Abstract: In a scanner-scale system for passing items through a read zone over a weigh platter of the scanner-scale, the system including an item overhang detection system operable for providing an output upon sensing that an item overhangs beyond an edge of the weigh platter, systems and methods are disclosed for using output from the item overhang detection system to both (1) reduce erroneous weighing upon sensing that an item overhangs beyond an edge of the weigh platter (such as by alerting the operator that an item overhang condition has been detected and thus prompting the operator to reposition the item so as to be fully on scale) and (2) initiate an alternate function of the scanner-scale independent of weighing operation.

Abstract: In a scanner-scale system for passing items through a read zone over a weigh platter of the scanner-scale, the system including an item overhang detection system operable for providing an output upon sensing that an item overhangs beyond an edge of the weigh platter, systems and methods are disclosed for using output from the item overhang detection system to both (1) reduce erroneous weighing upon sensing that an item overhangs beyond an edge of the weigh platter (such as by alerting the operator that an item overhang condition has been detected and thus prompting the operator to reposition the item so as to be fully on scale) and (2) initiate an alternate function of the scanner-scale independent of weighing operation.

Abstract: In an optical data reader, light is aimed out through a window at objects located in front of the window, and reflections from the objects and/or the window itself are detected. The amount of detected light is compared to one or more expected levels to determine when an object is present in front of the window and/or whether the window is properly installed. The optical reader is controlled based on this determination. Control functions that may be implemented in this manner include, for example, waking up the data reader when an object is detected in front of the glass, and disabling the data reader if the window is removed.

Abstract: A multi-plane scanner having a dual plane scanner with a horizontal window and a vertical window and a load cell/weigh platter weighing apparatus such that the weigh platter itself is a dual plane object with vertical and horizontal sections. The size and orientation of the planes of the weigh platter correspond to the size and orientation of the scan windows of the dual plane scanner, and each plane of the weigh platter has a transparent area (typically central), or “platter window”, corresponding to a respective scan windows of the scanner for allowing transmission of scanned optical beams and optical barcode signals through each of the planes of the weigh platter. The platter is sufficiently rigid to permit accurate weighing whether the object being weighed is placed solely on the horizontal section of the platter or in part on the vertical section. The vertical and horizontal sections of the platter are sealed together to prevent passage of debris therebetween.

Abstract: An object recognition system comprises a sensing apparatus for collecting light reflected from objects presented at a point-of-sale machine. The sensing apparatus includes a mechanism, such as a holographic disk or diffraction grating, for separating the color components of the light reflected from the object and directing, the color components onto an optical detector such as a two-dimensional imaging array, or a one-dimensional imaging array or single photo-sensitive optical cell used in conjunction with a rotating mirror. A pattern recognizer compares the spectral response, including the locations, amplitudes and widths of energy peaks of the different color components, against premeasured characteristics of known objects in order to classify the object. The weight of the object can be measured with a scale, and the density of the object calculated, with the weight and density being used by the pattern recognizer to further classify the object.

Abstract: A multi-plane scanner having a dual plane scanner with a horizontal window and a vertical window and a load cell/weigh platter weighing apparatus such that the weigh platter itself is a dual plane object with vertical and horizontal sections. The size and orientation of the planes of the weigh platter correspond to the size and orientation of the scan windows of the dual plane scanner, and each plane of the weigh platter has a transparent area (typically central), or "platter window", corresponding to a respective scan windows of the scanner for allowing transmission of scanned optical beams and optical barcode signals through each of the planes of the weigh platter. The platter is sufficiently rigid to permit accurate weighing whether the object being weighed is placed solely on the horizontal section of the platter or in part on the vertical section. The vertical and horizontal sections of the platter are sealed together to prevent passage of debris therebetween.

Abstract: A Consumer Data Device of a plastic encased, credit-card sized case containing a memory for data and transaction retention, an LCD display for displaying information, an LCD display for bar-codes to be read by a bar-code scanner, a controller to scroll through stored information, and a data communication link via spread-spectrum RF or direct electrical contact to a host computer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding an otherwise variable parameter in a scanner approximately constant over a desired scan volume to improve the ability to compensate for unwanted variations in the amplitude modulation depth of a signal is provided, the signal being determined from collected light reflected from a target. In one embodiment, the time domain impulse response of the opto-mechanical system is the parameter which is held approximately constant by appropriately positioning the beam waist so that the beam spot size diverges approximately linearly along the beam axis within the scan volume.

Abstract: A power supply circuit for a gas laser has primary circuitry and secondary circuitry supplied by the primary circuitry. A transformer is positioned between the primary circuitry and a secondary circuitry. Within the secondary circuitry is a spark gap and associated circuitry for creating a voltage buildup to achieve a high ionization voltage required for the laser and for releasing the high ionization voltage in pulses for starting the laser. The circuit further includes laser operating supply circuitry associated with the secondary circuitry and the primary circuitry for supplying the laser at a normal operating voltage much lower than the ionization voltage after the laser has started.

Abstract: A multi-plane scanner having a dual plane scanner with a horizontal window and a vertical window and a load cell/weigh platter weighing apparatus such that the weigh platter itself is a dual plane object with vertical and horizontal sections. The size and orientation of the planes of the weigh platter correspond to the size and orientation of the scan windows of the dual plane scanner, and each plane of the weigh platter has a transparent area (typically central), or “platter window”, corresponding to a respective scan windows of the scanner for allowing transmission of scanned optical beams and optical barcode signals through each of the planes of the weigh platter. The platter is sufficiently rigid to permit accurate weighing whether the object being weighed is placed solely on the horizontal section of the platter or in part on the vertical section. The vertical and horizontal sections of the platter are sealed together to prevent passage of debris therebetween.