Abstract: An infusion pump including an optical imaging and an RFID reading module connected thereto through a host interface. The optical imaging and RFID module comprises a system microcontroller that interconnects an optical image capture subsystem and an RFID subsystem preferably routed through a single interface to the infusion pump. This infusion pump controls operation of the optical imaging and RFID module through commands provided through the interface and, as a result, capable of obtaining data encoded on barcodes and RFID tags. The infusion pump, through the optical imaging and RFID module, may thus automatically retrieve patient data, pharmacological information, dosage amounts, etc. from barcodes or RFID tags applied to the patient, intravenous medication, and even medical staff.

Abstract: A software-based solution for managing and communicating with any number of optical imaging platforms regardless of the manufacturer or of any device specific protocols implemented by those platforms. A user interface allows selection of the function of an attached optical imaging platform that is desired by a user. The selected function is mapped to an abstracted functional layer that is then translated into the appropriate command string according to the protocol of the attached optical imaging platform. Depending on the platform that is installed, only available functions are presented in the graphical user interface. For example, a user may test the operation of the platform before installing the platform in a machine vision system, download new software to the platform to correct problems or enhance functionality after it has been installed, or obtain captured images from the platform to review the effectiveness of image processing techniques.

Abstract: A one-piece housing for the enclosure and protection of an optical imager or other device and a method for locking a one-piece housing assembly in a folded configuration. The housing comprises three segments permanently joined by flexible hinges that allow the housing to quickly fold into a box to enclose an optical imager. To releasably maintain the housing in closed position, the assembly contains two locking tabs that snap-fit into depressions on a platform extending away from the main housing segment. One tab snap-fits directly into a depression on the top surface of the platform while the other tab snap-fits into a depression on the reverse surface of the platform. By locking into depressions on the top and reverse surfaces of the platform, the opposing tabs tightly grip the surfaces and releasably maintain the housing in the folded configuration.

Abstract: A method for expediting the barcode interpretation process implemented on conventional optical imaging barcode readers. The method involves interrupting the mainline processing of the conventional barcode detection, obtaining a copy of the captured image, scaling the image, locating the barcode in the scaled image, scaling the image back to normal proportions, calculating the location of the barcode in the scaled up image, and reporting the barcode location back to the mainline processing for decoding of only the region of interest. The mainline processing of the optical imager may then proceed with barcode interpretation in the area identified by the method of the present invention without wasting time applying complicated decoding algorithms to areas within the image that do not contain any barcode information.

Abstract: A system for identifying test tube types and properties in a sample handling machine using visual information automatically obtained by an optical imager and then processed using vision processing methods. The system includes an optical imager positioned to capture images containing one or more test tubes in a rack and a microcontroller programmed to extract predetermined regions of interest and interpret the optical information in the image to decipher the dimension of the test tubes, determine the presence or absence of caps on the test tubes, decode any encoded data, and interpret custom symbologies. The system may then determine the nature of the test tubes or other containers presented before the image and provide that information to the sample handling machine to assist with processing of samples.

Abstract: An antenna for use in connection with a combined RFID reader and optical imager. A printer circuit board having a wire loop positioned thereon and a hole formed therethrough is positioned in combination with an optical imager so that the imaging element of the optical imager may capture images through the hole. In addition, illuminating elements, such as LEDs may be provided on the printed circuit board to provide external or additional illumination of target objects. By positioning the antenna and optical imager in such a manner, the space required to implement optical imaging and RFID capabilities is improved and optical imaging and RFID interrogation may be more easily directed at a single object. In addition, extra illumination may be easily provided for improved imaging.

Abstract: An optical imaging system including a laser alignment system for targeting and aligning optical imaging operations. The system includes a laser configured to project two intersecting lines along an axis that inersects the optical imager at the optimal imaging distance. The lines preferably extend perpendicularly to each other and are dimensioned to correspond to the length and width of the target when the optical imager is at an optical distance from the target. A user may properly align the optical imager by viewing the lines projected onto the target and adjusting the optic imager accordingly to quickly and easily ensure proper imaging of the target.

Abstract: A system for automatically identifying a logo or trademark applied to a device and verifying that the logo or trademark is acceptably identifies a compatible device. The system uses an optical imager to capture optical images of the target device and a microcontroller interconnected to the imager for processing the optical image to extract image information and verify that the contents of the image reflect the appropriate manufacturer or supplied indicia required by a host device. The decision reached by the microcontroller may be provided externally to a host device, thereby precluding or allowing use of the device, or provided directly to a user via know means, such as a visual display or audible output.

Abstract: A clinical sampling system including a reader capable of optically imaging a test cartridge presented thereto and then automatically determining the presence and concentration of a target compound in a liquid sample placed on the test cartridge. The reader includes an optical imaging unit for illuminating, imaging, and interpreting the test cartridge. The test cartridge houses a reaction strip having a control region and a sample region that reacts to a liquid sample placed on the strip. The presence and concentration of the target compound are interpreted by determining the relative reflected intensities of the control region and sample region and calculating the ratio of the reflected intensities relative to the reflected intensity of the background.

Abstract: A reader for automatically reading electronic voting machine paper audit records containing voting information encoded into barcodes printed on the audit records. The reader includes an optical imager for capturing images of barcodes printed on the audit records and a sensor for triggering the capture of images at the appropriate time. The reader further includes a drive mechanism for automatically advancing the audit records and stopping the records at the appropriate location so that the barcodes containing the voting information may be decoded. The reader is programmed to decode and interpret the encoded voting information and then provide the information to a host device. Once receipt of the information by the host has been confirmed, the reader automatically advances the audit record and repeated the decoding process.

Abstract: An optical barcode and/or RFID reader having at least two sets of illuminating LEDs that are directed toward a target object to reflect whether the barcode and/or RFID reading was successful or unsuccessful. The reader is provided with a set of red LEDs and a set of green LEDs for illuminating targets, such as barcodes or RFID tags. In addition to using these LEDs to illuminate the target, the reader will illuminate the target with a particular color of light to signify a successful read, such green light, or an unsuccessful read, such as red light. A third color may be provided to indicate a successful RFID interrogation, such as blue light. The reader thus uses the built-in illumination LEDs to cast differently colored light on the target, rather than having to provide additional LEDs in a user interface positioned on the housing of the reader.