Abstract: An imager module for an optical code reader may include a camera comprising a lens system, and an actuator for moving the lens system operatively connected to the lens system for autofocus adjustment. The actuator for moving the lens system comprises a linear electric motor with a drive shaft, a position sensor device adapted to detect the position of the drive shaft within a predefined stroke length and a control device adapted to control the movement of the drive shaft. The control device and the position sensor device are integrated in a single PCB, the electric motor comprises a frame that supports the drive shaft, and the single PCB constitutes part of said frame. On optical code reader may include such an imager module.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to data readers including an improved imaging system that optimizes active and passive autofocus techniques for improving data reading functions. In an example, the data reader initially uses active autofocus techniques to focus a lens system based on a measurement reading by a rangefinder and acquire an image of an item in the field-of-view of the data reader. The data reader includes a decoding engine operable to decode an optical code of the item using the acquired image. If the decoding engine is unable to decode the optical code using the active autofocus technique, the data reader alternates to a passive autofocus technique to alter the focus settings of the lens system and reattempt the decoding process.

Abstract: A method of scanning an object may include determining that an object is proximately positioned relative to a scanning volume of a presentation scanner in response to receiving at least one object presence signal prior to scanning a code indicia positioned on the object. At least one object sensory indicator device may be activated in response to determining that the object is proximately positioned relative to the scanning volume so as to indicate that the object is proximate to the scanning volume to a user. A second level of detection and location feedback may be provided for code indicia within the scanning volume.

Abstract: An imager module for an optical code reader may include a camera comprising a lens system, and an actuator for moving the lens system operatively connected to the lens system for autofocus adjustment. The actuator for moving the lens system comprises a linear electric motor with a drive shaft, a position sensor device adapted to detect the position of the drive shaft within a predefined stroke length and a control device adapted to control the movement of the drive shaft. The control device and the position sensor device are integrated in a single PCB, the electric motor comprises a frame that supports the drive shaft, and the single PCB constitutes part of said frame. On optical code reader may include such an imager module.

Abstract: A method of scanning an object may include determining that an object is proximately positioned relative to a scanning volume of a presentation scanner in response to receiving at least one object presence signal prior to scanning a code indicia positioned on the object. At least one object sensory indicator device may be activated in response to determining that the object is proximately positioned relative to the scanning volume so as to indicate that the object is proximate to the scanning volume to a user. A second level of detection and location feedback may be provided for code indicia within the scanning volume.

Abstract: A method of scanning an object may include determining that an object is proximately positioned relative to a scanning volume of a presentation scanner in response to receiving at least one object presence signal prior to scanning a code indicia positioned on the object. At least one object sensory indicator device may be activated in response to determining that the object is proximately positioned relative to the scanning volume so as to indicate that the object is proximate to the scanning volume to a user. A second level of detection and location feedback may be provided for code indicia within the scanning volume.

Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods for a data reader having an ESD shield with integrated optical characteristics to improve illumination features of the data reader. The data reader includes an illumination module configured to generate illumination, and an ESD shield having high ESD resistance for protecting electronic and other sensitive components of the data reader. The ESD shield further includes a reflective interior surface and a spatial filter, where the reflective surface and filter together are operable to provide a uniform distribution of illumination along the body of the data reader.

Abstract: An engine for a machine-readable symbol reader includes an image sensor; at least one optical component positioned in an optical path of the image sensor, the image sensor and the at least one optical component having a receiving optical axis and a depth of field; an illumination source; and at least two optical components positioned relative to the illumination source to direct light emitted by the illumination source outward of the engine as a first beam and at least a second beam. The first and the second beams are each parallel to the receiving optical axis of the image sensor and the at least one optical component at least along the depth of field of the image sensor and the at least one optical component. The first and the second beams are opposed to one another across the receiving optical axis of the image sensor and the at least one optical component to provide a visible aiming indication when impinging on an object.

Abstract: A reader contains a housing with a window having a peripheral rim. The housing has a device for reading coded information which generates a field projecting through the window towards the outside of the housing, and has a device for visually indicating the result to a user. The visual indication device generates an indication appearing substantially at least on the window, on a portion of the peripheral rim of the window, or on a portion of the housing adjoining laterally the peripheral rim of the window. The housing portion is at least on the left side, right side, or below the window. Additionally, a camera based checkout security system includes at least a checkout security camera and a fixed position reader of coded information. The checkout security camera generates a camera field of view directed towards the window of the fixed position reader of coded information.

Abstract: An image capture module includes a liquid lens having a first and a second electrode, and a first and a second conductor element in electrical contact with the first and second electrode, respectively, the first and second conductor elements being each intended for connection with a voltage generator for driving the liquid lens. The first conductor element includes an electrically conductive body having a peripheral region for contact with the first electrode of the liquid lens with a light diaphragm aperture in a central region thereof.

Abstract: An engine for a machine-readable symbol reader includes an image sensor; at least one optical component positioned in an optical path of the image sensor, the image sensor and the at least one optical component having a receiving optical axis and a depth of field; an illumination source; and at least two optical components positioned relative to the illumination source to direct light emitted by the illumination source outward of the engine as a first beam and at least a second beam. The first and the second beams are each parallel to the receiving optical axis of the image sensor and the at least one optical component at least along the depth of field of the image sensor and the at least one optical component. The first and the second beams are opposed to one another across the receiving optical axis of the image sensor and the at least one optical component to provide a visible aiming indication when impinging on an object.

Abstract: An image capture module includes a liquid lens having a first and a second electrode, and a first and a second conductor element in electrical contact with the first and second electrode, respectively, the first and second conductor elements being each intended for connection with a voltage generator for driving the liquid lens. The first conductor element includes an electrically conductive body having a peripheral region for contact with the first electrode of the liquid lens with a light diaphragm aperture in a central region thereof.

Abstract: An image capture module includes a liquid lens having a first and a second electrode, and a first and a second conductor element in electrical contact with the first and second electrode, respectively, the first and second conductor elements being each intended for connection with a voltage generator for driving the liquid lens. The first conductor element includes an electrically conductive body having a peripheral region for contact with the first electrode of the liquid lens with a light diaphragm aperture in a central region thereof.

Abstract: An image capture module includes a liquid lens having a first and a second electrode, and a first and a second conductor element in electrical contact with the first and second electrode, respectively, the first and second conductor elements being each intended for connection with a voltage generator for driving the liquid lens. The first conductor element includes an electrically conductive body having a peripheral region for contact with the first electrode of the liquid lens with a light diaphragm aperture in a central region thereof.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and software products are described for design-time data-assignment techniques for hierarchical memories, e.g., multi-banked memories in an essentially digital system as well as methods, apparatus and software products for run-time memory management techniques of such a system. Memory assignment techniques are described for assigning data to a hierarchical memory particularly for multi-tasked applications where data of dynamically created/deleted tasks is allocated at run-time. The energy consumption of hierarchical memories such as multi-banked memories depends largely on how data is assigned to the memory banks. Methods, apparatus and software products are described for design-time data-assignment techniques for hierarchical memories, e.g., multi-banked memories in an essentially digital system which improve a cost function such as energy consumption.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and software products are described for design-time data-assignment techniques for hierarchical memories, e.g., multi-banked memories in an essentially digital system as well as methods, apparatus and software products for run-time memory management techniques of such a system. Memory assignment techniques are described for assigning data to a hierarchical memory particularly for multi-tasked applications where data of dynamically created/deleted tasks is allocated at run-time. The energy consumption of hierarchical memories such as multi-banked memories depends largely on how data is assigned to the memory banks. Methods, apparatus and software products are described for design-time data-assignment techniques for hierarchical memories, e.g., multi-banked memories in an essentially digital system which improve a cost function such as energy consumption.