A
handheld computing system for adaptive multi-sensor, a
manipulator grip and its method is provided. A
system includes: sensor systems for sensing characteristics of a physical object, the characteristics including at least one identifier; and a distance analyzer for dynamically determining the activation of at least one of the sensor systems based on a distance to the object and pre-determined criteria. A
system includes: capturing systems for capturing characteristics of a physical object, the characteristics including an identifier and one or more attributes for contributing to identification of the object; a display for displaying the object's image, having an analysis field; and a
zoom for placing a specific captured characteristic of the object in the analysis field. A method of capturing and identifying a physical object includes: capturing characteristics of the object via an
optical path, a
radio frequency path or a combination thereof, the characteristics including an identifier and one or more attributes for contributing to identification of the object; evaluating one or more available captured characteristics; and validating the identifier based on the evaluation. A handheld ergonomic
data input device for operating a
handheld computing device having a sensor, includes: an
enclosure having a grip surface contoured to fit the palm of a user's hand and a
support surface for mounting the device; a detection mechanism for detecting the movement of the fingers, including: a rocking switch having at least two states and operated by the first and second fingers; a single state switch operated by a
third finger; and a squeeze switch operated by squeezing the grip with the hand. A
handheld computing unit includes: a handheld computing device including: capturing systems for capturing characteristics including an identifier and one or more attributes for contributing to identification of the object; a processor for adaptively selecting the capturing system and validating the identifier with one or more available captured characteristics, a
manipulator grip shaped for fitting the palm of a user's hand, for operating the handheld computing device with the hand, the
manipulator grip including: a mounting surface for mounting the device; an entry mechanism operated by the hand; and an interface for transferring a
signal associated with the operation of the entry mechanism to operate the device.