Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a method and apparatus for determining if an optical scanner is moving. In one embodiment the method for sensing movement of an optical scanner comprises the steps of providing an oscillating system comprising a flexible member, a magnet coupled to the flexible member, a coil disposed within a magnetically effective distance from the magnet, and sense circuitry coupled to the coil; generating a first electrical signal from the oscillations of the flexible member; amplifying the generated electrical signal; analyzing the first electrical signal to determine if the generated signal is indicative of movement of the optical scanner.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method, a manual device, a handheld manual device, a handheld writing device, a system, and an apparatus. An embodiment provides an apparatus. The apparatus includes a writing element having a first portion operable to discharge a first marking substance on a surface in response to a movement of the writing element over the surface and a second portion operable to discharge a second marking substance on the surface in response to a controller. The apparatus also includes the controller operable to encode information corresponding to a context of the apparatus by regulating the discharge of the second marking substance.

Abstract: Provided is a planar light source device (300) having a planar light source with uniform luminance distribution by using a laser light source for outputting a beam-like luminous flux. The planar light source device (300) applies a laser beam from the side surface of a light guide plate (310) through a scanning mirror (330) and periodically scans the entire light guide plate. At that time, a light output (P(t)) of the laser light source (320) is modulated in synchronization with the scanning cycle so that the output is proportional to the temporal differentiation dS/dt of a scanning area (S(t)) from a search start within a scanning period. Thus, changes of the scanning speed and scanning length with time are eliminated and planar lighting with uniform luminance can be performed.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a method, and a device A device includes a writing element operable to form a mark on a surface corresponding to a movement of the writing element over the surface. The device also includes a controller operable to digitally encode information in the mark.

Abstract: Embodiments include a method, a manual device, a handheld manual device, a handheld writing device, a system, and an apparatus. An embodiment provides a manual device operable in a context. The manual device includes a writing element operable to form a mark on a surface in response to a movement of the writing element with respect to the surface. The manual device also includes a controller operable to encode information corresponding to the context of the manual device by regulating the formation of the mark.

Abstract: Electro-optical reading failure to read indicia due to specular reflection in the return light captured by a solid-state imager is prevented. An illuminator illuminates the indicia during reading with illumination light directed from an illuminating light source. In one embodiment, a controller is operative for detecting saturation in a captured image, and for reducing an intensity of the illumination light upon detection of the saturation. In another embodiment, the controller captures the return light in successive frames, and causes the illumination light to illuminate the indicia only during some of the frames. In yet another embodiment, the controller turns the illumination light on and off at a flash rate, and signals a user by changing the flash rate upon detection of the saturation to move a housing that supports the imager, illuminator and controller.

Abstract: A fully automatic table game player tracking system for Blackjack and other casino games wherein players have individual betting positions on the table is disclosed. An individual B&W CCD chip reading turret is placed inches in front of each player's betting position to scan wagered chips using ambient casino lighting. The turret also has a “comp” light to indicate to the player at the beginning of every hand that his bet was read credited for his complimentaries (meals, room, entertainment, etc.), thus delivering to the player extra gaming satisfaction every hand. Patterns of repeated coding around the playing chips' peripheral surface represent with light and dark contrasting colors the dollar value and particular casino issuer of the chips.

Abstract: An information recognition processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention includes a storage unit configured to store statistical information indicating results of identification information recognition processing in which an image of a first object to be read is read to acquire a plurality of first read images of different image brightness levels, and recognition of identification information included in the first read image of each brightness level is tried, an image reading unit configured to read an image of a second object to be read to acquire a plurality of second read images of different image brightness levels, and a recognition unit configured to preferentially execute a recognition process of identification information included in the second read image of a predetermined brightness level of the plurality of second read images of the different image brightness levels, based on the statistical information.

Abstract: An automatic digital image capturing and processing system for use in a POS environment, comprising a system housing having vertical housing section provided with an imaging window, and containing an area-type illumination and imaging station for generating and projecting an area-type illumination and imaging zone through the imaging window, and into a 3D imaging volume definable relative to the imaging window. An object motion detection subsystem automatically detects the motion of objects passing through the 3D imaging volume, and generates motion data representative of detected object motion within the 3D imaging volume. And a control subsystem, responsive to the object motion detection subsystem, automatically controls operations within the area-type illumination and imaging station during system operation.

Abstract: An optical system used in a barcode scanner is disclosed to include a lens, two LEDs arranged at two sides of the lens, two condensers arranged in front of the LEDs, and two curved reflectors with multiple curvatures for reflecting a major part of light from the LEDs through the condensers onto the left and right sides of an image mapping surface on a barcode and a minor part of light onto the center area of the image mapping surface so that the receiving characteristic of the lens can pick up an evenly distributed bright image from the image mapping surface on the barcode and the posterior image processing of the barcode scanner can obtain a strong and clear image signal to facilitate barcode and to increase recognition rate and accuracy.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention includes a first image reading unit configured to read an image from an object to be read by visible light, a second image reading unit configured to read an image from the object to be read by invisible light, a first detection unit configured to detect a background image from a first read image read by the first image reading unit, a registration unit configured to register feature information indicative of a feature of the background image detected by the first detection unit, and a second detection unit configured to detect an image indicative of code information from a second read image read by the second image reading unit on the basis of the feature information registered in the registration unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading optical indicia. The method includes generating calibration light, and measuring an intensity of the calibration light reflected into a detector system. The method also includes determining an optimum exposure level for the imaging system based on the measured intensity of the calibration light reflected into the detector system, and generating an illumination light with an illumination system. In addition, the method includes capturing an image of the optical indicia with the imaging system subjecting to the optimum exposure level.

Abstract: A symbol information reading apparatus may include an imaging element; an image memory structured to store image data; a position detecting processor structured to fetch the image data and structured to detect a position of symbol information. The position detecting processor may include a temporary area judgment unit that structured to calculate a variation of brightness, and structured to judge a temporary area having a possibility of corresponding to the symbol information; a correlation map creating unit that structured to calculate correlation between areas neighboring in a direction perpendicular to the scanning direction, and structured to create a map showing an area provided with large correlation values; a labeling unit that structured to check presence of a basic barcode on the correlation map, and structured to label an area judged as having the basic barcode; and a position determining unit that structured to detect a position of the symbol information recorded.

Abstract: A scanning method for optical scanning of a body includes illuminating the body by a lighting unit and a light receiver unit receives light transmitted from the lighting unit to the body and reflected by the body so that a scanning zone of a scanning unit is defined by the lighting unit and the light receiver unit. Two scanning units each having a scanning region are used, which overlap at least in part in an overlap zone, and at least when the surface of the body is in an overlap zone, the scanning sensitivity of at least one of the scanning units is reduced at least for the overlap zone. At least one scanning unit is used which is configured and/or arranged such that it can scan a part of the body which is as large as possible. A scanning apparatus is also provided for carrying out the scanning method.

Abstract: Methods, devices and computer program products that provide for generating a series of visual coded images, such as barcodes that are related to a data set, displaying the series of visual coded images in sequence on a display and capturing and decoding the displayed series of visual images in one continuous process. As such the present invention provides for large volumes of data to be transferred using images of visually coded data, which are typically limited to storing and transferring a relatively small volume of data.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for illuminating objects comprising asymmetrically illuminating an object using an illumination medium on one side of an optical module of an information capturing module, capturing an electronic representation of the object and decoding the electronic representation of said object. In alternate embodiments, the scanner successively illuminates the object from a plurality of different angles until the object and/or dataform is decoded. The illumination medium can be external to the information capturing module.

Abstract: The disclosed bar code reader includes an auto-focusing component for rapidly producing in focus images. An imaging system makes use of an aiming pattern that impinges upon the coded indicia of a target. The imaging system includes a light monitoring pixel array and a focusing lens that is fixed with respect to the pixel array for transmitting an image of the target object onto the pixel array. The bar code reader also includes an illumination system comprising one or more light emitting diodes for illuminating a the target within a field of view defined by the optical system. A drive circuit coupled to the light emitting diodes of the illumination system including at least one energy storage capacitor for providing an electrical pulse that illuminates the target. A controller selectively energizes the light emitting diodes by discharging the at least one capacitor of the drive circuit.

Abstract: An aiming light assembly supported by a mobile imaging reader projects an aiming light pattern on a symbol. A controller modulates the aiming light pattern to render the aiming light pattern more visibly discernible to an operator, especially in a brightly lit ambient environment, to enable the operator to position the aiming light pattern on the symbol prior to reading.

Abstract: Techniques for enhancing the reliable and efficient decoding of images of computer-readable symbols, which represent information encoded using a one- or two-dimensional visual symbology, are discussed. In accordance with one technique, prior to attempting to decode a particular image, a likelihood of successfully decoding the visual symbology from the image is determined based on a success metric. The success metric is calculated based on the blurriness of the image, or the tilt of the camera that captured the image, or both. Levels of blurriness or tilt, and the likelihood of decoding success, are ascertained with respect to predetermined reference values associated with generally decodable images. In accordance with another technique, image-sharpening algorithms are applied at select locations within the image.

Abstract: A system and method for reading an optical code is provided. The optical code reader system includes a dual aim/illumination assembly including a single light source generating: a) light having a first intensity for providing an aim pattern visible to a user for aiming the aim pattern at a target during an aim period of a scan cycle having at least an aim period and an exposure period; and b) light having a second intensity greater than the first intensity for providing illumination during the exposure period of the scan cycle. An imager module having an array of photo sensors senses incident light and generating image signals corresponding to the sensing during the exposure period.

Abstract: Described is a scanner for reading an optical code which includes a light transmission system and an image acquisition system. The light transmission system projects light on a target. The image acquisition system receives light reflected from the target to generate an image of the target. The image acquisition system is arranged to receive the light reflected from the target at a plurality of angles so that, when specular reflection of the target is associated with a first of the plurality of angles, light from a second one of the plurality of angles is available to minimize image degradation associated with the specular reflection.

Abstract: An optical data code reader includes an illuminator device for illuminating an optical data code to be read out, an image-taking device for taking an image of this optical data code, a readout device for decoding the optical data code by processing image data generated by the image-taking device and an adjustment device for carrying out an adjustment process. The adjustment device adjusts an illumination condition of the illuminator device and/or an image-taking condition for the image-taking device such that the image data become suitable for being read out. The adjustment device serves to set areas on image data outputted by the image-taking device, to extract a variation amplitude of brightness in each of the areas and to carry out the adjustment process by using the image data of at least one of the areas in which the extracted variation amplitude is greater than a specified threshold value.

Abstract: An imaging-based bar code reader that includes an imaging and decoding system. When used on a stand to image documents, typically neither the stand or document is moving. Therefore blurring due to motion is not an issue. A sensor detects when the scanner is mounted to a stand. When commanded to take an image the scanner electronics and software modifies an auto-exposure process to minimize gain and lengthen exposure. This modification results in the scanner that is effective for scanning bar codes and yet also takes excellent pictures when mounted to a stand.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus (40) for an imaging-based bar code reader (10) having a field of view (FV) defined by an imaging system (12) of the bar code reader directed toward a target object (32). The illumination apparatus (40) includes: an illumination source (42); an aperture plate (44) defining a plurality of spaced apart apertures (44a-44f) aligned with the illumination source (42) such that illumination generated by the illumination source (42) passes through each of the plurality of apertures (44a-44f) of the aperture plate (44); and a lens array (46) defining a plurality of substantially contiguous lens elements (46a-46f) aligned with respective apertures (44a-44f) of the aperture plate (44) such that for each aperture (44a-44f) of the aperture plate (44) illumination passing through the aperture (44a-44f) is focused by a respective corresponding lens element (46a-46f).

Abstract: A bar code scanner is disclosed which may include an LED. The LED includes a light source that emits light. The bar code scanner may also include a lens set. The lens set includes a back side and a front side. The front side includes a plurality of spherical lobes. When light from the light source is incident on the back side of the lens set, each of the spherical lobes preferably focuses the light into a light beam, which is then generated from each of the lobes. In certain embodiments of the invention, the LED can be mounted on the back side of a circuit board in such a fashion as to protrude through the aperture in the circuit board and then to shine light on the lens set.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for providing optimized accuracy and precision in analog-to-digital conversions of data. In an embodiment of the invention, an A/D converter is configured by setting two separately definable reference voltages that are controlled by a microprocessor. The A/D converter range is as wide as, or slightly greater than, a dynamic range of the analog signal to be converted. The microprocessor adjusts at least one reference voltage. The A/D converter receives analog signals from a sensor. The dynamic range of the signal from the sensor, or the sensor operating conditions, are used to define the reference voltages. The converted data is provided to a data processor at a rate controlled by a clocking signal. In a method according to the invention, the A/D converter is operated using the features described above. The accuracy and the precision of the converted data are thereby optimized.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for reading a color symbol, which comprises a matrix of color filters arranged in front of a detector. Light received from the filters of some colors is used to locate the color symbol, while light received from all the filters is used to read and decode the located symbol. Preferably, the filters used for locating the symbol are of the colors to which the detector is most sensitive. Preferably, the filters for locating the symbol are dominant in number.

Abstract: An indicia decoding device can have an image sensor and a laser diode assembly configured to project laser light onto a substrate. When a trigger signal is received by the indicia decoding device, the device can calculate a delay and enable the laser diode assembly if a delay threshold is satisfied. The indicia decoding device, in one embodiment, can include a hand held housing and an imaging module carrying the image sensor.

Abstract: A barcode sensor package has an optical emitter circuit and an optical detector circuit which are formed as one or more integrated optical circuits disposed in a housing which has a reading surface and one or more apertures located between the optical emitter and detector circuits. The optical emitter circuit has an emitter die, such as a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), for emitting a light beam and a diffraction optical element disposed on the emitter die for focusing the light beam to a bar code. The optical detector circuit has a photodetector die, such as a phototransistor, for detecting reflective light and another diffraction optical element disposed on the photodetector die for guiding light reflected from the bar code to the detector. The diffraction optical elements are fabricated by patterning optical layers, deposited on respective emitter and detector dies, using photolithograph or a direct write process.

Abstract: A system and method of extracting data from a barcode or similar symbol in relatively large ambient light is disclosed. The system uses a slice signal that follows the upper part of a negative offset signal, or the lower part of a positive offset signal, depending upon the value of the input signal. The system may be implemented in digital or analog hardware.

Abstract: Identification documents have a three dimensional or moving image effect to enable human verification of their authenticity. These effects are created by printing image layers of invisible inks, such as UV or IR fluorescing inks, each depicting an object in varying position or perspective in an area on the document. When the area is strobed sequentially in different bands corresponding to the different layers, the layers become visible sequentially or simultaneously, creating a moving and/or three dimensional effect.

Abstract: A reader for optically reading machine-readable symbols such as barcodes. The reader includes at least one light source for producing light and a number of light emitters for emitting the light from the reader according to a desired sequence. The distinct light emitters are coupled with the at least one light source through an illumination network comprising waveguides and optical switches. The emitted light is controlled by a control subsystem, which can include a microprocessor, a buffer, a bus, and a memory. The distinct light emitters are supported in a holder, which is coupled to a housing of the reader. A focusing device directs the light emitted from the distinct light emitters. An optical sensor coupled to the housing receives at least some of the light reflected from the symbol and can operate with the control subsystem to decode the reflected light.

Abstract: Laser power control arrangements interrupt power to a laser used in electro-optical readers upon detection of operating conditions not conforming to preestablished standards, and adjust power to the laser to enhance reader performance without violating prevalent safety standards.

Abstract: A system and method for reading an optical code is provided. The method comprises the steps of sensing incident light reflected from a target optical code to be imaged; generating an image signal including a plurality of electrical signals corresponding to the sensing; generating information relating to an amplitude of the image signal; and generating a control signal for adjusting an exposure time during the sensing in accordance with the information relating to the amplitude for minimizing sensitivity to motion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for illuminating objects comprising asymmetrically illuminating an object using an illumination medium on one side of an optical module of an information capturing module, capturing an electronic representation of the object and decoding the electronic representation of said object. In alternate embodiments, the scanner successively illuminates the object from a plurality of different angles until the object and/or dataform is decoded. The illumination medium can be external to the information capturing module.

Abstract: A system for identification comprising: a surface (14) comprising retro-reflective indicta; a source of light that illuminates the indicta (18) along an illumination direction; and a detector (20, 21) that views light reflected from the indicta, wherein the retro-reflector reflects the light that illuminates it as a plurality of beams at a plurality of angles relative to the illumination direction.

Abstract: A method for reading a graphic pattern by illuminating the graphic pattern with at least two groups of light sources, each of the at least two groups of light sources having at least one light source operating according to an illumination cycle that comprises an illumination cycle-portion and a non-illumination cycle-portion. The light sources of one of the at least two groups of light sources are activated according to equal illumination cycles. The illumination cycles of the light sources belong to different ones of the at least two groups of light sources having a reciprocally different timing. Light is gathered from the light sources having been diffused by the graphic pattern on a sensor having a plurality of sensitive points. Light impinging on the plurality of sensitive points is converted, through a conversion cycle of the sensor, point by point into electric signals representative of single points of the graphic pattern, at a same time for all of the plurality of sensitive points.

Abstract: A color bar code system includes a camera reader to read at least one color bar code having a subset of N bar code colors, a color association unit and an identifier. The color association unit associates each point in a color space with one of the bar code colors. The color association unit is calibratable to the range of colors that the camera reader is expected to produce given at least one environmental condition in which it operates. The identifier uses the color association unit to identify an item associated with the bar code from the output of the camera reader.

Abstract: Described is a scanner for reading an optical code which includes a light transmission system and an image acquisition system. The light transmission system projects light on a target. The image acquisition system receives light reflected from the target to generate an image of the target. The image acquisition system is arranged to receive the light reflected from the target at a plurality of angles so that, when specular reflection of the target is associated with a first of the plurality of angles, light from a second one of the plurality of angles is available to minimize image degradation associated with the specular reflection.

Abstract: Performance of an imaging reader for electro-optically reading direct part markings on workpieces is enhanced by ensuring that such markings are read in the vicinity of an ideal, focused, target plane, and by enhancing the contrast of such markings. Calibration and self-calibration of the reader improve performance.

Abstract: A parts assembly management system includes a parts assembly management apparatus to be installed in an assembly line, and a plurality of storage vessel identifying apparatuses to be installed in a plurality of storage vessels. The parts assembly management apparatus includes a reading apparatus, and a first processing unit. The reading apparatus contactlessly reads a product identifier identifying the product from an IC tag attached to the product. The processing unit extracts a vessel identifier associated with the product identifier identifying the product from an assembling table. Each of the storage vessel identifying apparatuses includes a receiving unit, a second processing unit, and an output unit. The receiving unit receives the extracted vessel identifier from the parts assembly management apparatus. The processing unit performs comparison between the associated vessel identifier received by the receiving unit and a specific vessel identifier identifying the associated vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reading embedded indicia. A light energy sensing system for an embedded indicia interpretation apparatus. The system includes a first light sensor and a second light sensor. The first and said second light sensors being directed to sense light energy reflected by an embedded indicia. Also, an embedded indicia reading apparatus having a light energy sensing system. The light energy sensing system having a first light sensor and a second light sensor. The first and said second light sensors positioned to sense light energy that has been reflected from an embedded indicia. The embedded indicia reading apparatus also having a computerized processing system coupled with the light sensing system. The computerized processing system including a program that determines data carried by an embedded indicia by interpreting light energy signals reflected from an embedded indicia and then sensed by the light sensing system.

Abstract: Processing an analog electrical signal containing information representative of reflected light from indicia including regions of different light reflectivity, wherein the analog electrical signal contains edge transitions corresponding to boundaries between adjoining regions of different light reflectivity of the indicia. The edge transitions of at least a part of the analog electrical signal are analyzed to determine a level of blur in that part of the electrical signal. Based on the determined level of blur, one of a plurality of different techniques is selected for processing that part of the electrical signal to produce a digitized electrical signal in which transitions in the digital level of the signal correspond to boundaries between adjoining regions of different light reflectivity of the indicia.

Abstract: A planar light illumination and imaging system for illuminating an object and forming an image thereof. The planar light illumination and imaging system which comprises an image formation and detection module having a field of view (FOV) focused at an image detecting array. A planar light illumination array (PLIA) constructed from an plurality of planar light illumination modules (PLIMs) is arranged in rectilinear manner.

Abstract: A spectrally-encoded label comprises a spectrally-selective optical element having a label spectral signature. The label spectral signature is determined according to a spectral-encoding scheme so as to represent predetermined label information within the spectral encoding scheme. The label emits output light in response to input light selected by the label spectral signature of the optical element. A spectrally-encoded label system further comprises an optical detector sensitive to the output light emitted from the label, and a decoder operatively coupled to the detector for extracting the label information according to the spectral encoding scheme, and may also include a light source providing the input light for illuminating the label.

Abstract: An optical code reading system and method are provided for reading and decoding an optical code. The system includes a plurality of light sources, a color image sensor, a processor and a decoder. Each light source produces a unique wavelength/color of light to illuminate the optical code, such as a direct mark optical code. The image sensor detects the reflected light from the optical code and generates an integrated multi-colored image. The processor separates the integrated image into individual color channels, where each color channel includes data representative of the imaged optical code in one color. The processor analyzes the contrast for each color channel and determines which color channel has the optimum contrast. The data corresponding to the color channel having the optimum contrast is then decoded by a decoder.

Abstract: A method for reading a graphic pattern by illuminating the graphic pattern with at least two groups of light sources, each of the at least two groups of light sources having at least one light source operating according to an illumination cycle that comprises an illumination cycle-portion and a non-illumination cycle-portion. The light sources of one of the at least two groups of light sources are activated according to equal illumination cycles. The illumination cycles of the light sources belong to different ones of the at least two groups of light sources having a reciprocally different timing. Light is gathered from the light sources having been diffused by the graphic pattern on a sensor having a plurality of sensitive points. Light impinging on the plurality of sensitive points is converted, through a conversion cycle of the sensor, point by point into electric signals representative of single points of the graphic pattern, at a same time for all of the plurality of sensitive points.

Abstract: A barcode or similar scanning device is adjusted and calibrated by utilizing test pulses and measuring the peaks and calculating average of reflected light. The duty cycle of the pulses is adjusted based upon the measurements taken, in order to insure that the amount of reflected light is within the appropriate range associated with the charge coupling device or similar device collecting the reflective light.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device for focusing a laser beam, comprising a source of emission of a laser beam, for example a substantially elliptic and astigmatic laser beam, a focusing lens of the laser beam and first aperture adapted to select a central portion of the laser beam. The first aperture is directly applied on the focusing lens, and comprises a coating made of a substantially opaque material which are applied (for example, by spraying, sputtering, evaporation, printing, painting) on a peripheral portion of a front surface of the focusing lens so as to allow the propagation of the central portion of the laser beam and obstruct the propagation of a surrounding portion of beam. The device of the invention is extremely simple from the constructive point of view, and is inexpensive and small-sized.

Abstract: An alignment indication is provided in an optical scanner for reading a two-dimensional optical code by varying the scanning beam to provide a region of apparent greater brightness. In the case of a PDF417 bar code symbol, an elongated brighter region may be oriented so that it is parallel with rows of the PDF417 symbol. The apparent greater brightness may result because of the persistence of the scanning pattern in the user's vision. The region of apparent greater brightness may be achieved by providing a greater density of scan lines in the region. Because of the persistence in the user's vision, multiple scan lines appear simultaneously, and thus a region with a greater density of scan lines appears as a brighter region. The region of apparent greater brightness may also be achieved by providing a differently shaped scanning spot in the region (e.g., a larger, or more elongated spot).