Abstract: A microcontroller-based code reader and method of reading a machine-readable indicia may include capturing, by an imager, an image of a machine-readable indicia disposed an object. An image subsample of an image captured by the imager may be read from the imager. The image subsample or partial image data may be stored in an embedded memory of a microcontroller in electrical communication with the imager. The machine-readable indicia may be decoded from the image subsample.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing self-checkout systems that utilize a scanning imager or camera which includes a selectively steerable field of view. A tracking subsystem may include a targeting imager or camera that captures data (e.g., 3-dimensional data) that characterizes objects in an environment, for instance a retail environment. Images captured by one or more targeting imagers may be used to determine characteristics of objects. The characteristics may be used to generate an object model, which is a collection of properties about an object in the field of view. The tracking subsystem directs the field of view of the relatively higher resolution scanning imager with a relatively narrow field of view to track one or more objects so that images of the objects may be captured. The images are processed to identify the identification of the objects so that the objects may be added to a transaction list to complete a purchase process.

Abstract: A code reader may include at least one imager configured to capture image data of a scene including a machine-readable indicia. A first circuit may be in electrical communication with the imager(s), and be configured to receive the image data from the imager. A second circuit may be in communication with the imager and the first circuit, and be configured to control operation of said imager, and to process the image data including the machine-readable indicia to decode and/or identify data represented by the machine-readable indicia. The decoded and/or identified data may be output to a computer. A third circuit may be in electrical communication with the first circuit, and be configured to process the image data to produce processed (e.g., subsampled and compressed) image data, and to output the processed image data to the computer.

Abstract: An image capture system has an electronic rolling shutter (ERS) imager in area mode with high illumination to perform image acquisition (i.e. barcode reading) for fast moving items. Shearing distortion may occur but image blur is reduced and the image can be decoded. The ERS imager replaces global shutter imagers at a much lower cost and wider availability. The image capture system separates illumination into multiple bands in space and then synchronize the illumination bands with the exposure of the ERS imager in time. Much less illumination is required for the same image quality.

Abstract: A system and method for reading a label may include imaging, by a plurality of cameras, a label applied to an item. A 3D position of each segment of the label imaged by any of the cameras may be determined. The segments in the same relative 3D location as the item and other segments may be associated. The label formed from the segments associated with the item may be read.

Abstract: An automated package-handling support solution receives video observation of a target area in a package-handling facility that includes packages. A display device is configured to produce video images visible from the target area. An operator support system processes the motion-video observation to detect the packages in the target area and retrieve a package-specific routing-related attribute and a package-specific property for each of the packages. The system generates the video output to include a first portion representing the video observation of the packages, and a second portion that includes a package-specific dynamic informational overlay corresponding to each of the packages.

Abstract: Scanners, methods, and computer storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that process variable sized objects with high package pitch on a moving conveyor belt are provided. The scanners include a substrate and a plurality of sensors attached to the substrate. The plurality of sensors forms an array of sensors having at least two or more rows of off-axis sensors. The sensors may include a one or more area array sensors. The arrays of sensors captures moving objects row by row and are optimized reduce object spacing on the conveyor belt. Additionally, the scanner having the array of sensor may process different objects having different heights at the same time. Accordingly, object throughput on the conveyor belt is increased by reducing minimum object gap (e.g., processing of “no gap” or non-singulated objects).

Abstract: Systems and methods for selectively illuminating objects located within the field-of-view of an image sensor used to capture images in a machine-readable symbol reader. In an active illuminated reading mode, a light source illuminates objects as the image sensor captures images. In a self-illuminated object reading mode, used to capture images of smartphone, tablet, or other self-illuminating displays, the image sensor captures images without the light source illuminating the objects. The machine-readable symbol reader transitions between the two modes based upon distance and light-level measurements taken of the various objects that are within the field-of-view of the image sensor.

Abstract: A data reading system and method for constructing a three-dimensional model of an item passing through a read zone of the data reading system, the system including a plurality of light transmitters each operable to generate a light curtain across the read zone. As the items interrupt each of the light curtains, a height measurement of the item is obtained. Thereafter, the data reading system combines the height measurement data from each of the light curtains taken at various times, and generates a three-dimensional model of the item based on the obtained data.

Abstract: A line-scan imaging camera can scan an object at a near field and a far field using a low F-stop value by reading out different rows on an imager. A line LED provides a line illumination over an object. Additionally, the imaging camera captures the illumination portion of the object through an optical path that includes mirrors that allow folded optics. The optical path is longer than the distance between the object and the camera. A mirror is located close to or adjacent to the line LED to provide efficient illumination and to align the initial leg of the optical path with the line illumination.

Abstract: One embodiment of a system and method for imaging items may include storing at least one lookup table that includes position data of multiple image regions, where the position data provides relative positions of the image regions. An item may be moved to pass through the image regions. Image data of the item may be imaged as the item passes through a plurality of the image regions. The position data may be applied to the captured respective image data from each of the image regions through which the item passed to form a set of stitching image data that is substantially aligned with one another. The set of stitching image data may be stitched to form a composite image of the item.

Abstract: One embodiment of a system and method for imaging objects from a barcode scanner may include generating a first color light source drive signal having a first duty cycle and a second color light source drive signal having a second duty cycle that is greater than the first duty cycle. In response to applying the first and second color light source drive signals to first and second color light sources, respectively, combining light beams generated by the first and second color light sources to produce a white illumination beam. An image sensor may generate image data of an object inclusive of a chine readable indicia captured in an image by the image sensor while illuminated by the white illumination beam. The machine readable indicia of the object in the image data may be read.

Abstract: An optical code reader includes centralized decoding circuitry communicatively couplable to an expandable set of camera modules placed at spaced-apart locations of the optical code reader. A number of and locations for members of the expandable set of camera modules establish application-specific and scalable read zone coverage formed from multiple fields of view of the members.

Abstract: A line-scan imaging camera can scan an object at a near field and a far field using a low F-stop value by reading out different rows on an imager. A line LED provides a line illumination over an object. Additionally, the imaging camera captures the illumination portion of the object through an optical path that includes mirrors that allow folded optics. The optical path is longer than the distance between the object and the camera. A mirror is located close to or adjacent to the line LED to provide efficient illumination and to align the initial leg of the optical path with the line illumination.

Abstract: An optical code reader includes centralized decoding circuitry communicatively couplable to an expandable set of camera modules placed at spaced-apart locations of the optical code reader. A number of and locations for members of the expandable set of camera modules establish application-specific and scalable read zone coverage formed from multiple fields of view of the members.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a self-checkout system including a base and a scan gate extending over at least a portion of the base, the scan gate having a field of view that encompasses 360-degree coverage of the items such that the scan gate is able to obtain and read encoded data on any surface of the item passing through the scan gate. The base may include one or more rails positioned along the periphery to help retain items on the surface of the base once they have been passed through the scan gate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for selectively illuminating objects located within the field-of-view of an image sensor used to capture images in a machine-readable symbol reader. In an active illuminated reading mode, a light source illuminates objects as the image sensor captures images. In a self-illuminated object reading mode, used to capture images of smartphone, tablet, or other self-illuminating displays, the image sensor captures images without the light source illuminating the objects. The machine-readable symbol reader transitions between the two modes based upon distance and light-level measurements taken of the various objects that are within the field-of-view of the image sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed are techniques to enhance an in-counter sweep-style data reader, having frame buffer memory and an imager defining a read zone, so as to improve a likelihood of decoding an optical code appearing in initial image frames by managing utilization of the frame buffer memory according to a prioritization of different categories of image frames captured by the imager as an object bearing an optical code is passed through the read zone.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing self-checkout systems that utilize a scanning imager or camera which includes a selectively steerable field of view. A tracking subsystem may include a targeting imager or camera that captures data (e.g., 3-dimensional data) that characterizes objects in an environment, for instance a retail environment. Images captured by one or more targeting imagers may be used to determine characteristics of objects. The characteristics may be used to generate an object model, which is a collection of properties about an object in the field of view. The tracking subsystem directs the field of view of the relatively higher resolution scanning imager with a relatively narrow field of view to track one or more objects so that images of the objects may be captured. The images are processed to identify the identification of the objects so that the objects may be added to a transaction list to complete a purchase process.

Abstract: One embodiment of a system and method for imaging objects from a barcode scanner may include generating a first color light source drive signal having a first duty cycle and a second color light source drive signal having a second duty cycle that is greater than the first duty cycle. In response to applying the first and second color light source drive signals to first and second color light sources, respectively, combining light beams generated by the first and second color light sources to produce a white illumination beam. An image sensor may generate image data of an object inclusive of a chine readable indicia captured in an image by the image sensor while illuminated by the white illumination beam. The machine readable indicia of the object in the image data may be read.