Abstract: A lensholder holds at least one fixed optical lens and a variable focusing element in a spaced relation along an optical path through which light passes in an electro-optical reader. The variable focusing element has a pair of electrodes across which a voltage is applied to optically modify the light passing through the fixed optical lens and the variable focusing element. The lensholder directly electrically conductively contacts the electrodes and establishes an electrically conductive path between each electrode and an exterior of the lensholder.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a scanning module for a scanner system comprises a frame having a first section and a second section. The first section of the frame is capable of receiving a laser to secure the laser in the first section, and the second section of the frame is capable of receiving a MEMS device having a mirror, to secure the MEMS device in the first section. The laser is aligned with the mirror by the frame to cause light emitted from the laser to impinge upon the mirror during operation of the laser. Such an arrangement may facilitate the physical and/or electrical assembly of the components of the scanner system.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a code symbol scanning apparatus includes a line writing unit which overwrites image data scanned by an area image sensor, with a line pattern having a predetermined gradation value, a symbol area designating unit which designates an area of a code symbol that should be scanned from the image edited by the line writing unit, and a code symbol scanning unit which scans the code symbol in the image area designated by the symbol area designating unit.

Abstract: A symbol scanning and decoding device that is configured for capturing a series of images of a symbol over time and configured for providing a first (image processing) procedure that processes one or more of the series of images within a first period of time, and a second (image processing) procedure that processes one or more of the series of images within a second period of time, and where the first period of time is constrained to be less than or equal to, and the second period of time is not constrained to be less than or equal to, a period of time between a capture of an integral number of consecutive images of the series of images.

Abstract: Novel POS-based bar code symbol reading systems are disclosed having an integrated customer-kiosk terminal. Also disclosed are novel POS-based bar code reading cash register Systems having integrated Internet-enabled customer-kiosk terminals.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus for decoding an encoded symbol character of a symbology includes a laser source operable to emit a beam along an axis and illuminate a target. The target includes an encoded symbol character. A focusing apparatus in optical communication with the laser source focuses the beam on the target at an object distance, and a detector receives light of varying intensities scattered from the encoded symbol character and converts the light into a first signal. A digitizer converts the first signal to a digital bit stream. The scanning apparatus further includes pre-stored information correlating a non-standard symbol pattern to a valid symbol character according to a standard definition of the symbology. The non-standard symbol pattern comprises a first number of elements that deviates from a second number of elements associated with the valid symbol character. A decoder receives the digital bit stream and utilizes the pre-stored information for decoding the signal.

Abstract: A method of improving the performance of an imaging reader includes (1) illuminating a symbol by projecting illuminating light on the symbol from the imaging reader, (2) capturing return light form the symbol as pixel data over a two-dimensional field of view of a solid-state imager having a matrix of image sensors, (3) reducing the number of pixels to generate reduced pixel data, (4) transmitting the reduced pixel data to a decoding circuit.

Abstract: An imaging module is supported by a housing of a reader for electro-optically reading indicia. The imaging module includes a solid-state imager having an array of image sensors for capturing return light from the indicia during reading. A laser scanning module is also supported by the housing and includes a scanner for scanning at least one of a laser beam from a laser and a field of view of a light detector in a scan pattern across the indicia during reading. A controller is operatively connected to the modules, and is operative for preventing reading interference between the modules during reading.

Abstract: A variable focus imaging lens assembly for an imaging-based bar code reader for imaging a target bar code within a field of view of the imaging system, the imaging lens assembly comprising a simplified zoom lens assembly or system that provides for both focusing and adjustment of focal length of the imaging lens assembly with movement of a single group of movable lenses using one motor. The zoom lens assembly includes a stationary lens group comprising a plurality of stationary lenses and a movable lens group comprising a plurality of movable lenses movable with respect to a sensor array of the imaging system. The movable lens group is driven by a motor along a path of travel parallel to an optic axis of the imaging lens assembly, at least one lens of the plurality of stationary lenses being intermediate a pair of lenses of the plurality of movable lenses.

Abstract: A planar laser illumination module (PLIM) including: (i) a laser illumination source driven preferably by high frequency modulated (HFM) diode current drive circuitry; (ii) a beam collimating optics disposed beyond the laser illumination source; (ii) an optical beam multiplexer (OMUX) device disposed beyond the collimating optics; and (iv) a planarizing-type illumination lens array disposed beyond the OMUX device, and arranged for generating a plurality of substantially planar coherence-reduced laser illumination beams (PLIBs) that form a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) having substantially reduced spatial/temporal coherence.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for scanning an illumination spot over a target area. The present invention removes stored energy from a scanning element to stop the scanning element from vibrating and to substantially return the scanning element to its starting position so as to enable high frame rates.

Abstract: A plurality of solid-state imagers is mounted in a reader, such as a bi-optical, dual window, point-of-transaction workstation, for capturing images along different fields of view of diverse targets useful for customer identification, customer payment validation, operator surveillance, and coded indicia. The imagers are commonly mounted on a circuit board for joint installation at, and joint removal from, the reader for ease of serviceability.

Abstract: A device for optically multiplexing a laser beam, having a glass plate construction with an input surface and an output surface, and bearing reflective and semi-reflective coatings arranged so as to optically multiplex an input laser beam entering the input surface, into multiple spatial-coherence reduced output laser beams exiting from the output surface. Through such optical multiplexing, and recombination, the coherence of the resulting laser beam is substantially reduced, as is the power of speckle pattern noise observed at an image detection array detecting an image of an object illuminated by said laser beam.

Abstract: A compact barcode reader is provided in which the imaging lens and a linear sensor are in a straight line path with the barcode (no bend in path). By using a wide angle lens with a short back focus, it is possible to reduce the distance between the barcode and linear sensor to a fraction of what it was in the prior art. In addition, the maximum image height and the downward projection of the sensor are reduced to a fraction of what they were in the prior art. As a result, despite the straight line optical path, compact barcode reader becomes so small that it does not interfere with the operation of the beverage maker.

Abstract: Novel POS-based bar code symbol reading systems are disclosed having an integrated customer-kiosk terminal. Also disclosed are novel POS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register Systems having Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading a target object having areas of differing light reflectivity on the target such as a handheld bar code reader having a first illumination pattern, a detector for measuring a distance from the reader to a target object, a system threshold, and a comparator for evaluating the measured distance against the threshold. Should the reader's internal circuitry and/or software determine that the measured distance is greater than the threshold, a second illumination pattern is activated that has power effective illumination for increasing the operable reading distance between the reader and the target object. The second illumination pattern can be generated from a secondary illumination source or through a lens internal to the reader.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus for generating a continuous virtual scan line pattern from a raster line input. In certain preferred embodiments, a continuous, omni-directional virtual scan line pattern may be generated from a continuous, one-dimensional raster line input. In some embodiments, such a pattern may be generated for one or more families of shallow virtual scan lines and for one or more families of steep virtual scan lines. Some of the virtual scan line families may be configured to generate overlapping data.

Abstract: A barcode reading station which mounts a barcode reader for reading a barcode on a barcode carrier, such as a document or electronic device which displays the barcode. The barcode reading station includes a holster for a barcode reader, the barcode reader producing a scan volume, a barcode reading table for identifying a target location for barcode reading, and a mirror for deflecting the scan volume of the barcode reader towards the barcode reading table.

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 imaging system also includes a movable mirror mounted for movement along a path of travel to reflect light passing through the focusing lens onto the pixel array. A drive motor moves the mirror relative the lens to adjust a focus of an image of the object formed at the pixel array. An automatic focusing component of the imaging system analyzes the aiming pattern reflected from the target object and projected onto the pixel array by the lens.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods and systems used to reduce the time needed to process images of a bar code or optical code captured by a image bar code scanner. Image bar code scanners read bar codes or optical codes by capturing digital images of the codes using an image capture device and then processing the captured images to decode the optical code or bar code. The processing time is reduced by rotating the images to align the axis of the codes contained in the captured images with the rows of photo detectors in the image capture device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the image quality obtained by an imaging-based scanner comprising a housing supporting one or more protective windows. The apparatus further comprises at least one scanning arrangement, the scanning arrangement comprising illumination and imaging optics. The illumination and imaging optics form a respective field of view for imaging a target object. A light baffle is attached to the scanning arrangement. The light baffle has an aperture corresponding to each of the illumination and imaging optics such that stray light reflected from the protective windows is absorbed by the light baffle, improving the image quality of the imaging-based scanner.

Abstract: A multiple aperture imaging barcode reader which positions a movable mirror to image items at different focal lengths and fields of view. The barcode reader includes a housing with a first aperture and a second aperture, a mirror assembly moveable to first and second positions, a camera for capturing a first image of a first item when the mirror assembly is in the first position and the first item is optically aligned with the first aperture, and for capturing a second image of a second item when the mirror assembly is in the second position and the second item is optically aligned with the second aperture, and a processor for identifying and decoding a first barcode label on the first item, and for identifying and decoding a second barcode label on the second item.

Abstract: A code reader for reading one- and/or two-dimensional codes. A position resolving light receiver (3) is mounted in a housing (2). An imaging optics made of several components is associated with the light receiver and is also disposed in the housing. The imaging optics has at least one stationary optics (4) and a deflecting optics arranged on an optical axis (10) in front of the light receiver (3). A pivot arm is mounted on a pivot axis (9) in the housing. Pivoting of the pivot arm results in a positional and angular change of the effective back optical focal distance measured from the vortex of the last back surface of the lens to the focal point thereof. If the objects to be identified are at different distances from the identification apparatus, the pivot arm (8) is pivoted. As a result, the deflection optics mounted on the pivot arm changes the effective back focal distance as well as the focal length of the imaging optics to thereby project an exact image onto the light receiver.

Abstract: An optical system used in a barcode scanner is disclosed to include a lens, two LEDs arranged at two sides of the lens, two condensers arranged in front of the LEDs, and two curved reflectors with multiple curvatures for reflecting a major part of light from the LEDs through the condensers onto the left and right sides of an image mapping surface on a barcode and a minor part of light onto the center area of the image mapping surface so that the receiving characteristic of the lens can pick up an evenly distributed bright image from the image mapping surface on the barcode and the posterior image processing of the barcode scanner can obtain a strong and clear image signal to facilitate barcode and to increase recognition rate and accuracy.

Abstract: A system to improve communication may include a laser barcode scanner to generate a laser-light to read barcodes. The system may also include a controller to determine a state of operation of the laser barcode scanner. The system may further include a projection unit to provide the laser-light as human understandable information based upon the controller's determination.

Abstract: Described is a method and system for optimizing scanner performance. The method comprises obtaining a digitized representation of a bar code, estimating a set of parameters from the digitized representation, adjusting a scan angle as a function of at least one parameter in the set of parameters.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for improved accuracy of bar code detection and decoding are described. A bar code scanner employs a rotating spinner to reflect a laser beam used to produce one or more scan patterns emerging from scan windows. The spinner has reflective surfaces, with one or more of the surfaces exhibiting variations influencing characteristics of the laser beam as it is reflected from the surfaces. The scanner produces a scanner signal in response to light entering the scan windows, and processes the scanner signal to detect and decode bar codes within a scan field of the scanner. The rotational position of the spinner is continuously monitored and adjustments to processing parameters are made and other actions are taken based on the rotational position of the spinner, in order to compensate for variations in the scan pattern caused by the variations in the surfaces of the spinner.

Abstract: A scanning device is provided which has a beam emitter for emitting a beam, a deflector for deflecting the beam to generate a raster scan pattern over a scanning patch on a product item, a sensor for receiving a reflected beam from the scanning patch and sensing from the reflected beam data encoded by coded tags printed on an interface surface of the product item, and a processor for determining a description of the interface surface and at least one region of interface surface. The data encoded by each tag includes an identity of the product item, an identity of the interface surface and the position of the respective tag on the interface surface. The processor determines the description from the sensed interface surface identity and determined the region from the determined description and at least one of the position of the sensed tag and a position of the scanning patch relative to the interface surface.

Abstract: The invention features a system and method to automatically focus an image reader using a single frame of image data. The method comprises exposing sequentially a plurality of rows of pixels in the image sensor. The method further comprising varying in incremental steps the focus of the image reader's optical system from a first setting where a distinct image of objects located at a first distance from the image reader is formed on the image sensor to a second setting where a distinct image of objects located at a second distance from the image reader is formed on the image sensor. As part of the method, the varying of the focus of the optical system occurs during the exposure of the plurality of rows of pixels.

Abstract: An image scanning apparatus for embodying an image using visible lights apparatus includes a scanning unit for irradiating line scan light; a power source for generating voltage for driving the scanning unit; a light detector for detecting duty that is a variation ratio of line scan light with respect to time; and a servo-loop for comparing the detected duty with a preset value, calculating a magnitude of the voltage for driving the scanning unit, and applying voltage, which is controlled depending on the calculated voltage magnitude, to the scanning unit.

Abstract: An improved system and method for data card emulation is provided that enables a single data card to emulate any one of multiple data cards. The data card includes an improved system and method for conveying data involving pulsed light that can read a barcode and can emulate a barcode. The improved system and method for conveying data may also include at least one of a magnetic stripe reader or a magnetic stripe emulator. The data card uses the improved system and method for conveying data to interface with conventional barcode and/or magnetic stripe readers, to interface with other such data cards or other devices having similar circuitry, and to interface with a data management system used to manage barcode and/or magnetic stripe information stored in a memory on the data card.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for selectively controlling the illumination, and particularly dark field illumination, applied to a symbol to be decoded, and for determining a suitable or optimized level of lighting for decoding the symbol. A ring-shaped illuminator is provided, and is segmented into a plurality of individually-controllable lighting portions which can be, for example, quadrants. Initially, illumination is provided to the symbol through an initial set of lighting conditions. Feedback from acquired image data is then used to determine whether the lighting is suitable for decoding the symbol and, if not, a controller varies the lighting applied to the symbol, and additional image data is acquired. This process is continued until suitable conditions are met. Alternatively, activation and deactivation of the lighting segments can be manually selected by an operator to provide suitable conditions.

Abstract: An optical imaging system includes a system of optical components for generating an image of a surface of a component which emits light which is radially symmetrical, at least in part, for an optical surface measurement thereof, the surface normal of the radially symmetrical region in the measuring position of the component being inclined at a maximum angle of 90° with respect to the component axis. Radially symmetrical outer surface regions having surface normals directed at an angle with respect to the axis of symmetry may be quickly and easily provided for testing surface characteristics by designing the system for measuring outer surfaces, and including a mirror which may be associated with the component and which in measuring mode captures the portion of the beam emitted from the radially symmetrical region of the surface to be measured and supplies same to additional imaging components in the system for processing the image.

Abstract: An automatic omni-directional bar code symbol reading system for use in a POS environment. The system comprises a system housing having an light transmission window. A plurality of linear-type bar code symbol reading stations are disposed in the system housing, for generating and projecting a complex of linear illumination planes through the light transmission window and into a 3D volume definable relative to the system housing. At least one area-type bar code reading station is disposed in the system housing, for generating and projecting an area illumination beam through the light transmission window and into the 3D volume. The complex of linear illumination planes and the area illumination beam enable omni-directional reading of bar code symbols on an object passing through the 3D volume, and the generation symbol character data representative of the read bar code symbol.

Abstract: An extended working range electro-optical scanner (10) for reading a target bar code (100).

Abstract: To improve image capture from a display or a surface, more specifically from a specular reflecting surface, the invention proposes an image capturing apparatus having an image capturing unit and an image fitting surface in which the optical axis of the image capturing unit is disposed at an angle ? to a normal of the image fitting surface.

Abstract: There is described a compact laser module (1) for reading optical codes, comprising: a scanning illumination section having at least one source (8) for generating a laser beam, and a scanner (9, 10) for scanning the optical code (C) to be read with a laser spot, and a receiving section (20-24) for collecting at least a portion of the light diffused by the code (C) and detecting the collected light, the receiving section and the scanning illumination section being spatially distinct.

Abstract: A device for scanning and/or recognizing one or more barcodes includes a laser light source for transmitting laser light; a rotatable polygonal mirror for reflecting the transmitted laser light; a number of fixedly disposed flat mirrors for reflecting laser light; a pick-up element for picking up laser light scattered by a barcode; a compact housing in which the laser light source, the polygonal mirror, the flat mirrors and the pick-up element are arranged, which compact housing is constructed from a substantially flat bottom side, a top side and standing walls arranged therebetween and wherein the distance between the standing walls ranges between 1.2-5.5 inches (3-14 cm).

Abstract: The disclosed bar code reader has an imaging system that 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 for illuminating the target having a light source for emitting a diverging light outwardly from a light source location and a lens for bending the light including a first surface facing the light source and a second surface facing the target for bending the light emitted by the light source to more uniformly illuminate a rectangular, generally planar region at the target within the barcode reader's field of view.

Abstract: An omni-directional bar code symbol reading system employing a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging stations for generating and projecting a complex of coplanar illumination and imaging planes through an imaging window into a 3D imaging volume, through which object can be passed in flexible ways. The system has an ultra-compact construction, ideally suited for space-constrained retail scanning environments, and requires no moving parts.

Abstract: A barcode reader having a light source illuminating a barcode, a diffuser disposed between the light source and the barcode, a camera opening at least partially surrounded by the diffuser, light reflected from the barcode passing through the camera opening and a camera oriented to acquire light reflected from the barcode after passing through the diffuser from the light source.

Abstract: A bar-code-reading tool. A first mirror is disposed to receive light emitted by a bar-code reader. A second mirror is disposed to receive light reflected from a bar-code label affixed to an object. The first mirror and the second mirror are arranged in a folded optical path that is disposed for the bar-code reader to read the bar-code label. A fixture holds the object comprising the bar-code label on a planar base of the fixture and disposes the bar-code label in the folded optical path. The fixture is arranged so that the object is disposed above the planar base, and the bar-code reader is disposed below the planar base.

Abstract: There is described a compact laser module (1) for reading optical codes, comprising: a scanning illumination section having at least one source (8) for generating a laser beam, and a scanner (9, 10) for scanning the optical code (C) to be read with a laser spot, and a receiving section (20-24) for collecting at least a portion of the light diffused by the code (C) and detecting the collected light, the receiving section and the scanning illumination section being spatially distinct.

Abstract: An imaging system (20) for an imaging-base bar code reader (10) having a housing (11) and a window (17). The imaging system (20) includes a dual camera assembly (22) having a first camera assembly (24) and a second camera assembly (26) mounted within the housing (11) to image a target object (14a, 14b). The first camera assembly (24) includes a first field of view (FOV1) and the second camera assembly (26) including a second field of view (FOV2). The imaging system (20) further includes a fold mirror (36, 37) and positioned within the bar code reader housing (11) to intersect and direct the field of view of at least one of the first and second camera assemblies (24, 26) such that the first and second fields of view (FOV1, FOV2) pass through the exit window (17) and are substantially congruent exterior of the housing (11).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for selectively reading a barcode, symbol, or other indicia by either scanning the barcode with a flying-spot scanner, or by imaging the barcode, thereby improving reading performance by tailoring the reading method to the particular item that is being read. Both a flying-spot laser scanning front end and an imaging front end are incorporated in a single device. Data obtained by the selected reading method is decoded and output. A common decoder or separate decoders may be used to decode the data from the two front ends. A single image sensor may be shared between the flying-spot front end and the imaging front-end, with a limited readout area utilized for laser scanning. The size of the readout area may be adjusted based on detected target proximity. Selection of the reading mode may be based on criteria including manual input, the range of the target, or previous failed attempts to read the barcode using either reading method.

Abstract: An immobile, non-magnetic mode sensor, preferably an optical sensor, is entirely supported by a housing of a reader for electro-optically reading indicia in a handheld mode, and in a hands-free mode, of operation. The mode sensor is operative for sensing the mode of operation, for example, by detecting whether the housing has been grasped by an operator, or by detecting whether the housing has been removed from a support surface. The mode sensor is actuatable between handheld and hands-free states, which respectively correspond to the handheld and hands-free modes of operation. A controller is operative for selecting the mode of operation, which is sensed by the mode sensor, in which the indicia is to be read.

Abstract: A variable focus imaging lens assembly for an imaging system of an imaging-based bar code reader for imaging and decoding a target bar code. The lens assembly includes an automatic focusing system for energizing a drive mechanism and imaging system to move a movable lens from the predetermined position along its path of travel and generate a series of image frames; analyzing one or more image frames of the series of image frames to determine a region of interest, the region of interest including an image of a target bar code; analyzing the region of interest in subsequent image frames of the series of image frames to determine an amount of blurring; selecting an image frame from the series of image frames having blurring less than a threshold amount of blurring; and utilizing a decoder to decode the image of the target bar code in the selected image frame.

Abstract: A system for enabling user interaction with computer software including a printer and sensing device. The printer receives print data, and prints a form, using the print data, with information related to an interactive element coincident with coded data indicative of the interactive element. The sensing device has an image sensor for capturing images of the coded data and a processor for identifying the coded data from the captured images, determine an orientation and position of the coded data, decode the coded data, generate indicating data using the determined information, and transfers the indicating data to the printer. The printer is responsive to the indicating data to relay the indicating data to a computer system for interpretation.

Abstract: A machine-readable symbol reader for reading machine-readable symbols such as barcode symbols employs a first reflective surface having a first perimeter to create a pointer beam, and a movable second reflective surface with a second perimeter small than the first perimeter to create a scanning beam. The pointer and scanner beams may exist simultaneously and may be formed from a same illumination beam.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for fast finding the best resolution of an optical scanning device during assembling steps. The present invention improves the graphics of the calibration device. Accompanying with calculation of an adjustment device, the present invention generates a referencing parameters. The parameters represent the resolution of the optical scanning device; and further is able to show the balance of horizontal resolution and the balance of vertical resolution. In this case, technicians can optimize the best position of the lens in order to build an optical scanning with precision and narrow the misalignment during assembly.