Abstract: A system suitable for counting strings of arcade type tickets comprising a transport mechanism, a sensing system for reading bar coded information and counting marks, a computer program and computer to tally, sort and compile management reports, and a video monitor to display the counting results, or additionally, display entertainment items or advertising to the customer while using the counter. The transport mechanism is especially designed to handle the new “paper” style tickets and is capable of handling tickets of varying sizes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for determining ingredients based upon scanning a label on a food container. Briefly described, one embodiment is a method comprising scanning a textual ingredients list on a label of the product, converting the scanned textual ingredients list into ingredients data using an optical character resolution program, comparing the ingredients data to preference data, the preference data corresponding to at least one preference for at least one consumer and generating a notification to a user when at least one ingredient in the ingredients data corresponds to at least one preference the consumer.

Abstract: A barcode reader device for processing a plurality of documents having a transport system for transporting the documents along a travel path through a reading area; a blocking member; and a bearing member for pivotally suspending the blocking member along the travel path prior to the reading area, with the blocking member being disposed in spaced-apart relationship to the transport system so as to form an elongated, adjustable opening between the transport system and the blocking member for passing the documents one at a time.

Abstract: The image forming apparatus and method subject image data to predetermined image processing to obtain processed image data and execute both of outputting a print according to the processed image data and outputting the processed image data to an image file. The apparatus and method create information for identifying an original before an image of the original is read to input the image data and storing the original identifying information in a data base in relation to the image file, read out, when a reprint is requested by designating the original identifying information, predetermined processed image data from the image file of the data base based on the original identifying information and output the print according to the predetermined processed image data. As a result, the apparatus and method are capable of easily designating a corresponding image file when a reprint is requested and capable of easily outputting the reprint from the image file without the need of an original film.

Abstract: A bioptical holographic laser scanning system employing a plurality of laser scanning stations about a holographic scanning disc having scanning facets with high and low elevation angle characteristics, as well as positive, negative and zero skew angle characteristics which strategically cooperate with groups of beam folding mirrors having optimized surface geometry characteristics. The system has an ultra-compact construction, ideally suited for space-constrained retail scanning environments, and generate a 3-D omnidirectional laser scanning pattern between the bottom and side scanning windows during system operation. The laser scanning pattern of the present invention comprises a complex of pairs of quasi-orthogonal laser scanning planes, each composed by a plurality of substantially-vertical laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e.

Abstract: A planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based camera system capable of producing digital images with reduced levels of speckle-pattern noise. The PLIIM based camera system comprises a planar laser illumination array (PLIA) including a plurality of laser diodes for producing and projecting a planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) through a light transmission aperture, so as to illuminate an object as it is moving past said PLIIM based camera system. An image formation and detection (IFD) module is provided having a image detection array and imaging forming optics for providing said image detection array with a field of view (FOV). The PLIB and FOV are arranged in a coplanar relationship along the working range of the PLIIM based camera system so that the PLIB illuminates primarily within the FOV of the IFD module.

Abstract: A method for use in managing manufacturing of a virtual factory includes receiving at a management location, for a plurality of respective particular components, a request over a network for a serial number to be used in identifying the particular component. The method also includes, for each respective particular component, in response to the request, determining a serial number for the particular component and for each of a plurality of independent manufacturing entities, independent from each other and the management location, that operate on the particular component, receiving and storing at the management location from the manufacturing entity, over the network, data indicative of a scanned bumpy bar code affixed on the particular component and data indicating a status of manufacture for the particular component, the scanned bumpy bar code signal being indicative of the determined serial number.

Abstract: A system where boxes (12) move along a conveyor belt and a bar code scanner reads bar codes (20) on the boxes and detects the presence of a box (with or without a readable barcode), which facilitates establishing a box detector that detects the leading edge of a box. The bar code scanner has a scanning laser beam source (30) that directs a scanning laser beam (32) at the path of bar codes on the boxes, and a sensor (44) that detects reflections of the laser beam, so the output from the sensor can be used by a bar code reader (52) to read bar codes. Instead of setting up a separate box detector, the output from the laser reflection sensor is delivered to a container detecting circuit (102) that uses the output of the laser reflection sensor to detect the leading edge of the box.

Abstract: A planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based system employing wavefront control methods for reducing the power of speckle-pattern noise within digital images acquired by the system. The system comprises a housing having a first light transmission aperture, a second light transmission aperture, and a third light transmission aperture, wherein the first and second light transmission apertures are optically isolated from said third light transmission aperture spatially aligned on opposite sides thereof. A pair of planar laser illumination arrays (PLIAs) are mounted within the housing, for producing and projecting a first and second planar laser illumination beams (PLIBS) through the first and second light transmission apertures respectively, thereby producing a composite planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) outside of the housing, and illuminating an object therewith as the object is transported past the first, second and third light transmission apertures.

Abstract: A method for locating a barcode in an image includes dividing the image into a plurality of tiles, and scanning each of the tiles so as to detect a pattern of stripes associated with the barcode in at least one of the tiles. The pattern of stripes is analyzed so as to determine an angle of orientation of the barcode. Responsive to the determined angle, bounds of the barcode are defined in alignment with the pattern of the stripes.

Abstract: The effects of paper/substrate noise are significantly reduced in multi-focal zone laser scanning systems by processing analog scan data signals with a scan data signal processor having a plurality of pass-band filters and amplifiers that are automatically selected for passing only the spectral components of an analog scan data signal produced when a bar code symbol is scanned at a particular focal zone in the laser scanning system. Two or more different pass-band filter structures can be provided for use in the scan data signal processor, wherein each pass-band filter structure is tuned to the spectral band associated with a particular focal zone in the laser scanning system. When a bar code symbol is scanned by a laser beam focused within the first focal zone or scanning range of the system, the pass-band filter structure associated with this focal zone or scanning range is automatically switched into operation.

Abstract: A fully automated package identification and measuring system, in whic an omni-directional holographic scanning tunnel is used to read bar codes on packages entering the tunnel, while a package dimensioning subsystem is used to capture information about the package prior to entry into the tunnel. Mathamatical models are created on a real-time basis for the geometry of the package and the position of the laser scanning beam used to read the bar code symbol thereon. The mathamatical models are analyzed to determine if collected and queued package identification data is spatially and/or temporally correlated with package measurement data using vector-based ray-tracing methods, homogeneous transformations, and object-oriented decision logic so as to enable simultaneous tracking of multiple packages being transported through the scanning tunnel.

Abstract: Techniques for using imaging information computed from examining a scanner signal are described. When one or more objects passes within a field of view of a scanner, scan patterns emerging from one or more scanner windows and reflected from the objects back into the scanner windows produce one or more scanner signals. The scanner signals are processed to obtain beam position and beam length information to improve the accuracy of bar code decoding and to compute imaging information for objects within the field of view of the scanner. The imaging information for the objects is compared with bar code information for the objects. The expected number, size and shapes of objects indicated by the bar code information is compared with the actual number, size and shapes of objects in order to determine if valid scans occurred or if missed, double or otherwise erroneous scans occurred.

Abstract: A delivered article receiving locker cabinet, which has a plurality of lockers, each of which is capable of housing a delivered article and is locked, and ten keys by which the room number of the delivery end, the box number, etc., are inputted, is provided with a barcode reader that is attached to the front face of the locker cabinet for reading a barcode written on a delivery service attached note attached to the delivered article, and a memory that stores information read by the barcode reader.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for determining ingredients based upon scanning a label on a food container. Briefly described, one embodiment is a method comprising scanning a textual ingredients list on a label of the product, converting the scanned textual ingredients list into ingredients data using an optical character resolution program, comparing the ingredients data to preference data, the preference data corresponding to at least one preference for at least one consumer and generating a notification to a user when at least one ingredient in the ingredients data corresponds to at least one preference the consumer.

Abstract: A device in equipment for automatically receiving, scanning and handling containers (41) which are essentially rotationally symmetrical about their longitudinal axes, e.g.

Abstract: A scanner comprising a data reader integrated with a weigh scale includes a processor that recognizes specific types of optical codes. In a preferred embodiment, when a weighable item is read by the data reader, a fixed delay timer, which prevents multiple reporting of the same item data before the timer expires, is not allowed to expire until after the item is removed from the weigh scale. In an alternative embodiment, the timer is set for one of several possible delay times depending on the type of symbol being read. The timer is not allowed to expire until the most recently reported data is no longer observed by the reader. Thus, the likelihood that multiple reads of the same symbol will be reported is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a scan pattern to a two dimensional bar code having parallel rows of codewords. The two dimensional bar code is scanned with a scanning pattern oriented such that a plurality of lines thereof cross the bar code rows. A determination if there is a non-zero angle between at least one of the plurality of lines and the rows by decoding codewords in rows intersected by the at least one line is made and the orientation of the scanning pattern is adjusted to reduce the absolute value of the angle.

Abstract: A checkout device with a barcode reader and electronic article surveillance (EAS) system. The checkout device includes a barcode reader including a first portion having a substantially horizontal aperture and a second portion having a substantially vertical aperture, a weight plate suspended above the horizontal portion, and a security label deactivation system between the first portion and the weigh plate.

Abstract: A fully automated package identification and measuring system, in which an omni-directional holographic scanning tunnel is used to read bar codes on packages entering the tunnel, while a package dimensioning subsystem is used to capture information about the package prior to entry into the tunnel. Mathematical models are created on a real-time basis for the geometry of the package and the position of the laser scanning beam used to read the bar code symbol thereon. The mathematical models are analyzed to determine if collected and queued package identification data is spatially and/or temporally correlated with package measurement data using vector-based ray-tracing methods, homogeneous transformations, and object-oriented decision logic so as to enable simultaneous tracking of multiple packages being transported through the scanning tunnel.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus utilizing gravity acceleration for scanning is provided. The scanning apparatus comprises a U-shaped housing, a shaft bearing, a housing and a scanning head. The shaft bearing passes through the housing with two ends thereof respectively and rotationally fastened on two sidewalls of the U-shaped housing, thereby the housing is vertically and rotationally fastened in the U-shaped housing. The scanning head is disposed in the housing with an engageable piece engaged with a hook-shaped element of the housing so as to fasten the scanning head at a predetermined position close to the top end of the housing. When the scanning head is going to scan, the engagement between the engageable piece and the hook-shaped element is released and a starting power is applied to the scanning head by gravity acceleration. Thereby the scanning head is guided to move downward to scan via cooperation between a guiding piece and a guiding rail.

Abstract: Novel POS-based bar code symbol reading systems are disclosed having an integrated customer-kiosk terminal. Also disclosed are novel POS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register Systems having Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminals.

Abstract: An optical system and method for data reading. The preferred system is directed to a scanner which includes a laser diode and a beam splitter for generating first optical beam and a second optical beam, the first optical beam being directed toward one side of a scanning optical element such as a rotating polygon mirror and to a first mirror array, the second optical beam is being simultaneously directed toward a second optical element such as another side of the rotating polygon mirror and then to a second and a third mirror array. The first mirror array is configured to generate a scan pattern through a vertical window and the second and third mirror arrays are configured to generate scan patterns passing through a horizontal window. In combination, the three mirror arrays generate three sets of scan lines so as to scan the bottom and all lateral sides of an object being passed through the scan volume.

Abstract: By automatically adjusting the object detection mechanism of a bar code scanner from a long range mode of operation to a short range mode of operation, the scanner will remain capable of detecting and decoding bar codes even if the object detection mechanism repeatedly detects the presence of a background object. The techniques of the present invention commence when the bar code scanner is placed in a position such that the scanner's object detection mechanism repeatedly detects a background object such as a counter top or conveyer belt. The object detection mechanism is set to the long range mode of operation if it is not already so set. In the case of a stand-mounted scanner, a test is performed to ascertain whether or not the scanner is in its stand, and the method will only proceed once the scanner is resting in the stand.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scanning device for reading bar code symbols, wherein the scanning device comprises a housing having a substantially horizontal surface and a substantially vertical surface. A motor rotates a polygon mirror, which reflects a light beam from a light source and redirects it toward a mirror array and out a window in the substantially horizontal window. Another motor rotates another polygon mirror, which reflects a light beam from a second light source and redirects it toward a second mirror array and out a window in the substantially vertical surface. A plurality of sensors detects light reflected back from a bar code and generates a plurality of electrical signals proportional to the intensity of the reflected light.

Abstract: Techniques for using a scan pattern to estimate imaging information for an object reflecting the scan pattern are described. As an object is brought within range of a scan window, a scan beam tracing out a scan pattern comprising a plurality of scan lines causes reflection of the scan beam back into the scan window to produce a scanner signal based on reflections of the scan beam. The time at which the scanner signal indicates the presence of an object is noted and this timing information is mapped to position information identifying the position of the scan beam. The timing and position information is used to estimate imaging information about the object, including position, size, shape and motion information.

Abstract: An automatic bar code symbol reading system having an automatic laser scanning device which can be used at a point-of-sale (POS) station as either a portable hand-supported laser scanner when operated in its automatic hands-on mode of operation, or as a stationary laser projection scanner when operated in its automatic hands-free mode of operation. The bar code symbol reading system provides a collimated scanning pattern projected from the hand-supportable device about a projection axis. The collimated scanning pattern intersects the projection axis within a narrowly confined scanning volume so that bar code symbols disposed within this scanning volume can be read omnidirectionally, while inadvertent scanning of bar code symbols outside of the scanning volume is prevented.

Abstract: An optically addressed photo luminescent display having a printed bar code pixel identifier on an internal side for providing feedback of scanning beam to pixel registration.

Abstract: An ambient light sensing apparatus and method for a produce data collector which minimize false triggering of produce data collection. The apparatus includes an image capture device which has a first receiving angle for incident light through an aperture in the produce data collector which is larger than a second receiving angle of a collector within the produce data collector which collects produce data.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus utilizing gravity acceleration for scanning is provided. The scanning apparatus comprises a U-shaped housing, a shaft bearing, a housing and a scanning head. The shaft bearing passes through the housing with two ends thereof respectively and rotationally fastened on two sidewalls of the U-shaped housing, thereby the housing is vertically and rotationally fastened in the U-shaped housing. The scanning head is disposed in the housing with an engageable piece engaged with a hook-type element of the housing so as to fasten the scanning head at a predetermined position close to the top end of the housing. When the scanning head is going to scan, the engagement between the engageable piece and the hook-type element is released and a starting power is applied to the scanning head by gravity acceleration. Thereby the scanning head is guided to move downward to scan via cooperation between a guiding piece and a guiding rail.

Abstract: A self-checkout system for a retail establishment that allows a customer to checkout multiple items having respective identification codes, the system includes a computer having memory with a buffer, an identification code reader coupled to the computer for determining the identifications of the items by the identification codes, a security verification mechanism coupled to the computer for verifying that the items actually being checked out from the retail establishment are the same as those identified by the identification code reader, and whereby the computer is adapted to store identification information of multiple items obtained by the identification code reader in the buffer before verifying that the items actually being checked out from the retail establishment are the same as those identified by the identification code reader.

Abstract: A barcode scanner window includes a transparent window pane having an electrically connecting loop laminated to the back side thereof. The loop extends around the perimeter of the pane and includes opposite ends to which electrical leads are joined.

Abstract: In the present invention, the control unit of an optical reader analyzes image data being generated by the imaging element of the reader and changes the mode of operation of the reader if the image data indicates that machine readable indicia, such as a bar code symbol or a text character, is likely in the field of view of the reader. Normally, analysis of image data includes the step of detecting for edge transitions in the image information. If the control unit determines that the image data includes more than a predetermined number of edge transitions, then the control unit imparts appropriate control over various reader elements to change the mode of operation of the reader. Normally, the control unit changes the mode of operation of the reader from a first mode, wherein the reader does not operate to decode or recognize image data to a second mode, wherein the reader operates to decode and/or recognize image data.

Abstract: The present invention automates the process of selecting lids to be inserted over produce containers. In one embodiment, labels are affixed to the bottom container when the selected produce products have been loaded into the container. As the containers move along an assembly line, the label is read and the container directed to a specific lidding station where the desired lid is selected and placed over the container. Multiple lidding stations are provided such that the containers are automatically directed to the appropriate lidding station so that the selected lid may be placed on the container. Alternatively, the system may simply track the movement of containers and count quantities of containers rather than rely on labels affixed to the container. In this manner, containers full of produce are directed to the appropriate lidding stations where lids are automatically selected and positioned over the container.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar laser illumination beams having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend through the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each planar laser illumination beam is produced from a planar laser illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising an plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible laser diode (VLD, a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged therewith. The individual planar laser illumination beam components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar laser illumination beams having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend through the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each planar laser illumination beam is produced from a planar laser illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising an plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible laser diode (VLD, a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged therewith. The individual planar laser illumination beam components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provide a scanner for scanning objects bearing codes such as bar codes. A scanner according to this aspect of the invention desirably includes a plurality of input channels, each said channel including a photodetector. Each input channel is arranged to provide data elements representing light impinging on the photodetector of such channel. The scanner also includes means for exposing the photodetectors of said channels to light from objects to be scanned so that the light impinging on the photodetector of each channel represents an optical property of objects to be scanned at a series of points along a scanning path associated with such channel. As in a conventional scanner, the means for exposing most typically includes one or more light sources such as one or more lasers, together with optical elements for forming the emitted light from the sources into a plurality of scanning beams, each focused at a spot, and for moving the spot of each beam along a scanning path.

Abstract: A bar code reader missing link detection system for detection of missing, defective or misaligned chain links in assembled or in-process chains includes a light source for illuminating one or more chain links of a chain, a light sensitive diode array for detecting an image of a fixed scan line, produced by the light source, and a lens system for focusing incoming light produced by the light source onto the diode array, wherein the system is arranged such that the bar code reader reflects light from one or more of the chain links onto the diode array, and the diode array is continuously scanned, digitized, and the data obtained thereby interpreted to detect missing chain links.

Abstract: Novel POS-based bar code symbol reading systems are disclosed having an integrated customer-kiosk terminal. Also disclosed are novel POS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register Systems having Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminals.

Abstract: A scanner comprising a data reader integrated with a weigh scale includes a processor that recognizes specific types of optical codes. In a preferred embodiment, when a weighable item is read by the data reader, a fixed delay timer, which prevents multiple reporting of the same item data before the timer expires, is not allowed to expire until after the item is removed from the weigh scale.

Abstract: Novel POS-based bar code symbol reading systems are disclosed having an integrated customer-kiosk terminal. Also disclosed are novel POS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register Systems having Integrated Internet-Enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminals.

Abstract: The present invention automates the process of selecting lids to be inserted over produce containers. In one embodiment, labels are affixed to the bottom container when the selected produce products have been loaded into the container. As the containers move along an assembly line, the label is read and the container directed to a specific lidding station where the desired lid is selected and placed over the container. Multiple lidding stations are provided such that the containers are automatically directed to the appropriate lidding station so that the selected lid may be placed on the container. Alternatively, the system may simply track the movement of containers and count quantities of containers rather than rely on labels affixed to the container. In this manner, containers full of produce are directed to the appropriate lidding stations where lids are automatically selected and positioned over the container.

Abstract: A delivered article receiving locker cabinet, which has a plurality of lockers, each of which is capable of housing a delivered article and is locked, and ten keys by which the room number of the delivery end, the box number, etc., are inputted, is provided with a barcode reader that is attached to the front face of the locker cabinet for reading a barcode written on a delivery service attached note attached to the delivered article, and a memory that stores information read by the barcode reader.

Abstract: A fully automated package identification and measuring system, in which an omni-directional holographic scanning tunnel is used to read bar codes on packages entering the tunnel, while a package dimensioning subsystem is used to capture information about the package prior to entry into the tunnel. Mathematical models are created on a real-time basis for the geometry of the package and the position of the laser scanning beam used to read the bar code symbol thereon. The mathematical models are analyzed to determine if collected and queued package identification data is spatially and/or temporally correlated with package measurement data using vector-based ray-tracing methods, homogeneous transformations, and object-oriented decision logic so as to enable simultaneous tracking of multiple packages being transported through the scanning tunnel.

Abstract: A bar code reader includes bar code processing units (10, 11) for generating a bright/dark pattern forming a bar code (40) by optically scanning a bar code forming surface of an object (4), converting into plural categories of module values indicating widths of the respective areas, and demodulating the bar code into character data, a scaling unit for creating scale data by scaling a weight of the object to be sold by weight, a adjustment control unit (11) to perform zero-setting in response to a request for initializing the scaling unit, and a weight change detecting unit (11) for judging at least one of an increment change and a decrement change from zero in weight, and making a corresponding piece of scale data visibly displayed when in the increment change and making an absolute value of a corresponding piece of scale data visibly displayed when in the decrement change.

Abstract: A barcode scanner window includes a frame having an aperture, and window pane disposed therein. The pane is smaller than the aperture and is bonded therein by an adhesive.

Abstract: A method for locating a barcode in an image includes dividing the image into a plurality of tiles, and scanning each of the tiles so as to detect a pattern of stripes associated with the barcode in at least one of the tiles. The pattern of stripes is analyzed so as to determine an angle of orientation of the barcode. Responsive to the determined angle, bounds of the barcode are defined in alignment with the pattern of the stripes.

Abstract: A device, arrangement, and scanner are provided which are compact, reliable, and cost effective. The device is generally of the type in which a moving beam is scanned along a target object, and light reflected from the target object is detected and analyzed by the device. The device is preferably mirrorless. In addition, the device preferably lacks an integrated scanning component which imparts motion to the beam. In this regard, the device is provided with means for interacting with a separate adjacent scanning component, as well as a flexible connection means.

Abstract: A method of tracking produce selection data which minimizes fraud. The method includes the steps of receiving produce identification information, including a number of possible candidates, displaying the produce identification information, recording the produce selection data in a log record, and determining from information in the log record whether the produce selection data is likely incorrect and whether to issue an alert to store management.

Abstract: An item checkout device which combines a produce data collector with an optical bar code data collector. The item checkout device includes a housing, a bar code data collector within the housing, and a produce data collector within the housing.