Abstract: An apparatus for position determination has an optical scanning unit which is to be moved relative to a surface and which includes an image sensor for detecting light intensity patterns of light which is reflected by the surface. The apparatus furthermore has an electronic processing unit which is associated with the image sensor and configured to determine a traveled movement path and/or a movement speed of the optical scanning unit relative to the surface from a difference between light intensity patterns detected after one another in time. A further processing unit is configured to produce an intensity correlated signal which correlates with the intensity of the light reflected by the surface. An evaluation device is associated with the image sensor and is configured to recognize a graphical code pattern located on the surface with reference to the intensity correlated signal and to read out information from the code pattern.

Abstract: A ticket reading system comprising a portable head section with an aperture and means for removably affixing the head section to a stationary fixture; in the head section, a camera with a field of view over the aperture to read visible code elements of a ticket; an RFID antenna and module adjacent to the aperture to read RFID/NFC code elements from a device or tag; a wireless network communication module to communicate data packets among a processor and a wireless network access point; means for ticket validation feedback; instructions which cause: receiving a ticket identifier value from the camera or RFID module; sending a request via the wireless network for a server computer to validate the ticket identifier value; receiving a ticket validation response from the server computer; based upon the response, driving the means for providing ticket validation feedback to generate either valid response feedback or invalid response feedback.

Abstract: A bi-optical, dual window, point-of-transaction workstation images indicia associated with multi-sided products over a full coverage scan zone by splitting each field of view of only two imagers into three subfields that pass through each window and fill the scan zone and minimize dead areas therein. Twisting of the subfields relative to the windows is minimized so that the subfields fit fully with minimal clipping through each window. Splitting of each field of view is remotely performed well away from each imager. The imagers have lens assemblies of substantially the same optical power and are spaced from their respective windows by substantially the same distance.

Abstract: An automated checkout system for data reading, and related methods of use, the checkout system including a portal scanner and a conveyor for transporting items, the portal scanner housing a data reader with a view volume directed at a steerable mirror. In one example, the steerable mirror moves between various positions to augment the effective view volume of the data reader for capturing data from various surfaces of the item being transported on the conveyor. The portal scanner may include one or more mirrors arranged in an angular configuration to redirect the view volume of the data reader to capture data from the various surfaces of the item.

Abstract: An illuminating, indicia-reading device includes a hand-held indicia reader and a charging-and-communication base. The charging-and-communication base's communication button places the hand-held indicia reader in presentation mode when the hand-held indicia reader is seated in the charging-and-communication base, thereby facilitating hands-free scanning and providing work lamp functionality via activation of the hand-held indicia reader's light source. When the hand-held indicia reader is not seated, the communication button pages the hand-held-indicia reader.

Abstract: A data reading system including one or more imagers, the data reading system having a lower main housing structure with a horizontal surface, across which items to be read are passed, and an upper reader module, such as pole-mounted top down reader (TDR) including an imager configured to provide a top down viewing angle from above the horizontal surface of the item in a read region. In one configuration, the pole-mounted upper reader module includes a one-piece post housing section mounted to the main housing structure and extending therefrom and containing imaging electronics and optics of the upper reader.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating a barcode scanning tunnel has a conveyor structure and a scanning system. The scanning system has a laser light source, an optics system, and a processor. In a calibration mode, the processor locates a central area of the conveyor structure and identifies a first location at which there is a height above the level of the central area according to a predetermined criteria. The processor identifies a second location that is offset, by a predetermined distance in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the conveyor structure, from the first location.

Abstract: A checkout system includes a clerk-operated, bi-optical workstation through which products associated with targets having target data to be electro-optically captured are passed, and a customer-operated, accessory reader having an accessory window and a data capture assembly for capturing additional target data of additional targets associated with transaction-related items. The accessory reader is supported by the workstation for movement relative to the workstation to enable the customer to readily position and aim the accessory window at the additional targets.

Abstract: A system and method is provided wherein a device can be reprogrammed utilizing one or more programming symbols. A device subject to reprogramming can be a portable device. In one embodiment a device subject to reprogramming can be a portable symbol reading device capable of reading programming symbols.

Abstract: A checkout stand with a barcode reader on a bagging end which reduces transaction times over conventional checkout stand designs. An example checkout stand includes a housing including a first and a second end, a conveyor for transporting items from the first end to the second end, a bagging station at the second end, a base portion between the conveyor and the bagging station, a first tower portion on the base portion, and a second tower portion on the base station separated from the first tower portion by a gap. The base portion and the first and second tower portions are for mounting a barcode reader for scanning the items before the items reach the bagging station.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system are presented for improving a point of sale terminal by reducing the number of items a cashier must pick up and move for scanning during a purchase transaction. The point of sale terminal includes an optical code scanner that identifies an item by reading an optical code (barcode) affixed to or printed on the item. The scanner further includes a weigh scale that weighs items being scanned and a conveyor belt that moves the items across the scanner during the weighing and scanning operations. Moving the items using the conveyor belt reduces the number of items the cashier must pick up and move.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes an acquirement unit configured to acquire a captured image obtained by capturing a commodity by an image capturing unit in sequence; a plurality of reading units configured to read the information relating to the commodity respectively from the captured image acquired by the acquirement unit; a control unit configured to enable each reading unit to act according to a specified order based on setting information in which the operation timing of the reading unit is set; and an output unit configured to output the information read by the reading unit.

Abstract: A personal identification card scanning tool comprises a first holding portion and a second holding portion. The first holding portion is configured and adapted to hold a portable computing device. The second holding portion is configured and adapted to hold a personal identification card in an orientation and position relative to the portable computing device such that a line-of-sight exists between at least a portion of the portable computing device and at least a portion of the personal identification card. The first holding portion and second holding portion are structurally connected by a connecting wall comprising an opening that extends through the connecting wall. The opening is configured and adapted to permit a portion of the personal identification card to extend therethrough when the personal identification card is at least partially held by the second holding portion.

Abstract: A network accessible node that facilitates management of a fleet of portable communication devices (EIR terminal), including portable data terminals and/or barcode readers, by directing performance of software upgrade and/or configuration update actions by one or more members of the fleet of EIR terminals.

Abstract: A bi-optical, dual window, point-of-transaction workstation images indicia associated with multi-sided products over a full coverage scan zone by asymmetrically splitting the field of view of at least one imager into light collection regions of different spatial volumes. The light collection regions fill the scan zone and minimize dead areas therein. A smaller light collection region images one side of the product, while a larger light collection region images more than one side of the product. All sides of the product are imaged in the light collection regions. Twisting of the light collection regions relative to at least one of the windows is minimized so that the light collection regions fit fully with minimal clipping through each window. Illumination light is directed away from a user's eyes.

Abstract: An arrangement for a tunnel scanner includes a chassis with a first data reader structure and a second data reader structure attached thereto. The first and second data reader structures include data readers that are pre-positioned before the first and second data reader structures are attached to the chassis. Indexing features of the first and second data reader structures cooperate with corresponding indexing features of the chassis to properly position the data readers relative to the chassis. In one assembly method, one or more data reader structures having pre-positioned data readers are shipped to an assembly location for a tunnel data reader. A chassis is either provided at or shipped to the assembly location. In one configuration, the data reader structures are indexed and attached to the chassis such that each data reader is placed at a desired location and orientation with respect to the chassis.

Abstract: A readout device for reading out machine-readable markings on at least one lateral surface of receptacles is proposed. The readout device has at least one optical detector with at least one viewing region. The optical detector is designed to detect the machine-readable markings in the viewing region. The readout device further has at least one roll area and at least one transport device. The readout device is designed to roll the receptacles in succession over the roll area by means of the transport device and, in so doing, to roll at least part of the lateral surface within the viewing region.

Abstract: A POS-based checkout/scale system having (i) a bar code symbol reading subsystem for reading bar code symbols on products being purchased at a retail POS station, and (ii) a produce weigh scale having a weigh scale assembly for weighing one or more produce items on a weigh platter during produce weighing operations carried out at the time of checkout at said retail POS station. The system also includes an automatic produce weighing interference detection subsystem, supporting an IR-based light curtain about the weigh platter, automatically detects when any object is overhanging the weigh platter during produce weighing operations, and generates an alert signal when such conditions are automatically detected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a smart scanning system comprising an integrated scanning and image capture system in which one or more image capture device(s) (e.g., still camera, video camera, etc.) and a barcode scanner are positioned within a common enclosure that is a component of a checkout station. The barcode of item is scanned and an image of the item is recorded. The identity of the item as determined based on the barcode is compared to its appearance as determined based on its image. If the identity is inconsistent with its appearance, a discrepancy is registered. It is then determined whether the discrepancy is due to fraud (e.g., theft) or device error. In the case of the latter, the system can be updated to prevent a repeat of the error.

Abstract: There is described an imaging apparatus having an imaging assembly that includes an image sensor. The imaging apparatus can capture a frame of image data having image data corresponding to a first set of pixels of the image sensor. The imaging apparatus can capture a frame or image data having image data corresponding to a second set of pixels of the image sensor.

Abstract: A personalized package creation system uses an imaging device to capture an image of a barcode. An image capture module decodes the barcode to retrieve data, such as package dimension data and one or more package structural parameters. Based on the package dimensions and the structural parameter, a processing device defines a set of cutting instructions. An automated package generation device applies the cutting instructions and uses a cutting device to creating a package.

Abstract: A barcode imaging reader includes a housing, a window in the housing, and an imaging sensor having an array of photosensitive elements for capturing light passing through the window. The barcode imaging reader further includes an illumination arrangement for emitting an illumination light from the housing interior to illuminate a barcode target object spaced from the housing. The illumination arrangement includes (i) an illumination source within the housing operative to generate the illumination light during imaging capture, (ii) a first mirror having a shape of a toroidal surface with predominantly concave surface, and (iii) a second mirror having a shape of a toroidal surface with predominantly convex surface.

Abstract: Infrared light, which is non-readily visible, illuminates at least part of a field of view containing indicia to be electro-optically read. Visible light illuminates another field of view containing the same indicia. The indicia is read by image capture by the illumination light from one of the illuminated fields of view. The use of IR light minimizes an adverse reaction due to only using bright visible light. The use of visible light enables thermally printed indicia, which is not readily readable by IR light, to be read.

Abstract: A multi-functional cable apparatus for a barcode reader supplies electrical power to the barcode reader, provides data communication capability for the barcode reader, and performs at least one additional function that is relevant to the operation of the barcode reader. The at least one additional function may include supporting the barcode reader in a fixed position without a user having to hold the barcode reader in place. Alternatively, the at least one additional function may include facilitating efficient cable management.

Abstract: An electronic screen shows video that has a barcode wrapping an URL. A user images the barcode with a mobile device and decodes it into a web page with an audio feed corresponding to the video. Or the barcode wraps a phone number which the user's device contacts to get an audio feed. The web page lets the user pick between several audio feeds, where the feeds might be in different languages. Several users get audio feeds for the same screen. An electronic screen controlled by a user with a mobile device shows a barcode. Another user with a mobile device images the barcode and causes the screen to be 2 split screens, where the original user has one and the new user has the other. Each split screen can offer via barcode a separate audio track that can be heard by a user with a cellphone.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system are presented for improving an optical code scanner used in an assisted service point of sale terminal by automatically detecting the placement of an item for scanning on the customer side of the optical code scanner and configuring the scanner to scan the item. Once the item is scanned, the optical code scanner reconfigures to scan items presented on the cashier side of the scanner. When the scanner automatically detects, configures and scans an item presented on the customer side of the scanner, it reduces the checkout time and reduces the number of operations a cashier must perform.

Abstract: A multicamera imaging-based bar code reader for imaging a target bar code on a target object features: a housing supporting a plurality of transparent windows and defining an interior region, a target object being presented to the plurality of windows for imaging a target bar code; an imaging system including a plurality of camera assemblies coupled to an image processing system, each camera assembly of the plurality of camera assemblies being positioned within the housing interior position. Each camera assembly includes a sensor array and an imaging lens assembly for focusing a field of view of the camera assembly onto the sensor array and wherein the sensor array is read out at a predetermined frame rate. The predetermined frame rate of at least one camera assembly is less than the predetermined frame rates of the other camera assemblies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a camera that includes a field of view (FOV), the apparatus for indicating at least a first portion of a field of view for analysis and comprising a light source for generating a first light pattern that is directed onto an object surface within the FOV while the light source remains stationary with respect to the object, an adjuster for, while the first light pattern subtends a surface of the object and without moving the light source with respect to the object, modifying the first light pattern to generate a first deformed light pattern that is directed onto the object surface in the FOV and a manual input device for controlling the adjuster to indicate how the first light pattern is to be modified.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system are presented for improving an optical code scanner used in an assisted service point of sale terminal by automatically detecting the placement of an item for scanning on the customer side of the optical code scanner and configuring the scanner to scan the item. Once the item is scanned, the optical code scanner reconfigures to scan items presented on the cashier side of the scanner. When the scanner automatically detects, configures and scans an item presented on the customer side of the scanner, it reduces the checkout time and reduces the number of operations a cashier must perform.

Abstract: A hybrid-type bi-optical bar code symbol reading system has a vertical housing section with a vertical scanning window and a horizontal housing section with a horizontal scanning window from which laser scanning planes are projected and intersect within a 3D scanning volume defined between the vertical and horizontal scanning windows. An automatic object edge-motion detection subsystem is provided for detecting the entry and exit of objects at the edge of the 3D scanning volume and generating control signals in response thereto. A digital imaging subsystem is supported within the system housing and automatically projects a field of view (FOV) within the 3D scanning volume in response to control signals generated by the automatic object edge-motion detection subsystem and timer settings managed by a system controller.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading a multi-modal barcode is provided. The apparatus includes a camera, an edge detector, wherein the edge detector comprises a filter to read a secondary image, a quantization component, and a barcode processor.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of systems and methods for receiving shipment parcels at materials handling facilities. A parcel receiving system has an imaging tunnel through which shipment parcels received at a materials handling facility are passed. While a shipment parcel is passing through the imaging tunnel, a camera captures at least one image of the parcel. The parcel image is electronically analyzed to discover various tracking information and to detect various types of exceptions, such as damage to the parcel or defective tracking information. In addition, the captured image is stored in order to create a visual record of the parcel at the time of reception. This record may be used in a variety of ways, such as resolving or tracking exceptions or providing feedback to the vendor or shipment carrier. In addition, the parcel image may be viewed by a user to enable the user to detect and/or resolve an exception.

Abstract: There is set forth herein an imaging terminal having and image sensor including an image sensor array having a plurality of pixels. In one embodiment the imaging terminal can include a lens assembly for focusing light on the image sensor array. In one embodiment the lens assembly is a variable setting lens assembly having a first lens setting at which the terminal has a first plane of optimum focus and a second lens setting at which the terminal has a second plane of optimum focus. The imaging terminal can execute one or more process for determining an operating parameter of the imaging terminal.

Abstract: A solid-state imager is mounted at a point-of-transaction workstation for capturing images of one- and two-dimensional indicia and is operated at high speed to resist image blurring due to relative movement between the target and the imager. Dedicated hardware assistance and computation resources are allocated to decode multiple, continuous and simultaneous video streams from multiple imagers at the workstation.

Abstract: A hybrid-type bi-optical bar code symbol reading system having a vertical housing section with a vertical scanning window, and a horizontal housing section with a horizontal scanning window, from which laser scanning planes are projected and intersect within a 3D scanning volume defined between the vertical and horizontal scanning windows. An automatic object edge-motion detection subsystem is provided for detecting the entry and exit of objects at the edge of the 3D scanning volume, and generating control signals in response thereto. A digital imaging subsystem is supported within the system housing and automatically projects a field of view (FOV) within the 3D scanning volume in response to control signals generated by the automatic object edge-motion detection subsystem and timer settings managed by a system controller.

Abstract: The present invention provides an item scanning system in which an appearance of an item is received (e.g., at checkout). The appearance is captured with an image capture device (e.g., still frame camera, video camera, etc.) that can be collocated with a barcode scanner. In being collocated, the image capture device can be positioned proximate (e.g., near, attached to, etc.) the bar code scanner, integrated within a common housing/unit with the barcode scanner, etc. In any event, a search engine will then search a database of items based on the appearance to identify a set of items that potentially match the item. When one of the set of items is selected (e.g., by the checkout clerk), the selection will be received and stored for future investigation/auditing.

Abstract: The invention provides an automatic analyzer suitable for efficient reagent management. The analyzer allows continued use of existing reagent information storage media because reagent ID information that is no longer needed is overwritten so that it is unrecognizable to any analyzer. The invention relates to a method for automatically analyzing particular properties of an analyte by putting the analyte and a reagent into a vessel and measuring the reacted analyte-reagent mixture. The analyzer of the invention comprises: an information reader/writer for reading or writing regent information to/from storage media attached to reagent vessels; means for managing reagent information read from the storage media; means for processing reagents based on the managed information; and means for overwriting reagent information that has been judged unnecessary based on the managed information so that the unnecessary information is unrecognizable to any analyzer.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method, a manual device, a handheld manual device, a handheld writing device, a system, and an apparatus. An embodiment provides a manual device operable in a context. The manual device includes a writing element operable to form a mark on a surface in response to a movement of the writing element with respect to the surface. The manual device also includes a controller operable to encode information corresponding to the context of the manual device by regulating the formation of the mark.

Abstract: Bar code imagers and methods of operating bar code imagers are described herein. One method includes illuminating a bar code with a first illumination beam provided by the bar code imager device, wherein the first illumination beam has a first wavelength, and illuminating the bar code with a second illumination beam provided by the bar code imager device, wherein the second illumination beam has a second wavelength that is different than the first wavelength.

Abstract: A multicamera imaging-based bar code reader 10 for imaging a target bar code 30 on a target object 32 features: a housing 20 supporting a plurality of transparent windows H, V and defining an interior region, an imaging system including a plurality of camera assemblies C1-C5 coupled to an image processing system, each camera assembly of the plurality of camera assemblies being positioned within the housing interior. Each camera assembly includes a sensor array. One or more light reflecting fold mirrors M1-M14 define a camera assembly field of view positioned with respect to said light source and the sensor array at locations along a light path to transmit light from light source to the field of view and transmit light that bounces from a target in the field of view back along said light path to the image capture sensor array.

Abstract: In an image reading apparatus, an interference suppressing unit includes a closed-loop coil that forms a suppression area disposed in a propagation area where at least either one of the electromagnetic wave for power supply and the electromagnetic wave for transmission and reception of the ID information is propagated, and suppresses a magnetic-flux change based on the magnetic-flux change in the propagation area. At least one of an image pickup device and a carrier cable is disposed in the suppression area, and consequently, interference of the electromagnetic wave for power supply or the electromagnetic wave for transmission end reception of ID information that would otherwise propagate to a reading unit with the carrier cable thereof is suppressed. Thus, even if pickup image data of the RFID card and the ID information of the electronic tag are simultaneously obtained, the obtained pickup image data can be of high quality.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a sample information detection apparatus includes, a reflection unit includes a reflection mirror configured to reflect an image of a sample container configured to contain a sample, an image acquisition unit includes an imaging unit configured to image an imaging range covering images reflected by the reflection mirror, the image acquisition unit being configured to acquire the image of the sample container that is reflected by the reflection mirror, and a sample information detection unit configured to detect information displayed on a side portion of the sample container based on the acquired image.

Abstract: There is provided an illumination setting support apparatus that enables a user to easily set an optimal lighting pattern while visually checking. A schematic diagram of the illumination unit is displayed in the setting screen, so that clicking on a desired area inside this schematic diagram allows the arbitrary area to be selected from eight areas in the circumferential row of the “outermost circumference” of the external illumination unit. Lighting pattern information is transmitted to a bar code reader and is transferred to the external illumination unit. Imaging is performed while executing illumination control in accordance with the lighting pattern to thereby immediately display a live image on a PC.

Abstract: A method of operating a reader system includes: providing a reader for reading information data carriers; an operator loading a configuration overlay onto the configuration settings of the reader upon successful logging, wherein the configuration overlay is specific to the operator; and reading information data carriers utilizing the configuration overlay.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automated inventory tracking and authentication using device identity-containing information associated with at least one device that is part of an inventory. The method includes accepting initial device identity-containing information from an inventory origination point to a first sales distribution point and accepting additional device identity-containing inventory from each instance of a new and successive sales distribution point as inventory moves through a supply chain. This information is stored and then later compared to a device ID of the at least one device. An authentication action is performed upon the at least one device based upon said accepted initial and additional information. The device identity-containing information includes MAC address information, device serial number information.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for using object recognition/verification and weight information to confirm accuracy of an optical code scan, or to provide an affirmative recognition where no scan was made. One example checkout system includes: an optical code scanner configured to generate a product identifier; at least one camera for capturing one or more images of an item; a database of features and images of known objects; an image processor configured to: extract geometric point features from the images; identify matches between extracted geometric point features and features of known objects; generate a geometric transform between extracted geometric point features and features of known objects for a subset of known objects corresponding to matches; and identify one of the known objects based on a best match of the geometric transform; and a transaction processor configured to execute a set of actions if the identified object is different than the product identifier.

Abstract: Barcode detection method and systems are typically configured for reading each barcode individually. However, it is often advantageous to read a plurality of barcodes (or a batch of barcodes) in a single scanning operation. Provided is a barcode detection method and system which is capable of scanning an area including one or more barcodes, detecting and decoding the barcodes in the scanned area and generating a batch of barcodes all in a single scanning operation.

Abstract: A precisely locating and address confirming method is provided. The method comprises: S1, a printing carrier is divided into several areas with equal interval, and the width of each area is set to be the same with the width of a shelf article depositing unit, and a main bar code containing article depositing position information is printed in the center of each area of the printing carrier; S2, the printing carrier is disposed on the shelf in such a way that each area corresponds to each shelf article depositing unit; S3, the article depositing position information contained in the main bar code is scanned and read when the scanning beam of a manipulator happens to be superposed with the main bar code of the area corresponding to the shelf article depositing unit so as to confirm the address of the article depositing position.

Abstract: An image forming system comprises an access control part, a storage part, an extraction part, and an acquisition part. The access control part determines whether to allow or prohibit access to a security image in which a password for access control is embedded. The storage part stores sharing member information which is information on sharing members who are users allowed to share the security image and a check image which is an image for check on the security image, being associated with each other. The extraction part for extracts the check image out of one or more images including the check image on the basis of a determination result on coidentity between the security image and each of the one or more images. The acquisition part acquires the sharing member information associated with the check image.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for generating a multiple raster-type scanning pattern by modulating a multi-cavity laser diode in such a way that it sequentially generates different laser beams synchronously during different laser scanning cycles, while the output laser beams are directed incident upon a rotating polygonal laser scanning element. The system does not require additional moving parts beyond the rotating polygon scanning element so as to reduce complexity and simplify construction of the laser scanning mechanism.