Bar Code Scanner With Environmental Sensing

A method for controlling a symbol reading device comprising:

• detecting a condition of the device automatically, other than whether it is it is moving or whether a trigger is operated;
• determining, in response to said detected condition, whether said device is about to be used or about to be completed being used, and
• changing at least one operation of the device based on the detected condition to prepare the device for a subsequent operation.

Apparatus comprising:

• a scanner for performing plural operations in connection with scanning and decoding symbols, and
• at least one motion sensor in communication with the scanner, and
• means for terminating at least one operation of the scanner related to scanning or decoding symbols in response to the sensor detecting that said scanner is in motion.

Apparatus comprising:

• a scanner for performing plural operations in connection with scanning and decoding symbols, and
• at least one sensor, other than a motion sensor or a trigger, in communication with the scanner, wherein the at least one sensor is operable to detect a user preparing to use or completing use of said scanner, and
• a means for changing at least one operating parameter of the scanner in response to the sensor detecting said user preparing to use or completing use of the scanner.

Scanning apparatus for scanning and decoding a symbol, said apparatus comprising a plurality of sensors other than a trigger, each of said sensors detecting a different parameter, said scanning apparatus being configured to change from a power save mode to a use mode when at least two of said sensors detect their respective parameters, and from a use mode to a power save mode when at least one of said sensors changes state during or after said use.

A method of controlling an image capture device, said method comprising detecting whether the device is being contacted by a user and not moving, and if so, starting an automatic focus operation.