Method and apparatus to read different types of data carriers, such RFID tags and machine-readable symbols, and a user interface for the same
DCFirst Claim
Patent Images
1. A method of operating a data carrier reader, comprising:
- selecting one of at least two human-recognizable temporal indication patterns based on a current operation of the data carrier reader, where the human-recognizable temporal indication patterns each correspond to a respective temporal user indication; and
projecting light substantially outward of the data carrier reader to form the selected human-recognizable temporal indication pattern.
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Abstract
A data carrier reader includes an RFID tag reading section and a machine-readable symbol reading section, which can contain some common components. The reader is operable in an RFID tag reading mode and/or a symbol reading mode. The reader provides a consistent and intuitive user interface within, and between, the operating modes. The user interface can include visual, aural and tactile indicators. The visual indicators can include a pattern displayed by indicators on the reader, or projected onto or near the data carrier.
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11 Claims
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1. A method of operating a data carrier reader, comprising:
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selecting one of at least two human-recognizable temporal indication patterns based on a current operation of the data carrier reader, where the human-recognizable temporal indication patterns each correspond to a respective temporal user indication; and
projecting light substantially outward of the data carrier reader to form the selected human-recognizable temporal indication pattern. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
modulating a laser while in an RFID reading mode to produce the selected human-recognizable temporal indication pattern; and
illuminating a symbol with the laser in a symbol reading mode to scan the symbol.
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6. A data carrier reader, comprising:
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a first light source substantially alignable with a data carrier;
a processor coupled to control the first light source to produce a selected one of at least two human-recognizable temporal indication patterns based on a reader operation, where each of the human-recognizable temporal indication patterns correspond to a respective temporal user indication. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of operating a data carrier reader having a laser, comprising:
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producing a first scanning laser beam with the laser in a symbol reading mode; and
producing a human-recognizable temporal indication pattern based on a reader operation in an RFID reading mode. - View Dependent Claims (11)
selecting the human-recognizable temporal indication pattern from a number of human-recognizable temporal indication patterns, the human-recognizable temporal indication patterns corresponding to respective temporal user indications.
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Specification