Abstract: A machine readable symbol reader can provide illumination form portions other than or in addition to the head of the reader, to enhance the ability to successfully read machine-readable symbols, for example symbols on curved surfaces and/or DPM symbols. A machine readable symbol reader include a first set of receiving optics in a head of the reader and a second set of receiving optics in a portion of the reader other than the head, to provide an alternative line of sight or field of view.

Abstract: A method of scanning an object may include determining that an object is proximately positioned relative to a scanning volume of a presentation scanner in response to receiving at least one object presence signal prior to scanning a code indicia positioned on the object. At least one object sensory indicator device may be activated in response to determining that the object is proximately positioned relative to the scanning volume so as to indicate that the object is proximate to the scanning volume to a user. A second level of detection and location feedback may be provided for code indicia within the scanning volume.

Abstract: A data reader for reading and decoding a code from an item. The data reader includes an imager operable to form an image of the code from an item located in a field of view of the data reader. The data reader further includes an illumination system including optics arranged to direct light from one or more illumination sources along one of a variety of different optical paths to illuminate the field of view of the data reader with one of a plurality of light patterns. The data reader also includes an active element controllable to selectively direct the light along one of the optical paths.

Abstract: A data reader for reading and decoding a code from an item. The data reader includes an imager operable to form an image of the code from an item located in a field of view of the data reader. The data reader further includes an illumination system including optics arranged to direct light from one or more illumination sources along one of a variety of different optical paths to illuminate the field of view of the data reader with one of a plurality of light patterns. The data reader also includes an active element controllable to selectively direct the light along one of the optical paths.

Abstract: A method of scanning an object may include determining that an object is proximately positioned relative to a scanning volume of a presentation scanner in response to receiving at least one object presence signal prior to scanning a code indicia positioned on the object. At least one object sensory indicator device may be activated in response to determining that the object is proximately positioned relative to the scanning volume so as to indicate that the object is proximate to the scanning volume to a user. A second level of detection and location feedback may be provided for code indicia within the scanning volume.

Abstract: A scanner configured to provide different patterns of light for scanning is provided. The scanner may include electrochromic surfaces and reflective surfaces, which can be arranged and used to direct light through different pathways within the scanner. The scanner may further include one or more light emitting components, receiving optics, and power supplies to facilitate generating the different patterns of light for scanning. A method of scanning is also provided.

Abstract: A barcode scanner incorporates a subdivided exit window with a top portion and a bottom portion placed at different positions along a z-axis. An aiming source emits light from the top portion of the exit window and is positioned from a receiving sensor such that obstruction of the receiving sensor's field of view by the aiming source is avoided. An illumination source emits light from the bottom portion of the exit window and the receiving sensor received reflected light at the bottom portion of the exit window. The illumination source is positioned such that light from the illumination source reflected by the exit window is not received by the receiving sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods for a data reader having an ESD shield with integrated optical characteristics to improve illumination features of the data reader. The data reader includes an illumination module configured to generate illumination, and an ESD shield having high ESD resistance for protecting electronic and other sensitive components of the data reader. The ESD shield further includes a reflective interior surface and a spatial filter, where the reflective surface and filter together are operable to provide a uniform distribution of illumination along the body of the data reader.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reading optical information and that includes an interface with reduced visual fatigue. In an embodiment, the apparatus may include an acquisition means for acquiring the optical information. The apparatus may further include a body with a frontal face to be disposed between a minimum and maximum work distance, an illuminating means for emitting an illuminating pattern, an aiming means for emitting an aiming pattern, an indicating means for emitting a reading apparatus outcome pattern. The illuminating means, aiming means, and indicating means including respective non-coherent light sources, and each are configurable by operating parameters that include wavelengths of each of the light sources are selectable. The wavelength of the aiming means may range from 430 to 470 nm, illuminating means may range from 590 to 650 nm, and indicating means may range from 530 to 560 nm.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing machine-readable symbol readers that make reading difficult direct part marks simple for a user. A dark field illuminator may generate grazing incidence radiation (e.g., less than 45 degrees, less than 30 degrees, less than 20 degrees) in a plane which is tilted with respect to a plane which is normal to an optical axis of the machine-readable symbol reader. Such configuration provides a reading system which is relatively less affected by unwanted scattering caused by irregularities of a surface marked with a machine-readable symbol. Generally, during use users attempt to scan a machine-readable symbol by positioning the front end of the machine-readable symbol reader “head on” or parallel to the marked surface. By providing a front end which is tilted at an angle other than perpendicular with respect to the optical axis, the user is automatically guided to scan machine-readable symbols at an optimum angle.

Abstract: A reader contains a housing with a window having a peripheral rim. The housing has a device for reading coded information which generates a field projecting through the window towards the outside of the housing, and has a device for visually indicating the result to a user. The visual indication device generates an indication appearing substantially at least on the window, on a portion of the peripheral rim of the window, or on a portion of the housing adjoining laterally the peripheral rim of the window. The housing portion is at least on the left side, right side, or below the window. Additionally, a camera based checkout security system includes at least a checkout security camera and a fixed position reader of coded information. The checkout security camera generates a camera field of view directed towards the window of the fixed position reader of coded information.

Abstract: A reading apparatus (5) for reading optical information (I) comprises a body (6) provided with a frontal face (7); optical information (I) acquisition means, which is arranged at a distance from the frontal face comprised between a minimum significant work distance, in particular 50 mm, and a maximum work distance, in particular 350 mm, defining a significant work range; illuminating means for emitting an illuminating pattern (2) such as to enable the optical information to be acquired; aiming means for emitting an aiming pattern (3) such as to indicate to a user a field of view of the apparatus; indicating means for emitting a reading apparatus outcome pattern (4) such as to supply indications to a user relating to the acquisition of the optical information (1). The illuminating means, the aiming means and the indicating means comprise respective non-coherent light sources.

Abstract: An aperiodic multilayer structure (2, 2?) comprising a plurality of alternating layers of a first (4, 4?) and a second (6, 6?) material and a capping layer (10, 10?) covering these alternating layers, wherein the structure (2, 2?) is characterized in that the thickness of the alternating layers chaotically varies in at least a portion of said structure (2, 2?). The invention further comprises design method comprising the step of define a time interval and a first plurality of periodic multilayer structures (A), then calculate a first merit function (?R(?)10*I(?)d?) and define a first domain for each first structures. The method further includes the step of apply at least one random mutation to each first structures inside the associated first domain and calculate a second merit function (?R(?)10*I(?)d? for the at least one mutation.