Hand-held, dual-mode asset tracking reader with light-activated switch
US6357662B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 9, 1999 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 9, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06K7/10851
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
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.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.