Intermec IP Corporation

Other

Intermec, Inc.

Patrick Helton

Christopher A Wiklof

Pixie Ann Austin

Duane M Fox

William G Kelly

Steven B Winter

David S Nierescher

Howard H Nojiri

Mats Cremon

Christopher Wiklof

Kursat Eroglu

Method and apparatus for reprogramming a programmable product, such as, a printer, a wireless communication device, or a portable computer. A software programmable product that includes memory for storing product operation information and a method for configuring the software programmable products is provided. Software is configurable by data stored on an RFID tag. Data stored on the RFID is transferred reprogramming circuitry of the production which sets the configurable operating parameters. This configures the products features and options as desired by the specific user without requiring an external programming device or destructive entering into the packages or internals of the product. An RFID located in an electronic product, within or upon its packaging, or on an accessory may be loaded with reprogramming data such as media configuration data or usage data. The RFID reader may be located on a kiosk.

Arrangement for automatic setting of programmable devices and materials therefor

An RFID tag verifier includes an RF interrogator that transmits a first and second interrogation signal each having a first operational characteristic that differs from the other by a known amount. The RF interrogator receives a first and second return signal corresponding to the respective interrogation signals. A processor determines a response of the RFID tag as defined by a second operational characteristic of the first and second return signals. The verifier can determine the signal strength of the return signal for varying strengths of the interrogation signal. Typically, a flat response is desired Additionally, or alternatively, the verifier can determine the response in terms of signal strength of the response signals for interrogation signals having different frequencies. In some applications frequency selectivity may be desirable. Additionally, or alternatively, the verifier can determine the response in terms of frequency for interrogation signals having varying strengths. A machine-readable symbol verifier can be coupled to, or formed as part of, the RFID verifier. A printer can be coupled to, or formed as part of, the RFID tag verifier.

Method and apparatus for verifying RFID tags

One or more reading devices are disposed within a hollow case sized and shaped to be held in a user's hand. A supplemental switch is also disposed in the case and is manually activatable by a user, such as by the user's thumb. Logic disposed in the case is connected to a reading device and the supplemental switch for taking a first action when the switch is activated and taking a second action when it is not. The first and second actions may comprise first and second modes of operation of the reading device. When two or more reading devices are provided, the first and second actions may include reading operations of the first and second devices, respectively. Types of reading devices that may be incorporated into embodiments of the invention include bar code scanners, RF ID interrogators, and smart card scanners.

Hand-held, dual-mode asset tracking reader with light-activated switch

A battery charging system for discriminating between different battery packs and charging the battery packs according to battery type and charging parameters of the battery pack. The battery charging system has a battery having a label and a charging dock for receiving the battery. Charging dock has a label reader for reading the label when the battery pack is operationally coupled to the charging dock. A discriminator, which is coupled to the label reader, generates at least one charge control signal based on information received from the label reader. A charger that is coupled to the discriminator receives the charge control signal and charges the battery pack based on the charge control signal.

Method and system for discriminating between different types of batteries and charging the same

A hand-held, dual-mode barcode scanner for two dimensional barcodes. A supplemental switch activatable by the user changes the function being performed by the scanner. In one implementation, the barcode data is used to reprogram the scanner's logic when the supplemental switch is activated. The preferred embodiment employs a light-activated switch that is turned on by the user placing his/her finger/thumb over an opening in the scanner case. An infrared-activated version of the switch is also shown.

Growing community of inventors

Marysville, WA, United States of America

Patrick Helton