Abstract: A fully automated package identification and measuring system, in which an omni-directional holographic scanning tunnel is used to read bar codes on packages entering the tunnel, while a package dimensioning subsystem is used to capture information about the package prior to entry into the tunnel. Mathematical models are created on a real-time basis for the geometry of the package and the position of the laser scanning beam used to read the bar code symbol thereon. The mathematical models are analyzed to determine if collected and queued package identification data is spatially and/or temporally correlated with package measurement data using vector-based ray-tracing methods, homogeneous transformations, and object-oriented decision logic so as to enable simultaneous tracking of multiple packages being transported through the scanning tunnel.

Abstract: A fully automated package identification and measuring system, in which an omni-directional laser scanning systems are used to read bar codes on packages entering the tunnel, while a package dimensioning subsystem is used to capture information about the package prior to entry into the tunnel. Mathematical models are created on a real-time basis for the geometry of the package and the position of the laser scanning beam used to read the bar code symbol thereon. The mathematical models are analyzed to determine if collected and queued package identification data is spatially and/or temporally correlated with package measurement data using vector-based ray-tracing methods, homogeneous transformations, and object-oriented decision logic so as to enable simultaneous tracking of multiple packages being transported through the scanning tunnel.

Abstract: The zone laser scanning systems by processing analog scan data signals with a scan data signal processor having a plurality of pass-band filters and amplifiers that are automatically selected for passing only the spectral components of an analog scan data signal produced when a bar code symbol is scanned at a particular focal zone in the laser scanning system. Two or more different pass band filter structures can be provided for use in the scan data signal processor, wherein each pass-band filter structure is: tuned to the spectral band associated with a particular focal zone in the laser scanning system. When a bar code, symbol is scanned by a laser beam focused within the first focal zone or scanning range of the system, the pass-band filter structure associated with this focal zone or scanning range is automatically switched into operation using a control signal produced by determining the spot speed of the laser scanning beam producing the analog scan data signal being processed.

Abstract: A multi-focal zone laser scanning system for scanning bar code symbols having a minimum bar element width (MBW). The multi-focal zone laser scanning system comprises a laser beam producing device for producing a laser beam, and a laser beam scanning mechanism for scanning the laser beam so as to generate a laser scanning pattern having a plurality of different focal zones. In the system, the scanned laser beam has a minimum beam dimension (MBD) with each focal zone, and the ratio of the minimum beam dimension (MDB) within each focal zone to the minimum bar element width (MBW) of a scanned bar code symbol therewithin (i.e. MDB/MBW) is greater than or equal to 2.0. Consequently, less modulation of the laser scanning beam is required during scanning operations, and therefore, bar code symbols having narrower minimum bar element widths can be resolved.

Abstract: A method of and system for automatically identifying packages during package transport operations carried out by a human operator walking through the doorway of a storage warehouse, wherein, a laser scanning system is supported above the doorway defining a passageway of 3-D spatial extent, through which a human operator may walk while manually transporting packages bearing bar code symbols. In the illustrative embodiment, the laser scanning system includes a housing having a light transmission aperture, and a laser scanning pattern generator disposed within the housing. During operation of the system, the laser scanning pattern generator employs a holographic scanning disc to project through the light transmission aperture, an omnidirectional laser scanning pattern which is substantially confined within the spatial extent of a predefined 3-D scanning volume that spatially encompasses a substantial portion of the passageway of 3-D spatial extent.

Abstract: A fully automated package identification and measuring system, in which an omni-directional holographic scanning tunnel is used to read bar codes on packages entering the tunnel, while a package dimensioning subsystem is used to capture information about the package prior to entry into the tunnel. Mathematical models are created on a real-time basis for the geometry of the package and the position of the laser scanning beam used to read the bar code symbol thereon. The mathematical models are analyzed to determine if collected and queued package identification data is spatially and/or temporally correlated with package measurement data using vector-based ray-tracing methods, homogeneous transformations, and object-oriented decision logic so as to enable simultaneous tracking of multiple packages being transported through the scanning tunnel.

Abstract: A holographic laser scanning system for carrying out laser beam scanning operations with improved light collection efficiency. The holographic laser scanning system comprises: a housing of compact construction; a plurality of laser beam sources; a holographic scanning disc supporting a plurality of holographic optical elements having fringe structure of variable spatial frequency; a plurality of laser beam folding mirrors disposed about the holographic scanning disc; a plurality of light focusing surfaces disposed below the holographic scanning disc; and a plurality of photodetectors disposed at the focal points of the light focusing surfaces. During laser beam scanning operations, each laser beam is transmitted through the outer edge portion of each holographic optical element at an angle of incidence.

Abstract: A Internet-enabled method and system for designing and manufacturing bar code scanners of modular design and construction using globally-based information networks, such as the Internet, supporting the World Wide Web (WWW).

Abstract: A scan data signal processor is disclosed for use with a laser scanning system having a plurality of different focal zones within which a laser scanning beam is scanned across one or more bar code symbols and an analog scan data signal is automatically produced. The scan data signal processor comprises a first and second derivative signal generation stages, a second-derivative zero-crossing detector, a real-time bar code element detector, and a control logic circuitry. The first derivative signal generation stage derives a first derivative signal from the analog scan data signal. The second derivative signal generation stage derives a second derivative signal from the first derivative signal. The second-derivative zero-crossing detector detects zero crossings in said second derivative signal. The real-time bar code element detector automatically detects the presence and absence of bar code element data encoded within said analog scan data signal.

Abstract: A holographic laser scanner of ultra-compact design capable of reading bar and other types of graphical indicia within a large scanning volume using holographic optical elements and visible laser diodes. The holographic optical elements are arranged on the scanning disc in such a manner so that none of the laser scanning planes generated within the 3-D scanning volume of the system are spatially and temporally coincident with any other laser scanning plane within the 3-D scanning volume. This novel feature of the present invention ensures that there is substantially zero cross-talk at the plurality of photodetectors provided within the system; significantly improving the performance of the system.

Abstract: A holographic laser scanning system for scanning bar code symbols. The system comprises a holographic scanning disc having a plurality of holographic optical elements disposed thereon for scanning the plurality of laser beams directed at the same incident angle. Each holographic optical element as substantially the same Bragg angle. The parabolic light reflective surfaces are disposed beneath the holographic scanning discs. Each parabolic light reflective surface has an optical axis disposed off the Bragg angle of the holographic optical elements, for focusing towards a focal point above the holographic scanning disc, the reflected light rays collected by each holographic optical element. A photodetector is disposed at the focal point of the corresponding parabolic light reflective surface above the holographic scanning disc, and is radially aligned with the optical axis of one parabolic light reflective surface.

Abstract: A laser scanner of ultra-compact and modular design capable of reading bar and other types of graphical indicia, and also a method of designing and operating the same for use in diverse applications.

Abstract: The effects of paper/substrate noise are significantly reduced in multi-focal zone laser scanning systems by processing analog scan data signals with a scan data signal processor having a plurality of pass-band filters and amplifiers that are automatically selected for passing only the spectral components of an analog scan data signal produced when a bar code symbol is scanned at a particular focal zone in the laser scanning system. Two or more different pass-band filter structures can be provided for use in the scan data signal processor, wherein each pass-band filter structure is tuned to the spectral band associated with a particular focal zone in the laser scanning system. When a bar code symbol is scanned by a laser beam focused within the first focal zone or scanning range of the system, the pass-band filter structure associated with this focal zone or scanning range is automatically switched into operation.

Abstract: A fully automated package identification and measuring system, in which an omni-directional holographic scanning tunnel is used to read bar codes on packages entering the tunnel, while a package dimensioning subsystem is used to capture information about the package prior to entry into the tunnel. Mathematical models are created on a real-time basis for the geometry of the package and the position of the laser scanning beam used to read the bar code symbol thereon. The mathematical models are analyzed to determine if collected and queued package identification data is spatially and/or temporally correlated with package measurement data using vector-based ray-tracing methods, homogeneous transformations, and object-oriented decision logic so as to enable simultaneous tracking of multiple packages being transported through the scanning tunnel.

Abstract: A fully automated package identification and measuring system, in which an omni-directional holographic scanning tunnel is used to read bar codes on packages entering the tunnel, while a package dimensioning subsystem is used to capture information about the package prior to entry into the tunnel. Mathematical models are created on a real-time basis for the geometry of the package and the position of the laser scanning beam used to read the bar code symbol thereon. The mathematical models are analyzed to determine if collected and queued package identification data is spatially and/or temporally correlated with package measurement data using vector-based ray-tracing methods, homogeneous transformations, and object-oriented decision logic so as to enable simultaneous tracking of multiple packages being transported through the scanning tunnel.

Abstract: The effects of paper/substrate noise are significantly reduced in multi-focal zone laser scanning systems by processing analog scan data signals with a scan data signal processor having a plurality of pass-band filters and amplifiers that are automatically selected for passing only the spectral components of an analog scan data signal produced when a bar code symbol is scanned at a particular focal zone in the laser scanning system. Two or more different pass-band filter structures can be provided for use in the scan data signal processor, wherein each pass-band filter structure is tuned to the spectral band associated with a particular focal zone in the laser scanning system. When a bar code symbol is scanned by a laser beam focused within the first focal zone or scanning range of the system, the pass-band filter structure associated with this focal zone or scanning range is automatically switched into operation.

Abstract: An over-the-conveyor bar code symbol reading system for scanning bar coded packages transported through a 3-D scanning volume having a plurality of focal planes. The system comprises a conveyor belt, first and second laser scanning subsystems mounted thereabove, and a scan data processor. The first laser scanning subsystem generates a first laser scanning pattern above the conveyor belt for scanning each bar coded package transported therealong, and produces bar code position data indicative of the position of the bar code symbol on each scanned package. The second laser scanning subsystem generates and scans a second laser beam to produce a second laser scanning pattern within a 3-D scanning volume above the conveyor belt and having a plurality of focal planes. In response to scanning the transported package, the second laser scanning subsystem produces scan data indicative of the scanned bar code symbol thereon.

Abstract: Novel methods are disclosed for designing and constructing miniature optical systems and devices employing light diffractive optical elements (DOEs) for modifying the size and shape of laser beams produced from a commercial-grade laser diodes, over an extended range hitherto unachievable using conventional techniques. The systems and devices of the present invention have uses in a wide range of applications, including laser scanning, optical-based information storage, medical and analytical instrumentation, and the like. In the illustrative embodiments, various techniques are disclosed for implementing the DOEs as holographic optical elements (HOEs), computer-generated holograms (CGHs), as well as other diffractive optical elements.

Abstract: A bar code symbol scanning system for laser scanning bar code symbols within a 3-D scanning volume and automatically producing bar code symbol position information specifying the position of each bar code symbol detected within said 3-D scanning volume. The system comprises a laser scanning mechanism and a scan data signal processor. The laser scanning mechanism generates and scans a laser beam so as produce a laser scanning pattern which is substantially confined within a 3-D scanning volume having a plurality of focal planes. During system operation, the laser scanning pattern, consisting of a plurality of scanlines disposed within each focal plane, scans the bar code symbol on each object transported through the 3-D scanning volume. In response thereto, the laser scanning mechanism automatically produces scan data indicative of the scanned bar code symbol.

Abstract: The first scanner generates an omnidirectional laser scanning pattern within a large 3-D scanning volume in order to detect the location of a code symbol therewithin and produce data indicative of its location therewithin. Using this location data, the second scanner produces a high density scanning pattern to aggressively scan the region in which the code symbol has been detected, and collect scan data for decode processing. In the illustrative embodiment, the first scanner is realized as a multiple-focal plane holographic scanner, whereas the second scanner is realized as a high-speed 2-D scanner. By virtue of the system and method of the present invention, it is now possible to read bar code symbols located anywhere within very large volume of space, with a high degree of accuracy hitherto impossible using prior art techniques.