Abstract: Disclosed herein is a security hang tag that includes a body, a head and a strap. The body includes a head-receiving compartment defining a circumferentially-extending flange. The head includes a circumferentially-extending lip to engage the flange, capturing the lip within the compartment such that the head is rotatably secured to the body. The head has a first strap-receiving channel including a first locking shoulder and a second strap-receiving channel including a second locking shoulder. The strap has first and second ends and includes a first cavity at the first end and a second cavity at the second end. The first end is configured for insertion within the first strap-receiving channel until the first cavity engages the first locking shoulder and the second end is configured for insertion within the second strap-receiving channel until the second cavity engages the second locking shoulder.

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: A method of operating an indicia reader network comprising the steps of: reading an information bearing indicia of an item with a hand held indicia reader having a first wireless transceiver and generating therefrom an encrypted data message in accordance with a FIPS standard; transmitting the encrypted data message from the indicia reader to a base unit having a second wireless transceiver; decrypting the data message within the base; and transmitting the decrypted data message to a host device, wherein the network is configured so that the indicia reader and the base unit have a linking mode in which a base address of the base unit is sent to the indicia reader, and a reader address is sent to the indicia reader and a request to link is sent to the base unit by way of an encrypted wireless communication between the second wireless transceiver and the first wireless transceiver.

Abstract: An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a central processing unit (CPU), a memory, an EIR device, and a wireless communication interface. The EIR device can be provided by a bar code reading device, an RFID reading device, and/or a card reading device. The wireless communication interface can comprise a first logical communication interface operating on a first frequency channel and a second logical communication interface operating on a second frequency channel. The wireless communication interface can be configured to transmit infrastructure mode beacons. The infrastructure mode beacons can include a service set identifier. The wireless communication interface can be further configured to transmit ad-hoc mode beacons on the second frequency channel. The ad-hoc mode beacons can include an identifier of a mesh path selection protocol.

Abstract: A protocol with constant-time complexity solves the problem of private identification of tags in low-cost, large-scale radio frequency identification (RFID) systems—assuming that an adversary has complete control over the communication channel. Each RFID tag has an internal counter, c, and is preloaded with a unique pseudonym, ?, and a secret key, k. A RFID reader attempting to identify and authenticate a tag within its range generates and transmits a random nonce to the RFID tag, which returns a first hash of its current pseudonym and counter, and a second hash that is a function of the secret key. The reader uses the returned data to identify the RFID tag and its secret key by reference to a database and returns other hash values that authenticate the reader to the RFID tag. The most expensive operation that RFID tags are required to perform is a hash function.

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: An image forming apparatus, which may be a printer, includes an image acquisition subsystem and a processing subsystem. The image acquisition subsystem includes an imager and a source. The imager is configured to scan an image while the image acquisition subsystem moves with respect to the image forming apparatus and configured to provide electrical signals including information related to the scanned image. The source is configured to emanate electromagnetic radiation based on the electrical signals. The processing subsystem includes a receiving component configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation emanated from the source of the image acquisition subsystem. The image forming apparatus also includes a structure supporting both the image acquisition subsystem and the processing subsystem.

Abstract: A wireless product code reader comprises a scanner for scanning product codes; processing electronics for providing a raw signal proportional to signal intensities detected while scanning the product code; a wireless interface for providing said raw signals to a receiving unit; and a mounting unit for mounting said barcode reader on the body of a user for hands free use. The scanner may be an optical scanner for scanning barcodes.

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 radio frequency identifying device minimizes a null point area within a radiation pattern by horizontally or vertically vibrating an antenna plate radiating a radio frequency beam by using at least one vibration motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reading/writing station (ST) comprising a casing (1) including in particular a memory (M) and an antenna (AN) for exchanging data wirelessly by inductive technology with electronic tags (ET, ETI), each having an antenna (5, 8), a memory (60, 70) and data processing means (61, 71) for interpreting requests sent by the station (ST), characterized in that: an electronic tag, called integrated electronic tag (ETI), suitable for storing data in its memory (70), is incorporated in the reading station (ST), the integrated electronic tag (ETI) is located in the reading station (ST), within range of the antenna (AN) of the reading station (ST). The integrated electronic tag (ETI) makes it possible in particular to store data relating to the configuration of the reading station (ST) and/or application data.

Abstract: A wireless product code reader comprises a scanner for scanning product codes; processing electronics for providing a raw signal proportional to signal intensities detected while scanning the product code; a wireless interface for providing said raw signals to a receiving unit; and a mounting unit for mounting said barcode reader on the body of a user for hands free use. The scanner may be an optical scanner for scanning barcodes.

Abstract: An indicia reader system including: an indicia reader to read information bearing indicia (IBI); an actuator for activating the indicia reader; a first device for wirelessly sending audio data; a headphone for wear by the operator, the headphone having a second device for accepting the audio data and at least one audio feedback device provided therein for utilizing the audio data to provide audio feedback to the operator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for augmenting an optical barcode scanner. The apparatus comprises an accessory module that includes an RFID reader, a body part attachable to the optical barcode scanner, and an interface connector for forming a communication link between the RFID reader and the optical barcode scanner when the interface connector is connected with the expansion port of the optical barcode scanner.

Abstract: There is provided for herein a terminal having a radio transceiver, the radio transceiver having a maximum output power and an operating power. The operating power is limitable to a power limit that less than or equal to the maximum output power and is operator selectable from a set of power limit values so as to reduce interference with other devices operating in the 2.4 GHz spectrum of the ISM band. In one embodiment, the set of power limit values includes the maximum output power and a plurality of additional values. In another embodiment, the set of power limit values includes a plurality of values, the plurality of values including at least first and second values less than 16 dB apart in magnitude.

Abstract: An accuracy-enhanced scanner provides (in response to a first user input) illumination of potential scan targets and scans (in response to a second user input) a selected scan target. The user uses the illumination to aim the scanner at the selected scan target in between providing the first and the second user inputs. The scanner has switches to communicate the user inputs, to specify an operating mode for the scanner, and/or to communicate information codes to a computing device. The scanner has one or more scan engines (such as a barcode reader or an RFID tag reader), and optionally communicates wirelessly with the computing device. A scanning system including the scanner optionally provides feedback to the user based on feedback from a host processor. The scanner is any of a Multi-Mode Ring Scanner (MMRS), a cordless hand scanner, or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) with an add-on scanner.

Abstract: A technique for operating an ad-hoc wireless communication network includes providing 400 a plurality of price checking stations 102 having wireless communication capabilities, designating 402 one of the price checking stations 102 as a master station in the ad-hoc network, and designating the remaining stations as slave stations 100, and communicating with devices 104-110 deployed in the network using the wireless communications capabilities of the price checking stations 100, 102.

Abstract: For executing an application (13) in a mobile device (1) comprising a camera (14), a visual background (2) is captured through the camera (14). A selected application (13) is associated with the visual background (2). The selected application (13) is executed in the mobile device (1). Determined are orientation parameters indicative of an orientation of the mobile device (1) relative to the visual background (2). Based on the orientation parameters, application-specific output signals are generated in the mobile device (1). Particularly, the captured visual background (2) is displayed on the mobile device (1) overlaid with visual objects based on the orientation parameters. Displaying the captured visual background with overlaid visual objects, selected and/or positioned dependent on the relative orientation of the mobile device (1), makes possible interactive augmented reality applications, e.g.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of preventing collisions between readers in an RFID system. The method includes a first step of RFID readers selecting transmitting channels by examining channels, a second step of transmitting signals via the selected transmitting channels, a third step of receiving signals via channels having the same frequencies as the selected transmitting channels; a fourth step of determining whether a collision has occurred by examining the status of the signals that are received via the transmitting channels; a fifth step of, if, as a result of the determination at the fourth step, it is determined that a collision between the readers has occurred, repeating the first to fourth steps after delays of random time periods based on a predetermined equation, and a sixth step of, if, as a result of the fourth step, no collision between readers is detected, communicating with the corresponding RFID tags.

Abstract: In embodiments, a pen digitizer includes a light source that generates light. The pen digitizer also includes light guides, such as fiber optics, configured coaxial within the pen digitizer to transfer the light from the light source and focus the light around an imaging tip of the pen digitizer. A photo array optically-images reflected light from encoded bits in an encoded micro pattern, and a lens focuses the reflected light onto the photo array.

Abstract: A precursor for a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag includes a conductive lead frame with at least three segments, an RFID Integrated Circuit (IC) with at least two antenna terminals, and at least two jumpers. The RFID IC is mounted on at least one of the segments. The antenna terminals are electrically coupled to at least two of the segments, and the jumpers electrically couple the segments such that the coupled segments form a two-turn coil between the antenna terminals of the RFID IC.

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: An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a central processing unit (CPU), a memory communicatively coupled to the CPU, an EIR device, and a wireless communication interface communicatively coupled to the CPU. The EIR device can be selected from the group consisting of a bar code reading device, an RFID reading device, and a card reading device. The EIR device can be configured to perform one of: outputting raw message data containing an encoded message, outputting decoded message data corresponding to an encoded message. The wireless communication interface can comprise a first logical communication interface operating on a first frequency channel and a second logical communication interface operating on a second frequency channel. The wireless communication interface can be configured to transmit infrastructure mode beacons. The infrastructure mode beacons can include a service set identifier.

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

Abstract: An identification token assembly includes a card-shaped plastic body having a generally rectangular card-shaped plastic body; a radio frequency identification (RFID) integrated circuit (IC) embedded in the subcard body; and an antenna embedded in the subcard body and coupled to the RFID IC to transmit a signal generated by the RFID IC.

Abstract: A cordless reader electro-optically reads indicia on products to be processed in a checkout system in a handheld mode. A base station has a compartment in which the cordless reader is mounted in a hands-free mode. A transceiver communicates data between the cordless reader and the base station. A controller controls operation of the cordless reader and the base station, and also determines the mode of the cordless reader. An alarm generates an advisory alert to advise a return of the cordless reader to the compartment when the controller determines that the cordless reader is in the handheld mode and the cordless reader or the base station does not satisfy an operational condition.

Abstract: Various embodiments relating to a modular marking apparatus and method are disclosed.

Abstract: Increased confidence in, and acceptance of, cordless hand-held scanners may be obtained through a cordless hand-held scanner with improved user feedback. In an illustrative embodiment, the state of one or more indicators is changed as a result of feedback from a coupled host processor. The indicators are set to a first (or pending) state when a scan is performed, and remain in the first state up until the time the host feedback is received. The indicators are set to a second (or successful) state if the feedback indicates the host successfully received the scan data. The indicators are set to a third (or failure) state if the feedback indicates the host failed to properly receive the scan data. Obtaining timely confirmation that the host processor has received the scan successfully leads to increased confidence in, and acceptance of, the cordless hand-held scanner.

Abstract: A filter-free projector includes a light source unit to generate light beam with different color and a color control module couple to the light source unit for switching the light source unit to emit one color light at a time. A digital mirror device panel having a plurality of mirror elements is provided so as to reflect light fed from the light source unit. Projection lens is positioned in the reflected light path from the digital mirror device panel to project image.

Abstract: A method of swipe-scanning a graphic image printed on a surface. The surface has a position-coding pattern superimposed with the graphic image. The method comprises the steps of: (i) operatively positioning a swipe scanner relative to the surface; (ii) swiping the scanner across the surface; (iii) capturing, during said swipe, successive images of portions of the graphic image; (iv) imaging, during the swipe, successive parts of the position-coding pattern; (v) determining absolute positions of the scanner using the imaged parts of the position-coding pattern; and (vi) using the absolute positions to assemble the captured portions of the graphic image into a scanned graphic image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self check-out system which uses contact free tags embedded in a receptacle, e.g., a plate, glass, etc. The system relates the tag to a service area and uses that relationship to associate the receptacle with a charge to be made to a customer.

Abstract: A method of swipe-scanning a graphic image pre-printed on a surface. The method comprises the steps of: (i) operatively positioning a swipe scanner relative to the surface and swiping the scanner across the surface; (ii) capturing, during the swipe, successive images of portions of the graphic image; (iii) printing, during the swipe, successive parts of a position-coding pattern onto the surface, the position-coding pattern being superimposed with the graphic image; (iv) imaging, during the swipe, portions of the surface on which the printhead has printed the parts of the position-coding pattern; (v) determining absolute positions of the scanner using the imaged parts of the position-coding pattern; and (vi) using the absolute positions to assemble the captured portions of the graphic image into a scanned graphic image.

Abstract: A radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag includes a face stock and an RFID device. The face stock has a printable side and an inlay side, with the RFID device mounted to the inlay side. A layer of adhesive is coated on the inlay side of the face stock. A liner is releasably adhered to the layer of adhesive and includes a relief area that accommodates for defection of the RFID device. The accommodation of the thickness of the RFID device results in a tag that has a substantially uniform printable surface. Accordingly, when passing through a printer, the printable surface is maintained substantially flat or linear at the print head of the printer, thereby minimizing jamming and enhancing printability. A pinch roller for a printer also accommodates for deflection of the RFID tag by providing a deformable section along a length thereof the body that has a greater resiliency than the rest of the body.

Abstract: A method of operating an image reader comprising the steps of: converting light reflected from a target into image data utilizing an image sensor; storing the image data in a display buffer; displaying the image on a display; annotating the displayed image by the operator while the image data is stored in the display buffer, thereby altering the image data in the display buffer; and, transmitting the altered image data from the display buffer; wherein the image sensor, display and display buffer are disposed in a common housing for hand held operation.

Abstract: A portable electronic payment terminal is provided, which includes at least one removable battery. The removable battery carries an electronic chip containing at least one item of identification information and is able to communicate with a contactless reading device present in the terminal. The terminal further includes: a transmitter for transmitting the identification information to a distant control server of the terminal manufacturer; and a receiver for receiving from the server conformity or non-conformity information according to whether the identification information belongs to a list approved by the manufacturer.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for illuminating a subject using a light pipe that transmits light from a source, such as an LED ring illuminator to an outlet that directs the light appropriately as either bright field illumination, dark field illumination or both. The light pipe can include concentric cylinders, typically with a bright field illuminator nested within a dark field illuminator. The tip of the dark field illuminator may be angled so as to internally reflect light inwardly toward the central optical axis of a camera at a low angle. The tip can be located near the focal plane of the camera for the desired field of view. The field of view of the camera sensor can be modified to reject data outside of a illumination field of a particular shape. This illumination field can be created by shaping the light pipe in a predetermined form that projects the modified illumination field.

Abstract: A method is provided of associating in computer memory (i) a digital electronic version of printed human-discernible content of a printed document comprising a sheet having a machine-readable pattern adapted to enable the position of a digital pattern reading device to be determined and said human-discernible content with (ii) the identity of a sheet upon which the content is printed, the method comprising: printing the content onto a sheet using a printer, said sheet comprising a pre-patterned sheet that has been pre-printed with said pattern; transferring a machine-readable identity code between said printer and said sheet at around the time of printing said content; and storing a correlation between said identity code and said digital electronic version in computer memory.

Abstract: An electronic device. The device comprises circuitry for capturing data representing an image and circuitry for detecting a wireless signal associated with an object. The device also comprises circuitry, responsive to the detecting circuitry, for storing image data from said circuitry for capturing and associating and storing, with same image data, additional data included in the wireless signal.

Abstract: A current data capture system has a set of configuration parameters operative for enabling the current data capture system to capture transaction data. A configuration host is operative for pulling the set of configuration parameters from the current data capture system, and for pushing a pulled set of configuration parameters to at least one additional data capture system to enable the at least one additional data capture system to capture the transaction data.

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

Abstract: A portable-terminal holder for holding a portable terminal that has a rechargeable battery and a first radio communication device is constituted by a base and c communication module. The base has a portion on which the portable terminal is placed, and a charging device for charging the rechargeable battery of the portable terminal while said portable terminal is placed on the portion. The communication module has a second radio communication device communicating with the first radio communication device for wireless data transmission between the portable terminal and the communication module, and a cable communication device communicating with an external host computer for cable data transmission between the host computer and the communication module. The communication module is configured to be detachable from the base.

Abstract: A PDA device is used to record the ID of a vehicle boot RFID tag and to transmit to the tag and to a host entity violation data such as summons number, license number, time and date stamp, issuing person ID, location of the vehicle, scofflaw data and so on. This data may be entered into the PDA electronically via a communication network such as the internet or LAN system or manually via a keyboard. The host entity has a data base which is uploaded with this information and has correlation of RFID tag numbers to an unlock combination number for each boot. When the boot is attached to a vehicle this PDA data is transmitted to the host entity whose contact telephone number is attached to the vehicle being booted. The driver contacts the entity to pay the fine and receive in return the unlock combination. The driver thus can release and remove the boot within minutes of returning to the vehicle and can return the boot at his leisure.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices of a slider form factor device including two housings. The top surface of a lower housing may include a QWERTY keypad, or a display screen of any type. The top surface of an upper housing may include a display screen. The device is configured to allow the bottom face of the upper housing to slide with respect to the top face of the lower housing until a limit of travel is reached. At the end of travel, the lower housing and the upper housing do not overlap. The upper housing drops down so that its top face is contiguous with the top face of the lower housing. Moreover, the upper housing is tilted with respect to the lower housing by a predetermined angle. In this way, the upper housing and the lower housing may abut to form substantially contiguous surfaces.

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

Abstract: A system for reading product indicia includes a mobile computing headset and a wearable data-capture accessory. The mobile computing headset preferably includes a removable processing module shaped and sized to be attachable to the wearable data-capture accessory and one or more communication modules to communicate information between the data-capture accessory and existing infrastructure devices. The data-capture accessory includes a product indicia reader and a communication module for transmitting information to and from the mobile headset.

Abstract: A method for providing news content includes receiving, through a computer system, news content from a sender, and printing the news content in a document (print media) including coded data, the coded data including an indication of the identity of the news content and at least one reference point on the document. The method also includes using a sensing device to capture images of at least some of the coded data, when the sensing device is placed in an operative position relative to the document. Indicating data generated by the sensing device is then received in the computer system. The indicating data includes information regarding the identity of the news content and at least one action of the sensing device in relation to the document using at least some of the coded data.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a permit-based parking environment governed by a parking program. The permit-based parking environment includes a number of parking permits each including a unique RFID tag and tag number. One or more RFID readers are used to scan the vehicles parked in the parking environment to determine if a RFID tag is associated with the parked vehicle. The results of the scan along with information related to the parked vehicle are provided to a permit management system to determine if the vehicle is parked within the scope of privileges pre-defined for that vehicle, pursuant to the parking program governing the parking environment. The permit management system stores, manages, and monitors data related to the permits controlled under the parking program.

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