Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a system including an optic to receive light from near objects and far objects and a photoreceiver optically coupled to the optic, the photoreceiver including a photodetector array. A light scattering structure is positioned a distance from the photodetector array to compensate for parallax effects for the received energy from the near objects and the far objects. The light scattering structure is configured to scatter light onto pixels of the photodetector array.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for photodetection having parallax compensation for near and far object signal return. In embodiment, a photoreceiver comprising a at least one light-sensitive pixel to transduce light to electrical signals has at least a first one of the pixels including a first subpixel region having a first light response characteristic and a second subpixel region having a second light response characteristic, wherein the first and second light characteristics are configured to correspond to variations in intensity of reflected light from objects at different distances when the portion of the reflected light reaching the first one of the pixels imaged onto the first and second subpixel regions.

Abstract: A headset system is described herein including a number of features including a frame and optical element. The headset system may include different combinations of an attachment mechanism to attach the frame and optical element; an alignment mechanism to align the optical element in a predetermined relative location to the frame; a retention mechanism to retain an inserted mobile device into the frame in a predetermined, relative location to the frame; a head restraint system including one or more straps; and combinations thereof. The retention mechanism may include an elastic cover over the frame. The straps may include reinforcement features, mated connection features, and combinations thereof. The reinforcement feature may include a concave, ovoid, indentation on an inner surface of the strap.

Abstract: A headset system is described herein including a number of features including a frame and optical element. The headset system may include different combinations of an attachment mechanism to attach the frame and optical element; an alignment mechanism to align the optical element in a predetermined relative location to the frame; a retention mechanism to retain an inserted mobile device into the frame in a predetermined, relative location to the frame; a head restraint system including one or more straps; and combinations thereof. The retention mechanism may include an elastic cover over the frame. The straps may include reinforcement features, mated connection features, and combinations thereof. The reinforcement feature may include a concave, ovoid, indentation on an inner surface of the strap.

Abstract: An optical scanning system and method for laser engraving a plurality of data subrasters into a substrate to form a raster of engraved data defining an image on the substrate. Each subraster has a length dimension and a width dimension. The system includes a transport assembly having an objective lens and a mirror, the mirror capable of reflecting a substantially collimated scanning beam incident thereon in a direction transverse to an axis of the incident beam such that it is directed to the objective lens. The objective lens is capable of focusing the scanning beam on the substrate to engrave a set of data in the width dimension of the subraster and the objective lens and mirror combination is capable of moving along the axis of the incident beam to allow subsequent engraving of other sets of data in the width dimension until a complete subraster is formed along its length dimension.

Abstract: A unitary body of optical material and associated methods for reading indicia such as bar codes is provided. The unitary body can focus light from a light source into a beam, redirect light reflected from a target to a photodetector, and provide mechanical support for a light source, printed circuit board, or other indicia reader components. In comparison to conventional apparatus, the unitary body requires a reduced number of components and is therefore easier and less expensive to manufacture and assemble. The unitary design increases reliability and performance consistency while decreasing sensitivity to thermal and mechanical loading. Moreover, the unitary body reduces the overall tolerance budget of a reader and therefore facilitates mass production of optical apparatus and readers. The unitary body and associated methods may be implemented in a compact reader with the aforementioned advantages in the form of a pen, or can be integrated into an antenna of a wireless device, such as a cell phone or a PDA.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for preventing condensation from forming on the internal components of an optical scanner, allowing the scanner to be moved between hot and cold environments without sacrificing scanning performance or damaging the scanner. The optical scanner can be a laser scanner or a solid state imager. One method of preventing moisture from condensing on the inside of a scanner is to control the internal temperature of the scanner. This is accomplished by installing a thermostatically controlled heater module on the inside of the scanner and warming up the scanner's internal air when the air temperature falls below a predetermined point. Another method of preventing moisture from condensing on the inside of the scanner is to hermetically seal the scanning enclosure and fill with inert gas.

Abstract: A unitary body of optical material and associated methods for reading indicia such as bar codes is provided. The unitary body can focus light from a light source into a beam, redirect light reflected from a target to a photodetector, and provide mechanical support for a light source, printed circuit board, or other indicia reader components. In comparison to conventional apparatus, the unitary body requires a reduced number of components and is therefore easier and less expensive to manufacture and assemble. The unitary design increases reliability and performance consistency while decreasing sensitivity to thermal and mechanical loading. Moreover, the unitary body reduces the overall tolerance budget of a reader and therefore facilitates mass production of optical apparatus and readers. The unitary body and associated methods may be implemented in a compact reader with the aforementioned advantages in the form of a pen, or can be integrated into an antenna of a wireless device, such as a cell phone or a PDA.

Abstract: An imaging ball lens for wide field of view applications includes three elements. A first element is a plano-convex lens element with a convex and planar surface, the convex surface positioned facing an object side of the lens. The second plano-convex lens element has a convex and a planar surface. The planar surface of the second lens element is positioned facing the object side of the lens such that it is optically coupled to the planar surface of the first lens element. Also included is a plano-concave fiber optic faceplate with a concave and a planar surface. The concave surface of the faceplate is optically coupled to the convex surface of the second lens element facing the object side of the lens such that it is optically immersed with the fiber optic faceplate.

Abstract: A photon emitting high speed event detector provides for the optimum detection and location of high speed events such as strobe light sources, pulsed laser, gunfire, and lightning. The detector includes a focal plane array, a control circuit and a cueing sensor. The focal plane array is capable of receiving and storing photons which are emitted from a device. The focal plane array is continuously switched by the control circuit between an integrate (charging) and non-integrate (clearing) state until a high speed event is detected by the cueing sensor. During the charging state, incident photon energy is stored by the focal plane array. Upon detection of an event, the cueing sensor instructs the control circuit to hold the focal plane array in the integrate state and the control circuit reads out the stored charge which can be provided to a video monitor for display.