Abstract: Embodiments of a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for rapidly capturing images in an automated identification system to effectively extend one dimension of a field of view of an image system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the image system captures and processes multiple images of at least a portion of a surface of a component in the automated identification system in response to a trigger signal communicated from a triggering device configured to sense a location of the component. Various embodiments of the invention include multiple sources for capturing images, and/or multiple user-specified schemes for effectively extending the field of view of the image system along the axis of component travel in the automated identification system.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar light illumination beams having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend through the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each planar light illumination beam is produced from a planar light illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising an plurality of planar light illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible light emitting diode (LED), a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged therewith. The individual planar light illumination beam components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar light illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system.

Abstract: The multi-line barcode scanner with no moving parts includes a light source, a light condensing lens and a linear light receiver. When scanning light beams (maybe linear or strip-shaped light beams) emitted from the light source are projecting onto a barcode, the reflected images thereof are focused onto the linear light receiver by the light condensing lens. The characteristics of the structure are that at least one beam splitter and reflectors are disposed at the projecting path from the light source converted into scanning light beam to the barcode, so as to enable the scanner to project two or more scanning light beams onto a same barcode in a non-overlapping manner, thereby selecting a complete barcode image for decoding at a fastest speed and for further increasing the barcode reading rate from the barcode at different angles or positions.

Abstract: An optical reader which is compatible with every environment irrespective of installation and usage environments, thereby enabling uniform manufacturing, satisfactory reading reliance, and operative safety and user-friendliness. The optical unit is mounted on the stage, and there is provided an inclination apparatus which inclines the stage at a desired angle. Thereby, without changing a preset optimal scanning pattern, only its emitting direction becomes changeable freely.

Abstract: A scanning control circuit generates a clock signal corresponding to an expected scan timing of a resonant scanner. In one approach, the control circuit uses a pair of direct digital synthesis (DDS) integrated circuits. A first DDS chip provides a system clock that is synchronized to the monitored period of the scanner. A second DDS chip generates a frequency chirped signal that has a frequency profile corresponding to a desired pixel clock timing. To control phase precisely, four complementary clock signals are weighted and mixed at light source drivers to produce relative phase shifts for different light sources.

Abstract: A scan engine is disclosed for use in a data collection device, as well as a method for producing a scan engine and an image sensor assembly. The scan engine includes a housing with an opening for receiving light from a scanned dataform, an image sensor which is located within the housing to sense light entering an aperture in the image sensor, and a prism located within the housing for receiving light from the opening along a first path and to provide at least a portion of the received light to the aperture along a second path.

Abstract: A barcode scanner includes at least a laser emitter, a collimator, a light condensing lens and a linear light receiver. When the scanning light beams from the laser emitter are projected onto a barcode through the collimator, a barcode signal is produced from the reflected image thereof focused onto the linear light receiver through the light condensing lens. The characteristics thereof are that at least one beam splitter and reflector are disposed at the projecting path of the scanning light beams from the laser emitter and the collimator to barcode, so as to enable the scanner to act as a multiple light sources structure, thereby distributing the scanning light beams more evenly with lower production cost and material.

Abstract: An identification device, especially one for detecting unidimensional and/or two-dimensional codes, which has a position-resolving photoreceiver arranged in a housing and a reception optics coordinated with it and also installed in the housing. The entire reception optics and the position-resolving photoreceiver are immovably mounted in a housing of the identification device. For focusing at different object distances, an effective optical back focal distance is changed with only an adjustable deflection mirror that is positioned between the photoreceiver and the reception optics.

Abstract: A bioptical laser scanning system employing a plurality of laser scanning stations about a two independently controlled rotating polygonal mirrors. The system has an ultra-compact construction, ideally suited for space-constrained retail scanning environments, and generates a 3-D omnidirectional laser scanning pattern between the bottom and side-scanning windows during system operation. The laser scanning pattern of the present invention comprises a complex of quasi-orthogonal laser scanning planes, including a plurality of substantially-vertical laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e. ladder type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially horizontal with respect to the bottom-scanning window, and a plurality of substantially-horizontal laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e. picket-fence type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially vertical with respect to the bottom-scanning window.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus scans a surface to be scanned in a main scanning direction by simultaneously using a plurality of optical spots formed of a plurality of optical beans emitted from an illuminant, comprising: a light path deflecting part deflecting a light path of at least one of the optical beams, wherein the light path deflecting part is provided in light paths of the optical beams wherein the light path deflecting part may use a liquid crystal deflecting element formed of a liquid crystal element being controllable by an electronic signal to deflect the light path of the one of the optical beams.

Abstract: A bar code scanner has a housing including a surface having a transparent scanning window. The housing contains optical components including a spinner mounted on a rotating motor; pattern mirrors and a collector for collecting light reflected from a bar code during scanning. Wherein the spinner is an inverted frusto-conical spinner with internal reflecting surfaces, the diameter of the spinner increasing as distance from the motor increases, and wherein the collector is mounted substantially within the body of the spinner.

Abstract: Focusing in an electro-optical reader for reading indicia is obtained by moving one prism relative to another prism. An outgoing laser beam directed to indicia for reflection therefrom and/or return light reflected from the indicia is focused by the moving prism.

Abstract: A bioptics bar code reader has first and second windows disposed at an angle to each other, a first imager for the first window and a second imager for the second window and first and second optics for directing light from a bar code in a reading area between the windows to the first and second imagers. The two imagers each obtain an image of the bar code in the reading area.

Abstract: A method of measuring an absorbed dose of ionizing radiation using a measuring device that bears an integral identification mark, comprising the steps of: providing a support; disposing on the support a first region capable of measuring an absorbed dose of ionizing radiation; disposing on the support a second region that bears integral identification mark; exposing at least the first region to a dose of ionizing radiation; and reading the signal from the first region.

Abstract: A bar code scanner has a housing including a surface having a transparent scanning window. The housing contains optical components including a spinner and pattern mirrors arranged to produce sets of densely packed scan lines. The housing further contains a single output mirror which can be arranged in a first position in which the scan lines are optimized for horizontal scanning and a second position in which the scan lines are optimized for vertical scanning.

Abstract: An automatic scanner which can be used at a point-of-sale (POS) station. The scanner provides a confined scanning volume, so as to avoid unintentional scanning of nearby objects that are located outside of this confined scanning volume. This scanner can be operated in an automatic hands-on mode of operation, or also operated as a stationary laser projection scanner in an automatic hands-free mode of operation. A collimated scanning pattern is projected from the hand-supportable device about a projection axis. The collimated scanning pattern intersects the projection axis within a narrowly confined scanning volume so that bar code symbols disposed within this scanning volume can be read omnidirectionally.

Abstract: A display scanner includes an optical panel having a plurality of stacked optical waveguides. The waveguides define an inlet face at one end and a screen at an opposite end, with each waveguide having a core laminated between cladding. A projector projects a scan beam of light into the panel inlet face for transmission from the screen as a scan line to scan a barcode. A light sensor at the inlet face detects a return beam reflected from the barcode into the screen. A decoder decodes the return beam detected by the sensor for reading the barcode. In an exemplary embodiment, the optical panel also displays a visual image thereon.

Abstract: A scanner for the detection of one-dimensional and/or two-dimensional codes has a light receiver arranged in a housing and an optical receiving system associated therewith and also accommodated in the housing. At least one light source is additionally provided in the housing to illuminate the region to be scanned arranged in a scanning plane. At least one of the light source and the optical receiving system is movable in order to allow a reading distance between the housing and the object plane to be varied.

Abstract: A bar code reader provided with a laser diode (2) and a rotatory mirror (8) for deflecting a laser beam emitted by the laser diode for scanning, wherein a strip (20A) attached to the rotatory mirror (8), serving as a sensing indicator, is sensed at a position corresponding to a reading start edge of a laser beam scanning range of a bar code (1), and rotation of the rotatory mirror (8) is stopped for a predetermined time length after sensing of the strip (20A) and measurement of a scanning time length up to the final position of bar code reading, respectively, in the case of automatic scanning while rotation of the rotatory mirror (8) is locked upon measurement of half of a scanning time length up to the final position of the bar code reading after the sensing of the strip (20A) in the case of manual scanning, so that the laser beam can be recognized with ease, enabling focusing thereof or the manual scanning to be implemented.

Abstract: A cylindrical lens is axially moved along an optical axis to control a shape and size of a laser beam spot that is scanned across a symbol to be read by an electro-optical reader.

Abstract: A method and system for reading a two-dimensional barcode symbol on a mailpiece. The barcode symbol may be distorted during the printing process or the image acquiring process, rendering it difficult to recognize by a conventional template matching method. Typically, a two-dimensional barcode symbol is composed on a two-dimensional array of visually contrasting blocks. Any group of four adjacent blocks sharing a common corner may form an identifiable pattern. These patterns can be used as internal landmarks. When the barcode symbol is distorted, the distances between the internal landmarks change accordingly. Using an Lp-norm algorithm to measure the distances in the transform domain, distortion can thus be determined and the global geometry of the barcode symbol restored based on the distance measurements.

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: A scan engine is disclosed for use in a data collection device, as well as a method for producing a scan engine and an image sensor assembly. The scan engine includes a housing with an opening for receiving light from a scanned dataform, an image sensor which is located within the housing to sense light entering an aperture in the image sensor, and a prism located within the housing for receiving light from the opening along a first path and to provide at least a portion of the received light to the aperture along a second path.

Abstract: An omnidirectional optical code reader employs two or more line photo sensor arrays orientated at an angle to one another. Electrical signals from the photo sensor arrays may be converted to digital signals by circuitry located on the die of each of the line photo sensors. Code reader circuitry is located on a circuit board orientated vertically in a backwardly sloping handle of a gun-shaped housing.

Abstract: An optical device for bar-code reading capable of improving the degree of freedom in design of component lenses so as to allow free positional adjustment of the lenses while ensuring downsizing and weight reduction of the device, and a method for manufacturing are disclosed. An optical device for bar-code reading comprises a light emitting element; a light projection lens for focusing light from the light emitting element so as to irradiate a bar code; a light receiving lens for focusing reflected light from the bar code and having formed therein a penetrating hole which penetrates a plane of incidence of light and a plane of outgoing of light, in which the light projection lens is inserted; and a light receiving element for receiving the light focused by the light receiving lens so as to perform photo-electric conversion.

Abstract: A bar code system is composed of a bar code display device 100 and a bar code reader 110. The bar code display device 100 has a operation unit 101 which divides transfer information to be transmitted into a plurality of pages of divisional information, converts them into bar codes, and successively displays the bar codes on a display unit 104. The bar code reader 110 has a operation unit 111 which converts bar codes successively read by a scanner 116 into divisional information, connects the divisional information, and restores the divisional information into transfer information.

Abstract: A bioptical laser scanning system employing a plurality of laser scanning stations about a two independently controlled rotating polygonal mirrors. The system has an ultra-compact construction, ideally suited for space-constrained retail scanning environments, and generates a 3-D omnidirectional laser scanning pattern between the bottom and side-scanning windows during system operation. The laser scanning pattern of the present invention comprises a complex of quasi-orthogonal laser scanning planes, including a plurality of substantially-vertical laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e. ladder type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially horizontal with respect to the bottom-scanning window, and a plurality of substantially-horizontal laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e. picket-fence type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially vertical with respect to the bottom-scanning window.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar laser illumination beams having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend through the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each planar laser illumination beam is produced from a planar laser illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising an plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible laser diode (VLD, a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged therewith. The individual planar laser illumination beam components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system.

Abstract: A laser beam having a Mathieu-Gaussian intensity profile is provided, which may be used for various optical scanning applications at various scanning distances. The Mathieu-Gaussian beam exhibits a zone of illumination characterized by a central spot and side lobes centered on an axis of elongation of the zone of illumination. The zone of illumination may be used with scanners that either generate a single scan line, or another omni- or multi-directional raster pattern, to scan symbols over large variations of distance.

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: An optical scanner for scanning various optical indicia uses one or more tunable optical components for noise reduction purposes. The scanner may include a narrow band-pass tunable optical filter for passing selected wavelengths of incoming light. The scanner may also have a tunable light source, such as a tunable laser source, whereby the wavelength of the generated laser light is sensed and controlled by the scanner's electronic sub-system.

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 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: A radiation director is coupled to move under the control of a piezoelectric element. The director directs electromagnetic radiation from a radiation source under the control of the piezoelectric element. In a scanning station embodiment, an electrical signal source is connected to cause the piezoelectric element to vibrate, and a radiation detector is positioned to detect radiation from an object scanned by the radiation. In a radiation scanning method, a piezoelectric element is caused to move in a reciprocating fashion, and the movement of the piezoelectric element is used to direct an electromagnetic radiation beam in a scanning motion.

Abstract: A system reads an identifier from a hand of cards to identify the cards. For example, the system can read an identifier from a pair of cards forming the initial hand in blackjack, where the one card is face up and the other card is face down. The system determines the value of a hand of cards form the read identifiers. For example, the system can determine a value of an initial hand of two cards in blackjack, while only one card is face up. The system can inform a dealer of the value, or status based on value, of the hand. The system can determine whether cards forming a hand of cards are authenticate by validating the cards based on the read identifier. The system can determine if the cards forming the hand of cards are in an expected sequence based on a knowledge of the initial sequence of cards in a deck.

Abstract: An optical scanning module for use in a bar code reader, including a frame, including a base and a vertical support; a scanning element mounted to the base and including a mirror disposed in the path of an unfocussed laser beam and mounted for oscillatory motion so as to create a scanning laser beam; and a focusing lens, mounted to the vertical support and in the path of the scanning laser beam, for focusing the beam on a target exterior to the module.

Abstract: An optical reader capable of reading a bar code in a mounted state when an article carrying the bar code passes and of reading bar codes set in array on a menu sheet in a hand-held state has been disclosed. The optical reader comprises a light source, a scanner that is driven by a drive and scans light emanating from the light source, a plurality of reflection mirrors that reflect scanning light scanned by the scanner and create a scanning pattern composed of a plurality of scan trajectories, a read window through which scanning light reflected from the reflection mirrors is emitted, and a light receiver for receiving light reflected from a mark. The optical reader further comprises a mode changer for changing a plurality of operation modes among which one or ones of the plurality of scan trajectories to be validated for reading are different.

Abstract: There is provided an IC card having a plane coil in which a short circuit is seldom caused by the deformation generated by an external force given to the plane coil in the traverse direction. An IC card 10 comprises a rectangular plane coil 14 formed by punching or etching a thin metallic sheet in which a conductor line 12 is wound a plurality of times on substantially the same plane, wherein terminals at both ends of the plane coil 14 and electrode terminals of a semiconductor element 16 are electrically connected with each other, and a bent portion 20 composed of a curved portion in which the conductor 12 on each winding composing a linear portion of the plane coil 14 is curved at the substantially same position in the same direction is formed in the conductor on each winding of the plane coil 14.

Abstract: A pattern reading apparatus reads a pattern from a reflective object. The pattern reading apparatus includes a minute-area light source, an objective lens system, an imaging lens, and an imaging element. The objective lens system causes the illumination light beam from the light source to be incident on the object and converges the light beam reflected from the object. The imaging lens forms an image of the object using only a scattered component of light which has been reflected from the object. The imaging element is positioned such that the image of the pattern is imaged for reading the pattern. A shift mechanism is provided for supporting the objective lens for movement parallel to a direction approximately perpendicular to the optical axis of the objective lens.

Abstract: A scanning component in a scanner for electro-optically reading bar code symbols is mounted on a spring having opposite spring end portions between which the scanning component is mounted. The spring end portions are mounted on a holder. At least one clamp, and preferably a pair of clamps detachably clamps the spring end portions on the holder. Each clamp has a fixed clamping portion on the holder, and a detachable clamping portion movable from a clamped position in which a respective spring end portion is sandwiched between a respective detachable clamping portion and a respective fixed clamping portion during reading, and a detached position in which the respective spring end portion is free to be removed from the clamped position.

Abstract: A non-retroreflective axial scan module has a light source for producing a light beam directed, a scan element disposed receptive of the light beam to provide a scanning light beam, a photodetector for receiving light from the scanning beam reflected by a dataform for producing a signal corresponding thereto and optics for restricting the field of view of the photodetector to the vicinity of a scan line formed by the scanning light beam on the dataform all supported in a housing having a volume of less than about one cubic inch.

Abstract: An optical reader which is compatible with every environment irrespective of installation and usage environments, thereby enabling uniform manufacturing, satisfactory reading reliance, and operative safety and user-friendliness. The optical unit is mounted on the stage, and there is provided an inclination apparatus which inclines the stage at a desired angle. Thereby, without changing a preset optimal scanning pattern, only its emitting direction becomes changeable freely.

Abstract: An automatic bar code symbol reading system having an automatic laser scanning device which can be used at a point-of-sale (POS) station as either a portable hand-supported laser scanner when operated in its automatic hands-on mode of operation, or as a stationary laser projection scanner when operated in its automatic hands-free mode of operation. The bar code symbol reading system provides a collimated scanning pattern projected from the hand-supportable device about a projection axis. The collimated scanning pattern intersects the projection axis within a narrowly confined scanning volume so that bar code symbols disposed within this scanning volume can be read omnidirectionally, while inadvertent scanning of bar code symbols outside of the scanning volume is prevented.

Abstract: A flexible member mounts a scanner component for angular oscillating movement relative to a support about an axis in alternate circumferential directions between scan end positions. The scanner component is electromagnetically driven in order to scan a light beam across optically encoded indicia to be read. A permanent magnet is connected to the scanner component and magnetically interacts with an electromagnetic coil so as to impart a force to the magnet and move the scanner component from a rest position to at least one of the scan end positions.

Abstract: A method of and a system for generating a dense pattern of scan lines. In a preferred configuration, a laser beam is directed into an inline beam dithering mechanism which dithers the beam over an angle parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating facet wheel. The combination of the dithering mechanism and the scanning motion of the rotating facet wheel creates a dense scan pattern. Return light is retrodirectively collected and by a collection element such as a collection lens onto a detector. A beam redirector such as a cone-shaped device having openings on both ends and a reflecting internal surface is disposed between the collection lens and the detector to redirect off-axis spot onto the detector. The system and method is applicable to both single and multiple beam systems and single and multiple window scanners.

Abstract: An energy emitting system includes a housing with a controller, scanner and non-interruptible interface, having a bandwidth of at least 20 KHz and a latency of not more than 5 milliseconds, disposed therein. An interface port receives input at the housing. The controller issues command control signals, including trajectory control signals, corresponding to the received input. The non-interruptible interface interconnects the controller and the scanner, and communicates the issued trajectory control signals from the controller to the scanner. The scanner directs a continuous movement of energy simultaneously in two directions, in accordance with the communicated trajectory control signals.

Abstract: A data reader and method for data reading, such as a barcode scanner, wherein the scan pattern generating optics and other features are optimized for different modes of operation. In a preferred embodiment, different patterns are projected from different apertures in the scanner housing, one scan pattern optimized for handheld operation and the other optimized for fixed operation. Other optimizable features include the presence or absence of an aiming beam, which may be generated from the same laser source as the scan pattern or from another source, and enabling or disabling decoding of the signal received signal during a portion of a facet wheel rotation. Decoding may be disabled while the scan line(s) for handheld use is generated unless a switch or trigger is actuated.

Abstract: A bioptical laser scanning system employing a plurality of laser scanning stations about a two independently controlled rotating polygonal mirrors. The system has an ultra-compact construction, ideally suited for space-constrained retail scanning environments, and generates a 3-D omnidirectional laser scanning pattern between the bottom and side-scanning windows during system operation. The laser scanning pattern of the present invention comprises a complex of quasi-orthogonal laser scanning planes, including a plurality of substantially-vertical laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e. ladder type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially horizontal with respect to the bottom-scanning window, and a plurality of substantially-horizontal laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e. picket-fence type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially vertical with respect to the bottom-scanning window.

Abstract: An optical scanner for scanning various optical indicia uses one or more tunable optical components for noise reduction purposes. The scanner may include a narrow band-pass tunable optical filter for passing selected wavelengths of incoming light. The scanner may also have a tunable light source, such as a tunable laser source, whereby the wavelength of the generated laser light is sensed and controlled by the scanner's electronic sub-system.