Abstract: A technique for on-demand power wake up for digital signage includes providing 400 a detector operable to detect an envelope of a digital signal, receiving 402 an extended length packet by the detector, wherein the packet consists of a same, repeated data symbol, detecting 404 the extended length packet in the detector to provide an output signal, comparing 406 the output signal against a reference threshold, and providing 410 a wake up signal if the output signal exceeds the reference threshold. This can then be followed by receiving 416 information to display on the sign.

Abstract: A technique for on-demand power wake up for digital signage includes providing 400 a detector operable to detect an envelope of a digital signal, receiving 402 an extended length packet by the detector, wherein the packet consists of a same, repeated data symbol, detecting 404 the extended length packet in the detector to provide an output signal, comparing 406 the output signal against a reference threshold, and providing 410 a wake up signal if the output signal exceeds the reference threshold. This can then be followed by receiving 416 information to display on the sign.

Abstract: An imaging system (20) for an imaging-base bar code reader (10) having a housing (11) and a window (17). The imaging system (20) includes a dual camera assembly (22) having a first camera assembly (24) and a second camera assembly (26) mounted within the housing (11) to image a target object (14a, 14b). The first camera assembly (24) includes a first field of view (FOV1) and the second camera assembly (26) including a second field of view (FOV2). The imaging system (20) further includes a fold mirror (36, 37) and positioned within the bar code reader housing (11) to intersect and direct the field of view of at least one of the first and second camera assemblies (24, 26) such that the first and second fields of view (FOV1, FOV2) pass through the exit window (17) and are substantially congruent exterior of the housing (11).

Abstract: A scan engine (52, 66) for imaging a target object (30) comprises a photosensitive circuitry (58, 76) located within the scan engine (52, 66) for capturing an image reflected from a target object (30) to the scan engine (52, 66). A communication interface (60, 78) is disposed within the scan engine (52, 66) and coupled to the photosensitive circuitry (58, 76) for communicating an undecoded signal (62, 80) to a remote device (14) over a digital serial interface.

Abstract: In an electro-optical system for reading ultraviolet (UV) light-responsive indicia illuminated by a UV light beam having a wavelength shorter than visible light, safety techniques are described for reducing exposure to the UV light beam to within safe limits.

Abstract: Management data is uploaded and downloaded in the field to data capture systems, such as electro-optical readers, RFID readers, and imagers, either before, after, or during data capture in a manner transparent to the system without disturbing the data capture.

Abstract: An imaging system (20) for an imaging-base bar code reader (10) having a housing (11) and a window (17). The imaging system (20) includes a dual camera assembly (22) having a first camera assembly (24) and a second camera assembly (26) mounted within the housing (11) to image a target object (14a, 14b). The first camera assembly (24) includes a first field of view (FOV1) and the second camera assembly (26) including a second field of view (FOV2). The imaging system (20) further includes a fold mirror (36, 37) and positioned within the bar code reader housing (11) to intersect and direct the field of view of at least one of the first and second camera assemblies (24, 26) such that the first and second fields of view (FOV1, FOV2) pass through the exit window (17) and are substantially congruent exterior of the housing (11).

Abstract: An imaging and illuminating engine for an optical code reader to illuminate and image remote target indicia, such as an optical code, is provided. The engine includes an image sensor for receiving reflected illumination from the remote indicia and an illumination assembly for providing illumination of the remote indicia. The illumination assembly is capable of providing a plurality of different outputs, such as light having different wavelengths. The illumination assembly can also be provided with a single illuminating device for providing one illumination output for illuminating substantially the entire field of view. A transmissive, optical element overlays the engine for preventing light generated by the illumination assembly from reflecting back towards the image sensor. The imaging engine is an integrated circuit package configured for easily interfacing within an optical code reader as a plug-and-play component.

Abstract: A semiconductor detector device for detecting optical code symbols includes no more than 512 pixels. Each of the pixels has an aspect ratio that is greater than 2 to 1 with a short dimension not greater than 8 microns. In a bar code reader, a sensor for detecting the field of view of the reader includes a single semiconductor device having a collection of surfaces configured as a set of no less than 256 and no more than 512 pixels. Each of the pixels has an aspect ratio that is greater than 2 to 1, with a short dimension not less than 2 microns and not greater than 8 microns.

Abstract: An optical code reader is provided including imaging circuitry having an array of photo sensing devices capable of sensing light incident on the array and outputting a plurality of pixel signals corresponding to the sensed light. The reader further includes control and logic circuitry for receiving a subset of the plurality of pixel signals, processing the received subset of the plurality of pixel signals for determining if the received pixel signals meet at least one predetermined condition, and outputting a selection control signal in accordance with the processing results. A focus analysis software module executable by the control and logic circuitry determines the focus quality of the received pixel signals. A selector control software module executable by the control and logic circuitry generates a selection control signal in accordance with the determined focus quality of the received pixel signals.

Abstract: An imaging and an illuminating engine is provided for an optical code reader to image and illuminate remote target indicia. The engine includes an image sensor for receiving reflected illumination from the remote indicia and at least two illumination assemblies for providing illumination of the remote indicia. Each illumination assembly is capable of providing a number of different outputs, such as light having different wavelengths or different output durations. A transmissive, optical element overlays the engine for preventing light generated by the at least two illumination assemblies from reflecting back towards the image sensor. The imaging engine is an integrated circuit package for easily inserted and interfacing within an optical code reader as a plug-and-play component.

Abstract: An image of a target in a far-field range of working distances relative to an image capture system is focused at a first group of sensors in a common, two-dimensional, array of sensors, and an image of an optical code in a near-field range of working distances relative to the system is focused at a second group of sensors in the array. The same array is shared in a portable apparatus capable of capturing target images and optical code images without moving any optical components.

Abstract: A semiconductor device for imaging optical code symbols comprises no more than 1024 pixels, wherein each of the pixels has an aspect ratio that is greater than 2 to 1 with a short dimension not greater than 4 ?m and not less than 2 ?m, wherein preferably the pixels are arranged in a single row. The semiconductor may have a collection surface configured as a set of no less than 256 and no more than 1024 pixels. Also provided is a bar code reader including a sensor for imaging a field of view of the reader comprising a single semiconductor device as described above.

Abstract: A miniature imager for reading target images. The optical and electrical systems of the miniature imager are optimized to reduce one or more dimensions or the volume of the imager. In accordance with one embodiment the pixel pitch and focal length are decreased for that of a larger imager to maintain a comparable field of view for each pixel. The decreased pixel pitch allows the area of the aperture and the instantaneous field of view of the pixel to remain constant while decreasing the overall size of the imager. In other embodiments apparatus and techniques reduce and/or eliminate the need for illumination of a target by the imager thereby reducing the overall power consumed by the imager and/or its overall size. The imager has an increased working range.

Abstract: An optical code reader is provided including imaging circuitry having an array of photo sensing devices capable of sensing light incident on the array and outputting a plurality of pixel signals corresponding to the sensed light. The reader further includes control and logic circuitry for receiving a subset of the plurality of pixel signals, processing the received subset of the plurality of pixel signals for determining if the received pixel signals meet at least one predetermined condition, and outputting a selection control signal in accordance with the processing results. A focus analysis software module executable by the control and logic circuitry determines the focus quality of the received pixel signals. A selector control software module executable by the control and logic circuitry generates a selection control signal in accordance with the determined focus quality of the received pixel signals.

Abstract: A sales incentive system utilizing a portable handheld optical code reader for use by a consumer for scanning bar code symbols corresponding to product items to be purchased, including a memory for storing symbol data of items scanned by the reader a computer receives the stored data associated with the scanned items from the memory of the reader, and selectively generates coupon information based upon sales offers for specific products currently available based upon an analysis of the stored data by the computer. A printer may be coupled to the computer for printing at the consumer's location a set of coupons corresponding to the coupon information transferred from the computer to the consumer's location.

Abstract: An image of a target in a far-field range of working distances relative to an image capture system is focused at a first group of sensors in a common, two-dimensional, array of sensors, and an image of an optical code in a near-field range of working distances relative to the system is focused at a second group of sensors in the array. The same array is shared in a portable apparatus capable of capturing target images and optical code images without moving any optical components.

Abstract: Molded imager optical packages are disclosed which are particularly adapted for use in miniaturized, linear sensor-based code reading engines. The package may include a one-dimensional solid state photo sensor with a small number of cells. A low F-number optical system may be integrally molded in the sensor packaging.

Abstract: Holographic optical elements are configured and deployed in optical imagers and scanners to produce optical modification of output laser beams and light received and detected by the system. In some preferred embodiments electrically switchable holographic optical elements (ESHOEs) are employed for beam tilting, for varying spot size and shape for modifying system focal distance and field of view, for changing laser aiming patterns and/or for color imaging.