Abstract: An imager (12) is provided for imaging target objects (26) comprising an illumination source (22) for providing illumination (24) that is reflected (30) from a target object (26), an intensity of the illumination being a function of a magnitude of current provided to the illumination source (22) and photosensitive circuitry (36) located within the imager (12) for capturing an image reflected from the target object (26) to the imager (12) while the imager is activated during an exposure period. The imager (12) further comprises a selectively adjustable imaging mode (120) for selecting either of: the magnitude of current (130) provided to the illumination source (22) or exposure period (230) of the imager such that the other of the magnitude of current or exposure period of the imager is automatically adjusted (150, 240) as a result of the selection.

Abstract: A scan engine (52, 66) for imaging a target object (30) comprises a photosensitive circuitry (58, 76) located within the scan engine (52, 66) for capturing an image reflected from a target object (30) to the scan engine (52, 66). A communication interface (60, 78) is disposed within the scan engine (52, 66) and coupled to the photosensitive circuitry (58, 76) for communicating an undecoded signal (62, 80) to a remote device (14) over a digital serial interface.

Abstract: A method and system for estimating weight of a trailer (10) being towed by a tractor (22) along a generally horizontal underlying surface. A portion of the trailer weight is borne on the tractor fifth wheel (26) and the remainder by rear wheels (18) rolling on the underlying surface. The tractor accelerates the trailer from an initial velocity to a final velocity over a time interval that is measured by a timer. The force that the tractor needed to exert on the trailer in order to change the velocity is also measured. Various data, including that force, are processed according to an algorithm to calculate the weight of the trailer by itself. Other data processed includes data (N0) representing the portion of the weight of the trailer borne through the tractor, data representing the change in velocity of propulsion (?v), data representing length of the interval of time (t), and data (?k) representing coefficient of friction of the wheels (18) with the underlying surface.

Abstract: An automatic focusing system for an imaging-based bar code reader. The automatic focusing system employs a two step process for moving a lens of an imaging system along its path of travel such that a sharp image of a target bar code is projected or focused onto an imaging system pixel array. The first step is laser ranging which utilizes a laser beam for range finding. Laser ranging determines a distance between the imaging system pixel array and the target bar code. Given the determined distance, the automatic focusing system moves the lens to a suitable position for imaging the target bar code. If ambient conditions prevent laser ranging from properly working, the second step is focus analysis. Focus analysis involves moving the lens in accordance with a search routine and analyzing image frames of the target object to find a suitable focus position.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging an optical code is provided including the steps of consecutively imaging an optical code respectively using at least a first and a second imaging setting; generating at least first and second sets of image data respectively corresponding to the first and second imaging settings; evaluating at least one of the first and second sets of image data; and selecting at least one of the first and second sets of image data in accordance with the evaluation. The system includes an imaging engine having a lens assembly and a photo sensor array for consecutively imaging an optical code located in a field of view of the imaging engine using at least the first and the second imaging settings, and generating the at least first and second sets of image data respectively corresponding to the first and second imaging settings.

Abstract: A semiconductor detector device for detecting optical code symbols includes no more than 512 pixels. Each of the pixels has an aspect ratio that is greater than 2 to 1 with a short dimension not greater than 8 microns. In a bar code reader, a sensor for detecting the field of view of the reader includes a single semiconductor device having a collection of surfaces configured as a set of no less than 256 and no more than 512 pixels. Each of the pixels has an aspect ratio that is greater than 2 to 1, with a short dimension not less than 2 microns and not greater than 8 microns.

Abstract: An optical code reading system and method are provided for reading and decoding an optical code. The system includes a plurality of light sources, a color image sensor, a processor and a decoder. Each light source produces a unique wavelength/color of light to illuminate the optical code, such as a direct mark optical code. The image sensor detects the reflected light from the optical code and generates an integrated multi-colored image. The processor separates the integrated image into individual color channels, where each color channel includes data representative of the imaged optical code in one color. The processor analyzes the contrast for each color channel and determines which color channel has the optimum contrast. The data corresponding to the color channel having the optimum contrast is then decoded by a decoder.

Abstract: Actuator systems are provided for automatically focusing an optical image reader. Techniques are also provided which are applicable to the design of imaging engines and imaging lens systems associated with image readers of various types. More specifically, the present invention relates to lens guidance assemblies and actuator systems for automatically focusing an objective lens associated with an imaging system of an optical image reader. The optical image reader is preferably an optical code image reader for imaging optical codes, such as bar codes.

Abstract: An optical code reader is provided including imaging circuitry having an array of photo sensing devices capable of sensing light incident on the array and outputting a plurality of pixel signals corresponding to the sensed light. The reader further includes control and logic circuitry for receiving a subset of the plurality of pixel signals, processing the received subset of the plurality of pixel signals for determining if the received pixel signals meet at least one predetermined condition, and outputting a selection control signal in accordance with the processing results. A focus analysis software module executable by the control and logic circuitry determines the focus quality of the received pixel signals. A selector control software module executable by the control and logic circuitry generates a selection control signal in accordance with the determined focus quality of the received pixel signals.

Abstract: A full color image of a target and/or a monochrome image of an optical code are captured by an imaging array in which each sensor measures red, green and blue signals. Optical codes are electro-optically read with higher resolution, sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio, thereby improving performance of optical code readers.

Abstract: A semiconductor device for imaging optical code symbols comprises no more than 1024 pixels, wherein each of the pixels has an aspect ratio that is greater than 2 to 1 with a short dimension not greater than 4 ?m and not less than 2 ?m, wherein preferably the pixels are arranged in a single row. The semiconductor may have a collection surface configured as a set of no less than 256 and no more than 1024 pixels. Also provided is a bar code reader including a sensor for imaging a field of view of the reader comprising a single semiconductor device as described above.

Abstract: An optical code reader is provided including imaging circuitry having an array of photo sensing devices capable of sensing light incident on the array and outputting a plurality of pixel signals corresponding to the sensed light. The reader further includes control and logic circuitry for receiving a subset of the plurality of pixel signals, processing the received subset of the plurality of pixel signals for determining if the received pixel signals meet at least one predetermined condition, and outputting a selection control signal in accordance with the processing results. A focus analysis software module executable by the control and logic circuitry determines the focus quality of the received pixel signals. A selector control software module executable by the control and logic circuitry generates a selection control signal in accordance with the determined focus quality of the received pixel signals.

Abstract: Actuator systems are provided for automatically focusing an optical image reader. Techniques are also provided which are applicable to the design of imaging engines and imaging lens systems associated with image readers of various types. More specifically, the present invention relates to lens guidance assemblies and actuator systems for automatically focusing an objective lens associated with an imaging system of an optical image reader. The optical image reader is preferably an optical code image reader for imaging optical codes, such as bar codes.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging an optical code is provided including the steps of consecutively imaging an optical code respectively using at least a first and a second imaging setting; generating at least first and second sets of image data respectively corresponding to the first and second imaging settings; evaluating at least one of the first and second sets of image data; and selecting at least one of the first and second sets of image data in accordance with the evaluation. The system includes an imaging engine having a lens assembly and a photo sensor array for consecutively imaging an optical code located in a field of view of the imaging engine using at least the first and the second imaging settings, and generating the at least first and second sets of image data respectively corresponding to the first and second imaging settings.

Abstract: A full color image of a target and/or a monochrome image of an optical code are captured by an imaging array in which each sensor measures red, green and blue signals. Optical codes are electro-optically read with higher resolution, sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio, thereby improving performance of optical code readers.

Abstract: Molded imager optical packages are disclosed which are particularly adapted for use in miniaturized, linear sensor-based code reading engines. The package may include a one-dimensional solid state photo sensor with a small number of cells. A low F-number optical system may be integrally molded in the sensor packaging.

Abstract: A semiconductor device for imaging optical code symbols comprises no more than 1024 pixels, wherein each of the pixels has an aspect ratio that is greater than 2 to 1 with a short dimension not greater than 4 &mgr;m and not less than 2 &mgr;m, wherein preferably the pixels are arranged in a single row. The semiconductor may have a collection surface configured as a set of no less than 256 and no more than 1024 pixels. Also provided is a bar code reader including a sensor for imaging a field of view of the reader comprising a single semiconductor device as described above.

Abstract: A semiconductor detector device for detecting optical code symbols includes no more than 512 pixels. Each of the pixels has an aspect ratio that is greater than 2 to 1 with a short dimension not greater than 8 microns. In a bar code reader, a sensor for detecting the field of view of the reader includes a single semiconductor device having a collection of surfaces configured as a set of no less than 256 and no more than 512 pixels. Each of the pixels has an aspect ratio that is greater than 2 to 1, with a short dimension not less than 2 microns and not greater than 8 microns.

Abstract: Molded imager optical packages are disclosed which are particularly adapted for use in miniaturized, linear sensor-based code reading engines. The package may include a one-dimensional solid state photo sensor with a small number of cells. A low F-number optical system may be integrally molded in the sensor packaging.

Abstract: Monolithic circuit chips are disclosed which are particularly adapted for use with barcode reading, video and photographic systems. The monolithic circuit chip can include a sensor array, digitizer and decoder. The monolithic circuit chip can alternatively include an imager circuit, radio frequency circuit and memory. The memory can be one of ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), E2PROM, or Flash memory. The monolithic circuit chip can be formed using complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) techniques.