Abstract: State-of-the-art optical scanning systems feature digital imaging of multiple symbolic labels such as optical bar codes. An imaging scanner reads a label 10 to 100 times faster than a conventional laser scanner because a group of items may be placed in the read zone simultaneously, or an item may bear multiple labels, thus allowing multiple symbolic labels to be captured in a single image. A preferred system/method is directed to a software-implemented “multiple label double read” protection scheme for preventing duplication errors in an advanced bar code reader using multiple fixed delay timers, with each timer being somewhat analogous to existing “single label double read” schemes. Determining the presence of duplicate data is accomplished by comparing label data or portions of label data to a set of recent buffered data representing the last N labels read and transmitted within a specified delay time.

Abstract: An aiming device for an image acquisition apparatus includes light emitting means and a light guide arranged for receiving a luminous radiation generated by the light emitting means and for providing reference image means in an aiming zone, the light guide including consecutive portions of light guide defining preferential directions of passage for the luminous radiation, each portion of light guide being inclined with respect to an adjacent portion of light guide.

Abstract: A laser light beam scanning device for reading coded information includes an emission source of a laser light beam, an optical element for scanning the laser light beam on a support containing coded information, an optical element for collecting the light coming from the support and photodetector means sensitive to the light collected by the collecting optical element so as to generate a representative signal of the information contained in the support. The collecting optical element is spatially distinct from, and integrally oscillating with, the scanning optical element and includes at least one transmissive input surface of the light coming from the support. In particular, the scanning optical element and the collecting optical element are part of a single scanning and light collecting optical element.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically calibrating a scale, particularly a scanner-scale of a POS system, in which the scale is calibrated via an on-board calibration system including an accelerometer that actually measures the acceleration due to gravity factor for a given location/time and then uses this measured factor to perform a calibration sequence. An example calibration method may include the steps of (a) performing an initial calibration on the scanner-scale during assembly; (b) providing the scanner-scale with an on-board accelerometer operable to measure gravity acceleration constants for the current location; and (c) running a calibration routine using the specific calibration data obtained from the measurement in step (b) to calibrate the scale. In one configuration, the system may also use other sensors, including temperature and humidity sensors, to provide further calibration constants for use in calibrating the accelerometer and the scale strain gage.

Abstract: An imaging system (FIG. 3) is disclosed that has a wavelength dependent focal shift caused by longitudinal chromatic aberration in a lens assembly (203) that provides extended depth of field imaging due to focal shift (213,214) and increased resolution due to reduced lens system magnification. In use, multiple wavelengths of quasi-monochromatic illumination, from different wavelength LEDs (206,207) or the like, illuminate the target, either sequentially, or in parallel in conjunction with an imager (200) with wavelength selective (colored) filters. Images are captured with different wavelengths of illumination that have different focus positions (208,209), either sequentially or by processing the color planes of a color imager separately. Extended depth of field, plus high resolution are achieved. Additionally, information about the range to the target can be determined by analyzing the degree of focus of the various colored images.

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: 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: 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: 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: A scanner or other data reader is equipped with means for determining characteristics of an operator's scanning technique. In a preferred configuration, the scanner is integrated with a weigh scale for obtaining a dynamic weight of an item as the item is moved across the weigh scale. Weight data produced by the scanning/weighing process includes information about the amount of lifting the operator performs on scanned items, the rate of scanning by the operator, and rescanning information. The scanner may be connected to a PC-based training system which uses the scanning technique information to provide feedback to the operator indicating the effectiveness of the operator's scanning technique, and may also provide information to management for analysis. The technique information may be collected by a store controller or other suitable collection device for later analysis and reporting.

Abstract: An imaging system comprises a rolling-reset imager that forms an electronic image of an object, a light source illuminating the object with pulsed light, and a bandpass optical filter disposed between the object and the rolling-reset imager. The pulsed light has an illumination frequency spectrum and an illumination pulse width defining an effective exposure time for forming the image of the object. The bandpass optical filter has a frequency pass band permitting transmission of a significant portion of the illumination frequency spectrum while at least approximately inhibiting transmission of at least some light having frequencies outside the illumination frequency band. An imaging method illuminates an object with light in a given frequency range, so that the illumination light reflects from the object along with background light. The method filters the reflected light so as to attenuate at least some of the background light by a greater attenuation factor than the illumination light.

Abstract: Systems and methods for decoding a barcode or other optical code include identifying one or more sub-regions of image data that contain promising data based on a first set of edge detection parameters, transferring the promising data from a first memory location to a new memory location for further processing, and decoding the promising data based on a different set of edge detection parameters.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for triggering a source of visible light in connection with a data reader in response to a sensed proximity of an item. In one configuration, a data reader includes a imaging reader, such as a CMOS imager, that is sensitive to both infrared illumination and visible light. The imaging reader may be operable to read a symbol, such as a barcode or other optical code, via reflected infrared illumination, reflected visible light, or both. When characteristics of reflected illumination received by the imaging reader indicate that presence or movement of an item in the visible scan zone, the visible light source may be triggered to illuminate the item and thereby facilitate reading of the symbol using the same imagine reader as is used to sense the presence of the item. The visible light source may also be triggered to provide visual feedback.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for selectively reading a barcode, symbol, or other indicia by either scanning the barcode with a flying-spot scanner, or by imaging the barcode, thereby improving reading performance by tailoring the reading method to the particular item that is being read. Both a flying-spot laser scanning front end and an imaging front end are incorporated in a single device. Data obtained by the selected reading method is decoded and output. A common decoder or separate decoders may be used to decode the data from the two front ends. A single image sensor may be shared between the flying-spot front end and the imaging front-end, with a limited readout area utilized for laser scanning. The size of the readout area may be adjusted based on detected target proximity. Selection of the reading mode may be based on criteria including manual input, the range of the target, or previous failed attempts to read the barcode using either reading method.

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: Methods and systems better detect edges in a binary optical code, such as a bar code. One method constructs a threshold signal to be used for comparison with an equalized undifferentiated scan line signal imperfectly representing a binary optical code. The method comprises detecting peaks in the equalized undifferentiated scan line signal; determining midpoints between successive detected peaks; and generating a smooth signal based on the midpoints. The generated signal is the threshold signal. In one version of the method, the generating step comprises interpolating between successive midpoints so as to result in a signal passing through the midpoints and low-pass filtering the signal passing through the midpoints so as to result in a filtered signal, which is the threshold signal. In another version of the method, the generating step comprises performing regression using the midpoints so as to generate a signal curve that fits the midpoints according to a criterion.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus for providing virtual scan lines in an imaging system that compensate for the optical distortion associated with the system. In some embodiments, the virtual scan lines may be curved or angled according to their position in the Field of View (FOV) of the imaging system to compensate for the distortion. Some embodiments may provide for virtual scan lines that are preconfigured to compensate for a typical or pre-selected level and type of optical distortion. Other embodiments may be configured to measure or otherwise ascertain the actual distortion of the optical lens and/or other components of the system and generate a virtual scan line pattern that compensates for the measured distortion.