Abstract: A barcode-reading system may include a barcode reader and at least one detector that is configured to detect a characteristic of an environment in which the barcode-reading system is located. The barcode-reading system may also include a controller that is configured to adjust at least one output of the barcode-reading system based on at least one detected characteristic.

Abstract: A barcode-reading system may include a barcode reader and at least one detector that is configured to detect a characteristic of an environment in which the barcode-reading system is located. The barcode-reading system may also include a controller that is configured to adjust at least one output of the barcode-reading system based on at least one detected characteristic.

Abstract: An image pick-up device, which photographs an object to generate an image signal, including: an opening formed to pass light therethrough; a transparent plate which covers the opening; an image detector arranged to generate the image signal; an optical lens forming an image of the object on the image detector through the transparent plate when the object is positioned in an imaging area; a lighting device arranged to illuminate the object and is placed both in an inner area in which the imaging area outside the housing is folded into the housing with reference to the transparent plate, and in an outer area of the imaging area in the housing; and an optical-path modifying element which modifies an optical path of a potential stray light.

Abstract: A barcode reader comprising a plurality of illumination systems and first and second lens assemblies may also comprise fiducial offset data that is representative of fiducial offsets. The fiducial offsets may be offsets between locations of a plurality of fiducial points within a plurality of calibration image frames captured at different calibration distances. Each calibration image frame may comprise first and second calibration images. The barcode reader may (i) select a feature that is present in a first barcode image captured via the first lens assembly and a second barcode image captured via the second lens assembly, (ii) determine a feature offset that indicates an offset between a first location of the feature within the first barcode image and a second location of the feature within the second barcode image, and (iii) estimate a barcode distance based on the feature offset and the fiducial offset data.

Abstract: A data reading system including one or more imagers, the data reading system having a lower main housing structure with a horizontal surface, across which items to be read are passed, and an upper reader module, such as pole-mounted top down reader (TDR) including an imager configured to provide a top down viewing angle from above the horizontal surface of the item in a read region. In one configuration, the pole-mounted upper reader module includes a one-piece post housing section mounted to the main housing structure and extending therefrom and containing imaging electronics and optics of the upper reader.

Abstract: A checkout system includes a clerk-operated, bi-optical workstation through which products associated with targets having target data to be electro-optically captured are passed, and a customer-operated, accessory reader having an accessory window and a data capture assembly for capturing additional target data of additional targets associated with transaction-related items. The accessory reader is supported by the workstation for movement relative to the workstation to enable the customer to readily position and aim the accessory window at the additional targets.

Abstract: A scanner, method and system are provided for processing images captured by an optical code scanner. The optical code scanner includes multiple image sensors each adapted to capture an image of an optical code, and a processor that processes the captured images from the multiple image sensors to read the optical code presented to the optical code scanner.

Abstract: A system for detecting reproduction of barcodes (12) includes providing a barcode which contains data; providing a copy-evident background (14); capturing an image of the barcode and the copy-evident background; locating and decoding the barcode; detecting copy introduced changes in the copy-evident background; and authenticating the barcode if the copy-evident background has not been copied.

Abstract: A method of transmitting radiofrequency identification (RFID) interrogation signals is disclosed. The method comprises detecting a first movement of a user in a first direction, determining a command from the first movement, and transmitting a RFID interrogation signal in response to the command.

Abstract: A detector and a printer using the same are provided. The printer includes a body and the detector. The body has a base and a shaft located above the base. The detector includes multiple inducted modules, a carriage, an inducing unit, and a light receiving unit. The inducted modules are disposed on the base of the body aligning to an axial direction of the shaft. The carriage is disposed on the shaft. The inducing unit and the light receiving unit are disposed on the carriage. During a printing process, the carriage moves back and forth along the axial direction, and the inducing unit induces the corresponding inducted modules to emit lights. The light receiving unit receives light emitted from one of the inducted modules and penetrated a paper undergoing the printing process for detecting a paper barcode.

Abstract: There is described an indicia reading terminal having an image sensor array including a plurality of pixels, a first optical assembly for focusing imaging light rays onto a first set of pixels of an image sensor array and a second optical assembly for focusing imaging light rays onto a second set of pixels of the image sensor array. The indicia reading terminal can be adapted to process image data corresponding to pixels of the image sensor array for attempting to decode a decodable indicia.

Abstract: A multicamera imaging-based bar code reader 10 for imaging a target bar code 30 on a target object 32 features: a housing 20 supporting a plurality of transparent windows H, V and defining an interior region, an imaging system including a plurality of camera assemblies C1-C5 coupled to an image processing system, each camera assembly of the plurality of camera assemblies being positioned within the housing interior. Each camera assembly includes a sensor array. One or more light reflecting fold mirrors M1-M14 define a camera assembly field of view positioned with respect to said light source and the sensor array at locations along a light path to transmit light from light source to the field of view and transmit light that bounces from a target in the field of view back along said light path to the image capture sensor array.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a bar code reader 10 that can both interpret bar codes and determine a feature of a target object 230 not having a bar code affixed thereto. The bar code reader includes a housing including one or more transparent windows H, V and defining a housing interior region. As a target object is swiped or presented in relation to the transparent windows an image of the target object is captured. A camera C1-C6 has an image capture sensor array positioned within the housing interior region for capturing an image of a bar code within a camera field of view. An image processing system has a processor for decoding a bar code carried by the target object. If the target object has no bar code, the image processing system determines a feature such as a dimension of the target object from images captured by the imaging system.

Abstract: A hand held device containing at least one camera can perform various functions. In some embodiments, digitized images taken with two or more camera lenses having different fixed focal lengths may be combined to emulate a high-resolution optical zoom, and may also permit the device to perform 3D applications. In other embodiments, a device containing a camera may perform as a bar code reader, and may wirelessly transmit and/or visually present a bar code to other devices. Movable optics may permit the same camera to focus on either distant objects or on a close-up bar code.

Abstract: A convertible barcode reader which includes different configurations for self-service operation and assisted-service operation. An example convertible barcode reader includes a first housing portion including a first barcode reader engine, a second housing portion including a second barcode reader engine, and a hinge for coupling the second housing portion to the first housing portion between the first and second barcode reader engines. The second housing portion is moveable between a first position for self-service operation and a second position for assisted service operation.

Abstract: An improved method of rail survey deploys feature identification tags along an inner edge of a train track rail. Each tag includes a unique identifier to identify a respective feature along the train track. Each tag includes a reflector to reflect light to a sensor on a track surveyor. The sensor reads track feature tags without the need for stopping at each feature. A track database is provided that is capable of storing tables that associate track features with geo-locations. As each tag is deployed or read during a rail survey, it can be paired with geo-location data and stored in the track database.

Abstract: An arrangement for, and a method of, reducing image blur in response to motion of an imaging reader for imaging symbols to be read, employs an illuminating light assembly supported by the reader for illuminating a symbol with illumination light having an intensity level over an illumination time period, a solid-state imager supported by the reader and having an array of image sensors for capturing return light from the symbol over a field of view over an exposure time period, a motion sensor, such as a gyroscope or an accelerometer, supported by the reader for detecting the motion of the reader, and for generating a motion signal in response to the detected motion of the reader, and a controller operatively connected to the motion sensor, for dynamically controlling at least one of the time periods and the intensity level in real time in response to the motion signal to optimally image the symbol.

Abstract: A RF data communication device operates in at least two states. In a first state, the device transmits a response to an RF transmission if specific data therein represents an inquiry as to the presence of one or more RF data communication devices and if specific data therein corresponds to a class maintained by the device. The device does not transmit a response if specific data in the RF transmission is not representative of an inquiry as to the presence of one or more RF data communication devices, or if specific data therein does not correspond to at least one maintained class. In a second state, the device does not transmit a response when specific data is included therein that is representative of an inquiry as to the presence of one or more RF data communication devices and specific data therein corresponds to at least one maintained class.

Abstract: A multicamera imaging-based bar code reader for imaging a target bar code on a target object features: a housing supporting a plurality of transparent windows and defining an interior region, a target object being presented to the plurality of windows for imaging a target bar code; an imaging system including a plurality of camera assemblies coupled to an image processing system, each camera assembly of the plurality of camera assemblies being positioned within the housing interior position. Each camera assembly includes a sensor array and an imaging lens assembly for focusing a field of view of the camera assembly onto the sensor array. One or more processors prioritize an order of image capture or interpretation based upon user tendencies.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, there are achieved an apparatus for image reading and a setting method for the apparatus with which adjusting workability is enhanced, an adjusting time is shortened and focusing of a 4-line CCD sensor as an optical sensor is set to the averagely best state. This embodiment is equipped with an optical sensor having plural line sensors having different numbers of pixels, a condenser lens for projecting an optical image to the optical sensor, and an adjusting mechanism for setting the distance between the condenser lens and the optical sensor so that the resolution of the line sensor having the largest number of pixels is highest among the plural line sensors.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor circuit and a plurality (e.g., N-number) of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. The sensor circuit senses a physical parameter and supplies N-bits of digital sensor data. Each of the RFID tags at least selectively receives a digital sensor signal representative of one of the N-bits of digital sensor data and selectively transmits the digital sensor signal it received.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for triggering a source of visible light in connection with a data reader in response to a sensed proximity of an item. In one configuration, a data reader includes a imaging reader, such as a CMOS imager, that is sensitive to both infrared illumination and visible light. The imaging reader may be operable to read a symbol, such as a barcode or other optical code, via reflected infrared illumination, reflected visible light, or both. When characteristics of reflected illumination received by the imaging reader indicate that presence or movement of an item in the visible scan zone, the visible light source may be triggered to illuminate the item and thereby facilitate reading of the symbol using the same imagine reader as is used to sense the presence of the item. The visible light source may also be triggered to provide visual feedback.

Abstract: A scanner with a two dimensional array of sensors generates an aiming pattern that is concurrently used as illumination for a segment of the array. In this manner, one-dimensional and simple two-dimensional barcodes can be quickly processed by loading and decoding only the segment of the array.

Abstract: A bioptical laser scanning system employing a plurality of laser scanning stations about a two independently controlled rotating polygonal mirrors. The system has an ultra -compact construction, ideally suited for space-constrained retail scanning environments, and generates 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 quasi-orthogonal laser scanning planes, including a plurality of substantially-vertical laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e. ladder type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially horizontal with respect to the bottom-scanning window, and a plurality of substantially-horizontal laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e. picket-fence type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially vertical with respect to the bottom-scanning window.

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 combination barcode imager/decoder and real-time video capture system is provided. The system is configured for being implemented at a POS location for performing the functions of barcode imaging and decoding, and real-time video capture for video surveillance purposes. The system includes an imager or imaging sensor and a switching mechanism for switching and operating the imager between a barcode imaging and decoding mode for imaging and decoding barcodes positioned in proximity to the imager, and a real-time video capture mode for capturing real-time video for video surveillance purposes.

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: A solid-state imager is mounted at a point-of-transaction workstation for capturing images of diverse targets useful for customer identification, customer payment validation, and operator surveillance. The imager is manually or automatically triggered and is operated at high speed to resist image blurring due to relative movement between the target and the imager.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging an optical code is provided including the steps of consecutively imaging an optical code respectively using at least a first and a second imaging setting; generating at least first and second sets of image data respectively corresponding to the first and second imaging settings; evaluating at least one of the first and second sets of image data; and selecting at least one of the first and second sets of image data in accordance with the evaluation. The system includes an imaging engine having a lens assembly and a photo sensor array for consecutively imaging an optical code located in a field of view of the imaging engine using at least the first and the second imaging settings, and generating the at least first and second sets of image data respectively corresponding to the first and second imaging settings.

Abstract: A full color image of a target and/or a monochrome image of an optical code are captured by an imaging array in which each sensor measures red, green and blue signals. Optical codes are electro-optically read with higher resolution, sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio, thereby improving performance of optical code readers.

Abstract: A solid-state imager is mounted at a point-of-transaction workstation for capturing images of diverse targets useful for customer identification, customer payment validation, and operator surveillance. The imager is manually or automatically triggered and is operated at high speed to resist image blurring due to relative movement between the target and the imager.

Abstract: A multi-channel scanner having several photodetectors (12a-12d) and several lasers (10a-10d) for scanning along multiple paths (50a-50d) incorporates a separate input channel (26a-26d) for each photodetector. Each channel provides a sequence of data elements representing light reflected from points along the associated scanning path, and the data elements from each channel are stored in separate FIFO buffers (20a-20d). A multiplexer (22) takes data elements from the various buffers so as from a consolidated stream of data elements (80) incoporating the data elements from the various channels. This stream is processed in a single decoder (24) to recover data denoted by the bar code. Use of a single decoder minimizes the cost and size of the system.

Abstract: Optical characteristic measuring systems and methods such as for determining the color or other optical characteristics of teeth are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fiber optics preferably are spaced apart from a source fiber optic and receive light from the surface of the object/tooth being measured. Light from the perimeter fiber optics pass to a variety of filters. The system utilizes the perimeter receiver fiber optics to determine information regarding the height and angle of the probe with respect to the object/tooth being measured. Under processor control, the optical characteristics measurement may be made at a predetermined height and angle. Various color spectral photometer arrangements are disclosed. Translucency, fluorescence, gloss and/or surface texture data also may be obtained. Audio feedback may be provided to guide operator use of the system. The probe may have a removable or shielded tip for contamination prevention.

Abstract: An optical reader capable of reading a bar code in a mounted state when an article carrying the bar code passes and of reading bar codes set in array on a menu sheet in a hand-held state has been disclosed. The optical reader comprises a light source, a scanner that is driven by a drive and scans light emanating from the light source, a plurality of reflection mirrors that reflect scanning light scanned by the scanner and create a scanning pattern composed of a plurality of scan trajectories, a read window through which scanning light reflected from the reflection mirrors is emitted, and a light receiver for receiving light reflected from a mark. The optical reader further comprises a mode changer for changing a plurality of operation modes among which one or ones of the plurality of scan trajectories to be validated for reading are different.

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: Described are a system and method for monitoring a location. The system may include a scanner having a digital imager, a processor and a communication device. The scanner is situated at the location. The system also may include a computing arrangement for accessing the scanner. The processor detects when the scanner is in a scanning mode in which information encoded on a scanned item is decoded. When the scanner is detected not to be in the scanning mode, the processor controls the digital imager to operate in a monitoring mode in which images of the location are generated for output to the computing arrangement via the communication device.

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

Abstract: A photoelectric sensor 11 has a level display unit (28). The level display unit (28) is constituted by arranging a plurality of 7-segment indicators (33). The 7-segment indicators (33) are partially constituted of red LED segments (33b) and partially constituted of red/green two-color LED segments (33a). For a digital display, all of the segments are illuminated in red to display numerals. For a graph display, the red/green two-color LED segments are illuminated in green to present a bar graph.

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: A method and machine for reading and assigning optical codes to a succession of moving articles, each having at least one respective optical code, and the method including the steps of feeding the succession of articles, by a conveyor, through a read area; reading the optical codes within the read area by at least one optical reader, and determining, as each optical code is being read, the position in space of the optical code with respect to a given space reference; and assigning each optical code to the corresponding article by matching the position in space of the optical code with the position in space of the corresponding article.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus and an optical reading apparatus according to the invention is featured in obtaining reading result corresponding to a plurality of bar code symbols by processing, as predetermined, demodulated data corresponding to signal light from the bar code labels and optically readable symbols. Such a scanning apparatus extracts sets of consecutive data, which consecutively indicate all bar code symbols constituting the bar code symbols, from the demodulated data, and further chooses only sets of consecutive data that are different from each other, whereby reading data corresponding to a plurality of bar code symbols are collectively obtained. Furthermore, the optical reading apparatus collectively obtains the reading result corresponding to a plurality of symbols by extracting data that meets predetermined conditions and are different from each other, from the data obtained by demodulation.

Abstract: An information-code-image capturing apparatus operates for emitting light toward an article moving along a carry path, and receiving reflected light and capturing an image of an information code on the article. The information-code-image capturing apparatus includes a detecting device for detecting that the article reaches a predetermined position in the carry path. An image capturing device operates for capturing the image on the basis of the reflected light when a time interval has elapsed since a moment at which the detecting device detects that the article reaches the predetermined position. A positional information calculating device n operates for calculating positional information on the basis of the image captured by the image capturing device. The positional information enables an area of the information code to be determined in the captured image.

Abstract: A differentiation signal DF differentiated by a differentiation unit is inputted to a slice level generation unit and to comparators. A first peak-hold circuit and a voltage division circuit generate a slice level having a slice ratio SLR that is constant to a peak value VDF of the differentiation signal DF. A second peak-hold circuit generates a slice level the slice ratio SLR of which changes in accordance with the peak value VDF. The slice level generation unit outputs their synthetic slice level SLL, which is compared by the comparators with the level of the differentiation signal DF, outputting thereby binarized signals W-GATE and B-GATE. When the level of the differentiation signal DF is high, the slice level SLL approaches the peak value VDF. Therefore, noise components contained in the differentiation signal DF cannot exceed the slice level SLL. When the level of the differentiation signal DF is low, the slice level SLL has a constant ratio to the peak value VDF.

Abstract: A scanning device for reading indicia of differing light reflectivity, including bar code or matrix array symbols, has a single light emitter, such as a laser or light emitting diode, for generating a scanning light beam to visually illuminate sequential portions of the indicia. A sensor, such as a charge coupled or other solid state imaging device, simultaneously detects light reflected from portions of the indicia and generates an electrical signal representative of the spacial intensity variations the portions of the indicia. The scanning device may also include an ambient light sensor, and a second light emitter for use only in aiming or orienting the scanning device. A photodetector may also be provided to separately detect one symbol virtually simultaneous with the detection of another symbol by the sensor or to provide dual modalities. A method for reading indicia is also provided.

Abstract: A method and machine for reading and assigning optical codes to a succession of moving articles, each having at least one respective optical code, and the method including the steps of feeding the succession of articles, by means of a conveyor, through a read area; reading the optical codes within the read area by means of at least one optical reader, and determining, as each optical code is being read, the position in space of the optical code with respect to a given space reference; and assigning each optical code to the corresponding article by matching the position in space of the optical code with the position in space of the corresponding article.

Abstract: An automated transaction machine includes apparatus for distinguishing between single sheets and multiple sheets in a sheet path. The apparatus includes radiation emitters (14, 34) and radiation detectors (20, 40, 42). The radiation emitters are operated to emit radiation at periodic intervals. Signal conditioners (50) receive signals from the radiation detectors and generate outputs responsive to the intensities sensed by the detectors substantially only during the periodic intervals. The outputs are combined, weighed and/or compared to thresholds to distinguish single and multiple sheets. The apparatus enables reliable operation in noisy electrical environments and with a wide variety of sheet properties.

Abstract: An optical or symbol reader including CMOS circuitry preferably integrated on a single chip. A CMOS optical reader chip comprises a CMOS imaging array having a plurality of pixels each with a dedicated pixel-site circuit. Charge is accumulated at each pixel location transferred upon demand to a common bus. In a preferred embodiment, exposure time of the imaging array is controlled using a feedback loop. One or more exposure control pixels are positioned adjacent to or within the imaging array and receive light along with the imaging array. The charge of the exposure control pixel or pixels is measured against a threshold level, and the amount of time taken to reach the threshold level determines the time exposure of the pixels of the imaging array. CMOS signal processing circuitry is employed which, in combination with the exposure control circuitry, minimizes time-to-read over a large range of light levels, while performing spatially optimal filtering.