Abstract: A bar code reader 10 includes a housing 20 including one or more transparent windows H, V and defining a housing interior region. As a target object is swiped or presented in relation to the transparent windows an image of the target object is captured. Cameras C1-C6 have an image capture sensor array with a global shutter is positioned within the housing interior region for capturing an image of a bar code within a camera field of view. All the cameras produce images in a sequential manner during an image frame time period. An image processing system has a processor for decoding a bar code carried by the target object. The processing system responds to signals from a light sensor to terminate object illumination when an adequate image exposure has transpired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for powering a handheld device. The method includes measuring a current withdrawn by the handheld device from a USB port of the handheld device. The handheld device can include a barcode reading arrangement for reading a barcode on a target object. The method also includes withdrawing a supplementary current from an energy storage element in the handheld device if the current withdrawn from the USB port reaches a threshold current value.

Abstract: The exemplary bar code reader has an auto-focusing component positioned between a photo-detector array and an object having target indicia. The auto-focusing component has a lens system for focusing the target indicia at an imaging plane that generally co-incides with a plane of the photo-detector array. An electromagnetic coil actuator is coupled to an adjustable aperture such that activation of the coil actuator moves the adjustable aperture into and out of the imaging field of view to adjust a focusing on the target indicia. The autofocus component is fixed when the moveable aperture is within the field of view for focusing on objects close to the reader and when the aperture is removed, the autofocus is effective in imaging objects at a greater distance from the reader.

Abstract: A system for removing artifacts caused by x-ray reflective materials from an x-ray image of a patient's teeth. The system includes an x-ray source, an x-ray detector that captures several x-ray images, and a surface scanner that captures a surface scan of the patient's teeth. An image processor generates three-dimensional models from the optical surface data and the CT volumetric data. The models are resized and oriented to be of the same scale and orientation and then overlaid to create a combined data set. Data points that extend beyond the surface of the patient's teeth in the surface model are identified and may be removed if it is determined that they are artifacts. An artifact-reduced CT model is then displayed.

Abstract: An ABS tone ring is made of a thermo-set plastic material transparent to electro-magnetic radiation. A plurality of discrete, spaced magnets or ferro-magnetic buttons is arrayed in a circle, embedded in the tone ring. The thermo-set plastic is heat tolerant and resistant to road salt and oxidation and protects the magnets or buttons from oxidation and corrosion.

Abstract: An imaging system for use in an bar code reader for imaging a target bar code. The imaging system includes a 2D sensor array generating a series of image frames and The sensor array can be selectively operated in a rolling shutter mode of operation or a pseudo global shutter mode of operation. The imaging system further includes an imaging lens assembly to focus light from the field of view onto the sensor array and an image analysis system for analyzing the series of image frames generated by the sensor array for image brightness and, based on image brightness, operating the sensor array in a selected one of the rolling shutter mode of operation and the pseudo-global shutter mode of operation.

Abstract: A variable focus imaging lens assembly for an imaging system of an imaging-based bar code reader for imaging and decoding a target bar code. The lens assembly includes an automatic focusing system for energizing a drive mechanism and imaging system to move a movable lens from the predetermined position along its path of travel and generate a series of image frames; analyzing one or more image frames of the series of image frames to determine a region of interest, the region of interest including an image of a target bar code; analyzing the region of interest in subsequent image frames of the series of image frames to determine an amount of blurring; selecting an image frame from the series of image frames having blurring less than a threshold amount of blurring; and utilizing a decoder to decode the image of the target bar code in the selected image frame.

Abstract: A method and imaging apparatus is provided for scanning and decoding a target object. The imaging apparatus (10) comprises a scanning arrangement (12) comprising a sensor assembly (22) for capturing an image from a target object. The sensor assembly (22) includes a sensor array (27) located within the sensor assembly. A programmable microprocessor (13) is located within and coupled to the scanning arrangement (12) that operates an electronic shutter (29) for controlling the exposure time of pixels (33) located in the sensor array (27). The electronic shutter (29) includes first and second modes of exposure. An image test control system (31) associated with the scanning arrangement (12) for evaluating lighting conditions surrounding the imaging apparatus (10) and selecting an optimum mode for imaging based on the evaluation between the first mode of exposure and the second mode of exposure.

Abstract: A bar code reader 10 includes a housing 20 including one or more transparent windows H, V and defining a housing interior region. As a target object is swiped or presented in relation to the transparent windows an image of the target object is captured. Cameras C1-C6 have an image capture sensor array with a global shutter is positioned within the housing interior region for capturing an image of a bar code within a camera field of view. All the cameras produce images in a sequential manner during an image frame time period. An image processing system has a processor for decoding a bar code carried by the target object. The processing system responds to signals from a light sensor to terminate object illumination when an adequate image exposure has transpired.

Abstract: A method and imaging apparatus is provided for scanning and decoding a target object. The imaging apparatus (10) comprises a scanning arrangement (12) comprising a sensor assembly (22) for capturing an image from a target object. The sensor assembly (22) includes a sensor array (27) located within the sensor assembly. A programmable microprocessor (13) is located within and coupled to the scanning arrangement (12) that operates an electronic shutter (29) for controlling the exposure time of pixels (33) located in the sensor array (27). The electronic shutter (29) includes first and second modes of exposure. An image test control system (31) associated with the scanning arrangement (12) for evaluating lighting conditions surrounding the imaging apparatus (10) and selecting an optimum mode for imaging based on the evaluation between the first mode of exposure and the second mode of exposure.

Abstract: A multicamera imaging-based bar code reader 10 for imaging a target bar code 30 on a target object 32 features: a housing 20 supporting a plurality of transparent windows H, V and defining an interior region, an imaging system including a plurality of camera assemblies C1-C3 coupled to an image processing system, each camera assembly of the plurality of camera assemblies being positioned within the housing interior. Each camera assembly includes a sensor array. Light reflecting fold mirrors split light from a given camera assembly into portions that are directed out of the housing to different fields of view. Light bounces from a target in a camera field of view back along said light path to the image capture sensor array.

Abstract: An ABS tone ring is made of a thermo-set plastic material transparent to electro-magnetic radiation. A plurality of discrete, spaced magnets or ferro-magnetic buttons is arrayed in a circle, embedded in the tone ring. The thermo-set plastic is heat tolerant and resistant to road salt and oxidation and protects the magnets or buttons from oxidation and corrosion.

Abstract: The disclosed bar code reader includes an auto-focusing component for rapidly producing in focus images. An imaging system makes use of an aiming pattern that impinges upon the coded indicia of a target. The imaging system includes a light monitoring pixel array and a focusing lens that is fixed with respect to the pixel array for transmitting an image of the target object onto the pixel array. The bar code reader also includes an illumination system comprising one or more light emitting diodes for illuminating a the target within a field of view defined by the optical system. A drive circuit coupled to the light emitting diodes of the illumination system including at least one energy storage capacitor for providing an electrical pulse that illuminates the target. A controller selectively energizes the light emitting diodes by discharging the at least one capacitor of the drive circuit.

Abstract: A variable focus imaging lens assembly for an imaging system of an imaging-based bar code reader for imaging and decoding a target bar code. The lens assembly includes an automatic focusing system for energizing a drive mechanism and imaging system to move a movable lens from the predetermined position along its path of travel and generate a series of image frames; analyzing one or more image frames of the series of image frames to determine a region of interest, the region of interest including an image of a target bar code; analyzing the region of interest in subsequent image frames of the series of image frames to determine an amount of blurring; selecting an image frame from the series of image frames having blurring less than a threshold amount of blurring; and utilizing a decoder to decode the image of the target bar code in the selected image frame.

Abstract: A multicamera imaging-based bar code reader for imaging a target bar code on a target object features: a housing supporting a plurality of transparent windows and defining an interior region, a target object being presented to the plurality of windows for imaging a target bar code; an imaging system including a plurality of camera assemblies coupled to an image processing system, each camera assembly of the plurality of camera assemblies being positioned within the housing interior position. Each camera assembly includes a sensor array and an imaging lens assembly for focusing a field of view of the camera assembly onto the sensor array and wherein the sensor array is read out at a predetermined frame rate. The predetermined frame rate of at least one camera assembly is less than the predetermined frame rates of the other camera assemblies.

Abstract: An imaging system for use in an bar code reader for imaging a target bar code. The imaging system includes a 2D sensor array generating a series of image frames and The sensor array can be selectively operated in a rolling shutter mode of operation or a pseudo global shutter mode of operation. The imaging system further includes an imaging lens assembly to focus light from the field of view onto the sensor array and an image analysis system for analyzing the series of image frames generated by the sensor array for image brightness and, based on image brightness, operating the sensor array in a selected one of the rolling shutter mode of operation and the pseudo-global shutter mode of operation.

Abstract: An imaging-based bar code reader that includes an imaging and decoding system. Focusing optics and a sensor array define a field of view. An exemplary system has an image sensor includes multiple configuration registers. With multiple configuration registers a video mode can be implemented where the video consists of a continuous sequence of frames with a fixed sequence a number of configurations. The configurations can vary the frame size, exposure time, gain, etc. Compared to a sensor with only one set of configuration registers, successive frames can be captured with different configurations without synchronization issues or frame lag.

Abstract: An exciter ring/disc brake rotor assembly allows snap in fitting of the exciter ring onto the disc brake rotor. Either of two snap fit mechanisms limits clocking of the ring in use.

Abstract: Operating a bi-optic imaging scanner (300) to image a target bar code (308). The scanner (300) including a plurality of camera assemblies (C1-C6). An image processing system (330) including a preprocessor (332) simultaneously receiving captured image data (350) corresponding to image frames (IF1-IF6) of each of the plurality of camera assemblies (C1-C6) and storing the captured image data in a preprocessor memory (334). The preprocessor (332) generating statistical information (SI) regarding the captured image data (350) stored in the preprocessor memory (334) to facilitate identification of regions of the image frames (IF1-IF6) wherein an image (308?) of the target bar code (308) may be present. The preprocessor (332) transferring selected captured image data (350) corresponding to identified regions of the image frames to a main system memory (338). A main processor (336) operates on selected captured image data (350) to decode the target bar code (308).

Abstract: A system and method utilizing the principles of axial chromatic aberration for auto-focusing an image onto an image sensor are provided. The system and method are particularly suitable for incorporation within an optical code reader. A signal processor analyzes data signals representative of the intensity or magnitude of wavelength components of an impinged image onto the image sensor for determining a value indicative of the focus quality of the impinged image. An actuator controls movement of a lens in accordance with the determination until obtainment of a desired focus quality. A decoder decodes the image having the desired focus quality.