Abstract: An exposure control apparatus for use with optical readers, such as bar code readers, which utilize photosensitive image sensors. An illumination signal generating circuit generates an illumination signal having a magnitude that varies in accordance with the illumination level at the image sensor. A window detecting circuit samples the illumination signal during a predetermined part of each scan to determine whether the illumination signal is within the window, has exited the window, or has re-entered the window. Exposure control circuitry uses the output of the window detecting circuit to control which of a plurality of the subdivisions of the exposure control range of the image sensor will be used. Changes in exposure time are made only between adjacent subdivisions of the exposure control range. Together with a predetermined hysteresis between the exit and re-entry thresholds of the window, the latter changes stabilize the operation of the reader by reducing exposure control “hunting”.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for voiding a security document. The system voids a security document by supplying heat to a localized area of a specially configured security document. According to the invention, conductive material is formed on a document so that at least one relatively higher resistance section is formed on the document. When a voltage is supplied to the document, a relatively high amount of heat is supplied to the document about the area of the relatively higher resistance section. Heat-sensitive material may be formed about the location of the relatively higher resistance section such that the heat sensitive material becomes visible or changes color when a voltage is supplied to the document.

Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are attained by apparatus for adjusting the position of a line of light in barcode space that includes a support frame having a rear housing containing a solid state imager and a pair of support arms extending forwardly from the front of the housing. An imaging lens is mounted between the arms for focusing an image of a target in barcode space upon the solid state imager along the optical axis of the imaging lens. Illuminating LEDs are mounted on either side of the imaging lens for illuminating the target. The illumination is passed through a pair of cylindrical lenses that are adjustably mounted upon the distal ends of the arm so that the light can be selectively positioned in barcode space.

Abstract: The invention is a multiterminal data collection network including a plurality of terminals and a base station configured so that each data collection terminal can be programmed in accordance with one of a predetermined number of available application. When a data collection terminal such as a bar code reader is programmed to operate in accordance with a particular application, the reader operates according to a data collection protocol that is the same as the data collection protocol of each other reader in the network programmed to operate in accordance with that same application. In another aspect of the invention, a base station normally transmits messages received from different readers according to different transmission protocols if the readers are programmed to operate in accordance with different applications, and transmits messages received from different readers according to the same protocol if the readers are programmed in accordance with the same application.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus for processing a lottery game ticket including an imaging subsystem, and a controller for capturing image data corresponding to substantially at least one entire surface of the game ticket. The apparatus determines if scratch-off material has been removed from the game ticket by analyzing the captured image data. In one embodiment, the apparatus further includes a brander for marking the game ticket with a mark indicating that the ticket has been received in the apparatus. The controller may determine whether the ticket has been previously played by analyzing image data captured prior to the ticket being branded. The controller may also authenticate a game ticket by analyzing image data captured subsequent to the ticket being branded.

Abstract: An optical reader is suitable for reading 2-dimensional indicia. The optical reading device, that may include a bar code reader, comprises a guide whose length along the optical reader optical axis is such that when that guide contacts the part or equipment surrounding the indicia to be read, that indicia is within the optical reader depth of field. The reader comprises a housing having therein a source of illumination and optics for producing a diverging beam for illuminating indica. A spacing element transparent guide is removably attached to the housing, and does not block indicia. The line of contact of the guide with the data carrier is substantially fully visible to the operator, who can thus confirm that the guide is in proper operating position relative to the indica prior to initiating a reading operation. A reading operation can be initiated by pressing on the guide to actuate a switch, or on a manual trigger.