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

Abstract: A focus module containing a boundary element and a focus element. The focus element includes a fluid and a deformable membrane, with the fluid being entrapped between the boundary element and the deformable membrane. The focus module also includes a pressure element, which is capable of deforming the focus element by pressing on the deformable membrane in the direction of the boundary element.

Abstract: A system for one or more portions of one or more regions of an electronic paper assembly having one or more display layers includes, but is not limited to: one or more conformation sensor modules configured to direct acquisition of first information associated with one or more conformations of one or more portions of one or more regions of the electronic paper assembly and one or more multi-layer display control modules configured to direct control of display of one or more portions of one or more display layers of the electronic paper assembly regarding display of second information having one or more classifications in response to the first information associated with the one or more conformations of the one or more portions of the one or more regions of the electronic paper assembly. 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 image acquisition apparatus for acquiring an image of a document including a housing having an internal space, a substantially transparent window, a CCD sensor array, a light source for illuminating the document and an opaque cover device for blocking light from escaping the internal space of the housing through the transparent window. The cover device includes an opaque wall that combined with the document, operationally blocks the escaping of light from the internal space of the housing. The cover device further includes a primary insertion slit, a document removing mechanism and a removal slit for removing a small form document through the removal slit. Optionally, the cover device further includes a second insertion slit for inserting the small form document. The width of the second insertion slit is smaller than the width of the first insertion slit.

Abstract: A printer having a head and a handle are disclosed. In one embodiment, the handle has a convex side and a concave side. In another embodiment, the head is pivotable relative to the handle.

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

Abstract: A portable terminal is provided. The portable terminal includes operational components including a display including a viewing area observable by a user and a keyboard including an input area operable by the user; and a non-folding housing mounting the operational components, the housing including a first section for holding the display and a second section for holding the keyboard, the first section and the second section being configured such that the input area of the keyboard mounted in the second section is at an angle with respect to the viewing area of the display mounted in the first section.

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

Abstract: A cell phone includes: a device for wireless communication; an imager sensor for capturing an image of an object; a lens system for projecting an image of the object onto the imager; a battery for powering the cell phone; a lens system for focusing images of the object onto the imager comprising: a focus element; at least two electrodes associated with the focus element; a control system to adjust the state of focus of the focus element by controlling the at least two electrodes.

Abstract: The disclosed methods and apparatus relate generally to the electronics media industry, such as cable television (CATV), home shopping services, on-line computer services and computer memory applications. These methods and apparatus allow a user to access and make use of electronic media input and output devices by reference to and/or utilization of standard printed matter, such as magazines, textbooks, or any other printed matter that can be correlated to electronic media.

Abstract: The disclosed methods and apparatus relate generally to the electronics media industry, such as cable television (CATV), home shopping services, on-line computer services and computer memory applications. These methods and apparatus allow a user to access and make use of electronic media input and output devices by reference to and/or utilization of standard printed matter, such as magazines, textbooks, or any other printed matter that can be correlated to electronic media.

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

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

Abstract: There is described a data collection device that can incorporate an encoded information reading unit that can operate within a system including an access point that is wireline connected to a server. The encoded information reading unit can include at least one of a bar code reading unit, an RFID tag reading unit and a credit/debit card reading unit. Further incorporated in the data collection device can be dynamic access module. The dynamic access communication module enables the data collection device to participate in a self organized network that supports multi-hop data packet transmissions between data collection devices and which further enables the device to transmit data received from a peer device to the system access point.

Abstract: A method includes, but is not limited to: obtaining information associated with one or more sequences of two or more conformations of one or more portions of one or more regions of a bendable display containing electronic device and controlling display of one or more portions of the bendable display containing electronic device regarding display of second information in response to the information associated with the one or more sequences of two or more conformations of the one or more portions of the one or more regions of the bendable display 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 wireless communication device optically receives and processes a bar code and a background item to the barcode to generate image data. A processing system processes the image data to identify a bar code portion of the image data and to identify a background portion of the image data. The processing system processes the barcode portion of the image data to generate decoded data. The processing system processes the background portion of the image data to generate background data. The processing system processes the decoded data and the background data to determine if the bar code is valid. The wireless communication device generates a bar code valid signal if the bar code is valid and generates a bar code invalid signal if the bar code is invalid.

Abstract: A system for ensuring access management of a given site by providing integrated and comprehensive assessment of persons, livestock or objects that are given access to the site. The system includes a database of information about the site and potential accessors, a mobile wireless communication and scanning device to collect, retrieve and facilitate communication between a device user at the site as well as an administrator console. This system is flexible enough to maintain current information about the persons, livestock or objects requesting access to the site and communicating those results to the device user in real time. The system is further enabled through the Internet and the World Wide Web.

Abstract: A device, methods and system for improving the contrast ratio of an image of an optical code captured by an image capture device. A command implemented by the image capture device of the form “shift and add” causes the image capture device to generate a modified row of pixel data having improved contrast from a plurality of pixel rows in the image capture device.

Abstract: State-of-the-art optical scanning systems feature digital imaging of multiple symbolic labels such as optical bar codes. An imaging scanner reads a label 10 to 100 times faster than a conventional laser scanner because a group of items may be placed in the read zone simultaneously, or an item may bear multiple labels, thus allowing multiple symbolic labels to be captured in a single image. A preferred system/method is directed to a software-implemented “multiple label double read” protection scheme for preventing duplication errors in an advanced bar code reader using multiple fixed delay timers, with each timer being somewhat analogous to existing “single label double read” schemes. Determining the presence of duplicate data is accomplished by comparing label data or portions of label data to a set of recent buffered data representing the last N labels read and transmitted within a specified delay time.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a barcode image recognition system and associated method for hand-held device including an image processing module and a barcode recognition module for recognizing characters corresponding to a one-dimensional barcode image. The image processing module converts an image to a gray level distribution of the image or, to a black-and-white image, and retrieves a barcode region containing the one-dimensional barcode from the image. The barcode recognition module segments the barcode region into a plurality of code regions and identifies each of the characters corresponding to each of the barcode regions.

Abstract: A system includes, but is not limited to one and one or more display control modules configured to direct control of display of one or more portions of the flexible display 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 conformations of the one or more portions of the one or more regions of the flexible display 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 method for one or more portions of one or more regions of an electronic paper assembly having one or more display layers includes, but is not limited to: obtaining first information associated with one or more conformations of one or more portions of one or more regions of the electronic paper assembly and controlling display of one or more portions of one or more display layers of the electronic paper assembly regarding display of second information having one or more classifications in response to the first information associated with the one or more conformations of the one or more portions of the one or more regions of the electronic paper assembly. 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 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 set forth herein an indicia reading terminal comprising an image sensor pixel array having a plurality of pixels, the plurality of pixels including a first set of pixels and a second set of pixels, the first set of pixels having wavelength selective filters transmitting light of a first wavelength, the second set of pixels having wavelength selective filters transmitting light of a second wavelength. The indicia reading terminal can include an optical imaging assembly for focusing imaging light rays onto the image sensor pixel array, the optical imaging assembly being adapted so that for light rays of the first wavelength the optical imaging assembly has a first focus range and for light rays of the second wavelength the optical imaging assembly has a second focus range.

Abstract: A decodable indicia reading system can be provided for use in locating and decoding a bar code symbol represented within a frame of image data. The system can comprise a central processing unit (CPU), a memory communicatively coupled to the CPU, and two or more image sensors communicatively coupled to the CPU or to the memory. The system can be configured to select an image sensor for indicia reading by cycling through available image sensors to detect an image sensor suitable for an attempted indicia reading operation by comparing a measured parameter value to a pre-defined sensor-specific threshold value. The system can be further configured to select the first suitable or the best suitable image sensor for the attempted decodable indicia reading operation based upon the comparison result. The system can be further configured to notify the system operator which image sensor has been selected. The system can be further configured to obtain a decodable indicia image by the selected image sensor.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus for decoding an encoded symbol character of a symbology includes a laser source operable to emit a beam along an axis and illuminate a target. The target includes an encoded symbol character. A focusing apparatus in optical communication with the laser source focuses the beam on the target at an object distance, and a detector receives light of varying intensities scattered from the encoded symbol character and converts the light into a first signal. A digitizer converts the first signal to a digital bit stream. The scanning apparatus further includes pre-stored information correlating a non-standard symbol pattern to a valid symbol character according to a standard definition of the symbology. The non-standard symbol pattern comprises a first number of elements that deviates from a second number of elements associated with the valid symbol character. A decoder receives the digital bit stream and utilizes the pre-stored information for decoding the signal.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods for inputting configuration and network authorization information into a media device such that the media device may interface with media content providers and wireless networks. A service center collects configuration and network authorization information for a media device and generates a configuration module based thereon. The configuration module is then converted into the form of barcode which is provided to a media device capable of reading a barcode. The media device decodes the barcode and extracts the configuration module. The extracted configuration module is installed on the media device, configuring the device to access predetermined media content providers and/or wireless networks.

Abstract: There is set forth herein a terminal having a mount for supporting a mechanical component. The terminal in one embodiment can be hand held and in one embodiment the mechanical component can comprise a hand strap. In one embodiment a terminal can include a pocket for receiving a mount.

Abstract: An indicia reading terminal is describe that has a configurable mode, initiated by a trigger control, and in which can be implemented change to various operating characteristics of the terminal. In one embodiment, the trigger control comprises a trigger that is manually actuated by an end user to initiate and/or capture data and information encoded in a decodable indicia. The trigger is also utilized to permit the end user to select from among one or more operating characteristics, such as in one example wherein the trigger is used to scroll or toggle through the operating characteristics.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use with a handheld mark reader that reduce the time between activation of the reader's trigger and the reader returning a successful decode response. Image processing may be performed prior to the user actuating the trigger and thus obtaining a decodable image with reduced delay. Separate pre-trigger and post-trigger parameters may be used for image decoding. A feedback loop may be incorporated for repeated parameter updates. An adjustable lens may be utilized either with illumination OFF or ON.

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing images of a target object having a barcode. The apparatus includes a portable housing configured for standing on top of a flat surface and a window on the portable housing. The apparatus also includes an imaging system configured to capture a first image of the target object within a first field of view through the window and to capture a second image of the target object within a second field of view through the window. The first field of view and the second field of view overlap with each other at a reference plane that is substantially parallel to the front face and located within a working distance of the imaging system.

Abstract: A wireless hybrid imaging optical code reader is operable in both handheld and fixed configurations, the fixed configuration corresponding to the imaging optical code reader being mounted upon a fixed laser optical code scanner. The imaging optical code reader comprises first and second imaging windows and an optical element which allows light from only one of the imaging windows to be incident upon an imaging device of the imaging optical code reader dependent upon whether the imaging optical code reader is being used in the hand held or fixed configuration.

Abstract: An indicia reading system includes: a base adapted for placement on a surface for providing holding stability for a hand held indicia reading device; a post extending vertically from the base; a cradle arm extending from the post over the base, the cradle arm having a side; a first attachment device disposed in the cradle arm for removably attaching an indicia reader on the cradle arm; a second attachment device disposed on the indicia reader to removably attach the indicia reader to the first attachment device.

Abstract: A handheld terminal is provided. The handheld terminal includes a housing, a component for operating the handheld terminal, and a pocket for forming, in the housing, a space for holding the component individually and separating the space from a main logic circuit. The pocket has a window for a connection between the component and the main logic circuit. The handheld terminal includes a bezel placed on the component, and a combiner for removable engaging the bezel with the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining position and rotational orientation of an object within a predetermined area is disclosed. Position markers, encoded with their identity, are viewed with a camera, images are captured and processed, and the position and rotational orientation of the object are calculated. Three embodiments are disclosed; the first having a camera mounted on the movable object while position markers bearing linear bar codes are fixed in location, the second having a camera mounted on the movable object while position markers bearing two-dimensional bar codes are fixed in location, and the third having a position marker of either type affixed to the object while the camera is fixed in location.

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

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

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

Abstract: There is provided in one embodiment an optical reader having an image sensor array. In one embodiment, the image sensor array can include a first subset of pixels and a second subset of pixels. The first subset of pixels can be devoid of light polarizing filter elements, and the second subset of pixels can be light polarizing pixels including light polarizing filter elements. An optical reader can be configured to selectively read out image data from an image sensor array's light polarizing pixels.

Abstract: Various embodiments relating to preconditioning of a print device are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved pager with a touch-sensitive display screen and method for transmitting a message therefrom is provided. Inputting a message onto the touch-sensitive display screen greatly facilitates sending a message from the pager and is more versatile than using navigation or soft keys to transmit built-in messages or using a small keyboard to type in messages. The pager of the preferred embodiments is operative to convert the inputted symbols into a text message and transmit the text message to a paging network. Because the pager transmits the content represented by the inputted symbols, the pager of the preferred embodiments is more versatile than pagers using ink-based systems, which merely transmit the image of the inputted symbol. If the pager is equipped with a browser application, the message from the pager can take the form of a request to a server located in a telecommunication network.

Abstract: There is provided in one embodiment an indicia reading apparatus having an integrated circuit that includes an image sensor array. The integrated circuit can output a pixel value output to represent an average of light incident on an adjacent set of pixels of the image sensor array.

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

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for encrypting a consumer identification number contained in a portable consumer device by gradually changing a consumer identification number when an observable moment is observed is disclosed. Observable moments can be exposure to light or an electromagnetic field, use of the portable consumer device or a change in temperature. A pattern or history of how the consumer identification number is gradually changed is used to authenticate the portable consumer device or the consumer.

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 personal digital electronic device is provided with two enhancements, namely (a) an IR receiver and associated circuitry and software/firmware for mimicking a laser scanner operation, so that information existing in physical form with an associated bar code may be entered into the personal digital electronic device at the point of transaction; and (b) a radio receiver and associated circuitry and software/firmware to receive and process RDS feeds, so that offers, coupons and promotions embedded in the RDS feeds may be detected and used to place or update information on the personal digital electronic device. The personal digital electronic device is enabled for communication with a bar code scanner preferably using the “active light” communication technology.

Abstract: Working range and beam cross-section are adjusted in an electro-optical reader for reading indicia by applying voltages to electrodes in one or more liquid crystal zone plates in which the index of refraction is changed in different regions of each zone plate.

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.