Abstract:
Various problems arise in accessing the Internet. For example, Internet files have complex file addresses which are prone to incorrect entry by a user, giving rise to access of unwanted files. In one aspect the invention solves this problem by encoding the file address in a bar code symbol, decoding the bar code symbol and accessing the relevant file automatically.
Abstract:
To reduce the size and weight of an optical scanner, the present invention provides a mirrorless beam scanning unit. In some embodiments, the light emitter itself moves back and forth, and in other embodiments the objective lens reciprocates laterally in front of the light emitter. For example, a flexible support structure, such as one or more strips of mylar, movably mounts the objective lens in front of the light emitter. The objective lens is laterally reciprocated in response to a motive force, for example as might be applied by a combination of a permanent magnet coupled to the objective lens and a fixedly mounted electromagnet driven by an alternating current signal. Reciprocation of the objective lens during emission of light by the light emitter causes the light to scan a surface, such as a surface bearing a bar code label.
Abstract:
The system uses electronic price tags (114) which are provided with communication modules linking them over, e.g. a wireless local network, with a central computer (110) to enable receipt of price information. A portable terminal (116) carried by a shopper receives the price information from the tags over a short-range radio link when actuated by the customer wishing to purchase an item, and stores a running total. Independent claims are included for: (a) a purchasing system employing a computer coupled to a wireless network; (b) a method of recording purchases using a self-service terminal; (c) a self-service purchasing system including a communication network with a central computer; (d) a self-service purchasing system in which a customer is associated with a purchasing terminal; (e) an electronic price tag for use in a an electronic self-service purchasing system; (f) and a system to distribute product information to a customer.
Abstract:
An optical scanner (30) has a scanner component mounted to a leaf spring (34) for oscillatory motion about an axis. An electromagnetic coil (58) and permanent magnet (56) cause a force to be applied to the scanner component away from a central, neutral position. Bending of the leaf spring provides a restoring force biasing the scanner component back towards the neutral position.
Abstract:
An optical scanner such as a bar code scanner includes a segmented mirror (14), the individual sections of which have different profiles (16,18,20). By directing the scanning laser beam across the mirror, a plurality of scan lines are created, at different distances from the scanner. This provides increased flexibility by extending the scanner's working range. In alternative embodiments, a collector mirror and/or a scanning mirror may be segmented. In addition, beam shaping may be provided by reflecting the beam from one or more aplanar surfaces.
Abstract:
An optical scanning system for reading indicia of differing light reflectivity has an optical scan module (1) which is adapted to be mounted on a finger of a user. A first peripheral module (7), preferably in the form of a wrist watch, has a receiver (920) which detects the reflected light. A second peripheral module (9), mounted on the other arm of the user, communicates with the first module by radio frequency transmission. According to other aspects of the invention, the light detector may be mounted in a housing which is separate and apart from the optical scan module. According to another aspect, a laser pointer or scanner is mounted to a ring (1) which is arranged to be worn on a single finger of the user.
Abstract:
Described is a method and system for an access control in a communication network which includes a first wireless unit, a second wireless unit and at least one further unit. The first unit generates a frame for the second unit. The frame includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes data indicating that the first unit is about to establish a direct communication channel with the second unit. The first portion is transmitted to the second unit and is received by the at least one further wireless unit. The direct communication channel is established between the first unit and the second unit for transmission the second portion. During the transmission of the second portion, the at least one further unit abstains from communications using the direct communication channel.
Abstract:
A system for tracking an asset includes wireless access points and a computing arrangement communicating with the access points to determine a location of the device as a function of first data, second data indicative of a travel time of a third signal from the device to three access points and the locations of the three access points. The first data includes one of first signal strength data and second signal strength data indicative of the strength of first and second signals transmitted, respectively, by the device and received by the three access points. The location area is an area within a predetermined reception range of the three access points. The arrangement determines the location of the device within the location area as a function of second data and a further location of each of the at least three further access points of the plurality of access points.