A code reader includes an image acquisition system to acquire a plurality of images. A sensor detects motion of the code reader, and a processor is operatively coupled to the image acquisition system and the sensor. The processor performs a plurality of steps including associating a first detected motion data with one of the plurality of acquired images; associating a second detected motion data with a subsequent one of the plurality of acquired images; attempting to decode the one of the plurality of acquired images; determining if the second detected motion data is preferred over the first detected motion data; and attempting to decode the subsequent one of the plurality of acquired images when the second detected motion data is preferred over the first detected motion data.

Systems and methods for capturing machine-readable symbols using a finger mounted indicia. The system includes an image sensor that captures a plurality of images from the field of view of the image sensor. An occurrence of a gesture is detected in the plurality of images, in which the gesture is represented by a trace of a number of movements of a finger mounted indicia. In response to detecting the occurrence of the gesture, an at least attempt is triggered to decode one or more machine-readable symbols represented in the images. The gesture may be used to indicate a region of interest that includes the machine-readable symbol. Such indication may improve the efficiency and processing time needed to detect and decode a machine-readable symbol.

A system includes a plurality of lighting devices connected in a network to communicate in a service area, and a smart tag configured to communicate with one or more of the lighting devices. Each respective lighting device is configured to transmit a radio frequency signal including a device identifier of the respective lighting device. In response to expiration of a time period or an occurrence of an event, the smart tag is configured to transition from a low power consumption sleep mode to an awake mode. During the awake mode, the smart tag is configured to provide information that enables a processor or other computing device to determine a position of the smart tag or any asset associated with the smart tag in the service area. Upon transmission of the information, the smart tag is transitioned from the awake mode back to the low power consumption sleep mode.

A method and apparatus with predictive triggering includes a housing including electronics operable to perform a process that can be activated by a user depressing a trigger with a finger. A trigger is operable to activate the electronics to perform the process. A proximity sensor is operable to detect a user's finger in proximity to the trigger. A processor coupled to the electronics, trigger, and proximity sensor, wherein when the proximity sensor detects a user's finger in proximity to the trigger, before the user's finger actually depresses the trigger, the processor initiates activation of the electronics to perform a portion of the process, and when the user's finger depresses the trigger, the processor directs the electronics to complete the process.

A barcode reading apparatus has a scanner unit for reading barcodes and a processor for controlling whole operation of the apparatus. The barcode reading apparatus judges whether a distance between a operation unit for receiving an instruction to be given by a user and an operating body such as the finger of the user falls with in a prescribed range, and starts up and brings the scanner unit to a standby state, when it is determined that the distance between the operation unit and the operating body falls with in the prescribed range, and waits for an instruction of making the scanner unit start reading barcodes.

A code reader may include a housing, an image sensor, and a processing unit. The code reader may include a set of orientations. The housing may be configured to be adjustably oriented, such as rotated. The image sensor may be disposed within the housing, and configured to capture an image of a target area. The processing unit may be disposed within said housing, and be in communication with the image sensor. The processing unit may be configured to, in response to determining an orientation of the housing, select a function so that the code reader is configured to perform the function corresponding with the determined orientation.

A method and apparatus for performing a variable data capture process at a data capture device comprising a data capture module and a trigger mechanism is provided. In operation, the data capture device detects an initial activation of the trigger mechanism. In response to the activation, data capture is initiated at the data capture module. A continued activation of the trigger mechanism subsequent to the initial activation is also detected. Following the detection of the continued activation of the trigger mechanism, the device identifies an obtained gesture and performs a data capture operation based on the identified gesture.

A method and apparatus for switching an optical imaging reader between a hands-free mode and a handheld mode using a grip-enabling switch, which is actuated by a user's grip on the handle of the reader in order to switch from the hands-free mode to the handheld mode, and which switches from the handheld mode to the hands-free mode if the grip-enabling switch is no longer actuated.

A tag is configured to provide information that enables a processor or other computing device to locate the tag and any asset associated with the tag in an area. The tag incorporates a motion sensor responsive to movements of the tag above a predetermined rate and a predetermined magnitude. In response to the movements above the predetermined rate and magnitude, the motion sensor generates a voltage exceeding a predetermined threshold. An energy-saving process exploits the tag's microcontroller's transitions between a sleep state and an awake state. While asleep, the microcontroller maintains a clock and data in memory, and monitors an input from the motion sensor. In response to voltages at the input over the predetermine threshold, the microcontroller receives signals from one or more nearby beacon nodes in a network operating in the area, process the signals and transmit information based on the processed signals, for a position determination.

Systems and methods for capturing machine-readable symbols using a finger mounted indicia. The system includes an image sensor that captures a plurality of images from the field of view of the image sensor. An occurrence of a gesture is detected in the plurality of images, in which the gesture is represented by a trace of a number of movements of a finger mounted indicia. In response to detecting the occurrence of the gesture, an at least attempt is triggered to decode one or more machine-readable symbols represented in the images. The gesture may be used to indicate a region of interest that includes the machine-readable symbol. Such indication may improve the efficiency and processing time needed to detect and decode a machine-readable symbol.