Abstract: The optical image reader is versatile since it can be assembled for use in a variety of reader applications, such as an ultra high definition reader, a high definition reader, a standard reader and an ultra long range reader. In addition to a housing enclosing an image sensor, an adjustable objective lens assembly for focusing an image of a target on the image sensor and a light source for illuminating and/or targeting the target, the reader includes a light shaping optical element array comprising optical elements assembled together as an integral unit and adapted to be fixed to the housing for shaping and directing light on the target. The optical elements are mounted on a panel, which is adapted to be fixed to the reader housing either permanently, or releasably to permit replacement of the panel on the housing.

Abstract: A targeting system for a portable image reader, which advantageously combines a number of functions including alignment, aiming, framing and range finding and provides a wide imaging range with an optimal field of view, is described. The targeting system projects a predetermined pattern having two or more components onto the target such that the components maintain a uniform distance between one another to bound the target and further vary in size as a function of their distance between the image reader and the target. The targeting system comprises targeting LED's, apertures positioned over the targeting LED's, and cylindrical lenses positioned over the apertures. With this arrangement, at least two vertical lines are projected onto a target such that the lines maintain a uniform distance apart from one another, but vary in length as a function of the reader distance from the target. This allows the operator to quickly position the imaging device over a target.

Abstract: An automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) system is provided. The system includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, an image reader, a memory module, and a central processing unit (CPU). The image reader captures image data from a label and transmits the data to the memory module. The RFID reader captures RFID data from another label and transmits the data to the memory module. The memory module assembles the received image data and RFID data into respective frames, and then transmits the frames to the CPU. The CPU decodes the frames and outputs identifying information as a result of the decoding. The image data may include a two-dimensional image. The system may further include a flash emitter for emitting a flash of light upon the first label after prompting by a user. The system may be contained in a housing, such as a hand-held scanning module. The system may use a low-voltage battery to provide operating power.

Abstract: A targeting system for a portable image reader, which advantageously combines a number of functions including alignment, aiming, framing and range finding and provides a wide imaging range with an optimal field of view, is described. The targeting system projects a predetermined pattern having two or more components onto the target such that the components maintain a uniform distance between one another to bound the target and further vary in size as a function of their distance between the image reader and the target. The targeting system comprises targeting LED's, apertures positioned over the targeting LED's, and cylindrical lenses positioned over the apertures. With this arrangement, at least two vertical lines are projected onto a target such that the lines maintain a uniform distance apart from one another, but vary in length as a function of the reader distance from the target. This allows the operator to quickly position the imaging device over a target.

Abstract: A dual laser targeting system is described. At least one pair of lasers is arranged symmetrically about an objective lens in a symbology reader. The lasers project a beam along their respective axis, which, when an optical element is placed in front of the laser, produces multiple beams concentric about each laser axis. These multiple beams produce a composite pattern that appears to be symmetrical about the optical axis of the objective lens. The resulting targeting pattern includes laser beam spots that frame the field of view (FOV) of the symbology reader, and the laser beam spots on the laser axes frame the optical center of the target.

Abstract: A method of constructing an image reader module and the image reader are described. The image reader module includes two or more circuit boards in a stacked configuration. Corresponding notches for receiving supports are formed along adjacent edges of the boards, which also have electrical contact points at the edges of each board connected to circuits on the boards. The supports are mounted in the notches between the two or more circuit boards to structurally interconnect the boards. Each of the supports, which may be flex cables or conductive bus bars, have one or more electrical conductors that are electrically connected to the contact points on the boards to electrically interconnect the boards, whereby the connections between the electrical conductors and the contact points form test points for the module. The notches may be substantially rectangular to receive the flex cable or may be slots to receive a bus bar.

Abstract: The optical image reader is versatile since it can be assembled for use in a variety of reader applications, such as an ultra high definition reader, a high definition reader, a standard reader and an ultra long range reader. In addition to a housing enclosing an image sensor, an adjustable objective lens assembly for focusing an image of a target on the image sensor and a light source for illuminating and/or targeting the target, the reader includes a light shaping optical element array comprising optical elements assembled together as an integral unit and adapted to be fixed to the housing for shaping and directing light on the target. The optical elements are mounted on a panel, which is adapted to be fixed to the reader housing either permanently, or releasably to permit replacement of the panel on the housing.

Abstract: The system for identifying objects comprises an imaging system, such as a CMOS imager or a CCD camera, for capturing images of the objects and for identifying certain objects from the captured images. An external processor, which is coupled to imaging system by a high-speed communications link, is adapted to identify objects from the captured images that are transmitted to it by the imaging system. The imaging system thus captures images of the objects passed by it and then identifies certain of the objects from the images due to its processing capacity. The external processor with its superior processing capacity identifies the objects from the captured images transmitted to it by the imaging system. The imaging system may be adapted to transmit the captured images of the objects that it cannot identify or to transmit all of the captured images of the objects to the external processor for parallel processing.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and apparatus for reducing motion-induced blur inherent in portable image readers. The method consists of adding a time delay to the operation of the reader after the trigger has been activated, in order to delay the start of the acquisition cycle. When the trigger or button on a portable imaging reader is pulled or pressed, the motion imparted on the reader can be excessive. Images acquired during this time generally suffer from excessive blurring. Incorporating a short delay between trigger and acquisition, allows the image acquisition to occur at an optimal time when the reader motion is at a minimum. The time delay may be of a fixed duration in the range of 50 ms to 250 ms. In another arrangement, the time delay may determined by the time it takes for the reader motion to decelerate below a predetermined threshold.