Abstract: The system disclosed includes at least a consumer item, such as a cigarette box, medication package or piece of clothing, and a detection device that can be operated by a buyer of the consumer item, which is configured for the detection of a coding in the consumer item, and a server, wherein the coding is hidden in the consumer item, but can be accessed by the buyer of the consumer item, so that the coding can be detected by means of a detection device and be transmitted to the manufacturer via a telecommunications connection to the server, wherein the server verifies if the coding is registered as valid, and wherein, depending upon the verification of the coding, a monetary benefit in favor of the telecommunications number of the buyer is credited by means of the server, and/or the server is configured for transmission of information to the buyer.

Abstract: An assembly comprising an enclosure having a distal end wall and a proximal end wall connected to a pair of sidewalls such that the enclosure walls connect the bottom surface to a top surface having a user interface to define an enclosure interior. The compartment is positioned in the enclosure interior. A cover is included for coupling to the compartment situated in an opening in the bottom surface at a proximal end of the enclosure, such that the cover is configured for grasping by a user with at least one finger. The cover housing includes a cover surface, a pair of cover sidewalls, a proximal cover end wall and a distal cover end wall such that the cover walls extend from the cover surface to define a cover interior. The cover housing also has a mating surface at a base of the cover housing and defined by said walls, such that the mating surface is configured to mate with the bottom surface of the enclosure.

Abstract: A system and method of reading an indicia and rejecting ambient light is disclosed. An imaging signal and an ambient signal are received by the system where the imaging signal corresponds to indicia information and a first portion of the ambient light, and the ambient signal corresponds to a second portion of the ambient light. The imaging signal and the ambient signal are mathematically manipulated to subtract the contribution of the first portion of the ambient light from the imaging signal.

Abstract: A portable hand held optical reader having a specially constructed two-dimensional image sensor array is operational in a bar code decoding mode and in a picture taking mode. The specially constructed image sensor array, in one embodiment, is a hybrid monochrome and color image sensor pixel array, wherein a first subset of the pixels are monochrome pixels devoid of wavelength selective color filter elements and a second subset of the pixels are color sensitive pixels including wavelength selective color filter elements.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for reading and encrypting sensitive data which are to be transmitted by way of a remote transmission network (7) to a central server (9). Particularly secure data transmission can be ensured if the system includes a reading unit (2) for reading the data, an encryption unit (3) connected thereto for encryption of the data, and a computer (4) which is connected to the encryption unit and which receives the data already encrypted from the encryption unit (3) and sends the encrypted data by way of a network interface (11) and the remote transmission network (7) to the central server (9).

Abstract: A portable terminal assembly comprises an enclosure having a distal end wall and a proximal end wall connected to a pair of sidewalls such that the enclosure walls connect a bottom surface to a top surface having a user interface to define an enclosure interior. The enclosure has a power source compartment positioned in the enclosure interior. The cover couples to the compartment situated in an opening in the bottom surface. The cover housing of the cover includes a cover surface, a pair of cover sidewalls, a proximal cover end wall and a distal cover end wall such that the cover walls extend from the cover surface to define the cover interior. A magnet is coupled to the cover interior, such that the magnet has a sufficient magnetic field strength for affecting the state of the contacts of a switch. The switch is mounted in the interior of the enclosure, such that the switch is coupled to at least one component receiving power from the power source when positioned in the compartment.

Abstract: A method for loading and delivering objects using at least one mobile processor in communication with a mobile data storage to provide at least one command to an operator is provided herein. The mobile processor can be in further communication with at least one input device. A host processor can provide the libraries and a list of objects to be loaded and delivered to the mobile processor. The host processor can be in communication with a host data storage that comprises computer instructions. An output device and an OLI trigger can also be used in conjunction with the mobile processor.

Abstract: A method for delivering objects using at least one onboard mobile processor in communication with a mobile data storage to provide at least one command to a driver is provided herein. The onboard mobile processor can be in further communication with at least one input device. A host processor can provide the libraries and a list of objects to and delivered to the onboard mobile processor. The host processor can be in communication with a host data storage that comprises computer instructions. An output device and an OLI trigger can also be used in conjunction with the onboard mobile processor.

Abstract: A system for selecting, picking by line, loading and delivering objects using a server with processor and data storage, at least one mobile processor, with a mobile data storage, a display, an input device and an output device, and an object location identification trigger for providing one of three signals to the host server is provided herein. The mobile processor receives, verifies, and stores various codes on objects and locations and delivery information for continuous and instantaneous use by an operator, while the operator provides the signals from the OLI trigger. The server stores various libraries containing information on an object, a location, an operator, a transport device, and a transport vehicle. The server can transmit a list of objects, a list of delivery devices, a delivery vehicle and a delivery location to the mobile processor for continuous use with the OLI trigger.

Abstract: A TTR time of a reading apparatus can also be reduced by designing an apparatus to exhibit a certain timing relationship between a receipt of a trigger signal and/or more of image capture and decoding. An apparatus in one embodiment can be configured to continuously capture frames of image data prior to receipt of a trigger signal and can further be configured so that an output decoded message is decoded from a frame of image data having a capture initiation time of prior to the time of receipt of a trigger signal. An apparatus configured to output a decoded message from a frame of image data having a capture initiation time of prior to a time of receipt of a trigger signal can have a TTR time of less than a frame capture period of the apparatus.

Abstract: A laser pointer includes a human-machine interface disposed above the housing for users to control components inside the housing to decide patterns and size of the projecting image. The components consist of a frequency/phase control module, a driving energy control module, a laser beam generating module and a light scanning device. The frequency/phase control module controls the driving energy control module while the driving energy control module controls driving energy of the light scanning device. The size of the image is controlled by change of the amplitude of the light scanning device while the amplitude is changed along with the driving energy. The amplitude may also change along with the driving frequency. When the driving energy is fixed and the driving frequency is close to the resonant frequency, the amplitude increases. On the contrary, the amplitude decreases.

Abstract: Laser power monitoring arrangements interrupt power to a laser used in electro-optical readers upon detection of operating conditions not conforming to preestablished standards. An auxiliary light detector independently monitors the output power of a laser beam, and directly receives a portion of the laser beam reflected from a diffractive optical lens surface of an optical assembly for optically modifying the laser beam, or from a coated or uncoated inclined surface of a split collimating lens of the optical assembly. The split collimating lens may have its lens portions in mutual contact or separated by an air gap.

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: 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: 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: An apparatus for providing a camera barcode reader includes a processing element configured to process an input image for an attempt to decode the input image using a current barcode reading method, to determine whether the processing of the input image is successful, to switch to one of a different barcode reading method or processing a new frame of the input image using the current barcode reading method in response to the processing of the input image being unsuccessful, to attempt a decode of the input image using the current barcode reading method in response to the processing of the input image being successful, and to perform a switch to the different barcode reading method in response to a failure of the attempt to decode the input image using the first barcode reading method.

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: An input arrangement for controlling an electronic device. The arrangement comprises a substrate have a position-coding pattern printed thereon. The position-coding pattern codes first and second sets of absolute positions on spatially separate areas of the substrate. The first and second sets of absolute positions are mutually exclusive and coded by first and second subsets of the position-coding pattern. A handheld image-recording device comprises an image sensor for recording images of the position-coding pattern a processor is configured for deriving an absolute position from the position-coding pattern in the recorded image and providing an instruction to the electronic device to perform a first function when the absolute position belongs to the first set and a second function when the absolute position belongs to the second set.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for achieving a tailored content response based upon a product identifier coupled with a user identifier are provided. In one method embodiment, the present invention receives a machine readable indicia wherein at least a first portion of the machine readable indicia pertains to the product identifier and at least a second portion of the machine readable indicia pertains to the user identifier. Next, a product associated with the product identifier is identified in a database, wherein the database is not required to be formatted according to an extrinsic product identification standard. Moreover, a user profile associated with the user identifier is identified, the user profile comprising context information for the user. A tailored content response is then compiled for the device based upon the product and the context information.

Abstract: A system for electronic transmission of handwritten information. The system includes a printed product page having a writing area for entering handwritten information and an address area indicating an address to which the handwritten information is to be sent. The system further includes an electronic pen for initiating transmission of handwritten information written in the writing area to an address indicated in the address area via interaction with the writing and address areas on the product page.

Abstract: A sensing device for use with a security document is disclosed. The security document has disposed thereon or therein coded data including a plurality of coded data portions. Each coded data portion is indicative of an identity of the security document and a signature part. The signature part is a part of a digital signature of at least the identity. The sensing device has a sensor for sensing coded data portions and a processor. The processor determines, using sensed coded data portions, a sensed identity, a plurality of signature parts, and an identifier for each signature part, generates a sensed signature from the plurality of signature parts by arranging signature parts according to respective identifiers, determines a generated identity from the sensed signature, and authenticates the security document by comparing the sensed identity and the generated identity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for associating content with an image bearing surface. In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a method, operable at an electronic interactive device, comprises accessing a first image, e.g., identifying the content, on a surface, wherein the surface comprises an encoded pattern of location information on the surface for providing location information to the electronic interactive device. The method further comprises decoding the first image to associate the location information with second image information, e.g., of the content, of a second image on the surface.

Abstract: A portable scanning device for scanning a product item is provided. The product item has visible information relating thereto and a plurality of tags disposed thereon. Each tag encodes data on an identity of the product item and the location of that tag on the product item. The scanning device has a sensor for sensing the data encoded by at least one tag, and a processor for determining, from the sensed data, product identity data indicative of the identity of the product item and location data indicative of a location of said at least one tag on the product item.

Abstract: Portable measuring devices which communicate by low power transceivers through a communication controller with a printer device collect weight and size data on articles to be shipped. The collected weight and size data are combined with origin and destination data, and labels are printed bearing pertinent shipping and routing information in machine readable format. The labels are attached to the articles to be shipped and accompany the articles to their respective destinations. At transfer points the labels are read by scanner devices which also communicate by low power transceiver links with the communication controller. The wireless linking of the scanner devices promotes human safety by the absence of cords which could cause entanglement of an operator in mechanized conveying equipment. The communication controllers at each stage of the shipping process have the capability of transferring received and updated status information on the shipped articles to a central data station.

Abstract: A method of programming a barcode label with a single programming barcode label. The method includes printing a single programming barcode label for implementing a plurality of program features by a computer, and scanning the single programming barcode label.

Abstract: Associating and/or disassociating a mobile point-of-sale scanner device with a particular shopper. Shoppers may be identified, for example, using biometrics or by scanning a loyalty card. As an example of using biometrics, the shopper's fingerprint may be scanned as a trigger of the scanner is activated to scan an item's barcode. The fingerprint is preferably transmitted, along with the scanned barcode, to a server or other device for comparison to previously-stored information. The scanner is then automatically associated with the shopper to whom the fingerprint corresponds. In another embodiment, scanned loyalty card information is preferably transmitted (optionally, along with a scanned barcode), such that the scanner is then automatically associated with the shopper to whom the loyalty card corresponds.

Abstract: A system including a sensing device and a printer is disclosed. The sensing device and the printer are in communication with each other. The sensing device is for sensing first coded data included in a first interface disposed on a first surface. The printer is configured to receive, from the sensing device, data representative of the sensed first coded data, to send data based on the received data to a computer system, to receive response data from the computer system, the response data being derived by the computer system from the data sent to the computer system and identifying a unique identity of a second interface, to generate the second interface based at least partially on the response data, the second interface comprising second coded data encoding the unique identity of the second interface, and to print the second interface onto a second surface.

Abstract: An indicia reader system includes an indicia reader for reading symbol indicia and producing a symbol signal representative of the symbol indicia, the indicia reader capable of transferring and receiving data formatted in a plurality of protocols; a controller capable of transferring and receiving data formatted in a plurality of protocols; and, a translation interface for translating data from the controller which is in a first protocol to a second protocol for receipt by the indicia reader.

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

Abstract: A book reading level system to match a book on a reading level with a corresponding reader providing a computer with a printer and Internet access, a user website having first and second search engines and a database, a barcode scanner having a display monitor, permanent and replaceable memory chips, and a scanner cradle. The user scans a user barcode from each book and places the scanner into the cradle to access the user website. The first search engine searches for non-user websites to obtain reading levels and download them to the user website. The reading level is downloaded onto the first memory chip from the user website and selectively onto the second memory chip and a label bearing the reading level may be printed. An alternative embodiment allows data access and entry to determine and provide the author's name, genre, title, and study unit related to the book.

Abstract: An imaging assembly in an imaging reader for electro-optically reading indicia includes a solid-state imager having an array of image sensors, and a focus control element, such as a liquid imaging lens, having a variable transfer function characteristics for capturing, optically modifying and directing return light from the indicia over a field of view onto the imager for processing into an electrical signal indicative of the indicia during a reading mode of operation; and a controller for controlling the imaging assembly to optically modify the return light in accordance with a known transfer function stored in a memory accessible to the controller during a calibration mode of operation prior to the reading mode.

Abstract: A shopping system comprises a product item having an interface surface and a reading device for reading coded data disposed on the interface surface. The reading device includes: (a) a radiation source for emitting radiation which exposes a coded data portion on the interface surface; (b) an image sensor for sensing the exposed coded data portion; (c) a force sensor coupled to a nib of the reading device; and (d) a processor for determining product identity data and/or position data. The reading device is adapted to sense the coded data in response to contact between the nib and the interface surface.

Abstract: A bar code scanner with an embedded numeric dial quantity input device to input quantity includes a bar code scanner and a numeric dial. The dial has a reference scale around it to represent a specific number. The desired number is set by turning the dial. User can count the quantity of an item and input the number with the numeric dial before or after scanning it to store the correct quantity of such item. This can avoid entering quantity at the register or POS machine and simplifies the operation.

Abstract: A data storage device 5 having a storage capacity of at least 8 Mbyte is surrounded by a housing including a stylus portion 23, having a tip 25 for indicating a position. The stylus permits the data storage device 5 to be used for data entry to an electronic device 19 such as a PDA which traces the position of the stylus tip. The data storage device 5 can be used in place of a conventional stylus. Thus, the user of the electronic device 19 which traces the position of a stylus is able to enjoy the advantages of a data storage device without being obliged to use an additional component.

Abstract: Techniques for enhancing the reliable and efficient decoding of images of computer-readable symbols, which represent information encoded using a one- or two-dimensional visual symbology, are discussed. In accordance with one technique, prior to attempting to decode a particular image, a likelihood of successfully decoding the visual symbology from the image is determined based on a success metric. The success metric is calculated based on the blurriness of the image, or the tilt of the camera that captured the image, or both. Levels of blurriness or tilt, and the likelihood of decoding success, are ascertained with respect to predetermined reference values associated with generally decodable images. In accordance with another technique, image-sharpening algorithms are applied at select locations within the image.

Abstract: A reading device for reading an interface surface provided on a product item, the interface surface having disposed thereon coded data. The reading device includes: a harness which is configured to tight fittingly receive at least a portion of a user's hand; a housing coupled to the harness, the housing including a void configured to tight fittingly receive therewithin a finger tip portion of a finger of the user's hand received within the harness, the housing including an aperture in a wall of the housing which is located, in use, adjacent the underside of the finger tip portion of the finger; a sensor provided in the housing for sensing at least some of the coded data through the aperture; and a processor for decoding at least some of the sensed coded data.

Abstract: A mobile device is provided which has first and second body sections movable relative to each other between operative and inoperative configurations of the device, a printhead for printing onto a media substrate, and a media feed path for feeding the media substrate past the printhead. The media feed path extends from the first body section into the second body section when in the operative configuration.

Abstract: A handheld optical imaging reader having a body specifically configured to be held in the hand and improve the ease by which a user can effectively obtain information from target objects presented to the reader. The body of the reader extends along a first axis and includes an optical imager aligned along a non-parallel second axis and a display extending along a non-parallel plane. The reader includes two triggers mounted to opposing sides of the body and positioned for activation by the thumb of a user when held in either the left of right hand using either an overhand or underhand grip. The reader may include a display and keypad to allow for high-level user functions and interaction.

Abstract: The combination of an electronic fingerprint reader and a second electronic transmission device includes a first portion with a top surface and an electronic transmission device disposed therein and a second portion having a top surface with a width between about 2 inches and about 12 inches and a depth between about 1 inch and about 12 inches. A fingerprint reader is disposed in the top surface of the second portion. The top surface of the second portion is disposed at an angle of between about 0° and about 30° with respect to the horizontal such that the top surface of the second portion slants forwardly from the trailing edge of the second portion towards the leading edge of the second portion. The leading edge of the second portion is disposed at an elevation between about 0 inches and about 4 inches above the trailing edge of the first portion.

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: An accessory for a personal electronic device detects data encoded into light, sound, vibration energy, radio frequency energy, or a combination thereof, and provides the encoded data either to a bar code scanner using light, or to an NFC terminal using NFC protocols. The accessory may be stand-alone, or attachable to the personal electronic device from a suitable housing or integrated into a housing component of the personal electronic device.

Abstract: A network accessible node that facilitates management of a fleet of portable communication devices (EIR terminal), including portable data terminals and/or barcode readers, by directing performance of software upgrade and/or configuration update actions by one or more members of the fleet of EIR terminals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a handheld code reader that has an operating characteristic that can have at least first and second different states, the method for switching between the different states of the operating characteristic, the method comprising the steps of specifying a circumstance set including at least one of reader orientation and a threshold movement level for the reader, monitoring at least one of movement and orientation of the reader determining when the circumstance set occurs and changing the operating characteristic state when the circumstance set occurs, wherein the operating characteristic is one of an illumination mode and a code decoding algorithm.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for automatic data collection. An automatic data collection system includes an image capture subsystem and a processor subsystem. The automatic data collection system is operable to decode machine-readable symbols in a machine-readable symbol reading mode, and to automatically switch from a machine-readable symbol reading mode to an optical character recognition mode in response to information encoded in a machine-readable symbol. In some embodiments, the automatic data collection system is further operable to perform optical character recognition on human-readable symbols in a human-readable symbol reading mode.

Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system having a housing with a light transmission window, and an illumination subsystem including an illumination board disposed adjacent the light transmission window, configured substantially within a plane, and having a central aperture mounted adjacent the imaging window. The illumination board supports an array of illumination sources mounted around at least portion of the central aperture, for producing and a field of illumination within the FOV of its image formation and detection subsystem during object illumination and imaging operations. A FOV folding mirror is mounted within the housing and beneath the illumination board, and folds the path of the FOV beneath the light transmission aperture and directs and projects the FOV out through the central aperture. Also, an automatic illumination control subsystem is provided for controlling the array of illumination sources during object illumination and imaging operations.

Abstract: A system for printing a ticket on a print medium that has coded data indicative of a print media identifier. The system has a mobile telecommunications device, and an association between the print media identifier and at least one ticket detail. The mobile telecommunications device has an inbuilt printer module to print the ticket on the print medium such that the print medium displays the ticket details, an interface to a remote server and, a sensor module to sense a print media identifier of the print medium.

Abstract: There is described an imaging apparatus having an image sensor, and a plurality of operating states. Operation of the imaging apparatus can be differentiated between the operating states. In one operating state, the imaging apparatus can capture a frame of image data having image data corresponding to a predetermined number of pixels of the image sensor. The operating states of the imaging apparatus can be user selectable.

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 portable terminal includes a receiver, a barcode former configured to form barcodes and a display. The barcode former forms a barcode from the data received by the receiver and the display displays the formed barcode.

Abstract: A system manages memory storing data in one or more wireless transceiver devices. A docking station receptacle receives, and makes electrical connection with, a transceiver device used for storing and wirelessly communicating data to a remote location. A docking detector generates a docking signal in response to detecting insertion of a transceiver device into the docking station receptacle. A memory management processor generates a signal for initiating deletion of data from memory in a particular transceiver device inserted in the receptacle in response to a docking signal indicating insertion of the particular transceiver device into the docking station receptacle.