Abstract: An image capturing unit captures an image including an embedded image that is printed on the basis of image data in which at least a color component has been modulated according to additional information. An adjustment unit adjusts a white balance of the image captured by the image capturing unit on the basis of an adjustment value associated with the embedded image. A processing unit processes image data of the image captured by the image capturing unit whose white balance has been adjusted by the adjustment unit to read the additional information in the image captured by the image capturing unit.

Abstract: An image-reading device, such as optical code readers used in retail environments to scan objects, is configured to select from various operational modes. The operational modes are selected based on an application of the image-reading device, such as optical code identification or image recognition. Red, white, and other color light sources are activated in patterns corresponding to an illumination sequence of the selected operational mode, while imagers are activated to capture an image based on an exposure pattern of the selected operational mode. Further, a repeating series of light pulses having different portions of light is provided. Various imagers are configured to capture images over one of the portions. This allows an operator to perceive one continuous light pattern, yet allows various imagers to capture an image under different light conditions used for different applications of the image-reading device.

Abstract: Graphic code processing includes displaying a graphic code scanning interface that is used for previewing at least one frame of acquired scanning image. In response to n graphic codes being included in the at least one frame of scanning image, recognition is performed on the n graphic codes to obtain n contact accounts. A service processing interaction region is displayed that includes contact controls corresponding to the n contact accounts. The service processing interaction region is configured to provide a service corresponding to at least one contact account in the n contact accounts. The n contact accounts can be obtained by scanning codes in batches to add friends and transmit files.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fast autotuning of industrial fixed vision cameras are disclosed herein. An example method includes modifying illumination settings of a camera until a brightness value for captured image data reaches a minimum value; modifying a focus level of the camera to determine a range of camera focus levels for successfully decoding barcodes; configuring the camera to operate using a midpoint focus value of the range; modifying illumination settings of the camera until the brightness associated with the captured image data reaches an optimal value; and modifying the focus level of the camera, within the range, to determine an optimal focus level at which sharpness for the captured image is optimized; and capturing, by the camera, operating at the determined optimal focus level and with illumination settings for the optimal threshold brightness value, image data associated with a new target object affixed with a new barcode.

Abstract: Camera pipeline exposure timestamp error determination methods and systems that detect latency in rolling shutter camera systems. The exposure timestamp error determination system includes a rolling shutter image sensor configured to capture an image and a processor. The processor determines timestamp error by capturing the image using the rolling shutter image sensor where the image includes a bar code encoded with a barcode timestamp. The processor then obtains a system exposure timestamp corresponding to capture of the image by the rolling shutter image sensor and the barcode timestamp by decoding the bar code. Pipeline exposure timestamp error is then determined for the rolling shutter camera system by comparing the obtained barcode timestamp to the system exposure timestamp.

Abstract: An image projection device includes a projector configured to project an image; and an operation unit configured to receive an operation performed by an operator. The projector is in a projecting state while the operation unit is receiving a pressing operation performed by the operator, and the projector is in a non-projecting state while the operation unit is not receiving a pressing operation performed by the operator.

Abstract: Various implementations disclosed herein include devices, systems, and methods for verifying that an image includes a complete code of a time-varying visual marker that displays codes sequentially on a display. In some implementations, the verification determines that the image include a complete code rather than combinations of sequentially-displayed codes that may be included in an image based on use of a rolling shutter (e.g., in a camera of a detecting electronic device). In some implementations, the verification involves comparing a first verification portion of an image to a second opposing verification portion of an image. Various implementations disclosed herein include devices, systems, and methods for modifying image capture parameters (e.g., frame rate) to ensure capture of all codes of a time-varying visual marker.

Abstract: This provides an ID reader, typically configured for handheld operation, which integrates three types of illumination into a compact package that generates robust performance and resistance to harsh environmental conditions, such as dust and moisture. These illumination types include, direct (diffuse) light, low-angle light and polarized light. The ID reader includes a sealed reader module assembly having the illuminators in combination with an imager assembly (optics and image sensor) at its relative center. Additionally, also an on-axis aimer and a variable focus system with liquid lens have been integrated in this module and is placed on axis using a mirror assembly that includes a dichroic filter. As the optimal distance to read a code with low-angle light is typically shorter than the optimal distance to use the polarized illumination a variable (e.g. liquid) lens can adjust the focus of the reader to the optimal distance for the selected illumination.

Abstract: The optical information reader includes an imaging part configured to capture a plurality of images at predetermined timing until code reading results in success or a reading process times out, and an output part configured to output information on timing at which the optical information reader receives the trigger signal, success or failure information on code reading, and the plurality of images captured by the imaging part, and success or failure information representing whether the reading process performed by a decoder results in success or failure and the plurality of images captured in response to the trigger signal are associated with the trigger signal, and, with a list of reading results corresponding to a plurality of the trigger signals displayed on a display part.

Abstract: Systems and methods for fast autotuning of industrial fixed vision cameras are disclosed herein. An example method includes modifying illumination settings of a camera until a brightness value for captured image data reaches a minimum value; modifying a focus level of the camera to determine a range of camera focus levels for successfully decoding barcodes; configuring the camera to operate using a midpoint focus value of the range; modifying illumination settings of the camera until the brightness associated with the captured image data reaches an optimal value; and modifying the focus level of the camera, within the range, to determine an optimal focus level at which sharpness for the captured image is optimized; and capturing, by the camera, operating at the determined optimal focus level and with illumination settings for the optimal threshold brightness value, image data associated with a new target object affixed with a new barcode.

Abstract: An illumination system is provided for an optical system that includes an imaging device for acquiring an image of a target, for decoding of a symbol or other analysis. The illumination system can include a first light source configured to provide illumination of a first wavelength, a second light source configured to provide illumination of a second wavelength that is different from the first wavelength. The light sources can be controlled for operations that include: illuminating the target with the first and second light sources simultaneously for acquisition of the image of the target; and altering an illumination output of at least one of the first light source or the second light source, while maintaining non-zero illumination output for at least one of the first light source or the second light source, to indicate a status of the optical system.

Abstract: A handheld optical information reading device is provided which comprises a housing, a grip arranged on the housing, an image capture device, an illuminator, an illumination controller, an imaging controller, an image processor, and a reader. The image capture device captures an image including a symbol. The illuminator includes lighting devices around the periphery of an optical axis of the image capture device. The illumination controller controls the illuminator to selectively successively light up the lighting devices based on a predetermined order whereby irradiating a symbol with light in different illumination directions with respect to the optical axis. The imaging controller controls the image capture device to capture images of the symbol every when the lighting devices are selectively successively lighted up. The image processor creates an outline image of the symbol based on the captured images. The reader reads the symbol based on the created outline image.

Abstract: A method for determining a module size of an optical code (20), wherein image data with the code (20) are detected, a brightness distribution is determined from the image data, and the module size is determined from the brightness distribution. The brightness distribution for example is a greyscale histogram.

Abstract: During hand-held operation, configuration of an NFC/RFID Reader/Writer peripheral device in a predefined mode named “Mobile Mode with Auto-Collection”, enables recognition of a long duration (e.g. 5 second) trigger press (AKA a “Long Press”) as an enabling event prompting a change of scan behavior between single-shot scan operation and continuous scan operation. In other defined Modes of the peripheral device, other predetermined enabling events, such as the presence or absence of a predetermined external power source, prompt the change between single-shot and continuous scan operations. The Long Press and the other intuitive features enable the general user to be able to switch between various modes and to do so without requiring acquisition or use of an additional dedicated scanner with its requisite expense or inconvenience, and without requiring advanced knowledge, special access, or special resources.

Abstract: A method of optically scanning indicia on an object includes providing a coherent light source for illuminating the object with coherent light. The object is marked with indicia including a first feature and a second feature, with the first feature including reflection of coherent light and said second feature including emittance of non-coherent light when illuminated. An imaging device is capable of distinguishing coherent light from non-coherent light. The indicia are illuminated with coherent light generated by the coherent light source causing the indicia to reflect coherent light and emit non-coherent light. The coherent light is distinguished from the non-coherent light emitted from the indicia by a controller for identifying a pattern of one of said first feature and said second feature.

Abstract: This provides an ID reader, typically configured for handheld operation, which integrates three types of illumination into a compact package that generates robust performance and resistance to harsh environmental conditions, such as dust and moisture. These illumination types include, direct (diffuse) light, low-angle light and polarized light. The ID reader includes a sealed reader module assembly having the illuminators in combination with an imager assembly (optics and image sensor) at its relative center. Additionally, also an on-axis aimer and a variable focus system with liquid lens have been integrated in this module and is placed on axis using a mirror assembly that includes a dichroic filter. As the optimal distance to read a code with low-angle light is typically shorter than the optimal distance to use the polarized illumination a variable (e.g. liquid) lens can adjust the focus of the reader to the optimal distance for the selected illumination.

Abstract: A data entry and scanning apparatus that includes a commercially available mobile device wherein said commercially available mobile device with a touch screen display, a processor, and a wireless communications network access point, a scanning device, an interface, and a power source that external to the commercially available mobile device and connected to the interface, and a casing that does not cover the touch screen display.

Abstract: This invention discloses a temperature-measuring scan head, comprising an enclosure, and its use method. There are supplementary lamp, image sensor and temperature sensor embedded on the end surface of the enclosure. The present scan head is as small as the existing scan heads on the market, but it has high-precision temperature sensor with built-in temperature-calibration module that promises temperature information collection and accurate temperature measurement. Technically, the operator should use the scan head to scan the barcode of the objects or living things to be measured, and the scan head will read identity information and conduct temperature measurement. As such, temperature of the objects or living things corresponds to their respective identity, thereby guaranteeing the accuracy of data.

Abstract: There is provided a navigation device including an image sensor, an analog to digital converter and a processor. The image sensor is used to output an analog image using an exposure time. The analog to digital converter is used to convert the analog image to a digital image using a resolution. The processor is used to identify an image quality of the digital image, and adjust at least one of the exposure time of the image sensor and the resolution of the analog to digital converter according to the image quality thereby adjusting the operation power by changing data length actually processed by the processor.

Abstract: Systems, methods, software and apparatus enable linking of a wearable end user communication device (EUD) to an intermediate communication device (ICD) utilizing optical symbol sequence matching. Optical symbol reference data corresponding to an optical symbol sequence displayed on the EUD is obtained from the EUD by the ICD. Optical symbol input data is also acquired by the ICD (e.g., via user inputs, EUD device proximity data, image acquisition). The devices are linked if the optical symbol reference data and optical symbol input data match. The optical symbol reference data can be displayed, allowing user confirmation of a match with the optical symbol sequence displayed on the EUD. An ICD user interface touchscreen can present users with selectable color inputs to replicate the optical symbol sequence displayed on the EUD, for example using an LED array. Communications between the devices before and after linking can utilize Bluetooth low energy.

Abstract: An authenticable digital code includes a printable medium, a machine-readable digital code, formed on the printable medium, that graphically represent information, and at least one security signature positioned relative to the machine-readable digital code. The security signature includes a fluorescent material that, when excited by light of a first wavelength, fluoresces and emits light at a second wavelength that is different from the first wave length. Authenticity of the authenticable digital code is determined by detecting, when the authenticable digital code is illuminated by light of the first wavelength, light of the second wavelength at a position relative to the machine-readable digital code.

Abstract: A device for checking access authorizations stored on data carriers is provided, having a reading unit, arranged in the access region, for the data carrier, said reading unit actuating a signaling means and/or a blocking means, wherein the reading unit includes a housing having an insertion region for the data carrier and the insertion region having an upper first wall with a reading module sensing the insertion region, a lower second wall of the insertion region be fastened detachably and/or pivotably to the housing, that the reading unit can be changed from a first state to a second state in a predefinable manner by pivoting and/or removing the lower second wall, wherein in the first state of the reading unit, the second wall, together with the first wall, forms a U- or V-shaped insertion region and in the second state, the insertion region is L-shaped and open towards the bottom.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, systems, methods and media for determining object motion in three dimensions using light field image data are provided. In some embodiments, a system for three dimensional motion estimation is provided, comprising: an image sensor; optics that create many images of a scene; and a hardware processor configured to: cause the image sensor to capture a first plurality of images; generate a first light field; cause the image sensor to capture a second plurality of images at a second time; generate a second light field; calculate light field gradients using the first light field and second light field; and calculate, for each point in the scene, three dimensional motion using the light field gradients by applying a constraint to the motion in the scene.

Abstract: There is provided in one embodiment an apparatus having an image sensor array. In one embodiment, the image sensor array can include monochrome pixels and color sensitive pixels. The monochrome pixels can be pixels without wavelength selective color filter elements. The color sensitive pixels can include wavelength selective color filter elements.

Abstract: A system includes a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions and a processor coupled to the non-transitory computer readable medium. The processor is configured to execute the instructions to obtain an input indicative of a desired image texture quality, receive an image captured by an image capturing device, analyze texture of the image, and generate a signal to vary or maintain a parameter of the image capturing device based on the analysis of the texture to yield the desired image texture quality.

Abstract: During hand-held operation, configuration of an NFC/RFID Reader/Writer peripheral device in a predefined mode named “Mobile Mode with Auto-Collection”, enables recognition of a long duration (e.g. 5 second) trigger press (AKA a “Long Press”) as an enabling event prompting a change of scan behavior between single-shot scan operation and continuous scan operation. In other defined Modes of the peripheral device, other predetermined enabling events, such as the presence or absence of a predetermined external power source, prompt the change between single-shot and continuous scan operations. The Long Press and the other intuitive features enable the general user to be able to switch between various modes and to do so without requiring acquisition or use of an additional dedicated scanner with its requisite expense or inconvenience, and without requiring advanced knowledge, special access, or special resources.

Abstract: A barcode reading device including a scanner which irradiates a target with a light beam and scans a barcode provided on the target so as to read information from the barcode, a camera which captures images of the target, a display which displays the images captured by the camera, and a processor which performs processing operations including an imaging control processing operation for, when the scanner is irradiating the target with the light beam, controlling the camera to perform an imaging operation for acquiring an image for recording, at predetermined imaging timing, and an irradiation control processing operation for temporarily stopping the light beam irradiation by the scanner in synchronization with the imaging timing.

Abstract: A method for glare reduction may be implemented by a graphical code reader. The graphical code reader includes an optic system, a plurality of light sources, and a control system. The control system is configured to determine that glare is present in an image captured by the optic system by identifying reflection from at least one of the plurality of light sources. The control system may take a corrective action to reduce the glare in subsequent images. The control system may be configured to take a first corrective action if a diffraction pattern is present at a periphery of the glare, and take a second corrective action if a diffraction pattern is not present at the periphery of the glare.

Abstract: This rotary drive apparatus is arranged to cause incoming light coming from a light source to be emitted to an outside while changing the direction of the incoming light, and includes a motor including a hollow shaft arranged to extend along a central axis extending in a vertical direction, the hollow shaft including a through hole arranged to pass therethrough in an axial direction. The through hole defines a light path along which the incoming light travels. A light-transmitting member is arranged to be in contact with an inner circumferential surface of the hollow shaft over the entire circumferential extent of the inner circumferential surface of the hollow shaft, over at least a portion of the vertical extent of the through hole.

Abstract: A reading device includes: an imaging unit that acquires an image by imaging an object; and a reading unit that emits a scanning light having a prescribed scanning angle range in a prescribed one-dimensional direction and that detects the scanning light reflected by the object so as to acquire a target information displayed on the object. The imaging unit and the reading unit are disposed such that a center line of the prescribed scanning angle range of the scanning light and an optical axis of the imaging unit intersect with each other at a point that is away from the reading device by at a prescribed distance.

Abstract: A Light Emitting Diode (LED) based illumination device authenticates a mobile electronics device on a lighting communications network. The mobile electronic device may request a communications link on the lighting communications network and detect modulated illumination light emitted from the LED based illumination device. The modulated light may include an optical code. The mobile electronic device may determine the optical code from the modulated illumination light and communicate an indication of the optical code to the LED based illumination device. The LED based illumination device may determine if the indication of the optical code is correct and provide, in response, a communication link to the mobile electronics device on the lighting communications network.

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: An image reading device includes: a platen on which a document is placed; a platen cover openable and closable with respect to the platen; a cover-open sensor which detects a fact that the open/close angle of the platen cover has passed a predetermined angle from a close state; a CCD line sensor including charge coupled devices (CCD) arranged for recording a variation in distribution for a fixed period of time of incident light when detecting passing of the platen cover; a variation amount calculator which calculates a variation amount of incident light at each distribution point on the basis of a variation in distribution recorded by the CCD line sensor; and a variation amount determination unit which determines whether or not a variation amount calculated by the variation amount calculator exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An authenticable digital code includes a printable medium, a machine-readable digital code, formed on the printable medium, that graphically represent information, and at least one security signature positioned relative to the machine-readable digital code. The security signature includes a fluorescent material that, when excited by light of a first wavelength, fluoresces and emits light at a second wavelength that is different from the first wave length. Authenticity of the authenticable digital code is determined by detecting, when the authenticable digital code is illuminated by light of the first wavelength, light of the second wavelength at a position relative to the machine-readable digital code.

Abstract: Imaging devices and illuminating devices are provided. In one exemplary implementation, an imaging device comprises an optical sensor and an illuminator. The illuminator comprises a support frame and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) connected to the support frame. A first set of LEDs of the plurality of LEDs is configured to provide dark field illumination at a high angle of incidence with respect to an object. The first set of LEDs is configured to provide illumination without the use of a light pipe, diffuser, or reflector. A second set of LEDs of the plurality of LEDs is configured to provide bright field illumination at a low angle of incidence with respect to the object. The second set of LEDs is configured to provide illumination without the use of a light pipe, diffuser, or reflector.

Abstract: An assay test strip includes a flow path, a sample receiving zone, a label, a detection zone that includes a region of interest, and at least one position marker. The at least one position marker is aligned with respect to the region of interest such that location of the at least one position marker indicates a position of the region of interest. A diagnostic test system includes a reader that obtains light intensity measurement from exposed regions of the test strip, and a data analyzer that performs at least one of (a) identifying ones of the light intensity measurements obtained from the test region based on at least one measurement obtained from the at least one reference feature, and (b) generating a control signal modifying at least one operational parameter of the reader based on at least one measurement obtained from the at least one reference feature.

Abstract: Performing optical mark recognition (OMR) scanning includes receiving a substrate to be scanned, the substrate having one or more colors visible to a human eye and bearing user-made marks; moving the substrate and a light sensor relative to each other such that the substrate moves past the light sensor a single time; during the relative movement of the substrate, scanning the substrate using multiple colors of light to simultaneously generate both (a) image data representing a visual appearance of the substrate, and (b) OMR data corresponding to respective locations of the user-made marks on the substrate.

Abstract: Indicia readers may be configured with two illumination light sources: a primary light source for illuminating primary indicia (e.g., a barcode) and a secondary ultraviolet (UV) light source for revealing secondary indicia (e.g., UV fluorescent watermarks) that are used to protect against counterfeit and fraud. Ultraviolet light can be harmful. The present invention embraces methods and a device for controlling the secondary UV light source to limit UV exposure. When an exposure risks is detected, the UV light source is deactivated.

Abstract: A portable data terminal generally includes a housing supporting: a data collection device: a keypad: and a touch screen. One or more PDTs are provided with a monitoring system that records occurrences experienced by the portable data terminal. The record of occurrences may be analyzed to identify errors and/or failure prone parts of the PDT along with behaviors likely to lead to errors or failures. Additionally, the record of events may be analyzed to predict errors and/or failures for any given PDT.

Abstract: A method for glare reduction may be implemented by a graphical code reader. The graphical code reader includes an optic system, a plurality of light sources, and a control system. The control system is configured to determine that glare is present in an image captured by the optic system by identifying reflection from at least one of the plurality of light sources. The control system may take a corrective action to reduce the glare in subsequent images. The control system may be configured to take a first corrective action if a diffraction pattern is present at a periphery of the glare, and take a second corrective action if a diffraction pattern is not present at the periphery of the glare.

Abstract: A circuit device includes a control circuit having a successive approximation register, a D/A conversion circuit adapted to perform D/A conversion on output data from the successive approximation register, and a comparison circuit adapted to compare an analog input signal and an output signal from the D/A conversion circuit with each other, the control circuit includes an upper limit value register and a lower limit value register adapted to respectively hold an upper limit value and a lower limit value of a conversion range, and increases the upper limit value or decreases the lower limit value in the case in which the same comparison result has been output by the comparison circuit a predetermined number of times or more.

Abstract: One light source is energized and another light source is simultaneously deenergized during one frame of an imager that captures return light from an illuminated target as a first image portion having a first target portion. The other light source is energized and the one light source is simultaneously deenergized during another frame to capture the return light from the illuminated target as a second image portion having a second target portion. Either the target portions are combined to form the target to be read, or the image portions are combined to form a composite image from which the target is read.

Abstract: A lighting device includes: a light source switchable between illumination modes; a human detector which detects a person in a detection area in an illumination area of the light source; an ID reader which wirelessly reads an identification stored in an RF tag in a read area corresponding to the detection area; and a controller communicably connected to the light source, the human detector, and the ID reader. The controller obtains from the human detector human detection information indicating that one or more persons are present, obtains from the ID reader one or more identifications read by the ID reader when the human detector detects the one or more persons, and applies one mode of the illumination modes to the light source based on the human detection information and one or more identifications obtained, and the light source performs illumination in the applied mode.

Abstract: An ultraviolet fluorescent barcode reading method and device, the reading method comprising the following steps: S1, irradiating an invisible ultraviolet fluorescent barcode via an ultraviolet light source and activating the invisible ultraviolet fluorescent barcode to be visible; S2, acquiring the image of the barcode activated to be visible; S3, filtering and decoding the barcode image to obtain corresponding barcode information; S4, outputting the barcode information. The reading method reads the invisible ultraviolet fluorescent barcode via a color filter, thus improving the convenience for reading.

Abstract: A wearable device is provided. A wearable device includes a display assembly having a display component, a network component, and a computing component, at least one reader coupled to the computing component and reading at least one of a barcode or Radio-frequency identification (RFID), a wrist band unit having a first wrist band unit and a second wrist band unit. The first wrist band unit is extended in opposite direction from the second wrist band unit, and accommodates the display assembly. The at least one reader is disposed to face in a tangential direction to a surface of the wrist band unit. The first wrist band unit has an attachment component and the attachment component is detachably attached to at least one of the display assembly and the second wrist band unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for directly reading and verifying characters on a personalized document, are provided. A surface of the personalized document is illuminated independently or simultaneously by first and second light sources. The first light source has a ring shape, surrounds the personalized document in 360 degree, and transmits a grazing incident light to illuminate the surface of the personalized document. An incident light from the second light source is reflected by a beam splitter and illuminates the surface of the personalized document in a direction generally perpendicular to the surface. Light reflected from the surface of the personalized document in a direction generally perpendicular to the surface thereof is collected by a camera.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a deformable lens element can be provided wherein a deformable lens element can be deformed to change an optical property thereof by the impartation of a force to the deformable lens element.

Abstract: An optical touch apparatus includes a first light source, a second light source, a light guide device, a light reflecting device and an image sensing module. The first light source emits first light beam which travels within the light guide device and is reflective by an object close to or in contact with a surface of the light guide device to become a first image light beam. The first image light beam is reflected by a light reflecting device. The image sensing module receives the first image light beam. The second light source emits a second light beam, wherein when the optical touch apparatus moves on a working surface, the second light beam is reflective by the working surface to form a second image light beam which is received by the same image sensing module.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a scanner with an illumination system, including: a plurality of illumination devices in the illumination system, wherein the plurality of illumination devices illuminate a label; an imager, which captures an image signal reflected from the label and decodes the image signal; and a detector, which detects the intensity of light reflected from the label, wherein if the light intensity is higher than a predetermined threshold, an illumination status of one or more of the plurality of illumination devices is changed. The scanner with an illumination system according to the present disclosure can effectively avoid specular reflection when scanning a barcode on a smartphone screen.

Abstract: A code symbol reading system is provided. The code symbol reading system has an object detection subsystem that can be configured to detect only those objects that are positioned at a specified distance from the system. The object-detection subsystem thereby initiates the scanning process only when an object is detected at substantially the specified distance from the system.