Abstract:
The invention relates to a scanner with an embedded voice/data communication system. The embedded communication system enables data to obtained remotely, and transferred to the scanner. The scanner includes a multiplexing component that can enables data received via the communication component to be handled as though it were obtained with the scanner. In addition, the communication system enables paging/calling of remote devices.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Imaging and communication technologies have experienced significant growth over the past several years. This growth has lead to imaging and communication systems of increased sophistication and complexity. Additionally, the size of packaging for imaging and communication systems is continually decreasing. However, the two technologies have remained largely exclusive of one of another in industrial and retail applications. 
         [0002]    Retail operations, industrial sites, and so forth often contain imaging systems for scanning bar codes and data matrices contained on items, packages, products, etc. The imaging systems are often very sophisticated, and offer tremendous data management capabilities. However, the imaging and data management systems are ineffective if the bar code or data matrix is not readily available at the same location where the imaging system is maintained. 
         [0003]    The need to have the item within a useful proximity of the imaging systems can result in inefficiencies that the data management systems were designed to overcome. Often an operator is required to contact a third party who is near the item, and manually enter the bar code information. This process can result in a variety of costly and time-consuming errors. Therefore, it would be desirable to have an imaging system that included a communication system, wherein the communication system enabled data transfer between the imaging system and remote devices. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments. This summary is not an extensive overview and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor delineate the scope of such embodiments. Its purpose is to present some concepts of the described embodiments in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
         [0005]    In accordance with one or more embodiments and corresponding disclosure thereof, various aspects are described in connection with imaging systems. In accordance with some aspects presented herein, provided is a system that has 
         [0006]    To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, one or more embodiments comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative aspects and are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the embodiments may be employed. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings and the disclosed embodiments are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  illustrates a block diagram of a scanner with an embedded voice/data communication system in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  illustrates a block diagram of a scanner with an embedded voice/data communication system in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  illustrates a block diagram of a scanner with an embedded voice/data communication system in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary application a scanner with an embedded voice/data communication system in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a scanner with an embedded voice/data communication system in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  illustrates a system that employs an artificial intelligence component that facilitates automating one or more features in accordance with the subject invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary device operative to execute the one or more embodiments disclosed herein; and 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is a schematic block diagram of a sample-computing environment with which the subject invention can interact. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    Various embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. It may be evident, however, that the various embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing these embodiments. 
         [0016]    As used in this application, the terms “component”, “module”, “system”, and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and/or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a server and the server can be a component. One or more components may reside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component may be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. 
         [0017]    The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. 
         [0018]    Furthermore, the one or more embodiments may be implemented as a method, apparatus, or article of manufacture using standard programming and/or engineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware, or any combination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosed embodiments. The term “article of manufacture” (or alternatively, “computer program product”) as used herein is intended to encompass a computer program accessible from any computer-readable device, carrier, or media. For example, computer readable media can include but are not limited to magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips . . . ), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD) . . . ), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick). Additionally it should be appreciated that a carrier wave can be employed to carry computer-readable electronic data such as those used in transmitting and receiving electronic mail or in accessing a network such as the Internet or a local area network (LAN). Of course, those skilled in the art will recognize many modifications may be made to this configuration without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. 
         [0019]    Various embodiments will be presented in terms of systems that may include a number of components, modules, and the like. It is to be understood and appreciated that the various systems may include additional components, modules, etc. and/or may not include all of the components, modules, etc. discussed in connection with the figures. A combination of these approaches may also be used. 
         [0020]    Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , illustrated is an exemplary block diagram of a scanner with an embedded audio/data communication system. The system  100  includes a communication component  102 , a scanner component  104 , and a point of sale (POS) interface component  106 . The communication component  102  provides for communication with one or more remote devices (e.g. telephone, internet phone, mobile device, cell phone, smart phone, PDA, laptop, computer, etc.). The communication component  102  can communicate with the remote devices using a communication framework, including but not limited to wireless communication, satellite communication, network communication, telephone communication, voice over internet protocol (e.g. Voice over IP or VoIP), etc. For instance, the communication component  102  can consist of a VoIP phone, which enables audio/data communication with any of a plurality of audio/data communication enabled phones or devices. 
         [0021]    The scanner component  104  enables imaging and analysis of one or more data types. It is to be appreciated that the scanner component can be any of a plurality of imaging or scanning systems, such as an imager, a camera, a laser scanner, and so forth. The scanner component  104  captures images via processes and systems that are well known in the art. The scanner component  104  can capture images (e.g. digital, analog, etc.), and store the image via any suitable means, such as a computer readable storage medium. In addition, the scanner component  102  can analyze the captured images. For instance, the scanner component  102  can analyze the captured image to locate an instance of a particular type of data (e.g. machine readable indicia), and subsequently examine the data. Additionally, the scanner component  104  can communicate the data to the communication component  104  and/or the POS interface component  106 . 
         [0022]    The POS interface  106  provides an interface between the system  100  and a point of sale apparatus or system. For instance, a bar code and/or one or more chunks of data contained in a bar code can be obtained via the scanner component  104 , and communicated to a cash register (e.g. point of sale system) via the POS interface  106 . The POS interface  106  can format the data for use by the point of sale system, where the point of sale system requires acquired data to conform to a predetermined point of sale schema or structure. 
         [0023]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , illustrated is an exemplary block diagram of a scanner with an embedded audio/data communication system. The system  200  includes a communication component  102 , a scanner component  104 , and a point of sale (POS) interface component  106 . The communication component  102  includes an input component  202 , an output component  204 , and a communications interface component  206 . The input component  202  can obtain explicit user inputs (e.g., configuration selections, question/answer) such as from keypad selections, touch screen selections, keyboard, mouse, speech, scanner and so forth. For instance, the system  200  can include a numerical keypad and microphone that accepts user input (discussed infra). The output component  204  can provide for outputting audio and/or data to users via a display screen, speaker, and so forth. For instance, the system  200  can include a liquid crystal display (LCD) that exposes one or more interfaces that facilitate displaying data, and a speaker that reproduces audio for users. 
         [0024]    The communications interface  206  provides for audio communication and/or data transfer with any of a plurality of remote communications enabled devices (e.g. telephone, internet phone, mobile device, cell phone, smart phone, PDA, laptop, computer, etc.). The communications interface  206  enables communication with the remote devices across a communication framework, such as via voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), and network enabled data transfers. Additionally, the communications interface  206  can transfer/exchange a plurality of data types (e.g. packets, files, images, etc.) with the remote devices through methods and processes that are well known in the art. 
         [0025]    The scanner component  104  includes an imager component  208 , an analysis component  210 , and a data store  212 . The imager component  208  captures images using means that are well known in the art. The imager component  208  can capture an image, and store the image via any suitable means, such as a data store  212  (e.g. computer readable storage medium). In addition, the scanner component  104  includes an analysis component  210 . The analysis component  210  locates instances of predefined data types in the captured images. The data types can include a plurality of types of machine readable indicia, such as bar codes, data matrices, and so forth. Additionally, the analysis component  210  can analyze or decode the data types. For instance, the analysis component  210  can locate a bar code in a captured image, and decode the bar code to obtain data, such as retail data, identity data, manufacturer data, location data, shipping data, and so forth. Subsequently, the data can be displayed to the user, communicated to another device/system via the communication component  102 , or communicated to a point of sale system via the POS component  106  (discussed below). 
         [0026]    As previously stated, The POS interface  106  provides an interface between the system  100  and a point of sale apparatus or system (e.g. cash register, price checker, etc.). In addition, the POS interface component  106  includes a multiplexer (MUX) component  214 . The MUX component  214  can receive data from the communications component  102  and/or scanner component  104 , and communicate the data to the point of sale system. For instance, users can capture an image containing a bar code via the scanner component  104 , wherein the scanner component  104  analyzes the image and obtains the data contained in the bar code. In addition, the bar code data can be obtained from a remote communications enabled device via the communications component  102 . The MUX component  214  acquires the data (e.g. bar code data) from either the communication component  102  or the scanner component  104 . The MUX component  214  can identify the data as a valid data type, and communicate valid data types to the point of sale system. Valid data types are determined as a function of the data types accepted by the point of sale system, and as previously noted the POS interface component  106  can format the data for use with the point of sale system. For instance, the POS interface component  106  can format bar code data to be used by a legacy cash register or checkout system. 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , illustrated is an exemplary block diagram of a scanner with an embedded audio/data communication system. The system  300  includes a scanner  302  that captures one or more images, and analyzes the images to determine included data types (e.g. machine readable indicia, bar code, data matrix, etc.). In addition, the scanner  302  can decode the data contained in the captured images (as noted supra). 
         [0028]    A phone  304  is coupled with a keypad  306 , a speaker  308 , a microphone  310 , and a wireless antenna  312 . The phone  304  is a wireless telephone system capable of communicating with remote devices via a communication framework (e.g. a global communication framework such as the Internet). The wireless antenna  312  facilitates wireless communication via the communication framework, wherein the wireless antenna  312  wirelessly associates the phone with an access point (not shown). The microphone  310  and the speaker  308  facilitate voice communication with the remote devices, wherein the microphone  310  can capture audio data for transmission and the speaker  308  can reproduce audio data received from a remote device. Additionally, the microphone  310  can capture user input for use by the system  300  (e.g. voice dialing). It is to be appreciated that the speaker  308  and microphone  310  can be combined into a single element. The keypad  306  enables users to call or page the remote devices by entering an identifier associated with the remote device (e.g. extension, telephone number, etc.). In addition, the keypad  306  can enable users to access functionality contained in the phone  304 , such as contact list, GPS, and so forth. 
         [0029]    A multiplexer (MUX)  314  receives data from the scanner  302  and/or phone  304 , and can communicate the data to the POS interface  316  (discussed below). The MUX component  314  allows data obtained via the phone  304 , from one or more remote devices, to be input into the POS interface  316 , and handled in a similar fashion as data obtained via the scanner  302 . For instance, a remote device can capture a bar code, and subsequently transmit the bar code to the system  300 . The phone  304  receives the bar code from the remote device and communicates the bar code to the MUX  314 . The MUX  314  can analyze the bar code to ensure it is a valid data type (previously discussed), and communicate the bar code to the POS interface  316 . Additionally or alternatively, users can capture an image containing a bar code via the scanner  302 , wherein the scanner  302  communicates the bar code data to the POS interface  316  via the MUX  314 . 
         [0030]    The POS interface  316  provides for an interface between the system  300  and a point of sale device (POS device), such as a cash register, price checker, and so forth. The POS interface  316  can include an interface cable  318 . The interface cable  318  provides a physical connection between the POS interface  316  and the POS device. The POS interface cable  318  can include a set of connection points (e.g. proprietary or customized wiring harness) necessary to connect the system  300  to the POS device. 
         [0031]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , an exemplary application of scanner with an embedded voice/data communication system is shown. The system  400  includes a communication framework  402  (e.g. a global framework such as the Internet, a LAN, a WLAN, wireless communication framework, telephone communication framework, etc.), a scanner with an embedded voice/data communication system (scanner)  404 , and a plurality of remote devices  406 . The scanner  404  can communicate with one or more remote devices  406  via the communication framework  402  (discussed supra). For instance, the scanner  402  can page or call a remote device  406  to initiate an audio exchange, wherein the scanner  402  user may describe a product for which they need a bar code. Additionally or alternatively, the scanner  402  and remote devices  406  can transmit data via the communication framework  402 . For instance, a remote device  406  can obtain an image of a product and transmit the image to the scanner  404 , wherein the scanner  404  or an associated device can be used to view the image and verify the product&#39;s identity. In addition, the remote device  406  can capture one or more bar codes and transmit the bar code to the scanner  404 . As previously discussed, the scanner  404  can receive the bar code, verify that the bar code is a valid data type, format the bar code data if necessary, and communicate the bar code to a cash register  408 . 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 5  an exemplary embodiment of a scanner with an embedded voice/data communication system is shown. The device  500  includes a scanner  502  and a trigger  504 . As previously discussed, the scanner  502  can capture one or more images. In addition, the scanner  502  can analyze the images for desired data types, and decode information contained in the data types. The scanner  502  captures the images when the trigger  504  is operated. The device  500  further includes a keypad  506 , a speaker  508 , and a microphone  510 . The keypad  506 , speaker  508 , and microphone  510  are associated with an embedded voice/data communication system (not shown), such as a VoIP phone. The keypad  506  can be used to contact one or more remote devices by dialing an identifier unique to the remote device (e.g. extension, telephone number, etc.). Additionally, the keypad  506  can provide access to functionality included in the device, such as manually entering a bar code, serial number, etc. The speaker  508  and microphone  510  can be used in audio communication as previously discussed. In addition, the device  500  includes a POS interface cable  512  that provides a wired connection to a point of sale device, such as a cash register. As discussed supra, the device  500  can scan data or obtain data from a remote device, and communicate the data to a point of sale device. 
         [0033]      FIG. 6  illustrates a system  600  that employs an artificial intelligence (AI) component  602  that facilitates automating one or more features in accordance with the subject invention. The subject invention (e.g., in connection with inferring) can employ various AI-based schemes for carrying out various aspects thereof. For example, a process for multiplexing data received from the communications component  102  and scanner component  104  can be facilitated via an automatic classifier system and process. 
         [0034]    A classifier is a function that maps an input attribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x7, xn), to a confidence that the input belongs to a class, that is, f(x) =confidence(class). Such classification can employ a probabilistic and/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysis utilities and costs) to prognose or infer an action that a user desires to be automatically performed. 
         [0035]    A support vector machine (SVM) is an example of a classifier that can be employed. The SVM operates by finding a hypersurface in the space of possible inputs, which hypersurface attempts to split the triggering criteria from the non-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the classification correct for testing data that is near, but not identical to training data. Other directed and undirected model classification approaches include, e.g., nayve Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neural networks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification models providing different patterns of independence can be employed. Classification as used herein also is inclusive of statistical regression that is utilized to develop models of priority. 
         [0036]    As will be readily appreciated from the subject specification, the subject invention can employ classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generic training data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing user behavior, receiving extrinsic information). For example, SVM&#39;s are configured via a learning or training phase within a classifier constructor and feature selection module. Thus, the classifier(s) can be used to automatically learn and perform a number of functions, including but not limited to determining according to a predetermined criteria when to update or refine the previously inferred schema, tighten the criteria on the inferring algorithm based upon the kind of data being processed (e.g., financial versus non-financial, personal versus non-personal, . . . ), and at what time of day to implement tighter criteria controls (e.g., in the evening when system performance would be less impacted). 
         [0037]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , illustrated is a schematic block diagram of a portable hand-held terminal device  700  according to one aspect of the invention, in which a processor  702  is responsible for controlling the general operation of the device  700 . The processor  702  is programmed to control and operate the various components within the device  700  in order to carry out the various functions described herein. The processor  702  can be any of a plurality of suitable processors. The manner in which the processor  702  can be programmed to carry out the functions relating to the invention will be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art based on the description provided herein. 
         [0038]    A memory  704  connected to the processor  702  serves to store program code executed by the processor  702 , and serves as a storage means for storing information such as user credential and receipt transaction information and the like. The memory  704  can be a nonvolatile memory suitably adapted to store at least a complete set of the information that is displayed. Thus, the memory  704  can include a RAM or flash memory for high-speed access by the processor  702  and/or a mass storage memory, e.g., a micro drive capable of storing gigabytes of data that comprises text, images, audio, and video content. According to one aspect, the memory  704  has sufficient storage capacity to store multiple sets of information, and the processor  702  could include a program for alternating or cycling between various sets of display information. 
         [0039]    A display  706  is coupled to the processor  702  via a display driver system  708 . The display  706  can be a color liquid crystal display (LCD), plasma display, or the like. In this example, the display  706  is a  1 / 4  VGA display with sixteen levels of gray scale. The display  706  functions to present data, graphics, or other information content. For example, the display  706  can display a set of customer information, which is displayed to the operator and can be transmitted over a system backbone (not shown). Additionally, the display  706  can display a variety of functions that control the execution of the device  700 . The display  706  is capable of displaying both alphanumeric and graphical characters. 
         [0040]    Power is provided to the processor  702  and other components forming the hand-held device  700  by an onboard power system  710  (e.g., a battery pack). In the event that the power system  710  fails or becomes disconnected from the device  700 , a supplemental power source  712  can be employed to provide power to the processor  702  and to charge the onboard power system  710 . The processor  702  of the device  700  induces a sleep mode to reduce the current draw upon detection of an anticipated power failure. 
         [0041]    The terminal  700  includes a communication subsystem  714  that includes a data communication port  716 , which is employed to interface the processor  702  with a remote computer. The port  716  can include at least one of Universal Serial Bus (USB) and IEEE  1394  serial communications capabilities. Other technologies can also be included, for example, infrared communication utilizing an infrared data port. 
         [0042]    The device  700  can also include a radio frequency (RF) transceiver section  718  in operative communication with the processor  702 . The RF section  718  includes an RF receiver  720 , which receives RF signals from a remote device via an antenna  722  and demodulates the signal to obtain digital information modulated therein. The RF section  718  also includes an RF transmitter  724  for transmitting information to a remote device, for example, in response to manual user input via a user input device  726  (e.g., a keypad) or automatically in response to the completion of a transaction or other predetermined and programmed criteria. The transceiver section  718  facilitates communication with a transponder system, for example, either passive or active, that is in use with product or item RF tags. The processor  702  signals (or pulses) the remote transponder system via the transceiver  718 , and detects the return signal in order to read the contents of the tag memory. In one implementation, the RF section  718  further facilitates telephone communications using the device  700 . In furtherance thereof, an audio I/O section  728  is provided as controlled by the processor  702  to process voice input from a microphone (or similar audio input device) and audio output signals (from a speaker or similar audio output device). 
         [0043]    In another implementation, the device  700  can provide voice recognition capabilities such that when the device  700  is used simply as a voice recorder, the processor  702  can facilitate high-speed conversion of the voice signals into text content for local editing and review, and/or later download to a remote system, such as a computer word processor. Similarly, the converted voice signals can be used to control the device  700  instead of using manual entry via the keypad  726 . 
         [0044]    Onboard peripheral devices, such as a printer  730 , signature pad  732 , and a magnetic strip reader  734  can also be provided within the housing of the device  700  or accommodated externally through one or more of the external port interfaces  716 . 
         [0045]    The device  700  can also include an image capture system  736  such that the user can record images and/or short movies for storage by the device  700  and presentation by the display  706 . Additionally, a dataform reading system  738  is included for scanning dataforms. It is to be appreciated that these imaging systems ( 736  and  738 ) can be a single system capable of performing both functions. 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , there is illustrated a schematic block diagram of an exemplary computing environment  800  in accordance with the subject invention. The system  800  includes one or more client(s)  802 . The client(s)  802  can be hardware and/or software (e.g., threads, processes, computing devices). The client(s)  802  can house cookie(s) and/or associated contextual information by employing the invention, for example. 
         [0047]    The system  800  also includes one or more server(s)  804 . The server(s)  804  can also be hardware and/or software (e.g., threads, processes, computing devices). The servers  804  can house threads to perform transformations by employing the invention, for example. One possible communication between a client  802  and a server  804  can be in the form of a data packet adapted to be transmitted between two or more computer processes. The data packet may include a cookie and/or associated contextual information, for example. The system  800  includes a communication framework  806  (e.g., a global communication network such as the Internet) that can be employed to facilitate communications between the client(s)  802  and the server(s)  804 . 
         [0048]    Communications can be facilitated via a wired (including optical fiber) and/or wireless technology. The client(s)  802  are operatively connected to one or more client data store(s)  808  that can be employed to store information local to the client(s)  802  (e.g., cookie(s) and/or associated contextual information). Similarly, the server(s)  804  are operatively connected to one or more server data store(s)  810  that can be employed to store information local to the servers  804 . 
         [0049]    What has been described above includes examples of the invention. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the subject invention, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the invention are possible. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.