Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a hand scanner including a head section having a reading section configured to read a mark affixed to a commodity and a handle having width formed smaller than that of the head section, a fixing device including a holding section having, from a part of the periphery to the center thereof, an opening formed wider than the width of the handle and movable sections provided to be opposed to each other in the opening, arranged to have width therebetween smaller than the width of the handle, and configured to move until the width therebetween increases to width same as or larger than the width of the handle when the handle is inserted through the opening, and control unit configured to enable the reading section to read the commodity according to movement of the movable sections.

Abstract: A method of enabling subsequent validation of an item having a data tag. Data may be read from a tag using an electronic reader. A readable marker, such as a barcode, may be selected from a plurality of different readable markers and applied in proximity to the tag. An association request can be created and communicated to a database, where the association request comprises data from the tag and data relating to the selected readable marker, so that the database may use data from the association request for subsequent validation of the tag. An authentication database for recording an association between a data tag and a readable marker applied to an item carrying that data tag are also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a camera that includes a field of view (FOV), the method for selecting a portion of the field of view for analysis and comprising the steps of placing at least a portion of a first object within the field of view of the camera, providing a light source separate from the camera, directing the light source toward the first object within the field of view of the camera so that the light forms an aiming pattern that is one of on and proximate a first location of interest on the first object, obtaining an image of the portion of the first object within the field of view including the aiming pattern, identifying the location of the aiming pattern in the obtained image and using the aiming pattern in the obtained image to perform a processing function.

Abstract: A wireless product code reader comprises a scanner for scanning product codes; processing electronics for providing a raw signal proportional to signal intensities detected while scanning the product code; a wireless interface for providing said raw signals to a receiving unit; and a mounting unit for mounting said barcode reader on the body of a user for hands free use. The scanner may be an optical scanner for scanning barcodes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for selectively controlling the illumination, and particularly dark field illumination, applied to a symbol to be decoded, and for determining a suitable or optimized level of lighting for decoding the symbol. A method includes providing a light source comprising a plurality of individually-controllable lighting elements for providing low angle dark field illumination; activating an image sensor for detecting image data reflected from an encoded data symbol when the encoded data symbol is illuminated by the light source; and providing a controller connected to each of the individually-controllable lighting elements, the controller being programmed for: selectively activating the individually-controllable lighting elements to vary the direction of the low angle dark field illumination provided by the light source; and processing the image data detected by the image.

Abstract: A portable data collector having scan buttons pressed by forefinger to input merchandise information and scan merchandise barcode includes a shell body having a top face and a bottom face corresponding to the top face; a circuit board installed in the shell body; a plurality of input buttons arranged on the top face for actuating the scan component to generate scan light to read barcode and electrically connected to the circuit board; a display screen also arranged on the top face of the shell body and electrically connected to the circuit board; a scan component additionally arranged in the shell body and electrically connected to the circuit board; and a scan button shown as a trigger shape and arranged on the bottom face of the shell body to be electrically connected to the circuit board; thereby, when the scan button is pushed by forefinger, the scan component is actuated.

Abstract: An apparatus for engaging in wireless commercial transactions includes a mobile phone equipped with a dedicated actuator for initiating a commercial transaction, and an optical input for receiving information concerning prices of goods; a network hub for wireless exchange information between a commercial establishment and said mobile phone within the boundaries of the establishment; and a financial/authorization institution for associating a PIN number with said mobile phone and for authorizing transactions initiated by said mobile phone.

Abstract: A method for scanning and decoding encoded symbols comprises processing low resolution image data from a full field of view and/or high resolution image data from one or more windowed segments of the field of view to provide imaging that is easily adaptable to different types of symbols and varying environmental conditions. The scanning method can be switched between the low resolution mode and the high resolution mode automatically based on whether the low resolution data is sufficiently accurate to decode the symbol.

Abstract: A reader for and method of electro-optically reading symbols aim a front of a handheld housing at a symbol during reading. A solid-state, low resolution image sensor having a linear array of pixels is arranged in the housing and has less than 2000 pixels in number. The pixels sense return light returning along an optical path away from the symbol that is located in an extended range of working distances relative to the front of the housing. An imaging lens is positioned deep in the housing at an increased spacing of at least one inch as measured along the optical path away from the front of the housing, for capturing the return light over a reduced scan angle that is less than 40 degrees, and for projecting the captured light onto the sensor. A controller processes the return light sensed by the imager into data relating to the symbol.

Abstract: A portable data terminal including a processor, a plurality of system resources, data storage means configured to store a plurality of program instructions, the program instructions including at least one hardware device driver and at least one scan driver, an image engine including a host interface, an imager in communication with the host interface, an illumination assembly and an aimer assembly wherein the illumination and aimer assemblies are controlled by the processor according to instructions stored in the data storage means, and a data structure having at least one data type and at least one value, the data structure being defined by the scan driver wherein the scan driver is configured to modify the data structure and transfer at least one of the values of the data structure to the hardware device driver in order to manage acquisition and release of a system resource by the image engine.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention comprises a functional module for storing and exchanging data, comprising a common portable support, at least one passive contactless integrated circuit in the form of a first semi-conductor chip, a contactless integrated circuit reader in the form of a second semi-conductor chip, the contactless integrated circuit and the reader being gathered on or in the common portable support, an antenna coil of the contactless integrated circuit, connected to the contactless integrated circuit, an antenna coil of the reader, connected to the reader, the antenna coil of the contactless integrated circuit being coupled to the antenna coil of the reader.

Abstract: There is described an image sensor based indicia reading terminal comprising a variable setting imaging lens having a first setting at which the terminal has a first plane of optimum focus and a second setting at which the terminal has a second plane of optimum focus. According to one embodiment, a first predetermined picture size where picture size is determined according to a number of pixels subject to read out, can be associated to the first lens setting and a second picture size can be associated to the second lens setting such that the terminal with the lens setting set to the first setting reads out a frame of a first picture size and with the lens setting set to a second setting reads out a frame of a second picture size. In addition to or in place of the picture size operational parameters, different operational parameters can be associated to the respective first and second lens settings.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a mobile service with the use of a code pattern is disclosed In one embodiment, the method comprising: taking a photograph of a code pattern image, decoding the photographed code pattern image so as to obtain code information, extracting uniform resource locator (URL) information corresponding to the code information, transmitting a content information request message to a service provider server corresponding to the URL information, and receiving content information corresponding to the URL information from the service provider server. According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide various and convenient mobile services to mobile terminal users using a mobile terminal, having a camera, and a code pattern containing the URL information.

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

Abstract: Apparatus for providing electronic data associated with an item to a user, the apparatus comprising a memory tag scanner arranged to communicate with a memory tag associated with an item, a user profile memory arranged to store user profile data therein, an output interface arranged to provided data to a user, and a data processor arranged to cause data to be selectively read from the memory tag associated with an item and the data to be selectively provided to a user via the output interface in accordance with the stored user profile data.

Abstract: A method for managing inventory information that includes displaying the inventory information in a graphical user interface of a mobile device, and adding an item as part of the inventory information, using the mobile device, where adding the item includes adding descriptive metadata about the item to the inventory information.

Abstract: A scanner according to an embodiment includes a housing, an imaging device provided in the housing, and a light source. The housing has an imaging window. The imaging window is sectioned by an upper side portion, a lower side portion, and a pair of side portions. The lower side portion is spaced apart from the upper side portion. The pair of side portions connect respective ends of the upper side portion and the lower side portion. The imaging device picks up, via the imaging window, an image of a reading target present in a reading area formed on the outer side of the housing through the imaging window and outputs image data of the reading target. The light source is located on the outer side of the reading area and arranged along each of the side portions of the housing and irradiates illumination light on the reading area.

Abstract: Illumination driver circuit for using in an imaging-based barcode reader is configured to provide the driving current for the illumination source with a Buck regulator when the driving current is above a threshold current value and to provide the driving current for the illumination source with a linear regulator when the driving current is not above the threshold current value. The threshold current value is substantially close to the smallest current the Buck regulator operative to provide when operating in a continuous mode.

Abstract: A scan module in a reader for, and a method of, electro-optically reading symbols, include a light source for directing light at a symbol during reading, a light detector for detecting return light from the symbol during reading and for generating an electrical signal indicative of the detected return light, and an object sensor for sensing an object bearing the symbol and for generating a trigger signal for initiating the reading. The light source, the light detector and the object sensor are all supported by a common chassis.

Abstract: A system and method is provided wherein a device can be reprogrammed utilizing one or more programming symbols. A device subject to reprogramming can be a portable device. In one embodiment a device subject to reprogramming can be a portable symbol reading device capable of reading programming symbols.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bar code reading device for reading 1D or 2D bar code symbols. The bar code reading device, in one embodiment, can receive a command to disable symbology reading. In another embodiment, a bar code reading device can have a timercount and an image memory. In one embodiment, a bar code reading device can be configured to read bar code symbols of more than one bar code symbology.

Abstract: An immovable price checker (1) with an angle-adjustable scanner is installed on a wall for scanning barcodes of an article and includes a base (10), a scanner (20), a processor (30), a displayer (40) and a pivoting means (50). The base (10) is fixed to the wall. The scanner (20) is connected to the base (10) for scanning the barcodes of the article. The processor (30) is electrically connected to the scanner (20). The displayer (40) is fixed to the base (10) and electrically connected to the processor (30). The displayer (40) is configured to display data processed by the processor (30). The pivoting means (50) is connected between the base (10) and the scanner (20). The scanner (20) is rotatable with respect to the base (10) by using the pivoting means (50) as a center of rotation to thereby adjust the angle of the scanner (20). Thus, the convenience and practicability of the present invention are improved greatly.

Abstract: An indicia reading system including: a hand held indicia reader for reading information bearing indicia; a cradle having a first magnetic attachment device disposed in the cradle arm for removably holding the indicia reader; a second attachment device disposed on the indicia reader to removably attach the indicia reader to the first magnetic attachment device.

Abstract: A universal stand for holding a reading device that collects and processes machine readable data comprising: a base adapted for placement on a surface for providing holding stability for the reading device; a cradle arm having a flange portion and a cradle portion; and, a hinge for rotatably connecting the cradle arm to the base, wherein the cradle arm is adapted to be replaceable so that the base may be utilized for providing holding stability for more than one reading device.

Abstract: In a wireless reader/writer according to one example of the present invention, a reader/writer main body 120 emits a radio wave with a different output power from an antenna 121 when a base unit 140 is detected to be mounted on an enclosure. In addition, when a base unit 140A is detected to be mounted on the enclosure, a reader/writer main body 120A controls a switching device 132 to emit radio waves simultaneously or alternately from a first antenna and a second antenna.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for controlling the loading and/or unloading process of an aeroplane. According to the invention, a parcel introduced into the aeroplane is identified, a weight is associated with the parcel, the position of the parcel inside the airplane is monitored, and the total weight and/or center of gravity of the aeroplane is calculated from the aeroplane information provided and the weights and positions of the parcels.

Abstract: A conductive layer is applied to a thermoformed plastic component to form an integrated antenna assembly. The conductive layer is on a flexible layer and adhered or attached to the rigid thermoformed plastic carrier. Features are designed into the thermoformed plastic carrier to provide electrical contacts from the conductive layer to the circuit board of the communication device and to mechanically attach the carrier to the circuit board. Multiple conductive layers can be applied to a multi-layered thermoformed structure to form a multi-antenna assembly.

Abstract: A device including a housing, an imaging engine and a transparent exit window. The imaging engine is located within the housing. The exit window is in the housing allowing light to pass from an exterior of the device to the imaging engine within the housing. The exit window has a plurality of segments. Each of the segments has a corresponding optical property.

Abstract: A method and device exchanging contact information on an electronic device. Contact information is obtained from a contact by scanning a barcode using an electronic device and decoding the barcode to recover the contact information encoded therein. The contact information may be used to reciprocate by sending user contact data in a message addressed to an electronic address obtained from the contact information. The user contact data may be encoded in a second barcode displayed on the electronic device.

Abstract: Various embodiments relating to a modular marking apparatus and method are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of an indicia reading system comprise a terminal and a cradle that communicate via wireless technology and are configured to charge a battery in the terminal using power supplied by a host device when the terminal is operated in a presentation mode.

Abstract: A method for decoding a decodable symbol using an optical reader having a 2D image sensor that is configured to operate in a partial frame capture operating mode. In a partial frame operating mode, the reader clocks out and captures at least one partial frame of image data having image data corresponding to less than all of the pixels of an image sensor pixel array. In one embodiment, the reader operating in a partial frame operating mode captures image data corresponding to a linear pattern of pixels of the image sensor, reads the image data, and attempts to decode for a decodable bar code symbol which may be represented in the image data.

Abstract: There is described an image sensor based indicia reading terminal comprising a variable setting imaging lens having a first setting at which the terminal has a first plane of optimum focus and a second setting at which the terminal has a second plane of optimum focus. According to one embodiment, a first predetermined picture size where picture size is determined according to a number of pixels subject to read out, can be associated to the first lens setting and a second picture size can be associated to the second lens setting such that the terminal with the lens setting set to the first setting reads out a frame of a first picture size and with the lens setting set to a second setting reads out a frame of a second picture size. In addition to or in place of the picture size operational parameters, different operational parameters can be associated to the respective first and second lens settings.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for rapidly capturing images in an automated identification system to effectively extend one dimension of a field of view of an image system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the image system captures and processes multiple images of at least a portion of a surface of a component in the automated identification system in response to a trigger signal communicated from a triggering device configured to sense a location of the component. Various embodiments of the invention include multiple sources for capturing images, and/or multiple user-specified schemas for effectively extending the field of view of the image system along the axis of component travel in the automated identification system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of preventing a handheld data capture device from getting lost. The handheld data capture device includes a barcode reading arrangement or an RFID reader. The handheld data capture device also includes a cue-generating element that is operative to generate a perception cue if (1) the handheld data capture device is removed from the host and (2) the handheld data capture device is separated from the hand of a user for a time period that is longer than a predetermined time interval. The perception cue can be in the form of light flashing, audio beeps, or mechanical vibrations.

Abstract: A laser scanner for reading symbology, such as barcodes. The laser scanner includes a housing, a laser source or generator disposed in the housing and operative to generate a laser beam, and an output window supported by housing and being positioned to receive the laser beam incident thereon. The window is operative to transmit the laser beam therethrough at a symbology target. In one embodiment, the window includes a vertical wedge angle between front and rear surfaces of the window that is oriented substantially in alignment with a vertical axis defined by the window. The vertical wedge angle is preferably oriented perpendicular to a horizontally-extending scanning line of the laser beam on the window. In one embodiment, the vertical wedge angle is substantially the same along the entire length or width of the window.

Abstract: A barcode reading station which mounts a barcode reader for reading a barcode on a barcode carrier, such as a document or electronic device which displays the barcode. The barcode reading station includes a holster for a barcode reader, the barcode reader producing a scan volume, a barcode reading table for identifying a target location for barcode reading, and a mirror for deflecting the scan volume of the barcode reader towards the barcode reading table.

Abstract: A banking system operates to allocate funds in accounts in response to data bearing records in the form of paper financial checks. A mobile phone has a camera and a programmable memory. The memory stores phone user data, including a bank account number and an electronic signature. The camera can be used to capture an image of a paper check which has the phone user as the payee. The phone can wirelessly transmit the account number, the electronic signature, and the check image to a bank deposit system. The system can store the check image and the electronic signature in correlated relation in a deposit transaction record. The system can cause the phone user's bank account to be credited a cash value corresponding to the check value. Confirmation of the check deposit can be transmitted to the user's phone.

Abstract: A barcode imaging apparatus includes a source of electromagnetic radiation and an image acquisition device. The acquisition device is configured to be sensitive to a wavelength of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the source of electromagnetic radiation. In use, a bar code to be read is illuminated by the source of electromagnetic radiation and an image of the barcode is captured by the image acquisition device at the wavelength of that radiation. The source of electromagnetic radiation includes a Light Emitting Diode (LED), a Current Source, a Driver for the current source, a Clock Pulse Generator, and a Monostable. The LED is powered by the Current source which is in turn driven by the Driver which is controlled by the Clock Pulse Generator through the Monostable.

Abstract: An electronic transaction card communicates with an add-on slot of an intelligent electronic device. The add-on slot may be a memory card slot. The intelligent electronic device may be a mobile phone or other device with or without network connectivity. The electronic transaction card may have magnetic field producing circuitry compatible with magnetic card readers, smartcard circuitry, other point-of-sale interfaces, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: There is described an indicia reading terminal that can be operative to capture a succession of frames of image data and that can be operative so that a certain frame of the succession of frames is subject to quality evaluation processing where a result of the quality evaluation processing is responsive to one or more of an incidence and sharpness of edge representations of the frame of image data.

Abstract: An electronic transaction card communicates with an add-on slot of an intelligent electronic device. The add-on slot may be a memory card slot. The intelligent electronic device may be a mobile phone or other device with or without network connectivity. The electronic transaction card may have magnetic field producing circuitry compatible with magnetic card readers, smartcard circuitry, other point-of-sale interfaces, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A method utilizing an imaging-based bar code reader to identify a desired acquisition area within a captured image frame, the desired acquisition area including a target bar code and an extent of the desired acquisition area bounded by a border featuring: identifying a region of the captured image frame corresponding to an image of the target bar code; determining a reference point within the imaged target bar code; determining a reference point within an image of the desired acquisition area; searching for an image of the border of the desired acquisition area; identifying the imaged border of the desired acquisition area; and saving in memory a portion of the captured image frame corresponding to an image within the imaged border.

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

Abstract: Price searching on a mobile device is provided. A system for obtaining pricing information comprises at least one subsystem that electronically reads a price and product data of a product using a mobile device, at least one subsystem that searches for other available products and price data to compare to the electronically read price and product data, at least one subsystem that compares the price data of the other products to the electronically read price data, and at least one subsystem that presents purchase options based upon results of the comparison of the price and product data.

Abstract: A barcode scanner capable of switching the reading resolution of scanning can be used for scanning a barcode with high resolution or low resolution, including a shell body, a scan module and a switchable magnifying module. The shell body has an opening. The scan module arranged in the shell body has a lighting unit emitting an illuminating light onto the barcode through the opening and a sensing unit sensing a barcode image formed from a reflection of the barcode illuminated by the illuminating light passing through the opening. The switchable magnifying module has a magnifier for magnifying the barcode image and a switch unit for switching the position of the magnifier relative to the sensing unit. The switch unit can move the magnifier between an off-axial position, which is not between the sensing unit and the barcode, and an on-axial position, which is between the sensing unit and the barcode.

Abstract: A data capture terminal for, and method of, automatically capturing data in a handheld mode, and in a hands-free mode, of operation, include an actuatable laser scanning reader supported by the terminal for electro-optically reading indicia to obtain data by scanning the indicia, an actuatable imaging reader supported by the terminal for electro-optically reading indicia to obtain data by capturing an image of the indicia, and an actuatable radio frequency identification (RFID) reader supported by the terminal for reading an RFID tag to obtain data. A trigger mechanism is manually actuatable by an operator to initiate actuation of the readers in the handheld mode with different triggering actions unique to the respective readers.

Abstract: A current data capture system has a set of configuration parameters operative for enabling the current data capture system to capture transaction data. A configuration host is operative for pulling the set of configuration parameters from the current data capture system, and for pushing a pulled set of configuration parameters to at least one additional data capture system to enable the at least one additional data capture system to capture the transaction data.

Abstract: An information processing system comprises an information providing medium that stores information in an electromagnetic or optical manner, the information providing medium being attached to an entity in order to provide information associated with the entity; a hand held terminal device having an information read function that reads information from the information providing medium in an electromagnetic or optical manner and record the information; and an information processing unit for retrieving the information recorded in the hand held terminal device; wherein the information providing medium is inconspicuously attached to the entity. In this manner, the information can be recorded into the hand held terminal for later use by a user.