Abstract: A fixed retail scanner and related methods comprises imagers configured to capture image data, and a processor operably coupled to the imagers. The processor configured to provide image data from at least some of the imagers in real-time during a transaction to a decoder within the data reader for decoding an optical code on an object within the image data, generate annotations for the image data based on an analysis of image content of the image data to generate annotated image data, and provide the annotated image data from at least some of the imagers to an external system in real-time during the transaction.

Abstract: An image-reading device, such as optical code readers used in retail environments to scan objects, is configured to select from various operational modes. The operational modes are selected based on an application of the image-reading device, such as optical code identification or image recognition. Red, white, and other color light sources are activated in patterns corresponding to an illumination sequence of the selected operational mode, while imagers are activated to capture an image based on an exposure pattern of the selected operational mode. Further, a repeating series of light pulses having different portions of light is provided. Various imagers are configured to capture images over one of the portions. This allows an operator to perceive one continuous light pattern, yet allows various imagers to capture an image under different light conditions used for different applications of the image-reading device.

Abstract: An electromagnetic braking assembly for maintaining an actuator shaft in position, and methods for utilizing the same, are provided. The actuator shaft may include an object, e.g., an imaging lens, which is movable in accordance with movement of the shaft. The braking assembly may include a braking coil to which electricity may be applied to produce a magnetic field, a braking magnet capable of changing position as it interacts with the magnetic field, and a braking spring coupled with the magnet such that the spring changes position as the magnet changes position. When the braking spring is in one position, the spring exerts pressure on the actuator shaft substantially preventing the shaft from engaging in linear movement and thus maintaining the shaft in position. When the actuator shaft is in another position, the braking spring does not exert pressure on the shaft permitting the shaft to engage in linear movement.

Abstract: A microcontroller-based code reader and method of reading a machine-readable indicia may include capturing, by an imager, an image of a machine-readable indicia disposed an object. An image subsample of an image captured by the imager may be read from the imager. The image subsample or partial image data may be stored in an embedded memory of a microcontroller in electrical communication with the imager. The machine-readable indicia may be decoded from the image subsample.

Abstract: A dynamic dimensioning system includes at least one camera, a range finder, and a tachometer. A computer may be used to perform a dynamic calibration operation for the cameras coupled over a communications network. The dynamic calibration operation includes a calibration estimate routine configured to generate default configuration parameters selected by a user from among a plurality of pre-defined user inputs via a graphical user interface, and a calibration refinement routine configured to refine the default configuration parameters to generate a completed set of calibration parameters that are set for the at least one camera. The dynamic calibration operation may be performed without first performing any static calibration operation.

Abstract: A first imager has a relatively high resolution and a relatively narrow first field-of-view. Information about objects in an environment is detected or captured, and used to steer the first field-of-view of the first imager. The sensor(s) may take the form of a second imager with a relatively lower resolution and relatively wider second field-of-view. Alternatively, other types of sensors, for instance presence/absence sensors may be employed. The first field-of-view may be directed toward an object that satisfies one or more conditions, for instance matching a particular SKU. The first field-of-view may track a moving object, for instance via a tracking mirror and actuator. This approach may be employed in retail locations, for example in grocery or convenience stores, for instance to reduce various forms of theft or in industrial environments.

Abstract: A portable electronic device having a touch screen with a floating soft trigger icon for enabling various functions of the electronic device, such as bar code reading, capturing RFID data, capturing video and images, calling applications, and/or placing phone calls. The floating trigger icon is displayed on the touch screen to enable easy identification and access of the trigger icon. The trigger icon may be selected via application of various unique control gestures to configure the electronic device. Based on the selected mode or function of the device, the trigger icon may alter its appearance to facilitate use of the device. The operation and functionality of the trigger icon may be programmed to customize operation of the device.

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 source disposed in or on a housing of a scanner-scale for producing a light beam along an edge of the weigh platter, the light beam being modulated to contain a defined packet of data; a detector for receiving the data-modulated light beam, the detector being disposed in or on the housing; and a processor coupled with the detector for decoding the defined packet of data responsive to the detector receiving the data-modulated light beam. Various indicators for alerting the operator of off-scale detection are also described.

Abstract: A captured image contains a region of interest (ROI) including a plurality of characters to be recognized as text, and non-ROI content to be excluded from the OCR. The captured image is preprocessed to detect and locate the ROI in the captured image, and to determine a boundary of the ROI, including transforming the captured image to a first feature descriptor representation (FDR), and performing a comparison between the first FDR and at least one ROI template that includes at least a second FDR of a representative ROI image. The preprocessing produces an output to be provided to an OCR engine to perform autonomous OCR processing of the ROI while ignoring the non-ROI content based on the determined boundary of the ROI.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an inventory management system including one or more imagers mounted to shelving or other structures displaying items for sale, where the imagers are designed to capture images of the items and relay information to a database for purposes of tracking the items and managing inventory. The imagers are compact, low power devices incorporating wireless means for communicating with the database and may include solar cell arrays for charging purposes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a data reader and method of data reading for an imager with multiple fields of view, including directing a first field of view of the imager along a first path, directing a second field of view of the imager along a second path, and alternately selecting one of the first view or the second view via a view splitting/combining system comprising a rotating mechanism (e.g., a disk), disposed in the view path of the imager, the disk having reflective and transmissive/open portions. The system may include synchronization between rotation of the rotating disk and the imager, one synchronization comprises using a magnet on the rotating disk and a Hall sensor on a printed circuit board beside the rotating disk, the Hall sensor output then being used to synchronize image capture to motor position. Other synchronization methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a self-checkout system including a base and a scan gate extending over at least a portion of the base, the scan gate having a field of view that encompasses 360-degree coverage of the items such that the scan gate is able to obtain and read encoded data on any surface of the item passing through the scan gate. The base may include one or more rails positioned along the periphery to help retain items on the surface of the base once they have been passed through the scan gate.

Abstract: A device includes: an image sensor to capture images of an object within an FOV, a guide projector and a processor. The processor is to analyze some of the images to detect entry of an encoded data marking carried by the object into the FOV, and in response to detecting such entry into the FOV: operate the guide projector to project a visual guide onto the object to guide movement of the encoded data marking to a first location indicated by the visual guide within the FOV; analyze more of the images to detect such movement to the first location, and then to a second location within the FOV; and in response to the movement to the second location, interpret the movement to the second location as receipt of manual input; and in response to the manual input, transmit data decoded from the encoded data marking to another device.

Abstract: A projection system includes a light source and a lens. The light source includes a first light and a second light that both are positioned within a light source plane. The lens defines a principal axis and a lens plane that is normal to the principal axis. The light source is positioned relative to the lens such that the light source plane is oblique to the lens plane. The orientation of the light source relative to the lens enables the projection system to deliver information to a worker performing a task about the task being performed from a remote location that is outside of the area in which the worker is performing the task.

Abstract: A first imager has a relatively high resolution and a relatively narrow first field-of-view. Information about objects in an environment is detected or captured, and used to steer the first field-of-view of the first imager. The sensor(s) may take the form of a second imager with a relatively lower resolution and relatively wider second field-of-view. Alternatively, other types of sensors, for instance presence/absence sensors may be employed. The first field-of-view may be directed toward an object that satisfies one or more conditions, for instance matching a particular SKU. The first field-of-view may track a moving object, for instance via a tracking mirror and actuator. This approach may be employed in retail locations, for example in grocery or convenience stores, for instance to reduce various forms of theft or in industrial environments.

Abstract: A code reader may include a housing configured to be wearable by a user, a scanning unit configured to scan machine-readable indicia of a target area, a user interface connected to the housing and configured to present identification data associated with the machine-readable indicia to the user, a power source disposed within the housing, a processing unit disposed within the housing, and a plurality of electrical conductors in electrical communication with the processing unit and the user interface. The processing unit may be configured to communicate a scan signal to the scanning unit to cause the scanning unit to scan the target area, receive response data from the scanning unit representative of the machine-readable indicia, generate the identification data in response to receiving the response data, and communicate the identification data to the user interface for display thereon. The electrical conductors may provide power and enable signals to be communicated.

Abstract: A code reader and method thereof may include capturing monochrome images of a scene by a monochrome imager, and capturing color images of the scene by a color imager aligned with the monochrome imager. Stereo 3D images of the scene may be generated from the monochrome and color images.

Abstract: A system and method for managing packages may include determining an identifier on a package. A determination as to whether the package is to be positioned on a pallet based on the identifier may be made. In response to determining that the package is not to be positioned on the pallet, a first feedback signal (e.g., red light) indicative to the operator that the package is not to be placed on the pallet may be generated. In response to determining that the package is to be positioned on the pallet, a second feedback signal (e.g., green light) that is indicative to the operator that the package is to be on the pallet may be generated or no signal may be generated. Additionally, if an identifier cannot be read from the package, then a third feedback signal (e.g., yellow light) may be generated and illuminated on the package or elsewhere.

Abstract: A finger wearable scanner includes a scanner unit detachably coupled to a trigger unit. The scanner unit includes an upper enclosure and a lower enclosure that are detachable from each other, and a scan engine mount assembly and a scan engine mounted thereto that is configured to read and decode an identifier on an object. The scan engine assembly includes mounting locations that engage with fasteners to mount be mounted to both the upper enclosure and the lower enclosure. The trigger assembly is configured to be attached to and detached from the wearable scanner, and to be worn by a body part of a user. The trigger assembly includes a trigger switch to control operational functions of the wearable scanner responsive to an input from the user.

Abstract: An image capture system has an electronic rolling shutter (ERS) imager in area mode with high illumination to perform image acquisition (i.e. barcode reading) for fast moving items. Shearing distortion may occur but image blur is reduced and the image can be decoded. The ERS imager replaces global shutter imagers at a much lower cost and wider availability. The image capture system separates illumination into multiple bands in space and then synchronize the illumination bands with the exposure of the ERS imager in time. Much less illumination is required for the same image quality.