Abstract: Calibrating extrinsic parameters of an imaging system in an automated data reading system includes obtaining, from the imaging system, image data representing an imaged portion of a planar calibration target. The target is coupled to a housing of the automated data reading system and superimposed on a surface thereof. For example, the calibration target is placed on a conveyer surface, or it is printed on the housing of the automated data reading system. The imaged portion of the planar calibration target includes spaced-apart optical codes disposed at positions that coincide with predetermined locations of the automated data reading system to define known calibration-control points for the surface. Optical codes represented in the image data are decoded to obtain observed calibration-control points used for calibrating the extrinsic parameters based on differences between the known and observed locations of the calibration-control points.

Abstract: A data reading system including one or more imagers, the data reading system having a lower main housing structure with a horizontal surface, across which items to be read are passed, and an upper reader module, such as pole-mounted top down reader (TDR) including an imager configured to provide a top down viewing angle from above the horizontal surface of the item in a read region. In one configuration, the pole-mounted upper reader module includes a one-piece post housing section mounted to the main housing structure and extending therefrom and containing imaging electronics and optics of the upper reader.

Abstract: An automated checkout system for reading optical data, such as barcode labels, on a bottom surface of an item using a data reader. The automated checkout system includes a housing supporting a leading conveyor section and a trailing conveyor section separated by a gap. The housing movably supports a transition element positioned across the gap for helping items transition between the conveyor sections. The transition element is movable between a first position and a second position. A sensor is in communication with the transition element and is configured to sense the position of the transition element, where movement of the transition element from the first position to the second position activates the sensor. When activated, the sensor may send a signal to a terminal to display a warning message to a user. Alternatively, the sensor may send a signal to an automatic shut-off mechanism to stop operation of the conveyors.

Abstract: A data reader including one or more imagers or imager assemblies that capture two-dimensional images of an object disposed in a view volume, the data reader having fold mirrors and other component arrangement that enable compact and efficient component configuration.

Abstract: An arrangement for a tunnel scanner includes a chassis with a first data reader structure and a second data reader structure attached thereto. The first and second data reader structures include data readers that are pre-positioned before the first and second data reader structures are attached to the chassis. Indexing features of the first and second data reader structures cooperate with corresponding indexing features of the chassis to properly position the data readers relative to the chassis. In one assembly method, one or more data reader structures having pre-positioned data readers are shipped to an assembly location for a tunnel data reader. A chassis is either provided at or shipped to the assembly location. In one configuration, the data reader structures are indexed and attached to the chassis such that each data reader is placed at a desired location and orientation with respect to the chassis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing feedback to a user of an automated checkstand are disclosed. In some embodiments, the automated checkstand has a data reader including a read zone through which items to be read are passed, and a loading zone on which a user places items for conveyor transport through the read zone. The automated checkstand also has a notification system including an illumination source that is configured to selectively illuminate a portion of the automated checkstand in response to positional information associated with items previously placed on a conveyor system.

Abstract: An automated checkout system for reading optical data, such as barcode labels, on a bottom surface of an item using a data reader. The automated checkout system includes a housing supporting a leading conveyor section and a trailing conveyor section separated by a gap. The housing movably supports a transition element positioned across the gap for helping items transition between the conveyor sections. The transition element is movable between a first position and a second position. A sensor is in communication with the transition element and is configured to sense the position of the transition element, where movement of the transition element from the first position to the second position activates the sensor. When activated, the sensor may send a signal to a terminal to display a warning message to a user. Alternatively, the sensor may send a signal to an automatic shut-off mechanism to stop operation of the conveyors.

Abstract: Calibrating extrinsic parameters of an imaging system in an automated data reading system includes obtaining, from the imaging system, image data representing an imaged portion of a planar calibration target. The target is coupled to a housing of the automated data reading system and superimposed on a surface thereof. For example, the calibration target is placed on a conveyer surface, or it is printed on the housing of the automated data reading system. The imaged portion of the planar calibration target includes spaced-apart optical codes disposed at positions that coincide with predetermined locations of the automated data reading system to define known calibration-control points for the surface. Optical codes represented in the image data are decoded to obtain observed calibration-control points used for calibrating the extrinsic parameters based on differences between the known and observed locations of the calibration-control points.

Abstract: A data reading system including one or more imagers, the data reading system having a lower main housing structure with a horizontal surface, across which items to be read are passed, and an upper reader module, such as pole-mounted top down reader (TDR) including an imager configured to provide a top down viewing angle from above the horizontal surface of the item in a read region. In one configuration, the pole-mounted upper reader module includes a one-piece post housing section mounted to the main housing structure and extending therefrom and containing imaging electronics and optics of the upper reader.

Abstract: An arrangement for a tunnel scanner includes a chassis with a first data reader structure and a second data reader structure attached thereto. The first and second data reader structures include data readers that are pre-positioned before the first and second data reader structures are attached to the chassis. Indexing features of the first and second data reader structures cooperate with corresponding indexing features of the chassis to properly position the data readers relative to the chassis. In one assembly method, one or more data reader structures having pre-positioned data readers are shipped to an assembly location for a tunnel data reader. A chassis is either provided at or shipped to the assembly location. In one configuration, the data reader structures are indexed and attached to the chassis such that each data reader is placed at a desired location and orientation with respect to the chassis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing feedback to a user of an automated checkstand are disclosed. In some embodiments, the automated checkstand has a data reader including a read zone through which items to be read are passed, and a loading zone on which a user places items for conveyor transport through the read zone. The automated checkstand also has a notification system including an illumination source that is configured to selectively illuminate a portion of the automated checkstand in response to positional information associated with items previously placed on a conveyor system.

Abstract: A data reader including one or more imagers or imager assemblies that capture two-dimensional images of an object disposed in a view volume, the data reader having fold minors and other component arrangement that enable compact and efficient component configuration.