Abstract: An integrated scanner and scale is provided having a thin profile and incorporating imaging technology to scan and read optical codes. The scanner-scale is sufficiently thin to allow a cash drawer to fit beneath the scanner-scale in a check stand. Side imagers are positioned and configured to scan multiple sides of an item. The field of view (FOV) of each imager defines at least a portion of a scan volume, wherein scanning is nearest to optimal. One or more imagers can be positioned on the checker side and the customer side, such that an optical path (or a portion thereof) from the scan volume to the one or more imagers is positioned entirely above a platter of the scanner. Mirrors fold and direct the optical path to direct the FOV of a bottom imager such that the bottom imager is positioned sufficiently close to the platter to allow the scanner-scale to have a thin profile.

Abstract: An optical code or data imaging system and method for forming image data from an item bearing an optical code present in a read volume, including an image splitter, such as a dichroic mirror, operative to transmit light of a first wavelength range from a first field of view of the item toward the imager and reflect light of a second wavelength range from a second field of view of the item toward the imager. The incoming images from both the first and second fields of view are focused, at least primarily, by the same focusing optics and are detected by the same detecting portions or preferably at least some overlapping portions of the imager.

Abstract: A system and method for reading multiple items bearing electronic tags, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, disposed in a read zone wherein a correlation scheme/system, separate (e.g. non-RF) from the electronic reader, is provided for verifying that all the items in the read zone have been successfully read. Typically, the user/operator is then notified whether or not all the items detected by the verification system have been successfully read by the electronic reader.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for estimating and, at least partially, compensating for fixed pattern noise (FPN) in an image sensor. In one configuration, an estimate of the FPN of an image sensor may be obtained by capturing a dark image (either a linear or an area image, depending on the sensor type) using a first exposure time, an illuminated image may be captured using a second exposure time, the second exposure time is greater than the first exposure time, and the dark image may be subtracted from the illuminated image to compensate, at least partially, for FPN. Certain configurations may utilize virtual scan lines. Two or more dark images may also be utilized to estimate FPN in an image sensor.

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: An optical system and method for data reading. In one system, a scanner includes a laser diode and a beam splitter for generating first optical beam and a second optical beam, the first optical beam being directed toward one side of a scanning optical element such as a rotating polygon mirror and to a first mirror array, the second optical beam being simultaneously directed toward a second optical element such as another side of the rotating polygon mirror and then to a second and a third mirror array. The first mirror array is configured to generate a scan pattern through a vertical window and the second and third mirror arrays are configured to generate scan patterns passing through a horizontal window. In combination, the three mirror arrays generate three sets of scan lines so as to scan five sides of a six-sided item (e.g., the bottom and all lateral sides of an object) being passed through the scan volume.

Abstract: An optical code or other data reading device includes a color image sensor array positioned to sense light reflected from an object, and to produce image data. In one configuration, the color image sensor array has multiple sets (e.g., first and second sets) of sensor elements that are sensitive to corresponding visible wavelength bands of light (e.g., first and second wavelength bands), the sets also being sensitive to light within an infrared wavelength band. An artificial illumination source is positioned to illuminate the field of view with light that is reflected off an object in the field of view toward the image sensor array, the illumination source being operable to produce infrared light having wavelengths within the infrared wavelength band so that, upon illumination, at least some sensor elements of each of the sets are sensitive to the infrared light and contribute to production of the image data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for selectively reading and accepting optical codes within a scan volume of the data reader. A method of processing an optical code within the scan volume comprises acquiring, via the data reader, scan data including an image or scan of an optical code located within the scan volume of the data reader, processing the scan data for decodable data corresponding to the optical code, and determining whether to accept or reject the optical code based on a position within the scan volume of the optical code relative to a configurable exclusion zone. The determination of whether to accept or reject the optical code may be based on other conditions of the optical code, such as a position of the optical code within the depth of field of the data reader, a symbology type of the optical code, and data encoded in the optical code.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for prioritizing an order in which to process a plurality of sub-regions of an acquired image of an optical code. A method of processing an optical code in a data reader comprises the steps of receiving data corresponding to a plurality of sub-regions of an acquired image of an optical code, processing according to a processing order the plurality of sub-regions for decodable data corresponding to the optical code, determining based on the step of processing the plurality of sub-regions whether one or more of the plurality of sub-regions contains decodable data, and if it is determined that a sub-region contains decodable data, increasing the processing priority associated with said sub-region. If one or more of the sub-regions having the highest processing priority contains decodable data, the remaining sub-regions do not need to be processed, which may save processing resources and increase the read throughput.

Abstract: A monolithic compound mirror structure is used in an optical code reader employing an imager that captures images of items bearing optical codes in a viewing volume of the optical code reader. The monolithic compound mirror structure comprises a plurality of highly reflective surfaces positioned on the structure so that the structure can be positioned in a field of view of the imager in the optical code reader and oriented so that two or more of the plurality of highly reflective surfaces appear in the field of view of the imager, to thereby split the field of view of the imager into two or more different views into the viewing volume. The different views into the viewing volume may be direct off of the monolithic compound mirror structure or indirect off of one or more intermediate mirrors.

Abstract: An optical code reader forms images of an optical code on an object. The reader comprises first and second viewing surfaces generally transverse to one another. The surfaces bound a viewing volume in which the object may be imaged. The reader also comprises a set of one or more imagers positioned on an opposite side of one or more of the first and second viewing surfaces relative to the viewing volume, and oriented and configured to capture images of the object from at least three different views. Each of the views passes through one of said first and second viewing surfaces. At least one of said views passes through the first viewing surface, and at least one of said views passes through the second viewing surface. The reader also comprises at least one mirror, off which is reflected at least one of the views.

Abstract: A data reader preferably includes an imaging device that operates on a rolling reset basis to capture images of a moving target. Images of moving targets are preferably analyzed to determine the ambient light intensity, and a processor in the data reader preferably adjusts operation of the imager and of a light source based on the intensity of the ambient light. Other data readers may use an imager with a mechanical shutter that is designed for rapid, frequent operation.

Abstract: Fold mirrors permit the imagers to be closer to each other and permit an optical code reader, such as a tunnel scanner, to confine them to a smaller housing volume or capacity. A plurality of sets of fold mirrors can also be employed to convey at least a portion of at least two different perspectives or two different depths of field of a composite view volume to different regions of an image field of a common imager. The sets of fold mirrors may also include split mirrors that have mirror components that reflect images from different view volumes to different imagers or different regions of an image field of a single imager.

Abstract: A data reader including one or more imagers, the data reader having fold mirrors (130) that permit the imagers (60) to be closer to each other and permit an optical code reader housing (82) to confine them to a smaller housing volume or capacity. A plurality of sets of fold minors (130) can also be employed to convey at least a portion of at least two different perspectives of a view volume (134) to different regions of an image field of a common imager (60). The sets of fold minors (130) may also include one or more split mirrors that have mirror components that reflect images from different view volumes (134) to different imagers (60) or different regions of an image field of a single imager (60).

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: An system and method for tallying objects presented for purchase preferably images the objects with a machine vision system while the objects are still, or substantially still. Images of the objects may be used to recognize the objects and to collect information about each object, such as the price. A pre-tally list may be generated and displayed to a customer showing the customer the cost of the recognized objects. A prompt on a customer display may be given to urge a customer to re-orient unrecognized objects to assist the machine vision system with recognizing such unrecognized objects. A tallying event, such as removing a recognized object from the machine vision system's field of view, preferably automatically tallies recognized objects so it is not necessary for a cashier to scan or otherwise input object information into a point of sale system.

Abstract: An integrated data reader and electronic article surveillance (EAS) system, and methods of operation. Several configurations are also disclosed for alternate deactivation coil designs and mounting schemes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reducing erroneous weighing of items by detecting items extending beyond a peripheral edge of a weigh platter associated with a data reader. For example, in response to a weigh request a scale guard module acquires data indicative of whether an item extends between the weigh platter and another surface, compares the acquired data to reference data, and based on the comparison, determines whether an item extends off the weigh platter and thus on to another surface. The scale guard module may utilize non-electromagnetic compression waves, radio waves, a portion of a data reader's scan field to scan a set of patterns extending along at least one edge of the weigh platter, an imaging based scanner to capture an image of at least one edge of the weigh platter, light beams extending along at least one edge of the weigh platter, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Optical reading system and methods having multiple modes of operation, for example: omnidirectional and single-code picking; fixed and handheld reading; 1D and 2D code reading. In one configuration, an image-based system obtains input data via an area sensor (e.g., a 2D COD array) with only data corresponding to a pattern of virtual scan lines being stored and processed. A user may implement different operating modes such as a first mode reading codes in any location or orientation and a second mode reading only a code oriented along a particular virtual scan line or group thereof. Alternately, the data reader is operable to switch between handheld mode selecting a first pattern of virtual scan lines to process and/or decode and a fixed mode selecting a second pattern of virtual scan lines to process and/or decode. Virtual scan patterns in either mode can change from frame to frame.

Abstract: An optical code reader includes a color image sensor array having first and second sets of pixels arranged along multiple parallel axes of a first axes group and multiple parallel axes of a second axes group transverse to the first axes group. The pixels of the first set produce data representing sensed light intensity values. In one configuration, the optical code reader includes a single-axis interpolator to produce interpolated intensity values that correspond to selected locations of pixels of the second set. The single-axis interpolator is operable to produce an interpolated intensity value for a selected location by using only intensity values sensed by pixels of the first set that share an axis of the first axes group with the selected location.