Abstract: A method and an apparatus for achieving a tailored content response based upon a product identifier coupled with a user identifier are provided. In one method embodiment, the present invention receives a machine readable indicia wherein at least a first portion of the machine readable indicia pertains to the product identifier and at least a second portion of the machine readable indicia pertains to the user identifier. Next, a product associated with the product identifier is identified in a database, wherein the database is not required to be formatted according to an extrinsic product identification standard. Moreover, a user profile associated with the user identifier is identified, the user profile comprising context information for the user. A tailored content response is then compiled for the device based upon the product and the context information.

Abstract: Systems and methods for associating content with an image bearing surface. In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, a method, operable at an electronic interactive device, comprises accessing a first image, e.g., identifying the content, on a surface, wherein the surface comprises an encoded pattern of location information on the surface for providing location information to the electronic interactive device. The method further comprises decoding the first image to associate the location information with second image information, e.g., of the content, of a second image on the surface.

Abstract: A power/communication kit for use with a reader module where the code reader module includes a reader connector and a reader housing, the power/communication kit comprising a plurality of different power/communication modules wherein each module communicates via a different communication protocol and each includes a power source and a communication component suitable for communicating via an associated communication protocol, wherein, each of the modules is securable to the reader module in a similar fashion such that any one of the power/communication modules can be swapped for any other of the power/communication modules so that the reader can be used with different communication systems.

Abstract: A mobile customer service station operating within a wireless multi-hop communication network includes a console on a wheeled chassis. The console carries and houses a number of components which are used in merchandising operations to conclude customer purchase transactions. The items supported externally on the console are a printer for printing purchase receipts, customer credit charge agreements and records of transactions, and a magnetic card reader for reading information from a magnetic stripe of a customer's credit card. In one embodiment, the operation of the printer, credit card reader and the cash drawer is controlled by a multi-function control unit located within an enclosure of the console. The control unit is electrically powered by a self-contained power source which is preferably a deep cycle rechargeable battery. The console also houses a transceiver unit which under the control of the control unit is capable of interactive communication with a premises network.

Abstract: Portable measuring devices which communicate by low power transceivers through a communication controller with a printer device collect weight and size data on articles to be shipped. The collected weight and size data are combined with origin and destination data, and labels are printed bearing pertinent shipping and routing information in machine readable format. The labels are attached to the articles to be shipped and accompany the articles to their respective destinations. At transfer points the labels are read by scanner devices which also communicate by low power transceiver links with the communication controller. The wireless linking of the scanner devices promotes human safety by the absence of cords which could cause entanglement of an operator in mechanized conveying equipment. The communication controllers at each stage of the shipping process have the capability of transferring received and updated status information on the shipped articles to a central data station.

Abstract: A method of programming a barcode label with a single programming barcode label. The method includes printing a single programming barcode label for implementing a plurality of program features by a computer, and scanning the single programming barcode label.

Abstract: A read state retention circuit and method are disclosed. The read state retention circuit comprises a charge storage unit, charging unit, sensing circuit and state indicator. The charging circuit is coupled to the charge storage unit for charging the charge storage unit. The sensing circuit is coupled to the charge storage unit for sensing a voltage level of the charge storage unit. The state indicator is coupled to the sensing circuit for outputting an indication signal in response to the voltage level.

Abstract: There is described a method for using a mobile control device, with which a machine can be operated within an assigned effective range. To this end an effective range list is configured, which is checked on the basis of transponder data from RFID transponders.

Abstract: A lensholder holds at least one fixed optical lens and a variable focusing element in a spaced relation along an optical path through which light passes in an electro-optical reader. The variable focusing element has a pair of electrodes across which a voltage is applied to optically modify the light passing through the fixed optical lens and the variable focusing element. The lensholder directly electrically conductively contacts the electrodes and establishes an electrically conductive path between each electrode and an exterior of the lensholder.

Abstract: A data storage device 5 having a storage capacity of at least 8 Mbyte is surrounded by a housing including a stylus portion 23, having a tip 25 for indicating a position. The stylus permits the data storage device 5 to be used for data entry to an electronic device 19 such as a PDA which traces the position of the stylus tip. The data storage device 5 can be used in place of a conventional stylus. Thus, the user of the electronic device 19 which traces the position of a stylus is able to enjoy the advantages of a data storage device without being obliged to use an additional component.

Abstract: A portable device may include far field communication logic to receive identity information to establish a transaction between the portable device and a transaction device, to receive user information related to a user of the portable device, and to send updated user information, completed transaction information, or updated other information to a server for storage in an account related to the user. The portable device may include near field communication logic to send the identity information to the transaction device, to receive transaction information during a transaction, to send payment information to the transaction device, and to receive the completed transaction information.

Abstract: A mobile device is provided which has first and second body sections movable relative to each other between operative and inoperative configurations of the device, a printhead for printing onto a media substrate, and a media feed path for feeding the media substrate past the printhead. The media feed path extends from the first body section into the second body section when in the operative configuration.

Abstract: An optical reader comprises: a first illumination source for projecting a first illumination field on a target; a second illumination source for projecting a second illumination field on a target; an image sensor array for converting light from a target into output signals representative thereof; and, a processor for decoding information from information bearing indicia within the target derived from the output signals; and, wherein the illuminance of the first illumination field on the target at a distance D from the first illumination source is greater than the illuminance of the second illumination field on the target at the distance D from the second illumination source.

Abstract: A filter-free projector includes a light source unit to generate a light beam with different color and a color control module coupled 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 consistent with certain embodiments provides portable delivery of television programs to a portable wireless device (PWD) involves using the PWD to capture a sample of a program being played by a television; transmitting attributes of the captured sample to a service provider so that the service provider can identify the program being played by the television; and receiving the television program at the PWD from the service provider via a wireless transmission. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments deviate from the features described in this abstract.

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 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 system for applying radio frequency identification tags on which are disposed respective barcodes includes a processor and a plurality of representations of the items accessible by the processor. Each representation is associated with at least one of the barcodes and includes an indication of a predetermined position for placement of the radio frequency identification tag on an item corresponding to the barcode. A barcode reader and a display are in communication with the processor. When the barcode reader detects a first barcode on a first item, the barcode reader outputs a first signal to the processor identifying the first barcode. The processor receives the first signal, identifies a first representation that is associated with the first barcode, and outputs to the display a second signal associated with the first representation. The display receives the second signal associated with the first representation and displays the first representation.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for automatic data collection. An automatic data collection system includes an image capture subsystem and a processor subsystem. The automatic data collection system is operable to decode machine-readable symbols in a machine-readable symbol reading mode, and to automatically switch from a machine-readable symbol reading mode to an optical character recognition mode in response to information encoded in a machine-readable symbol. In some embodiments, the automatic data collection system is further operable to perform optical character recognition on human-readable symbols in a human-readable symbol reading mode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for configuring, altering, controlling, securing, and extending the processing capability and functionality of PCs and POS devices using a non-volatile memory device using software and data carried within the apparatus.

Abstract: Provided is a portable electronic apparatus. The portable electronic apparatus includes a casing, an operation portion, and a finger placement portion. The casing includes a front surface and a back surface. The operation portion is disposed at a first position on the front surface and is operated with a first finger of a user for an input. The finger placement portion is disposed at a second position on the back surface. The second position corresponds to the first position. The finger placement portion guides a second finger of the user to be capable of being placed thereon.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a system for production of RFID smart labels or smart label inlays, in which a multiplicity or RFID straps (11) are connected in succession with a multiplicity of antennae (20), where in a first step the RFID straps (11) to be arranged on a strap substrate band (5a) are separated (8, 9) and mounted on a substrate band (1, 1a, 1b, 1c; 10, 10a-c) for the smart labels or smart label inlays to be produced, and in a subsequent second step the antennae (20) are mounted on the substrate band (1, 1a, 1b, 1c; 10, 10a-c) and on first connection surfaces (26) of the RFID straps (11) such that the connection surfaces (26) of each RFID strap (11) electrically contact second connection surfaces of the antennae (20) allocated to the RFID strap (11) or the first connection surfaces (26) are positioned for electrical contact and fixed on the second connection surfaces.

Abstract: Methods, devices, apparatus, computer-readable media and processors are provided that allow for on-demand user-assistance in a wireless communication device. User assistance is provided by demonstration routines that are stored locally and/or remotely, and which may be standard routines or customized routines to address the needs of the device user. The demonstration routines are accessed, and in some applications communicated to the wireless device, seamlessly to allow for a highly efficient means of providing user-assistance.

Abstract: A printer according to the present invention includes a sheet holder, a feed/print mechanism, an RFID reader/writer, and a flexible member including electrically conductive metal. The sheet holder holds a sheet of label paper wound into a roll. The sheet of label paper includes a mount and RFID labels stuck on the mount. Each of the labels includes an IC chip and an antenna connected to the chip. The feed/print mechanism for unwinds the held sheet of label paper, feeds the unwound sheet along the sheet path, and makes prints on the RFID labels of the sheet being fed. The RFID reader/writer writes information on the IC chips of the RFID labels of the sheet being fed along the sheet path. The flexible member extends over the antennas of the RFID labels of the held sheet of label paper and curves in contact with the outer periphery of the held sheet.

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: 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 method for initiating and completing a commercial transaction is disclosed that allows a user to acquire and own an article of commerce having associated therewith a machine resolvable code (MRC), the MRC having encoded therein information relating to the article of commerce, the user having unique identification information associated with the user. The MRC is first recognized and a representation of at least a portion of the MRC containing at least a representation of the encoded information from the MRC is stored in a temporary buffer. The unique identification information is then associated with the user that allows a retail processing system to uniquely identify the user. The stored representation of the MRC and the unique identification information is transferred to the retail processing system and then ownership of the article of commerce is transferred from an entity other than the user to the user to complete the transaction.

Abstract: A portable terminal includes a receiver, a barcode former configured to form barcodes and a display. The barcode former forms a barcode from the data received by the receiver and the display displays the formed barcode.

Abstract: An apparatus, device, method, computer program product, and system that detects a first electronic device in a proximity to a second electronic device; and obtains an end user assistance corresponding to an at least substantially common aspect of the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

Abstract: A camera portion of a portable consumer device obtains data from a field of view, and at least a portion of the data is used to determine existence of an object in the field of view for which the information is available from a reference source. An indication is then provided to the user that the object is in the field of view. This can all be accomplished by a functionality, such as computer software, that executes on one or both of the device and a distal server. Objects within the field that the system can identify and provide information are deemed “linkable.” Once a user is presented with an indication of which objects around him are linkable, he can then directly point and click on the linkable objects without the “trial-and-error” process of pointing and clicking on non-linkable objects.

Abstract: An optical deflection apparatus including a light source; an optical deflector including first and second oscillators and first and second torsion springs, the first torsion spring connecting the first and second oscillators, the second torsion spring being connected to the second oscillator, and the first and second torsion springs sharing a common torsion axis; and a driver that applies a driving force to the optical deflector; and a driving controller that supplies a driving signal to the driver. The driving controller sets a reference frequency on the basis of a resonant frequency of the optical deflector, calculates a target time at which one of the first and second oscillators makes a predetermined deflection angle on the basis of the reference frequency, and supplies such a driving signal that the one of the first and second oscillators passes through a point corresponding to the predetermined deflection angle at the target time.

Abstract: A housing for a portable computing device. An upper surface of the housing facilitates access to at least one interface component. A lower surface of the housing defines a cavity to receive a battery pack. A battery pack, adapted to fit within the cavity, defines at least a portion of a first ridge for receiving an operator's finger, the first ridge having a generally curved configuration enabling said housing to be comfortably held in an operator's hand when the operator's hand is in its naturally relaxed position.

Abstract: Detection and management methods and apparatus for wireless devices may include an executable instruction authorization module operable to scan executable instructions on a wireless device, generate a log indicative of a virus or otherwise unauthorized executable instructions based on a received authorization configuration, and forward the log to a user manager. The user manager may be operable to analyze the log and generate an authorization report which may be viewable by an operator to determine the disposition of unauthorized executable instructions. At least one of the executable instruction authorization module, the user manager, and the operator may be operable to generate a control command operable to delete, or otherwise disable, unauthorized executable instructions on the wireless device, or to restore the executable instructions on the wireless device.

Abstract: A technique for estimating the location of a wireless terminal at an unknown location in a geographic region is disclosed. The technique is based on the recognition that there are traits of electromagnetic signals that are dependent on topography, the receiver, the location of the transmitter, and other factors. For example, if a particular radio station is known to be received strongly at a first location and weakly at a second location, and a given wireless terminal at an unknown location is receiving the radio station weakly, it is more likely that the wireless terminal is at the second location than at the first location.

Abstract: A system and method for data entry by an operator uses data containing a first component and a second component derived therefrom, wherein the second component has error detection and correction abilities therein. The second component of the entered data is used to detect and correct error in the data entered for the first component. The first and second components are preferably characters (e.g., representing GPS position information) entered via a data entry device, while the second component preferably comprises Hamming code. The detection and correction can be performed after data entry and again after signal transmission.

Abstract: During a telephony session, a determination is made on a mobile computing device that one or more designated conditions exist by which radio interference generated from the mobile computing device is to be reduced. In response, a power state of a set of one or more components of the mobile computing device is lowered. This reduces radio interference from those components. The set of components are ancillary to the mobile computing device's ability to maintain the telephony session, so that the telephony session is not affected by the reduction of power to the components.

Abstract: A CTI system comprises a telephone terminal (12-2) having an ID tag (18-2), a server-connected main unit (11, 13) for controlling the telephone terminal, and an information processing terminal (16-1) having an ID reader and a communication unit (CU). By positioning the ID reader of the information processing terminal and the ID tag of the telephone terminal in close proximity to each other, the ID reader reads ID information of the ID tag in a non-contact manner. The information processing terminal sends the ID information read by the ID reader to the main unit by the use of the communication unit. The main unit associates the information processing terminal with the telephone terminal with reference to the ID information. The main unit is responsive to a request of the information processing terminal and carries out call control for the telephone terminal associated with the information processing terminal.

Abstract: A hand held data collection device, such as a bar code scanner, portable data terminal, transaction terminal, or bar code verifier, containing at least one light-emitting diode (LED) that has been modified to improve the efficiency of light energy transmission. The modification involves transition features at the interface between the LED die surface and the ambient environment. Devices using such modified LEDs may offer a number of advantages such as extended read range, decreased read time, and improved battery life.

Abstract: A data collection device is configured so that the device receives and processes various radio signals and automatically changes an operating mode of the data collection device in response to the processing of the radio signals or in response to the presence or absence of radio signals without manually inputting any commands with use of a user interface. By configuring the data collection device to automatically change an operating mode in response to sensed radio signals, operating modes are presented to an operator that may be tailored to the preferences of the present operator and/or tailored to the particular requirements of the device at present location of the device. With highly featurized operating modes being automatically and selectively presented to operators under specific circumstances, an operator is relieved of a variety of burdensome and time consuming exercises that are typically associated with learning how to access particular functions of a highly featurized electronic device.

Abstract: A data capture system includes a data collection terminal and a wireless communications module comprising a transceiver arranged to transmit and receive radio frequency signals to and from a remote station in the data capture system. At least one flat antenna embedded within the communications module, and a pair of flat antennas may be included. A connector is arranged to removably couple the communications module with the data collection terminal and to transmit signals. A microprocessor is coupled with the connector and is arranged to standardize the logic levels and the format of the signals transmitted over the connector such that the data collection terminal may be engaged by the communications module through the connector without adjustment of the communications module.

Abstract: A system and method of providing relevant sales context information that would enable vendors to reduce cost of operations, increase productivity of their mobile sales forces, and drive improved efficiencies throughout. Mobile sales force representatives can utilize a handheld computing device for reviewing relevant customer sales information prior to a sales visit; for training and other purposes during a sales visit; and inputting new customer sales information during or after a sales visit, which can then be uploaded to a server over a wireless network for future use. The handheld device can communicate with a server to download the customer information onto the handheld device and to upload from the handheld device current customer information data obtained from a customers sales visit to a server. The server can transmit the current customer information data to multiple sales force representatives who can utilize that information in the sales environment.

Abstract: A system and method for initializing secure elements for use in mobile devices. A mobile device manufacturer embeds uninitialized secure elements into mobile devices. An issuer-specific seed value is securely passed into an initialization routine in the operating system of the secure element. The initialization routine diversifies the initial root keys on the secure element with the issuer seed and the unique chip serial number to create master and chip keys for use in secure communications between the issuer and the mobile device user.

Abstract: An optical reader comprising: an image sensor array for converting light from a target into output signals representative thereof, the image sensor array having a centerline; a processor for decoding a machine readable symbology within the target derived from the output signals; receive optics for directing light from the target to the image sensor, the optics having a receive optics optical axis, wherein the image sensor array and receive optics are configured such that the centerline is not coincident with the optical axis.

Abstract: Simplified wireless device activation may be achieved using temporary and permanent numbers used to connect to a wireless service provider. In one implementation, an electronic book reader device includes a memory that contains a temporary number that may be used to connect to a wireless service provider. The temporary number may be replaced with a permanent number that is used to connect to the wireless service provider. This replacement may occur once the electronic book reader device connects with the wireless service provider for the first time. The permanent number may be used to connect to the wireless service provider after the initial connection with the wireless service provider has transpired.

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: There is provided herein an encoded information reading terminal such as may be provided for by a bar code reading terminal for operation in a network such as a retail store network that is configured in one embodiment to automatically enter a unique association mode of operation subsequent to wirelessly receiving a radio address from one computer of a plurality of computers, e.g., a cash register address from one cash register out of a plurality of cash registers. In one embodiment a bar code reading terminal can be configured to wait for a cash register address to be wirelessly received as part of a connection request initiated from one cash register out of a plurality of cash registers. A bar code reading terminal can be configured so that when operating in a unique association mode, a bar code reading terminal transmits all decoded bar code messages output by the bar code reading terminal to an external device to the one cash register sending its cash register address.

Abstract: A viewing device is used with coded data on a surface. The device includes a sensor arrangement for sensing the coded data when the device is placed on the surface, and a processor in signal communication with the sensor arrangement. The processor is configured to decode the coded data. Also included is a transceiver for transmitting the decoded data to a computer system, and to subsequently receive a file pre-associated with the decoded data from the computer system. The device also includes a display configured to display the received file to a user.

Abstract: A mobile customer service station operating within a wireless multi-hop communication network includes a console on a wheeled chassis. The console carries and houses a number of components which are used in merchandising operations to conclude customer purchase transactions. The items supported externally on the console are a printer for printing purchase receipts, customer credit charge agreements and records of transactions, and a magnetic card reader for reading information from a magnetic stripe of a customer's credit card. In one embodiment, the operation of the printer, credit card reader and the cash drawer is controlled by a multi-function control unit located within an enclosure of the console. The control unit is electrically powered by a self-contained power source which is preferably a deep cycle rechargeable battery. The console also houses a transceiver unit which under the control of the control unit is capable of interactive communication with a premises network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of conducting an EMV (Europay Master Visa) payment process optimally using IrFM (Infrared Financial Messaging) between a mobile terminal and a POS (Point Of Sale) terminal. In the present method, if a buyer is authenticated based on information written in a card chip installed in a mobile terminal, information for transaction approval is transmitted to a POS terminal, and if an approval is responded from the POS terminal, a digital receipt for this transaction is transmitted to the POS terminal. Then, if transaction end is requested from the POS terminal, a connected session is released.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus to electronically tabulate items marked with a bar code. The system may optionally operate to manage, control and tabulate inventory, produce vendor-correct purchase orders, manage multiple locations, multiple buildings, multiple clients and multiple stores to facilitate efficiency for a wholesaler or retailer or alternatively for a distributor, broker or sales agent. The system may alternatively be used to manage inventory for a manufacturing environment or for tracking evidence or items in a chain of custody environment useful for governmental and scientific functions.