Abstract: Disclosed are encoding and decoding methods for 2D barcodes, and an electronic device. During the encoding, the electronic device obtains a 1D barcode, captures a horizontal image of the 1D barcode, and encodes the horizontal image, with/without a literal data, a numerical data or a combination thereof into a 2D barcode. During the decoding, the electronic device obtains the 2D barcode, and decodes the 2D barcode into a 1D barcode with/without a literal data, a numerical data or a combination thereof. Thus, more data can be written in the 2D barcode but an image data of the 2D barcode will not be too large. The electronic device can quickly transmit the 2D barcode to another electronic device without any optical device to capture the 2D barcode for decoding it into a 1D barcode with/without a literal data, a numerical data or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a dot pattern on which code information and x and y coordinate information can be defined even if the dot pattern is extremely small, and proposes an information reproducing method and an information reproducing device based on the dot pattern. More specifically, a medium such as a printed material on which is formed a dot pattern portion by arranging in accordance with a given rule dots generated by a dot code generating algorithm in order to recognize various kinds of multimedia information is scanned as image data by scanning means. Then, the image data is converted into code data. Multimedia information corresponding to the code data is read out of storing means to be reproduced.

Abstract: Example method, apparatus, and computer program product embodiments are disclosed for wireless powering of passive objects contained in a functional exchangeable cover of an apparatus. Example embodiments of the invention include a method comprising: receiving, by an apparatus, a signal indicating that a functional exchangeable cover attached to the apparatus requests optical powering, the signal being at least one of a mechanical signal, an electrical signal, or a wireless signal; switching on, by the apparatus, an optical energy source in the apparatus in response to received signal; and transmitting, by the apparatus, from the optical energy source, optical power to the functional exchangeable cover attached to the apparatus.

Abstract: A two-dimensional information code is provided. In the code area of this information code, there are formed a specification pattern region in which predetermined-shape specification patterns, such as position detecting patterns, are arranged, a data recording region in which data are recorded using plural types of cells, and an error-correction code recording region in which error correction codes are arranged using the plural types of cells. In the code area, a free space is formed at a position located outside the specification pattern region, the data recording region, and the error-correction code recording region. Data are not recorded by cells in the free space and error correction on the error correction codes is not applied to the free space. The free space has a size larger in area than a single cell.

Abstract: A multi-mode reader instrument capable of detecting and determining digital data from a signal from one or more markers, indicia or taggants on an object, the markers, indicia or taggants such as a bar code, a QR code, an RFID, an optical compound, a fluorescent compound, a phosphorescent compound, a DNA taggant, an upconverting phosphor (UCP), a chemical dye, a digitized image, a radioactive compound, an olfactory compound or a thermal attribute of the object is provided. Also, provided is a method and a system for identifying an object, the system includes: a multi-mode reader instrument for detecting data from a signal from one or more markers, indicia or taggants on an object and assignment of digital code for the marker and a database for securing and retrieving information relevant to the item.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-dimensional code which is not likely to be affected by contamination or out-of-focus photographing thereof and can thus be accurately recognized even when it is photographed under various photographing conditions. The disclosed two-dimensional code comprises: cells representing binary-coded data that are arranged as a pattern in the form of a two-dimensional matrix, the two-dimensional code comprising: a position detection pattern; plural data blocks created by dividing a region of the two-dimensional matrix that excludes the part of the position detection pattern; and a separation space arranged between the plural data blocks that are adjacent.

Abstract: An illuminator includes: a body with an opening, for receiving optical means; illuminating means arranged around the opening in a frontal face of this body and commandable to illuminate a space in front of the frontal face, electronic control means of the illuminator; heat dissipating means; connecting means for removably fixing the illuminator at least to the optical apparatus. The body of the illuminator includes a rear face opposite the frontal face which includes a plurality of distinct functional case elements positioned around the opening for receiving at least the electronic control means and/or which defines the heat dissipating means and/or the connecting means, in such a manner as to enable an operator, when the optical apparatus is associated with the illuminator, to access the optical means to dismantle the optical means from the apparatus and/or adjust optical adjusting means of the optical means.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a stylus has one or more electrodes and one or more computer-readable non-transitory storage media embodying logic for transmitting signals wirelessly to a device through a touch-sensor of the device. The stylus also has an electronic circuit operable to provide an input that changes a property of one or more materials located on the body of the stylus or on the stylus tip.

Abstract: A barcode reader is disclosed. The barcode reader may include a semiconductor package and an optic system. The semiconductor package may include a plurality of silicon dies stacked vertically and interconnected by through-silicon vias (TSVs) or wires. A first die positioned on top of the plurality of stacked silicon dies includes a photo sensor array and image read-out circuitry. The image read-out circuitry is coupled to the photo sensor array and configured to generate a frame of image data, wherein the frame of image data is a sequence of values, each value representing an intensity of illumination focused on one of the photo sensors. The optic system is configured to focus an image of a barcode on the photo sensor array. The optic system includes a lens assembly and a mirror. The mirror folds an optical path behind the lens assembly onto the array of photo sensors.

Abstract: The present disclosures relates to finding or localizing machine readable indicia (e.g., a barcode or digital watermark) in imagery. One claim recites an apparatus comprising: memory for buffering blocks of image data, the image data having been captured with a camera and depicting a printed object; one or more processors programmed for: generating an edge orientation sensitive feature set from the image data; using a first trained classifier to determine whether the feature set includes data representing a barcode; and using N additional trained classifiers to determine an orientation angle associated with the barcode, wherein N comprises an integer greater than 3, and wherein the orientation angle is selected based on a probability metric. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided too.

Abstract: An improved system and method for data card emulation involves a portable electronic device that can emulate any one of multiple data cards corresponding to multiple entities. The portable electronic device includes a memory for storing bar code information corresponding to data cards of the multiple entities. It provides a touch screen for identifying an entity and displaying a bar code corresponding to a data card of the entity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting elution of a sample from a sample substrate to incubation buffer contained in a sample well while the sample substrate is still within the well. The method comprises measuring light absorption of the contents of the sample well at a predefined wavelength or wavelength range, and determining, based on the absorption measurement, the degree of elution of the sample. According to the invention, a wavelength or wavelength range is used which is absorbed by at least one elutable component of the sample but transmitted by the sample substrate. The invention provides a reliable way of determining the degree of elution of blood samples in neonatal screening, for example.

Abstract: An optical information detecting apparatus is formed as an integrated, solid state monolithic structure. The monolithic structure includes a plurality of light sensors disposed on a substrate and electrically isolated from one another, a plurality of light emitting elements disposed on the substrate and electrically isolated from one another, the light sensors being optically isolated from the light emitting elements, and a circuit connected to the light emitting elements to generate light towards a target and connected to the light sensors to detect reflected light from the target, wherein a signal is generated in response to the detected light. The signal is indicative of an optical characteristic of the target.

Abstract: A dual mode image sensor is provided. The image sensor includes an on-chip sensing array, on-chip analog-to-digital converters, and an on-chip processor. The sensor array has rows and columns of discrete sensor elements. The dual mode image sensor has a scene sensing mode and an image capture mode, which use the same set of imaging optics. The processor includes a dual context register; one being for the scene sensing mode and the other for image capture mode. The scene sensing mode is configured to output results of object sensing, motion detection, focus evaluation and illumination measurement to the analog-to-digital converters. The image capture mode is configured to output captured images to the analog-to-digital converters, which are configured to send the digital data to the processor. The processor is configured to switch from scene sensing mode to image capture mode based upon the scene sensing mode output results.

Abstract: This invention provides a field of view expander (FOVE) removably attached to a vision system camera having an image sensor defining an image plane. In an embodiment the FOVE includes first and second mirrors that transmit light from a scene in respective first and second partial fields of view along first and second optical axes. Third and fourth mirrors respectively receive reflected light from the first and second mirrors. The third and fourth mirrors reflect the received light onto the image plane in a first strip and a second strip adjacent to the first strip. The first and second optical axes are approximately parallel and a first focused optical path length between the scene and the image plane and a second focused optical path between the image plane and the scene are approximately equal in length. The optical path can be rotated at a right angle in embodiments.

Abstract: A fluid ejection device includes a plurality of analog devices, and a storage element storing an authentication value including a plurality of bits, a first bit of the plurality of bits based on measured electrical characteristics of a first subset of the analog devices, and a second bit of the plurality of bits based on measured electrical characteristics of a second subset of the analog devices, the second subset different from the first subset.

Abstract: An image capturing device includes an image forming device including a sensor defining an optical reception axis, at least one reading distance, and a region framed by the sensor on a substrate at said at least one reading distance. An illumination device includes an array of adjacent light sources defining an optical illumination axis. The light sources are individually drivable, and each light source is adapted to illuminate an area of a size much smaller than the size of said region framed by the sensor. The illumination axis does not coincide with the reception axis. A driver of the light sources is adapted to drive the light sources so as to switch off at least the light sources that illuminate outside of the boundary of the region framed by the sensor on the substrate at said at least one reading distance.

Abstract: A modeling application is provided with at least one repetition object type for creating at least one repetition instance of at least one repetitive article in a model, wherein the repetition object type is provided to be used for creating one or more repetition objects, a repetition object comprising at least one finite geometry definition surface definition that defines a geometry definition surface and its location in the model, and guide information. One or more repetition instances of a repetitive article are determined using of the at least one geometry definition surface and the guide information.

Abstract: A method for identifying print control elements for quality data acquisition includes encoding position information in a human-readable identification code, encoding specific print job information and the human-readable identification code in a machine-readable data code, positioning the codes alongside their associated print control element on a printing substrate, photographing the printed print control element and adjacent machine-readable data code using information from adjacent identification code, and processing data with a mobile communication device having a camera function and communications interface. Image data produced are exporting to a support computer via the communications interface.

Abstract: Described is a chiral liquid crystal polymer (CLCP) layer or pattern which comprises randomly distributed craters of controlled mean diameter and/or density. The density and/or mean diameter of the craters can be controlled, for example, by adjusting the wetting of a substrate by a CLCP precursor composition, the development time of the precursor composition, and the thickness of the applied precursor composition.

Abstract: This patent specification describes operations of a mobile device with barcode-reading capabilities and an application and license server. A mobile device may include a barcode-reading application downloaded from an application server. The barcode-reading application may operate in a base mode or an enhanced mode. In the base mode, the barcode-reading application may establish a network connection to a licensing server to obtain a license code, and determine at least one operating permission authorized by the license code. In the enhanced mode, the barcode-reading application may implement at least one enhanced barcode-reading function which corresponds to the at least one operating permission authorized by the license code. For example, the enhanced barcode-reading function may be a function of decoding a barcode symbology that the decoder is restricted from decoding in the base mode of operation.

Abstract: A device can comprise a processor, a memory, an imaging subsystem configured to acquire an image of decodable indicia, a display, and a communication interface. The device can be configured, responsive to acquiring an image of one or more objects within a field of view of the imaging subsystem, to locate within the image and decode one or more decodable indicia. The device can be further configured to display the image on the display and visually mark the one or more successfully decoded decodable indicia. The device can be further configured, responsive to accepting user input selecting at least one decodable indicia of the displayed one or more decodable indicia, to transmit to an external computer at least one decoded message corresponding to the at least one decodable indicia.

Abstract: A communication method is provided between a chip and an imaging device. Accordingly, the chip receives a clock pulse signal from the imaging device via a clock line; and receives a READ instruction from the imaging device via a data line. Within one clock pulse signal period, the chip transmits at least one bit of implicit data and one bit of master data that are stored in an internal memory to the data line within different time slots, respectively, and the imaging device collects data from the data line while the chip is transmitting the master data to the data line. Further, the chip receives a WRITE instruction from the imaging device via the data line, wherein the chip receives master data sent from the imaging device, writes the master data into the memory arranged in the chip, and updates the implicit data stored in the memory.

Abstract: An exercise system includes a flexible exercise mat having a flexible body and a plurality of lights incorporated into the flexible body and visible in use on a surface of the flexible body. The system also includes an entertainment device having an input to receive a captured video image of a scene with the flexible exercise mat having the lights visible thereon. An image processor of the entertainment device detects positions of the lights within the image, and a processing device calculates a configuration of shape adopted by the exercise mat based upon the detected positions of the lights. In one mode, the lights are arranged to indicate a configuration of shape adopted by the exercise mat due to a surface upon which it has been placed. The entertainment device modifies a behaviour of an application in response to the configuration of shape of the exercise mat.

Abstract: A method includes identifying, in an image, a shelf, a price tag affixed to the shelf, a first group of one or more first products resting on the shelf and positioned on a first side of the price tag, and a second group of one or more second products resting on the shelf and positioned on a second side of the price tag. One or more first candidates are identified for the one or more first products, and one or more second candidates are identified for the one or more second products. Upon receiving information indicating expected locations for the first and the second candidates, determining, an identity of the first products can be determined based on the expected locations and the one or more first candidates, and an identity of second products can be determined based on the expected locations and the one or more second candidates.

Abstract: A code support for association with or part of a capsule used in delivering a beverage in a beverage producing device by centrifugation of the capsule is disclosed. A capsule that includes the code support, as well as a system to read and process the code support, are also disclosed. Further disclosed is a method of reading and processing the code support.

Abstract: Disclosed are coding and decoding methods using patterns and a system thereof. The object-images are obtained via detecting a pattern comprising objects. The distances between the object-images are obtained and a code is found based on the obtained distances between the object images. The distances between the object-images are defined as distances between centers of the object-images. As there are at least three objects in a pattern, a code is obtained based on a ratio of distances between object-images, which equals to a ratio of distances between objects. As there are at least four objects in a pattern, it is first determined whether a first ratio of object-images equals to a predetermined ratio of object-images. If no, a second ratio of object-images is obtained via a correcting factor and the first ratio of object-image, and finally a code is obtained based on the second ratio of object-images.

Abstract: A device includes a recording medium housed in each of cells; an optically readable ID display part provided on a surface of the recording medium; an accessor that is movable to a position, which faces the ID display part, in an arrangement direction of the cells, and has an optical reading unit which optically reads an ID displayed in the ID display part; and a control unit that controls the optical reading unit. If the ID has not been read while the reading is tried a predetermined number of times, the control unit replaces the exposure value with another value to retry the reading. If the ID has not been read even though the exposure value was replaced a predetermined number of times, the control unit relatively moves the optical reading unit and the target cell and makes the optical reading unit read the ID again.

Abstract: A light-transmissive window is positioned in direct, sealing contact with a chassis of an imaging module for reading a target by image capture. The chassis has a plurality of interior compartments, each having an opening. An imager, an aiming light source, and an illuminating light source are mounted on a common printed circuit board and individually contained in the compartments. The window covers each opening and environmentally seals, optically isolates, and resists entry of the light from the aiming and/or illuminating light sources into, the interior compartment.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed of a lighting apparatus including a fixture adapted to accommodate a camera having imaging optics that define an optical axis, wherein the fixture includes an open end through which the imaging optics can capture an image. One or more side-emitting illumination light sources are positioned adjacent to the open end, the plurality of side-emitting light sources positioned to direct light toward a plane intersected by the optical axis. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: Analyte sensor connectors that connect analyte sensors, e.g., conductive members of analyte sensors, to other devices such as sensor electronics units, e.g., sensor control units, are provided. Also provided are systems that include analyte sensors, analyte sensor connectors, and analyte sensor electronics units, as well as methods of establishing and maintaining connections between analyte sensors and analyte sensor electronics units, and methods of analyte monitoring/detection. Also provided are methods of making analyte sensor connectors and systems that include analyte sensor connectors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a mobile service with the use of a code pattern is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprising: taking a photograph of a code pattern image, decoding the photographed code pattern image so as to obtain code information, extracting uniform resource locator (URL) information corresponding to the code information, transmitting a content information request message to a service provider server corresponding to the URL information, and receiving content information corresponding to the URL information from the service provider server. According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to provide various and convenient mobile services to mobile terminal users using a mobile terminal, having a camera, and a code pattern containing the URL information.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a dot pattern on which code information and x and y coordinate information can be defined even if the dot pattern is extremely small, and proposes an information reproducing method and an information reproducing device based on the dot pattern. More specifically, a medium such as a printed material on which is formed a dot pattern portion by arranging in accordance with a given rule dots generated by a dot code generating algorithm in order to recognize various kinds of multimedia information is scanned as image data by scanning means. Then, the image data is converted into code data. Multimedia information corresponding to the code data is read out of storing means to be reproduced.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette and a method for identifying whether there is a match between a battery assembly and an atomizer assembly therein are provided. The electronic cigarette comprises a laser identifying assembly, a battery assembly and an atomizer assembly. The laser identifying assembly includes an information portion, a laser transceiver and a controlling module, the information portion includes a group of grooves and bulges which represent a product information, the information portion is defined on one of the battery assembly and the atomizer assembly, the laser transceiver is mounted on the other of the battery assembly and the atomizer assembly; when the atomizer assembly is jointed with the battery assembly, the laser transceiver aims at the information portion, and the information portion reflects an original laser beam sent out by the laser transceiver back, then the controlling module determines whether the atomizer assembly is matched with the battery assembly.

Abstract: What is disclosed is an apparatus and method for calibrating an optical module of a document scanning device. In one embodiment, imaging sensors of an optical module of the scanning device are used to obtain an image scan of a calibration strip mounted on a surface of a platen on which a sheet to be scanned has been manually placed. The calibration strip has a first vertical line at a first distance from a right edge of the strip, a second vertical line at a second distance from a left edge of the strip, and a sloping horizontal line positioned between the first and second vertical lines. A slope of the horizontal line is non-zero. In a manner more fully disclosed herein, the image scan of the calibration strip is to obtain calibration measurements. The calibration measurements are, in turn, used to calibrate the scan head of the optical module.

Abstract: A drug delivery device comprising; a housing; a cylindrical member configured to be rotatably supported inside the housing, wherein the outer surface of the cylindrical member is provided with a track comprising a sequence of encoded images; and a sensor directed at the track of the cylindrical member and configured to detect features of the encoded images.

Abstract: A smart card has a bottom layer, a circuit board, a microprocessor, a retina identifying module, an operation unit, and a top layer. The microprocessor is mounted on the circuit board. The operation unit is mounted on the circuit board and is electrically connected with the microprocessor. The retina identifying module is mounted on the circuit board, is electrically connected with the microprocessor, and has a retina identifying chip and an encapsulation. The retina identifying chip is mounted on the circuit board and is electrically connected with the microprocessor. The encapsulation body is transparent, is mounted on and encloses the retina identifying chip, and has a convex top face. The top layer is mounted on the circuit board to cover the microprocessor, the operation unit and the retina identifying module.

Abstract: A layered, filtered shadow mapping algorithm may be used for motion blurred shadows. The algorithm is divided into two passes, namely a shadow pass and a lighting pass. The shadow pass renders the scene using stochastic rasterization and generates a time-dependent shadow map augmented with per-sample motion vectors. The subsequent lighting pass renders the scene from the camera's point of view, and performs a shadow query for each sample seen from the camera.

Abstract: A portable optical reader is provided with LED light sources 2911 to 2914; a diffusion plate 23 diffusing the light emitted from the LED light sources 2911 to 2914; an opening 2431 formed on the diffusion plate 23 transmitting diffusion reflecting light; an imaging part 41 receiving the diffusion reflecting light through the opening 2431; a LED light source 2915 emitting the light to the symbol; a light projection polarizing element 242 polarizing the light emitted from the LED light source 2915; an opening 2432 formed in the diffusion plate 23 transmitting the polarized light emitted from the LED light source 2915; and a light reception polarizing element 241 polarizing the diffusion reflecting light which is the polarized light emitted from the LED light source 2915 and reflected on the symbol and transmitted through the opening 2431.

Abstract: A tool for creating mechanical stamps that produce machine-readable optical labels. The tool selects an initial element of a list of two-dimensional labels. The tool selects a pixel difference to apply to a two-dimensional label for the initial element. The tool selects a cardinality for bits in one or more bytes to encode. The tool determines whether a cardinality of a bit difference for each element compared to the initial element equals the selected bit difference cardinality. The tool determines whether a pixel difference between a two-dimensional label for each element and the two-dimensional label for the initial element equals the selected pixel difference. The tool selects one or more elements from the list of two-dimensional labels to create one or more mechanical stamps.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an article recognition apparatus includes an image acquisition unit, a recognition unit, a region detection unit, a storage unit, and a determination unit. The recognition unit recognizes each of the articles. The region detection unit determines article region information. The storage unit stores article information including a reference value for the article region information. The determination unit determines that an unrecognized article exists, if the reference value for the article region information of each article which the recognition unit recognized does not match with the article region information.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembling method for a base plate of a concentrated photovoltaic module comprising the steps of: assembling a heat sink on the base plate; and assembling a photovoltaic cell assembly on the heat sink after the heat sink has been assembled on the base plate.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and apparatus for storing and retrieving data embedded into the surface of a 3D printed object is described. The method and apparatus develops an electronic file used for printing a 3D object which embeds as structure into the 3D object, a 3D symbol matrix representative of data to be printed concurrently with the 3D object, such as a 3D barcode. A selected symbology is used for making the symbol matrix in accordance with the type of printing process to be used to print the 3D object.

Abstract: A focus module contains a boundary element and a focus element. The focus element includes a fluid and a deformable membrane, with the fluid being entrapped between the boundary element and the deformable membrane. The focus module also includes a pressure element, which is capable of deforming the focus element by pressing on the deformable membrane in the direction of the boundary element.

Abstract: A method includes the following (1) detecting light returned from a target with an imaging sensor during a first frame exposure time period to capture a first image when a first illumination light is projected towards the target; (2) processing the first image to determine the light intensity of a second illumination light; (3) detecting light returned from the target with the imaging sensor during a second frame exposure time period to capture a second image when the second illumination light is projected towards the target; and (4) decoding a barcode in the second image. The light intensity of the first illumination light changes with time at least during part of the first frame exposure time period.

Abstract: A method for operating an imaging system of a machine vision inspection system to provide an extended depth of field (EDOF) image. The method comprises (a) placing a workpiece in a field of view; (b) periodically modulating a focus position of the imaging system without macroscopically adjusting the spacing between elements in the imaging system, the focus position is periodically modulated over a plurality of positions along a focus axis direction in a focus range including a workpiece surface height; (c) exposing a first preliminary image during an image integration time while modulating the focus position in the focus range; and (d) processing the first preliminary image to remove blurred image contributions occurring in the focus range during the image integration time to provide an EDOF image that is focused throughout a larger depth of field than the imaging system provides at a single focal position.

Abstract: An imaging barcode scanner and method are provided. The scanner includes a housing defining a work surface, a window supported by the housing, a first array of photosensitive elements having a first field of view traversing the window and intersecting the work surface at a first angle, and a second array of photosensitive elements having a second field of view traversing the window and intersecting the work surface at a second angle. The scanner also includes a processor connected to the first and second arrays of photosensitive elements, and configured to: receive a first image of the work surface from the first array of photosensitive elements, and a second image of the work surface from the second array of photosensitive elements; register the first image with the second image; and generate an enhanced image of the work surface based on the registered first image and second image, the enhanced image having a greater pixel density than the first image and the second image.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use with a handheld mark reader that reduce the time between activation of the reader's trigger and the reader returning a successful decode response. Image processing may be performed prior to the user actuating the trigger and thus obtaining a decodable image with reduced delay. Separate pre-trigger and post-trigger parameters may be used for image decoding. A feedback loop may be incorporated for repeated parameter updates. An adjustable lens may be utilized either with illumination OFF or ON.

Abstract: This invention provides a lens assembly for a vision system, allowing for a constant magnification at various focal distances. The lens assembly resides movably/adjustably along the optical axis relative to the sensor. In an embodiment, the lens assembly includes a fixed rear lens and a front lens that is moved mechanically to focus the object image on the image sensor. The lens assembly can alternatively include a liquid lens that is controlled to adjust magnification with respect to a fixed front lens so as to maintain a constant system magnification. The liquid lens resides between the (fixed) front lens assembly and the image sensor and can be controlled to focus the image onto the image sensor.

Abstract: An optical information detecting apparatus is formed as an integrated, solid state monolithic structure. The monolithic structure includes a plurality of light sensors disposed on a substrate and electrically isolated from one another, a plurality of light emitting elements disposed on the substrate and electrically isolated from one another, the light sensors being optically isolated from the light emitting elements, and a circuit connected to the light emitting elements to generate light towards a target and connected to the light sensors to detect reflected light from the target, wherein a signal is generated in response to the detected light. The signal is indicative of an optical characteristic of the target.