Abstract: This invention provides a vision system with an exchangeable illumination assembly that allows for increased versatility in the type and configuration of illumination supplied to the system without altering the underlying optics, sensor or vision processor, and their associated housing. The vision system housing includes a front plate that optionally includes a plurality of mounting bases for accepting different types of lenses. An optional connector is provided on the front plate to accept an electrical connection for a liquid lens component. The front plate includes a connector that allows removable interconnection with the illustrative illumination assembly. The illumination assembly includes a cover that is light transmissive on at lest the front face thereof. The cover encloses an illumination component that can include a plurality of lighting elements that surround an aperture through which received light rays from the imaged scene pass through to the lens.

Abstract: An image based code reader comprises an image sensor. The image sensor is configured to acquire an image of a code. Additionally, the image based code reader includes a lens configured to project an image scene including the code onto the image sensor, the lens comprising a variable optical power that controls a focus distance of the image based code reader. The image based code reader further includes a processor operatively coupled to the image sensor and the lens. The processor is configured to acquire the image of the code using only pixels located within a region of interest of the sensor, and a size of the region of interest is selected based on the focus distance of the reader.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a vision system camera, and associated methods of operation, having a multi-core processor, high-speed, high-resolution imager, FOVE, auto-focus lens and imager-connected pre-processor to pre-process image data provides the acquisition and processing speed, as well as the image resolution that are highly desirable in a wide range of applications. This arrangement effectively scans objects that require a wide field of view, vary in size and move relatively quickly with respect to the system field of view. This vision system provides a physical package with a wide variety of physical interconnections to support various options and control functions. The package effectively dissipates internally generated heat by arranging components to optimize heat transfer to the ambient environment and includes dissipating structure (e.g. fins) to facilitate such transfer.

Abstract: This invention provides a single-camera vision system, typically for use in logistics applications, that allows for adjustment of the camera viewing angle to accommodate a wide range of object heights and associated widths moving relative to an imaged scene with constant magnification. The camera assembly employs an image sensor that is more particularly suited to such applications, with an aspect (height-to-width) ratio of approximately 1:4 to 1:8. The camera assembly includes a distance sensor to determine the distance to the top of each object. The camera assembly employs a zoom lens that can change at relatively high speed (e.g. <10 ms) to allow adjustment of the viewing angle from object to object as each one passes under the camera's field of view (FOV). Optics that allow the image to be resolved on the image sensor within the desired range of viewing angles are provided in the camera lens assembly.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an electronic circuit board containing a processing element and a vision sensor. A carrier frame is used to support the electronic circuit board. An optical element is positioned over the sensor and supported by the carrier frame. The electronic circuit board is bent to reduce the length, thickness and/or width of the electronic device, without increasing the others of the length, thickness and/or width of the electronic device.

Abstract: This invention provides a module for a handheld device. The module includes an imager with optics and image acquisition/processing processors that provide high speed acquisition and handling of acquired image data. The acquired image data is processed by the device processor using a module application that resides within the device. A removable retaining component mounts within the module's base portion. The retaining component varies to accommodate different devices. The base portion includes appropriate ports enabling optical transmission to, for example, cameras and illuminators so that various native functions of the device can be employed as desired. The base portion also houses a battery and charging assembly e.g. an inductive charging unit. The inductive charging unit can be adapted to pass data, in addition to power, between the inductive coils and the charging unit can be interconnected to a data network with attached devices that employ data from the module.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an electronic circuit board containing a processing element and a vision sensor. A carrier frame is used to support the electronic circuit board. An optical element is positioned over the sensor and supported by the carrier frame. The electronic circuit board is bent to reduce the length, thickness and/or width of the electronic device, without increasing the others of the length, thickness and/or width of the electronic device.

Abstract: A power/communication kit for use with a reader module where the code reader module includes a reader connector and a reader housing, the power/communication kit comprising a plurality of different power/communication modules wherein each module communicates via a different communication protocol and each includes a power source and a communication component suitable for communicating via an associated communication protocol, wherein, each of the modules is securable to the reader module in a similar fashion such that any one of the power/communication modules can be swapped for any other of the power/communication modules so that the reader can be used with different communication systems.

Abstract: A modular focus system for image based code readers includes swappable lens attachments enables fixed focus, manual focus, and variable focus operation from a single reader. A manual focus lens cap includes a manually adjustable focus ring to change the focus of the reader. A variable focus lens module includes a liquid lens that is manipulated by a voltage delivered via a pair of electrodes to adjust the focus of the reader. The lens attachments can be swapped out and replaced as needed.

Abstract: A modular focus system for image based code readers includes swappable lens attachments enables fixed focus, manual focus, and variable focus operation from a single reader. A manual focus lens cap includes a manually adjustable focus ring to change the focus of the reader. A variable focus lens module includes a liquid lens that is manipulated by a voltage delivered via a pair of electrodes to adjust the focus of the reader. The lens attachments can be swapped out and replaced as needed.

Abstract: This invention provides a vision system camera, and associated methods of operation, having a multi-core processor, high-speed, high-resolution imager, FOVE, auto-focus lens and imager-connected pre-processor to pre-process image data provides the acquisition and processing speed, as well as the image resolution that are highly desirable in a wide range of applications. This arrangement effectively scans objects that require a wide field of view, vary in size and move relatively quickly with respect to the system field of view. This vision system provides a physical package with a wide variety of physical interconnections to support various options and control functions. The package effectively dissipates internally generated heat by arranging components to optimize heat transfer to the ambient environment and includes dissipating structure (e.g. fins) to facilitate such transfer.

Abstract: This invention provides a vision system with an exchangeable illumination assembly that allows for increased versatility in the type and configuration of illumination supplied to the system without altering the underlying optics, sensor or vision processor, and their associated housing. The vision system housing includes a front plate that optionally includes a plurality of mounting bases for accepting different types of lenses. An optional connector is provided on the front plate to accept an electrical connection for a liquid lens component. The front plate includes a connector that allows removable interconnection with the illustrative illumination assembly. The illumination assembly includes a cover that is light transmissive on at lest the front face thereof. The cover encloses an illumination component that can include a plurality of lighting elements that surround an aperture through which received light rays from the imaged scene pass through to the lens.

Abstract: A power/communication kit for use with a reader module where the code reader module includes a reader connector and a reader housing, the power/communication kit comprising a plurality of different power/communication modules wherein each module communicates via a different communication protocol and each includes a power source and a communication component suitable for communicating via an associated communication protocol, wherein, each of the modules is securable to the reader module in a similar fashion such that any one of the power/communication modules can be swapped for any other of the power/communication modules so that the reader can be used with different communication systems.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an electronic circuit board containing a processing element and a vision sensor. A carrier frame is used to support the electronic circuit board. An optical element is positioned over the sensor and supported by the carrier frame. The electronic circuit board is bent to reduce the length, thickness and/or width of the electronic device, without increasing the others of the length, thickness and/or width of the electronic device.

Abstract: A power/communication kit for use with a reader module where the code reader module includes a reader connector and a reader housing, the power/communication kit comprising a plurality of different power/communication modules wherein each module communicates via a different communication protocol and each includes a power source and a communication component suitable for communicating via an associated communication protocol, wherein, each of the modules is securable to the reader module in a similar fashion such that any one of the power/communication modules can be swapped for any other of the power/communication modules so that the reader can be used with different communication systems.

Abstract: This invention provides a vision system with an exchangeable illumination assembly that allows for increased versatility in the type and configuration of illumination supplied to the system without altering the underlying optics, sensor, vision processor, or the associated housing. The vision system housing includes a front plate that optionally includes a plurality of mounting bases for accepting different types of lenses, and a connector that allows removable interconnection with the illustrative illumination assembly. The illumination assembly includes a cover that is light transmissive. The cover encloses an illumination component that can include a plurality of lighting elements that surround an aperture through which received light rays from the imaged scene pass through to the lens. The arrangement of lighting elements is highly variable and the user can be supplied with an illumination assembly that best suits its needs without need to change the vision system processor, sensor or housing.

Abstract: A modular focus system for image based code readers includes swappable lens attachments enables fixed focus, manual focus, and variable focus operation from a single reader. A manual focus lens cap includes a manually adjustable focus ring to change the focus of the reader. A variable focus lens module includes a liquid lens that is manipulated by a voltage delivered via a pair of electrodes to adjust the focus of the reader. The lens attachments can be swapped out and replaced as needed.

Abstract: A modular focus system for image based code readers includes swappable lens attachments enables fixed focus, manual focus, and variable focus operation from a single reader. A manual focus lens cap includes a manually adjustable focus ring to change the focus of the reader. A variable focus lens module includes a liquid lens that is manipulated by a voltage delivered via a pair of electrodes to adjust the focus of the reader. The lens attachments can be swapped out and replaced as needed.

Abstract: A data reader comprises a camera that has an adjustable resolution and acquisition speed. The camera is maintained at a low level resolution and fast speed and is periodically actuated to acquire images. When an acquired image indicates that an object is present, the resolution of the camera is increased, and a higher resolution image is acquired and decoded. The imaging system of the camera is therefore used to trigger data acquisitions, thereby eliminating the need for external triggers and sensor devices.

Abstract: A power/communication kit for use with a reader module where the code reader module includes a reader connector and a reader housing, the power/communication kit comprising a plurality of different power/communication modules wherein each module communicates via a different communication protocol and each includes a power source and a communication component suitable for communicating via an associated communication protocol, wherein, each of the modules is securable to the reader module in a similar fashion such that any one of the power/communication modules can be swapped for any other of the power/communication modules so that the reader can be used with different communication systems.