Abstract: Various corporate, industry, and regulatory guidelines, best practices and standards are used in establishing acceptable levels of accuracy for volume dimensioning systems used in commerce. A volume dimensioning system can determine at least one distortion value that is indicative of an amount of distortion present in the system and responsive to the amount of distortion, autonomously alter or adjust the units of accuracy of information reported by the system. Such alteration or adjustment of units of accuracy may be performed based on an assessment of the distortion relative to a number of distortion thresholds. Responsive to the assessment, the volume dimensioning system can adjust a unit of accuracy in a representation of volume dimensioning related information.

Abstract: An indicia reading device for decoding decodable indicia includes an illumination subsystem, an aimer subsystem, an imaging subsystem, a memory, and a processor. The illumination subsystem is operative for projecting an illumination pattern. The aimer subsystem is operative for projecting an aiming pattern. The imaging subsystem includes a stereoscopic imager. The memory is in communication with the stereoscopic imager and is capable of storing frames of image data representing light incident on the stereoscopic imager. The processor is in communication with the memory and is operative to decode a decodable indicia represented in at least one of the frames of image data. The stereoscopic imager is configured to capture multiple images at a baseline distance apart to create three-dimensional images with depth information of the decodable indicia.

Abstract: Various corporate, industry, and regulatory guidelines, best practices and standards are used in establishing acceptable levels of accuracy for volume dimensioning systems used in commerce. A volume dimensioning system can determine at least one distortion value that is indicative of an amount of distortion present in the system and responsive to the amount of distortion, autonomously alter or adjust the units of accuracy of information reported by the system. Such alteration or adjustment of units of accuracy may be performed based on an assessment of the distortion relative to a number of distortion thresholds. Responsive to the assessment, the volume dimensioning system can adjust a unit of accuracy in a representation of volume dimensioning related information.

Abstract: Various corporate, industry, and regulatory guidelines, best practices and standards are used in establishing acceptable levels of accuracy for volume dimensioning systems used in commerce. A volume dimensioning system can determine at least one distortion value that is indicative of an amount of distortion present in the system and responsive to the amount of distortion, autonomously alter or adjust the units of accuracy of information reported by the system. Such alteration or adjustment of units of accuracy may be performed based on an assessment of the distortion relative to a number of distortion thresholds. Responsive to the assessment, the volume dimensioning system can adjust a unit of accuracy in a representation of volume dimensioning related information.

Abstract: An indicia reading device for decoding decodable indicia includes an illumination subsystem, an aimer subsystem, an imaging subsystem, a memory, and a processor. The illumination subsystem is operative for projecting an illumination pattern. The aimer subsystem is operative for projecting an aiming pattern. The imaging subsystem includes a stereoscopic imager. The memory is in communication with the stereoscopic imager and is capable of storing frames of image data representing light incident on the stereoscopic imager. The processor is in communication with the memory and is operative to decode a decodable indicia represented in at least one of the frames of image data. The stereoscopic imager is configured to capture multiple images at a baseline distance apart to create three-dimensional images with depth information of the decodable indicia.

Abstract: An optical pattern projector used for projecting a structured-light pattern onto an object for dimensioning is presented. The optical pattern projector utilizes a laser array, a lenslet array, a lens, and a diffractive optical element to create a repeated pattern of projected dots. The pattern repetition is based on the grid pattern of laser array. Each laser's collimated beam, when projected through the lens, impinges on the diffractive optical element from a slightly different direction. The diffractive optical element creates a sub-patterns that continue propagating along these different directions and combine on a target to produce a repeating optical pattern.

Abstract: The present invention embraces a system for measuring the 3D shape of an object using a structured light projector and an image sensor such as a scanner or camera. The structured light projector “projects” a pseudo random dot pattern onto the object that is positioned on a planar surface. The image sensor captures the 3D image of the object from the reflective surface and determines the dimensions or shape of the object. The surface displays the projected dot pattern and defines a grid based on the projected dot pattern. The dot pattern comprising a plurality of dots distributed on the grid such that neighboring dots within a certain sub-window size are unique sub-patterns. The neighboring dots are arranged in a staggered grid format relative to one axis of grid.

Abstract: An indicia reading device for decoding decodable indicia includes an illumination subsystem, an aimer subsystem, an imaging subsystem, a memory, and a processor. The illumination subsystem is operative for projecting an illumination pattern. The aimer subsystem is operative for projecting an aiming pattern. The imaging subsystem includes a stereoscopic imager. The memory is in communication with the stereoscopic imager and is capable of storing frames of image data representing light incident on the stereoscopic imager. The processor is in communication with the memory and is operative to decode a decodable indicia represented in at least one of the frames of image data. The stereoscopic imager is configured to capture multiple images at a baseline distance apart to create three-dimensional images with depth information of the decodable indicia.

Abstract: A system for generating an extended specular lighting field for reading symbols on a reflective background surface is described. A scanner generates illumination for illuminating the symbols. Reflection of the illumination incident upon the reflective surface is retroreflected onto the symbols on the reflective surface. Reflection of the retroreflected light by the reflective surface is received by the scanner for processing information about the symbols. By using the reflective surface to help illuminate the symbols, an ordinary scanner can be used to read the symbols.

Abstract: An optical pattern projector used for projecting a structured-light pattern onto an object for dimensioning is presented. The optical pattern projector utilizes a laser array, a lenslet array, a lens, and a diffractive optical element to create a repeated pattern of projected dots. The pattern repetition is based on the grid pattern of laser array. Each laser's collimated beam, when projected through the lens, impinges on the diffractive optical element from a slightly different direction. The diffractive optical element creates a sub-patterns that continue propagating along these different directions and combine on a target to produce a repeating optical pattern.

Abstract: An indicia reading device for decoding decodable indicia includes an illumination subsystem, an aimer subsystem, an imaging subsystem, a memory, and a processor. The illumination subsystem is operative for projecting an illumination pattern. The aimer subsystem is operative for projecting an aiming pattern. The imaging subsystem includes a stereoscopic imager. The memory is in communication with the stereoscopic imager and is capable of storing frames of image data representing light incident on the stereoscopic imager. The processor is in communication with the memory and is operative to decode a decodable indicia represented in at least one of the frames of image data. The stereoscopic imager is configured to capture multiple images at a baseline distance apart to create three-dimensional images with depth information of the decodable indicia.

Abstract: A scanner system is operable for gathering graphic data from a scan target. The scanner system has a single illumination source component operable for generating light, for aiming the scanner system with a filtered beam of the generated light directed at the scan target, and for illuminating the scan target with the directed light. The scanner system also has a detector component operable for sensing a reflection from the scan target, the sensed reflection including a portion of the directed light with which the scan target is illuminated, and for detecting information in the sensed reflection, in which the information detected in sensed reflection corresponds to the graphic data gathered from the scan target.

Abstract: The present invention embraces a system for measuring the 3D shape of an object using a structured light projector and an image sensor such as a scanner or camera. The structured light projector “projects” a pseudo random dot pattern onto the object that is positioned on a planar surface. The image sensor captures the 3D image of the object from the reflective surface and determines the dimensions or shape of the object. The surface displays the projected dot pattern and defines a grid based on the projected dot pattern. The dot pattern comprising a plurality of dots distributed on the grid such that neighboring dots within a certain sub-window size are unique sub-patterns. The neighboring dots are arranged in a staggered grid format relative to one axis of grid.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring an item's dimensions using a time-of-flight dimensioning system is disclosed. The system and method mitigate multipath distortion and improve the accuracy of the measurements, especially in a mobile environment. To mitigate the multipath distortion, an imager captures an image of an item of interest. This image is processed to determine an illumination region corresponding item-of-interest's size, shape, and position. Using this information, an adjustable aperture's size, shape, and position are controlled so the light beam used in the time-of-flight analysis substantially illuminates the illumination region without first being reflected.

Abstract: An optical pattern projector used for projecting a structured-light pattern onto an object for dimensioning is presented. The optical pattern projector utilizes a laser array, a lenslet array, a lens, and a diffractive optical element to create a repeated pattern of projected dots. The pattern repetition is based on the grid pattern of laser array. Each laser's collimated beam, when projected through the lens, impinges on the diffractive optical element from a slightly different direction. The diffractive optical element creates a sub-patterns that continue propagating along these different directions and combine on a target to produce a repeating optical pattern.

Abstract: Machine-readable symbol readers and/or scan engines may subtractively impose an aiming pattern on an illumination field produced by a source of light or illumination. An optical component with a mask or filter are interposed in an optical path extending outwardly from the source of light or illumination. The mask or filter may have a defined shape or configuration to subtractively produce an aiming pattern with a desired shape or configuration. The mask or filter may, or may not, be wavelength selective or spectral. A wavelength selective mask or filter may produce an aiming pattern of a defined color, different from a color of an illumination field. Such may eliminate the need for a separate, distinct source of light or illumination for an aiming beam subsystem. The described structures and methods may reduce size, reduce parts count, and/or simplify manufacture.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring an item's dimensions using a time-of-flight dimensioning system is disclosed. The system and method mitigate multipath distortion and improve the accuracy of the measurements, especially in a mobile environment. To mitigate the multipath distortion, an imager captures an image of an item of interest. This image is processed to determine an illumination region corresponding item-of-interest's size, shape, and position. Using this information, an adjustable aperture's size, shape, and position are controlled so the light beam used in the time-of-flight analysis substantially illuminates the illumination region without first being reflected.

Abstract: An imaging system having a solid-state auto focusing system advantageously images broadband light reflected from an object to be imaged using a lens objective having chromatic aberration, which focuses different colors of light at different focal planes. Using the color information in the focal planes in conjunction with an object distance determined by a range finder, a luminance plane is constructed that has a focused image of the object. The system provides the focused image of the object without the use of any moving parts.

Abstract: A scanner system is operable for gathering graphic data from a scan target. The scanner system has a single illumination source component operable for generating light, for aiming the scanner system with a filtered beam of the generated light directed at the scan target, and for illuminating the scan target with the directed light. The scanner system also has a detector component operable for sensing a reflection from the scan target, the sensed reflection including a portion of the directed light with which the scan target is illuminated, and for detecting information in the sensed reflection, in which the information detected in sensed reflection corresponds to the graphic data gathered from the scan target.

Abstract: Volume dimensioning employs techniques to reduce multipath reflection or return of illumination, and hence distortion. Volume dimensioning for any given target object includes a sequence of one or more illuminations and respective detections of returned illumination. A sequence typically includes illumination with at least one initial spatial illumination pattern and with one or more refined spatial illumination patterns. Refined spatial illumination patterns are generated based on previous illumination in order to reduce distortion. The number of refined spatial illumination patterns in a sequence may be fixed, or may vary based on results of prior illumination(s) in the sequence. Refined spatial illumination patterns may avoid illuminating background areas that contribute to distortion. Sometimes, illumination with the initial spatial illumination pattern may produce sufficiently acceptable results, and refined spatial illumination patterns in the sequence omitted.