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.

Abstract: Methods of operation of a data reader and security tag deactivation system whereby a data reader such as a barcode scanner is equipped with EAS deactivation coils or modules disposed in the vicinity of the read volume or generally proximate thereto and the system is operable to permit reading of the ID tag (such as the barcode label) on an item, and upon a successful read, the deactivation unit is operable to (1) sense the presence of an EAS tag; (2) if presence of an EAS tag is sensed, energize the deactivation coil/module to deactivate the EAS tag; and (3) sense if the EAS tag is deactivated. If the EAS tag is sensed to have been deactivated, the system signals as such and a next item may be scanned. If the EAS tag is sensed to have not been deactivated, the system proceeds to alternate operational steps to handle the exception.

Abstract: Optical systems and methods of data reading with collection systems having improved depth of field. One configuration is directed to an image-based optical reading system with a plurality of sensor arrays, such as a charge coupled device (CCD) arranged in a compact configuration to minimize the overall package size while providing extended read range. In an example configuration, two CCD arrays are placed back to back to minimize height and overall package size with fold mirrors providing the optical path to a backward facing array.

Abstract: A data reader such as for example an imaging reader with a CCD or CMOS imager or the like, that acquires an image of an item to be read. A certain type of sensor has been found to exhibit different outputs depending upon the light intensity level: (1) standard output whereby the sensor outputs a signal corresponding to the image collected and (2) inverted output whereby the sensor outputs an inverted signal when the light intensity highly saturates the sensor. Taking advantage of this inverted output, systems and methods are then employed by the data reader to convert or otherwise re-invert this inverted signal in order to read an optical code that, for example, might otherwise have been above the upper exposure limit of the sensor/reader and thus not decodable.

Abstract: A method aligns a second image of an object taken at a second time with a first image taken at a first time, wherein the object experiences motion relative to an imager between the first and second times. The images are formed of sets of pixels arranged horizontally and vertically in a pattern. The method operates on the pixels of the second image by performing a series of operations to affect an affine transformation without performing matrix arithmetic, preferably by table look-up. The method shifts the pixels of the second image vertically by a constant vertical offset, shifts the pixels of the second image horizontally by a constant horizontal offset, shears the second image horizontally by a skew factor, shears the second image vertically by a skew factor, scales the second image horizontally by a horizontal scale factor; and scale the second image vertically by a vertical scale factor.

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: Methods and systems are disclosed for processing of 2-D images of optical code symbols having information bearing characteristics in predominantly a single dimension (such as a linear barcode). In a preferred system, pixel summing or averaging is used to generate virtual scan lines for imaging of encoded symbols to improve the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the resulting virtual scan lines. For example, pixel summing or averaging of an imaging array may be performed in a direction orthogonal to the virtual scan line direction in order to increase the SNR of the virtual scan line signal over what can be achieved with virtual scan lines created using a single image pixel for each virtual scan line pixel. The increased SNR offered by this technique of pixel summing or averaging of an imaging array may allow capture of images with reduced exposure time, enabling capture of images of objects moving at high speed without the necessity of high intensity light sources.

Abstract: A data reader such as for example an imaging reader with a CCD or CMOS imager or the like, having multiple images of a target item illuminated or acquired from different directions in which the image signals are combined into a complete image of the item or selected portions of the item being read such that specular reflection (over-saturated regions of the sensor array) are minimized or eliminated. In one example data reader configuration, multiple illumination sources such as first and second rows of light emitting diodes (LED's) are aimed at the item being scanned from different directions. The illumination sources are alternately pulsed and return signals are collected at one or more sensor arrays. A selected non-saturated return signal from one of the illumination sources, or selected non-saturated portions of return signal from both of the illumination sources are processed to generate a complete non-saturated image of the target.

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: A system and method for providing operational feedback of systems using electronic tags such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags for inventory monitoring, including reference tags, that provide feedback to check if all inventory items have been identified. In one configuration, the RFID reader actuates by a single trigger pull, with the reader continuing to read multiple RFID tags in the read zone until a terminating event occurs.

Abstract: Methods and systems form a decodable composite image of an optical code that experiences motion. A method according to one embodiment forms a first image of at least a first portion of the optical code at a first time and a second image of at least a second portion of the optical code at a second time, whereby the optical code may undergo relative motion between the first and second times. The method determines one or more of the following parameters of an affine transformation relating the second image to the first image: vertical offset, horizontal offset, horizontal skew factor, vertical skew factor, horizontal scale factor, and vertical scale factor. The method aligns one of the first and second images to the other by utilizing the determined parameters to implement the affine transformation, thereby forming an aligned image. Finally, the method combines elements of the aligned imaged and the other image to form the decodable composite image of the optical code.

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 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 that have detected verification system have been successfully read by the electronic reader.

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: Disclosed are embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus for providing multiple image fields or regions on an imaging array. In certain preferred embodiments, a high density imaging array may be partitioned into two or more regions, each of which may be used to render a separate view of the scan volume. This arrangement may provide an increase in the effective scan volume beyond the volume available with a single imager having a single point of view and may allow for reading of encoded symbols at a variety of orientations that would otherwise preclude accurate imaging with a single imager.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus for varying the illumination in a data reader or data reading system. In one embodiment, an illumination source for illuminating an optical code on an item is provided. A control may also be provided for activating the illumination source. The illumination source may be configured to undergo an illumination sequence in response to an activation of the control. The illumination sequence gradually increases the intensity of the illumination source perceptible to a user over time so as to reduce the user's fatigue and/or irritation associated with the illumination source.

Abstract: A scanner system and method for improving capture rate of reading labels with add-ons without sacrificing throughput with respect to non-add-on labels, the scanner including a mode in which the scanner in conjunction with the host (point-of-sale terminal) “learns” over time which base label codes will have associated add-ons. As the scanner successfully reads both a base label and its add-on data, the base label data is stored in a list in the scanner's memory. The required number of reads of base label or the timeout timer value may be adjusted based upon whether add-ons are expected or not corresponding to future scans of a base label corresponding to that of one in the list store. Base label statistics on successful base label and associated add-on reads, as well as ordering and selective storage of base label information based on frequency of base label occurrence may also be provided.

Abstract: A portable data reading device, such as a barcode scanner or RFID reader, includes a Web server and a first server-side application to modify one or more settings of the portable data reading device. The settings may include, for example, symbology settings, device settings, and network settings. The Web server may receive formatted data from a client browser representing a requested modification of at least one setting of the portable data reading device. Upon receiving the formatted data, the Web server may automatically invoke the first server-side application to modify the at least one setting responsive to the formatted data.

Abstract: A method of and a system for generating a dense pattern of scan lines. In a preferred configuration, a laser beam is directed into an inline beam dithering mechanism which dithers the beam over an angle parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating facet wheel. The combination of the dithering mechanism and the scanning motion of the rotating facet wheel creates a dense scan pattern. Return light is retrodirectively collected by a collection element such as a collection lens onto a detector. A beam redirector such as a cone-shaped device having openings on both ends and a reflecting internal surface is disposed between the collection lens and the detector to redirect off-axis spot onto the detector. The system and method is applicable to both single and multiple beam systems and single and multiple window scanners.

Abstract: A multi-plane scanner having a dual plane scanner with a horizontal window and a vertical window and a load cell/weigh platter weighing apparatus such that the weigh platter itself is a dual plane object with vertical and horizontal sections. The size and orientation of the planes of the weigh platter correspond to the size and orientation of the scan windows of the dual plane scanner, and each plane of the weigh platter has a transparent area (typically central), or “platter window”, corresponding to a respective scan windows of the scanner for allowing transmission of scanned optical beams and optical barcode signals through each of the planes of the weigh platter. The platter is sufficiently rigid to permit accurate weighing whether the object being weighed is placed solely on the horizontal section of the platter or in part on the vertical section. The vertical and horizontal sections of the platter are sealed together to prevent passage of debris therebetween.