Abstract: An imaging system (FIG. 3) is disclosed that has a wavelength dependent focal shift caused by longitudinal chromatic aberration in a lens assembly (203) that provides extended depth of field imaging due to focal shift (213,214) and increased resolution due to reduced lens system magnification. In use, multiple wavelengths of quasi-monochromatic illumination, from different wavelength LEDs (206,207) or the like, illuminate the target, either sequentially, or in parallel in conjunction with an imager (200) with wavelength selective (colored) filters. Images are captured with different wavelengths of illumination that have different focus positions (208,209), either sequentially or by processing the color planes of a color imager separately. Extended depth of field, plus high resolution are achieved. Additionally, information about the range to the target can be determined by analyzing the degree of focus of the various colored images.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optical code reading are disclosed. In one system optical code reader includes an anamorphic lens system and an image sensor array, wherein the image sensor array is tilted with respect to the anamorphic lens system according to the Scheimpflug principle.

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: 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: Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) antennas systems and methods that are less sensitive to orientation. One example includes an interrogator having a radio frequency transceiver, a first linearly polarized antenna in electrical communication with the transceiver, and a second linearly polarized antenna in electrical communication with the transceiver, the second antenna having a polarization in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first antenna; a control circuit is in electrical communication with the transceiver and with the first and second antennas, the control circuit operable to switch between interrogating with the first antenna and interrogating with the second antenna, and an RFID decoder is coupled to an output of the transceiver to decode an interrogated electromagnetic signal from a tag.

Abstract: A data reader and method for data reading, such as a barcode scanner, wherein the scan pattern generating optics and other features are optimized for different modes of operation. In a preferred embodiment, different patterns are projected from different apertures in the scanner housing, one scan pattern optimized for handheld operation and the other optimized for fixed operation. Other optimizable features include the presence or absence of an aiming beam, which may be generated from the same laser source as the scan pattern or from another source, and enabling or disabling decoding of the received signal during a portion of a facet wheel rotation. Decoding may be disabled while the scan line(s) for handheld use is generated unless a switch or trigger is actuated.

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: In one form, an imaging system comprises an imager that forms an image of an object in a field of view, a rotationally symmetric lens assembly disposed between the imager and the object, and an equalizer. The rotationally symmetric lens assembly provides increased collection efficiency for a given depth of field, whereby the rotationally symmetric lens assembly causes aberration, compared to a well-focused lens. The rotationally symmetric lens assembly comprises a front negative lens, a rear positive lens, and an aperture positioned between the front and rear lenses. The equalizer, which is connected to the imager, receives image data and at least partially compensates for the aberration caused by the rotationally symmetric lens assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus for integrating a bottom-of-basket (BOB) item detector with a data reader. In some embodiments, the BOB item detector may be integrated with a barcode scanner of a point-of-sale (POS) terminal without need for modification of the POS system software. Some embodiments may also provide for a visual and/or audible indication or confirmation of the presence of a bottom-of-basket item.

Abstract: Systems process an input signal, derived from a binary optical code, having a series of multiple successive local peaks of the same given polarity. The circuit comprises a peak detector, a node in the peak detector, and a set-reset flip-flop. The peak detector has an input receiving the input signal and produces an output that approximately tracks the input signal while it is sloping in the direction of the given polarity and that approximately holds near those local peaks having successively larger magnitude. A node in the peak detector has a voltage indicative of whether the peak detector is in a tracking or holding state. The set-reset flip-flop has a set input connected to the node, whereby the output of the flip-flop is high when the peak detector is in a tracking state. The circuit is useful for qualifying optical edges in a bar code.

Abstract: Systems better detect transitions in a binary optical code signal and thus better detect edges in binary optical codes, such as bar codes. The optical code signal imperfectly indicates perceived regions of relatively dark and light areas arranged in an alternating pattern as part of an optical code. That signal is differentiated to form a first derivative. Due to various non-ideal conditions, the first derivative may have a series of successive local peaks of the same polarity. Peaks in the series having a peak value less than a previous peak value in the series are ignored, thereby resulting in a set of unignored peaks. From the unignored peaks in the series is chosen the one peak occurring last in order. According to the chosen peak, there is generated a signal more reliably indicating the true edge position between light and dark areas in the pattern.

Abstract: An optical system and method for data reading. A preferred system is directed to a scanner which includes a laser diode and a beam splitter for generating first optical beam and a second optical beam, the first optical beam being directed toward one side of a scanning optical element such as a rotating polygon mirror and to a first mirror array, the second optical beam being simultaneously directed toward a second optical element such as another side of the rotating polygon mirror and then to a second and a third mirror array. The first mirror array is configured to generate a scan pattern through a vertical window and the second and third mirror arrays are configured to generate scan patterns passing through a horizontal window. In combination, the three mirror arrays generate three sets of scan lines so as to scan five sides of a six-sided item (e.g., the bottom and all lateral sides of an object) being passed through the scan volume.

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 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: 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: 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: 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: In an embodiment there is an electronic tag having an encoded bit data pattern in a portion of a data field from the tag resulting in a modulated backscatter signal from the tag when the tag responds to a read command from an interrogator. In an embodiment there is a method for determining the range between an antenna of an interrogator and an electronic tag comprising the steps of: 1) singulating an electronic tag of interest; 2) sending a range command to the electronic tag of interest; 3) detecting a modulated backscatter response from the electronic tag of interest; 4) measuring a time delay between a transmitted modulated carrier signal from the interrogator and the modulated backscatter response; 5) calculating a distance between the antenna and the electronic tag using the time delay; and 6) reporting the distance.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems of and methods for reading optical codes located on multiple sides of an item that is being moved through a read volume. In one method, optical symbols are read using a high speed raster laser beam and non-retrodirective collection optics including the steps of moving an item containing an optical code along an item direction past a window disposed in a surface of a scanner housing or platter; via a first scan mechanism, repeatedly scanning through the window at a first slant and/or tilt angle to the surface in a first direction and along a single line to acquire scanned data over two dimensions of one or more sides of the item; via a second scan mechanism, repeatedly scanning through the window at a second slant and/or tilt angle to the surface in a second direction and along a single line to acquire scanned data over two dimensions of one or more other sides of the item; and processing the scanned data acquired.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optical scanning, in one configuration, including a torsional dither mechanism having a torsion rod formed of integral construction machined from a single metal piece, magnet and mirror mount attached to the free end of the torsion rod, and electromagnetic drive. The drive comprises a magnet mounted to the magnet mount and a drive coil. Torque is generated on the dither arm as oscillating current is applied to the coil, to preferably drive the torsion rod at a high oscillation speed on the order of 5 KHz. Acoustic noise control is provided by using a combination of elastomeric isolation mounts, a thick wall enclosure and lid for the dither, an electrically resonant dither drive, and mechanically resonant drive control using back EMF from a moving magnet to set the frequency of oscillation of the dither drive.