Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes an image capturing module for capturing an image of a document, a light source, a movable light reflecting surface having a white color, a driving module for moving the light reflecting surface into a first position at which the light reflecting surface reflects light from the light source and a second position at which the light reflecting surface does not reflect light from the light source, and a control module for controlling the driving module to move the light reflecting surface. The control module determines the second position by moving the light reflecting surface by a predetermined quantity from the first position determined based on an image obtained by the image capturing module.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system are presented for improving a point of sale terminal by reducing the number of items a cashier must pick up and move for scanning during a purchase transaction. The point of sale terminal includes an optical code scanner that identifies an item by reading an optical code (barcode) affixed to or printed on the item. The scanner further includes a weigh scale that weighs items being scanned and a conveyor belt that moves the items across the scanner during the weighing and scanning operations. Moving the items using the conveyor belt reduces the number of items the cashier must pick up and move.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for monitoring an exit window of a scanner using a plurality of imaging devices. The method includes capturing a first image through the exit window using a first imaging device, capturing a second image through the exit window using a second different imaging device, and detecting at least one of a plurality of features in both the first and second images. The method further includes matching the plurality of features detected in both the first and the second images, determining whether the at least one matched feature is present on the plane of the exit window, and monitoring a physical condition of the exit window based on the at least one feature.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for using object recognition/verification and weight information to confirm the accuracy of a UPC scan, or to provide an affirmative recognition where no UPC scan was made.

Abstract: A method of imaging a coding pattern disposed on a surface of a substrate. The method comprises the steps of: (a) capturing an image of a portion of the coding pattern; (b) sampling and decoding a plurality of registration symbols contained in the imaged portion; (c) determining an orientation from the decoded registration symbols; and (d) using the determined orientation to sample and decode tag data.

Abstract: A method and system for managing a physical object is provided. The system includes a RFID module for reading RFID tag information from a RFID tag in a RFID tag reading area, a handheld terminal being operable as a stand-alone device, a docking station for operably coupling the handheld terminal to the RFID module, and a storage for holding a physical object having the barcode and the RFID tag to locate the physical object in the barcode reading area and the RFID tag reading area. The method uses a system having a RFID module, a handheld terminal having a barcode scanner and being operable as a stand-alone device, a docking station for operably coupling the handheld device to the RFID module, and a storage for holding the physical object having a barcode and a RFID tag, the handheld device driving the RFID module via the docking station.

Abstract: A lensholder holds at least one fixed optical lens and a variable focusing element in a spaced relation along an optical path through which light passes in an electro-optical reader. The variable focusing element has a pair of electrodes across which a voltage is applied to optically modify the light passing through the fixed optical lens and the variable focusing element. The lensholder directly electrically conductively contacts the electrodes and establishes an electrically conductive path between each electrode and an exterior of the lensholder.

Abstract: An imaging module is supported by a housing of a reader for electro-optically reading indicia. The imaging module includes a solid-state imager having an array of image sensors for capturing return light from the indicia during reading. A laser scanning module is also supported by the housing and includes a scanner for scanning at least one of a laser beam from a laser and a field of view of a light detector in a scan pattern across the indicia during reading. A controller is operatively connected to the modules, and is operative for preventing reading interference between the modules during reading.

Abstract: A highly reliable display apparatus, a highly reliable communication system, and a highly reliable communication method capable of performing delivery of high capacity information surely are provided. A display apparatus and an input and output terminal respectively include a light-receiving-emitting section capable of displaying moving pictures and receiving light. The input and output terminal sequentially displays each symbol composing a two-dimensional dynamic code on the light-receiving-emitting section. The display apparatus reads each symbol by the light-receiving-emitting section, acquires symbol-transmission-receiving-status information based on the read symbol, determines display conditions based on the symbol-transmission-receiving-status information, and then displays each symbol of the two-dimensional dynamic code based on the display conditions.

Abstract: An optical cell mount and a corresponding method of mounting an optical cell comprising inserting into the optical cell an adjustable nut portion comprising an upper section threaded on the outside and a lower section threaded on the inside and rounded on the bottom exterior thereof, contacting with the adjustable nut portion a seating portion for receiving the lower section, and securing the adjustable nut portion with a set screw portion having threading corresponding to that of the lower section.

Abstract: In an optical information reader for optically reading a target based on a light reflected from the target, a translucent optical member is located on an optical axis of an imaging lens and is rotatable around a rotation axis. The rotation axis is substantially orthogonal to the optical axis. The translucent optical member is fixable at least first and second predetermined positions. When the translucent optical member is fixed at the first predetermined position, the translucent optical member has a first thickness through which the optical axis is penetrated, and when the translucent optical member is temporally fixed at the second predetermined position, the translucent optical member has a second thickness through which the optical axis is penetrated. The first thickness and second thickness are different from each other.

Abstract: A position detection system includes: a scan beam illumination section which causes a first-direction line-shaped scan beam that is parallel to the X-axis to scan in the Y-axis direction at a predetermined scanning speed, then causes a second-direction line-shaped scan beam that is parallel to the Y-axis to scan in the X-axis direction at a predetermined scanning speed; a light-receiving section which detects the timings at which the first and second-direction line-shaped scan beams pass through a pointing position on a screen; and a position calculation section which calculates the pointing position by a pointing device on the screen, based on the time from the start of scanning of the first-direction line-shaped scan beam until the passage thereof through the pointing position is detected and the time from the start of scanning of the second-direction line-shaped scan beam until the passage thereof through the pointing position is detected.

Abstract: A communication method performed between a display apparatus having a display screen capable of displaying moving pictures and a light receiving apparatus having a light receiving means capable of receiving light by using a two-dimensional dynamic code which is a two-dimensional code changing along the time axis, includes the steps of: configuring the two-dimensional dynamic code so as to include a plurality of symbols, the symbols including a data symbol which is a two-dimensional code expressed with a format for data transmission, and an anchor symbol which is a two-dimensional code expressed with a format for anchor transmission; and displaying the data symbol on the display screen in the display apparatus, along the time axis, while displaying the anchor symbol on the display screen every time the data symbol is displayed once or a plurality of times.

Abstract: An optical mark reader includes a housing formed by a base and an upper housing assembly. A scanner is associated with the upper housing assembly for performing scanning operations on cards that are input into the housing. The base and the upper housing are detachably connected to each other by a quick connect/disconnect fastening system which permits easy access to the lens of the scanner, whereby the lens can be cleaned as needed. In addition, the housing includes a unique card path defined, in part, by a pair of guide walls on the base. The card path includes an inlet that is tapered both vertically and horizontally make insertion of cards into the housing easier. Further, a single, offset drive wheel is used to transport cards through the housing.

Abstract: A card processor having a diagnosis process that can be started easily. A card processor comprising a card insert port (4), card moving unit (22 to 25), detection unit (13), a card reading unit (16, 17), power switch (2), and control unit (43). This control unit (43) determines from the detection unit (13) whether a card has been inserted when the power is turned ON by the power switch (2), and when a card has been inserted, it starts diagnosis processing, and when a card has not been inserted, it proceeds to normal processing. Since it is possible to start diagnosis processing by turning ON the power and inserting a card, it is possible for diagnosis processing to be started by anyone, and not just specially trained operators and personnel.

Abstract: An optical scan module includes a scanner for scanning a scanning beam over a target plane at which indicia to be electro-optically read is located, and a pair of spaced-apart detectors for sensing light reflected from the indicia over respective fields of view. The detectors have optical axes intersecting each other, generate respective electrical signals indicative of the indicia, and are connected to a multiplexer for selectively acquiring one of the signals based on the direction of the scanning beam. The acquired signal is decoded by a decoder.

Abstract: In a device for identifying objects resting on a carrier that are being moved along a conveyor line by a conveyor system and which undergo various processing steps along the conveyor line, with a marking carrier connected to the object and with a fixed reading device for the marking carrier, the marking carrier is attached to the carrier and the reading device is located below the conveyor line.

Abstract: The invention is a scan device with elastic reserve type and its scan method, mainly applied to the light, thin, short and small scanner, image recorder, etc. The invention includes a guide bar, a chassis, a gear structure, an elastic module, a fastening structure and a sensor device, wherein, a scan module is on the chassis, the gear structure is consisting of at least one gear, the fastening structure is consisting of at least two fasteners and the sensor device is consisting of at least two sensors with one objective. To use the elasticity with the feature of reserving ability and the fastening structure is to move the chassis for scanning. The scanning motion of start and stop is via the sensor device. For combining the function of the above each part, most of them take traditionally mechanical transmission except that scan module is electrical power.

Abstract: The invention is a scan device with elastic reserve type and its scan method, mainly applied to the light, thin, short and small scanner, image recorder, etc. The invention includes a guide bar, a chassis, a gear structure, an elastic module, a fastening structure and a sensor device, wherein, a scan module is on the chassis, the gear structure is consisting of at least one gear, the fastening structure is consisting of at least two fasteners and the sensor device is consisting of at least two sensors with one objective. To use the elasticity with the feature of reserving ability and the fastening structure is to move the chassis for scanning. The scanning motion of start and stop is via the sensor device. For combining the function of the above each part, most of them take traditionally mechanical transmission except that scan module is electrical power.

Abstract: Optical data card and reader system for recording data in which the card has approximately the dimensions of a credit card, the card having a laser readable layer comprising plural tracks of light-detectable indicia arranged in an angular or X-Y grid, and a laser reader therefor being adapted to scan the tracks by relative angular or X-Y movement between the laser and the card.

Abstract: The operating depth of field for a bar code scanner, preferably a laser scanner, is increased by placing a cubic phase mask (CPM) in the scanning beam. The masked beam is then scanned and reflected off a bar code and received by a photodetector. The received signal is then processed to recover the original unperturbed representation of the bar code pattern. The processed signal has an increased depth of field over an unmasked scanner signal.

Abstract: A scanner has a casing with a transparent surface, a scanning module, a reflecting surface module, a driving device and a control circuit. The scanning module is moveably installed inside the casing under the transparent surface, and is used to scan the document and produce corresponding scanning signals. The scanning module has a light source installed under the transparent surface to illuminate the document, an image sensing module to scan images from the document and produce the corresponding scanning signals, and a reflective module to reflect the images from the document to the image sensing module. The reflecting surface module is moveably installed above the transparent surface, and is used to reflect light from the light source down to the transparent surface. The driving device is installed inside the casing to move the scanning module. The control circuit controls the operations of the scanner.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus which reads out a document, such as as a book, placed face-up and opened on a document table. The apparatus includes an image reading device for reading out the document image placed on the document table, a mirror for imaging the document upper side plane, a projecting device which projects marks onto the document and mirror, and an image processing unit. A document characterized portion imaged on the mirror is read out by the image reading device and the image processing unit rectifies image distortion of the read out document image based on the characterized portion.

Abstract: A reconfigurable checkout system which is suited for self-service and full-service operation. The system includes a first portion including a dual-aperture bar code scanner rotatably mounted within the first portion. The dual-aperture bar code scanner is rotatable between a full-service position and a self-service position. The system further includes a second portion coupled to the first portion containing a bagging area for use in full-service and self-service checkout operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading and decoding one-dimensional (1D) bar code symbols. A 1D bar code symbol is imaged by an optical assembly which includes a cubic phase mask that causes the optical transfer function of the optical assembly to remain approximately constant over a range of distances between the apparatus and the symbol to be read. An electrical representation of the resulting image is converted to a smoothly varying analog image signal. A transition identifying circuit processes the analog image signal, without first applying a recovery function that takes into account the effect of the phase mask, and generates a binary signal which is used to decode the symbol.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading encoded symbols such as bar code labels at any orientation to a raster scanning device. Objects bearing encoded symbols are transported from one conveyor across a relatively narrow gap to a second conveyor, with a linear scanner positioned beneath the conveyors so as to read the encoded symbols through the narrow gap as the objects pass over. A pattern of virtual scan lines is selected over the two-dimensional imaging region according to the specifications of the images to be read. The pattern is generated by defining a family of parallel lines of a certain spacing and rotating the family by a specified angle until the two-dimensional imaging region is covered. In a preferred embodiment, only the data at selected raster locations on the virtual scan lines is stored and processed. One-dimensional signal processing methods are used to detect edges and decode the encoded symbols.

Abstract: A bar code scanner has an increased number of outgoing beams and number of directions of the beams effective for reading of a bar code. The bar code scanner includes a light source for generating a laser beam, a rotary scanning mechanism for receiving the laser beam from the light source and emerging a scanning beam, and a separation mirror for reflecting the scanning beam from the rotary scanning mechanism to separate the scanning beam into a plurality of scanning beams. The bar code scanner further includes a scanning pattern generation mirror mechanism for reflecting the plurality of scanning beams reflected on the separation mirror toward a reading window to generate a scanning pattern composed of the plurality of scanning beams.

Abstract: A bar code symbol reading system includes a memory for storing a plurality of reading gate locations, each reading gate location defining coordinates for a reading gate area surrounding one of the bar code symbols. The memory also stores a lookup table containing an identifier for the object and a pointer to configuration data relating each reading gate for the object to a specific component on the object. The object is scanned by a charge-coupled device scanner for scanning each bar code symbol according to the stored reading gate locations. A processor determines the identifier for each object and relates each read bar code symbol to a component on the object based on the configuration data.

Abstract: A reader generates a scanning beam for reading a bar code symbol on a selected item. The reader includes a motion sensor or software program for discriminating between the selected item and other items also having bar code symbols thereon. The motion sensor or software program for discriminating between the items may discriminate between an item swept past the reader and stationary items, or an item moved into the field of view of the reader, held stationary and moved out of the field of view and stationary or moving items or between an item placed within a predetermined distance range and other items.

Abstract: A reagent storage and delivery apparatus comprises a reagent cartridge having a plurality of fluidic chambers and includes a flange means for receiving a label to define a code indicating information concerning the contents of the cartridge. Preferably, a binary code is defined through use of windows formed in an extending portion of the cartridge which cooperate with a formed portion of the label applied to the cartridge. The binary code is optically read and translated to a digital information signal for instructional use with an analytical instrument.

Abstract: A system for generating a unique signal indicative of a particular identity carried by a card. The card has a series of zones along the sides thereof with holes extending through one or more of the zones. A receptacle is provided for the card, the receptacle including a longitudinal internal slot and a series of opto-electronic sensors which are spaced along the slot such that when the card is inserted within the slot, one of the sensors is positioned in registration with each of these zones. The card and the receptacle are formed such that the card can be inserted in the slot in only one proper orientation. One or more of the sensors is employed solely for determining proper insertion of the card.

Abstract: An adaptive threshold optical reader for detecting optically encoded information when positioned within an optical path, including a light source for producing light energy along the optical path, a light detector responsive to the light energy along the optical path and for producing an ouput signal in accordance with the light energy detected by the light detector, means responsive to the output signal from the light detector and with the means having at least two states and with the means in a first state producing an adaptive threshold signal when there is no optically encoded information positioned within the optical path and with the adaptive threshold signal representative of the output signal from the light detector with a threshold level of optically encoded information and adaptive to optical changes and with the means in a second state for producing an information signal representative of the output signal from the light detector when there is optically encoded information positioned within the opt

Abstract: This invention describes a system for access control, wherein a control card is presented to a control means. If the control card is authenticated, then access is gained. If it is not authenticated, access is not gained, the control card is retained, and an alarm may be sounded.The control card contains at least two means; (1) machine readable indicia identifying the card, and (2) a random pattern of micro spots, which pattern is derived (by direct copying--such as by focussed laser beam) from one of a plurality of different patterns, retained in a bank of such micro patterns, each such micro pattern identified by, and selectable in accordance with, different unique indicia, identical with the machine readable indicia on said cards.In use the control card is introduced into the control means and the indicia are read. Master micro pattern corresponding to the indicia is selected from the bank. The card micro pattern and master micro pattern are compared. If the comparison okay, the card is authenticated.