Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Jan. 31, 2012	Jan. 31, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$ (249)	$ (324)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	64	64
Amortization	108	105
Stock-based compensation	137	34
Decrease in allowance for doubtful accounts	(3)	(10)
Increase (decrease) in inventory obsolescence reserve	47	(25)
Loss on disposal of equipment		22
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	1,063	480
Inventories	(419)	(45)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	37	95
Accounts payable	(189)	(83)
Employee compensation	(202)	131
Deferred income	(218)	(61)
Warranty reserve	(19)	(35)
Other current liabilities and accrued expenses	9	(88)
Net cash provided by operating activities	166	260
Cash flows from investing activities:
Sales of investments	241	1,239
Purchase of property and equipment and intangible assets	(240)	(173)
Net cash provided by investing activities	1	1,066
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under employee stock purchase plan	11	12
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	40	48
Repurchase of common stock	(5)
Net cash provided by financing activities	46	60
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	213	1,386
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	8,461	6,943
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 8,674	$ 8,329