Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus packaging components of an optical reading device which may include illumination optical elements, receive optical elements, and signal processing elements. In one embodiment a single circuit board can carry multiple elements such as an image sensor together with illumination elements. In one embodiment, a control circuit can be provided that is coupled to a light source and an image sensor.

Abstract: An imaging module can comprise an image sensor and first and second circuit boards. A support assembly can also be included in the imaging module. Further included in the imaging module can be a support post.

Abstract: A method for decoding a decodable symbol using an optical reader having a 2D image sensor that is configured to operate in a partial frame capture operating mode. In a partial frame operating mode, the reader clocks out and captures at least one partial frame of image data having image data corresponding to less than all of the pixels of an image sensor pixel array. In one embodiment, the reader operating in a partial frame operating mode captures image data corresponding to a linear pattern of pixels of the image sensor, reads the image data, and attempts to decode for a decodable bar code symbol which may be represented in the image data.

Abstract: The invention is an optical reader having a plurality of image sensors. Each image sensor of a plural image sensor optical reader can be disposed on an imaging module that can include a light source. In one embodiment, a frame of image data captured via actuation of an image sensor of a first imaging module and actuation of illumination of a second imaging module is subjected to decoding. The various modules of a multiple imaging module reader can be adapted to have different best focus positions so that a field depth of the reader is improved.

Abstract: An imaging module in one embodiment includes at least one multiple color emitting light source comprising a plurality of different colored LED dies each independently driveable so that the overall color emitted by the light source can be controlled and varied. The multiple color emitting light source can be controlled so that the color emitted by the light source is optimized for imaging or reading in a present application environment of the module. Further, the module can be configured so that control of the multiple color emitting light source automatically varies depending on a sensed condition, such a color present in a field of view of the module, the distance of the module to a target, and/or a predetermined criteria being met so that feedback is provided to a user. The module in a further aspect can include illumination light sources and aiming light sources which project light in different wavelength emission bands.

Abstract: A method of conducting a business transaction involving information recorded in an encoded indicium using an optical reader having a 2D image sensor that is configured to operate in a partial frame capture mode. In a partial frame operating mode, the reader clocks out and captures at least one partial frame of image data having image data corresponding to less than all of the pixels of an image sensor pixel array. In one embodiment, the reader operating in a partial frame operating mode captures image data corresponding to a linear pattern of pixels of the image sensor, reads the image data, attempts to decode for a decodable 1D symbol which may be represented in the image data, and captures a full frame of image data if the image data reading reveals a 2D symbol is likely to be present in a full field of view of the 2D image sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is an imaging module including a frame supporting various optical components and a circuit board, which, in one embodiment, carries essentially an entirety of illumination and aiming LED's of the module. The frame may include resilient fingers which enable the frame to receive certain optical components in a snap-fit arrangement. Further, the module may be arranged so that the outer walls of the module provide a containment for preventing structural damage to sensitive internal components of the module.

Abstract: The invention is an optical reader having a plurality of imaging modules. In one method for operating a multiple imaging module reader of the invention, a second frame of image data captured via actuation of a second imaging module is automatically captured and subjected to decoding in the case an attempt to decode using a frame of image data captured via actuation of a first imaging module fails. In another embodiment, a frame of image data captured via actuation of an image sensor of a first module and actuation of illumination of a second imaging module is subjected to decoding. In another embodiment, frames of image data captured via actuation of image sensors of spaced apart modules are combined. The various modules of a multiple imaging module reader can be adapted to have different best focus positions so that a field depth of the reader is improved.

Abstract: The invention is an optical reader having a plurality of imaging modules. In one method for operating a multiple imaging module reader of the invention, a second frame of image data captured via actuation of a second imaging module is automatically captured and subjected to decoding in the case an attempt to decode using a frame of image data captured via actuation of a first imaging module fails. In another embodiment, a frame of image data captured via actuation of an image sensor of a first module and actuation of illumination of a second imaging module is subjected to decoding. In another embodiment, frames of image data captured via actuation of image sensors of spaced apart modules are combined. The various modules of a multiple imaging module reader can be adapted to have different best focus positions so that a field depth of the reader is improved.

Abstract: The invention is an optical reader having a plurality of imaging modules. In one method for operating a multiple imaging module reader of the invention, a second frame of image data captured via actuation of a second imaging module is automatically captured and subjected to decoding in the case an attempt to decode using a frame of image data captured via actuation of a first imaging module fails. In another embodiment, a frame of image data captured via actuation of an image sensor of a first module and actuation of illumination of a second imaging module is subjected to decoding. In another embodiment, frames of image data captured via actuation of image sensors of spaced apart modules are combined. The various modules of a multiple imaging module reader can be adapted to have different best focus positions so that a field depth of the reader is improved.

Abstract: In the present invention, the control unit of an optical reader analyzes image data being generated by the imaging element of the reader and changes the mode of operation of the reader if the image data indicates that machine readable indicia, such as a bar code symbol or a text character, is likely in the field of view of the reader. Normally, analysis of image data includes the step of detecting for edge transitions in the image information. If the control unit determines that the image data includes more than a predetermined number of edge transitions, then the control unit imparts appropriate control over various reader elements to change the mode of operation of the reader. Normally, the control unit changes the mode of operation of the reader from a first mode, wherein the reader does not operate to decode or recognize image data to a second mode, wherein the reader operates to decode and/or recognize image data.

Abstract: The present invention is an imaging module including various optical components and a circuit board, which, in one embodiment, carries essentially an entirety of illumination and aiming LEDs of the module. The module includes a combination of features which result in the size of the module being reduced. The module may comprise a refractive optic diffuser plate manufactured using a textured surface mold.

Abstract: The invention is an optical reader having a 2D image sensor that is configured to operate in a partial frame capture mode. In a partial frame operating mode, the reader clocks out and captures at least one partial frame of image data having image data corresponding to less than all of the pixels of an image sensor pixel array. In one embodiment, the reader operating in a partial frame operating mode captures image data corresponding to a linear pattern of pixels of the image sensor, reads the image data, attempts to decode for a decodable 1D symbol which may be represented in the image data, and captures a full frame of image data if the image data reading reveals a 2D symbol is likely to be present in a full field of view of the 2D image sensor.

Abstract: The present invention is an imaging module including various optical components and a circuit board, which, in one embodiment, carries essentially an entirety of illumination and aiming LEDs of the module. The module includes a combination of features which result in the size of the module being reduced. The module may comprise a refractive optic diffuser plate manufactured using a textured surface mold.

Abstract: In the present invention, the control unit of an optical reader analyzes image data being generated by the imaging element of the reader and changes the mode of operation of the reader if the image data indicates that machine readable indicia, such as a bar code symbol or a text character, is likely in the field of view of the reader. Normally, analysis of image data includes the step of detecting for edge transitions in the image information. If the control unit determines that the image data includes more than a predetermined number of edge transitions, then the control unit imparts appropriate control over various reader elements to change the mode of operation of the reader. Normally, the control unit changes the mode of operation of the reader from a first mode, wherein the reader does not operate to decode or recognize image data to a second mode, wherein the reader operates to decode and/or recognize image data.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for processing image data corresponding a scene comprising an imaging device and an image reading instruction indicia. In accordance with the invention, image data corresponding to a scene comprising an image reading instruction indicia is processed in a manner that depends on features of the image reading instruction indicia. If the image reading instruction indicia is of a type whose size, scaling, orientation, and distortion can be determined, scaling, orientation, and distortion characteristics determined from the image reading instruction indicia can be used to improve the image reading process.

Abstract: An imaging module in one embodiment includes a printed circuit board, an image sensor electrically connected to the printed circuit board, a support assembly for supporting at least one optical element, and an illumination system for generating an illumination pattern onto a target. The illumination system may include illumination light sources and diffusers for diffusing light from the illumination light sources. The module may further include an aiming system having an aiming light source, an aperture for stopping light from the aiming light source, and an optical element for projecting an aiming pattern into target area. Either or both of the illumination and aiming systems may include light redirecting elements such as mirrors or prisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for processing image data corresponding a scene comprising an imaging device and an image reading instruction indicia. In accordance with the invention, image data corresponding to a scene comprising an image reading instruction indicia is processed in a manner that depends on features of the image reading instruction indicia. If the image reading instruction indicia is of a type whose size, scaling, orientation, and distortion can be determined, scaling, orientation, and distortion characteristics determined from the image reading instruction indicia can be used to improve the image reading process.

Abstract: The invention is an optical reader having a 2D image sensor that is configured to operate in a partial frame capture mode. In a partial frame operating mode, the reader clocks out and captures at least one partial frame of image data having image data corresponding to less than all of the pixels of an image sensor pixel array. In one embodiment, the reader operating in a partial frame operating mode captures image data corresponding to a linear pattern of pixels of the image sensor, reads the image data, attempts to decode for a decodable 1D symbol which may be represented in the image data, and captures a full frame of image data if the image data reading reveals a 2D symbol is likely to be present in a full field of view of the 2D image sensor.

Abstract: An imaging module in one embodiment includes at least one multiple color emitting light source comprising a plurality of different colored LED dies each independently driveable so that the overall color emitted by the light source can be controlled and varied. The multiple color emitting light source can be controlled so that the color emitted by the light source is optimized for imaging or reading in a present application environment of the module. Further, the module can be configured so that control of the multiple color emitting light source automatically varies depending on a sensed condition, such a color present in a field of view of the module, the distance of the module to a target, and/or a predetermined criteria being met so that feedback is provided to a user. The module in a further aspect can include illumination light sources and aiming light sources which project light in different wavelength emission bands.