Abstract: An automatically-activated code symbol reading system includes a hand-supportable housing having a light transmission aperture through which a field of view (FOV) passes; and an automatically-activated bar code symbol reading mechanism for repeatedly reading code symbols on an object in the FOV, within a predetermined time period, and in response to each new successful reading of the code symbols, producing a new symbol character data string representative of the read code symbol. A system control subsystem (i) automatically activates the automatically-activated bar code symbol reading mechanism in response to the detection of the object in at least a portion of the FOV, and (ii) automatically activates the data transmission circuit in response to the generation of the data transmission control activation signal so that a symbol character data string, produced currently with or immediately subsequent to the activation of the manually-activatable data transmission switch, is transmitted to a host system.

Abstract: A hand-held portable printer includes a number of input devices mounted in or on a printer housing including a barcode scanner, keypad, communication interface in a receive mode and an RFID read/writer in a read mode. The hand-held portable printer also includes a number of output devices including a printing system, the communication interface in a transmit mode and the RFID read/writer in a write mode for writing to an external RFID chip. A processor selects received data from one or more of the input devices manipulates the data and/or combines it with other data for an output device wherein the data selected for one output device may be different then the data selected for another output device. The hand-held portable printer may utilize both an internal antenna and external antenna. Applying different energy levels to the antennas may determine whether the hand-held portable printer reads from and/or writes to a single RFID chip or a plurality of RFID chips.

Abstract: A digital imaging-based code symbol reading system having a set of standard features and functions, and a set of custom features and functionalities that satisfy customized end-user application requirements. The system includes a housing having a light transmission window, a digital camera subsystem, a digital image processing subsystem, an input/output subsystem, a system control system, and a computing platform. The computing platform includes (i) memory for storing pieces of original product code written by the original designers of said digital image capture and processing system, and (ii) a microprocessor for running one or more applications by calling and executing pieces of said original product code in a particular sequence, so as support a set of standard features and functions which characterize a standard behavior of said digital image capture and processing system.

Abstract: A system and method is 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 ring-shaped illuminator is provided, and is segmented into a plurality of individually-controllable lighting portions which can be, for example, quadrants. Initially, illumination is provided to the symbol through an initial set of lighting conditions. Feedback from acquired image data is then used to determine whether the lighting is suitable for decoding the symbol and, if not, a controller varies the lighting applied to the symbol, and additional image data is acquired. This process is continued until suitable conditions are met. Alternatively, activation and deactivation of the lighting segments can be manually selected by an operator to provide suitable conditions.

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

Abstract: A method and system provides for tracking access to media content in a portable device and correlating the access with a location of the portable device. In one embodiment, a portable device can wirelessly receive media content during a media access session. The portable device can collect media access information, such as information on the media access session, information on the media content received, and a location of the portable device during the media access session. The portable device can then transmit the media access information through a wireless cellular telecommunications system to a network server.

Abstract: An extended working range electro-optical scanner (10) for reading a target bar code (100).

Abstract: The invention relates to a bar code reading device of the type having an imaging assembly including a two dimensional image sensor and which may be moved between varying positions, orientations and angles relative to a substrate. In one embodiment a bar code reading device can be used to obtain an area electronic representation of a substrate including bar code indicia and a signature, and can output an area representation including a representation of a signature. In another embodiment, the bar code reading device can process and output a processed area electronic representation to an output destination. In one embodiment an output destination to which a bar code reading device outputs a processed area electronic representation is a display.

Abstract: A target is illuminated with illumination light for image capture by a solid-state imager of an imaging reader. Internal reflections of the illumination light at a window are minimized, if not eliminated, by configuring the window as a non-planar optical element operative for redirecting the internal reflections away from the imager to enhance reader performance.

Abstract: A method and system in a computerized health care environment for determining whether an attachment may be safely attached to a body site of a patient is provided. A patient identifier is received and the patient's electronic medical record is accessed. An attachment identifier is received and data for the attachment is accessed. A body site identifier identifying the area of the body of the patient to which the attachment is to be placed is received and data for the body site is accessed. Some or all of the data are used to determine whether the attachment may be safely attached to the body site of the patient.

Abstract: A shopping system comprising a reading device is provided. The reading device is adapted to read an interface surface provided on a product item. The interface surface has coded data disposed thereon which includes, at a plurality of locations on the interface surface, a corresponding plurality of coded data portions. Each coded data portion is indicative of an identity of the product item and the location of the coded data portion. The reading device includes: (a) a radiation source for emitting radiation such that it exposes at least one coded data portion; (b) an image sensor for sensing the exposed coded data portion; and (c) a processor for determining, using the sensed coded data, product identity data and/or position data.

Abstract: An input unit arrangement for controlling an electronic device is provided. The arrangement comprises; a base; a position-coding pattern provided on the base and coding a first and second sets of absolute positions on spatially separate areas of the base, the first and second sets of absolute positions being mutually exclusive and coded by spatially separate first and second subsets of the position-coding pattern; a handheld image-recording device for recording images of the position-coding pattern; and a processor for deriving a position from the position coding pattern in the recorded image, the processor 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. The arrangement enables a user to select different functions by selecting differing areas of the base on which the position-coding pattern is provided.

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 carousel used in a restocking system is comprised of a drive track. A plurality of bins are arranged into rows, with the rows being driven by said drive track. A drive mechanism, e.g. an electric motor, drives the drive track. A sensor is provided to sense the position of the rows of bins. A processor is responsive to the sensor and data representative of a plurality of picks for more than one order for controlling the drive mechanism. By combining picks from different orders into a batch, the time spent driving the rows and time between picks is minimized. The carousel may be divided into a plurality of columns, each with its own drive track, drive mechanism, and sensor, to enable several rows to be brought into a pick position simultaneously. Various methods and forms of restocking packages are also disclosed.

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: The present invention relates to an image collecting module. The image collection module is provided with a first indicator operable to provide an indication of a valid read of a first portion of a hybrid dataform and a second indicator operable to provide an indication of a valid read of a second portion of the hybrid dataform.

Abstract: A retail store network comprising a cash register, server, and hand held optical reader for reading a bar code symbol of an item and generating a decoded out bar code data message. The hand held bar code reader has an electrical connector and a wireless transceiver. The optical reader can be used with a base unit also having an electrical connector and a wireless transceiver. The network is configured so that the hand held bar code reader and the base unit have one linking mode in which the address of the base unit is sent to the hand held bar code reader through their respective electrical connectors. The linking process is completed by way of wireless communication, including the transmission of the address of the hand held bar code reader to the base unit.

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: Systems and methods of application control for use on an electronic device. A device can be configured to receive an operation request from an application. The device can determine whether the requested operation is allowed to be performed by the application based upon a stored authorization record and an application identifier associated with the application. The application is allowed to perform the requested operation based upon whether the requested operation is determined to be allowed to be performed by the application.

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 employing automated real-time analysis of digital image exposure quality to automatically reconfigure system control parameters, and dynamically control illumination and imaging operations within the digital image capture and processing system.

Abstract: A customer's cell phone has a programmable data bearing record that includes customer account information and a scanned written signature of the customer. The customer can use the phone to read the account information and signature from the data bearing record and wirelessly transmit them to a merchant system. The merchant system can utilize the received account information to carry out a transaction responsive to validation of the received written signature.

Abstract: An optical reader can include an image sensor. In one embodiment an optical reader can be configured to have different operating modes, the different operating modes optimizing the reader for reading different indicia. In another embodiment an optical reader can comprise a multiple color emitting light source. In another embodiment an optical reader can be provided in a specialized form factor including an enlarged head portion and an elongated body portion extending from the head portion.

Abstract: There is disclosed is a mobile device for detecting, tracking, and translating motion into an image that can be rendered on a mobile device display. A motion sensor contained within the mobile device and coupled with a processor can detect and track motion in a two-dimensional plane. A motion selector button is disposed on the housing of the mobile device and coupled with the processor. The motion selector button actuates and de-actuates the motion sensor such that motion is only detected and motion data forwarded to the processor while the motion selector button is actuated. The mobile device further includes a display for rendering an image corresponding to the detected motion. The processor translates the captured motion data into a scaled two-dimensional image that is completely rendered on the mobile device display.

Abstract: A hand-supportable bar code symbol reading device having a laser scanning engine that is controlled to selectively operate in either an omni-directional scan mode or a single line scan mode. In the single line scan mode of operation, symbol character data produced by the laser scanning engine is communicated to a host device in response to an activation signal produced by a data transmission switch. In the omni-directional scan mode, symbol character data is communicated to the host device irrespective of the activation signal. Preferably, mode selection means selectively operates the laser scanning engine in either the omni-directional scan mode of operation or the single line scan mode of operation in response to placement of the device in a support stand, thereby enabling automatic operation as a stationary hands-free omni-directional projection scanner (in stand), and automatic operation as a portable hand-held line scanner (out of stand).

Abstract: A machine-readable symbol reader for reading machine-readable symbols such as barcode symbols employs a first reflective surface having a first perimeter to create a pointer beam, and a movable second reflective surface with a second perimeter small than the first perimeter to create a scanning beam. The pointer and scanner beams may exist simultaneously and may be formed from a same illumination beam.

Abstract: A printer for printing a second interface onto a second surface, in response to sensed coded data received from a sensing device in the form of a stylus. The indicating data is sensed by the stylus from first coded data included in a first interface disposed on a first surface. The printer includes an input module and a printing module. The input module is configured to receive the sensed data from the stylus. The input module generates indicating data based on the sensed data. The indicating data is sent to a computer system. The printing module includes a printing mechanism configured to receive the response data derived from the sensed coded data from the computer system. The second interface is based at least partially on the response data. The printing module then prints the second interface onto the second surface using the printing mechanism.

Abstract: A portable digital image capturing and processing system comprising an image formation and detection subsystem, an LED-based illumination subsystem, an automatic light exposure measurement subsystem, and an automatic illumination control subsystem. The image formation and detection subsystem has an area-type image sensing array for detecting digital images of objects formed thereon by image formation optics providing a field of view (FOV) for the system. The automatic light exposure measurement subsystem employs a photodetector operated independently from the area-type image sensing array, for automatically measuring the light exposure incident upon a selected portion of the FOV, and producing an electrical signal representative of the light exposure measurement. The automatic illumination control subsystem responds to the electrical signal and controls the duration of LED-based illumination produced from the LED-based illumination subsystem during the image capture mode.

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 and system in a computerized health care environment for determining whether a consumable may be safely administered to a body site of a patient is provided. A patient identifier to identify a patient and a consumable identifier identifying a consumable are received. A body site identifier identifying a location on the body of the patient to which the attachment is to be placed is received. The patient identifier, consumable identifier and body site identifier are utilized to determined whether the consumable may be safely administered to the body site of the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for inputting graphical information into a computer system. The graphical information may arise when a drawing device is moved relative to a base having a position-coding pattern detectable by an optical sensor in the drawing device. The computer system may record position information arising from a first area of the base as graphical input while recording position information arising from a second area of the base as the selection of a property associated with the graphical input. Such a property may be a visual property, such as line type, line thickness, and color.

Abstract: A portable digital image capturing and processing system comprising: an image formation and detection subsystem; a narrow-band illumination subsystem; a narrow-band transmission-type optical filter subsystem; an automatic light exposure measurement subsystem; and an automatic illumination control subsystem. The image formation and detection subsystem has an area-type image sensing array for detecting digital images of objects formed thereon by image formation optics providing a field of view (FOV) for the system. Within the FOV of the image formation and detection subsystem, the narrow-band illumination subsystem produces a field of narrow-band illumination consisting essentially of a narrow band of wavelengths of visible illumination.

Abstract: An aiming pattern assembly (60) for an imaging-based bar code reader (10) including: a light source assembly (62) generating focused light; a pattern shaping assembly (66) receiving focused light from the light source assembly (62) and including a first area (66a) and a non-overlapping second area (66b), focused light passing through the first area (66a) creating a first aiming pattern (P1) projected toward a field of view (FV) and passing through the second area (66b) creating a second aiming pattern (P2) projected toward the field of view (FV); and a pattern selection assembly (68) receiving the first and second aiming patterns (P1, P2) and passing at least one of the first and second aiming patterns (P1, P2).

Abstract: A control switch arrangement for sequentially controlling different operating states in a moving beam reader or an imager employs a force sensing resistor switch requiring a low actuation force, and a control switch with improved tactile feedback and ergonomic efficiency between the switches.

Abstract: A heater is provided in a cordless reader, or in a cradle, for heating the reader simultaneously with charging a battery pack on the reader, to resist the formation of condensation in the reader, or fogging or frosting of a protective window of the reader.

Abstract: A system and method for reading an optical code is provided. The optical code reader system includes a dual aim/illumination assembly including a single light source generating: a) light having a first intensity for providing an aim pattern visible to a user for aiming the aim pattern at a target during an aim period of a scan cycle having at least an aim period and an exposure period; and b) light having a second intensity greater than the first intensity for providing illumination during the exposure period of the scan cycle. An imager module having an array of photo sensors senses incident light and generating image signals corresponding to the sensing during the exposure period.

Abstract: An automatic data collection device is provided with an aiming beam that can be deactivated prior to reading a target machine-readable symbol. The data collection device includes a sensor that generates one or more signals associated with light received by the sensor. The sensor signal(s) is used to adjust the illumination levels for the sensor and/or the gain of the sensor, and are also used to deactivate the aiming beam prior to reading the target machine-readable symbol or to perform other illumination adjustment.

Abstract: An automatic digital-imaging based code symbol reading system supporting pass-through and presentation modes of system operation, automatic object direction detection and illumination control, and video image capture and processing techniques. By virtue of the present invention, the automatic digital-imaging based code symbol reading system ensures the reliable reading of code symbols graphically represented in digital images, in high-throughput point-of-sale and other environments.

Abstract: Described is an improved trigger assembly for use in an electronic device. The trigger assembly includes a pressure sensitive member and a trigger button. The pressure sensitive member includes two or more conductive lines. The pressure sensitive member is secured to a portion of the mobile terminal. The trigger button is secured to the mobile terminal in a manner such that a force applied to the trigger button causes a resultant force to be applied on the pressure sensitive member. The force applied on the pressure sensitive member causes a change in an electrical property between at least two of the conductive lines. A module measures the electrical property between the conductive lines. A function of the device is initiated depending on a comparison of the measured electrical property to a threshold value.

Abstract: A laser scanning device for scanning an interface surface of a product item is provided. The interface surface has visible information relating to the product item and a plurality of tags disposed thereon. Each tag contains coded data indicative of an identity of the product item and a plurality of locations on the interface surface. At least some of the tags are coincident with the visible information. The scanning device comprises: (a) a housing; (b) a laser for emitting a scanning beam from the housing; (c) a sensor for sensing the coded data contained a tag exposed by the scanning beam; and (d) a processor for determining, using the sensed coded data, product identity data indicative of the identity of the product item and location data indicative of a location of the exposed tag on the interface surface.

Abstract: A product for electronic transmission of handwritten information is provided. The product comprises at least one writing area for the handwritten information, wherein the writing area comprises a position-coding pattern comprising a plurality of first coded tags and wherein an arbitrary position area of the position-coding pattern unambiguously defines a position on the product. The product further comprises an address area indicating an address to which the handwritten information is to be sent, wherein the address area comprises an address-coding pattern comprising a plurality of second coded tags and wherein an arbitrary address portion of the address-coding pattern is unambiguously indicative of the address.

Abstract: A wireless automatically-activated bar code symbol reading system for use in a work environment, the system including a device controller programmed to automatically detect when a wireless hand-supportable bar code symbol reader is located inside of a predetermined RF communication range based on measuring the strength of a detected reference signal, and thereupon to automatically transmit to a first RF-based transceiver, the symbol character data string produced while the wireless hand-supportable bar code symbol reader is located inside of the predetermined RF communication range.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of and apparatus for dynamically and adaptively controlling system control parameters (SCPs) in a multi-mode image capture and processing system, wherein (i) automated real-time exposure quality analysis of captured digital images is automatically performed in a user-transparent manner, and (ii) system control parameters (e.g. illumination and exposure control parameters) are automated reconfigured based on the results of such exposure quality analysis, so as to achieve improved system functionality and/or performance in diverse environments.

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.

Abstract: A hand-supportable digital image capture and processing system including a hand-supportable housing having an imaging window, and an area-type image formation and detection subsystem having image formation optics for projecting a field of view (FOV) through the imaging window and upon an object within the FOV, and forming and detecting 2D digital images of the object on an area-type image detection array. The system includes an object presence detection subsystem for automatically detecting an object within the FOV, and generating a first trigger event indicative of automatic object detection within the FOV. The system also includes an object targeting illumination subsystem for generating and projecting a visible targeting illumination beam within the FOV, in response to the generation of the first trigger event signal.

Abstract: A hand-supportable digital image capture and processing system including a hand-supportable housing having an imaging window, and an area-type image formation and detection subsystem having image formation optics for projecting a field of view (FOV) through the imaging window and an area type image detection array having a snap-shot mode of operation for forming and detecting a 2D digital image of the object during each image acquisition cycle of the image detection array. The system includes a manual trigger switch integrated with the hand-supportable housing, for generating a trigger event, indicative that a code symbol on the detected object is aligned with the visible targeting illumination beam and is ready for illumination and imaging. The system includes an object targeting illumination subsystem for generating and projecting a visible targeting illumination beam within the FOV, in response to the generation of the trigger event signal.

Abstract: A transaction apparatus (10) includes a multifunction card (12) and a portable terminal (14). The multifunction card includes a programmable memory (18). The programmable memory is used to store indicia corresponding to account data from a plurality of conventional magnetic stripe cards. The programmable memory further includes signature data representative of user-identifying signature. The signature data can comprise a scanned user-identifying written signature. A user can operate the apparatus to select one of the accounts stored in memory. The user can also use the apparatus to transmit the signature data via wireless communication during a transaction. The transmitted signature data can be compared to an actual user signature written on an electronic signature pad for a determination of correspondence.

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 a 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: A computer case includes a primary frame body formed from a plurality of primary supports, a cover case mounted on the outside of the primary frame body, and a power supply coupled to the rear area of the primary frame body. The computer case preferably also includes a power supply support frame so that the power supply can be fixed, in a steady manner, onto the primary frame body. In addition, for the ornamental purposes, an ornamental case can be coupled to the outside of the power supply.