Abstract: A conveyor system includes a plurality of antennas proximate a conveyor path of travel that radiate radio frequency signals into a first area and receive responses to radio frequency signals from radio frequency identification tags on items on the conveyor. A detector detects a height of items. A processor receives response signals from the receiver and controls a transmitter to drive respective antennas in a predetermined sequence, associate a response with a first item if the processor receives the response signal while at least a portion of the first item is within a second area that includes at least part of the first area, and based on signals from the detector, eliminate at least one of the plurality of antennas from the predetermined sequence if the height of the first item is below a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A conveyor system for processing items on which radio frequency identification tags are disposed includes a frame, a conveyor that is disposed moveably on the frame and that conveys items through a path of travel, each item having at least one respective radio frequency identification tag disposed thereon. A first antenna is disposed proximate the path of travel so that the first antenna radiates first radio frequency signals into a first area through which the items pass. A second antenna is disposed proximate the path of travel so that the second antenna receives first responses to the first radio frequency signals from the respective radio frequency identification tags. The information identifies a class protocol. A third antenna is disposed proximate the path of travel downstream from the first antenna and the second antenna.

Abstract: A conveyor system for processing items on which radio frequency identification tags are disposed includes a frame and a conveyor disposed moveably on the frame and that conveys items through a path of travel, each item having at least one respective radio frequency identification tag disposed thereon. A plurality of antennas are disposed proximate the path of travel so that the plurality of antennas radiate radio frequency signals into first areas through which the items pass and receive responses to the radio frequency signals from the respective radio frequency identification tags on the items. A first antenna is offset with respect to the path of travel from a second antenna so that the radio frequency signals from the second antenna generally do not interfere with reception of responses by the first antenna from radio frequency identification tags located within a predetermined second area along the path of travel.

Abstract: A system for scanning objects having at least two linear array sensors, adapted to detect light input signals, is provided. A lens is optically connected to each of the linear array sensors, and are adapted to receive and transmit an optical image located in a respective lens field of view along a respective lens axis to the respective one of the at least two linear array sensor. A light source which generates an illumination stripe in general linear alignment with the lens axis across a depth of the field of view is provided. A cylindrical lens is positioned between the light source and an object to be scanned. The cylindrical lens adapted to collect, transmit and focus light from the light source to form the illumination stripe. This arrangement provides a wider system field of view with generally more uniform resolution.

Abstract: A conveyor system for processing items on which radio frequency identification tags are disposed comprises a frame and a conveyor that is disposed moveably on the frame and that conveys items through a path of travel, each item having at least one respective radio frequency identification tag disposed thereon. At least one antenna is disposed proximate the path of travel so that the antenna radiates radio frequency signals into a first area through which the items pass and receives responses to the radio frequency signals from radio frequency identification tags on the items passing through the path of travel. A radio frequency transmitter drives the antenna. A radio frequency receiver receives the signals corresponding to the responses and outputs the first signals corresponding to the responses.

Abstract: A conveyor system for processing items on which radio frequency identification tags are disposed includes a frame and a conveyor that is disposed moveably on the frame and that conveys items through a path of travel, each item having at least one respective radio frequency identification tag disposed thereon. A first antenna is disposed proximate the path of travel so that the first antenna radiates radio frequency signals into a first area that is proximate the conveyor and through which the items pass and receives responses to the radio frequency signals from the respective radio frequency identification tags. A second antenna is proximate the first antenna and the path of travel so that the second antenna radiates radio frequency signals into the first area. At least one radio frequency receiver receives signals from the first antenna corresponding to the responses received by the antennas from the respective radio frequency identification tags and outputs first signals corresponding to the responses.

Abstract: A conveyor system for processing items on which radio frequency identification tags are disposed includes a frame and a conveyor that is disposed moveably on the frame and that conveys items through a path of travel, each item having at least one respective radio frequency identification tag disposed thereon. An antenna is disposed on the frame with respect to the path of travel so that the antenna radiates radio frequency signals into a first area through which the items pass. The antenna comprises a substrate and a plurality of patch elements disposed on the substrate in respective positions that are sequential with respect to a direction transverse to the path of travel. An electric current at each patch element drives radiation of the radio frequency signals and defines a rotating electric current pattern. Respective rotational directions of the electric current pattern at two patch elements are opposite to each other.

Abstract: A conveyor system for processing items on which radio frequency identification tags are disposed includes a frame, a conveyor that is disposed moveably on the frame and that conveys items through a path of travel, each item having at least one respective radio frequency identification tag disposed thereon, a first antenna, a second antenna, a radio frequency receiver, a barcode reader, and a processor. The processor associates information included in a response from a radio frequency identification tag with a first item if the processor receives the information from the receiver while at least a portion of the first item is within a first area that includes at least part of a second area into which the first antenna radiates radio frequency signals. The processor associates barcode label information from the barcode reader with the first item if the barcode label information is received during a period in which the first item is within a predetermined area on the conveyor.

Abstract: A conveyor system for processing items on which radio frequency identification tags are disposed includes a frame having a generally planar top surface, a generally planar belt that is disposed moveably on the frame above the top surface and that conveys items through a path of travel, each item having at least one respective radio frequency identification tag disposed thereon. At least one antenna is disposed on the frame so that the antenna extends above the generally planar top surface between the generally planar top surface and the belt, the at least one antenna being oriented with respect to the belt so that the at least one antenna radiates radio frequency signals into a first area that is proximate the belt and through which the items pass and receives responses to the radio frequency signals from radio frequency identification tags on the items.

Abstract: A conveyor system for processing items on which radio frequency identification tags are disposed includes a frame, a conveyor disposed movably on the frame and that conveys items through a path of travel, each item having at least one respective radio frequency identification tag disposed thereon, at least one first antenna, at least one second antenna, a radio frequency receiver, and a processor. The processor is programmed to associate information included in a first signal corresponding to a response from a radio frequency identification tag with a first item if the processor receives the first signal while at least a portion of the first item is within a first area that includes at least part of a second area into which the first antenna radiates radio frequency signals.

Abstract: A conveyor system for processing items on which radio frequency identification tags are disposed includes a frame, a conveyor that is disposed moveably on the frame and that conveys items through a path of travel, each item having at least one respective radio frequency identification tag disposed thereon, a first antenna, a second antenna, a radio frequency receiver, a processor, and radiation absorbing material disposed between the first and second antennas and the path of travel, so that the absorbing material shields a portion of the radiation that would otherwise radiate into an area through which the items pass.

Abstract: A system and method for removing perspective distortion from an image of an object (112) moving along a transport device (114) having a top surface (124) is disclosed. A line scanner (110) to create a first image of an object. The first image is composed of a plurality of scan lines, each having a resolution. Each of the scan lines is then rescaled, so that the resolution of each scan line is equal to the resolution of every other scan line. Each of the scan lines is processed in two halves so that the center lines of the scan lines are co-linear after rescaling. The line scanner is optionally configured to vary its field of view as a function of the distance between the line scanner and the portion of the object being scanned.

Abstract: A system for synchronizing image capture and a light source has a first strobing light emitting diode (LED) array with a plurality of LEDs located to light an illumination area. The LED array has an on cycle during which the LED array is activated and an off cycle during which the LED array is inactivated. The system also has a camera located with a view of the illumination area. The camera has an image exposure that coincides with the on cycle of the strobing LED array.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the weight of items on a conveyor includes a scale that generates a first signal corresponding to the weight of the items. A movable platform transports the items to the scale and generates a second signal corresponding to position of the items in relation to the scale. A dimensioner examines the items and generates a third signal representative of whether the items are singulated or nonsingulated. A processor receives the second and third signals and determines whether to associate the first signal with information stored in memory about a particular item based upon whether the particular item is singulated or nonsingulated.

Abstract: A system and method for removing perspective distortion from an image of an object (112) moving along a transport device (114) having a top surface (124) is disclosed. A line scanner (110) to create a first image of an object. The first image is composed of a plurality of scan lines, each having a resolution. Each of the scan lines is then rescaled, so that the resolution of each scan line is equal to the resolution of every other scan line. Each of the scan lines is processed in two halves so that the center lines of the scan lines are co-linear after rescaling. The line scanner is optionally configured to vary its field of view as a function of the distance between the line scanner and the portion of the object being scanned.

Abstract: A method for associating machine readable information (12) on singulated or non-singulated packages (15) on a conveyor (50) with dimensioning data provided. The method includes orienting a handheld scanner (14) toward package (15) on the conveyor (50) to read machine readable information on the package. A specific time and pose data of the scanner are determined when the machine readable information is read. A beam vector (44) is determined using the pose data, as well as a conveyor position at the specific time. When an associated portion of the conveyor reaches dimensioning station, dimensioning data for a package is obtained. The dimensioning data is correlated with the beam vector to associate the dimensioning data for the package with the corresponding machine readable information read by the handheld scanner. A system for providing the method is also provided.

Abstract: A system for synchronizing image capture and a light source has a first strobing light emitting diode (LED) array with a plurality of LEDs located to light an illumination area. The LED array has an on cycle during which the LED array is activated and an off cycle during which the LED array is inactivated. The system also has a camera located with a view of the illumination area. The camera has an image exposure that coincides with the on cycle of the strobing LED array.

Abstract: A method for associating machine readable information (12) on singulated or non-singulated packages (15) on a conveyor (50) with dimensioning data is provided. The method includes orienting a handheld scanner (14) toward a package (15) on the conveyor (50) to read machine readable information on the package. A specific time and pose data of the scanner are determined when the machine readable information is read. A beam vector (44) is determined using the pose data, as well as a conveyor position at the specific time. When an associated portion of the conveyor reaches a dimensioning station, dimensioning data for a package is obtained.

Abstract: A system for scanning objects having at least two linear array sensors, adapted to detect light input signals, is provided. A lens is optically connected to each of the linear array sensors, and are adapted to receive and transmit an optical image located in a respective lens field of view along a respective lens axis to the respective one of the at least two linear array sensor. A light source which generates an illumination stripe in general linear alignment with the lens axis across a depth of the field of view is provided. A cylindrical lens is positioned between the light source and an object to be scanned. The cylindrical lens adapted to collect, transmit and focus light from the light source to form the illumination stripe. This arrangement provides a wider system field of view with generally more uniform resolution.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus and method for scanning a surface of an object is provided. The scanner has an image sensor having a sensor plane and an image data output. An optics system defines an optical path having an axis and a first end whereat a scan object surface is locatable for scanning and a second end at the sensing plane. Preferably, the optics system includes a lens subsystem and a movable mirror for adjusting the length of the optical path. A linear actuator is coupled to the mirror such that movement of the mirror adjusts the focus of an optical image on the image sensor. A linear actuator is also operatively coupled to the image sensor to control the orientation of the plane of the image sensor relative to the optical path axis.