Abstract:
The disclosure relates to battery powered hand-held data entry terminals (310) wherein a peripheral module may contain an automatically operating full image reader (313) and a wireless communication unit (312). The reader reads at least one full line of indicia and may comprise a laser bar code scanner or a flash type image reader. Preferably the reader has uniform resolution in orthogonal directions in the field of view so that an area image can be read at any arbitrary angular orientation and re-oriented as a stored digital image to a normalized orientation before decoding. The user interface (11, 12) may lie in a first longitudinally extended layer and the peripheral module (313) may lie in a second longitudinally extended adjoining layer. In normal reading disposition of the automatic reader (313), the user interface (11, 12) may be close to its normal orientation for user interaction therewith.
Abstract:
A coded image capture and decoding system (10) includes an image capture (14) unit and a host unit (12) which operate to capture image data, generate a plurality of coded images, and, thereafter, to decode the plurality of coded images with a non-dedicated host processing circuitry. The system comprises an image capture unit (14) and a host unit (12) which may be installed together or separately in one or more physical devices. The image capture unit (14) includes an image processor, an image buffer, an optical unit, an image buffer and an interface module. The host unit (12) includes a host processor, conventional hardware and software functions, and an interface module. During a capture cycle, the image capture unit (14) repeatedly captures images from a coded target (16). When the capture cycle is complete, the image capture unit (14) attempts to interrupt the host unit (12). The host unit (12) responds to the interrupt when it is available, receives the plurality of coded images over a communication link, and performs decode processing of the coded images.
Abstract:
The present invention utilizes two-dimensional photosensitive arrays (SR, SL) for decoding two-dimensional optically readable information sets which provides a best focus. A lens is provided for each of the photosensitive arrays movable in a trajectory (k-k', m-m') such that as the lens moves away from the photosensitive array, the distance between the lenses decreases. The varying distance between the lenses provides imnage zones (A, B, C) having the same image overlap in each zone.
Abstract:
A portable data collection terminal (10) has an elongate housing (12) with a hand grip conforming rear surface. A front surface (14) features a numerical keyboard (16) adjacent a lower end of the housing and an LCD screen (15) adjacent the keyboard toward an upper end of the housing. The display screen is of elongate rectangular shape, its length extending longitudinally of the housing of the data terminal. The active area of the display screen is covered by a touch sensitive overlay screen which is configured in one mode of operation of the data terminal into an alphabetical keyboard. The orientation of the display is switchable between orientations in which the line direction of the displayed data extends across or longitudinally of the data terminal. The keys (46), of the numerical keyboard (16) are identified by indicia (42) disposed on a template (13). The orientation of the template may be sensed to switch the orientation of the displayed data and touch sensitive key identifiers to correspond to the orientation of the indicia on the template. As a further embodiment an electromagnetic activation by a pen may be used to enter data into a data terminal. Power saving shutdown extends the battery life of the data terminal. A shutdown mode permits resumption of operations by depression of a key.
Abstract:
A non-laser type scanner for reading optically readable information within a three dimensional area which utilizes a two dimensional photosensitive array associated with a plurality of lenses wherein each lens is discretely associated with a line of resolution of the array. A computer connected to the array may be programmed and operated for decoding the output of the array such that optically readable information may be decoded within a three dimensional area.
Abstract:
A drive circuit (160) for an electroluminescent panel (12) applies an AC voltage cycle at typical power cycle frequencies by increasing the voltage profile in discrete, pulsed steps at a rate which is at least one order of magnitude greater than the AC frequencies applied to power the panel (12). A transformer (42) through which the power pulses are applied to the panel is of smaller size than state of the art resonant transformers for applying power cycles to electroluminescent panels. The reduced size of the transformer (42) is advantageous in packaging the drive circuit in portable devices using electroluminescent panels (12). The voltage steps at the leading edge of the voltage excursions of the AC cycle applied to the panel (12) may be programmably changed to adjust the light output of the panel (12), or to adjust the power applied by the circuit (85) to correspond to the size of the panel (12) to which the power is applied.
Abstract:
A signal amplitude shaping circuit is interposed between a signal source and a signal input terminal of a frequency modulation circuit of a typical voice radio transmitter or transceiver unit. The amplitude shaping circuit includes a high-impedance sampling circuit which senses the steady state bias voltage at the signal input terminal during periods when no data are being transmitted. Upon receipt of a transmit-enable signal, the most recently sensed bias voltage is stored and positive and negative offset voltages are generated with respect to the stored voltage. One of the offset voltages is adjusted as a precisely determined voltage with respect to the stored voltage. The other of the offset voltages is generated by inverting the first, adjusted voltage, such that the two offset voltages are offset by equal values in opposite directions. An analog switch is adapted to receive a sequence of digital signals and to apply the positive and negative offset voltages to the signal input terminal in a sequence corresponding to the binary signal sequence of the received data signals.
Abstract:
A data transceiver module (501) for digital data communications in a portable hand-held data terminal has multiple data spread spectrum modes which include direct sequence and frequency function modulation algorithms. The transceiver module (501) has multiple user or program configurable data rates, modulation, channelization and process gain in order to maximize the performance of radio data transmissions and to maximize interference immunity. Wireless access devices in a cell based network each consider a variety of factors when choosing one of a plurality of modes of wireless operation and associated operating parameters. Such selection defines a communication channel to support wireless data, message and communication exchanges. In further embodiments, the wireless access devices also support a second channel, a busy/control signal, for managing communication on the main communication channel and to overcome roaming and hidden terminal problems.
Abstract:
A computer apparatus (40) for receiving a removable communication card (44) such as a radio card or a modem card. A radio or modem is self-contained inside a housing of the communication card (44) and has an electrical interface for communicating information to and from the computer apparatus (40). The computer apparatus (40) receives the communication card (44) such that it engages the electrical interface. A radio communication card (44) is connected to the appropriate antenna or antennas for the type and frequency of the radio. Antenna contacts are disposed on the cap to engage the antenna contacts positioned on the end of the radio card. The antenna or antennas are embedded in the cap or attached to the housing of the computer device (40).
Abstract:
The present invention discloses a phased array laser scanner which utilizes electronically steerable beams much like a phased-array radar. Beam steering may be utilized to control a bar code scanner such that a phased delay in laser output produces an electronically steerable laser light source. It is possible to then preferentially control the laser light output spatial location since an array driven at differing phases would constructively interact so as to provide a location of maximum intensity. The phased array laser light may then be utilized to read and decode indicia via standard laser scanner means.