Abstract: A dual laser targeting system is described. At least one pair of lasers is arranged symmetrically about an objective lens in a symbology reader. The lasers project a beam along their respective axis, which, when an optical element is placed in front of the laser, produces multiple beams concentric about each laser axis. These multiple beams produce a composite pattern that appears to be symmetrical about the optical axis of the objective lens. The resulting targeting pattern includes laser beam spots that frame the field of view (FOV) of the symbology reader, and the laser beam spots on the laser axes frame the optical center of the target.

Abstract: An image reader capable of operating in two modes for imaging a target is described. It includes an image sensor, a free-space objective lens system and an optically encoded lens system each adapted to direct light reflected from the target onto the image sensor, and a processor for processing signals from the image sensor. In one mode, the processor processes signals produced by light from the free-space objective lens system and in the other mode, the processor processes signals produced by light from the optically encoded lens system. To achieve this, the two lens systems may direct light to two different areas on the image sensor, or the lens systems may be selectively controlled to direct light from one or other of the systems onto the image sensor.

Abstract: A method of constructing an image reader module and the image reader are described. The image reader module includes two or more circuit boards in a stacked configuration. Corresponding notches for receiving supports are formed along adjacent edges of the boards, which also have electrical contact points at the edges of each board connected to circuits on the boards. The supports are mounted in the notches between the two or more circuit boards to structurally interconnect the boards. Each of the supports, which may be flex cables or conductive bus bars, have one or more electrical conductors that are electrically connected to the contact points on the boards to electrically interconnect the boards, whereby the connections between the electrical conductors and the contact points form test points for the module. The notches may be substantially rectangular to receive the flex cable or may be slots to receive a bus bar.

Abstract: A method of constructing an image reader module and the image reader are described. The image reader module includes two or more circuit boards in a stacked configuration. Corresponding notches for receiving supports are formed along adjacent edges of the boards, which also have electrical contact points at the edges of each board connected to circuits on the boards. The supports are mounted in the notches between the two or more circuit boards to structurally interconnect the boards. Each of the supports, which may be flex cables or conductive bus bars, have one or more electrical conductors that are electrically connected to the contact points on the boards to electrically interconnect the boards, whereby the connections between the electrical conductors and the contact points form test points for the module. The notches may be substantially rectangular to receive the flex cable or may be slots to receive a bus bar.

Abstract: A method of constructing an image reader module and the image reader are described. The image reader module includes two or more circuit boards in a stacked configuration. Corresponding notches for receiving supports are formed along adjacent edges of the boards, which also have electrical contact points at the edges of each board connected to circuits on the boards. The supports are mounted in the notches between the two or more circuit boards to structurally interconnect the boards. Each of the supports, which may be flex cables or conductive bus bars, have one or more electrical conductors that are electrically connected to the contact points on the boards to electrically interconnect the boards, whereby the connections between the electrical conductors and the contact points form test points for the module. The notches may be substantially rectangular to receive the flex cable or may be slots to receive a bus bar.

Abstract: A range-finding system for a portable image reader is described. The range-finding system uses a distance-measuring device, such as an ultrasonic transducer, to determine the distance between the reader and a target, such as a label containing a bar code. An operator receives a visual indication which will assist in positioning the image reader within the optimal reading range of the target. The visual indicator may include three LED's of different color or with different blinking rates which will indicate to the operator that the reader is short, long or in the optimal reading range of the reader. In one embodiment, the reader would automatically cycle through an image acquisition or decode sequence when range finder detects that the target is within the optimal reading range of the reader. In another embodiment, the visual indicator will prompt the operator to manually trigger the image acquisition or decode sequence once the reader is positioned within the optimal reading range.

Abstract: A targeting system for a portable image reader, which advantageously combines a number of functions including alignment, aiming, framing and range finding and provides a wide imaging range with an optimal field of view, is described. The targeting system projects a predetermined pattern having two or more components onto the target such that the components maintain a uniform distance between one another to bound the target and further vary in size as a function of their distance between the image reader and the target. The targeting system comprises targeting LED's, apertures positioned over the targeting LED's, and cylindrical lenses positioned over the apertures. With this arrangement, at least two vertical lines are projected onto a target such that the lines maintain a uniform distance apart from one another, but vary in length as a function of the reader distance from the target. This allows the operator to quickly position the imaging device over a target.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for processing pixel output signals from column lines in an imager having an array of pixels in rows and columns uses a sigma-delta type analog-to-digital converter to convert the output signals on each column line to digital signals and feeding them to a digital signal processor. The converter is monitored to stop sampling of a pixel with the detection of pixel saturation, which is carried out by counting a predetermined number of consecutive zeros in the converted signal. In addition, the next pixel in a column may be controlled to be read with the saturation of the previous pixel, and the next row of pixels may be controlled to be read with the saturation of the pixels in the previous row. Further, sets of a predetermined number of converter output samples are condensed by a decimator into binary numbers of predetermined bit length.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is directed to a method and apparatus which allows a “rolling shutter” type of read out sequence in a pixel array that is read using a double sampling technique by having the rows of pixels reset a second time in each of their cycles for a second sampling while the rows are being accessed for reading. In this way, each pixel is sampled to compare its voltage level after integration to its voltage level as it is reset. In accordance with the present invention, the row access signal or a signal that is used to generate the row access signal, is used to generate a second reset signal at the correct time while the row is being accessed. The invention is particularly applicable to image sensors having light sensitive elements that are CMOS pixels, and in particular three transistor pixels.

Abstract: The optical image reader is versatile since it can be assembled for use in a variety of reader applications, such as an ultra high definition reader, a high definition reader, a standard reader and an ultra long range reader. In addition to a housing enclosing an image sensor, an adjustable objective lens assembly for focusing an image of a target on the image sensor and a light source for illuminating and/or targeting the target, the reader includes a light shaping optical element array comprising optical elements assembled together as an integral unit and adapted to be fixed to the housing for shaping and directing light on the target. The optical elements are mounted on a panel, which is adapted to be fixed to the reader housing either permanently, or releasably to permit replacement of the panel on the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to optimize the configuration of a symbology reader without the need for user intervention. Following a predetermined number of successful decodes, the reader automatically determines the symbology of interest and disables the decoding algorithms not being used. For example, if after four or five successful decodes have occurred and the unit determines that all of the successful decodes were of a single symbology type such as a PDF417 barcode, all other decoding algorithms, with the exception of the PDF417 decoder, will be disabled. Other embodiments may be included which adjust the scan window size and the image capture parameters of the reader based on the symbology of interest.

Abstract: The present invention implements an automated blank time function, which calculates a horizontal and/or a vertical blank time for a desired integration time and window size. Input data and control signals for predetermined integration time and window size are provided to a register interface, which generates configuration signals. The configuration signals are applied to machines, which generate reset control signals and read control signals from the configuration signals for controlling the imager.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an optical reader station for reading an object and a method of controlling an illumination source in the station for illuminating the object. The optical reader station comprises a mount for an optical reader and a stand with a surface for receiving the object; the optical reader includes an imager with an object field of view in which the object to be read is positioned. The station further includes a radiation source positioned within the object field of view and arranged to be obstructed by the object when the object is in position to be read. A detection mechanism, which is positioned to receive radiation from the radiation source when the radiation source is not obstructed by the object, deactivates the illumination source when radiation source radiation is detected.

Abstract: A targeting system for a portable image reader, which advantageously combines a number of functions including alignment, aiming, framing and range finding and provides a wide imaging range with an optimal field of view, is described. The targeting system projects a predetermined pattern having two or more components onto the target such that the components maintain a uniform distance between one another to bound the target and further vary in size as a function of their distance between the image reader and the target. The targeting system comprises targeting LED's, apertures positioned over the targeting LED's, and cylindrical lenses positioned over the apertures. With this arrangement, at least two vertical lines are projected onto a target such that the lines maintain a uniform distance apart from one another, but vary in length as a function of the reader distance from the target. This allows the operator to quickly position the imaging device over a target.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for resetting an Active Pixel Sensor (APS) array comprises a controller for sequentially pre-resetting groups of one or more sensors in the array and then simultaneously resetting all of the sensors. The groups may be formed from one or more adjacent or non-adjacent individual sensors, rows or columns of sensors. The apparatus may further include a detector for sensing the bias voltage present on the array substrate in order for the controller to determine the number of sensors in the groups being reset. This method and apparatus assure that current flow is kept at a fairly steady level to avoid large variations in current flow that may disrupt other functioning circuits on the substrate including latch-up.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an imaging device and a method of operating the imaging device, which will reduce banding in the image caused by parasitic capacitance. The imaging device comprises an array of pixels arranged in rows and columns and column signal lines adapted to be selectively coupled to the rows of pixels at predetermined times. Each pixel element has a photodetector coupled to a reset switch for receiving a reset signal to reset the photodetector. The imaging device further includes a precharge circuit adapted to place a voltage on the column signal lines. The method of operating the imaging device includes the steps of applying a precharge voltage to the signal lines, resetting the photodetectors in a row, integrating the photodetector voltage as light impinges on the reset photodetectors, coupling the integrated photodetectors to the signal lines, and sampling the integrated voltage coupled to each of the signal lines.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is directed to a method and apparatus which allows a “rolling shutter” type of read out sequence in a pixel array that is read using a double sampling technique by having the rows of pixels reset a second time in each of their cycles for a second sampling while the rows are being accessed for reading. In this way, each pixel is sampled to compare its voltage level after integration to its voltage level as it is reset. In accordance with the present invention, the row access signal or a signal that is used to generate the row access signal, is used to generate a second reset signal at the correct time while the row is being accessed. The invention is particularly applicable to image sensors having light sensitive elements that are CMOS pixels, and in particular three transistor pixels.

Abstract: An interface for receiving data from an image sensor having an imaging array and a clock generator and for transferring the data to a processor system is described. The interface comprises a memory for storing the imaging array data and the clocking signals at a rate determined by the clocking signals. In response to the quantity of data in the memory, a signal generator generates a signal for transmission to the processor system and a circuit controls the transfer of the data from the memory at a rate determined by the processor system. The memory may be a first-in first-out (FIFO) buffer or an addressable memory. The interface is preferably integrated on the same die as the image sensor. The signal generator may generate either an interrupt signal for transmission to the processor system or a bus request signal for transmission to a bus arbitration unit for the processor system.