2668results about "Conveying record carriers" patented technology

An imaging module in one embodiment includes at least one multiple color emitting light source comprising a plurality of different colored LED dies each independently driveable so that the overall color emitted by the light source can be controlled and varied. The multiple color emitting light source can be controlled so that the color emitted by the light source is optimized for imaging or reading in a present application environment of the module. Further, the module can be configured so that control of the multiple color emitting light source automatically varies depending on a sensed condition, such a color present in a field of view of the module, the distance of the module to a target, and / or a predetermined criteria being met so that feedback is provided to a user. The module in a further aspect can include illumination light sources and aiming light sources which project light in different wavelength emission bands.

Automatic data collection devices such as barcode readers, RFID readers, magnetic stripe readers and the like may be tested using ADC device test executables, modules or processes stored at a variety of network locations. One or more sets of tests or work lists may be defined to facilitate testing. Tests may be identified by name and / or keyword. Keywords may be indicative one or more functionalities tested by the respective ADC device test module.

An apparatus is provided for tracking individual user consumer transactions which provides the user with an eraseable, re-writeable, visual format display while avoiding retrieval of data from an outside source.

An optical reader is suitable for reading 2-dimensional indicia. The optical reading device, that may include a bar code reader, comprises a guide whose length along the optical reader optical axis is such that when that guide contacts the part or equipment surrounding the indicia to be read, that indicia is within the optical reader depth of field. The reader comprises a housing having therein a source of illumination and optics for producing a diverging beam for illuminating indica. A spacing element transparent guide is removably attached to the housing, and does not block indicia. The line of contact of the guide with the data carrier is substantially fully visible to the operator, who can thus confirm that the guide is in proper operating position relative to the indica prior to initiating a reading operation. A reading operation can be initiated by pressing on the guide to actuate a switch, or on a manual trigger.

A processor (100) is provided that is a programmable fixed point digital signal processor (DSP) with variable instruction length, offering both high code density and easy programming. Architecture and instruction set are optimized for low power consumption and high efficiency execution of DSP algorithms, such as for wireless telephones, as well as pure control tasks. The processor includes an instruction buffer unit (106), a program flow control unit (108), an address / data flow unit (110), a data computation unit (112), and multiple interconnecting busses. Dual multiply-accumulate blocks improve processing performance. A memory interface unit (104) provides parallel access to data and instruction memories. The instruction buffer is operable to buffer single and compound instructions pending execution thereof. A decode mechanism is configured to decode instructions from the instruction buffer. The use of compound instructions enables effective use of the bandwidth available within the processor. A soft dual memory instruction can be compiled from separate first and second programmed memory instructions. Instructions can be conditionally executed or repeatedly executed. Bit field processing and various addressing modes, such as circular buffer addressing, further support execution of DSP algorithms. The processor includes a multistage execution pipeline with pipeline protection features. Various functional modules can be separately powered down to conserve power. The processor includes emulation and code debugging facilities with support for cache analysis.

An imaging module in one embodiment includes at least one multiple color emitting light source comprising a plurality of different colored LED dies each independently driveable so that the overall color emitted by the light source can be controlled and varied. The multiple color emitting light source can be controlled so that the color emitted by the light source is optimized for imaging or reading in a present application environment of the module. Further, the module can be configured so that control of the multiple color emitting light source automatically varies depending on a sensed condition, such a color present in a field of view of the module, the distance of the module to a target, and / or a predetermined criteria being met so that feedback is provided to a user. The module in a further aspect can include illumination light sources and aiming light sources which project light in different wavelength emission bands.

An imaging module in one embodiment includes an aiming system having a light source, an aperture and an optical element positioned optically forward of the aperture wherein the aiming system projects a crisp and sharp aiming pattern onto a target over a wide range of distances. In one embodiment, an aiming system is configured so that a lens operates as an aperture to project a crisp sharp aiming pattern over a wide range of distances including distances at which the aiming pattern is less than optimally focused. In another embodiment an aiming system is configured so that light emanating from a thin aperture is imaged in such manner that a crisp, sharp aiming pattern is defined over a wide range of distances. The aiming pattern in one embodiment includes sharply defined lateral edges which are useful in sighting target indicia.

A proactive browser system configured to implement stateful frame navigation using content specific icons, background frame maintenance, and asynchronous frame submissions. The proactive browser system includes three components: user-side proactive application terminals (PAT), network-resident proactivity enablement servers (PES), and server-side proactive wireless web-based application servers. The PAT resides on user terminals and functions as an enhanced browser that accommodates proactive application services. The PES resides in the wireless network between the proactive application servers and the user terminals, and implements proactivity support services including queuing of proactive application submissions, presence detection of proactive application terminals, and routing of proactive application submissions from proactive application servers to the proactive application terminals. The proactive application servers are web-based application servers configured to provide proactive application services to take advantage of the enhanced capabilities enabled by the PAT and PES components.

An imaging module in one embodiment includes a printed circuit board, an image sensor electrically connected to the printed circuit board, a support assembly for supporting at least one optical element, and an illumination system for generating an illumination pattern onto a target. The illumination system may include illumination light sources and diffusers for diffusing light from the illumination light sources. The module may further include an aiming system having an aiming light source, an aperture for stopping light from the aiming light source, and an optical element for projecting an aiming pattern into target area. Either or both of the illumination and aiming systems may include light redirecting elements such as mirrors or prisms.

The present invention provides a method and system for verifying and tracking identification information. In an embodiment of the invention, a system for delivering security solutions is provided that includes at least one of the following: a radio frequency (RF) identification device, an identification mechanism (e.g., a card, sticker), and an RF reader.

The present invention relates to a process for producing an opaque, transparent or translucent transaction card having multiple features, such as a holographic foil, integrated circuit chip, silver magnetic stripe with text on the magnetic stripe, opacity gradient, an invisible optically recognizable compound, a translucent signature field such that the signature on back of the card is visible from the front of the card and an active thru date on the front of the card. The invisible optically recognizable compound is an infrared ink and / or film, which can be detected by a sensor found in an ATM or card assembly line.

Disclosed is a device and method for obtaining and utilizing data. A handheld device which is capable of optically scanning or receiving RFID signals from an object, storing the data in an internal memory, and then re-transmitting the data is disclosed. The re-transmitted data may trigger access to an internet web site or other database which provides a user with detailed information relating to the scanned object. The device is also usable as a re-configurable electronic key or may be built into electronic devices to allow reconfiguration by scanning a symbol.

An imaging module in one embodiment is adapted so that a position of a lens assembly can be finely adjusted relative to a position of an image sensor. A retainer and lens assembly according to the invention are complimentary configured so that the lens assembly is slidably received in the retainer. The retainer include in one embodiment two apertures defined in sidewalls thereof. The first aperture accommodates a fixture pin for use in finely adjusting the position of the lens assembly within the retainer. The second aperture accommodates an adhesive material for adhesively bonding the lens assembly to the retainer. Adhesive material may further be applied in the first aperture.

A proactive browser system configured to implement stateful frame navigation using content specific icons, background frame maintenance, and asynchronous frame submissions. The proactive browser system includes three components: user-side proactive application terminals (PAT), network-resident proactivity enablement servers (PES), and server-side proactive wireless web-based application servers. The PAT resides on user terminals and functions as an enhanced browser that accommodates proactive application services. The PES resides in the wireless network between the proactive application servers and the user terminals, and implements proactivity support services including queuing of proactive application submissions, presence detection of proactive application terminals, and routing of proactive application submissions from proactive application servers to the proactive application terminals. The proactive application servers are web-based application servers configured to provide proactive application services to take advantage of the enhanced capabilities enabled by the PAT and PES components.

Electronic devices are provided with ejectable component assemblies. The ejectable component assembly may include a tray that can be loaded with one or more removable modules, wafers coupled to circuit boards, cages and retaining plates to assist in retaining the tray within the assembly. The ejectable component assembly may include springs operative to engage detents in the tray to retain the tray in the assembly. The ejectable component assembly may include a tray ejector mechanism for ejecting the tray from the assembly.

There is provided a contacting device (1) for chip cards, preferably for SIM cards, comprising a base (2), a slider (12) arranged at the base (2) and being movable with respect to the base (2), the chip card (4) being slidable between an insert / removal position and a reading position by means of said slider, and means (7, 22) for inhibiting removal of the slider from the contacting device (1). Preferably, the slider (12) is slidably mounted to the base (2) and is in abutting engagement with an abutment in the insert / removal position such that the slider (12) cannot be removed from the contacting device (1), i.e. the slider (12) cannot be moved beyond the insert / removal position. Thus, the contacting device does not comprise any loose parts that could get lost. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a contacting device (1) for a chip card (4) comprising a stationary base (2) and a movable slider (12), wherein a chip card (4) is slidable between an insert / removal position and a reading position, wherein a metal cover (24) is fixedly mounted to the contacting device (1) and for providing support for the chip card (4) for providing counter-forces taking up contacting forces between contacting elements of the contacting device (1) and contacting pads of the chip card. Preferably, the contacting device (1) has a card plenum (11) for receiving the chip card (4), and the metal cover (24) spans the card plenum (11) as well as the slider (12) and extends around the sides of the base (2). By using a metal cover, a particularly small thickness is possible for this component. Further, the metal cover is easy to manufacture and to assemble.

Electronic devices are provided with ejectable component assemblies. The ejectable component assembly may include a tray that can be loaded with one or more removable modules, wafers coupled to circuit boards, cages and retaining plates to assist in retaining the tray within the assembly. The ejectable component assembly may include springs operative to engage detents in the tray to retain the tray in the assembly. The ejectable component assembly may include a tray ejector mechanism for ejecting the tray from the assembly.

A mother / daughter card non-volatile memory system includes a daughter card containing the memory and a mother card containing the memory controller and host interface circuits. The daughter memory card contains as little more than the memory cell array as is practical, in order to minimize its cost, and has an interface for connecting with a variety of mother controller cards having physical attributes and host interfaces according to a number of different published or proprietary memory card standards. Different types of memory cards may be used when the operating parameters of the memory are stored within it in a protected location, the mother card controller then reading these parameters and adapting its operation accordingly. A radio frequency antenna may be included on a surface of the card along with its electrical contacts, in order to provide a radio frequency identification function.

An encoding / verifying apparatus and method for encoding / verifying RFID containing stock is provided. The encoding / verifying apparatus enables the verification of information already programmed on stock containing a RFID tag and / or encodes specific information to the RFID component of the stock while verifying that the proper stock is programmed with the correct information. Stock can either be on a roll or a fan fold with or without pin feeds. The stock will be read / encoded one at a time and advanced only after each successful read / write. Any stock that contains a failed RFID component will be marked so as to designate it as defective. In addition, methods for uniquely programming RFID containing stock are also provided.

A device (80) for reading a coded golf ball (40) comprises a helical track (82) on the inside or outside of a cylindrical housing (81), the track serving to change the orientation of the ball relative to an antenna coil (85) to ensure that the code is read. The track may be arranged horizontally and rotated by a motor; a flap (30) may be provided to avoid balls following each other too closely onto the helical track. Alternatively the track may be arranged vertically and the balls may fall under gravity.

An encoding / verifying apparatus and method for encoding / verifying RFID containing stock is provided. The encoding / verifying apparatus enables the verification of information already programmed on stock containing a RFID tag and / or encodes specific information to the RFID component of the stock while verifying that the proper stock is programmed with the correct information. Stock can either be on a roll or a fan fold with or without pin feeds. The stock will be read / encoded one at a time and advanced only after each successful read / write. Any stock that contains a failed RFID component will be marked so as to designate it as defective. In addition, methods for uniquely programming RFID containing stock are also provided.

A method for preventing deadlock in communication between a host software application and a network interface card (NIC), comprises writing a doorbell associated with at least one descriptor having a descriptor context to a buffer in the NIC, dropping at least one doorbell from the buffer if the buffer is full, thereby allowing a write of a new doorbell to the buffer, and recovering each dropped doorbell for further execution of descriptors associated with this doorbell. The descriptor execution is in order of posting by the application to the NIC. A system implementing the method comprises a doorbell drop mechanism and a doorbell recovery mechanism.

Electronic devices are provided with ejectable component assemblies. Each ejectable component assembly may include a tray that can be loaded with one or more types of removable module, such as a mini-SIM card and a micro-SIM card, and inserted into the device. Each assembly may also include a base coupled to a circuit board for electrically coupling with the removable module, a cage for biasing the module down against the base, and a guide for retaining the module at a functional insertion position within the device.

An electronic communications device 102 can be provided with one or more different electronic connectors 104 and 106 for accepting varying data cards 108 or 110. A slot 138 or 140 in the electronic communications device can receive the data cards. The connector 106 can comprise of a push-push connector 168, a push-pull connector 170 or an elongated card access tray 182. The versatile single connector can have a first data card-receiving cavity 142 for receiving a data card 108, such as a nano-SIM 4th form-factor (4FF) card, and a second data card-receiving cavity 144 for receiving a data card 110, such as a microSD (uSD) card. The versatile single connector can have portions of the cavities 142 and 144 overlapping each other to provide a common minimal connector footprint 150 comprising of a single shared data card opening 138 or 140 for receiving, accepting, connecting and detecting only one of the data cards at a time in the device. Elements in the connector, device, or tray geometry can be of a size and shape to bias the data card and to prevent more than one data card from being inserted at a time into the single connector.

In one aspect, a voltage controlled oscillator is provided that includes circuitry comprising tunable coupled resonator networks, which are coupled to a terminal of a pair of three-terminal devices through a tuning voltage network which supports wide-band tunability. In another aspect, a wide-band tunable resonator is provided that is amenable to integration in the integrated circuit form.

This invention is directed to an optical mark sensing device known as a mark read scanner for reading marks on a form. This scanner is a stand-alone device that has an internal micro-controller with the controlling software therein. An external personal computer is not required to operate the scanner in its intended manner. "Graphic switches" are printed on the form to define the characteristics of a form to be scanned. The expense of replacing the internal program of a scanner when a user requests a variation of a test form that had not been pre-programmed into the original specifications of the scanner is eliminated.

A high speed data transfer system includes a WAU (201) which is utilized to provide high speed access to satellite transferred data. The system is configured such that a plurality of data utilization (205) may access the high speed data via wireless links to the WAU (201). Advantageously, high speed data services may be provided to users without the users requiring individual satellite antennas.

A contactless transaction card is detachably connectable to an antenna provided on a flexible film having an adhesive coating or other carrier surface. An integrated circuit chip on the contactless transaction card includes leads for establishing an electrical connection with the ends of the antenna. The contactless transaction card and detachable antenna may be provided on a carrier card with the adhesive film adhered onto the card and the contactless transaction card either die cut into the carrier card or frictionally held in a recessed holder formed in the carrier card surface. In a preferred embodiment, a cover for a mobile telephone includes a holder for a contactless transaction card. An antenna may be either adhered onto the cover by the user or may be permanently provided on the surface of the cover. The holder is configured so that when a contactless transaction card is inserted into the holder, the leads of the integrated circuit is facing the surface of the cover to enable electrical connection to be established between the contactless transaction card and the antenna.