Abstract: A solid-state imager is mounted at a point-of-transaction workstation for capturing images of one- and two-dimensional indicia and is operated at high speed to resist image blurring due to relative movement between the target and the imager. Dedicated hardware assistance and computation resources are allocated to decode multiple, continuous and simultaneous video streams from multiple imagers at the workstation.

Abstract: A dynamic omni-directional scan pattern is generated in an electro-optical reader for reading indicia by oscillating a mirror located between a light source and a rotating mirrored component. Light from the mirror is reflected off the rotating component and swept across a plurality of stationary mirrors for reflection therefrom through a window of the reader.

Abstract: A raster pattern for reading bar code symbols is created by successively reflecting a light beam off scan mirrors oscillated respectively by a resonant motor drive and by another motor drive driven synchronously with the resonant drive.

Abstract: Scan lines are projected through a single horizontal window of a slot scanner and onto multiple surfaces of a product bearing a bar code symbol to be electro-optically read. The symbol may be in any orientation and on any vertical surface of the product, as well as on the bottom surface of the product.

Abstract: A dynamic omni-directional scan pattern is generated in an electro-optical reader for reading indicia by oscillating a mirror located between a light source and a rotating mirrored component. Light from the mirror is reflected off the rotating component and swept across a plurality of stationary mirrors for reflection therefrom through a window of the reader.

Abstract: A vertical slot scanner generates a full coverage scan pattern for reading symbols presented or moved past a vertical window. Scan lines are generated in upper and lower central regions of the window to improve scanner productivity.

Abstract: A multiple working range scanner includes a collection mirror which is segmented, with each segment having differing optical properties, such as focal length, optical axis, and so on. Differing segments or combinations of segments deal with reflected light received at differing working ranges, and direct it to a photodetector. In another embodiment, beam shaping may be applied to an astigmatic laser beam, for example by means of a part-concave mirror, to create an x waist in the beam which is further from the scanner than the y waist. This provides enhanced performance when the scanner is used on a bar code symbol which is not accurately aligned. In order to provide improved optical alignment within a bar code scanner, the collection mirror may be adjustable both in the x direction and in the y direction.

Abstract: An imaging optical code reader is adapted for use in producing video displays and for use in motion detection surveillance using video compression and narrow band width communication links. An optical system including a plane parallel plate may be employed to change the system focal distance. The imaging optical code reader is also adapted for measurement of physical parameters of a target object including motion, distance, weight and dimensions.

Abstract: A unitary body of optical material and associated methods for reading indicia such as bar codes is provided. The unitary body can focus light from a light source into a beam, redirect light reflected from a target to a photodetector, and provide mechanical support for a light source, printed circuit board, or other indicia reader components. In comparison to conventional apparatus, the unitary body requires a reduced number of components and is therefore easier and less expensive to manufacture and assemble. The unitary design increases reliability and performance consistency while decreasing sensitivity to thermal and mechanical loading. Moreover, the unitary body reduces the overall tolerance budget of a reader and therefore facilitates mass production of optical apparatus and readers. The unitary body and associated methods may be implemented in a compact reader with the aforementioned advantages in the form of a pen, or can be integrated into an antenna of a wireless device, such as a cell phone or a PDA.

Abstract: An imaging optical code reader is adapted for use in producing video displays. A rotating plate carrier is capable of placing several different optical elements into the optical paths of the system including at least one plane parallel plate to change the system focal distance.

Abstract: Mirrors having different optical properties are selected to change the cross-section of a beam electro-optical reader for reading bar code symbols.

Abstract: High speed scanning arrangements in scanners for reading bar code symbols by oscillating a scanner component in single or multi-axis scan patterns.

Abstract: An integrated optical communication and barcode scanning module suitable for use with portable electronic devices is provided. In a first mode of operation the module functions as an Infrared Data Association (IrDA) compatible communications interface. In a second mode of operation, IrDA communications is disabled, and the module functions as a barcode scanner. The module may be switched back and forth between the two modes of operation or operated simultaneously.

Abstract: A bar code reader has an integrated scanning component module which is mountable on a printed circuit board. In one embodiment, the module may include the digitizer/decoder electronics, enabling the module to be used with a generic PCB. In some embodiments, the module includes a high speed optical scanning arrangement having an optical element which extends longitudinally of a flexible member, secured at one end. In other embodiments, the invention extends to a hand-held optical scanner having a scanning assembly, detector and data transmission coupling all mounted to a common printed circuit board, preferably located within a manually-graspable handle. In yet a further embodiment, an abuse-detector or accelerometer is provided for determining when the device is exposed to deceleration above a predetermined limit, and optionally for automatically shutting down applications programs and for providing a black-box-record of a short time frame before the device was exposed to an unexpected shock.

Abstract: Various techniques for reducing the size of bar code scanner modules are disclosed including embodiments having miniature moving mirror elements employing spiral tape springs and micro machined structures. Other embodiments employ VCSELs and relatively small collection areas, while minimizing speckle noise through beam shaping and signal processing techniques.

Abstract: A non-retroreflective axial scan module has a light source for producing a light beam directed, a scan element disposed receptive of the light beam to provide a scanning light beam, a photodetector for receiving light from the scanning beam reflected by a dataform for producing a signal corresponding thereto and optics for restricting the field of view of the photodetector to the vicinity of a scan line formed by the scanning light beam on the dataform all supported in a housing having a volume of less than about one cubic inch.

Abstract: A bar code reader has an integrated scanning component module which is mountable on a printed circuit board. In one embodiment, the module may include the digitizer/decoder electronics, enabling the module to be used with a generic PCB. In some embodiments, the module includes a high speed optical scanning arrangement having an optical element which extends longitudinally of a flexible member, secured at one end. In other embodiments, the invention extends to a hand-held optical scanner having a scanning assembly, detector and data transmission coupling all mounted to a common printed circuit board, preferably located within a manually-graspable handle. In yet a further embodiment, an abuse-detector or accelerometer is provided for determining when the device is exposed to deceleration above a predetermined limit, and optionally for automatically shutting down applications programs and for providing a black-box-record of a short time frame before the device was exposed to an unexpected shock.

Abstract: A flexible member mounts a scanner component for angular oscillating movement relative to a support about an axis in alternate circumferential directions between scan end positions. The scanner component is electromagnetically driven in order to scan a light beam across optically encoded indicia to be read. A permanent magnet is connected to the scanner component and magnetically interacts with an electromagnetic coil so as to impart a force to the magnet and move the scanner component from a rest position to at least one of the scan end positions.

Abstract: An optical scanning module and a scanner incorporating the scanning module for reading bar codes and other optical indicia that consists of a printed circuit board, an elongated elliptical aperture in the scanning module that is spaced from the circuit board, a light source mounted on the printed circuit board for projecting at least one beam of light through the aperture and onto a dataform to be read, and a detector mounted on the printed circuit board for sensing light reflected from the dataform and through the aperture. Light baffle is preferably used to isolate light source from the detector in the optical scanning module of the present invention.

Abstract: High speed scanning arrangements in scanners for reading bar code symbols by oscillating a scanner component in single or multi-axis scan patterns.