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 self-checkout system for a retail establishment that allows a customer to checkout multiple items having respective identification codes, the system includes a computer having memory with a buffer, an identification code reader coupled to the computer for determining the identifications of the items by the identification codes, a security verification mechanism coupled to the computer for verifying that the items actually being checked out from the retail establishment are the same as those identified by the identification code reader, and whereby the computer is adapted to store identification information of multiple items obtained by the identification code reader in the buffer before verifying that the items actually being checked out from the retail establishment are the same as those identified by the identification code reader.

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.

Abstract: In a bar code scanning system, decoding of character information is enhanced through methods for up-front determination of symbology being decoded. In one aspect, symbology type (binary or multi-width) is determined from gathered element width information and utilized in determining appropriate decoding methods to be implemented. In another aspect, various indicators may be systematically utilized in order to rank the probability of label information comprising certain symbologies. Ratings from each indicator are weighted and utilized to assess the symbologies with the highest chance of successful decoding and to rank symbologies in order based on likelihood of successful decoding. Decoding methods for the symbologies with the highest chance of success are implemented first with those of lower chance of success being implemented last, or not at all.

Abstract: An integrated optics module for an optical scanning system that includes a scanning mechanism that generates a scan pattern from a laser beam is provided. The module includes an optics block, a laser mounted on the optics block, routing optics mounted on the optics block in the path of the laser beam emitted from the laser, a collection lens disposed on a surface of the optics block, and mounting fixtures configured to mount the optics module to the scanner housing in a fixed position. The routing optics are configured to route the laser beam through the collection lens toward the scanning mechanism when the module is mounted in the scanner system. If the laser beam routed through the collection lens is pre-aligned, no additional scanner system optical alignment is required when the optics module is mounted into the scanner housing.

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: Method and apparatus for scanning items with a compact scanner which is mountable onto and/or integral with a pointing instrument. The scanner module may be equipped with an aiming beam for additional help in directing the scan line toward the object to be read. The pointing instrument may be a pen or pencil or alternately a pen-based computer stylus for use with an integrated data terminal module operably connected to the scanner module. Security for preventing separation of the module may be provided by a wireless link.

Abstract: An optical system and method for data reading. The preferred system is directed to a scanner which includes a multiple beam source such as a laser diode and a beam splitter which generates 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 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: In a bar code scanning systems, a variety of decoding methods may be systematically implemented to effect decoding of label information from scans of label data. Differently aggressive decoding methods may be selected, either manually or automatically (such as by programming in a variety of manners) to decode label symbologies. In a first aspect, decoding of a digital representation of an input signal may be attempted first with decoding of part or all of the analog signal being undertaken only after a number of attempts at the digital signal prove unsuccessful. In this manner, system resources and decoding time may be saved. In a further aspect, levels of decoding techniques varying in aggressiveness are programmed such that more secure, less aggressive techniques are attempted first with less secure, more aggressive techniques being implemented sequentially and systematically until successful decoding is obtained.

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 method for driving a resonant electromagnetically-actuated motor, such as those used to scan a light source for date reading applications, wherein drive current is applied when the back-EMF induced in the actuator coil is zero and has a specific slope, and that drive current is removed after the induced back-EMF voltage has changed by a predetermined constant value. The drive circuit will drive the motor across a scan angle which remains substantially constant regardless of changes in ambient temperature, changes in motor orientation, or externally applied forces.

Abstract: A variety of PC card interfaces to interface from many different types of input devices to Personal Digital Assistants or palmtop computers through PCMCIA slots. The disclosed interfaces can receive data in undecoded format from laser based, wand based or CCD based barcode scanning engines, decode the data to alphanumeric characters and pass the decoded data to the PDA via the PCMCIA 68 pin bus. Other PC card based interfaces are also disclosed which can accept input data in the form of ASCII or EBCDIC characters from virtually any type of input device which a standard serial or parallel output or custom output bus and input that data to the PDA through the PCMCIA bus. Some embodiments use programmed general purpose microprocessors to decode undecoded barcode scan data on the PC card. Other embodiments use custom-programmed, commercially available barcode decoding chips to decode incoming undecoded barcode scan data.

Abstract: An integrated optics module for an optical scanning system that includes a scanning mechanism that generates a scan pattern from a laser beam is provided. The module includes an optics block, a laser mounted on the optics block, routing optics mounted on the optics block in the path of the laser beam emitted from the laser, a collection lens disposed on a surface of the optics block, and mounting fixtures configured to mount the optics module to the scanner housing in a fixed position. The routing optics are configured to route the laser beam through the collection lens toward the scanning mechanism when the module is mounted in the scanner system. If the laser beam routed through the collection lens is pre-aligned, no additional scanner system optical alignment is required when the optics module is mounted into the scanner housing.

Abstract: A micro-optical system with autofocus capability utilizing micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) to vary the focus of the beam achieving increased depth of field and improved poor quality reading. The disclosed micro-optical system includes a light source, a micro-optical element positioned adjacent the light source, a detector configured to provide detection information based at least in part on a location of an object, a processor configured to calculate and transmit, and an actuator configured to adjust the relative spacing of the micro-optical element and the light source based at least n part on the actuation information received. In another embodiment, end-user or OEM focus is disclosed wherein the scanner is varied by altering the focus parameters input by the user. In this embodiment, the focus parameters are dependent on the application for which the scanner is to be used.

Abstract: A code scanner includes a laser beam generating a flying spot across a read axis of a code. The flying spot generates modulated reflected illumination that is detected by a photodetector assembly. The photodetector assembly includes a lenticular array with a plurality of lens elements and a mask with a plurality of horizontal mask space regions bounded by opaque regions to block a portion of ambient illumination and improve a signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: A data reading system includes a dual ended cable for connecting an electronic article surveillance (EAS) antenna located on a data reader with a separate radio frequency identification (RFID) reading device. The dual ended cable has different termination impedances at either end, and has an impedance matching network at one end. The impedance matching network matches the impedance of the EAS antenna to the RFID reading device, thereby eliminating signal reflection and enabling the data reader to be used with the RFID reading equipment.

Abstract: In a bar code scanning system, character reconstruction and element level processing techniques enable label information to be recreated from defective or corrupted information that would otherwise be undecodable by standard decoding algorithms. Reconstruction methods allow for undecodable characters or elements to be reconstructed from partial information based upon known or expected structural characteristics for the particular label symbologies being decoded. Element edge histograms, edge strength indicators and quality measures are used to enhance label readability and bar code scanner decoding capabilities.

Abstract: A method of biometrically identifying a customer of a retail or non-retail establishment to facilitate or enhance the customer's shopping experience. The method includes obtaining a biometric profile representative of a biometric characteristic of a customer using a biometric sensing device; retrieving shopping history related information for the customer based on the biometric profile; and providing the customer with one or more items that facilitate or enhance the customer's shopping experience such as coupons, a shopping list, and/or a map showing the physical location of shopping list items in the retail establishment, the one or items based on the shopping history related information.

Abstract: A system and method of verifying an identification of a customer using a self-checkout system of a retail establishment, the method including capturing an image of a customer's identification at the self-checkout system and displaying the customer's identification at a location remote from the self-checkout system to verify the identification of the customer. Capturing an image of a customer's identification may include, for example, obtaining an image of a customer's drivers license, retrieving stored information that would normally be found on a customer's drivers license such as a picture of the customer and personal information on the customer, and/or obtaining an image of the customer. This information may be displayed at an attendant station of the retail establishment so that an attendant can verify the customer's identity for purchasing age-restricted items such as tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, or certain solvents, or for other purposes.

Abstract: A scanner comprising a data reader integrated with a weigh scale includes a processor that recognizes specific types of optical codes. In a preferred embodiment, when a weighable item is read by the data reader, a fixed delay timer, which prevents multiple reporting of the same item data before the timer expires, is not allowed to expire until after the item is removed from the weigh scale.