Abstract: A scan data signal processor is disclosed for use with a laser scanning system having a plurality of different focal zones within which a laser scanning beam is scanned across one or more bar code symbols and an analog scan data signal is automatically produced. The scan data signal processor comprises a first and second derivative signal generation stages, a second-derivative zero-crossing detector, a real-time bar code element detector, and a control logic circuitry. The first derivative signal generation stage derives a first derivative signal from the analog scan data signal. The second derivative signal generation stage derives a second derivative signal from the first derivative signal. The second-derivative zero-crossing detector detects zero crossings in said second derivative signal. The real-time bar code element detector automatically detects the presence and absence of bar code element data encoded within said analog scan data signal.

Abstract: A holographic laser scanner of ultra-compact design capable of reading bar and other types of graphical indicia within a large scanning volume using holographic optical elements and visible laser diodes. The holographic optical elements are arranged on the scanning disc in such a manner so that none of the laser scanning planes generated within the 3-D scanning volume of the system are spatially and temporally coincident with any other laser scanning plane within the 3-D scanning volume. This novel feature of the present invention ensures that there is substantially zero cross-talk at the plurality of photodetectors provided within the system; significantly improving the performance of the system.

Abstract: A POS system comprises a host computer providing a centralized control over a plurality of scanners, and a printer for printing a batch setting bar code or the like. A CPU of the scanner reads the changes in the setting from its own memory when it receives a first transmission request command and then transmits the data to the host computer as a first batch setting data. From this first batch setting data, a first batch setting bar code is generated. When this first batch setting bar code is read using the reader of the scanner whose setting has not been changed, the setting in the memory of this scanner is changed to the setting represented by the first batch setting data. Thus, setting in a plurality of scanners can speedily and accurately be changed.

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: Disclosed is a fully automatic bar code symbol reading system having an hand-supportable laser bar code reading device which can be used in either an automatic hands-on mode of operation, or in an automatic hands-free mode of operation. The system includes a scanner support frame for supporting the hand-supportable device in a user-selected mounting position, and permits complete gripping of its handle portion prior to its use in the hands-on mode of operation. In general, the hand-supportable bar code reading device has long-range and short-range modes of object detection, bar code presence detection and bar code symbol reading. In the illustrative embodiment, the long-range mode is automatically selected when the hand-supportable bar code reading device is placed within the scanner support stand during the automatic hands-free mode of operation.

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.

Abstract: An adaptive system and a method for reading bar code symbols or the like, including a scanner for generating a light beam directed toward a target, the light beam sweeping the symbol to be read. The system further includes a photodetector for receiving reflected light from such symbol, and circuitry to determine whether the signal received is sufficiently distinct to determine that a valid symbol has been scanned, and signal processing circuitry having adjustable gain, bandwidth, and digitizer threshold characteristics for processing such signals.

Abstract: A scanner comprises a light source for illuminating a document to be scanned, and a scanning module for scanning the document. The scanning module comprises a light sensor module for receiving light from the document and generating an image signal of the document, and a light delivery module for delivering the light to the light sensor module. The light sensor module is capable of moving along a first direction and capable of being positioned on at least a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for using light sources, such as LEDs, to illuminate target areas. At least one embodiment of the invention provides a system for illuminating target areas using multiple light sources, wherein the system comprises a first light source configured to illuminate a first target area. The system further comprises a second light source configured to illuminate a second target area, wherein the second target area is located more distant from the second light source compared to the distance from the second light source to the first target area. According to at least one embodiment, the illumination from the first light source and the illumination from the second light source overlaps on the first target area, and the intensities of the first and second light source are adjusted to provide a relatively balanced illumination of the first target area.

Abstract: A multiple working range scanner includes a collection mirror which is segmented, with each segment having differing optical properties, such as focal length, optical axis, and so on. Differing segments or combinations of segments deal with reflected light received at differing working ranges, and direct it to a photodetector. In another embodiment, beam shaping may be applied to an astigmatic laser beam, for example by means of a part-concave mirror, to create an x waist in the beam which is further from the scanner than the y waist. This provides enhanced performance when the scanner is used on a bar code symbol which is not accurately aligned. In order to provide improved optical alignment within a bar code scanner, the collection mirror may be adjustable both in the x direction and in the y direction.

Abstract: A multiple working range scanner includes a collection mirror which is segmented, with each segment having differing optical properties, such as focal length, optical axis, and so on. Differing segments or combinations of segments deal with reflected light received at differing working ranges, and direct it to a photodetector. In another embodiment, beam shaping may be applied to an astigmatic laser beam, for example by means of a part-concave mirror, to create an x waist in the beam which is further from the scanner than the y waist. This provides enhanced performance when the scanner is used on a bar code symbol which is not accurately aligned. In order to provide improved optical alignment within a bar code scanner, the collection mirror may be adjustable both in the x direction and in the y direction.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device for acquisition of images, such as images of bar codes, includes a case which contains an electronic scanning sensor, an illumination source and optics including a diaphragm that permit the formation of images on the sensor. The optics include at least two diopters disposed between the diaphragm and the sensor. For example, the diopters may take the form of a revolved symmetrical lens, the useful part of which is convex, and a cylindrical lens which does not create any deflection in a plane parallel to the optical plane, and is convergent in a plane perpendicular to the parallel plane.

Abstract: A method of operating a bar code reader (16) in which one or more bar codes (25,26) are detected at different positions (X1, X2) within a scanning range of the bar code reader (16) by the latter, the scanning distance (d1, d2) between the bar code reader (16) and the respectively detected bar code (25,26) is found anf the position (X0, Y0, Z0) and/or the scanning angle (&agr;, &bgr;, &ggr;) of the bar code reader (16) is foubd from the respectively found scanning distance (d1, d2) and from known position data (X1, X2)of the detected bar code (25,26).

Abstract: A fully automated package identification and measuring system, in which an omni-directional laser scanning system are 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 super-resolving imaging apparatus employs diffractive optical elements placed on the imaging lens. This element, and the use of a modified Scheimpflug arrangement allow the conversion of degrees of freedom in one axis of a field of view to a larger degree of freedom in another axis in order to obtain a high resolution image with a wide depth of focus and large field of view. Replicas created by the diffractive elements are mutually shifted by subpixel amounts, and are combined using a Gabor transform, which is facilitated by a spatial mask placed over the detector array. The apparatus is suitable for performing distance estimation on an object within the field of view.

Abstract: An imaging engine and signal processing devices and methods are disclosed for reading various kinds of optical codes. The compact structure may include a two dimensional image sensor, apparatus for focusing images at different focal disclosures, an aiming system, a hi-low beam illumination system and related signal processing circuits.

Abstract: An imaging optical code reader is adapted for use in producing video displays and for use in motion detection surveillance using video compression and narrow band width communication links. An optical system including a plane parallel plate may be employed to change the system focal distance. The imaging optical code reader is also adapted for measurement of physical parameters of a target object including motion, distance, weight and dimensions.

Abstract: An optical reader which enables optical codes to be read on objects carried on a supporting plane which is provided with a conveyor for moving the objects along a feeding direction. The apparatus comprises a laser beam scanner, a data processing unit connected to the scanner, a first scanner for generating at least a first scan in a first scan plane, so as to measure the instantaneous distance of at least one point on the surface of each of said objects from the scanner, a second scanner for generating a plurality of second scans in a second scan plane, different from the first, so as to read the optical code on the object; and a data processing unit for adjusting the laser beam focal setting according to the distance measured with the first scan.

Abstract: A barcode scan module having an optical lens system with a central bore, an outer collection lens section, an inner beam focusing lens section, and an illumination source mounted within the central bore to form an integrated assembly, such an assembly may also include a photodetector array with all these components integrally mounted on a printed circuit board. The scan module may also integrate one or more of the following components: power supply and control electronics for the illumination source; power supply and control electronics for the scan engine; power supply and control electronics for the photodetector; and signal processing and/or decoding electronics for processing and/or decoding the scanned barcode signal produced by the barcode scan module.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fully automatic bar code symbol reading system having an hand-supportable laser bar code reading device which can be used in either an automatic hands-on mode of operation, or in an automatic hands-free mode of operation. The system includes a scanner support frame for supporting the hand-supportable device in a user-selected mounting position, and permits complete gripping of its handle portion prior to its use in the hands-on mode of operation. In general, the hand-supportable bar code reading device has long-range and short-range modes of object detection, bar code presence detection and bar code symbol reading. In the illustrative embodiment, the long-range mode is automatically selected when the hand-supportable bar code reading device is placed within the scanner support stand during the automatic hands-free mode of operation.

Abstract: A light source and a light detector are included in an optical reader such as a field of view reader or a flying spot scanner for reading a printed indicia such as a bar code symbol. At least two channels associated with the detector carry signals corresponding to light detected by the detector at different resolution levels, allowing a single reader to be used for different resolution levels of the indicia to be read.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fully automatic bar code symbol reading system having an hand-supportable laser bar code reading device which can be used in either an automatic hands-on mode of operation, or in an automatic hands-free mode of operation. The system includes a scanner support frame for supporting the hand-supportable device in a user-selected mounting position, and permits complete gripping of its handle portion prior to its use in the hands-on mode of operation. In general, the hand-supportable bar code reading device has long-range and short-range modes of object detection, bar code presence detection and bar code symbol reading. In the illustrative embodiment, the long-range mode is automatically selected when the hand-supportable bar code reading device is placed within the scanner support stand during the automatic hands-free mode of operation.