preferably includes a substantially planar hand-held computer-mounting portion with an ergonomically-shaped joystick-style handle portion extending orthogonally therefrom. The handle portion includes a trigger in electrical communication with the hand-held computer such that one or more functions of the hand-held computer can be controlled by actuation of the trigger. In a preferred embodiment, the hand-held computer includes a conventional scanner or other data reader thereon, and the trigger on the handle portion activates the scanner. Preferably, the handle portion is aligned with the center of gravity of the handle and hand-held computer.

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: An optical reading system comprising an optical reader and a host processor. In one aspect of the invention, the host processor may be configured to transmit a component control instruction in response to a command input by a user of the host processor to remotely control the reader. The optical reader subsequently receives the transmitted component control instruction and executes the component control instruction substantially on receipt thereof. In one embodiment, execution of the component control instruction by the optical reader has the same effect as the reader trigger being manually pulled by a reader operator.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating linear patterns of light comprises a light source emitting a first light beam. An anamorphic system is positioned downstream of the light source and is adapted to receive the first light beam of the light source for concentrating the first light beam such that the first light beam would project a first linear pattern on a far field. A diffractive optical element is positioned downstream of the anamorphic system for receiving and diffusing the first light beam of the anamorphic system a plurality of second light beams. The plurality of second light beams overlap one another at least partially so as to project a second linear pattern on the far field of altered intensity with respect to the first linear pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reading a coded pattern, symbol or indict such as a barcode. The apparatus and method improves captured resolution with a marker or fiducial input closed loop system. In the present invention, a pre-scan of the pattern, such as a barcode, is performed and fiducials of the barcode are identified. Calculations from these fiducial locations are used to determine the minimum field of view that will substantially capture the fiducials. In an embodiment of the invention, a variable magnification system of the apparatus can be actuated to this minimum field of view and a full resolution final image of the pattern is then captured.

Abstract: A clip mounted bar code reader worn by a user initiates scanning of a field of view when the reader detects or senses that objects are proximity to the reader.

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: Molded imager optical packages are disclosed which are particularly adapted for use in miniaturized, linear sensor-based code reading engines. The package may include a one-dimensional solid state photo sensor with a small number of cells. A low F-number optical system may be integrally molded in the sensor packaging.

Abstract: A radiation director is coupled to move under the control of a piezoelectric element. The director directs electromagnetic radiation from a radiation source under the control of the piezoelectric element. In a scanning station embodiment, an electrical signal source is connected to cause the piezoelectric element to vibrate, and a radiation detector is positioned to detect radiation from an object scanned by the radiation. In a radiation scanning method, a piezoelectric element is caused to move in a reciprocating fashion, and the movement of the piezoelectric element is used to direct an electromagnetic radiation beam in a scanning motion.

Abstract: An information processing system adapted to be worn on the body of a user, the system a module for processing data capable of being worn by a user; and a band secured to the module and adapted to be secured around a part of the user's body so as to support the module and to allow the user to utilize the module, the band incorporating a battery for powering the module.

Abstract: The method provides for a way to ensure that the application program running on the host computer handles data received from the at least one mobile computer terminals when one of the mobile computer terminals goes out of range of the wireless network. Communication and association may be established between a mobile computer terminal and an access point on a local network. Then, when it has been determined that communications between the mobile computer terminal and the access point have been impeded, the mobile computer terminal may switch to batch mode to continue data collection.

Abstract: A portable data collection device having a modular imaging-based dataform reader. The dataform reader is adapted to independently read first and second overlying dataforms, the first dataform is imaged and decoded when illuminated by radiation having a first wavelength and the second dataform is imaged and decoded when illuminated by radiation having a second wavelength. Control and selection circuitry is electrically coupled to an imaging assembly and an illumination assembly to actuate the imaging assembly and selectively energize a first illumination source which generates radiation having a first range of wavelengths to image and decode the first dataform while a second illumination source is deenergized and to actuate the imaging assembly and selectively energize the second illumination source which generates radiation having a second range of wavelengths to image and decode the second dataform while the first illumination source is deenergized.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus is provided for a hand-held imager preferably to provide diffuse illumination for encoded symbology carried directly upon an article (component, etc) or upon a substrate carried by an article. The illumination apparatus is disposed proximate the front of the hand-held imager and is configured to permit light reflected from the target to pass through the illumination apparatus and onto a CCD image receiver. An array of unlensed LED's is disposed to cast approximately or substantially lambertian illumination in a direction away from the target to be imaged and into the hand-held housing to impinge upon surfaces of an illuminator to receive the illumination and, in turn, project efficient and diffuse dark field illumination through the array of unlensed LED's and towards and onto a location where a target to be imaged would be disposed.

Abstract: The wireless PDT of the present invention employs a “display-on bottom” design which places the unit perfectly centered in the hand of the operator, allowing for the best possible viewing as well as providing comfortable single-handed operation. The high-resolution LCD display allows the PCT to show sharp, clear bitmap images while supporting all Windows-recognized font types and sizes. With the auto back-lit feature, the brightness adjusts automatically making the screen easy to read in all light conditions. The PDT is designed for support within the download/charger cradle of a base station which interfaces with a host system using either USB or RS232 interface. Two standard ‘AA’ or rechargeable Li-Ion batteries provide more than 100 hours of operation. In addition, the PDT comes standard with 2MB of RAM providing enough memory to store over 100,000 records.

Abstract: The invention is an optical reader having a plurality of imaging modules. In one method for operating a multiple imaging module reader of the invention, a second frame of image data captured via actuation of a second imaging module is automatically captured and subjected to decoding in the case an attempt to decode using a frame of image data captured via actuation of a first imaging module fails. In another embodiment, a frame of image data captured via actuation of an image sensor of a first module and actuation of illumination of a second imaging module is subjected to decoding. In another embodiment, frames of image data captured via actuation of image sensors of spaced apart modules are combined. The various modules of a multiple imaging module reader can be adapted to have different best focus positions so that a field depth of the reader is improved.

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 scanning mode or a single line scanning mode. In the omni-directional scanning mode, the laser scanning engine projects an omni-directional scanning pattern through the light transmission aperture, 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 document, system, and method are provided for data storage and acquisition. In one embodiment, the document comprises an amount of data embodied in a bar code located on the document, where a number of data files are included in the data. Also, a selector is located on the document, the selector being positioned relative to a predefined point on the document. A selector specification is included in the data, the selector specification referencing the position of the selector relative to the predefined point on the document. An association in the data drawn between the selector specification and at least one of the data files.