Abstract: A relatively rapidly moving object is imaged with a sensor incorporating a rolling electronic shutter, while using flash illumination which is comparable to or dimmer than ambient light. This is achieved by utilizing a physical shutter between the object and sensor which is synchronized to the flash. Preferably, the physical shutter is also operated so as to be open for a time interval which is coextensive with the presence of the flash. Preferably, an optical mechanism is provided between the object and sensor which causes the image to be focused when the light is flashed and blurred otherwise. Preferably, an optical filter is positioned between the object and sensor, and this filter is constructed to transmit to the CMOS sensor light at the wavelength of the flashing light source but to attenuate ambient light.

Abstract: An optical assembly is disclosed which may include a lens having first and second electrodes; and a flexible printed circuit (FPC) configured for placement in proximity to the lens, wherein the FPC may include a bottom insulating layer; a top insulating layer; and an FPC electrode configured to contact the second electrode of the lens, wherein the FPC electrode may include a center portion disposed between the bottom and top insulating layers of the FPC; a post connected to the center portion and extending through the top insulating layer of the FPC; and a contact layer connected to the post and configured to provide the contact with the second electrode of the lens.

Abstract: A liquid lens is mounted in a lens opening provided in a photographic instrument by making use of a mounting member made of a material which transmits light of predetermined wavelength and includes an inner wall shaped and dimensioned to receive the periphery of the lens in spaced, opposed relationship. The mounting member includes a portion mounted or to be mounted to the optical instrument. A bonding material is provided between the lens periphery and the mounting member wall, and the bonding material is activated by exposure to light of the predetermined wavelength, which is injected from outside, through the mounting member. Preferably, the light is injected with a guide member having an opening with an interior wall shaped and dimensioned to conform to an exterior wall of the guide member. The light may be injected from an edge of the guide member remote from the opening, through the guide member, and into the mounting member.

Abstract: A code scanner, which illuminates a scanned code from a distance, includes a liquid lens which focuses the reflected image of the code on an image sensor. The scanner includes a range detector, preferably laser-based, which determines the distance to the scanned code, and the liquid lens is controlled to focus at the detected distance. A source of illumination is uncontrolled to maintain its intensity substantially constant, regardless of the distance of the scanned code. This can be achieved by controlling the intensity of illumination (directly), or the dispersal angle of illumination in relationship to the distance.

Abstract: In an optical code sensor of the type in which a signal derived from a light beam encoded with digital data is obtained by extracting transitions, an adjustable bandwidth filter is interposed before processing to extract the data. The distance of the optical code is detected, and the filter bandwidth is increased in relationship to the distance of the bar code. Preferably, the input signal to the filter is applied to a shift register and the output at each stage of the register is multiplied by a predetermined coefficient calculated to achieve a particular waveshape, preferably a Gaussian waveshape, via the entire set of coefficients. The register stage outputs, multiplied by the coefficients are then added together to produce a filtered output signal applied to the processor.

Abstract: A compact barcode reader is provided in which the imaging lens and a linear sensor are in a straight line path with the barcode (no bend in path). By using a wide angle lens with a short back focus, it is possible to reduce the distance between the barcode and linear sensor to a fraction of what it was in the prior art. In addition, the maximum image height and the downward projection of the sensor are reduced to a fraction of what they were in the prior art. As a result, despite the straight line optical path, compact barcode reader becomes so small that it does not interfere with the operation of the beverage maker.

Abstract: A bar code scanner is disclosed which may include a scanner gun; and at least one sensor in communication with the scanner gun, wherein the at least one sensor is operable to detect at least one operating condition of the bar code scanner.

Abstract: A handheld imaging device includes a CCD array or similar detector which is tilted with respect to the incoming light. The tilt permits a narrower handheld device to be manufactured, as the housing need not be as wide as the CCD or similar array.

Abstract: A method for processing a digital signal obtained in a barcode reading operation comprises a step of applying a wavelet transformation to the digital signal. The noise threshold at each level of the wavelet transformation is determined from a total transfer function in the analogue processing stage, and the coefficients are set to be zero if less than the noise threshold.

Abstract: A changeable apparatus for scanning a symbol is disclosed wherein by selectively changing the position of a bending mirror (101), different scan patterns are produced. In a preferred embodiment, the different positions of the bending mirror (101) result in a scanning beam (107, 108) being directed off of different polygon scanning mirrors (104, 105) to create the different scanning patterns.

Abstract: A system and method of extracting data from a barcode or similar symbol in relatively large ambient light is disclosed. The system uses a slice signal that follows the upper part of a negative offset signal, or the lower part of a positive offset signal, depending upon the value of the input signal. The system may be implemented in digital or analog hardware.

Abstract: A stepper motor is controlled by a driver having a constant and maximum frequency input in order to correct for camera shake. The need for variable frequency devices is eliminated, thereby reducing the cost and complexity of the system.

Abstract: An optical pattern reading apparatus includes a housing with a light projecting means located within the housing for projecting a line of light onto an optical pattern located external to the housing and wherein the line of light is cyclically swept across an optical pattern to be read. A reflecting mirror located in the housing, posteriorly of the light source is moved in synchronism with the line of light projected onto the optical pattern to receive a line of light reflected from the optical pattern and projecting its reflected light via a light receiving and condensing optics assembly onto a linear image sensor. The information present within an area can thus be sensed using a linear image sensor.

Abstract: An optical reading apparatus includes means for moving a mirror in a back and forth motion such that the mirror scans the light reflected from an optical pattern and sequentially projects narrow segments of the reflected image onto a linear image sensor. The means for moving the mirror include a cantilever-like arm or plate having one end held stationary and the other end free to move. The mirror is connected to the end of the arm which is free to move. Selectively enabled driving means coupled to the arm causes it to vibrate and the mirror to sweep or scan across the reflected image of an optical pattern. As the mirror sweeps across the reflected image of the optical pattern it sequentially projects different segments of the optical pattern onto the linear image sensor until the entire optical pattern is projected onto the linear image sensor. The linear image sensor is operable at a high rate of speed and is sufficiently sensitive that it can sense numerous (e.g.

Abstract: An optical reading apparatus for moving a mirror in a back and forth motion such that the mirror scans the light reflected from an optical pattern and sequentially projects narrow segments of the reflected image onto a linear image sensor. Moving the mirror includes means for mounting the mirror within a movable case which is mounted on a shaft to selectively cause the case to go back and forth in a seesaw-like fashion. As the case goes back and forth, it causes the mirror to sweep or scan across the reflected image of an optical pattern. As the mirror sweeps across the reflected image of the optical pattern it sequentially projects different segments of the optical pattern onto the linear image sensor until the entire optical pattern is projected onto the linear image sensor. The linear image sensor is operable at a high rate of speed and is sufficiently sensitive that it can sense numerous (e.g., 50, or more) segments of the reflected image during one sweep of the mirror.

Abstract: A bar code scanner having means for reading bar code data and for processing the data includes means for supplying the processed data to a computer having an input/output (I/O) port designed for the connection thereto of an external keyboard. The scanner includes "communication" means for enabling the scanner either to be "wedged" between an external keyboard and the I/O port or to be directly connected to the I/O port. The scanner's "communication" means includes means for sensing whether an external keyboard is connected to the computer and includes means responsive to sensing the absence of an external keyboard connection for producing signals similar to those produced by an external keyboard and for supplying these signals to the computer in order to establish and maintain communication between the scanner and the computer. The bar code scanner may also include means for responding to various computer commands and/or keyboard commands.

Abstract: Systems embodying the invention include a vibrating arm having one side on which is mounted a reflective surface for sweeping a beam of light across a target whose contents are to be read. The vibrating arm includes a bar of magnetic material pivoted about its center so as to be able to rotate freely (i.e., be "movable"). The ends of the "movable" bar are located between the side walls of a stationary (i.e., non-moving or fixed) yoke of magnetic material with a driving coil located between the ends of the movable bar and the side walls of the stationary yoke. The stationary yoke is of magnetic material for concentrating a magnetic field encompassing the movable bar, the coil and the stationary yoke.

Abstract: A bar code reader has a light emitting source for illuminating a bar code, a photosensing element for sensing the light reflected from the bar code and an amplifier having an input to which the photosensing element is coupled. A single series path is employed to generate a current which is used to operate the light emitting element and to produce a bias voltage to bias the amplifier at a predetermined level. Using the same current to drive the light emitting element and to develop the bias voltage reduces the power consumed to operate the bar code reader.

Abstract: Systems embodying the invention include a vibrating arm having one side on which is mounted a reflective surface for sweeping a beam of light across a target whose contents are to be read. The vibrating arm includes a bar of magnetic material pivoted about its center so as to be able to rotate freely (i.e., be "movable"). The ends of the "movable" bar are located between the side walls of a stationary (i.e., non-moving or fixed) yoke of magnetic material with a driving coil located between the ends of the movable bar and the side walls of the stationary yoke. The stationary yoke is of magnetic material for concentrating a magnetic field encompassing the movable bar, the coil and the stationary yoke.

Abstract: An optical reader, such as a bar code reader, includes improved circuitry to enable the bar code reader to respond more quickly and more accurately to signal variations due to changes in the ambient light condition and in the contrast presented by the information being read. In particular, the reader includes "slice" circuitry to sense the transitions of signals corresponding to the black-to-white and white-to-black edges of a bar code. The slice circuit includes two ideal diodes whose inputs are connected to an analog input terminal and whose outputs are respectively connected to first and second capacitors to sense and peak detect the values ofincreasing and decreasing signals. Two diodes are connected in series between the postive peak detector and the negative peak detector and the junction of the two series connected diodes functions as an output terminal at which is produced a reference voltage applied to a comparator.