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: A portable, multi-mode RFID reader is capable of operating in a plurality of interrogation modes. The reader includes a processor configured to select either a subset of the plurality of interrogation modes according to which the RFID reader will operate when interrogating a set of one or more RFID tags, a sequence in which at least some of the plurality of interrogation modes are employed when the RFID reader interrogates the set of RFID tags, or both. Configuration of the processor as described is such that the RFID reader may consume less power, interrogates the set of one or more RFID tags more quickly, or both consume less power and interrogate the set of one or more RFID tags more quickly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling and/or reducing power consumption in an electronic tag reader (e.g. RFID). One preferred method includes the steps of configuring an automatic inventory command for excluding features; adjusting a search order for singulating RFID tags; activating a trigger control of the RFID reader for engaging power to begin reading the RFID tags; having the poll the RFID tags at a frequency for identifying said tags and hop to another frequency when the RFID tags are not located; the reader then terminating the reading after an interval when there are no new tags or when other criteria are met without the user deactivating the trigger control.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for selectively reading a barcode, symbol, or other indicia by either scanning the barcode with a flying-spot scan, 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: A data reading system is mountable onto a material transport device having a first section, a primary power supply and a second section movable with respect to the first section. The data reading system comprises a data reader disposed on the second section of the material transport device, the data reader comprising a power source and an induction power receiving unit. The data reading system also comprises an induction power transmission unit disposed on the first section of the material transport device and connected to the primary power supply of the material transport device. The induction power receiving unit is located proximate the induction power transmission unit when the second section is disposed in a given position with respect to the first section, whereby the induction power transmission unit transmits power to the induction power receiving unit for charging the power source of the data reader.

Abstract: An optical system and method for data reading. The 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 is 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 the bottom and all lateral sides of an object being passed through the scan volume.

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: Disclosed are embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus for singulating wireless tags. In one embodiment, a power ramping method is provided for tag singulation. This embodiment involves activating a control of an RFID reader for engaging power to begin reading RFID tags. The first reading is taken at a relatively low transmitting power level. If an RFID tag is not detected at the first power level, the power from the RFID reader is increased to a second higher power level. Increasing the transmitting power may be repeated until there is a final read volume where a single RFID tag, or a select number of such tags, is detected. Certain embodiments may provide for ramping the power down as well as up, so that if multiple tags are detected and only the closest tag is desired to be detected, tags can be excluded systematically from the read volume until only a single tag remains.

Abstract: A system and method for providing operational feedback of systems employing electronic tags such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. In one configuration, the RFID reader is actuated by a single trigger pull, with the reader continuing to read multiple RFID tags in the read zone as long as the trigger is held until a terminating event occurs and in another configuration, an apparatus and method provides real-time feedback of the progress of a multiple RFID tag reading operation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for operating a handheld data reader are disclosed, including a trigger mechanism in communication with a control unit of the data reader for activating different functions of the data reader in response to the application of different manual manipulation inputs to the trigger. In response to a first triggering manipulation, the trigger mechanism preferably generates a first signal; and in response to a second triggering manipulation, the trigger mechanism preferably generates a second signal distinguishable from the first signal by the control unit. The control unit may be responsive to receipt of the first signal to activate a first function of the data reader and responsive to receipt of the second signal to activate a second function of the data reader. Exemplary first and second trigger manipulations include push/pull, single-click/double-click, and high force/low force, among others.

Abstract: A scanner system and method for improving capture rate of reading labels with associated second labels or 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 second labels or 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: There is a data reader includes a housing, a radio frequency identification (RFID interrogator for detecting various amounts of data and processing circuitry connected to an output of the RFID interrogator. The data reader further includes a communications unit connected to the output with a loop antenna connected to the communications unit. The loop directional antenna provides gain and directionality when transmitting and receiving an electromagnetic signal. There is a multiple technology data reader includes an optical data reader having a housing, a photosensitive detector within the housing, and an optical collector for directing light onto the photosensitive detector. Processing circuitry is connected to an output of the photosensitive detector. In addition, the multiple technology data reader has radio frequency identification (RFID) interrogator for detecting data.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for triggering a source of visible light in connection with a data reader in response to a sensed proximity of an item. In one configuration, a data reader includes an imaging reader, such as a CMOS imager, that is sensitive to both infrared illumination and visible light. The imaging reader may be operable to read a symbol, such as a barcode or other optical code, via reflected infrared illumination, reflected visible light, or both. When characteristics of reflected illumination received by the imaging reader indicate the presence or movement of an item in the visible scan zone, the visible light source may be triggered to illuminate the item and thereby facilitate reading of the symbol using the same imaging reader as is used to sense the presence of the item. The visible light source may also be triggered to provide visual feedback.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment is directed to a method of RFID power ramping for tag singulation that includes activating the trigger control of an RFID reader for engaging power to begin reading RFID tags. A user may take a first reading at a low power level of a volume around the RFID reader establishing a first read volume. If the user does not detect a particular RFID tag, the user may then increase the transmitting power from the RFID reader to a second higher power level obtaining a second reading of RFID tags in a second read volume. The user may once again increase the transmitting power from the RFID reader to a third higher power level obtaining a third reading of RFID tags in a third reading volume. Increasing the RFID transmitting power is repeated until there is a final read volume where the operator reads and recognizes the detected RFID tag. The final step includes deactivating the trigger control of the RFID reader after reading the desired RFID tag.

Abstract: A data reader such as for example an imaging reader with a CCD or CMOS imager or the like, having multiple images of a target item illuminated or acquired from different directions in which the image signals are combined into a complete image of the item or selected portions of the item being read such that specular reflection (over-saturated regions of the sensor array) are minimized or eliminated. In one example data reader configuration, multiple illumination sources such as first and second rows of light emitting diodes (LED's) are aimed at the item being scanned from different directions. The illumination sources are alternately pulsed and return signals are collected at one or more sensor arrays. A selected non-saturated return signal from one of the illumination sources, or selected non-saturated portions of return signal from both of the illumination sources are processed to generate a complete non-saturated image of the target.

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: Row signals or other typically regular signals generated by an imager during each frame period of the imager are counted to determine when to emit pulses of illumination. Methods in accordance with the preferred embodiments may facilitate synchronization of at least some of the pulses with exposures of the imager, while pulsing visible illumination at a rate in excess of the flicker fusion frequency of human vision, to thereby avoid a flicker effect. Methods in accordance with disclosed embodiments are especially useful for a data reader including an imager when visible illumination is pulsed or when it is desired to pulse one or more illumination sources (whether or not visible) at a constant rate or a minimum rate, wherein the constant or minimum rate of pulses differs from a nominal frame rate of the imager.

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 signal 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: Optical reading system and methods having multiple modes of operation, for example: (1) omnidirectional and single-code picking; (2) fixed and handheld reading; (3) 1D and 2D code reading. In one configuration, an image-based system obtains input data via an area sensor such as a two dimensional CCD array with only a select portion of the data corresponding to a selected pattern of virtual scan lines being stored and processed. The system may permit a user to implement different operating modes such as a first mode of reading optical codes in any location or orientation and a second mode of reading only an optical code oriented along a particular virtual scan line or group of lines, for example lines intersecting an aiming pattern or a band of parallel virtual scan lines.

Abstract: A method of and a system for generating a dense pattern of scan lines. In a preferred configuration, a laser beam is directed into an inline beam dithering mechanism which dithers the beam over an angle parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating facet wheel. The combination of the dithering mechanism and the scanning motion of the rotating facet wheel creates a dense scan pattern. Return light is retrodirectively collected and by a collection element such as a collection lens onto a detector. A beam redirector such as a cone-shaped device having openings on both ends and a reflecting internal surface is disposed between the collection lens and the detector to redirect off-axis spot onto the detector. The system and method is applicable to both single and multiple beam systems and single and multiple window scanners.