Abstract: A rotation-activated electronic component, preferably a RFID tag mounted on or incorporated in a support that is rotated when read, e.g. a CD or DVD. The RFID tag comprises an antenna, a rotational switch, a component, advantageously a processor, and a time usage limiter. The antenna is adapted to transform received RFID signals to electric energy that powers the component and the rotational switch is adapted to cut the circuit unless the support does not rotate at or above a certain rotational speed. The time usage limiter counts down a timer when it is powered via the rotational switch and disables the RFID tag when the timer expires. Supports equipped with the RFID tag of the invention will thus respond until the timer expires, and preferably only if they rotate sufficiently.

Abstract: An optical text scanning device compatible with a small handheld computer such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). The scanning device allows for a clear view of the text that is scanned simultaneous to the scanning process so that the operator can continuously align the device to the text. The scanned images of the text are converted in real-time to standard byte or word characters for subsequent display on the computer's viewing screen. The operator can quickly verify the accuracy of the conversion by comparing the displayed character with the actual character of text on the surface that is being scanned. Scanned text characters are stored in standard digital text files for ease of manipulation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a handheld code reader that has a plurality of operating characteristics where each operating characteristic can have a plurality of different states wherein a recipe includes a specific set of states of at least first and second characteristics, the method for switching between recipes and 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 from a current recipe to a next recipe when the circumstance set occurs.

Abstract: Barcode detection method and systems are typically configured for reading each barcode individually. However, it is often advantageous to read a plurality of barcodes (or a batch of barcodes) in a single scanning operation. Provided is a barcode detection method and system which is capable of scanning an area including one or more barcodes, detecting and decoding the barcodes in the scanned area and generating a batch of barcodes all in a single scanning operation.

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: A coupon management system includes a synthetic barcode module. The synthetic barcode module comprises light management components and a controller. The light management components include an LED operating as both an optical receiver and an optical emitter The controller interfaces with a compatible electronic device such as a cell phone via an analog audio interface, receives analog audio signals corresponding to coupon barcodes, produces timing data for managing optical output, determines if the received light pulses correspond to scanner output, and using the timing data outputs driver signals to cause the light management module to emit light pulses that emulate light reflected from a scanned barcode to communicate the coupon barcode optically.

Abstract: A method and device for receiving an image of a symbology captured by an imaging device, displaying an image of the symbology, displaying a boundary indicator around the symbology, adjusting the image size to correspond with the boundary indicator, decoding the symbology, and initiating an action by device.

Abstract: An indicia reading terminal for reading of a decodable indicia is provided wherein the indicia reading terminal includes an image sensor integrated circuit comprising an image sensor having a plurality of pixels; a memory for storing image data, and a unit for processing the image data for attempting to decode decodable indicia represented in the image data; and an optical system, including a lens assembly and at least a first aperture and a second aperture, the second aperture being smaller than the first aperture. The lens assembly comprises one or more lens elements. The first aperture is disposed in the lens assembly, and the second aperture is disposed at a distal end of the optical system, adjacent to the lens assembly.

Abstract: There is provided an image capture apparatus and method. An image capture device can be used in the decoding of a decodable indicia, e.g., bar code symbols and/or text characters and can further be used in the capture of one or more images that may or may not be subjected to decoding processes. In one embodiment, an image captured with use of an image capture device is an image of an item bearing a decodable indicia. In one embodiment, an image capture device can have a plurality of user selectable modes of operation.

Abstract: A portable, cordless hand-held device for locating an active electronic article surveillance (EAS) device, managing the activation/deactivation status of the EAS device and logging information relating to alarm events triggered by the EAS device. The device includes an EAS detector for detecting the presence of an EAS tag or label, a state manipulator for manipulating the activation/deactivation state of the detected active EAS label, at least one data capture device for capturing data related to the alarm event, and a memory for storage of the captured data.

Abstract: There is set forth herein in one embodiment an image sensor array including a global shutter shared by first and second pixels. The global shutter can include a charge storage area having an associated shield for reducing charge build up on the charge storage area attributable to incident light rays. There is set forth herein in one embodiment an imaging apparatus having one or more configuration. The one or more configuration can include one or more of a configuration wherein a frame read out from an image sensor array has unbinned pixel values, a configuration wherein a frame read out from an image sensor array has binned pixel values corresponding to an M×N, M>=2, N>=2 arrangement of pixel values, and a configuration wherein a frame read out from an image sensor array has binned pixel values corresponding to a 1×N, N>=2 arrangement of pixel values.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decoding codes applied to objects for use with an image sensor that includes a two dimensional field of view (FOV), the method comprising the steps of providing a processor programmed to perform the steps of obtaining an image of the FOV and applying different decode algorithms to code candidates in the obtained image to attempt to decode the code candidates wherein the decode algorithm applied to each candidate is a function of the location of the code candidate in the FOV.

Abstract: A trigger mechanism with soft stops and associated method for activating a switch in a device or apparatus. The trigger mechanism includes a trigger receptacle, a trigger disposed in the trigger receptacle and movable between an un-actuated and an actuated position by a user depressing the trigger, and a soft stop comprised of at least one projection positioned to engage a resilient elastomeric insert. Moving the trigger from the un-actuated to actuated position compresses the elastomeric insert with the projection and activates the switch to provide a tactile sensation of the switch activation to the user. The switch may be an electric switch disposed in a hand held device, such as a barcode scanner in some embodiments.

Abstract: A method of, and a system and a label for, authenticating an object in situ create an authentication pattern signature for the object to be authenticated, associate a random distribution of multiple, three-dimensional elements with the object, aim a portable, handheld, image capture device at the object to capture return light from the elements as a single image, verify from the single image that the elements are three-dimensional, process the single image to generate an image pattern of the elements, compare the image pattern with the authentication pattern signature, and indicate that the object is authentic when the image pattern matches the authentication pattern signature.

Abstract: The method includes automatically adjusting a first control parameter in a device for capturing a first plurality of images, automatically adjusting a second control parameter in the device for capturing a second plurality of images such that automatic adjustment of the first control parameter is interspersed with, separate from, and obtained generally concurrently with the automatic adjustment of the second control parameter. The adjustment of the first control parameter being determined differently compared to adjustment of the second control parameter. The method may include attempting to decode a decodable indicia utilizing one or more images of the first and second plurality of images.

Abstract: The invention relates to A method for speeding up the detection and the activation of the communication protocol used between a terminal (2) and a UICC (4) supporting at least one High Speed protocol (HSP). The method according to the invention is characterized by providing the terminal (2) with information about the High Speed Protocol supported by said UICC (4) through the current interface prior to the communication with said UICC (4) through a HSP interface.

Abstract: The invention provides a remittance platform in which an enterprise, such as Wells Fargo, serves as a remittance transfer agent, where the remittance function is integrated with a bank. The invention allows access to the remittance program by both account holders with the enterprise and persons who do not have an account with the enterprise. The person accessing the service may pick the remittance service they want and the country they want. However, the service is not anchored to a particular account and can therefore work with both bank partners and non-bank partners and account holders and non-account holders. Further, the system may be private-labeled. Additionally, the invention provides a mechanism that allows one to send money easily to other countries and it allows bank partners to participate in the program easily as well. This is possible because the enterprise provides all of the processing in an integrated fashion.

Abstract: A method of reading information bearing indicia comprising the steps of: scanning indicia on a vehicular license plate utilizing an indicia reader; decoding the data; and, utilizing the decoded data to retrieve information regarding the vehicle and/or vehicle operator from a remote database.

Abstract: An optical reader for reading decodable indicia is provided. In one embodiment, the optical reader can include an image sensor. In one aspect, the optical reader can be configured to read bar codes such as 1D bar codes. Particular methods and apparatus for reading decodable indicia are described.

Abstract: A method includes, but is not limited to: obtaining and coordinating the one or more sequences of two or more conformations of one or more portions of one or more regions of the flexible electronic device with one or more commands. In addition to the foregoing, other related method/system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: An intelligent synchronization tool ensures access to desired content in a manner that automatically keeps the content current on the portable media device. A variation threshold or user-specified degree of content variation may be introduced among content downloaded to a user's mobile device to prevent the user from becoming bored. Furthermore, intelligent synchronization may automatically populate the portable media device with popular content to save a user time and/or use passive monitoring techniques to ascertain a user's preferences for subsequent population.

Abstract: A laptop that interacts with a television system. At least one module may be adapted to receive a user input identifying a video selection. The at least one module may also be adapted to display video information corresponding to the video selection. The at least one module may further be adapted to transmit a control signal adapted to cause the display of video information corresponding to the video selection on the television system. The laptop may, for example, be adapted to receive television system setting information and provide for user control of various television system settings. Also for example, the laptop may be adapted to receive media guide information, present such information to a user, provide for user selection of a media element, and transmit a control signal adapted to cause delivery of the selected media element from a multimedia source to the television system.

Abstract: To improve convenience of a data carrier system, a cellular phone (30) which is carried by a user and includes an RFID communication unit (36) reading identification information of an RFID from the RFID in the vicinity in a non-contact state contains a user correlation unit (311) counting the number of times of reading with respect to identification information which have been read, selecting at least one carrier identification information from the identification information which have been read, and correlating the at least one carrier identification information with the user.

Abstract: An exemplary method of operating a hand held optical indicia reader includes: capturing in a setup mode a plurality of images of setup symbologies; displaying symbology representations of the symbologies on a graphic user interface (GUI); sorting at least two of the symbology images into a sequencing order utilizing the GUI; storing the sequencing order; capturing in a use mode an image of a target having at least one use symbologies provided thereon, the at least one use symbologies correlating with at least one of the setup symbologies; decoding at least two of the use symbologies; and, outputting the decoded use symbologies in the sequencing order.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an indicia reading terminal operative to capture and process a succession of frames of image data during an operator activated read attempt. The succession of frames can comprise alternating frames, wherein the alternating frames can have first and second frame featurizations. The frames having the first frame featurization can have a first window position and the frames of the second featurization can have a second window position. In one embodiment, exposure of frames of the first featurization can be controlled according to a first exposure control process and exposure of frames of the second featurization can be controlled according to a second exposure control process. In one embodiment, gain that is applied to image signals of frames of the first featurization can be controlled according to a first gain control process and gain that is applied to image signals of frames of the second featurization can be controlled according to second gain control process.

Abstract: A lens element is provided that includes a housing defining a center bore and an optical axis, and a light transmissive cover coupled to the housing. A first elastic solid lens is disposed within the housing adjacent the light transmissive cover, and is characterized by a first thickness and a first durometer hardness. A second elastic solid lens is disposed in the housing adjacent to and substantially conforming to the first elastic solid lens, and is characterized by a second thickness and a second durometer hardness. The second lens thickness is less than the first lens thickness, and the second durometer hardness is greater than the first durometer hardness. In one embodiment, the first durometer hardness is less than OO60 as measured by the Shore method, and the second durometer hardness is in the range of A20 to A60 as measured by the Shore method.

Abstract: A portable handheld device for wireless order entry and real time payment authorization may include a portable housing, a display carried by the housing, an order entry input device carried by the housing, a transaction card input device carried by the housing for reading user sensitive information from a transaction card, a wireless transceiver carried by the housing, and a processor carried by the housing and connected to the display, order entry input device, transaction card input device and wireless transceiver. The processor may be for wirelessly sending input order information, and encrypting and wirelessly sending the user sensitive information from the transaction card without storing and without displaying. The processor may also be for wirelessly receiving and displaying payment authorization information based upon real time authorization from a transaction card issuing entity.

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

Abstract: An apparatus having an image sensor is provided. An image sensor of the apparatus can include a two dimensional image sensor. A lens assembly can be provided in combination with an image sensor. In one aspect, an apparatus can attempt to decode a decodable symbol representation. In one aspect an apparatus can output a frame of image data.

Abstract: There is provided in one embodiment an indicia reading apparatus having an image sensor array. The indicia reading apparatus can have a first operator selectable configuration and a second operator selectable configuration.

Abstract: There is described a device having a two dimensional imager. The device having a two dimensional image sensor can be a hand held device. Imaging optics can be provided for focusing light reflected from a target onto the two dimensional imager. An image including imaging data can be obtained utilizing the hand held device. The image can include a representation of a signature.

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 provide for illuminating a subject using a light pipe that transmits light from a source. A method includes providing a light pipe, the light pipe defining an inner lumen through which the image sensor views the subject; providing a light source in alignment with a proximal portion of the light pipe; and using the light source, projecting a light into the light pipe and through the light pipe, the light pipe including a distal portion for providing a high-angle bright field illumination pattern on the subject with a first portion of the light and for reflecting a second portion of the light for providing a low-angle dark field illumination pattern on the subject.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for transferring data to a mobile device through animated barcodes. The mobile device scans, with a barcode reader, at least a first barcode and then scans at least a second barcode, whereby the barcodes are shown on a display. The display is in an open-loop relationship with the mobile device. The mobile device decodes the at least first and second barcodes to extract a first data portion and an associated first sequence identification, and a second data portion and an associated second sequence identification. The mobile device combines the first and second data portions according to the associated sequence identifications.

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 camera unit includes a display for displaying an image to be captured; an image sensor for digitally capturing the displayed image; a card reader having a linear scanner for scanning a surface of a removable card to sense a plurality of dots printed on the surface of the removable card, the plurality of dots representing a bit pattern encoding a program script; a card interface for receiving a signal from the card reader indicative of the sensed plurality of dots printed on the surface of the card, and decoding the sensed plurality of dots into the program script; and a printer configured to print a distorted image on print media, the distorted image being a version of the captured image distorted in accordance with the program script. The card reader comprises a molding housing therewithin a plurality of light sources, the molding being transparent to light from the light sources and shaped to focus the light on the removable card.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include a method, service, apparatus, etc., that sets at least one integrated circuit board (that has programmable elements) to a programming state. When such programmable elements are set to the programming state, they are capable of being changed. Once the programmable elements are set to be changed, at least one printed sheet is scanned. The scanning can be preformed using any scanner that is operatively connected to the integrated circuit board through, for example, a processor. Again, the printed data (e.g., the barcodes or glyphs or other computer-only readable markings) on the printed sheet comprises the reprogramming data. The processor reads the barcodes or glyphs from the bitmap generated by the scanner, and executes the reprogramming data to change the logical instructions and data maintained within the programmable elements.

Abstract: A method includes, but is not limited to: obtaining and controlling display of one or more portions of the flexible interface containing electronic device regarding display of second information having one or more classifications in response to the first information associated with the one or more changes in the one or more conformations of the one or more portions of the one or more regions of the flexible interface containing electronic device. In addition to the foregoing, other related method/system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A digital-imaging based code symbol reading system which automatically detects hand-induced vibration when the user attempts to read one or more 1D and/or 2D code symbols on an object, and controls system operation in order to reduce motion blur in digital images captured by the hand-supportable system, whether operated in a snap-shot or video image capture mode. An accelerometer sensor is used to automatically detect hand/system acceleration in a vector space during system operation. In a first embodiment, digital image capture is initiated when the user manually depresses a trigger switch, and decode processed only when the measured acceleration of the hand-supportable housing is below predetermined acceleration threshold levels. In another embodiment, digital image capture is initiated when an object is automatically detected in the field of view of the system, and decode processed only when the measured acceleration of the hand-supportable housing is below predetermined acceleration threshold levels.

Abstract: A substrate having a coding pattern disposed on a surface thereof. The coding pattern comprises a plurality of contiguous tags, each tag comprising x-coordinate data and y-coordinate data. A y-axis is nominally defined as north-south and an x-axis is nominally defined as east-west. A plurality of data elements are contained in each tag. The x-coordinate data is represented by a respective set of data elements and the y-coordinate data is represented by a respective set of data elements. The x-coordinate data has two replications within a respective tag, a first replication in a western half of the tag and a second replication in an eastern half of the tag. The y-coordinate data has two replications within a respective tag, a first replication in a northern half of the tag and a second replication in a southern half of the tag.

Abstract: A portable device includes coded information reading means, digital image acquisition means and an illuminator, associated with the acquisition means for acquiring images. The illuminator is powerable by a driving signal which corresponds to a first current signal in a first operating mode for illuminating an image to be acquired and is powerable by the driving signal which corresponds to a second current signal in a second operating mode for emitting a visual indication indicating the outcome of the reading of the coded information, read by coded information reading means. The illuminator, which acts as a flash to acquire an image in the first operating mode, thus also acts as a visual indication of the reading outcome in the second operating mode and illuminates with a continuous or intermittent light the space in front of the illuminator to indicate to an operator that the coded information has been read.

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

Abstract: A method includes, but is not limited to: obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more sequences of two or more conformations of one or more portions of one or more regions of the flexible interface and coordinating the one or more changes in one or more sequences of two or more conformations of one or more portions of one or more regions of the flexible interface with one or more commands. In addition to the foregoing, other related method/system aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A scanner module is constructed for use in a high impact, high usage environment. The industrial scanner employs a substantially box-like enclosure with an integral handle extending from a bottom portion forming an elongated slot. A scanner window is located in one panel of the enclosure and cushioning materials disposed in the enclosure for providing heavy-duty impact resistance. An externally accessible keyboard display window and a display assembly is employed at a frontal portion of the enclosure.

Abstract: There is described a device having a two dimensional imager. The device having a two dimensional image sensor can be a hand held device. Imaging optics can be provided for focusing light reflected from a target onto the two dimensional imager. An image including imaging data can be obtained utilizing the hand held device.

Abstract: A hand held industrial identification symbol reader projects diffuse illumination onto a region of interest to produce high contrast images of symbols. The diffuse illumination is particularly well suited for producing images of symbols that are marked directly on objects. The diffuse illumination is created through the use of an optically translucent diffuser having a generally tapered shape that distributes diffuse illumination throughout the field of view of the reader. The diffuse illumination can be supplemented with dark field illumination using selectively actuated illumination sources.

Abstract: A system and method for performing soil analysis is disclosed. The method comprises generating a plurality of soil sample containers each having a unique identifier associated therewith. Pulling at least one soil sample from a field and placing the at least one soil sample in a respective one of the plurality of soil sample containers. Scanning the unique identifier associated with the soil sample container containing the at least one soil sample with a remote terminal. Obtaining a geographic coordinate reading associated with a location in the field from where the soil sample is obtained and associating the soil sample with the unique identifier and the geographic coordinate reading.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging device of the type having an imaging assembly including a two dimensional image sensor. In one embodiment an imaging device can be used to obtain an area image representation. In one embodiment, the image representation can be processed. The processing of the image representation can include recognition of an indicia represented in the image representation. In one embodiment an image imaging device can output image data to a first external processing system responsively to reorganization of first indicia and can output image data to a second external processing system responsively to recognition of second indicia.

Abstract: There is provided in one embodiment an apparatus having an image sensor array. In one embodiment, the image sensor array can include monochrome pixels and color sensitive pixels. The monochrome pixels can be pixels without wavelength selective color filter elements. The color sensitive pixels can include wavelength selective color filter elements.