Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for a slide and tilt hinge mechanism. The slide and tilt mechanism comprises an upper element (102) having a top (140) and a bottom (132) and an angled (130) portion located at an end (144) of the upper element, the angled portion angled relative to the top and the bottom of the upper element. A lower element (104) having a first lower element portion (122) and a second lower element portion (124) coupled together by a joint (126), the joint allowing the first lower element portion to fold relative to the second lower element portion and the upper element. A slide enabling member (302/304), coupling the upper element to the lower element such that when the upper element and the lower element are in a closed configuration (100), the upper element prevents the lower element from folding. A biasing member (128), biasing the lower element to fold about the joint when the upper element is slid to an extended position.

Abstract: A system and techniques for reading product indicia is disclosed. The system 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 portable, hand-held data terminal of modular structure includes a base module with a keyboard and a display screen. A data and communications module may be selected from a number of different data and communications modules, each having different types of data communications transceivers, or including in addition data collection devices, such as shelf label readers or bar code readers. The base module includes a microprocessor-controlled data communications and control interface having a predetermined protocol. To adapt the various types of data and communications modules for selection of any one thereof to become attached to the base module and function therewith, each of the data and communications modules includes a microprocessor operable to function as an emulator to interact with the microprocessor of the base module and communicate with the microprocessor of the base module in accordance with the protocol of the data communications and control interface of the base module.

Abstract: An optical system used in a barcode scanner is disclosed to include a lens, two LEDs arranged at two sides of the lens, two condensers arranged in front of the LEDs, and two curved reflectors with multiple curvatures for reflecting a major part of light from the LEDs through the condensers onto the left and right sides of an image mapping surface on a barcode and a minor part of light onto the center area of the image mapping surface so that the receiving characteristic of the lens can pick up an evenly distributed bright image from the image mapping surface on the barcode and the posterior image processing of the barcode scanner can obtain a strong and clear image signal to facilitate barcode and to increase recognition rate and accuracy.

Abstract: An external unit is externally attached to a storage-medium storage device. The external unit includes a verification unit that verifies whether a storage medium that is about to be inserted in a storage slot of the storage-medium storage device is legitimate, and an open/close unit that opens the storage slot so that the storage medium can be inserted in the storage slot only upon the verifying unit verifying that the storage medium is legitimate.

Abstract: A card activated cash dispensing automated banking machine system and method is provided. The machine is operate to read a financial card bearing account indicia with a card reader of the machine. The machine enables a user to perform banking operations responsive to account indicia read from the card. Such banking operations may include dispensing cash and accessing financial accounts. While a user operates the machine to dispense cash or perform other banking operations, the machine may further permit at least one portable wireless device to wirelessly access the machine to purchase and wirelessly receive digital information such as music and/or video files from the machine.

Abstract: A method and system provides for tracking access to media content in a portable device and correlating the access with a location of the portable device. In one embodiment, a portable device can wirelessly receive media content during a media access session. The portable device can collect media access information, such as information on the media access session, information on the media content received, and a location of the portable device during the media access session. The portable device can then transmit the media access information through a wireless cellular telecommunications system to a network server.

Abstract: An optical reader, which is operable in a “host commands” mode and a “host routines” mode. In the “host commands” mode, the reader receives and executes a script routine module from a host. In the “host routines” mode, the reader receives a script routine Module identifier from the host, and the reader, in turn, executes a selected one of a plurality of reader-stored script routine modules based on the identifier.

Abstract: Network providing improved coverage based on a frequency shifting scheme. A wireless signal in a frequency band is shifted to another distinct band, and carried in the shifted band, using wired or wireless mediums, to another location, wherein the wireless signal is shifted back to the original frequency band. In one embodiment, the wireless signal is frequency shifted by converting it to other representing signals and forming the frequency-shifted signal from the representations. The medium may use dedicated wiring or existing service wiring in a residence or building, including LAN, telephone, AC power and CATV wiring. The system (in whole or in part) may be enclosed as a stand-alone unit, housed in integrated form as part of a service outlet or as a snap-on/plug-in module.

Abstract: A data collection system including a portable data terminal and a base for receiving the portable data terminal. The portable data terminal having a first interface for receiving power and a second interface for connecting to a communication link. The base having a housing adapted to receive and support the portable data terminal, a power supply receiving power from an external power source and upon insertion of the portable data terminal into the housing supplying power to the first interface on the portable data terminal, a communication link adapted to interface with the portable data terminal, and a location determination device, such as a GPS receiver, connected to the communication link and supplying the portable data terminal with location data via the communication link.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to systems and methods for employing a housing as part of a hand held scanner as to increase utility and add ruggedness. The housing comprises an upper top housing and lower bottom housing, with the top housing comprising a set of accessory rails adapted to accept accessories associated with the hand held scanner, and the lower housing including an adjustable mass element for balancing a weight of the scanner. Also, top housing can be adapted to accept various key pad configurations via a transitional mounting frame, and the bottom housing can hold a stylus. A bar code scanner system employing such housing can incorporate displays located on various sides of the housing and/or key pads to facilitate a reading from the scanner at slanted angles.

Abstract: After binarization is performed, the adjacency relationship of connection fields is analyzed from a labeled input image on the basis of the characteristics of the structure of a barcode, thereby extracting a barcode field. A unit width, which is to be used as the module width of the barcode, is determined in accordance with the widths of the connection fields of black pixels in the extracted barcode field. Based on the arrangement of the magnification of the unit width, the barcode is recognized by collating a prescribed barcode pattern with the input width pattern. In the aforementioned collation, the influence of noises, for example, can be reduced by setting an allowable range for the collation of the widths in each magnification, and the barcode can be recognized in an improved precision even in a low-resolution image photographed using a small image sensor built in a mobile terminal.

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 portable data reading device, such as a barcode scanner or RFID reader, includes a Web server and a first server-side application to modify one or more settings of the portable data reading device. The settings may include, for example, symbology settings, device settings, and network settings. The Web server may receive formatted data from a client browser representing a requested modification of at least one setting of the portable data reading device. Upon receiving the formatted data, the Web server may automatically invoke the first server-side application to modify the at least one setting responsive to the formatted data.

Abstract: A portable end device, such as a bar code scanner, may be equipped with auxiliary interfaces. The auxiliary interfaces may be easily added to the end device as a replaceable cover, such as a replaceable battery door. A signal path conducts signals to and from the replaceable cover. One auxiliary interface is a Bluetooth radio. Data integrity protocols may be selected to guarantee delivery and guarantee no duplicate deliveries. Host pairing algorithms may provide standard or strong pairing with a host computer. Ergonomic interface features allow a user to control and monitor the operation of the end device and the data link with minimal hardware cost and battery life impact. Host software programs provide data routing, automatic reestablishment of the data link, and other functions. The system is adaptable to a wide array of use environments through the selection of timer parameters in the end device.

Abstract: A portable electronic device including a memory having a first image file; a system for transferring a copy of the first image file to a second device; and a system for permanently converting the first image file to a different second image file. The system for permanently converting is based, at least partially, upon the copy of the first image file being transferred to the second device by the system for transferring. The second image file cannot be converted back to the first image file by the portable electronic device.

Abstract: A method and system for enhancing the accuracy of RFID tag reading is disclosed. An imaging device is used to facilitate aiming of the RFID tag in a manner that mitigates the likelihood of inadvertently reading a nearby RFID tag instead of the desired tag. In this manner, the utility of the RFID reader is substantially enhanced.

Abstract: A reader/writer of a wireless communication device transmits a carrier signal from an antenna, and if there is not response from an IC card within a preset time after transmitting the polling command, the carrier signal is temporarily controlled to an OFF state.

Abstract: A system and method for using RFID technology to track resource performance and task completion is disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, a fob and an RFID reader may engage in mutual authentication. Where the RFID reader and the fob successfully mutually authenticate, the fob may transmit to the RFID reader information identifying the resource's performance tracking account to which the fob is associated. The RFID reader may receive and forward the information to facilitate performance tracking. In one exemplary embodiment, the RFID reader may forward the information to a point of interaction terminal for transaction completion. In another exemplary embodiment, the fob completes tasks via a computer interface. In still another exemplary embodiment, the fob resource and/or a manager access a resource engine, wherein the resource engine may be used to automatically grade, track, score, and assign resources based on resource skills and skill sets.

Abstract: A data entry system includes a hand held data entry unit having a reading sensor for sensing commands and/or data, rewritable storage for storing information relating to selectable items, a controller (a microprocessor or other processing circuitry) and a display screen for displaying a user readable representation of the commands and/or stored information for a selected item, and a telecommunication interface for the telephonic transmission of information relating to a selected item or items from the storage to a remote processing center and for the telephonic information relating to selectable items from the remote processing center to the storage. Preferably a telecommunications interface is provided in the hand held unit for cellular or other wireless telephony systems. The hand held unit can be configured to combine the data entry functions with those of audio telephony.

Abstract: A heater is provided in a cordless reader, or in a cradle, for heating the reader simultaneously with charging a battery pack on the reader, to resist the formation of condensation in the reader, or fogging or frosting of a protective window of the reader.

Abstract: A reader/writer is provided. The reader/writer performing radio communication with a radio communication terminal in close proximity thereto, includes: an antenna which transmits a carrier wave of a predetermined frequency and which receives a composite wave of the carrier wave and a modulated signal of the carrier wave transmitted from the radio communication terminal; a demodulating unit which demodulates the composite wave received by the antenna; a judging unit which judges whether or not it is difficult to detect a modulated component included in the composite wave received by the antenna when the radio communication terminal is in close proximity; and a carrier-wave control unit which reduces a component of the carrier wave input into the demodulating unit when the judging unit judges that it is difficult to detect the modulated component.

Abstract: A swipe scanner for scanning a graphic image printed on a surface. The surface has a position-coding pattern imposed with the graphic image. The swipe scanner comprises: (a) a first image sensor positioned for imaging portions of the surface during a swipe of the surface, each imaged portion containing part of the position-coding pattern; (b) a second image sensor for capturing, during the swipe, portions of the graphic image; and (c) a processor. The processor is configured for: determining absolute positions of the swipe scanner using the parts of the position-coding pattern; and (d) using the absolute positions to assemble the captured portions of the graphic image into a scanned graphic image.

Abstract: The tag-label producing device includes a print head for performing printing with respect to a print area of a cover film, a loop antenna for performing transmission/reception of information to/from an RFID circuit element, and a tape feed roller for imparting relative movement between the print head or loop antenna and a tag label tape with print. At this time, a control circuit determines the chronological sequence relation between the arrival of the RFID circuit element at a communication position where transmission/reception of information is performed with respect to the loop antenna, and the completion of the printing by the print head with respect to the print area. In accordance with the result of this determination, the operation modes of the tape feed roller, loop antenna, and print head are switch-controlled in a coordinated fashion.

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: A health care service (HCS) network comprising a hand held optical reader for reading a target having information bearing indicia provided thereon and generating therefrom a decoded out indicia data message to a base unit which receives the message and transmits the message to a workstation in communication with a network server for storing the decoded out indicia data messages. The network is configured so that the server communicates non indicia data messages with the base unit which is passed to the optical reader, wherein the optical reader display is configured to display the non indicia data messages. The network is configured so that the hand held indicia reader and the base unit have a linking mode wherein a request to link is sent from the optical reader to the server through the base unit by way of wireless communication to associate the optical reader with the server.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self check-out method which uses contact free tags embedded in a receptacle, e.g., a plate, glass, etc. The method 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 system for enabling reliable verification of items being purchased using a self checkout system. The self checkout system is equipped with a verification mark dispenser and verification mark detectors that respectively dispenses a mark on an item as the item is being scanned for purchasing and then verifies, by detecting the mark on the item, that the item being bagged (or passed through the tunnel) is the same item that was scanned. When a customer scans an item for purchase, and if purchase transaction is successful, a mark (made of a non-reactive but detectable material or ink) is placed on the exterior packaging of the item. When the item is placed in the tunnel, the detector, sensitive to the activation of the specific marking and located at or in the tunnel, detects the marking on the item. If the activated marking is not detected by the detector, an alert condition is triggered.

Abstract: An application program interface in a computer for allowing application programs executing in the computer to access a wireless RF input/output facility or port in the computer, which emulates a serial port in the computer by the steps of opening a handle to a virtual COM port from an application program executing in the computer; opening and configuring a serial port by the application program; starting a thread to receive characters to be communicated through the RF facility; and utilizing the virtual COM port to open a component interface to allow communications through wireless RF communications.

Abstract: A hand-held RFID scanner has an extendable shaft with a handle for gripping of the RFID scanner. The shaft expands and retracts with a plurality of telescoping segments, either manually or with an electrical mechanism. An RFID antenna/reader is disposed on one end of the shaft. The RFID reader communicates with an RFID tag by RF communication link. A local controller, implemented as a PDA, is mounted to the extendable shaft and electrically connected to the RFID antenna/reader to receive data from the RFID tag. The local controller has an antenna for transmitting the data to a remote computer. The local controller executes software which allows the user to select whether the data is stored in the RFID tag or the remote computer. The software uses the RFID tag, RFID scanner with local controller, and remote computer to manage data associated with an object such as a wine barrel.

Abstract: A card activated cash dispensing automated banking machine system and method is provided. The machine is operate to read a financial card bearing account indicia with a card reader of the machine. The machine enables a user to perform banking operations responsive to account indicia read from the card. Such banking operations may include dispensing cash and accessing financial accounts. While a user operates the machine to dispense cash or perform other banking operations, the machine may further permit at least one portable wireless device to wirelessly access the machine to purchase and wirelessly receive digital information such as music and/or video files from the machine.

Abstract: A measurement probe for a machine tool has a housing incorporating a window that allows the optical transmission or receipt of signals from/to infrared transmitters or receivers. To obviate the need to mount the transmitter and receiver components on an external surface of the housing, they are surface mounted to a circuit board.

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 a 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: In an imaging device having a wireless module, an increase in undesired power consumption is inhibited, and a time required before establishment of a communications channel with a wireless terminal is shortened. In response to depression of a playback button performed by user by way of an operation section, a control section performs a pre-scan by way of a wireless module before a main scan responding to a request for wireless connection. When having received a request for wireless connection, the control section accepts designation of a wireless terminal serving as a destination of transmission from the user by utilization of a result of the pre-scan prior to a result of the main scan responding to the request for wireless connection.

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 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: There is disclosed a commodity information registering apparatus which registers commodity information while a commodity is moved, comprising a radio tag reading section which reads a radio tag within a first field to acquire commodity identification information stored in the radio tag, an optical reading section which reads a code symbol within a second field to acquire commodity identification information described in the code symbol, and a registering section which registers one of the commodity information corresponding to the commodity identification information acquired from the radio tag and the commodity information corresponding to the commodity identification information acquired from the code symbol.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification device (RFID) and method for authenticating RFIDs are disclosed. In RFIDs, data is stored in a form of data segments selectively associated with promiscuous and non-promiscuous regions of their memories. A randomly selected portion of a content of a non-promiscuous region is examined by an interrogating readers or a host computer after validating the data contained in a promiscuous region.

Abstract: An apparatus, system method, and computer program product for creating shortcuts to functions of a personal communication device that includes the use of an RF tag reader in personal communication device and RF tags placed different locations pertinent to a user. Upon receipt of the RF information, the personal communication device executes a preset shortcut stored in a memory, and prompts a user to select or create a new shortcut. The memory location for storing a shortcut can be the memory in the personal communication device, the memory in an RF tag or the memory in a network server. The shortcut includes at least a RF tag ID; a description of a command, macro or script and information defining the format and properties of the shortcut. Upon execution of the shortcut, and application program is selected for controlling a function of the personal communication device.

Abstract: A controller has a display unit for displaying commands used for controlling apparatuses, wherein the display unit includes a first area for displaying commands selected with a first operation unit and set with a second operation unit, and a second area for displaying commands selected and set at the same time with a third operation unit.

Abstract: A mobile wireless communications device includes a circuit board carried by a housing and having RF circuitry and a processor operative with the RF circuitry. A keyboard is carried by the housing and includes a keypad array circuit. A keypad connector is carried by the keypad and is operatively connected to the RF circuitry and processor. A plurality of Key_Out and Key_In connection lines connect the keypad connector and keypad array circuit. Filters carried by the keyboard are connected into each Key_Out and Key_In connection line for reducing RF energy picked up from either the antenna or external interference and interfering with normal processor operation.

Abstract: A portable terminal apparatus with a telephone function and a camera module. The apparatus includes a chassis, a camera module including a lens and an image pickup device, a circuit board placed and fixed on the chassis and a camera holder supporting the camera module and fixed on the circuit board to be on the chassis together with the circuit board. The camera holder has an opening for the camera module to look in and a wall section surrounding the opening and surrounding a side face of the camera module to support the camera module.

Abstract: A handle for receiving a portable data collection terminal includes a trigger mechanism activatable to provide a trigger signal to the portable data collection terminal. A trigger functionality selector has at least first and second states representing different functions of the portable data collection terminal that are to be activated by the trigger signal.

Abstract: An object identifier for an object is read in a first reading area and a second reading area. A time the object entered the first reading area and a time the object exited the first reading area is determined. Also, a time the object entered the second reading area and a time the object exited the second reading area is determined. A direction of movement of the object is determined based on at least some of the determined times.

Abstract: A portable end device, such as a bar code scanner, may be equipped with auxiliary interfaces. The auxiliary interfaces may be easily added to the end device as a replaceable cover, such as a replaceable battery door. A signal path conducts signals to and from the replaceable cover. One auxiliary interface is a Bluetooth radio. Data integrity protocols may be selected to guarantee delivery and guarantee no duplicate deliveries. Host pairing algorithms may provide standard or strong pairing with a host computer. Ergonomic interface features allow a user to control and monitor the operation of the end device and the data link with minimal hardware cost and battery life impact. Host software programs provide data routing, automatic reestablishment of the data link, and other functions. The system is adaptable to a wide array of use environments through the selection of timer parameters in the end device.

Abstract: An information processing method using a terminal apparatus, including: applying light with a concentric ring-like interference fringe pattern on one of subjects by using a pointer provided in the terminal apparatus; detecting the interference fringe pattern by using a detector; calculating an optical axis of the pointer on the basis of a detection signal obtained from the detector; specifying attribute information of the subject on the basis of arrangement information of the subject intersected by the optical axis in the condition that arrangement information of the subjects and attribute information of the subjects are stored in a storage device in advance while the arrangement information of each subject and the attribute information of the subject are associated with each other; and displaying the attribute information of the specified subject on the terminal apparatus.

Abstract: A trigger for initiating reading, and a lightpipe for displaying the results of the reading, together form an integrated molded assembly for installation into an electro-optical reader.

Abstract: A hand held mobile terminal includes at least one torque cell for facilitating a torsionally stiff housing structure. The torque cell includes a plurality of first locking members located around a perimeter of a first housing and a plurality of second locking members located around a perimeter of a second housing. The first and second locking members are slidably engageable with each other so as to create a plurality of interlocking joints around the perimeter of the torque cell. Accordingly, the torque cell structure provides several advantages over the conventional mobile terminal housing, such as: better torsional rigidity, simplified assembly, improved volumetric efficiency, reduced need for shock absorbing materials, lighter overall weight, decoupling of impact loads, and mitigation of stress concentrations.

Abstract: The use of an alternating current (ac) source to power logic circuitry can support satisfactory device performance for a variety of applications, while enhancing long-term stability of the circuitry. For example, when organic thin film transistor (OTFT)-based logic circuitry is powered by an ac power source, the logic circuitry exhibits stable performance characteristics over an extended period of operation. Enhanced stability may permit the use of OTFT logic circuitry to form a variety of circuit devices, including inverters, oscillators, logic gates, registers and the like. Such circuit devices may find application in a variety of applications, including integrated circuits, printed circuit boards, flat panel displays, smart cards, cell phones, and RFID tags. In some applications, the ac-powered logic circuitry may eliminate the need for ac-dc rectification components, thereby reducing the manufacturing time, expense, cost, complexity, and size of the component carrying the circuitry.

Abstract: A current state of an item being tracked by an item-tracking system may be determined using prior state information about the item. To ensure proper temporal order of the state information, software events triggered by physical events associated with the item are received from a reader at an event interpretation system. A database or queue within the event interpretation system holds the software events for a delay time determined by a maximum transmission delay time of the software events. A sorter within the event interpretation system orders the software events relative to one another so as to correspond to an order of the physical events. An association model of the event interpretation system may determine state information related to the item for storage in a state information database. Accordingly, system exceptions in the item tracking system may be reduced, and an accuracy and reliability of the system may be improved.