Abstract: A system and method for detecting the presence of known or unknown objects based on visual features is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the system is a checkout system for detecting items of merchandise on a shopping cart. The merchandise checkout system preferably includes a feature extractor for extracting visual features from a plurality of images; a motion detector configured to detect one or more groups of the visual features present in at least two of the plurality of images; a classifier to classify each of said groups of the visual features based on one or more classification criteria, wherein each of the one or more parameters is associated with one of said groups of visual features; and an alarm configured to generate an alert if the one or more parameters for any of said groups of the visual features satisfy one or more classification criteria.

Abstract: A checkout station includes an optional scale for weighing items; a composite cover or weigh platter supported by the scale, wherein the cover has a lower surface with a lower window having a horizontal perimeter, an upper surface including an upper window positioned transversely to the lower surface, a metallic plate surrounding a portion of the horizontal perimeter of the lower window, the metallic plate spaced apart proximal end sections, and a nonmetallic bezel positioned between the lower window and the upper surface and positioned between the spaced apart proximal end sections of the metallic plate; one or more imagers for obtaining views of an item within a viewing volume bounded by the lower and upper surfaces; and a surveillance tag deactivation system for deactivating an electronic surveillance tag in proximity to the viewing volume.

Abstract: A scanning system for data reading, and related methods of use, the scanning system including a portal scanner and a conveyor for transporting items. The scanner includes a generally U-shaped scanner housing and a plurality of data readers arranged within the scanner housing for reading data on various surfaces of an item being transported through the portal scanner. The scanning system may also include a bottom scanner positioned beneath the conveyor, the bottom scanner having a view volume directed through a gap in the conveyor for reading a bottom surface of the item through the gap as the item passes over the gap. In some embodiments, the scanning system may further include one or more light curtains configured for determining a height dimension of the item and/or a position of the item.

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 automated checkout system for reading optical data, such as barcode labels, on a bottom surface of an item using a data reader. The automated checkout system includes a housing supporting a leading conveyor section and a trailing conveyor section separated by a gap. The housing movably supports a transition element positioned across the gap for helping items transition between the conveyor sections. The transition element is movable between a first position and a second position. A sensor is in communication with the transition element and is configured to sense the position of the transition element, where movement of the transition element from the first position to the second position activates the sensor. When activated, the sensor may send a signal to a terminal to display a warning message to a user. Alternatively, the sensor may send a signal to an automatic shut-off mechanism to stop operation of the conveyors.

Abstract: Systems and methods of optical code reading include production of image data by a color image sensor array and processing of the image data to decode an optical code. In one configuration, the color image sensor array includes first and second sets of sensor pixels sensitive to light having different wavelengths. Reflected light is focused by an optical system to form one or more images of an optical code on the color image sensor array. The optical system includes optics to form first and second images of an object bearing the optical code, where the first image excludes light of the second wavelength and the second image excludes light of the first wavelength, thereby enabling the first set of sensor pixels to sense the first image without substantially sensing the second image and the second set of sensor pixels to sense the second image without substantially sensing the first image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for data reading, which in one example configuration is directed to an automated optical code data reader in the form of a tunnel or portal scanner having an open architecture configured with front and rear inverted U-shaped arches, a plurality of cameras (some or most of which have multiple fields of view) in each of the arches for reading the top live sides of an item being passed by a conveyor through a read region formed by the arches, and a bottom reader including one or more cameras under the conveyor for reading a bottom side of the item through a gap in the conveyors as the item is passed over the gap. Also disclosed are specific imaging schemes for providing effective views of the items with a minimum number of cameras.

Abstract: A data reading system including a lower base section with a generally horizontal surface and a vertical section extending perpendicularly from the lower housing section. The vertical section includes a front face with a first scan window through which a data reader is operable to read encoded data on an item. The data reading system further includes a speaker system having a speaker grille laterally spaced apart from the first scan window on the front face of the vertical section. The speaker system may emit a sound or other message to confirm that the encoded data was (or was not) properly captured by the data reader. The data reading system may further include a second scan window on the front face of the vertical section. In such instances, the speaker grille may be positioned between the scan windows on the front face of the vertical section.

Abstract: An automated system for reading optical codes includes a conveyor system to automatically transport objects and an object measurement system positioned along the conveyor system to measure the transported objects. In one configuration, the object measurement system generates model data representing three-dimensional models of the objects; multiple image capture devices positioned along the conveyor system capture images as the objects are transported to enable an optical code reading system to read optical codes that are captured in the images. An exception identification system associates optical codes with the three-dimensional models to determine whether an exception has occurred.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for unassisted (i.e., customer controlled) exception handling in an automated data reader having a read zone. A first imager obtains a first image of an exception item in response to an exception generated in a read zone. An exception handling station receives the exception item, and a second imager located at the exception handling station obtains a second image of the exception item. An image processor receives the images, identities visual object recognition features from each image, and compares the features to determine whether the first and second images represent the same exception item. If so, the exception is cleared, and the item is added to a transaction list.

Abstract: A data reader including one or more imagers or imager assemblies that capture two-dimensional images of an object disposed in a view volume, the data reader having fold mirrors and other component arrangement that enable compact and efficient component configuration.

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: Systems and methods for reducing erroneous weighing of items such as by detecting items extending beyond a periphery of a weigh platter whereby in one configuration, the system employs a light guide for routing a light beam to a detector operative to detect interruption of the beam due to an item encroaching upon or overhanging an edge of the platter. In another configuration, the scale includes a perimeter gap between the platter outer edge and scanner housing frame or checkout counter, a light beam directed angularly upward through the gap is partially obstructed by the frame and platter whereby light exits the gap forming a light plane, wherein an object placed on the platter extending across the gap intersects the light plane thus scattering light rays, some of which are sensed by a detector. Various indicators for alerting the operator of off-scale detection are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods of optical code reading include production of image data by a color image sensor array and processing of the image data to decode an optical code. In one configuration, the color image sensor array includes first and second sets of sensor pixels sensitive to light having wavelengths within, respectively, first and second wavelength bands, reflected light is focused by an optical system to form an image of an optical code on the color image sensor array, first and second sets of image data representing light intensity levels sensed by, respectively, the first and second sets of sensor pixels are produced, and the first set of image data is processed to determine whether the second set of image data is to be used in combination with the first set of image data to decode the optical code.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for producing color-image data representative of a color optical code or other color objects, particularly with a monochrome imager. Monochrome image-sensor data is produced by receiving a sequence of colored light emitted by an artificial light source and reflected from the color object. The sequence of colored light may be a red, green, and blue sequence of colored light emitting diode lights according to some embodiments. The monochrome imager produces the monochrome image-sensor data based at least in part on the portion of the reflected sequence of colored light. The monochrome image-sensor data is processed to produce color-image data representing the color optical code.

Abstract: Various improved imager-based optical code readers and associated methods are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, an imager-based method reads an optical code (which may be, for example, a linear optical code such as a bar code) on an object in a viewing volume. The method comprises dividing an image plane into a plurality of strip-shaped sections, viewing the object in the viewing volume from a plurality of perspectives, forming a plurality of strip-shaped images corresponding to the plurality of perspectives, respectively, thereby creating a composite image containing data from a plurality of perspectives, and processing at least a portion of the composite image so as to ascertain the information encoded in the optical code on the object in the viewing volume. Certain embodiments can mimic the performance of a laser-based scanner without a laser or moving parts but instead utilizing an electronic imaging device such as an imager.

Abstract: Systems and methods for data reading, which in one example configuration is directed to an automated optical code data reader in the form of a tunnel or portal scanner having an open architecture configured with front and rear inverted U-shaped arches, a plurality of cameras (some or most of which have multiple fields of view) in each of the arches for reading the top five sides of an item being passed by a conveyor through a read region formed by the arches, and a bottom reader including one or more cameras under the conveyor for reading a bottom side of the item through a gap in the conveyors as the item is passed over the gap. Also disclosed are specific imaging schemes for providing effective views of the items with a minimum number of cameras.