Abstract: An example bi-directional closed loop multi-focus-position lens apparatus comprises a barrel lens assembly moveable along a longitudinal axis and comprising top and bottom magnetic elements, top and bottom coil elements, a magnetic field sensor, a temperature sensor, a processor, and a non-transitory memory storing predetermined calibration data. The lens apparatus applies current to the coil elements to move the lens assembly toward a desired focus position, captures a magnetic field and temperature within the lens apparatus, compares the captured magnetic field and the captured temperature to the calibration data to determine a current position of the lens assembly, determines if the current position is the desired focus position, and, if the current position is not the desired focus position, adjusts the coil current to move the lens assembly from the current position toward the desired focus position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for improved projecting of aimer illumination utilizing an off-axis aimer alignment. Some embodiments reduce the negative impact of light reflectivity on components of an apparatus from an aimer illumination while simultaneously enhancing the intensity level of the aimer illumination at greater ranges from a target object. One example embodiment includes an integrated molded off-axis aimer lens including a light focusing lens having an input face and an output face, an axis redirecting lens having an angled front surface, where the axis redirecting lens is oriented along a first axis, where the axis redirecting lens is aligned with the output face of the light focusing lens, and an aimer light source aligned with the input face of the light focusing lens, where the aimer light source is oriented along a second axis that differs from the first axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to illumination synchronization in a multi-imager environment. Embodiments include systems, methods, computer program products, and apparatuses configured for operating a near-field illumination source associated with a near-field image sensor, based on a first illumination pulse train. An exposure period of a far-field image sensor is determined and one or more characteristics of the first illumination pulse train are modified to accommodate the exposure period of the far-field image sensor.

Abstract: An indicia-reading module is capable of integration into the smallest face of thin-profile smart device. The module employs chip-on-board packaging and a customized sensor enclosure to eliminate the stack-up height found in conventional packaging. The module also employs a customized frame to reduce volume by integrating circuit subassembly circuit boards into a unique architecture and by serving as the lenses for the illuminator and the aimer, thereby eliminating the need for any extra lenses or holders.

Abstract: An example variable focusing lens apparatus, as well as example methods for assembling and operating the example variable focusing lens apparatus, is provided. The example variable focusing lens apparatus includes a rear pair of coil elements powered by a rear coil current, a front pair of coil elements positioned in front of the rear pair of coil elements and powered by a front coil current, and a barrel lens assembly comprising a top magnetic element secured on a top portion of the barrel lens assembly and a bottom magnetic element secured on a bottom portion of the barrel lens assembly. In some examples, the barrel lens assembly is moveable to a plurality of barrel lens assembly positions corresponding to a plurality of current differential ratios associated with the rear coil current and the front coil current.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide improved multi-imager readers/scanners for reading codes utilizing a plurality of illuminators associated with various illumination types. Some embodiments include a ring of illuminators including a plurality of polarized illuminator assemblies, a plurality of narrow field illuminator assemblies, and a plurality of dark field illuminator assemblies, and additionally include a diffuser illuminator assembly. Utilizing these combination of illuminators, fields of view may be illuminated in a myriad of ways to increase the likelihood that a captured representation of the illuminated field via one or more imager results in a successful scanning operation. Some embodiments utilize data, such as previous data or data derived from current attempted reading of captured image representations, to determine illuminators to be activated to increase the likelihood of successfully completing a scanning operation.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide implementations for controlling flicker, for example caused by a plurality of light sources, in a multi-sensor environment. Various embodiments provided utilize a broadest illuminator source for capturing image data objects for processing. The broadest illuminator source minimizes the number of activation changes required between the various illuminator sources. One example embodiment includes activating a broadest illuminator source of a plurality of illuminator sources; determining, based on a plurality of image sensors and an sensor activation sequence, a chosen image sensor of the plurality of image sensors for an image processing operation; and activating a chosen illuminator source of the plurality of illuminator sources, the chosen illuminator source associated with the chosen image sensor.

Abstract: An optical dimensioning system includes one or more light emitting assemblies configured to project one or more predetermined patterns on an object; an imaging assembly configured to sense light scattered and/or reflected off the object, and to capture an image of the object while the patterns are projected; and a processing assembly configured to analyze the image of the object to determine one or more dimension parameters of the object. The light emitting assembly may include a single piece optical component configured for producing a first pattern and second pattern. The patterns may be distinguishable based on directional filtering, feature detection, feature shift detection, or the like. A method for optical dimensioning includes illuminating an object with at least two detectable patterns; and calculating dimensions of the object by analyzing pattern separate of the elements comprising the projected patterns. One or more pattern generators may produce the patterns.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an alternative illuminator assembly and corresponding imaging assemblies utilizing the alternative illuminator assembly. The alternative illuminator assembly may provide alternative illuminations from those produced by an imager engine, such that the alternative illuminations may provide specific illuminations at specific illumination angles to illuminate a field of view for a desired purpose. In an example context, the alternative illuminator assembly provides one or more alternative illuminations for improving the likelihood of successfully reading specific direct part marking indicias of various types. Embodiments are provided using overlapping subassemblies that enable a small form factor assembly that can fit into mobile apparatus chasses, for example within conventional cell phone housings of around 7 millimeters.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to illumination synchronization in a multi-imager environment. Embodiments include systems, methods, computer program products, and apparatuses configured for operating a near-field illumination source associated with a near-field image sensor, based on a first illumination pulse train. An exposure period of a far-field image sensor is determined and one or more characteristics of the first illumination pulse train are modified to accommodate the exposure period of the far-field image sensor.

Abstract: An example variable focusing lens apparatus, as well as example methods for assembling and operating the example variable focusing lens apparatus, is provided. The example variable focusing lens apparatus includes a rear pair of coil elements powered by a rear coil current, a front pair of coil elements positioned in front of the rear pair of coil elements and powered by a front coil current, and a barrel lens assembly comprising a top magnetic element secured on a top portion of the barrel lens assembly and a bottom magnetic element secured on a bottom portion of the barrel lens assembly. In some examples, the barrel lens assembly is moveable to a plurality of barrel lens assembly positions corresponding to a plurality of current differential ratios associated with the rear coil current and the front coil current.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate generally to automatic focus selection in a multi-imager environment. Embodiments include methods, systems, and apparatuses configured for capturing by a first image sensor, a first image of a visual object with a background associated with a subject. A characteristic difference between the visual object in the first image and the background in the first image is determined and a distance determination mode is selected based on the determined characteristic difference. Accordingly, a distance to the subject is calculated based on the selected distance determination mode and a second image sensor is controlled to capture a second image of the subject, based on the calculated distance to the subject.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing a one sensor near far solution to minimize field of view mismatch and aiming offsets are provided. For example, an indicia reader utilizing dual optics may include an engine comprising a near field imaging optic and a far field imaging optic that split an imaging sensor array and a aimer; wherein the near field imaging optic, the far field imaging optic, and the aimer are configured in a triangular arrangement to minimize the field of mismatch and aiming offsets. In some embodiments, the far field imaging optic may be configured to utilize a two or more prisms to provide a periscope configuration.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide implementations for controlling flicker, for example caused by a plurality of light sources, in a multi-sensor environment. Various embodiments provided utilize a broadest illuminator source for capturing image data objects for processing. The broadest illuminator source minimizes the number of activation changes required between the various illuminator sources. One example embodiment includes activating a broadest illuminator source of a plurality of illuminator sources; determining, based on a plurality of image sensors and an sensor activation sequence, a chosen image sensor of the plurality of image sensors for an image processing operation; and activating a chosen illuminator source of the plurality of illuminator sources, the chosen illuminator source associated with the chosen image sensor.

Abstract: An example bi-directional closed loop multi-focus-position lens apparatus comprises a barrel lens assembly moveable along a longitudinal axis and comprising top and bottom magnetic elements, top and bottom coil elements, a magnetic field sensor, a temperature sensor, a processor, and a non-transitory memory storing predetermined calibration data. The lens apparatus applies current to the coil elements to move the lens assembly toward a desired focus position, captures a magnetic field and temperature within the lens apparatus, compares the captured magnetic field and the captured temperature to the calibration data to determine a current position of the lens assembly, determines if the current position is the desired focus position, and, if the current position is not the desired focus position, adjusts the coil current to move the lens assembly from the current position toward the desired focus position.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide a discrete focusing lens assembly. Some embodiments are designed to enable repositioning of one or more components, such as a lens barrel assembly, to adjust the focus of the discrete focusing lens assembly. Some example discrete focusing lens assemblies include a module base housing a lens barrel assembly having a pair of positioning magnets, a pair of positioning coil assemblies associated with the positioning magnets, and at least one module alignment pin positioning and/or aligning some or all of the components. The positioning coil assemblies together with the positioning magnets are configured to exert various magnetic fields to reposition the lens barrel assembly. Further embodiments are provided for imaging apparatus including at least one discrete focusing lens assembly described herein. Further, embodiments are provided for processes for assembling a discrete focusing lens assembly described herein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include near co-axial polarized illuminator apparatuses and uses thereof. The near co-axial polarized illuminator is internally positionable in near co-axial alignment with one or more imager(s) utilized to capture a representation of a field of view illuminated by the near co-axial polarized illuminator. Embodiments include small form factor reader(s) that utilize a near co-axial polarized illuminator to improve illumination of a field of view captured via multiple imagers for detecting and/or decoding machine-readable symbologies, such as barcodes. Some embodiments include a DPM channel image sensor, a standard range channel image sensor, a near co-axial polarizer light source positioned adjacent to the DPM channel image sensor and adjacent to the standard range channel image sensor, a near co-axial polarizer aligned with the near co-axial polarizer light source, and an analyzer aligned with the DPM channel image sensor and/or the standard range channel image sensor.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing a one sensor near far solution to minimize field of view mismatch and aiming offsets are provided. For example, an indicia reader utilizing dual optics may include an engine comprising a near field imaging optic and a far field imaging optic that split an imaging sensor array and a aimer; wherein the near field imaging optic, the far field imaging optic, and the aimer are configured in a triangular arrangement to minimize the field of mismatch and aiming offsets. In some embodiments, the far field imaging optic may be configured to utilize a two or more mirrors to provide a periscope configuration.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide multi-projector (i.e., two or more) imaging apparatuses utilizing integrated illumination-aimer optics. Embodiments of the present disclosure minimize irreparable component offset to improve overall accuracy associated with the functioning of the apparatuses. Additionally, the integrated illumination-aimer optics enables embodiments disclosed herein to be provided in a significantly smaller form factor than conventional multi-projector imaging apparatuses.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide a discrete focusing lens assembly. Some embodiments are designed to enable repositioning of one or more components, such as a lens barrel assembly, to adjust the focus of the discrete focusing lens assembly. Some example discrete focusing lens assemblies include a module base housing a lens barrel assembly having a pair of positioning magnets, a pair of positioning coil assemblies associated with the positioning magnets, and at least one module alignment pin positioning and/or aligning some or all of the components. The positioning coil assemblies together with the positioning magnets are configured to exert various magnetic fields to reposition the lens barrel assembly. Further embodiments are provided for imaging apparatus including at least one discrete focusing lens assembly described herein. Further, embodiments are provided for processes for assembling a discrete focusing lens assembly described herein.