Abstract: A multi-functional optical illuminator comprises: a light pipe (302) with an open frame structure for visual aiming of the illuminator to facilitate an alignment of a barcode; and a circuit board (304), attached to a back opening of the light pipe (302), comprising six dark field LEDs (308) for generating six dark field illuminations and two bright field LEDs (306) for generating bright field illuminations; wherein, the two bright field LEDs (306) produce two alternating point sources for providing bright field illuminations in different directions to minimize a specular reflection hot spot without using any diffuser during the bright field illuminations; wherein, chamfered inner edges of the light pipe (302) emit the dark field illuminations in different orientations from the light pipe (302). The illuminator is designed to provide dual-field, multi-color, multi-directional illumination.

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: Systems and methods are provided for acquiring images of objects using an imaging device and a controllable mirror. The controllable mirror can be controlled to change a field of view for the imaging device, including so as to acquire images of different locations, of different parts of an object, or with different degrees of zoom.

Abstract: A target is read in the presence of ambient light. A scan component scans a laser beam across the target. A detector assembly detects and converts return laser light from the target into an information signal bearing information related to the target, and concomitantly detects and converts the ambient light into an ambient light signal. The assembly includes a first photodetector for generating a first output signal comprised of the information and the ambient light signals, a detector lens for focusing and directing the return laser light substantially onto the first photodetector, and a second photodetector for generating a second output signal substantially comprised of the ambient light signal. Signal processing circuitry processes the output signals to determine a magnitude of the ambient light signal, and suppresses the ambient light signal when the determined magnitude of the ambient light signal at least equals a threshold.

Abstract: A gas detecting apparatus and method for detecting gas leaks are disclosed. The gas detecting apparatus includes an infrared (IR) detector configured to monitor a presence of one or more gases in a field-of-interest (FOI), wherein the IR detector generates IR light distribution information within the FOI; a controller configured to analyze the IR light distribution information to identify one or more locations of one or more gases in the FOI; and a visible light projector configured to project a visible image in the FOI based on the analysis by the controller, wherein the visible image depicts the one or more locations of the one or more gases in the FOI.

Abstract: Operating an indicia reader configured for hand held operation by a user is performed by controlling the indicia reader according to a plurality of configuration setting to: scan information bearing indicia (IBI); provide output scan signals representative of the IBI; attempt to decode IBIs from the output scan signals; tracking a plurality of decoding attempts and the at least one configuration setting used during the decoding attempts; and changing at least one of the plurality of configuration settings in response to the tracking without user intervention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a client computing device for decoding symbols includes an imaging assembly for capturing images of a symbol of known size and density. Each image, or set of images, is captured using a different setting or value of a parameter of the imaging assembly of the client computing device. Each image, or set of images, is decoded, and the fastest decode-time determines the default settings/values for the parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods for executing a case based on a barcode detected in a video feed are described herein. An example method commences with receiving the video feed from a video content provider. The video feed may be provided by a client. The method may continue with extracting at least one video frame from the video feed. The method may further include detecting a barcode embedded in the at least one video frame and analyzing the barcode to determine a category associated with the at least one video frame. The method may continue with ascertaining an execution case associated with the category. The method may further include selectively executing the execution case.

Abstract: In order to provide movement-direction determination method and apparatus for appropriately informing a holder of a camera of a movement direction of the camera, a processor determines the movement direction of the camera that captures a polygonal recognition target in the movement-direction determination method and the movement-direction determination apparatus of the present disclosure. The processor acquires an orientation of the camera acquired by a sensor included in the camera, acquires an image of the recognition target captured by the camera, determines the number of corners of the recognition target included in the image, and determines the movement direction of the camera based on the orientation of the camera and the number of corners.

Abstract: A merchandise registration device according to an embodiment includes an image capturing unit that captures an image of a merchandise item. A memory stores a merchandise recognition dictionary. A processor determines whether a merchandise identification code can be extracted from the captured image. If the merchandise identification code cannot be extracted from the captured image, the processor identifies, based on the captured image, whether the merchandise item in the captured image is a first merchandise type having a merchandise identification code or a second merchandise type without the merchandise identification code. If the merchandise item is identified as the second merchandise type, the processor performs a merchandise recognition process including calculating feature data from the captured image and recognizing the merchandise item by comparing the calculated feature data to the merchandise recognition dictionary.

Abstract: A display control method includes: based on information acquired from an information processing terminal that accesses content provided by an information processing device, computing a degree of interest and a degree of perplexity, with respect to the content, of a user using the information processing terminal; and, based on the computed degree of interest and the computed degree of perplexity, displaying a symbol corresponding to the information processing terminal at a corresponding position in a region that has degree of interest and degree of perplexity as axes.

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: An imaging device comprises a number of light sources, a camera, a processor and a platen. As an object is moved over the platen each of the light sources illuminates the platen sequentially, with the principal axis of illumination of each light source intersecting the plane of the platen at a different place. The camera captures a series of images of the object, each captured image corresponding to the illumination of the platen by a different light source. The processor then generates a composite image from the series of images that compensates for the reflection of light from the platen associated with the principal axis of illumination.

Abstract: A system of modular multi-aperture reflector sheets for use in general and specialty luminaires is disclosed. These sheets, designed to be simple in design, manufacture, and installation, allows for enhancing, adjusting, varying, or correction of the light distribution provided by luminaires during production or deployment. The reflector sheets are made of highly-reflective, thin material and feature multiple apertures that are patterned to redirect the light output emerging from the output of a luminaire. The reflector sheets are intended to be used in combination with both standard and custom reflectors and replace complicated and expensive lenses and optics that are often deployed to modify luminaire light distribution. The sheets are modular and can be replaced easily, allowing for standard luminaires having multiple possible light distribution patterns without further complication.

Abstract: Verifying the authenticity of a bill of currency includes configuring an ultraviolet filter mounted within a point-of-sale scanner to allow the passage of ultraviolet light within, illuminating the bill of currency with ultraviolet light, capturing, with the point-of-sale scanner, an image of the bill of currency, and determining if the bill of currency is authentic by analyzing the image.

Abstract: An image reader can include an image sensor array. An image reader in one embodiment can include an optical system capable of directing light reflected from a target onto the image sensor array. An image reader can be used for reading a dataform.

Abstract: In an optical information reader controlled by this controller, a laser beam originating in light emitted by a laser diode is reflected by a scan mirror to scan optical information of a bar code or the like, reflected light therefrom is received by a photodiode to be converted to an electrical signal, and the optical information is read by processing the signal. In the controller, a main amp having a characteristic that a gain changes according to a frequency of an input signal amplifies the electrical signal, a detector detects an analog signal resulting from the amplification, and from a. detection output thereof, a MPU (on/off frequency control circuit) detects level of the analog signal and adjusts the gain of the main amp by changing an on/off frequency of the laser diode caused by an APC circuit (light emission on/off circuit), according to the detected level.

Abstract: The invention features an image reader and a corresponding method for capturing a sharp distortion free image of a target, such as a one or two-dimensional bar code. In one embodiment, the image reader comprises a two-dimensional CMOS based image sensor array, a timing module, an illumination module, and a control module. The time during which the target is illuminated is referred to as the illumination period. The capture of the image by the image sensor array is driven by the timing module that, in one embodiment, is able to simultaneously expose substantially all of the pixels in the array. The time during which the pixels are collectively activated to photo-convert incident light into charge defines the exposure period for the sensor array. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the exposure period occurs during the illumination period.

Abstract: A method of tagging an article is disclosed. Data that identifies the article is encoded into at least one stress value. A stress region having a stress that corresponds to the at least one stress value is created in a surface of the article to the tag the article. The at least one stress value is read by a measurement device to read the data and identify the article.

Abstract: A method of tagging an article is disclosed. Data that identifies the article is encoded into at least one stress value. A stress region having a stress that corresponds to the at least one stress value is created in a surface of the article to the tag the article. The at least one stress value is read by a measurement device to read the data and identify the article.

Abstract: An optical indicia reading terminal can comprise a microprocessor, a memory, and an image sensor integrated circuit for decoding decodable indicia. The image sensor integrated circuit can be configured to output a plurality of digital signals, each digital signal being representative of light incident on at least one pixel of the two-dimensional image sensor. The optical indicia reading terminal can be configured to selectively acquire a plurality of luminance signals from the plurality of digital signals. Whether the output image data from the sensor is digitally stored as YUV data or YCBCR data, the terminal parses out the luminance signal, Y, in the data matrix to store a monochrome image for decoding. The optical indicia reading terminal can be configured to process the frame of image data for decoding decodable indicia.

Abstract: A laser control device comprises a driver circuitry for supplying a drive current to a laser diode (LD). The device further comprises a digital storage for storing drive current values for a plurality of temperature conditions, and a central processing unit coupled to the digital storage for controlling the driver circuitry in accordance with the drive current values from said digital storage. The central processing unit is configured for multiple updating the drive current values stored in the digital storage.

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 laser scanning symbol reading system includes an analog scan data signal processor for producing digital data signals, wherein during each scanning cycle, a light collection and photo-detection module generates an analog scan data signal corresponding to a laser scanned symbol, a multi-channel parallel scan data signal processor/digitizer processes the analog scan data signal along multiple cascaded multi-stage signal processing channels, to generate digital data signals corresponding thereto, while a synchronized digital gain control module automatically processes the digital data signals in response to start of scan (SOS) signals generated by a SOS detector.

Abstract: A graphical code reader may include means for capturing an image frame in accordance with a rolling shutter technique, and means for changing illumination while the image frame is being captured in order to perform glare correction. The graphical code reader may also include means for detecting characteristics of glare in a previously captured image frame.

Abstract: A method of decoding a Direct Part Marking (DPM) indicia. The method includes: (1) generating a polarized illumination light; (2) illuminating the DPM indicia with the polarized illumination; (3) detecting light scattered from the DPM indicia through a linear polarizer with an imaging sensor while the DPM indicia is illuminated by the polarized illumination to capture an image of the DPM indicia though an imaging lens while preventing at least 80% of onetime scattered light caused by the target object from entering the imaging lens; and (4) processing the image of the DPM indicia to decode the DPM indicia.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure is related to a barcode reader that includes a bright field illumination system, a dark field illumination system, and an additional illumination system that is better able to illuminate an area of the reader's field of view between the far zone (where bright field illumination is optimal) and the close zone (where dark field illumination is optimal). In this “center zone,” the dark field illumination may not be bright enough and the bright field illumination may not be diffuse enough for reading a barcode.

Abstract: A reader for electro-optically reading a target in the presence of ambient light, includes a scan component for scanning a laser beam across the target, a first filter for passing return laser light from the target and the ambient light to a first photodetector system for generating a first output signal constituted of an information signal and a first ambient light signal, a second filter for passing the ambient light to a second photodetector system for generating a second output signal constituted of a second ambient light signal, and signal processing circuitry for measuring a difference between the first and second ambient light signals, for equalizing the first and second ambient light signals when the difference exceeds a threshold, and for subtracting the second output signal from the first output signal to obtain a receiver output signal substantially constituted only of the information signal.

Abstract: A reader for electro-optically reading a target in the presence of ambient light to be suppressed, includes a laser for emitting a laser beam, a scan component for scanning the laser beam across the target, a photodetector for detecting return laser light from the target to generate an information signal bearing information related to the target, and for concomitantly detecting the ambient light to generate an ambient light signal, and signal processing circuitry for measuring the ambient light signal, for processing both the information signal and the ambient light signal in one mode of operation when the measured ambient light signal is below a threshold, and for suppressing the ambient light signal and for processing only the information signal in another mode of operation when the measured ambient light signal at least equals the threshold.

Abstract: A variety of forms of machine-readable symbols are disclosed, as well as methods and systems of constructing machine-readable symbols, methods and systems of acquiring machine-readable symbols, and methods and systems of decoding machine-readable symbols.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a diffusive plate that is substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of an imaging lens arrangement and covers a side face of a solid rectangular defining a volume space within which parts of a scan engine are deposited. The parts of the scan engine including at least the illumination light source, the imaging lens arrangement, an imaging sensor, and a controller for controlling both the illumination light source and the imaging sensor. The diffusive plate includes a first opening to allow light enter the imaging lens arrangement through the first opening. The area enclosed by the boundary of the diffusive plate substantially equal to the area of the side face of the solid rectangular.

Abstract: A strobe illumination control process for use in a digital image capture and processing system includes illuminating an object in the field of view with different pulses of illumination over a pair of consecutive video image frames, detecting digital images of the illuminated object over these consecutive image frames, and decode processing the digital images. In a first illustrative embodiment, upon failure to read a symbol in one of the first and second images, these digital images are analyzed in real-time, and based on the results of this real-time image analysis, the exposure time is adjusted during subsequent image frames. In a second illustrative embodiment, upon failure to read a symbol in one of the first and second images, these digital images are analyzed in real-time, and based on the results of this real-time image analysis, the energy level of the illumination is adjusted during subsequent image frames.

Abstract: A decodable indicia reading terminal can comprise a laser-based scanner, an imager-based scanner, a central processing unit (CPU), and an illumination assembly. The laser-based scanner can include a laser source, a photo-detector, and an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter. The laser source can be configured to emit a laser beam onto a substrate bearing decodable indicia. The photo-detector can be configured to receive a beam of a variable intensity reflected by the decodable indicia, and to output a first analog signal representative of the variable intensity. The A/D converter can be configured to convert the first analog signal into a first digital signal. The imager-based scanner can include a multiple pixel image sensor, an imaging lens, and an A/D converter. The imaging lens can be configured to focus an image of the decodable indicia on the image sensor.

Abstract: A reader for electro-optically reading a target in the presence of ambient light to be rejected, includes a laser for emitting a laser beam, a scan component for scanning the laser beam over a scan angle across the target, a photodetector for generating an output signal by detecting return laser light from the target to generate an information signal bearing information related to the target, and by concomitantly detecting the ambient light to generate an ambient light signal, and signal processing circuitry for measuring the ambient light signal to determine a threshold, for processing the output signal by passing the output signal through a filter having a bandwidth, and for rejecting the ambient light signal from the output signal by adjusting the scan angle and/or the bandwidth when the ambient light signal exceeds the threshold.

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: This patent specification describes an attachment for a mobile device. The attachment may have an attachment feature designed to be attached to a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, or smartphone/tablet with a camera. The attachment may also include an optics system and/or an illumination system that cooperates with the camera to facilitate the capture of decodable barcodes. The illumination system may include a targeting illumination system that facilitates proper positioning of the article and/or an exposure illumination system that helps illuminate the article during capture. The optics system may include a lens that modifies the depth of field and/or the size of the field of view of the camera, an aperture that helps define the field of view, a filter that prevents light of undesired wavelengths from reaching the camera, and/or a mirror that redirects the camera's optical pathway.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of reading the screen of a mobile computing device. The apparatus is an imaging scanner that includes a NFC device having a NFC antenna. The imaging scanner also includes an illumination system operative to illuminate a target object with illumination light. Under a first condition that no NFC signal from the mobile computing device is received by the NFC device, the illumination system is configured to generate a first illumination light with a first intensity. Under a second condition that the NFC signal from the mobile computing device is received by the NFC device, the illumination system is configured to generate a second illumination light with a second intensity. The second intensity is less than the first intensity.

Abstract: An automatic testing method applied to an automatic testing system for testing a barcode identification apparatus is described. In the method, a test host is utilized to generate a barcode pattern automatically, so as to display the barcode pattern through a barcode revealing apparatus. The barcode identification apparatus reads and resolves the barcode pattern to retrieve an identification result. The identification result is returned to the test host. The test host compares the barcode information carried by the barcode pattern and the identification result, and generates a test result. The test host repetitively generates the barcode pattern for a barcode identification apparatus carried the barcode pattern and the identification result, and then generates a test result. Through the test host repeatedly generates the barcode pattern and records the corresponding test result, manual operation is not required to obtain testing data for being analyzed.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and a decoding method thereof are disclosed. The decoding method comprises: capturing an image of a target barcode; invoking built-in decoding software to decode the target barcode; determining whether the decoding is successful, wherein if the decoding is successful, then barcode information of the target barcode is displayed and the process ends; and otherwise, if the decoding is unsuccessful, then the target barcode is sent to a decoding server; receiving barcode information obtained by the decoding server through decoding the target barcode; and displaying the barcode information of the target barcode. In this way, the present disclosure can decode various types of barcodes quickly and effectively so that the user can be informed of the barcode information of the various types of barcodes quickly and accurately.

Abstract: A method of recognizing a barcode of a deposition mask, includes: receiving a barcode image corresponding to the barcode, the barcode image being associated with a lighting environment; determining that the barcode image is not recognizable; generating, in response to determining that the barcode image is not recognizable, one or more control signals configured to modify the lighting environment; and causing, at least in part, a second barcode image to be generated in association with a modified lighting environment.

Abstract: A reader for electro-optically reading a target in the presence of ambient light, includes a scan component for scanning a laser beam across the target, a first filter for passing return laser light from the target and the ambient light to a first photodetector system for generating a first output signal constituted of an information signal and a first ambient light signal, a second filter for passing the ambient light to a second photodetector system for generating a second output signal constituted of a second ambient light signal, and signal processing circuitry for measuring a difference between the first and second ambient light signals, for equalizing the first and second ambient light signals when the difference exceeds a threshold, and for subtracting the second output signal from the first output signal to obtain a receiver output signal substantially constituted only of the information signal.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and software are disclosed for an adaptive video capture decode system that efficiently manages a stream of image frames between a device display screen and a processor performing decode attempts on decodable features in the image frames. In an illustrative embodiment, a device assigns frames of image data from a stream of frames of image data to either a display subsystem or a decode subsystem. The display subsystem is operative for rendering the frames of image data on a display screen. The decode subsystem is operative for receiving frames of image data and performing an attempted decode of a decodable indicia represented in at least one of the frames of image data. None of the frames of data are assigned to both the display subsystem and the decode subsystem.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a barcode reader, comprising a first illumination system that emits first illumination with a first illumination spectrum, and a second illumination system that emits second illumination with a second illumination spectrum. The second illumination spectrum is broader than the first illumination spectrum. The barcode reader also comprises a first lens assembly with a first optical path through the first lens assembly to a first image sensor section. The first optical path includes a first filter configured to pass an acceptance spectrum of electromagnetic radiation and attenuate an attenuated spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. The first illumination spectrum is primarily composed of the acceptance spectrum. The barcode reader also comprises a second lens assembly with second optical path through the second lens assembly to a second image sensor section.

Abstract: A barcode reader may be configured to capture at least one test image of at least a portion of a barcode. The at least one test image may include a plurality of window images. Each window image may be smaller than a full photo sensor array image. Illumination for each window image may be provided by a distinct one of the plurality of illumination systems. The barcode reader may also be configured to determine a selected illumination system. The selected illumination system may be the illumination system that yielded a window image having highest quality among the plurality of window images. The barcode reader may also be configured to cause the photo sensor array to capture a subsequent image using the selected illumination system.

Abstract: A security barcode is made up of modules that include optical disrupters that are too small to be deliberately placed in precise positions. The barcode is authenticated by a simple webcam including three-dimensional positioning means co-operating with a recognizable graphic structure referred to as a “marker”. In order to establish the authenticity of an article protected by the code, a description of the code is made after the code has been printed and is stored in a database, and that description is compared with a new description that results from at least two acquisitions, one made under the same conditions, and the other made while changing the three-dimensionally defined viewpoint and/or the lighting. In its preferred variant, the barcode cannot be printed in order to represent a predetermined number. It is also impossible to reproduce the barcode.

Abstract: In an apparatus for optically reading a graphic symbol composed of a plurality of optically identifiable unit sections of information, a first image pickup unit has a first photodetector and picks up a first optical image of the graphic symbol based on light detected by the first photodetector. A second image pickup unit has a second photodetector and configured to pick up a second optical image of the graphic symbol based on light detected by the second photodetector. A correcting unit corrects a light intensity level of at least one section of one of the first and second optical images based on a light intensity level of at least one section of the other of the first and second optical images. The at least one section corresponds to at least one of the unit sections of information of the graphic symbol.

Abstract: An apparatus having an image sensor is provided. An image sensor of the apparatus can include a two dimensional image sensor. A lens assembly can be provided in combination with an image sensor. In one aspect, an apparatus can attempt to decode a decodable symbol representation. In one aspect an apparatus can output a frame of image data.

Abstract: A laser scanning code symbol reading system includes an analog scan data signal processor for producing digital data signals, wherein during each scanning cycle, a light collection and photo-detection module generates an analog scan data signal corresponding to a laser scanned code symbol, a multi-channel parallel scan data signal processor/digitizer processes the analog scan data signal along multiple cascaded multi-stage signal processing channels, to generate digital data signals corresponding thereto, while a synchronized digital gain control module automatically processes the digital data signals in response to start of scan (SOS) signals generated by a SOS detector.

Abstract: An image reader can include an image sensor array. An image reader in one embodiment can include an optical system capable of directing light reflected from a target onto the image sensor array. An image reader can be used for reading a dataform.

Abstract: A character recognition accuracy from an image in which a graphic code and at least one character are in a given positional relationship is improved. An image acquisition section (20) acquires the image including the graphic code and the at least one character positioned outside the graphic code, which are in the given positional relationship. A deformation rule identification section (26) identifies a deformation rule for deforming the graphic code, which is included in the image acquired by the image acquisition section (20), to a graphic of a known type. A deformation processing execution section (28) executes, on the at least one character included in the image acquired by the image acquisition section (20), deformation processing based on the deformation rule identified by the deformation rule identification section (26).