Abstract: An image sensor array system is arranged to enable oblique access for readout of image data from a stepped pixel pattern of sensor cells. The stepped pixel pattern represents an oblique line component of an image portion containing a 2-D bar code or other dataform. An obliquely aligned bar code image can thus be read out along oblique lines which follow rows of bar code elements traversing the elements. The sensor array (16) is accessed by horizontal and vertical readout circuits (22 and 24) under the control of address signals from an address unit (20). Location signals, from a source (12), indicative of a selected image portion (39) may be used by the address unit (20) to provide address signals representative of the stepped pixel pattern for a particular oblique line component.

Abstract: An image sensor array system is arranged to enable oblique access for readout of image data from a stepped pixel pattern of sensor cells. The stepped pixel pattern represents an oblique line component of an image portion containing a 2-D bar code or other dataform. An obliquely aligned bar code image can thus be read out along oblique lines which follow rows of bar code elements traversing the elements. The sensor array (16) is accessed by horizontal and vertical readout circuits (22 and 24) under the control of address signals from an address unit (20). Location signals, from a source (12), indicative of a selected image portion (39) may be used by the address unit (20) to provide address signals representative of the stepped pixel pattern for a particular oblique line component.

Abstract: An image sensor array system is addressable to enable readout of randomly selected image data from any one or more individual sensor cells, for any selected image area (13), or for the entire image area (15). The sensor array (16) is accessed by horizontal and vertical readout circuits (22 and 24) under the control of address signals from an address unit (20). Location signals, from a source (12), indicative of a selected image area (13) may be used by the address unit (20) to provide address signals representative of the location of a specific sensor cell or area (13) of the array including image data of interest. Under the control of the address signals, image data from cells at the intersection of array lines and columns are sampled by sampling devices (26-32) and provided as output signals representative of the selected portion of the image area at an output port (34). Simplified readout can be provided for oblique line components of images.

Abstract: An extended working range dataform reader with reduced power consumption having a camera assembly and a circuit control board including game control circuitry and exposure control circuitry configured to set an initial gain value and an initial exposure period, respectively, resulting from a previous dataform reading session. Subsequent fields of image data are captured by the camera which are used to correct the gain and exposure relative to the initial values for gain and exposure period, thereby reducing the latency period for realizing correct values and reducing power consumption during power up. Furthermore, the gain control system and the exposure control system each utilize an open loop feedback such that successive fields of image data captured by the camera are utilized to calculate correct values, thereby reducing the latency time for realizing a correct value.

Abstract: An extended working range dataform reader with reduced power consumption having a camera assembly and a circuit control board including game control circuitry and exposure control circuitry configured to set an initial gain value and an initial exposure period, respectively, resulting from a previous dataform reading session. Subsequent fields of image data are captured by the camera which are used to correct the gain and exposure relative to the initial values for gain and exposure period, thereby reducing the latency period for realizing correct values and reducing power consumption during power up. Furthermore, the gain control system and the exposure control system each utilize an open loop feedback such that successive fields of image data captured by the camera are utilized to calculate correct values, thereby reducing the latency time for realizing a correct value.

Abstract: An image sensor array system is arranged to enable oblique access for readout of image data from a stepped pixel pattern of sensor cells. The stepped pixel pattern represents an oblique line component of an image portion containing a 2-D bar code or other dataform. An obliquely aligned bar code image can thus be read out along oblique lines which follow rows of bar code elements traversing the elements. The sensor array (16) is accessed by horizontal and vertical readout circuits (22 and 24) under the control of address signals from an address unit (20). Location signals, from a source (12), indicative of a selected image portion (39) may be used by the address unit (20) to provide address signals representative of the stepped pixel pattern for a particular oblique line component.

Abstract: An image sensor array system is arranged to enable oblique access for readout of image data from a stepped pixel pattern of sensor cells. The stepped pixel pattern represents an oblique line component of an image portion containing a 2-D bar code or other dataform. An obliquely aligned bar code image can thus be read out along oblique lines which follow rows of bar code elements traversing the elements. The sensor array (16) is accessed by horizontal and vertical readout circuits (22 and 24) under the control of address signals from an address unit (20). Location signals, from a source (12), indicative of a selected image portion (39) may be used by the address unit (20) to provide address signals representative of the stepped pixel pattern for a particular oblique line component.

Abstract: A portable data collection system is disclosed. The system includes a dataform reader module having a board camera electrically coupled to a control and decoder board in an open loop feedback configuration. The control and decoder board includes fuzzy logic image control circuitry which analyzes a captured frame of a video image including a dataform produced by the board camera. Based on the analysis of the captured frame, the fuzzy logic image control circuitry generates control signals to adjust operating parameters of the board camera such that an image suitable for decoding is produced.

Abstract: Dataform readers and methods provide operation with a sequence of overlapping exposure periods for successive lines of sensor elements of an array. Also, the exposure periods for successive lines of sensor elements, or successive subsets of lines, can be independently determined. In operation of a dataform reader illumination of a target area is turned on before exposure of the first line of sensor elements, each line of sensor elements is exposed by reflected illumination in an exposure period which overlaps with the exposure period of one or more other lines, and illumination is then turned off. Using a CMOS construction, for example, the level of image signals read from one line of sensor elements is referred to a look-up table to determine an appropriate exposure period for a subsequent line or lines of elements of an array. This process is repeated to achieve exposure periods adjusted for localized exposure conditions for each successive line or subset of lines of sensor elements.

Abstract: An automatic exposure imaging system operating on a single frame image capture basis is adapted for single chip CMOS type construction. For reading dataforms, such as two-dimensional bar codes and matrix codes, the system can provide automatic gain control, automatic exposure control, automatic focus sensing and single frame imaging and decoding, with reduced power consumption. A fixed focus distance sensor element array assembly and optical distance sensing enable automatic initiation of exposure when the image is in-focus. Exposure provided by image illuminators is automatically controlled by sensing of the cumulative level of reflected light during the exposure period. Alternatively, exposure time is determined from a look-up table, based upon the level of light reflected during an initial illumination period of fixed duration. Automatic system turn-off or re-reading can be provided, depending upon whether a dataform is successfully decoded.

Abstract: Dataform readers and methods provide operation with a sequence of overlapping exposure periods for successive lines of sensor elements of an array. Also, the exposure periods for successive lines of sensor elements, or successive subsets of lines, can be independently determined. In operation of a dataform reader illumination of a target area is turned on before exposure of the first line of sensor elements, each line of sensor elements is exposed by reflected illumination in an exposure period which overlaps with the exposure period of one or more other lines, and illumination is then turned off. Using a CMOS construction, for example, the level of image signals read from one line of sensor elements is referred to a look-up table to determine an appropriate exposure period for a subsequent line or lines of elements of an array. This process is repeated to achieve exposure periods adjusted for localized exposure conditions for each successive line or subset of lines of sensor elements.