Abstract: A retail checkout system includes a customer-operated portable terminal with a data reader, such as a barcode scanner, and a customer-operated self-checkout station with an automated payment-accepting subsystem. Customers use the portable terminal to identify and log products that are selected as they move through a store. Item identification data is then transferred to the self-checkout station, where the customer pays for the selected products using the automated payment-accepting subsystem.

Abstract: A system for illuminating and reading information on a target (12) includes an illuminating device (14) for illuminating the target, separate from the illuminating device a user wearable reader device (11) for capturing an optical image of the target when illuminated by the illuminating device, detector means (30, 35) for detecting the location of the reader device and adjustment means (36, 22) for adjusting the illumination provided by the illumination device in response to a signal provided by the detector means so that a region (33) on the target illuminated by the illuminating means is readable by the reader device. A method of use of the system and an illumination unit for use in the system are also described.

Abstract: RF devices used in financial and other transactions are moved sequentially to stations of a preparation device that prepares the RF devices for delivery to customers. At one station, an RF reader reads an identification code from the RF device and a label reader reads information on a mailing label. The read information is used to verify the mailing information to assure that the RF device is being delivered to the correct recipient.

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

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

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

Abstract: A RFID transponder dispenser and authorizer (RTDA) system for distributing and activating an RFID Transponder at a point of purchase. The system has a storage for Transponders and Transponders in the storage. It also has at least one electronic data reader, network access to a processor system, and an application for customer data verification, electronic data and account data verification across the network at the processor, an interface to the RTDA apparatus to control dispensing of Transponders, and receiving an account verification code and an activation confirmation code from the processor. The RTDA reads customer electronic account data, verifies same and verifies the account is valid, dispenses a Transponder to a customer, reads the Transponder ID code, and associates the Transponder ID code with the customer's electronic account data in a unique customer record in an RFID database, and receives an account activation confirmation code and displays confirmation of activation to the customer.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus comprising: a housing; an infrared filter window supported by the housing; and an infrared transceiver mounted in the housing so that infrared light emitted by the infrared transceiver is focused in the vicinity of the infrared window, and radiates from the infrared filter window in an approximately 30 degree illumination cone.

Abstract: A data transmission subsystem, operably coupled to the bar code reading engine, communicates such symbol character data to the communication interface of a host system over a communication link therebetween. The data transmission subsystem implements a plurality of different communication interfaces. During an interface configuration mode of operation, the data transmission subsystem is able to automatically configure itself such that its interface is suitable for communication to the communication interface of the host system. Moreover, the device is thus capable of interfacing to a variety of different host devices in an automatic and error free manner with minimal human involvement, thus providing significant advantages over the prior art bar code symbol reading devices.

Abstract: Battery power consumption and data transfer latency of an electro-optical reader in a wireless network are minimized by turning a radio off in a default state, and by turning the radio on only after the reader has generated data to be transferred along the network.

Abstract: A mobile data reading system for reading bulky data-associated articles being manually handled by a user includes a frame mounted on rollers to facilitate moving the frame over a support surface to selected locations. A reader having a reader head is mounted to the frame for receiving a data signal from a data-associated item to be read when the article is brought within a proximal distance to the reader head without requiring handling of the reader head by the user during scanning of articles. The mobile data reading system also includes a data storage device for receiving and storing data associated with the received data signal and a power supply for supplying power to the reader.

Abstract: A code symbol reading device includes a portable housing that contains a source of optical energy. This optical energy is projected into a scan field external to the housing and is incident upon a code symbol situated on an object located within the scan field. Optical energy reflected off the code symbol is detected within the housing to produce scan data that is indicative of the detected optical energy. The scan data is processed to detect and decode the code symbol and to produce symbol character data that are representative of the decoded code symbol. A data packet utilizing the symbol character data is constructed and then used to modulate an electromagnetic carrier sign that is transmitted to a base unit. At the base unit, the carrier signal is demodulated and the data packet is recovered. The received data packet is processed to recover the symbol character data, and an acknowledgment signal is generated to acknowledge the receipt of the symbol character data at the base unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved order fulfillment system. The system is provided with improved data entry system for selecting items for purchase by a customer, and an improved item collection terminal and order delivery system. The portable terminal to be used for collecting of items is provided with an audio as well as video presentation means which are used to provide assistance to the to terminal user.

Abstract: A method of and system for providing machine-readable tags, preferably programmable RFID tags are provided. In one embodiment of the present invention, a receptacle having at least one wall member that defines an enclosure and a tag associated with the receptacle, which includes machine-readable information regarding a product occupying the enclosure is provided. In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the tag includes identification information in electronic form for the product.

Abstract: An installation (1) for the treatment of products comprises: containers (2) for products to be treated and equipped with elements (14) for emitting radiofrequency waves, at least one workstation (5–7) for carrying out a product treatment operation, the workstation being equipped with elements (25–27) for emitting radiofrequency waves, and a system for managing information relating to the products, the system comprising a database (70), an information processing unit (62) and at least one component (10) which may be adapted to the body or garment of an operator, the component comprising: at least one antenna (50) for receiving the radiofrequency waves, and elements (52, 54, 56) for transmitting, to the information processing unit (62), identification information received from the elements (14, 25–27) for emitting radiofrequency waves.

Abstract: A wireless bar code symbol reading system for use in a work environment, comprising a wireless hand-supportable bar code symbol reader in two-way RF communication with a base station operably connected to a host system, by way of an RF-based wireless data communication link having a predetermined RF communication range over which two-way communication of data packets can occur in a reliable manner. When the wireless bar code symbol reader is located inside of the predetermined RF communication range based on measuring the strength of the detected reference signal, it automatically transmits to the base station, the symbol character data string produced while the reader is located inside of the predetermined RF communication range. When the wireless reader is located outside of the range, based on measuring the strength of said detected reference signal, the reader automatically collects and stores the symbol character data string produced during that time.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for communicating information encoded in a bar code format between a mobile communications device and a bar code scanner. Transmission information data is encoded into a bar code format. A signal is generated from the bar code format to simulate a reflection of a scanning beam being moved across a static visual image of the bar code format; and the signal is transmitted as light pulses from the mobile communications device.

Abstract: A photosensor cover and kit for detecting a malfunction in a lighting system, wherein the lighting system comprises an illuminator and a photosensor. The photosensor comprises a photocell that detects a threshold amount of light and electronic circuitry in communication with the photocell that signals the illuminator to turn on/off when the threshold amount of light has been detected by the photocell. The photosensor cover comprises a cap comprising: a barrier layer comprising an opening, wherein the barrier layer is disposed over the housing body such that the barrier layer covers the photocell. The photosensor cover further comprises an adjustment element that allows for the expansion or contraction of the opening, and wherein the adjustment element assists in preventing the threshold amount of light from reaching the photocell.

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 camera-enabled cell phone that is adapted to image a machine readable code such as a bar code, decode the bar code, send the bar code data over the Internet to a resolution server that will return an associated URL that will link the camera phone to content on an information server. Thus, by taking a picture of a bar code symbol, the camera phone will automatically retrieve content from the Internet that has been linked to that bar code.

Abstract: A solid-state imager is mounted at a point-of-transaction workstation for capturing images of diverse targets useful for customer identification, customer payment validation, and operator surveillance. The imager is manually or automatically triggered and is operated at high speed to resist image blurring due to relative movement between the target and the imager.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for communicating information in a light-based signal utilizing a fob device is disclosed. One method disclosed includes encoding transmission information data into a bar code format; generating a signal from the bar code format to simulate a reflection of a scanning beam being moved across a static visual image of the bar code format; and actively transmitting the signal as light pulses from the fob device. Alternatively, commercial information data may be transmitted to a light-based data receiving device by generating a signal from commercial information data and actively transmitting the signal as light pulses from a fob device. Transmission information data may also be transmitted from a fob device by generating a first signal from a first encoded format; generating a second signal from a second encoded format; transmitting the first signal as light pulses from a fob device; and transmitting the second signal from the fob device.

Abstract: A method that allows one to mark information with a pencil on paper equipped with a RFID type circuit, and have the marked information represent answers to questions or queries. The marked entered information may be corrected by erasing the written information with a pencil eraser and writing new information on the paper with a pencil.

Abstract: A bar code reader initiated communications method in which a bar code reader having an internally stored user identification, reads a bar code symbol, processes the data from the bar code symbol and the user identification into a message, and automatically transmits the message over a wireless communication link connected to a network according to a predetermined message delivery profile. The message is received at a distribution node on a network, where the symbol data and the user identification information is processed to determine the message destination station, and delivery options, and an alert is transmitted to the destination station over a specified network, such as a radio frequency paging network.

Abstract: A method that allows one to mark information with a pencil on a label equipped with a RFID type circuit, and have the marked information provided to the RFID circuit, or have the written information cause the RFID circuit to supply information regarding the returned goods. The marked entered information may be corrected by erasing the written information with a pencil eraser and writing new information on the paper with a pencil. Information may also be marked into a RFID circuit or have the marked information cause the RFID circuit to perform some function by utilizing a standard ink jet computer printer to print lines on paper equipped with a RFID type circuit, by having the printed lines perform the function of wires. The aforementioned printed information may be modified by having an individual connect different printed wires by drawing a penciled line between the wires or by punching holes in the printed lines.

Abstract: A method and system for enabling user interaction with computer software running in a computer system. The user interaction is via an interface, such as a sheet of paper bearing information relating to the computer software and coded data indicative of an interactive element relating to the computer software. A sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the interface surface, and senses indicating data indicative of the interactive element. The sensing device also generates movement data indicative of the sensing device's movement relative to the interface surface. The indicating and movement data from the sensing device are received in a computer, and the interactive element identified. The computer software is then operated at least partly in reliance on the movement data, and in accordance with instructions associated with the interactive element.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatically-activated wireless code symbol reading system comprising a bar code symbol reading mechanism contained within a hand-supportable housing having a manually-activatable data transmission switch. During symbol reading operations, the bar code symbol reading mechanism automatically generates a visible laser scanning pattern for repeatedly reading one or more bar code symbols on an object during a bar code symbol reading cycle, and automatically generating a new symbol character data string in response to each bar code symbol read thereby. During system operation, the user visually aligns the visible laser scanning pattern with a particular bar code symbol on an object (e.g. product, bar code menu, etc.) so that the bar code symbol is scanned, detected and decoded in a cyclical manner.

Abstract: A system and method is described which utilizes a dual function reader device, which may be a hand-held inventory control device, which first performs an optical read of an optical bar code on a carrier unit, then based on the identification or other information obtained from the optical read a RF read is made of a RF tag attached to, or within, the carrier unit. An indicator light on the carrier unit illuminates when the optical read is completed, which allows an operator to visually verify that the optical read has transpired for the desired carrier unit. The RF tag provides data regarding the inventory of the goods stored within, or on, the carrier unit, the temperature of the goods, the shelf-life of the goods, the source and/or destination of the carrier unit and/or the goods, or other information. Data can also be written to the RF tag by the reader.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling an electronic utility device is implemented using an electronic reading device. A sensor in the electronic reading device detects portions of an address pattern on a surface that is formatted for use in controlling the electronic utility device. Based on the detected portions, a processor and/or wireless application protocol (WAP) browser, located in the electronic reading device or in a separate electronic device, can identify a position or positions of the electronic reading device relative to the address pattern and translate the identified position(s) into a control message. The control message is transmitted to a WAP server module associated with the electronic utility device, and the WAP server module accesses, controls, or operates the electronic utility device in accordance with the control message.

Abstract: A printing unit 14 is built into an upper portion of a handheld terminal (11), a display unit (13) is built into the middle portion, and a key inputting unit (12) is built into a lower portion. A laser type scanner (15) for reading a barcode, etc. is built into the right side of the main body, and a switch (16) for turning on/off the scanner (15) is built into the proximity of the bottom of the scanner (15). The scanner (15) is aimed at the direction of a barcode, and the switch (16) is turned on to irradiate a laser beam, so that the barcode can be read.

Abstract: An accountability and identification system includes multiple touch sensors and at least one instrument. At least one of the touch sensors is a personal identification touch sensor having user information on a unique user stored in the memory. One or more touch sensors may be a data touch sensor having user information on a unique group of users stored in the memory. Immediate danger to life and health (IDLH) devices have an IDLH touch sensor mounted thereon having information unique to the specific IDLH device stored in the memory. Each of the instruments includes a receptacle for reading the information stored on touch sensors, a microprocessor having a memory portion for storing operating software and the information read by the receptacle, a display, and an operator interface for controlling operation of the operating software.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for communicating information encoded in a bar code format between a mobile communications device and a bar code scanner. Transmission information data is encoded into a bar code format. A signal is generated from the bar code format to simulate a reflection of a scanning beam being moved across a static visual image of the bar code format; and the signal is transmitted as light pulses from the mobile communications device.

Abstract: A portable data collection device has a display; manual data entry circuitry; a processor for receiving entered data and for controlling the display; a first wireless communication circuit for receiving data using a first protocol over short range from at least one data transmitting unit and a second wireless communication circuit using a second protocol for transmitting and receiving data over a long range from a host.

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

Abstract: A method that allows one to mark information with a pencil on a material equipped with a RFID type circuit, and have the marked information stored in a RFID circuit that is a component of a personal identification system and/or a document identification system. The marked entered information may be corrected by erasing the written information with a pencil eraser and writing new information on paper with a pencil. Information may also be marked into a RFID circuit and have the marked information stored in the RFID circuit by utilizing a standard ink jet computer printer to print lines on paper equipped with a RFID type circuit, by having the printed lines perform the function of wires.

Abstract: A wireless ATM system (30) comprises one or more wireless ATMs (32, 34, 36) that are operative to wirelessly communicate with a wireless ATM server (38). The wireless ATMs each include a wireless network interface (41). The wireless ATM server includes a corresponding wireless access point or wireless hub (40). Wireless transmission between the wireless ATMs and wireless ATM server is secured with a wireless encryption protocol. The wireless ATM server is operative to communicate with at least one host banking system (46) through at least one public or private network (44). The wireless ATM server is operative to route transaction and event messages between the host banking system and each of the wireless ATMs using a message gateway router (43). The wireless ATM server further includes a firewall (42).

Abstract: An electronic hand held wireless device and system are provided to implement various inventorying and/or ordering of implant and/or tissue products from remote sites. The invention also provides a method whereby the hand held device, when in communication with a data base remote from said wireless device, permits real time inventory of available products to be ascertained and real time wireless remote ordering of such products can be effected. Other information, such as product specification, storage requirements and surgical techniques can also be accessed by the hand held device.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: A user is provided with a secure database containing information in diverse categories that relates to the user and that may be represented at least in part in bar code form and communicated with light from a mobile communications device. The diverse information is obtained from any combination of a variety of vendor and governmental computer systems, internet service providers, and communications devices. The user has access to the database using a mobile communications device for displaying, managing, and entering information, and for communicating information in bar code form with light. The user first selects the category that contains the specific item of information, and then selects the specific item of information. The specific item of information then is communicated in bar code form with light from the mobile communications device for scanning by a bar code scanner to obtain the desired good or service.

Abstract: A remote control device that is combined with a modified RFID circuit that allows an individual to enter information into different types of equipment. When an individual touches graphite contacts on the modified RFID circuit with his/her finger, the circuit will activate a RFID reader causing an action on another device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for communicating information contained in one or several barcodes towards one or several remote servers.

Abstract: In the present invention, a system for interlocking material supply equipment in semiconductor manufacture management system comprises collecting means for collecting a user's identification and content identification of material supply equipment. Communication means is for transferring the user's identification and the content identification. A controller is communicated with the material supply equipment and the collecting means through the communication means. Alarm means is coupled to the material supply equipment and communicated with the controller. A method for interlocking managing change materials of material supply equipment comprises collecting a changed material information in an material supply equipment. The changed material information is checked by a controller communicated with the material supply equipment. An alarm message is transferred to the material supply equipment from the controller. The corresponding material supply equipment is disabled according to said alarm message.

Abstract: A code symbol reading device includes a portable housing that contains a source of optical energy. This optical energy is projected into a scan field external to the housing and is incident upon a code symbol situated on an object located within the scan field. Optical energy reflected off the code symbol is detected within the housing to produce scan data that is indicative of the detected optical energy. The scan data is processed to detect and decode the code symbol and to produce symbol character data that are representative of the decoded code symbol. A data packet utilizing the symbol character data is constructed and then used to modulate an electromagnetic carrier sign that is transmitted to a base unit. At the base unit, the carrier signal is demodulated and the data packet is recovered. The received data packet is processed to recover the symbol character data, and an acknowledgment signal is generated to acknowledge the receipt of the symbol character data at the base unit.