Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for triggering a back-of-the-hand-worn electronic device (such as a scanner) via a trigger button toward the end of a removable flexible trigger button assembly or arm that is left/right-handed reversable in accordance with the preference of the user. The flexible trigger button assembly has at least a portion that is user bendable and twistable over a wide range to a desired user-customized static configuration for optimal ergonomic placement of a trigger button relative to the user's thumb. In a second embodiment, the flexible trigger button assembly instead has a simple cable terminating in a trigger button ring assembly that can be secured on the user's forefinger. Both embodiments allow each user to press the trigger button more easily, comfortably, and repeatedly.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
H05K 5/00 - Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
An assisted aimer for rapid, accurate, and low-cost imaging of barcodes, includes a hand-held device, such as a smart phone or tablet, having a digital camera with built-in flash. a specialized software application executing on the phone, and an aimer apparatus attached in front of the flash aperture for forming an aimer beam at a predetermined distance. The aimer beam assists a user in accurately pointing the device at a target barcode. The aimer is attachable directly to the smart phone or camera, or is made a part of an enclosure that accepts the smart phone or tablet into a self-aligning receiving space. Aiming beam assistance enables the camera, its auto-focus, and the installed software application image processing to deliver rapid, snappy, barcode imaging.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 7/015 - Aligning or centring of the sensing device with respect to the record carrier
An assisted aimer for rapid, accurate, and low-cost imaging of barcodes, includes a hand-held device, such as a smart phone or tablet, having a digital camera with built-in flash, a specialized software application executing on the phone, and an aimer apparatus attached in front of the flash aperture for forming an aimer beam at a predetermined distance. The aimer beam assists a user in accurately pointing the device at a target barcode. The aimer is attachable directly to the smart phone or camera, or is made a part of an enclosure that accepts the smart phone or tablet into a self-aligning receiving space. Aiming beam assistance enables the camera, its auto-focus, and the installed software application image processing to deliver rapid, snappy, barcode imaging.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 7/015 - Aligning or centring of the sensing device with respect to the record carrier
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for triggering a back-of-the-hand-worn electronic device (such as a scanner) via a trigger button toward the end of a removable flexible trigger button assembly or arm that is left/right-handed reversable in accordance with the preference of the user. The flexible trigger button assembly has at least a portion that is user bendable and twistable over a wide range to a desired user-customized static configuration for optimal ergonomic placement of a trigger button relative to the user's thumb. In a second embodiment, the flexible trigger button assembly instead has a simple cable terminating in a trigger button ring assembly that can be secured on the user's forefinger. Both embodiments allow each user to press the trigger button more easily, comfortably, and repeatedly.
In contexts such as in-store customer transactions, a first party operates a terminal comprising a Beacon, an NFC-Engine, and optionally an Optical Scan Engine. A Beacon payload comprising particular data activates a corresponding pre-installed software application on an in-range second party's mobile device. The activated application prepares a customized scan target for subsequent presentation at the terminal. The scan target is a dynamically generated NFC tag, QR Code, or other scan target. The scan target comprises data derived from one or more of location context provided by the Beacon payload, second party ID, and second party transaction guidance. The second party confirms the transaction by presenting their mobile device at the terminal. Optionally, the application prepares a customized payload, broadcast by the mobile device and observed by the terminal prior to the second party's arrival, to optimally configure terminal operation for an upcoming transaction.
G06Q 30/0226 - Incentive systems for frequent usage, e.g. frequent flyer miles programs or point systems
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 19/06 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
H04W 4/00 - Services specially adapted for wireless communication networksFacilities therefor
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
G06Q 20/32 - Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices using wireless devices
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
A peripheral device at startup selectively activates one of a plurality of connection profiles for low-energy communication with a central device. The profiles determine the behavior of the peripheral device as viewed by the central device, such as a selected one of a HID, a Reader/Scanner, and a PC/SC-like device. The activated profile is selected based on connection profile state maintained across power cycle events and in view of special button combination events at startup. According to embodiment, the profile can also be selected (in conjunction with a reboot) as commanded under select circumstances by an application running on the central device or based on the peripheral reading a configuration card. According to embodiment, the activated profile corresponds to selected sub-portions of a unified database file of the peripheral device. The unified database includes profile components enabling activation of a selected one a plurality of low-energy communication profiles.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
G06F 16/13 - File access structures, e.g. distributed indices
Application-assisted friendly pairing provides a classic-energy radio technology user interface experience to a user operating a peripheral device in conjunction with a central device. The classic-energy radio technology user interface experience is provided while using a low-energy radio technology for communication between the peripheral device and the central device. The user interface experience is enabled via installation and execution of an application on the central device.
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
A peripheral device at startup selectively activates one of a plurality of connection profiles for low-energy communication with a central device. The profiles determine the behavior of the peripheral device as viewed by the central device, such as a selected one of a HID, a Reader/Scanner, and a PC/SC-like device. The activated profile is selected based on connection profile state maintained across power cycle events and in view of special button combination events at startup. According to embodiment, the profile can also be selected (in conjunction with a reboot) as commanded under select circumstances by an application running on the central device or based on the peripheral reading a configuration card. According to embodiment, the activated profile corresponds to selected sub-portions of a unified database file of the peripheral device. The unified database includes profile components enabling activation of a selected one a plurality of low-energy communication profiles.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
G06F 16/13 - File access structures, e.g. distributed indices
H04L 29/08 - Transmission control procedure, e.g. data link level control procedure
According to a technique of accuracy-enhanced scanning, a scan target is illuminated responsive to recognizing an aiming initiation action. The scan target is scanned responsive to recognizing a scanning initiation action. The illuminating and the scanning are performable independently of each other.
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
G06K 7/00 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
During hand-held operation, configuration of an NFC/RFID Reader/Writer peripheral device in a predefined mode named “Mobile Mode with Auto-Collection”, enables recognition of a long duration (e.g. 5 second) trigger press (AKA a “Long Press”) as an enabling event prompting a change of scan behavior between single-shot scan operation and continuous scan operation. In other defined Modes of the peripheral device, other predetermined enabling events, such as the presence or absence of a predetermined external power source, prompt the change between single-shot and continuous scan operations. The Long Press and the other intuitive features enable the general user to be able to switch between various modes and to do so without requiring acquisition or use of an additional dedicated scanner with its requisite expense or inconvenience, and without requiring advanced knowledge, special access, or special resources.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
Application-assisted friendly pairing provides a classic-energy radio technology user interface experience to a user operating a peripheral device in conjunction with a central device. The classic-energy radio technology user interface experience is provided while using a low-energy radio technology for communication between the peripheral device and the central device. The user interface experience is enabled via installation and execution of an application on the central device.
H04W 4/80 - Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication
An assisted aimer for rapid, accurate, and low-cost imaging of barcodes, includes a hand-held device, such as a smart phone or tablet, having a digital camera with built-in flash, a specialized software application executing on the phone, and an aimer apparatus attached in front of the flash aperture for forming an aimer beam at a predetermined distance. The aimer beam assists a user in accurately pointing the device at a target barcode. The aimer is attachable directly to the smart phone or camera, or is made a part of an enclosure that accepts the smart phone or tablet into a self-aligning receiving space. Aiming beam assistance enables the camera, its auto-focus, and the installed software application image processing to deliver rapid, snappy, barcode imaging.
G06K 19/00 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 7/015 - Aligning or centring of the sensing device with respect to the record carrier
19.
Assisted aimer for optimized symbol scanning by a portable computing device having an integral camera
An assisted aimer for rapid, accurate, and low-cost imaging of barcodes, includes a hand-held device, such as a smart phone or tablet, having a digital camera with built-in flash, a specialized software application executing on the phone, and an aimer apparatus attached in front of the flash aperture for forming an aimer beam at a predetermined distance. The aimer beam assists a user in accurately pointing the device at a target barcode. The aimer is attachable directly to the smart phone or camera, or is made a part of an enclosure that accepts the smart phone or tablet into a self-aligning receiving space. Aiming beam assistance enables the camera, its auto-focus, and the installed software application image processing to deliver rapid, snappy, barcode imaging.
G06K 19/00 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
G06K 7/015 - Aligning or centring of the sensing device with respect to the record carrier
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
An accuracy-enhanced scanner provides (in response to a first user input) illumination of potential scan targets and scans (in response to a second user input) a selected scan target. The user uses the illumination to aim the scanner at the selected scan target in between providing the first and the second user inputs. The scanner has switches to communicate the user inputs, to specify an operating mode for the scanner, and/or to communicate information codes to a computing device. The scanner has one or more scan engines (such as a barcode reader or an RFID tag reader), and optionally communicates wirelessly with the computing device. A scanning system including the scanner optionally provides feedback to the user based on feedback from a host processor. The scanner is any of a Multi-Mode Ring Scanner (MMRS), a cordless hand scanner, or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) with an add-on scanner.
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
G06K 7/00 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
During hand-held operation, configuration of an NFC/RFID Reader/Writer peripheral device in a predefined mode named “Mobile Mode with Auto-Collection”, enables recognition of a long duration (e.g. 5 second) trigger press (AKA a “Long Press”) as an enabling event prompting a change of scan behavior between single-shot scan operation and continuous scan operation. In other defined Modes of the peripheral device, other predetermined enabling events, such as the presence or absence of a predetermined external power source, prompt the change between single-shot and continuous scan operations. The Long Press and the other intuitive features enable the general user to be able to switch between various modes and to do so without requiring acquisition or use of an additional dedicated scanner with its requisite expense or inconvenience, and without requiring advanced knowledge, special access, or special resources.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
In contexts such as in-store customer transactions, a first party operates a terminal comprising a Beacon, an NFC-Engine, and optionally an Optical Scan Engine. A Beacon payload comprising particular data activates a corresponding pre-installed software application on an in-range second party's mobile device. The activated application prepares a customized scan target for subsequent presentation at the terminal. The scan target is a dynamically generated NFC tag, QR Code, or other scan target. The scan target comprises data derived from one or more of location context provided by the Beacon payload, second party ID, and second party transaction guidance. The second party confirms the transaction by presenting their mobile device at the terminal. Optionally, the application prepares a customized payload, broadcast by the mobile device and observed by the terminal prior to the second party's arrival, to optimally configure terminal operation for an upcoming transaction.
G06Q 20/32 - Payment architectures, schemes or protocols characterised by the use of specific devices using wireless devices
G06Q 30/02 - MarketingPrice estimation or determinationFundraising
G06K 19/06 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
H04W 4/00 - Services specially adapted for wireless communication networksFacilities therefor
An assisted aimer for rapid, accurate, and low-cost imaging of barcodes, includes a hand-held device, such as a smart phone or tablet, having a digital camera with built-in flash, a specialized software application executing on the phone, and an aimer apparatus attached in front of the flash aperture for forming an aimer beam at a predetermined distance. The aimer beam assists a user in accurately pointing the device at a target barcode. The aimer is attachable directly to the smart phone or camera, or is made a part of an enclosure that accepts the smart phone or tablet into a self-aligning receiving space. Aiming beam assistance enables the camera, its auto-focus, and the installed software application image processing to deliver rapid, snappy, barcode imaging.
G06K 7/00 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 7/015 - Aligning or centring of the sensing device with respect to the record carrier
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Scanners, barcode scanners, digital input and output scanners; RFID (radio frequency identification) readers; interface cards for use with scanners and readers; instructional and technical material relating to scanners and readers, all recorded magnetically, optically, electronically or being downloadable; mobile communications devices; telecommunications equipment; communications hardware; telecommunications hardware; computer software; data processing devices; network hardware and software; electronic displays and screens; integrated circuits; data recorded magnetically, electronically, or optically. Design, testing, research, technical support and information in the field of scanners and readers; technical help and support services provided by telephone or electronic mail; providing temporary use of non-downloadable software; operation of internet websites from which users may download software, software updates, and other technological information and material relating to scanners and readers; updating of software; information, consultancy and advisory services relating to all the aforesaid services including such services provided on-line or via the Internet or extranets.
A multi-mode ring scanner (MMRS) has a ring unit for wearing on a finger. The MMRS optionally has a wrist unit coupled to the ring unit, such as via a cable. The MMRS optionally communicates wirelessly with a computing device. The ring unit has one or more scanners (such as an optical scanner or an RFID tag reader). The ring unit optionally has two paddle switches for activation by inward pressure from fingers adjacent to the finger. The two switches enable specifying operation of the MMRS in a plurality of modes and/or to communicate a plurality of information codes to the computing device. The computing device is optionally enabled to assign a function to each combination of activation of the two switches. A scanning system including the MMRS optionally provides feedback to a user based on feedback from a host processor.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
38 - Telecommunications services
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Computer hardware; computer interface cards; computer modules; interface cards for use with bar code scanners and bar code wands; interface cards and computer modules for use with printers, LAN access points, digital cameras, bar code scanners, set top boxes, electronic measuring and control equipment, desktop computers, portable computers and mobile computing or mobile communications devices; computer software for the operation and management of mobile computing or mobile communications devices; telecommunications equipment; modems; communications hardware; telecommunications hardware; computer software; data processing devices, computers and computer parts; electronic devices; devices for the recording, transmission and playback of sound and images; electromechanical peripheral apparatus, all for use with computers; computer networks; network hardware and software; semi-conductors; computer displays; computer monitors; video monitors; projectors; integrated circuits; microelectronics programming devices; data recorded magnetically, electronically, or optically; instructional material relating to computers and to data, all recorded magnetically, optically or electronically; data, information, audio, video and other media or multimedia, all being downloadable from the Internet. Delivering third-party data, software applications, audio, and video content by means of electronic or optical networks; communications services; communications services, namely the transmission of voice, text, or data communications, personal or business scheduling, or personal information management; telecommunications; providing telephone communications via computer networks; electronic transmission of data, images, audio, video and documents; broadcasting services; audio broadcasting, radio broadcasting, cable television broadcasting, television broadcasting, and video broadcasting; electronic mail services, telephony services; chat services; providing online facilities for real time interaction with other computer users; global computer network communications services; broadcasting and delivery of audio, video, and/or multimedia content by means of radio, cellular, and wireless communication, television, cable television, closed circuit, electronic communications networks, or computer networks; global computer network broadcasting services; delivery of messages by electronic transmission; paging services; telecommunications and electronic mail services rendered via kiosks; provision of multiple user access to electronic communication networks, including the Internet, extranets and broad band access; provision of central switching services for electronic communications networks; provision of interface services for electronic communications network services providers; provision of connectivity services and access to electronic communications networks, for transmission or reception of data, audio, video or multimedia content; information, consultancy and advisory services, all relating to the aforesaid, including such services provided online from a computer network or via the Internet or extranets. Design for others in the fields of computers, communications, and telecommunications; engineering; engineering services for others for the design, development, integration, and manufacturing of computer hardware, computer interface cards, and computer modules; engineering services for others for the design, development, integration, and manufacturing of embedded systems; computer programming; computer consulting services; licensing of intellectual property; technology design; systems design; design consulting; consultancy, design, testing, research and advisory services, all relating to communications, networks, computing and computer programming; website design and hosting services; computer programming; computer systems analysis; computer timesharing; research and development of computer and communications hardware and software; technological services relating to computers; rental and leasing of computer and computer software; computer programming; updating of computer software; computer software design; computer database leasing; computer network services; computer help-line services; technical support (advisory) services relating to computer hardware, computer software, computer networks and the Internet; information, consultancy and advisory services relating to all the aforesaid services including such services provided on-line or via the Internet or extranets.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
computer hardware; computer interface cards; computer modules; interface cards for use with bar code scanners and bar code wands; interface cards and computer modules for use with printers, LAN access points, digital cameras, bar code scanners, set top boxes, electronic measuring and control equipment, desktop computers, portable computers and mobile computing or mobile communications devices; computer software for the operation and management of mobile computing or mobile communications devices [ design for others in the fields of computers, communications, and telecommunications, namely, design of hardware and related software; engineering of computer, communications and telecommunications hardware and related software; engineering services for others for the design, development, integration, and manufacturing of computer hardware, computer interface cards, and computer modules; engineering services for others for the design, development, integration, and manufacturing of embedded systems ]
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Computer hardware; computer interface cards; computer modules; interface cards for use with bar code scanners and bar code wands; interface cards and computer modules for use with the following-- printers, LAN access points, digital cameras, bar code scanners, set top boxes, electronic measuring and control equipment, desktop computers, portable computers and mobile computing or mobile communications devices; computer software for the operation and management of mobile computing or mobile communications devices
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Computer hardware; computer interface cards; [ computer memory cards; ] interface cards for use with bar code scanners [ and bar code wands; ] interface cards for use with mobile computing or mobile communications devices
