Abstract: Methods and systems to focus an imager for machine vision applications are disclosed. A disclosed example machine vision method includes: capturing, via an imaging assembly, an image of an indicia appearing within a field of view (FOV) of the imaging assembly; recognizing, via a controller, the indicia as a focus adjustment trigger, the focus adjustment trigger operative to trigger an adjustment of at least one focus parameter associated with the imaging assembly; adjusting the at least one focus parameter based at least in part on the indicia; locking the at least one focus parameter such that the at least one focus parameter remains unaltered for a duration; and responsive to the locking of the at least one focus parameter, capturing, via the imaging assembly, at least one subsequent image of an object of interest.

Abstract: A system and method for performing robust depth calculations with time of flight (ToF) sensors using multiple exposure times is disclosed. A three-dimensional (3D) depth sensor assembly captures a first array of n point values, where each point value of the first array has a respective first-array depth component and a respective first-array quality component. The 3D depth sensor assembly then captures a second array of n point values, where each point value of the second array has a respective second-array depth component and a respective second-array quality component. A processor then renders a 3D point cloud comprising a third array of n point values, where each point value of the third array has a respective third-array depth component. The respective third-array depth component for each point value of the third array is based on either the corresponding respective first-array depth component or the corresponding respective second-array depth component.

Abstract: A barcode reader is provided. The barcode reader includes a first image acquisition assembly having a first imager assembly configured to capture infrared (IR) light and an IR illumination assembly configured to emit IR light over at least a portion of a first field of view (FOV) of the first imager assembly so as to illuminate targets within the first FOV. The barcode reader further includes a second image acquisition assembly having a second imager assembly configured to capture visible light and a visible-light illumination assembly configured to emit visible light over at least a portion of a second FOV of the second imager assembly so as to illuminate targets within the second FOV.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for template matching to find a predetermined pattern in an image is disclosed. A first visual boundary is detected in the captured image, and a second boundary concentric with the first boundary is calculated. The first and second boundaries define a portion of the captured image. The portion of the captured image is incrementally scanned about the center of the second boundary for a predetermined pattern having a predetermined orientation within the portion that match a template image. Alternatively, the portion of the captured image is unwrapped into a linear band image such that the first and second boundaries form a linear top and linear bottom of the linear band image, and the linear band image of the portion of the captured image is scanned for a predetermined pattern that matches a template image.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) depth imaging system is provided for use in commercial trailer loading applications. A 3D-depth camera may be configured and oriented to capture 3D image data of a vehicle storage area. A depth-detection application executing on one or more processors may determine, based on the 3D image data, at least a wall data region and a non-wall data region. Based on the determination of the wall data and the non-wall data region, the depth-detection application generates a wall indicator that indicates a wall is situated at a discrete depth within the vehicle storage area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a three-dimensional (3D) depth imaging system for use in commercial trailer loading is disclosed. The method and apparatus may be configured to determine a load-efficiency score for a trailer in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the method and apparatus may determine the score by receiving a set of point cloud data based on 3D image data, analyzing the set of point cloud data, generating a set of data slices based on the set of point cloud data each data slice corresponding to a portion of the 3D image data, estimating a set of missing data points in each data slice in the set of data slices, and calculating a load-efficiency score based on the generated set of data slices and estimated set of missing data points.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a three-dimensional (3D) depth imaging system for use in commercial trailer loading is disclosed. The method and apparatus may be configured to determine a load-efficiency score for a trailer in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the method and apparatus may determine the score by receiving a set of point cloud data based on 3D image data, analyzing the set of point cloud data, generating a set of data slices based on the set of point cloud data each data slice corresponding to a portion of the 3D image data, estimating a set of missing data points in each data slice in the set of data slices, and calculating a load-efficiency score based on the generated set of data slices and estimated set of missing data points.

Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) depth imaging system is provided for use in commercial trailer loading applications. A 3D-depth camera may be configured and oriented to capture 3D image data of a vehicle storage area. A depth-detection application executing on one or more processors may determine, based on the 3D image data, at least a wall data region and a non-wall data region. Based on the determination of the wall data and the non-wall data region, the depth-detection application generates a wall indicator that indicates a wall is situated at a discrete depth within the vehicle storage area.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to system and methods for estimating the time associated with completion of loading and/or unloading of a container. In an embodiment, the present invention is a method of estimating an estimated time to completion (ETC) of loading a container. The method includes: capturing, via an image capture apparatus, a three-dimensional image representative of a three-dimensional formation, the three-dimensional image having a plurality of points with three-dimensional point data; based at least in part on a first sub-plurality of the points, determining an active load time for the container; based at least in part on a second sub-plurality of the points, determining a fullness of the container; and estimating, by a controller, the ETC based on the active load time and on the fullness.

Abstract: Barcode fragments of a barcode symbol to be read by an imaging-based presentation workstation are stitched together by capturing a plurality of images, each containing a barcode fragment and a plurality of features located adjacent to the barcode fragment. The features in each captured image are detected and matched. The barcode fragments are stitched together based on the matched features in the captured images. The barcode symbol is read from the stitched barcode fragments.

Abstract: Barcode fragments of a barcode symbol to be read by an imaging-based presentation workstation are stitched together by capturing a plurality of images, each containing a barcode fragment and a plurality of features located adjacent to the barcode fragment. The features in each captured image are detected and matched. The barcode fragments are stitched together based on the matched features in the captured images. The barcode symbol is read from the stitched barcode fragments.

Abstract: A video tracking system and method are provided for tracking a target object with a video camera.

Abstract: An imaging barcode scanner and method are provided. The scanner includes a housing defining a work surface, a window supported by the housing, a first array of photosensitive elements having a first field of view traversing the window and intersecting the work surface at a first angle, and a second array of photosensitive elements having a second field of view traversing the window and intersecting the work surface at a second angle. The scanner also includes a processor connected to the first and second arrays of photosensitive elements, and configured to: receive a first image of the work surface from the first array of photosensitive elements, and a second image of the work surface from the second array of photosensitive elements; register the first image with the second image; and generate an enhanced image of the work surface based on the registered first image and second image, the enhanced image having a greater pixel density than the first image and the second image.

Abstract: An imaging barcode scanner and method are provided. The scanner includes a housing defining a work surface, a window supported by the housing, a first array of photosensitive elements having a first field of view traversing the window and intersecting the work surface at a first angle, and a second array of photosensitive elements having a second field of view traversing the window and intersecting the work surface at a second angle. The scanner also includes a processor connected to the first and second arrays of photosensitive elements, and configured to: receive a first image of the work surface from the first array of photosensitive elements, and a second image of the work surface from the second array of photosensitive elements; register the first image with the second image; and generate an enhanced image of the work surface based on the registered first image and second image, the enhanced image having a greater pixel density than the first image and the second image.

Abstract: An arrangement for, and a method of, electro-optically reading a target by image capture, employ an aiming assembly for projecting an aiming light pattern on the target that is located within a range of working distances relative to a housing, an imaging assembly for capturing an image of the target and of the aiming light pattern over a field of view, and a controller for determining a distance of the target relative to the housing based on a position of the aiming light pattern in the captured image, for determining a scanning resolution based on the determined distance, for comparing the determined scanning resolution with a scanning resolution setting, and for processing the captured image based on the comparison.

Abstract: An arrangement for, and a method of, minimizing misdecodes of GS1 DataBar Limited (Databar-limited) symbols in a reader for electro-optically reading symbols of different symbologies, such as Universal Product Code (UPC) Version A (UPC-A) symbols, includes a data capture assembly for capturing light from a target symbol, and for generating an electrical signal indicative of the captured light; and a controller for processing and decoding the electrical signal, and for determining whether the decoded signal is indicative of a Databar-limited symbol, and for determining whether the decoded signal has characteristics indicative of a different symbology, such as the UPC-A symbol, to indicate whether a misdecode of the Databar-limited symbol has occurred.

Abstract: An imaging system for acquiring images of multiple indicia, such as symbols and non-symbols, on a target, such as a label, comprises a solid-state imager having an array of image sensors for capturing light from the indicia on the target over a field of view, and a controller having a stored template that identifies details of the indicia on the target, for controlling the imager to capture the light from the indicia based on the details identified by the template.

Abstract: An arrangement for, and a method of, electro-optically reading a target by image capture, employ an aiming assembly for projecting an aiming light pattern on the target that is located within a range of working distances relative to a housing, an imaging assembly for capturing an image of the target and of the aiming light pattern over a field of view, and for generating an electrical signal indicative of the captured image, and a controller for determining a distance of the target relative to the housing based on a position of the aiming light pattern in the captured image, and for processing the electrical signal into information relating to the target when the target lies in a restricted zone within the range of working distances.

Abstract: A checkout system includes a clerk-operated bi-optical workstation through which products having target data are passed to a bagging area, and a customer-operated accessory reader having an accessory window facing the bagging area and a data capture assembly for capturing additional target data of additional targets associated with transaction-related items, particularly over a restricted range of working distances that terminates short of the bagging area, and for preventing the accessory reader from capturing the target data of the products in the bagging area.

Abstract: An image capture system for, and a method of, reading an optical code during a reading mode, comprise an aiming assembly including a laser for emitting a laser beam having a variable intensity, and for generating an aiming pattern from the laser beam during an aiming mode prior to the reading mode, and an imager for detecting and capturing an image of the aiming pattern and the code over a field of view by exposure over an exposure time period during the aiming mode, and for detecting and capturing an image of the code over the field of view during the reading mode. A controller is operative for controlling the intensity of the laser beam during the aiming mode by increasing the intensity of the laser beam during the exposure time period to enhance detection and capture of the aiming pattern by the imager, and by decreasing the intensity of the laser beam frame outside the exposure time period for user safety.