Multi-function portable device

• US 20040155808A1
• Filed: 02/06/2003
• Published: 08/12/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 02/06/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Symbol Technologies, LLC (Zebra Technologies Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc. (Zebra Technologies Corporation)
• Inventors: Kahn, Joel E.
• Granted Patent: US 6,987,478 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 341/176
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/21 Programming remote control devices via third means
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 23/04 using light waves, e.g. infrared

Abstract

Described is a multi-function portable device which includes a memory, a transmitter, a scanning arrangement for obtaining images to be stored in the memory, a processor coupled to the memory and the transmitter for generating encoded commands for transmission to a further device. The encoded commands are generated based on corresponding commands for the further device stored in the memory. The processor processed the images to extract digital data included in the image. The portable device also includes a housing situating the memory, the transmitter, the scanning arrangement and the processor.

Claims

1. A multi-function portable device, comprising:

a memory;

a transmitter;

a scanning arrangement for obtaining images to be stored in the memory;

a processor coupled to the memory and the transmitter for generating encoded commands for transmission to a further device, the encoded commands being generated based on corresponding commands for the further device stored in the memory, the processor processing the images to extract digital data included in the image;

a housing situating the memory, the transmitter, the scanning arrangement and the processor.

2. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter transmits encoded commands controlling for locking and alarm mechanisms of the further device.

3. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the further device includes an alarm system.

4. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the device includes a combination of a consumer scanner and a remote control for an alarm system.

5. The portable device according to claim 4, wherein the digital data to be extracted from the images corresponds to identification codes formed on surfaces to be scanned.

6. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the memory stores user input and wherein the processor generates encoded commands as a function of the user input.

7. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter includes at least one of a radio transmitter and an infrared transmitter.

8. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the scanning arrangement includes a light source and an optical receiver.

9. The portable device according to claim 1, further comprising:

a communication arrangement transferring data between the device and a host device.

10. The portable device according to claim 9, wherein the communication arrangement is one of a serial connection, a parallel connection, a wireless connection, a network connection and a USB connection.

11. The portable device according to claim 1, wherein the scanning arrangement is an imager including one of a CCD and a CMOS.

12. The portable device according to claim 1, further comprising:

an RFID transmitter communicating with an RFID host.

13. A remote control arrangement for an alarm system, comprising:

an alarm system control section;

a scanning section integral with the alarm system control, the scanning section including an optical source and an optical receiver, the optical receiver being adapted to collect reflected light of the optical source and generating data as of function of the reflected light;

an electronic processor processing the data;

a memory configured to store the data;

an electronic interface to exchange the data with a host; and

a control panel to operate the alarm system control and scanning sections.

14. The remote control arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the data includes merchandise identification codes.

15. The remote control arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the control panel includes at least one of a scan control, a memory save control and a memory erase control.

16. A consumer scanner unit for incorporation in a portable device, comprising:

a reader adapted to detect merchandise identification codes;

an electronic memory configured to store the merchandise identification codes;

a control section adapted to receive user commands;

a processor configured to control operation of the reader; and

an interface to connect the consumer scanner unit to a host.

17. The consumer scanner according to claim 16, wherein the portable device is a remote control of a vehicle security system.

18. The consumer scanner according to claim 16, further comprising:

a power supply providing power to the reader, the electronic memory, the control section and the processor.