Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to provide a laser projection display (LPD).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to controllably reduce power of a laser projection display (LPD) in response to detecting a variation in a viewing surface. During the operation of the LPD, a controller 142 monitors laser light being reflected from the viewing surface. Since the controller 142 “knows” the amount of power that the LPD is being instructed to deliver, it may compare the known power to the reflected laser light to determine if a foreign object may be in the path of the laser light, and therefore, affecting the magnitude of the laser light. The controller 142 responds to detecting such an event by reducing power to the lasers.

Abstract: An imaging arrangement for, and method of, imaging a target at one of a plurality of focal planes, includes a two-dimensional sensor having an array of pixels for converting incident light into electrical signals to be processed into an image of the target, and an optical assembly including a stationary optical element transmissive to the incident light en route to the sensor. The element is fixed relative to the sensor and has a plurality of optical portions respectively arranged in a plurality of patterns relative to a plurality of groups of the pixels. The assembly is operative for focusing the respective groups of the pixels in the respective patterns at respective focal planes spaced apart from one another away from the sensor.

Abstract: The operating environment of a moving laser beam in a flying spot, electro-optical reader is simulated in a solid-state, sensor-based imaging reader by turning a visible line produced by a light emitting diode on and off prior to capturing a two-dimensional image of a target.

Abstract: A multiple working range scanner includes a collection mirror which is segmented, with each segment having differing optical properties, such as focal length, optical axis, and so on. Differing segments or combinations of segments deal with reflected light received at differing working ranges, and direct it to a photodetector. In another embodiment, beam shaping may be applied to an astigmatic laser beam, for example by means of a part-concave mirror, to create an x waist in the beam which is further from the scanner than the y waist. This provides enhanced performance when the scanner is used on a bar code symbol which is not accurately aligned. In order to provide improved optical alignment within a bar code scanner, the collection mirror may be adjustable both in the x direction and in the y direction.

Abstract: Vibration is minimized in an electro-optical reader for reading indicia by oscillating a counterweight and a scan component to move simultaneously toward each other, and to move simultaneously away from each other. A magnet is mounted for joint movement with the counterweight and the scan component. An electromagnetic coil magnetically interacts with each magnet to cause the counterweight and the scan component to move with oppositely directed moments that counterbalance each other.

Abstract: A scan module in an electro-optical reader includes a first beam-folding mirror on a raised support wall at a rear of a support, and a second beam-folding mirror at a front of the support and operative for reflecting light through an opening in a frame wall to the first mirror for reflection therefrom above the frame wall between the front and rear of the support.

Abstract: An optical code reader is provided including imaging circuitry having an array of photo sensing devices capable of sensing light incident on the array and outputting a plurality of pixel signals corresponding to the sensed light. The reader further includes control and logic circuitry for receiving a subset of the plurality of pixel signals, processing the received subset of the plurality of pixel signals for determining if the received pixel signals meet at least one predetermined condition, and outputting a selection control signal in accordance with the processing results. A focus analysis software module executable by the control and logic circuitry determines the focus quality of the received pixel signals. A selector control software module executable by the control and logic circuitry generates a selection control signal in accordance with the determined focus quality of the received pixel signals.

Abstract: Several optical systems for imaging engines of imaging optical code readers are disclosed. Each optical system includes the abilities to change the depth of field of the imaging field and to adjust a focus quality of the imaging field. The disclosed structures for changing the depth of field of the disclosed optical systems allow for the automatic or manual selection of one of a plurality of depths of field.

Abstract: An imaging arrangement for, and method of, imaging a target at one of a plurality of focal planes, includes a two-dimensional sensor having an array of pixels for converting incident light into electrical signals to be processed into an image of the target, and an optical assembly including a stationary optical element transmissive to the incident light en route to the sensor. The element is fixed relative to the sensor and has a plurality of optical portions respectively arranged in a plurality of patterns relative to a plurality of groups of the pixels. The assembly is operative for focusing the respective groups of the pixels in the respective patterns at respective focal planes spaced apart from one another away from the sensor.

Abstract: A unitary body of optical material and associated methods for reading indicia such as bar codes is provided. The unitary body can focus light from a light source into a beam, redirect light reflected from a target to a photodetector, and provide mechanical support for a light source, printed circuit board, or other indicia reader components. In comparison to conventional apparatus, the unitary body requires a reduced number of components and is therefore easier and less expensive to manufacture and assemble. The unitary design increases reliability and performance consistency while decreasing sensitivity to thermal and mechanical loading. Moreover, the unitary body reduces the overall tolerance budget of a reader and therefore facilitates mass production of optical apparatus and readers. The unitary body and associated methods may be implemented in a compact reader with the aforementioned advantages in the form of a pen, or can be integrated into an antenna of a wireless device, such as a cell phone or a PDA.

Abstract: An integrated scanner for scanning a barcode omnidirectionally is formed an a common substrate. The scanner may include a mirror assembly or scan module, a laser diode, and a detector, mounted on a single substrate or several connected substrates. Lenses can be used to focus a laser beam from the laser diode as well as expand a laser beam deflected by the micro-machined mirror.

Abstract: Mirrors having different optical properties are selected to change the cross-section of a beam electro-optical reader for reading bar code symbols.

Abstract: The operating environment of a moving laser beam in a flying spot, electro-optical reader is simulated in a solid-state, sensor-based imaging reader by turning a visible line produced by a light emitting diode on and off prior to capturing a two-dimensional image of a target.

Abstract: A retroreflective optical scan module, including first and second selectable light sources having different beam characteristics for directing a selected light beam to a symbol to be read, an optical assembly including a light collecting portion which collects and redirects the light reflected from the symbol along an optical path to a sensor, and a selector for selecting which light source to use depending on whether a one-dimensional or a two-dimensional symbol is being scanned.

Abstract: A compact retro-reflective module for use in electro-optical bar code readers includes components arranged to fold outgoing and incoming light along crossed optical paths. The module is convertible between generating one-dimensional and two-dimensional scan patterns to read bar code symbols.

Abstract: A suspension mass is mounted for swinging movement relative to, and extends between, a pair of fixed posts spaced apart from each other on an annular support mounted in a portable electronic device. The mass is connected to the posts through a pair of breakable links.

Abstract: High speed scanning arrangements in scanners for reading bar code symbols by oscillating a scanner component in single or multi-axis scan patterns.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading bar code symbols having parts of different light reflectivity by a scanning beam which forms a scan line through the bar code symbol includes focusing optics for collecting light reflected off at least a portion of the bar code symbol including a front surface for receiving the incoming light, and a first surface adjacent one end of the front surface, and a second surface adjacent to the other end of the front surface, and a rear surface. A photosensor is positioned so as to receive light collected by the focusing optics and transmitted through the rear surface, and for generating an electrical signal indicative of the detected light intensity. The first and second surfaces have different light reflectivity properties.

Abstract: An information processing system adapted to be worn on the body of a user, the system a module for processing data capable of being worn by a user; and a band secured to the module and adapted to be secured around a part of the user's body so as to support the module and to allow the user to utilize the module, the band incorporating a battery for powering the module.