Abstract: Devices having a long-range imaging engine formed of two cameras having different resolution are disclosed herein. An example imaging engine includes a front-end, with the cameras, terminated in a communication interface for coupling to an external host processor that performs image processor. The front-end has a near field image sensor and a far field image sensor, and a normalization processor to receive the respective image data from the sensors and normalize that image data prior to sending to the host processor. Normalization includes adjusting an image size, aspect ratio, or pixel count complying with data rate constraints imposed by the communication interface or the host processor.

Abstract: Systems and methods of processing image data using color image sensors are disclosed herein. An example object scanner includes a color image sensor array configured to produce image data representative of an imaging field of view. The example object scanner also includes an image processor. The image process is configured to separate the image data produced by the color image sensor array into two or more channels of image data and, for each of the channels of image data, analyze the respective image data to determine a contrast of the respective image data. The image processor is also configured to select a particular channel of the two or more channels that has the highest contrast; and output the image data corresponding to the particular channel.

Abstract: An imager in an imaging reader captures light from a target, generates image data from the captured light, and generates a pixel clock signal having a pixel clock frequency in synchronism with the image data. A controller is connected via an electrical conductor to the imager, and controls the imager to transfer the image data, receives the image data, and processes the image data. A circuit suppresses electromagnetic radiation generated by the conductor during the image data transfer, and includes a spread spectrum modulator for modulating the pixel clock signal to generate a variable spread spectrum signal having a spread spectrum frequency that periodically varies above and below the pixel clock frequency, and a buffer having a plurality of registers for receiving and temporarily storing the image data, and for varying as a function of the spread spectrum frequency how much of the image data is being temporarily stored.

Abstract: An imaging assembly in an imaging reader for electro-optically reading indicia includes a solid-state imager having an array of image sensors, and a focus control element, such as a liquid imaging lens, having a variable transfer function characteristics for capturing, optically modifying and directing return light from the indicia over a field of view onto the imager for processing into an electrical signal indicative of the indicia during a reading mode of operation; and a controller for controlling the imaging assembly to optically modify the return light in accordance with a known transfer function stored in a memory accessible to the controller during a calibration mode of operation prior to the reading mode.

Abstract: An imager in an imaging reader captures light from a target, generates image data from the captured light, and generates a pixel clock signal having a pixel clock frequency in synchronism with the image data. A controller is connected via an electrical conductor to the imager, and controls the imager to transfer the image data, receives the image data, and processes the image data. A circuit suppresses electromagnetic radiation generated by the conductor during the image data transfer, and includes a spread spectrum modulator for modulating the pixel clock signal to generate a variable spread spectrum signal having a spread spectrum frequency that periodically varies above and below the pixel clock frequency, and a buffer having a plurality of registers for receiving and temporarily storing the image data, and for varying as a function of the spread spectrum frequency how much of the image data is being temporarily stored.

Abstract: A plurality of solid-state imagers is mounted in a reader, such as a bioptical, dual window, point-of-transaction workstation, for capturing illumination light returning along different fields of view from indicia. A controller controllably activates the imagers over respective exposure time periods during which the indicia are illuminated to produce electrical signals indicative of the indicia being read, processes the electrical signals to read the indicia, and controls the exposure time periods to be nonconcurrent to prevent interference among the imagers.

Abstract: A microprocessor and an application specific integrated circuit are embodied as two chips mounted on a printed circuit board which is, in turn, mounted on a scan engine for use in an electro-optical reader. This dual chip architecture is readily configurable and controls reader operation.

Abstract: An imaging assembly in an imaging reader for electro-optically reading indicia includes a solid-state imager having an array of image sensors, and a focus control element, such as a liquid imaging lens, having a variable transfer function characteristics for capturing, optically modifying and directing return light from the indicia over a field of view onto the imager for processing into an electrical signal indicative of the indicia during a reading mode of operation; and a controller for controlling the imaging assembly to optically modify the return light in accordance with a known transfer function stored in a memory accessible to the controller during a calibration mode of operation prior to the reading mode.

Abstract: The disclosed bar code reader includes an auto-focusing component for rapidly producing in focus images. An imaging system makes use of an aiming pattern that impinges upon the coded indicia of a target. The imaging system includes a light monitoring pixel array and a focusing lens that is fixed with respect to the pixel array for transmitting an image of the target object onto the pixel array. The bar code reader also includes an illumination system comprising one or more light emitting diodes for illuminating a the target within a field of view defined by the optical system. A drive circuit coupled to the light emitting diodes of the illumination system including at least one energy storage capacitor for providing an electrical pulse that illuminates the target. A controller selectively energizes the light emitting diodes by discharging the at least one capacitor of the drive circuit.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an imaging sensor collecting an image and creating an imaging signal corresponding to the image, an integrated circuit receiving the imaging signal from the imaging sensor and modifying a transfer characteristic of the imaging signal and a connector receiving the imaging signal from the integrated circuit having the modified transfer characteristic.

Abstract: Operating a bi-optic imaging scanner (300) to image a target bar code (308). The scanner (300) including a plurality of camera assemblies (C1-C6). An image processing system (330) including a preprocessor (332) simultaneously receiving captured image data (350) corresponding to image frames (IF1-IF6) of each of the plurality of camera assemblies (C1-C6) and storing the captured image data in a preprocessor memory (334). The preprocessor (332) generating statistical information (SI) regarding the captured image data (350) stored in the preprocessor memory (334) to facilitate identification of regions of the image frames (IF1-IF6) wherein an image (308?) of the target bar code (308) may be present. The preprocessor (332) transferring selected captured image data (350) corresponding to identified regions of the image frames to a main system memory (338). A main processor (336) operates on selected captured image data (350) to decode the target bar code (308).

Abstract: A system and method for performing a read operation including acquiring a series of frames of image data; processing a first frame of image data including an array of pixel data acquired while an aiming pattern was generated for determining a location L of at least one pixel of the array of pixel data that corresponds to the aiming pattern; and processing a second frame of image data acquired while the aiming pattern was not generated. The processing of the second frame of image data includes the steps of selecting at least one optical code acquired in the second frame of image data that is located at a respective location; wherein the respective location meets a predetermined condition relative to the determined location L; and providing the selected at least one optical code for further processing in accordance with the read operation.

Abstract: An imager (12) is provided for imaging target objects (26) comprising an illumination source (22) for providing illumination (24) that is reflected (30) from a target object (26), an intensity of the illumination being a function of a magnitude of current provided to the illumination source (22) and photosensitive circuitry (36) located within the imager (12) for capturing an image reflected from the target object (26) to the imager (12) while the imager is activated during an exposure period. The imager (12) further comprises a selectively adjustable imaging mode (120) for selecting either of: the magnitude of current (130) provided to the illumination source (22) or exposure period (230) of the imager such that the other of the magnitude of current or exposure period of the imager is automatically adjusted (150, 240) as a result of the selection.

Abstract: Interleaving multiple logical data streams into one physical data stream reduces overhead required to process the multiple logical data streams. Multiple arrays of data values are interleaved into a combined array of data that simulates a frame of data for input to a data port such as a video port. Revised timing and synchronization signals are provided to permit transmission of the combined array according to video data port protocol. The processor includes instructions for locating the various arrays of data values within the combined array.

Abstract: The operating condition of data capture systems, such as electro-optical readers, RFID readers, and imagers, is monitored and reported to a host which preferably modifies the operating condition when the latter is outside a preestablished setting.

Abstract: Interleaving multiple logical data streams into one physical data stream reduces overhead required to process the multiple logical data streams. Multiple arrays of data values are interleaved into a combined array of data that simulates a frame of data for input to a data port such as a video port. Revised timing and synchronization signals are provided to permit transmission of the combined array according to video data port protocol. The processor includes instructions for locating the various arrays of data values within the combined array.

Abstract: A microprocessor and an application specific integrated circuit are embodied as two chips mounted on a printed circuit board which is, in turn, mounted on a scan engine for use in an electro-optical reader. This dual chip architecture is readily configurable and controls reader operation.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for frequency coordination among two different wireless network protocols, such as the IEEE 802.11 and Bluetooth protocols, operating in proximity with one another. Coordination is accomplished by the use of a first radio transceiver operating in accordance with a first communication protocol (which may be the 802.11 protocol) and using a frequency band (which may be the 2.4 GHz band), a base station connected to a wired network and operating in accordance with the first communication protocol, a second radio transceiver operating in accordance with a second communication protocol (which may be the Bluetooth protocol) and using the frequency band, and a coordinator associated with the base station for, in turn, activating the first radio transceiver, deactivating the first radio transceiver, activating the second radio transceiver, and deactivating the second radio transceiver.

Abstract: The operating condition of data capture systems, such as electro-optical readers, RFID readers, and imagers, is monitored and reported to a host which preferably modifies the operating condition when the latter is outside a preestablished setting.

Abstract: Battery power consumption and data transfer latency of an electro-optical reader in a wireless network are minimized by turning a radio off in a default state, and by turning the radio on only after the reader has generated data to be transferred along the network.