Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods preferably capture one or more images of an item bearing an optical code and analyze such images to determine whether the item has a highly, or relatively highly, reflective surface or not. Based on such a determination, operating parameters of the system, such as the gain, exposure time, and amount of illumination, are preferably automatically adjusted by the system to capture a subsequent image of the item where the subsequent image has sufficient contrast to decode the optical code. The subsequent image may include a plurality of images, and different operating parameters may be used to capture several, or each, of the plurality of images based on the determination of whether the item has a highly, or relatively highly, reflective surface or not.

Abstract: Data reading systems and methods for operating data readers such as optical code readers and RFID readers. Certain preferred embodiments are directed to data readers having improved operation features for switching between various operation modes such as, for example, switching between handheld/portable mode and fixed mode using an on board inertial sensor such as an accelerometer or gyroscopic device capable of sensing various movements, motions, and/or orientations.

Abstract: An image capture module includes a liquid lens having a first and a second electrode, and a first and a second conductor element in electrical contact with the first and second electrode, respectively, the first and second conductor elements being each intended for connection with a voltage generator for driving the liquid lens. The first conductor element includes an electrically conductive body having a peripheral region for contact with the first electrode of the liquid lens with a light diaphragm aperture in a central region thereof.

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: An integrated data reader and electronic article surveillance (EAS) system, and methods of operation. In one configuration, a data reader such as a bar code scanner is equipped with an EAS deactivation module disposed behind the scanner surface preferably downstream and/or upstream of the scanner window. The system may be configured such that the EAS deactivation module is interchangeable from the right side of the scanner housing (which is preferred for left-to-right scanning motion) to the left side of the scanner housing (which is preferred for right-to-left scanning motion). In other configurations, the deactivation module may be disposed in the housing adjacent to the window and oriented longitudinally and parallel to the sweep direction of the item. The EAS deactivation modules have various configurations such as simple planar coils, a magnetically active core with coil windings, or two part L-shape construction.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring operation and performance of electronic tags such as article surveillance (EAS) tags or radio frequency identification (RFID) tags such as by monitoring and reporting electronic tag readability and operator/system performance levels. The system includes an optical symbol reader and/or electronic tag sensor/deactivator that measures and reports values of reading, detection, or deactivation events during operation which may be indicative of electronic tag operability. The apparatus may further comprise a data accumulation device including memory storage to accumulate the measurement values for each set of electronic tags, and a programmed computing system to analyze the measured values and report on the results of the analysis.

Abstract: An exemplary apparatus/system or method for establishing initial zero-points and current zero-points includes an initial zero device programmed to establish an initial zero-point and a semi-automatic zero device programmed to either establish a current zero-point or to reset or power cycle a scale when a current zero-point cannot be established.

Abstract: A data reader, such as an optical code reader, including one or more imagers, the data reader having a generally horizontal central section with an upward extension on a first end and a depression on a second end opposite the upward extension, the depression being configured to provide a better angle of view of an object in the view volume above the central section from the second end from a position below the surface of the horizontal central section. In one configuration, an image from the view volume along and over the depression is directed by one or more fold mirrors and focused by a lens system onto an imager or sensor array, these optics components, along with the window through which they view, are all disposed below the surface of the central section. Preferably, where the horizontal central section is a weigh platter for a scanner-scale, the optics of the data reader such as the fold mirror(s), lens system and imager are unsupported by the weigh platter and thus are off the scale.

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: A method for charging batteries, in particular lithium batteries, includes the steps of connecting a battery electrically to a battery-charging apparatus, dispensing electric power to the battery by means of the battery-charging apparatus, and regulating the electric current and voltage dispensed by the battery-charging apparatus to the battery. The regulating step includes the steps of detecting the voltage at the terminals of the battery and regulating the voltage dispensed by the battery-charging apparatus, during a phase of constant-voltage battery charging, depending on the voltage detected at the terminals of the battery, to compensate for parasitic voltage drops existing between the battery (1) and the battery-charging apparatus.

Abstract: A cradle for a hand held, battery-powered coded information reader comprises a base part and a reader support part which can be oriented with respect to the base part in at least two positions, the cradle including a power supply input and a power supply/recharge electrical interface for coupling with an electrical interface of the reader when supported in the cradle. The power supply input and the electrical interface of the cradle are housed in the support part. The cradle permits recharging irrespectively of the reader orientation.

Abstract: In a reading system, a cradle for a coded information reader includes at least one security information interaction device.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus for integrating a bottom-of-basket (BOB) item detector with a data reader. In some embodiments, the BOB item detector may be integrated with a barcode scanner of a point-of-sale (POS) terminal without need for modification of the POS system software. Some embodiments may also include a visual and/or audible indication of the presence of a bottom-of-basket item.

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 CCD 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 within or between frames.

Abstract: A data collection apparatus includes a portable data collection device, a supporting base arranged for receiving the portable data collection device and connecting means arranged for removably retaining the portable data collection device in the supporting base, the connecting means including magnetic connecting means.

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.