Abstract: An 2-D symbol orientation guide with parallel and spaced right angle guidelines with chevron-like spaces provided therebetween is selectively displayed in plural selected dispositions on a monitor screen as an overlay for the display on the same monitor screen of a 2-D Data Matrix symbol. Manual rotation of the symbol is viewed on the monitor screen as the symbols solid line border is moved into alignment with a guide line at which time the symbol is imaged and its quality graded. Display of the orientation guide in at least five selected rotational dispositions, alignment of the symbol solid line border therewith and imaging and grading of the symbol quality in each such position provides multiple grade scores for averaging into an overall grade score.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for rapidly capturing images in an automated identification system to effectively extend one dimension of a field of view of an image system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the image system captures and processes multiple images of at least a portion of a surface of a component in the automated identification system in response to a trigger signal communicated from a triggering device configured to sense a location of the component. Various embodiments of the invention include multiple sources for capturing images, and/or multiple user-specified schemas for effectively extending the field of view of the image system along the axis of component travel in the automated identification system.

Abstract: An optical symbol scanner assembly has an illumination attachment to facilitate detection and decoding bar code symbols that are printed or formed on mirror-finish surfaces. A hand-held scanner has an array of LEDs or laser diodes on its distal face that produces light to illuminate the symbol. The illumination attachment is mounted on the distal face of the scanner device. At a distal end of the illumination attachment is a diffusion-treated surface such that the illumination leaving the attachment appears as a bar or zone of diffuse light. This is reflected off the bar code, so that the mirror-finish areas appear as the bright or high portions of the symbol and the diffuse areas thereof appear as the dark or low portions. The attachment may be in the form of a block or plate of a clear plastic, or may be formed as a prism.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an apparatus and method for automatic gain control during scanning. The apparatus comprises an optical detector to receive an optical signal reflected from a symbol positioned within a scan window by an optical beam scanned from a leading edge of the scan window to a trailing edge of the scan window; and a processor coupled to the optical detector to adjust the gain of the optical detector during the beam scan. The process comprises receiving an optical signal using an optical detector, wherein the optical signal comprises optical energy reflected from a symbol positioned in a scan window as an optical beam scans from a leading edge of the scan window to a trailing edge of the scan window, and adjusting the gain of the optical detector during receipt of the optical signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a micromechanical or microoptomechanical structure. The structure is produced by a process comprising defining a structure on a single crystal silicon layer separated by an insulator layer from a substrate layer; depositing and etching a polysilicon layer on the single crystal silicon layer, with remaining polysilcon forming mechanical or optical elements of the structure; exposing a selected area of the single crystal silicon layer; and releasing the formed structure.

Abstract: A scanning system and method reads information symbols, such as optical mark recognition (“OMR”) symbols. Each OMR symbol typically includes a predetermined number of cells, with each cell containing a bar or a space. An object detector detects the presence of an object having an affixed OMR symbol and generates a trigger signal indicating an object has been detected. The object is typically moving past the scanning system and the trigger signal provides timing information for the system so the objects are scanned at the proper times. In response to the trigger signal, a scanner, such as a laser scanning device, scans and decodes the OMR symbol. The laser scanner includes an optical transmitter that generates a scanning laser beam that scans each OMR symbol when the symbol is within a scan window. An optical detector in the scanner is positioned to receive optical energy reflected from each OMR symbol responsive to the scanning laser beam.

Abstract: The present invention provides a micromechanical or microoptomechanical structure. The structure is produced by a process comprising defining a pattern on a single crystal silicon layer separated by an insulator layer from a substrate layer; defining a structure in the single-crystal silicon layer; depositing and etching a polysilicon layer on the single crystal silicon layer, with remaining polysilcon forming mechanical or optical elements of the structure; and releasing the formed structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a micromechanical or microoptomechanical structure. The structure is produced by a process comprising defining a structure on a single crystal silicon layer separated by an insulator layer from a substrate layer; depositing and etching a polysilicon layer on the single crystal silicon layer, with remaining polysilicon forming mechanical or optical elements of the structure; exposing a selected area of the single crystal silicon layer; and releasing the formed structure.