Abstract: The invention features an image reader and a corresponding method for capturing a sharp distortion free image of a target, such as a one or two-dimensional bar code. In one embodiment, the image reader comprises a two-dimensional CMOS based image sensor array, a timing module, an illumination module, and a control module. The time during which the target is illuminated is referred to as the illumination period. The capture of the image by the image sensor array is driven by the timing module that, in one embodiment, is able to simultaneously expose substantially all of the pixels in the array. The time during which the pixels are collectively activated to photo-convert incident light into charge defines the exposure period for the sensor array. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the exposure period occurs during the illumination period.

Abstract: Embodiments described include apparatuses, computer program products, and methods for automatic proof of delivery, for example by capturing and decoding a visual indicia. Some embodiments minimize possibilities of errors, false proof, and/or the like in item delivery. At least one embodiment enables automatic proof of delivery in a multi-sensor environment. Example embodiments are configured for capturing an image data object set utilizing at least one of an image sensor set, where the image data object set includes a captured-indicia image data object including a visual indicia; decoding the visual indicia to identify delivery information; identifying a delivery proof image data object from the image data object set; and processing the delivery proof image data object for use as a proof of delivery. Some embodiments include a near-field image sensor for capturing the delivery proof image data object and a far-field sensor for capturing the captured-indicia image data object.

Abstract: Methods of managing a fleet of devices are provided, as are methods for configuring a standby device for a job in a workflow environment, and methods for performing a job in a workflow environment. Device information is analyzed, such as information pertaining to verification systems. Device instructions are sent to various locations on a device network in response to a deviation from a parameter value having been detected. The deviation from the parameter value may correspond to printed media and/or indicia produced by one or more devices. A workflow device and a standby device are provided, and the workflow device sends configuration data to the standby device. The standby device installs configuration data and is introduced into the workflow environment.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide a variable focus lens assembly. Some embodiments are designed to enable repositioning of one or more components, such as a lens barrel assembly, to adjust the focus of the variable focus lens assembly. Some example variable focus lens assemblies include a module base housing a lens barrel assembly having a pair of positioning magnets, a pair of positioning coil assemblies associated with the positioning magnets, and at least one pair of bearing balls movably supporting the lens barrel assembly. The positioning coil assemblies together with the positioning magnets are configured to exert various magnetic fields to reposition the lens barrel assembly. Further embodiments are provided for imaging apparatus including at least one variable focus lens assembly described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a locking mechanism in a mobile terminal and a method of manufacturing the same. The locking mechanism comprises a slider, latch, button, and spring. The slider and latch include openings and may translate between a locked position and an unlocked position. The latch may include a protrusion that limits the translation of the slider and the latch when in the locked position. The button is located within the opening of the slider and the opening of the latch, and the spring member is fixed adjacent the latch. In an instance in which an external force is applied to the button, the external force deforms the spring member such that contact between a vertical edge of the protrusion and the spring is precluded allowing translation of the slider and the latch between the locked position and the unlocked position.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclose a method for operating a printer apparatus that includes a print head. The method includes causing a media hub to retract a media in a retract direction along a media path. Further, the method includes causing a first media sensor to generate a first signal during retraction of the media. Furthermore, the method includes monitoring the first signal to detect at least one of a leading edge or a trailing edge of a label of the plurality of labels. Upon detecting the at least one of the leading edge or the trailing edge of the label, causing the media hub to retract the media by at least a predetermined distance, wherein the predetermined distance is a distance between the print head and the first media sensor.

Abstract: A method for printing defect detection includes processing and analyzing a difference image obtained by comparing an image scanned with a verifier to a reference image. The detected defects are grouped, and the grouping is refined. Confidence level values are then assigned to the refined groups, and analysis is performed to determine if one or more servicing actions should be taken.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a print quality of a printed document that is printed by a printer is provided. The printer comprises a pre-print image scanner, a post-print image scanner, and a printhead disposed between the pre-print image scanner and the post-print image scanner. The method comprises generating a pre-printing image of a print media, generating the printed document, generating a post-printing image of the printed document, generating a validation image by comparing the post-printing image with the pre-printing image, and comparing the validation image with the source image.

Abstract: A method for configuring multiple electronic devices in a batch, is described. The method can include initializing, by a first computing device a communication network based on a pre-defined configuration parameter. The pre-defined configuration parameter is associated with a first instance of an application on the first computing device. Further, the method includes identifying, by the first computing device, an initialization of a second instance of an application at a second computing device. In response to identifying the initialization of the second instance of the application at the second computing device, the method includes, sending, by the first computing device configuration settings for the second computing device over a secured communication network. In this regard, the configuration settings can comprise at least the pre-defined configuration parameter for configuring the second computing device.

Abstract: An example printing apparatus is illustrated. The printing apparatus includes a print engine assembly. The print engine assembly further includes a bottom chassis portion. The print engine assembly also includes a top chassis portion. The print engine assembly also includes a print head positioned within the top chassis portion. The print engine assembly also includes a plurality of offset pins coupled to the print head, where the plurality of offset pins abuts the bottom chassis portion, and where the plurality of offset pins enables the print head to be positioned at a predetermined distance from the bottom chassis portion.

Abstract: A housing of a device comprises a screw boss that extends outwardly from a first base plate proximate to a corner of the housing. Additionally, the housing of the device includes a force dissipation member. The force dissipation member includes a central portion that is sized to detachably attach around the screw boss. The force dissipation member further includes at least two arms that extend outwardly from the central portion, wherein each arm of the at least two arms is attached to a different side of the two walls of the housing.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer program products for alerting a user of a wearable device to adjust the position of the device are provided. An example method includes receiving environment data from a wearable device sensor connected to the wearable device, wherein the wearable device is mountable on an arm of the user such that the wearable device sensor is directed toward a hand of the user. Additionally, the example method determines a position of the wearable device on the arm of the user relative to a calibrating object based at least in part on the captured environment data. Further, the example method alerts the user to adjust the position of the wearable device in an instance in which the position of the wearable device relative to the calibrating object exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method for processing the packages in a material handling environment is disclosed. The method includes receiving an image of a field of view of an image capturing device. The image comprising at least one decodable indicia having a predefined shape, the at least one decodable indicia attached to a package. The method further includes identifying one or more decodable indicia image coordinates, wherein each of the one or more decodable indicia image coordinates define a corner of the at least one decodable indicia using a 2-dimensional (2D) coordinate system. The method further includes transforming the one or more decodable indicia image coordinates to one or more decodable indicia spatial coordinates in the 3D coordinate system. Further, the method includes comparing the one or more decodable indicia spatial coordinates with one or more 3D region coordinates to determine whether the package is within a 3D region.

Abstract: Example methods, systems, and apparatuses for verifying a printed indicium are provided. An example method may include receiving a captured image of a print media comprising the printed indicium; extracting a quiet zone grade portion from the captured image, where the quiet zone grade portion includes a printed indicium area of the printed indicium and at least one quiet zone area adjacent to the printed indicium area; in response to receiving a user input providing an overwrite quiet zone requirement indication and determining that the at least one quiet zone area does not satisfy at least one quiet zone requirement, causing at least one of adjusting the at least one quiet zone requirement to at least one reduced quiet zone requirement or adding at least one additional quiet zone area to the at least one quiet zone area.

Abstract: Various embodiments illustrated herein disclose a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader having a first RFID tag having a first antenna element operating at a first transmit power. The first RFID tag receives, in a first time interval, a first interrogation command from a first RFID reader through the first antenna element. The first RFID tag transmits, in the first time interval, a first response signal to the first RFID reader. The RFID reader comprises a second antenna element that operates at a second transmit power and a processor communicatively coupled to the second antenna element. The processor transmits, in the first time interval, a second interrogation command to one or more second RFID tags through the second antenna element. The first RFID tag transmits, in a second time interval, a third interrogation command to a first RFID tag of a second RFID reader through the first antenna element.

Abstract: Various embodiments illustrated herein disclose a housing of an imaging unit. The housing comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the inner surface of the housing defines a lens channel, wherein the inner surface of the lens channel defines a contact point that protrudes outwardly from the inner surface into the lens channel. The inner surface of the lens channel further defines a through hole, in the lens channel, that extends from the inner surface of the lens channel to the outer surface of the housing. The lens channel is configured to receive a lens barrel comprising a groove, wherein the groove is exposed to the through hole when the lens barrel is received in the lens channel.

Abstract: Images of items are evaluated. A first image of the item, having a view of two or more of its surfaces, is captured at a first time. A measurement of at least one dimension of one or more of the surfaces is computed and stored. A second image of the item, having a view of at least one of the two or more surfaces, is captured at a second time, subsequent to the first time. A measurement of the dimension is then computed and compared to the stored first measurement. The computed measurement is evaluated based on the comparison.

Abstract: A single piece light pipe is designed to provide dual-field, multi-color, multi-directional illumination. The light pipe is combined with a single PCB having a plurality of LEDs to create a compact illuminator that can selectively provide dark field and bright field with red, green, blue color, broad spectrum, or combination of any color in horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or combination of any direction. The single piece light pipe is compact in size and light in weight. The non-closed form option not only can further reduce the weight but also can allow arrange opening area clearance for: (1) visual aiming and alignment in application, especially for hand held application; (2) reducing illumination crosstalk to unwanted directions; and for (3) mechanical integration. The improvements allow the illuminator to read direct product marking (DPM) type of barcodes.