Abstract: The present invention is an imaging module including various optical components and a circuit board, which, in one embodiment, carries essentially an entirety of illumination and aiming LEDs of the module. The module includes a combination of features which result in the size of the module being reduced. The module may comprise a refractive optic diffuser plate manufactured using a textured surface mold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical reader that includes a color imaging assembly that generates color imaging data. An image analysis circuit determines if the acquired image should be characterized as a color photograph or as including a graphical symbol. A processing circuit processes the imaging data based on the image analysis circuit's determination of whether the image is a graphical symbol or a color photograph. The present invention allows a user to acquire and process both color images and graphical symbols, such as bar codes, text, OCR symbols or signatures. The optical reader of the present invention is also configured to associate an acquired image with at least one other acquired image.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical reading system comprising an optical reader and a host processor. In one aspect of the invention, the host processor may be configured to transmit a component control instruction in response to a user input command input by a user of the host processor to remotely control the reader. The optical reader subsequently receives the transmitted component control instruction and executes the component control instruction substantially on receipt thereof. In one embodiment, execution of the component control instruction by the optical reader has the same effect as the reader trigger being manually pulled by a reader operator.

Abstract: An imaging module in one embodiment includes a printed circuit board, an image sensor electrically connected to the printed circuit board, a support assembly for supporting at least one optical element, and an illumination system for generating an illumination pattern onto a target. The illumination system may include illumination light sources and diffusers for diffusing light from the illumination light sources. The module may further include an aiming system having an aiming light source, an aperture for stopping light from the aiming light source, and an optical element for projecting an aiming pattern into target area. Either or both of the illumination and aiming systems may include light redirecting elements such as mirrors or prisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical reading system comprising an optical reader and a host processor. In one aspect of the invention, the host processor may be configured to transmit a component control instruction in response to a user input command input by a user of the host processor to remotely control the reader. The optical reader subsequently receives the transmitted component control instruction and executes the component control instruction substantially on receipt thereof. In one embodiment, execution of the component control instruction by the optical reader has the same effect as the reader trigger being manually pulled by a reader operator.

Abstract: An imaging module in one embodiment includes at least one multiple color emitting light source comprising a plurality of different colored LED dies each independently driveable so that the overall color emitted by the light source can be controlled and varied. The multiple color emitting light source can be controlled so that the color emitted by the light source is optimized for imaging or reading in a present application environment of the module. Further, the module can be configured so that control of the multiple color emitting light source automatically varies depending on a sensed condition, such a color present in a field of view of the module, the distance of the module to a target, and/or a predetermined criteria being met so that feedback is provided to a user. The module in a further aspect can include illumination light sources and aiming light sources which project light in different wavelength emission bands.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical reader that includes a color imaging assembly that generates color imaging data. An image analysis circuit determines if the acquired image should be characterized as a color photograph or as including a graphical symbol. A processing circuit processes the imaging data based on the image analysis circuit's determination of whether the image is a graphical symbol or a color photograph. The present invention allows a user to acquire and process both color images and graphical symbols, such as bar codes, text, OCR symbols or signatures. The optical reader of the present invention is also configured to associate an acquired image with at least one other acquired image.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical reading system comprising an optical reader (10) and a host processor (900). In one aspect of the invention, the host processor (900) may be configured to transmit a component control instruction in response to a user input command input by a user of the host processor (900) to remotely control the reader (10). The optical reader (10) subsequently receives the transmitted component control instruction and executes the component control instruction substantially on receipt thereof. In one embodiment, execution of the component control instruction by optical reader (10) has the same effect as the reader trigger (52) being manually pulled by a reader operator.

Abstract: An imaging module in one embodiment is adapted so that a position of a lens assembly can be finely adjusted relative to a position of an image sensor. A retainer and lens assembly according to the invention are complimentary configured so that the lens assembly is slidably received in the retainer. The retainer include in one embodiment two apertures defined in sidewalls thereof. The first aperture accommodates a fixture pin for use in finely adjusting the position of the lens assembly within the retainer. The second aperture accommodates an adhesive material for adhesively bonding the lens assembly to the retainer. Adhesive material may further be applied in the first aperture.

Abstract: An imaging module in one embodiment includes a printed circuit board, an image sensor electrically connected to the printed circuit board, a support assembly for supporting at least one optical element, and an illumination system for generating an illumination pattern onto a target. The illumination system may include illumination light sources and diffusers for diffusing light from the illumination light sources. The module may further include an aiming system having an aiming light source, an aperture for stopping light from the aiming light source, and an optical element for projecting an aiming pattern into target area. Either or both of the illumination and aiming systems may include light redirecting elements such as mirrors or prisms.

Abstract: An imaging module in one embodiment includes an aiming system having a light source, an aperture and an optical element positioned optically forward of the aperture wherein the aiming system projects a crisp and sharp aiming pattern onto a target over a wide range of distances. In one embodiment, an aiming system is configured so that a lens operates as an aperture to project a crisp sharp aiming pattern over a wide range of distances including distances at which the aiming pattern is less than optimally focused. In another embodiment an aiming system is configured so that light emanating from a thin aperture is imaged in such manner that a crisp, sharp aiming pattern is defined over a wide range of distances. The aiming pattern in one embodiment includes sharply defined lateral edges which are useful in sighting target indicia.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for autodiscriminating and decoding any of a plurality of 1D linear bar code symbols which use different 1D symbologies and of 2D matrix bar code symbols which use different 2D finder patterns and 2D symbologies. A processor stores a plurality of 1D decoding programs, a plurality of 2D decoding programs, and a parameter table that specifies which of said programs are to be enabled. During 1D autodiscriminating, the processor makes not attempt to decode unknown symbols in accordance with 1D decoding programs that are not enabled. During 2D autodiscrimination, the processor makes not attempt to decode unknown 2D symbols in accordance with 2D decoding programs that are not enabled.

Abstract: The present invention is an imaging device equipped with decode funtionality configured to operate in at least one of four user selected modes. In a first, “message only” mode, the device stores into a designated memory location a decoded-out message corresponding to a decodable indicia. In a second, “image only” mode, the device stores into a designated frame storage memory location an image representation of a scene. In a third, “image plus message” mode the device stores into a designated frame storage memory location an image representation comprising a representation of a decodable symbol and into the same or other memory location the decoded-out message decoded from the decodable indicia, or data corresponding to the same.

Abstract: The present invention is an imaging device which in one embodiment is equipped with decode functionality and is configured to operate in at least one of four user selected modes. In a first, “message only” mode, the device stores into a designated memory location a decoded-out message corresponding to a decodable indicia. In a second, “image only” mode, the device stores into a designated frame storage memory location an image representation of a scene. In a third, “image plus message” mode the device stores into a designated frame storage memory location an image representation comprising a representation of a decodable symbol and into the same or other memory location the decoded-out message decoded from the decodable indicia, or data corresponding to the same.

Abstract: The present invention is an imaging module including various optical components and a circuit board, which, in one embodiment, carries essentially an entirety of illumination and aiming LEDs of the module. The module includes a combination of features which result in the size of the module being reduced. The module may comprise a refractive optic diffuser plate manufactured using a textured surface mold.

Abstract: In one method according to the invention, a security document of an undetermined size within a range of sizes is processed by capturing images corresponding to a topside and bottomside thereof sufficient to encompass the largest possible sized document and then searching through the captured image data to locate an identification code which may have been formed on any location of the document. If a symbol is found that satisfies a predetermined criteria for being an identification code, then the symbol is decoded, and the identification code for the document is utilized to control further processing of the document. Further processing subroutines of the document may include subroutines which utilize one or multiple imaging systems to verify that the document is authentic, subroutines for validating the document, and subroutines for voiding the document.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lottery game tickets and methods for making the same. In one embodiment, a wavelength-sensitive addition is incorporation in game ticket play area. In another embodiment, reflectance characteristics of a game ticket play area are controlled.

Abstract: In a first embodiment of a material detection system according to the invention, a security document is disposed in an optical path between an infrared light source and image sensor so that the imaging system comprising the infrared light source, image sensor and associated controller determines characteristics of material compositions of a document based on transmissivity characteristics of a document. In a second embodiment, a radiation wavelength sensitive additive which emits energy in a second band of wavelengths when radiated in a first band of wavelengths is incorporated in a security document and detected for by an imaging system which detects for emitted radiant energy in the second band of wavelengths.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lottery game tickets and methods for making the same. In one embodiment, a wavelength-sensitive addition is incorporation in game ticket play area. In another embodiment, reflectance characteristics of a game ticket play area are controlled.

Abstract: A document, preferably in the form of a lottery ticket has a security system in which a substrate has thereon an encoded game data portion including a base layer printed with an ink having a first reflectance value as measured by the reflectance of a given wavelength of light and a second layer of ink having a second reflectance value together having an encoded pattern of symbols. The encoded game data portion is covered with a scratch-off layer in which improper removal of the scratch-off layer can be detected through either the change in the reflectance pattern of the encoded game data portion or by an alteration in the encoded pattern of symbols.