Auto-focusing Patents (Class 235/462.23)
  • Patent number: 11899992
    Abstract: A print device that includes a supply portion, a print portion, a conveyance portion, a notification portion, a processor, a reading portion, and a memory. The memory stores computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, instruct the processor to perform processes including acquisition processing of acquiring judgment image data that does not satisfy a predetermined standard used to judge a print quality of a barcode, print processing of controlling the print portion to print a judgment image on a medium, judgment processing of judging whether read judgment image data output by the reading portion as a result of reading the judgment image satisfies the predetermined standard, and notification processing of controlling the notification portion to notify an error, when, in the judgment processing, it is judged that the read judgment image data satisfies the predetermined standard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: BROTHER KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroto Takahashi
  • Patent number: 11809948
    Abstract: A code scanning device for detecting an optical code on an object in a reading area, comprising a light transmitter for transmitting a reading beam, a deflection unit for periodically deflecting the reading beam over the reading area with a scanning frequency fscan, a light receiver for generating a received signal from the returning reading beam, a distance sensor for detecting a distance d from the object, and a control and evaluation unit configured to read a code content of the optical code on the basis of the received signal and to set the scanning frequency fscan as a function of the distance d.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: SICK AG
    Inventors: Romain Müller, Martin Hoegy
  • Patent number: 11714979
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to data readers including an improved imaging system that optimizes active and passive autofocus techniques for improving data reading functions. In an example, the data reader initially uses active autofocus techniques to focus a lens system based on a measurement reading by a rangefinder and acquire an image of an item in the field-of-view of the data reader. The data reader includes a decoding engine operable to decode an optical code of the item using the acquired image. If the decoding engine is unable to decode the optical code using the active autofocus technique, the data reader alternates to a passive autofocus technique to alter the focus settings of the lens system and reattempt the decoding process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Datalogic IP Tech S.R.L.
    Inventors: Federico Canini, Kurt Vonmetz, Davide Bruni
  • Patent number: 11647290
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for acquiring images of objects using an imaging device and a controllable mirror. The controllable mirror can be controlled to change a field of view for the imaging device, including so as to acquire images of different locations, of different parts of an object, or with different degrees of zoom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: COGNEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: Torsten Kempf, Saul Sanz Rodriguez, Pepe Fernandez-Dorado, Laurens Nunnink
  • Patent number: 11610299
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for optical product authentication, in which a product is labeled with optically active particles, a reference image is recorded in a registration step and a recognition image of the optically active particles is recorded in a recognition step. The product is then authenticated by comparing image data or a coding derived from image data in the registration step versus the recognition step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: KLÖCKNER PENTAPLAST GMBH
    Inventors: Christian Kohlert, Axel Müller, Tamara Chistykova
  • Patent number: 11278351
    Abstract: A method includes generating a plurality of primary beams from a laser beam, and generating, from a primary beam one or more secondary beams. The method also includes focusing the first secondary beam to a first focal region in the target tissue and the second secondary beam to a second focal region in the target tissue. The first focal region and the second focal region can be located at different depths in the target tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Avava, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Holland Dresser, Rajender Katkam, Jayant Bhawalkar
  • Patent number: 10733719
    Abstract: A wafer inspection apparatus includes a linear stage configured to support a chuck on which a wafer is disposed and to move the chuck along a guide rail, wherein the guide rail extends in a first direction, an image sensor module overlapping the linear stage, and a rotary stage supported by the linear stage. The rotary stage is configured to rotate the chuck in a state where a center of the wafer is aligned with the image sensor module. The image sensor module includes a light source directing light onto the wafer, and an image sensor extending in a second direction crossing the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tae Heung Ahn, Soo Ryonng Kim, Tae Joong Kim, Jun Bum Park, Byeong Hwan Jeon, Jae Chol Joo
  • Patent number: 10718715
    Abstract: A disclosed microscopy method includes: setting a first capturing condition for previous capturing to generate a previous image for generating a primary image based on a subject, the previous capturing being sweep capturing that is capturing while changing a focal plane position with respect to the subject, such that brightness saturation does not occur in the previous image; causing an imaging apparatus to capture the previous image in accordance with the first capturing condition for the previous capturing set at the setting; setting a second capturing condition for primary capturing to generate the primary image on the basis of the previous image captured through the previous capturing by the imaging apparatus, the primary capturing being the sweep capturing; and causing the imaging apparatus to capture the primary image in accordance with the second capturing condition that has been set in the setting the second capturing condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoko Abe
  • Patent number: 9965915
    Abstract: A system for authentication of paper sheet and other articles includes an optical sensor configured to generate an image of a first side of an article and a processor operatively connected to the optical sensor. The processor is configured to generate an image of the article with the optical sensor, the image including features that are illuminated by an external illumination source through the article, and generate an output indicating if the article is authentic in response to the features corresponding to a predetermined plurality of features that are generated from another image of the article corresponding to features in the generated image and in response to a cryptographic signature corresponding to feature data that are extracted from the other image corresponding to a valid cryptographic signature of a predetermined party.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Jorge Guajardo Merchan, Charu Hans
  • Patent number: 9798372
    Abstract: A method is disclosed, including obtaining an infrared representation based on a detected infrared signal and obtaining a combined representation based on a detected combined ultrasonic and infrared signal. An output representation is generated from the infrared representation and the combined representation. The output representation can be generated from a comparison between the combined representation and the infrared signal representation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Jack Conway Kitchens, II, John Keith Schneider, David William Burns
  • Patent number: 9798912
    Abstract: Targets are read by image capture with a substantially constant resolution over an extended range of working distances. Return light returning from a far-out target located at a far-out working distance is sensed by an array of pixels over a relatively narrow field of view, and over a relatively wide field of view when a close-in target is located at a close-in working distance. A controller processes the sensed return light from the far-out target only from a set of the pixels located in a central region of the array. For the close-in target, the controller groups all the pixels into bins, each bin having a plurality of the pixels, and processes the sensed return light from the close-in target from each of the bins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher W. Brock, David T. Shi
  • Patent number: 9686026
    Abstract: A system and method to perform one or more tests related to the service quality and performance capabilities provided by a network, and to display and collect the test results. The tests may be initiated by a mobile device that may transmit testing requests to a network server. The mobile device may also store various information or data related to the testing request. The server collects various data in response to the test request that is used to generate a machine-readable symbol that may be visually rendered on a display of the mobile device. A test and measurement system may be used to capture and decode the machine-readable symbol. The test and measurement system may store the decoded information in one or more servers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2017
    Assignee: MOBILE EXPERIENCE, INC.
    Inventors: David K. Reed, Mark Knasiak, Nicholas J. Dollinger, Philip E. Brown
  • Patent number: 9454687
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for barcode imaging are described herein. One method includes capturing image data that is used to form an image with a light field imager, wherein the image includes a barcode, locating the barcode within the image, measuring a variance of at least a portion of the barcode region of the image, and refocusing at least a portion of the image based on the measured variance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Xinqing Guo, Scott McCloskey
  • Patent number: 9305197
    Abstract: A method includes the following: (1) projecting a light pattern towards a target object; (2) detecting light returned from the target object through an imaging lens arrangement with an imaging sensor to capture a first image with changes in the position of the focus plane of the imaging lens arrangement; (3) processing the first image to determine an optimized position of the focus plane of the imaging lens arrangement; (4) detecting light returned from the target object with the imaging sensor to capture a second image when the position of the focus plane of the imaging lens arrangement is maintained at the optimized position; and (5) decoding a barcode in the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William C. Sackett, Christopher W. Brock, David P. Goren
  • Patent number: 9064166
    Abstract: A method includes the following: (1) projecting a light pattern towards a target object; (2) detecting light returned from the target object through an imaging lens arrangement with an imaging sensor to capture a first image with changes in the position of the focus plane of the imaging lens arrangement; (3) processing the first image to determine an optimized position of the focus plane of the imaging lens arrangement; (4) detecting light returned from the target object with the imaging sensor to capture a second image when the position of the focus plane of the imaging lens arrangement is maintained at the optimized position; and (5) decoding a barcode in the second image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Willam C Sackett, Christopher W Brock, David P Goren
  • Publication number: 20150102110
    Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor (100) for the detection of object information from a monitored zone (108) is provided, wherein the sensor (100) comprises a light transmitter (12) having an associated transmission optics (14) for the beam formation of a transmitted light beam (102, 20, 24) and for a limitation of its beam cross-section to a predefined diameter in a depth of field range; a light receiver (116) for the generation of a received signal from the reflected light beam (112); and a control and evaluation unit (118) for extracting object information from the received signal. In this connection, the transmission optics (14) has at least two optical part regions (18a-b) having different beam-forming properties and the optical part region (18a-b) which acts in a beam-forming manner with respect to the transmitted light beam (20, 24) can be set in order to vary the depth of field range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Sascha STEINKOGLER, Roland GEHRING
  • Patent number: 8985462
    Abstract: A method includes the following: (1) detecting light from a target object to capture multiple images of the target object while substantially maintaining the distance between the target object and the imaging lens arrangement that is configured to have a focus position thereof changed with a lens-driving-parameter; (2) processing the at least one of the multiple images to determine a feature-size in an aiming pattern; (3) processing at least two of the multiple images to find an optimal lens-driving-parameter that results in the maximum image sharpness; and (4) storing both the feature-size and the optimal lens-driving-parameter into a memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David P. Goren
  • Patent number: 8950677
    Abstract: A barcode reading method and a barcode reading device are provided. An image sensor is utilized to capture an image of a barcode via an optical lens, and then a triangulation method and an ideal lens imagining method are collocated to calculate the digital image so as to produce an optimum image distance. A distance between the image sensor and the optical lens is then adjusted in accordance with the optimum image distance, so that the barcode can be immediately and clearly imaged on the image sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignees: Sintai Optical (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Asia Optical International Ltd.
    Inventors: Li-Jiang Dai, Chang-Feng Wang, Hui-Qing Chen, Bi-Yao Jian
  • Patent number: 8740083
    Abstract: A focus adjustment apparatus (10) for a code reader (100) is provided which has an objective (12) having at least one lens and a drive (18) with a cam plate (16) for the positional adjustment of the objective (12). The objective (12) is supported in a parallel guide (14) having a coupling unit (32, 34) for the coupling of the cam plate (16) so that a rotational movement of the cam plate (16) adjusts the position of the objective (12) in the parallel guide (14) with a parallel shift of the objective plane. The coupling unit (32, 34) has a press-on element (32) for the play-free coupling of the parallel guide (14) to the cam plate (16) and a counter-bearing element (34) between the press-on element (32) and the drive (18) for relieving the drive (18) from the press-on element (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Sick AG
    Inventors: Christoph Anselment, Roland Gehring, Ulrich Nubling, Richard Nopper
  • Patent number: 8720781
    Abstract: An image reader can include an image sensor array. An image reader in one embodiment can include an optical system capable of directing light reflected from a target onto the image sensor array. An image reader can be used for reading a dataform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ynjiun Wang, William H. Havens
  • Patent number: 8628014
    Abstract: An instruction symbol identifier comprising a digital imaging capturing features that utilizes a light field sensor to capture the intensity and direction of incident light is described. The instruction symbol identifier comprises a computing device, whereby a digitally captured image may be digitally focused to identify an instruction symbol. An instruction symbol identifier is described being coupled to a point of sale counter, whereby product bar codes may be identified more quickly and effectively than conventional bar code scanners. A light emitting feature and an image locator feature are described, to further enhance capturing an image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventor: John M. Hoffer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8608075
    Abstract: Disclosed is a code reading apparatus including a control section including: a first adjustment section repeating focus setting within a first execution time to execute first focus adjustment; a second adjustment section changing a focal position of a variable focal lens within a second execution time to execute second focus adjustment; a timer section counting a first execution number of the first focus adjustment and a second execution number of the second focus adjustment; and a time setting section setting the first execution time to be shortened starting from a predetermined first initial set time such that the first execution time is shortened as the first execution number increases, and setting the second execution time to be shortened starting from a predetermined second initial set time such that the second execution time is shortened as the second execution number increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Tanimoto, Yasuaki Ogawa, Keiichi Tanioka
  • Patent number: 8573497
    Abstract: Disclosed systems and methods preferably capture one or more images of an item bearing an optical code and analyze such images to determine whether the item has a highly, or relatively highly, reflective surface or not. Based on such a determination, operating parameters of the system, such as the gain, exposure time, and amount of illumination, are preferably automatically adjusted by the system to capture a subsequent image of the item where the subsequent image has sufficient contrast to decode the optical code. The subsequent image may include a plurality of images, and different operating parameters may be used to capture several, or each, of the plurality of images based on the determination of whether the item has a highly, or relatively highly, reflective surface or not.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Datalogic ADC, Inc.
    Inventors: WenLiang Gao, Craig D. Cherry
  • Patent number: 8496179
    Abstract: Improved systems and techniques for imaging bar code processing. One or more cameras are deployed in a bar code scanner, oriented so that an imaging device of each camera is oriented such that rows of data elements in the imaging device are oriented nonorthogonally with respect to a preferred orientation of a bar code. One or more imaging devices captures bar code data representing light and dark spaces of the bar code. The captured bar code data is analyzed to create one or more rows of data completely transecting the bar code, and the rows of data are processed to generate a scan signal which is in turn processed to extract bar code data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: NCR Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Oliver Detwiler, John Peter Roquemore
  • Patent number: 8469276
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a handheld code reader that has a plurality of operating characteristics where each operating characteristic can have a plurality of different states wherein a recipe includes a specific set of states of at least first and second characteristics, the method for switching between recipes and comprising the steps of specifying a circumstance set including at least one of reader orientation and a threshold movement level for the reader, monitoring at least one of movement and orientation of the reader, determining when the circumstance set occurs and changing from a current recipe to a next recipe when the circumstance set occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Cognex Corporation
    Inventor: Laurens Nunnink
  • Patent number: 8459557
    Abstract: Method of and system for reading code symbols a dual-laser scanning bar code symbol reading system having the capacity to automatically select in a user-transparent manner, and activate either a near-field source of laser illumination, or a far-field source of laser illumination, using an automatic object presence detection subsystem in the near-field portion of the laser scanning field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Havens, Stephen Colavito, Christopher Allen, Robert Blake
  • Patent number: 8381985
    Abstract: A hand held device containing at least one camera can perform various functions. In some embodiments, the device may have a primary lens for focusing on distant objects, and a secondary lens that may be combined with the primary lens for focusing on up-close objects. The secondary lens may be movable in and out of the optical path to permit such a transition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, Keith H. Nishihara
  • Patent number: 8336780
    Abstract: A verifier imaging unit structured with a movably mounted imaging device, housed within a housing of the imaging unit, such that the orientation of the imaging device may be altered so that the imaging device may be placed in one of a number of available and pre-established imaging orientations. Each available imaging orientation has an associated imaging window, and a support surface provided about or proximate to the imaging window. The imaging window and support surface enable the placing, distancing, and generally proper locating of a data carrying graphical symbol for subsequent imaging and data collection activities. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring abstracts, and is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope and meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Webscan, Inc.
    Inventor: Glenn S. Spitz
  • Patent number: 8328099
    Abstract: An automatic data collection device includes an automatic focusing feature. The automatic focusing feature is based on a type of triangulation technique, which determines an optimum position of an imaging lens in order to obtain an optimally focused image. The position of the imaging lens may be adjusted until the imaging lens is at the optimum position. A pair of aiming beams is separated by a distance. The optimum position of the imaging lens (and/or the amount of displacement of the imaging lens that is needed to reach the optimum position) can be determined based on a relation that involves the distance between the two aiming beams, a focal length of the imaging lens, and a distance between “spots” that are respectively generated on an image plane (such as on an image sensor) by the pair of aiming beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Intermac IP Corp.
    Inventors: Serge Thuries, Laurent Lognon, Vincent Bessettes
  • Patent number: 8302867
    Abstract: Disclosed is a symbol reading device including: an imaging section to capture a symbol and generate an image; a detecting section to detect a size of the symbol; a judging section to judge large or small by comparing the size of the symbol to a pre-set value; a focus movement controlling section to move a focus position of the imaging section to a predetermined position of a farther side when the size of the symbol is smaller than the pre-set value as a result of the judgment, and to move a focus position of the imaging section to a predetermined position of a closer side when the size of the symbol is larger than the pre-set value as a result of the judgment; and an analyzing section to analyze symbol data corresponding to the symbol at a focus position moved by the focus movement controlling section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shinji Nakata
  • Patent number: 8256678
    Abstract: There is described an image sensor based indicia reading terminal comprising a variable setting imaging lens having a first setting at which the terminal has a first plane of optimum focus and a second setting at which the terminal has a second plane of optimum focus. According to one embodiment, a first predetermined picture size where picture size is determined according to a number of pixels subject to read out, can be associated to the first lens setting and a second picture size can be associated to the second lens setting such that the terminal with the lens setting set to the first setting reads out a frame of a first picture size and with the lens setting set to a second setting reads out a frame of a second picture size. In addition to or in place of the picture size operational parameters, different operational parameters can be associated to the respective first and second lens settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Havens, Timothy P. Meier
  • Patent number: 8245936
    Abstract: A system and method for recalibrating a bar code scanner or other optical system is described. In some cases, the system dynamically adjusts the focal length of a lens assembly based on open-loop process, such as based on feedback related to a distance between the lens assembly and an imaged object. In some cases, the system dynamically adjusts the lens assembly in order to provide auto focusing or zoom adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Intermec IP Corp.
    Inventors: Serge Thuries, Jean-Louis Massieu
  • Patent number: 8226009
    Abstract: A scanning apparatus for decoding an encoded symbol character of a symbology includes a laser source operable to emit a beam along an axis and illuminate a target. The target includes an encoded symbol character. A focusing apparatus in optical communication with the laser source focuses the beam on the target at an object distance, and a detector receives light of varying intensities scattered from the encoded symbol character and converts the light into a first signal. A digitizer converts the first signal to a digital bit stream. The scanning apparatus further includes pre-stored information correlating a non-standard symbol pattern to a valid symbol character according to a standard definition of the symbology. The non-standard symbol pattern comprises a first number of elements that deviates from a second number of elements associated with the valid symbol character. A decoder receives the digital bit stream and utilizes the pre-stored information for decoding the signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Havens, Timothy P. Meier, Ynjiun P. Wang
  • Patent number: 8169589
    Abstract: Working range and beam cross-section are adjusted in an electro-optical reader for reading indicia by applying voltages to electrodes in one or more liquid crystal zone plates in which the index of refraction is changed in different regions of each zone plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: David Tsi-Shi
  • Patent number: 8146820
    Abstract: The invention features a system and method to automatically focus an image reader using a single frame of image data. The method comprises exposing sequentially a plurality of rows of pixels in the image sensor. The method further comprising varying in incremental steps the focus of the image reader's optical system from a first setting where a distinct image of objects located at a first distance from the image reader is formed on the image sensor to a second setting where a distinct image of objects located at a second distance from the image reader is formed on the image sensor. As part of the method, the varying of the focus of the optical system occurs during the exposure of the plurality of rows of pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ynjiun Wang, William H. Havens
  • Patent number: 8146819
    Abstract: There is described an image sensor based indicia reading terminal comprising a variable setting imaging lens having a first setting at which the terminal has a first plane of optimum focus and a second setting at which the terminal has a second plane of optimum focus. According to one embodiment, a first predetermined picture size where picture size is determined according to a number of pixels subject to read out, can be associated to the first lens setting and a second picture size can be associated to the second lens setting such that the terminal with the lens setting set to the first setting reads out a frame of a first picture size and with the lens setting set to a second setting reads out a frame of a second picture size. In addition to or in place of the picture size operational parameters, different operational parameters can be associated to the respective first and second lens settings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Havens, Timothy P. Meier
  • Patent number: 8047439
    Abstract: The invention features a system and method to automatically focus an image reader using a single frame of image data. The method comprises exposing sequentially a plurality of rows of pixels in the image sensor. The method further comprising varying in incremental steps the focus of the image reader's optical system from a first setting where a distinct image of objects located at a first distance from the image reader is formed on the image sensor to a second setting where a distinct image of objects located at a second distance from the image reader is formed on the image sensor. As part of the method, the varying of the focus of the optical system occurs during the exposure of the plurality of rows of pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ynjiun Wang, William H. Havens
  • Patent number: 8038066
    Abstract: A scanning apparatus comprises a laser source adapted to emit a beam along an axis and illuminate a target, a detector adapted to receive light of varying intensities scattered from the target and convert the light into a signal, and a controller operatively associated with the detector for receiving the signal from the detector and decoding the signal. A focusing apparatus comprising a deformable lens element in optical communication with the laser source has a deformable surface, at least part of which transmits the beam. The deformable lens element defines an index of refraction difference with an index of refraction of an adjacently disposed substance. In one embodiment the index of refraction difference is greater than 0.30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Havens, Ynjiun P. Wang
  • Patent number: 7946491
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a camera barcode reader includes a processing element configured to process an input image for an attempt to decode the input image using a current barcode reading method, to determine whether the processing of the input image is successful, to switch to one of a different barcode reading method or processing a new frame of the input image using the current barcode reading method in response to the processing of the input image being unsuccessful, to attempt a decode of the input image using the current barcode reading method in response to the processing of the input image being successful, and to perform a switch to the different barcode reading method in response to a failure of the attempt to decode the input image using the first barcode reading method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventors: Adrian Burian, Jari A. Kangas, Markku Vehvilainen
  • Patent number: 7909256
    Abstract: A method and system for automatically focusing an image received by an image capturing unit (100) relative to a target is disclosed. The target is present in a sequence of one or more scanned frames. The method includes dividing (302) each frame from the sequence of one or more scanned frames in a plurality of sections. The method further includes iteratively determining (304) a relative focus of the target within each section of the plurality of sections. The method further includes adjustment (306) of a position of at least a first light path adjustment element in response to the determined relative focus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Motorola Mobility, Inc.
    Inventors: Fan He, Michael W. Frenzer
  • Patent number: 7854385
    Abstract: A variable focus imaging lens assembly for an imaging system of an imaging-based bar code reader for imaging and decoding a target bar code. The lens assembly includes an automatic focusing system for energizing a drive mechanism and imaging system to move a movable lens from the predetermined position along its path of travel and generate a series of image frames; analyzing one or more image frames of the series of image frames to determine a region of interest, the region of interest including an image of a target bar code; analyzing the region of interest in subsequent image frames of the series of image frames to determine an amount of blurring; selecting an image frame from the series of image frames having blurring less than a threshold amount of blurring; and utilizing a decoder to decode the image of the target bar code in the selected image frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley S. Carlson
  • Patent number: 7793840
    Abstract: A variable focus imaging lens assembly for an imaging-based bar code reader for imaging a target bar code within a field of view of the imaging system, the imaging lens assembly comprising a simplified zoom lens assembly or system that provides for both focusing and adjustment of focal length of the imaging lens assembly with movement of a single group of movable lenses using one motor. The zoom lens assembly includes a stationary lens group comprising a plurality of stationary lenses and a movable lens group comprising a plurality of movable lenses movable with respect to a sensor array of the imaging system. The movable lens group is driven by a motor along a path of travel parallel to an optic axis of the imaging lens assembly, at least one lens of the plurality of stationary lenses being intermediate a pair of lenses of the plurality of movable lenses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Igor Vinogradov
  • Patent number: 7726573
    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 imaging system also includes a movable mirror mounted for movement along a path of travel to reflect light passing through the focusing lens onto the pixel array. A drive motor moves the mirror relative the lens to adjust a focus of an image of the object formed at the pixel array. An automatic focusing component of the imaging system analyzes the aiming pattern reflected from the target object and projected onto the pixel array by the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Gurevich, Igor Vinogradov, Tsi David Shi, Duanfeng He
  • Patent number: 7699227
    Abstract: An optical reader comprising: an image sensor array for converting light from a target into output signals representative thereof, the image sensor array having a centerline; a processor for decoding a machine readable symbology within the target derived from the output signals; receive optics for directing light from the target to the image sensor, the optics having a receive optics optical axis, wherein the image sensor array and receive optics are configured such that the centerline is not coincident with the optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ynjiun P. Wang, William H. Havens
  • Patent number: 7648071
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Tsutsumi
  • Patent number: 7644864
    Abstract: A code reader for reading one- and/or two-dimensional codes. A position resolving light receiver (3) is mounted in a housing (2). An imaging optics made of several components is associated with the light receiver and is also disposed in the housing. The imaging optics has at least one stationary optics (4) and a deflecting optics arranged on an optical axis (10) in front of the light receiver (3). A pivot arm is mounted on a pivot axis (9) in the housing. Pivoting of the pivot arm results in a positional and angular change of the effective back optical focal distance measured from the vortex of the last back surface of the lens to the focal point thereof. If the objects to be identified are at different distances from the identification apparatus, the pivot arm (8) is pivoted. As a result, the deflection optics mounted on the pivot arm changes the effective back focal distance as well as the focal length of the imaging optics to thereby project an exact image onto the light receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Sick AG
    Inventor: Ralf Ulrich Nuebling
  • Patent number: 7611060
    Abstract: The invention features a system and method to automatically focus an image reader using a single frame of image data. The method comprises exposing sequentially a plurality of rows of pixels in the image sensor. The method further comprising varying in incremental steps the focus of the image reader's optical system from a first setting where a distinct image of objects located at a first distance from the image reader is formed on the image sensor to a second setting where a distinct image of objects located at a second distance from the image reader is formed on the image sensor. As part of the method, the varying of the focus of the optical system occurs during the exposure of the plurality of rows of pixels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Hand Held Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Ynjiun Wang, William H. Havens
  • Patent number: 7605362
    Abstract: A handheld imaging device includes a CCD array or similar detector which is tilted with respect to the incoming light. The tilt permits a narrower handheld device to be manufactured, as the housing need not be as wide as the CCD or similar array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignees: Optoelectronics Co., Ltd., Opticon, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Hayakawa
  • Patent number: 7543752
    Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system providing a high degree of adaptability to ambient illumination levels and having great dynamic range. The system includes a multi-mode illumination subsystem, having an active illumination mode and a passive illumination mode. During object illumination and image capturing operations, the exposure quality of a captured digital image is analyzed, and based on the results of such exposure quality analysis, system control parameters are automatically reconfigured. In the event that the exposure quality analysis indicates excessive exposure levels in a captured digital image, then a new set of SCPs is reconfigured, controlling the multi-mode illumination subsystem to operate in its passive illumination mode, whereby, ambient illumination flooding the field of view forms digital images in the image detection array during s object illumination and imaging operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Metrologic Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoly Kotlarsky, Xiaoxun Zhu, Ka Man Au
  • Patent number: 7478754
    Abstract: A system and method utilizing the principles of axial chromatic aberration for auto-focusing an image onto an image sensor are provided. The system and method are particularly suitable for incorporation within an optical code reader. A signal processor analyzes data signals representative of the intensity or magnitude of wavelength components of an impinged image onto the image sensor for determining a value indicative of the focus quality of the impinged image. An actuator controls movement of a lens in accordance with the determination until obtainment of a desired focus quality. A decoder decodes the image having the desired focus quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Symbol Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Gurevich, Mark Krichever, Bradley S. Carlson, Chinh Tan