Abstract: An imaging system which includes a housing for a radiation detector having a window disposed above and in axial alignment with the radiation detector, a variable aperture assembly which includes a base ring having a first opening and mounted on the radiation detector housing such that the first opening is in axial alignment with the window, a plate having a first aperture and adapted to engage the base ring such that the first aperture is disposed over the window, at least one aperture blade each operatively coupled to the base ring, and an aperture drive mechanism having a body and an actuator coupling member extending at an angle from the body. In addition, the imaging system includes an actuator assembly having an actuator and an actuator arm, the actuator arm disposed adjacent to the radiation detector housing in proximity to the actuator coupling member.

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).

Abstract: A barcode decoding system and method for compensating for motion of between an image sensor and a barcode to improve decoding of the barcode. The barcode decoding system includes an imager for capturing an image of the barcode, a motion sensor for collecting acceleration data and a processor that is configured to determine a velocity of the image sensor during the exposure period based on the acceleration data and a periodic motion model. The determined velocity is used to adjust the edge detection algorithm used to detect the barcode features in order to decode the barcode. The orientation of the captured barcode can also be determined in order to determine the velocity in a direction perpendicular to the barcode features.

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.

Abstract: Bar code readers and methods of reading bar codes are described herein. One device includes a camera configured to produce a motion invariant image of a bar code while the bar code is in motion and a processor configured to deblur the motion invariant image of the bar code.

Abstract: Storing an event from a printed source in an electronic calendar can include a barcoded event ID on the printed source. A printed source can be any non-interactive visual display. The event ID can be in the form of a linear or matrix printed bar code and can include encoded information such as, but not limited to, event time and date, and event location. Optionally, the event ID can also include information such as an event contact name and contact information, as well as a possible event RSVP method and address. The event ID can be in lieu of human readable or commonly typed alphanumeric or special text information. In another embodiment, the event ID can be encrypted requiring an individual to have a decryption key to access the event information. An electronic calendaring application can generate and store an event in an electronic calendar from information encoded in the event ID barcode from a printed source.

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.

Abstract: A compact hybrid imaging lens assembly captures return light from a target over a field of view of a linear array of image sensors of a solid-state imager, and projects the captured return light onto the array during electro-optical reading of the target. The assembly includes a plastic lens for optical aberration correction, a glass lens spaced away from the plastic lens along an optical axis, and an aperture stop between the lenses and having an asymmetrical aperture through which the optical axis extends. The glass lens has substantially all the optical power of the imaging lens assembly for thermal stability, and the plastic lens has substantially no optical power. A holder holds the lenses and the aperture stop away from the array. Alignment elements on the plastic lens align the asymmetrical aperture relative to the linear array.

Abstract: A method of using a machine-readable code to extract information includes using an image-capture device to capture a digital image of a machine-readable code encoding information wherein the image-capture device is positioned at any of a plurality of angles relative to the machine-readable code; using a processor to extract the information encoded in the machine-readable code; using the processor to analyze the captured digital image of the machine-readable code and calculate the relative positioned angle at which the image-capture device was positioned when the image-capture device captured the digital image of the machine-readable code; and using the processor and the calculated relative positioned angle to determine information.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for expanding the field of view of a vision system camera assembly such that the field of view is generally free of loss of normal resolution across the entire expanded field. A field of view expander includes outer mirrors that receive light from different portions of a scene. The outer mirrors direct light to tilted inner mirrors of a beam splitter that directs the light aligned with a camera axis to avoid image distortion. The inner mirrors each direct the light from each outer mirror into a strip on the sensor, and the system searches features. The adjacent fields of view include overlap regions sized and arranged to ensure a centralized feature appears fully in at least one strip. Alternatively, a moving mirror changes position between acquired image frames so that a full width of the scene is imaged in successive frames.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise an indicia reading terminal that is operatively configured to decode visible and non-visible decodable indicia. The terminal can comprise an excitation illumination module for illuminating the decodable indicia with light that has a wavelength selected so as to permit the decodable indicia to emit light. The terminal can also comprise a filter module with an optical filter that has filter regions configured to pass certain wavelengths of light. The terminal can also comprise an image sensor module with an image sensor located so as to receive light emitted from the decodable indicia from the filter region.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading a multi-modal barcode is provided. The apparatus includes a camera, an edge detector, wherein the edge detector comprises a filter to read a secondary image, a quantization component, and a barcode processor.

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.

Abstract: There is set forth an apparatus for capture of image data. In one embodiment an apparatus is operative for capture of a first frame of image data and a second frame of image data. In one embodiment, an apparatus is operative for processing the first frame of image data and the second frame of image data.

Abstract: A method of retrieving information comprised in a barcode is disclosed. The method comprises detecting that the barcode is present in a first image having a first image quality and capturing a first region, acquiring, when it is detected that the barcode is present, a second image having a second image quality and capturing a second region, wherein the second image quality is higher than the first image quality, and wherein the second region at least partly overlaps the first region, and decoding the barcode based on the second image to retrieve the information.

Abstract: A barcode decoding system and method are disclosed that use a data-driven classifier for transforming a potentially degraded barcode signal into a digit sequence. The disclosed implementations are robust to signal degradation through incorporation of a noise model into the classifier construction phase. The run-time computational cost is low, allowing for efficient implementations on portable devices. Implementations are disclosed for intelligent preview scaling, barcode-aware autofocus augmentation and multi-scale signal feature extraction.

Abstract: Targets associated with transactions to be processed at a workstation are read by capturing return light from the targets with an array of light sensors of a solid-state imager having a field of view that extends through a workstation window to the targets. A controller controls the imager to operate at a frame rate to acquire images of the targets over successive frames in either a batch mode or a free-running mode. A memory stores the acquired images. The controller processes all of the stored images, and processes at least one of the stored images over an extended time period greater than one of the frames.

Abstract: A data capture device is described. The data capture device includes an imager simultaneously capturing a barcode and an image associated with the barcode. A memory is coupled to the imager for storing the barcode and the image. A processor is coupled to the memory for decoding the barcode and processing the image. A notification system notifies a user that the image is being processed prior to the processor completing the processing of the image.

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.

Abstract: An imaging system which includes a housing for a radiation detector having a window disposed above and in axial alignment with the radiation detector, a variable aperture assembly which includes a base ring having a first opening and mounted on the radiation detector housing such that the first opening is in axial alignment with the window, a plate having a first aperture and adapted to engage the base ring such that the first aperture is disposed over the window, at least one aperture blade each operatively coupled to the base ring, and an aperture drive mechanism having a body and an actuator coupling member extending at an angle from the body. In addition, the imaging system includes an actuator assembly having an actuator and an actuator arm, the actuator arm disposed adjacent to the radiation detector housing in proximity to the actuator coupling member.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a vision process using a camera having a multi-focus lens having a lens field of view where the lens can be set at different focus positions the method comprising the steps of positioning at least one of the camera and an item to be imaged so the lens field of view is directed at the item to be imaged, obtaining a plurality of images where each image is obtained with the lens focus at a different position and after each image is obtained, attempting to perform the machine vision process using the image irrespective of whether or not the lens was focused when the image was obtained.

Abstract: An optical-information-reading apparatus includes an imaging optical system having a varifocal lens that adjusts a focal position, a solid-state image sensing device that images a code symbol, a ranging laser that measures a distance to the code symbol, and a decoder that calculates the distance to the code symbol using the ranging laser. The apparatus controls the varifocal lens based on calculated distance information.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a barcode rendering device includes a communication interface, a reflective display, and a detector. The communication interface is configured to receive barcode data corresponding to a barcode in one of a plurality of barcode symbologies. The reflective display is configured to legitimately display barcodes in any of the plurality of barcode symbologies. The detector is configured to detect illumination emitted by a barcode scanner and incident on the reflective display.

Abstract: A bar code reader 10 includes a housing 20 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. Cameras C1-C6 have an image capture sensor array with a global shutter is positioned within the housing interior region for capturing an image of a bar code within a camera field of view. All the cameras produce images in a sequential manner during an image frame time period. An image processing system has a processor for decoding a bar code carried by the target object. The processing system responds to signals from a light sensor to terminate object illumination when an adequate image exposure has transpired.

Abstract: A method of reading information bearing indicia comprising the steps of: scanning indicia on a vehicular license plate utilizing an indicia reader; decoding the data; and, utilizing the decoded data to retrieve information regarding the vehicle and/or vehicle operator from a remote database.

Abstract: An illumination time of an illumination system and/or an exposure setting of an imaging system are adjusted by a proximity system operative for detecting a product entering a field of view in a bi-optical, dual window, point-of-transaction workstation. The proximity system includes an infrared emitter for emitting infrared light to the product, and an infrared sensor for sensing return infrared light from the product. Multiple predefined thresholds are stored for the sensed return infrared light, and a predefined illumination time and/or exposure setting are stored and assigned to each predefined threshold. Adjustment of the illumination time and/or of the exposure setting is performed by comparing the sensed return infrared light from the product in real time operation with the stored predefined thresholds.

Abstract: A system having an image sensor array can be provided for use in locating and decoding a bar code symbol represented within a frame of image data. An image sensor array can be incorporated in a terminal having a hand held housing. A terminal can be operative to capture a frame and locate a feature of a document represented within the frame, the document of a type having a bar code symbol at a predetermined location. The system can determine a location of a bar code symbol representation within an image representation. For determining a location of the bar code symbol representation in an image representation, the system can be operative to utilize pre-stored information respecting the document and the determined location of the document feature representation, the pre-stored information indicating a location of the bar code symbol in a document of the document type subject to image capture.

Abstract: A barcode decoding system and method for compensating for motion of between an image sensor and a barcode to improve decoding of the barcode. The barcode decoding system includes an imager for capturing an image of the barcode, a motion sensor for collecting acceleration data and a processor that is configured to determine a velocity of the image sensor during the exposure period based on the acceleration data and a periodic motion model. The determined velocity is used to adjust the edge detection algorithm used to detect the barcode features in order to decode the barcode. The orientation of the captured barcode can also be determined in order to determine the velocity in a direction perpendicular to the barcode features.

Abstract: A hand-supportable digital image capture and processing system supporting a multi-tier modular software, and plug-in extendable, architecture. The digital image capture and processing system can be realized as an image-capturing cell phone, a digital camera, a video camera, mobile computing terminal and portable data terminal (PDT), provided with suitable hardware platform, communication protocols and user interfaces. A third-party customer can write and install a software plug-in into the application layer so as to enhance or modify the behavior of the hand-supportable digital image capture and processing system without any required knowledge of the hardware platform, communication protocols and/or user interfaces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using in an imaging scanner. The apparatus includes an illumination source, a solid-state imager, a liquid crystal device, a lens system, and a decoding circuitry. The liquid crystal device has a liquid crystal material sandwiched between two parallel plate structures. The lens system is operative to focus light reflected from the target object onto the array of photosensitive elements in the solid-state imager through the liquid crystal device. The decoding circuitry is operative to decode a barcode on the target object from the image captured by the solid-state imager.

Abstract: An optical code recognition station comprises a fixed optical code scanning station and an optical code imager, the optical code imager being operable in both a hand held and a fixed configuration. In the fixed configuration the optical code imager is mounted on the fixed optical code scanning station. Communication between the fixed optical code scanning station and the optical code image is wireless and the optical code imager operates without a wired connection to the fixed optical code scanning station when in the hand held configuration.

Abstract: Systems and method for communication of transaction data within a self-checkout environment are disclosed. According to an aspect, a method includes controlling a display device to display a machine-readable representation of transaction data. The method may include receiving a signal that indicates acknowledgement of reading of the machine-readable representation of the transaction data. Further, the method may include controlling the display device to display a machine-readable representation of other transaction data in response to receipt of the signal.

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.

Abstract: A configuration system for configuring a barcode symbol scanning terminal using a two-dimensional barcode is provided. The configuration system includes a two-dimensional imager terminal including an image sensor configured to collect an image representative of a two-dimensional barcode, wherein the two-dimensional imager terminal is configured to determine programming data based upon the image representative of the two-dimensional barcode and to transmit the determined programming data. The configuration system further includes a barcode symbol scanning terminal, wherein the barcode symbol scanning terminal receives the determined programming data from the two-dimensional imager terminal, wherein the barcode symbol scanning terminal is operative to be configured based upon the determined programming data.

Abstract: An indicia reading terminal can include a multiple setting imaging lens assembly and an image sensor having an image sensor array. In one embodiment, an indicia reading terminal in an active reading state can cycle through a set of different lens settings, expose pixels of an image sensor array during an exposure period when each new lens setting is achieved, and attempt to decode decodable indicia represented in frames of image data captured corresponding to each exposure period. In one embodiment, movement of an imaging lens assembly lens element can be provided with use of a hollow stepper motor.

Abstract: An optical-information-reading apparatus includes an imaging optical system having a varifocal lens that adjusts a focal position, a solid-state image sensing device that images a code symbol, a ranging laser that measures a distance to the code symbol, and a decoder that calculates the distance to the code symbol using the ranging laser. The apparatus controls the varifocal lens based on calculated distance information.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging device of the type having an imaging assembly including a two dimensional image sensor. In one embodiment an imaging device can be used to obtain an area image representation. In one embodiment, the image representation can be processed. The processing of the image representation can include recognition of an indicia represented in the image representation. In one embodiment an image imaging device can output image data to a first external processing system responsively to reorganization of first indicia and can output image data to a second external processing system responsively to recognition of second indicia.

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.

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.

Abstract: A housing is mounted on a counter on which a basket for containing a commodity to be purchased is placed and is disposed at a position where it confronts an operator. A read window confronting a read area of a code symbol attached to a commodity is disposed on the front of the housing, and an image pickup section including a CCD area sensor having, as an image pickup area, a read area of the code symbol is incorporated at the back of the read window. An LED light source irradiates illuminating light for illuminating the code symbol, which is necessary for the area CCD sensor to take an image of the code symbol. The LED light source has an optical axis nonparallel to a read optical axis of the area image pickup device and guides the illuminating light to the read area from a position above the area image pickup device.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus having an image capturing unit and an image filtering surface in which the optical axis of the image capturing unit is disposed at an angle ? to a normal of the image fitting surface.

Abstract: A device, methods and system for outputting selective rows of pixels from an image capture device. A command implemented by the image capture device of the form “Skip N, Out M” causes the image capture device to cycle through the all rows of pixels in the image capture device, outputting “M” sequential rows and skipping “N” sequential rows until all rows in the image capture device have been processed.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system for estimating electrical power usage of commercially available devices utilizing a portable computing device equipped with a digital camera. In some embodiments, initial input to the system is accomplished by taking a digital photograph of an electrical device surface in order to capture text or other marks such as barcodes from which power usage of the device can be determined. In some embodiments OCR (optical character recognition) is used to retrieve text from the digital photograph. If successfully extracted from the captured text, power parameters such as voltage, amperes and watts are provided to the system user on the display of the mobile device. At this point an estimate of electrical device usage during a particular time period, such as a week, can be input into the system. The system will then calculate power usage over the specified time period for the electrical device and show the result on the system display.

Abstract: The exemplary system requires a 2D barcode be located on an object, a portion of which is to be captured in an image. The module size of the 2D barcode is chosen to match the smallest feature to be preserved on the output image. While the target is moving with respect to the imager the 2D bar code is also moving and the resulting image is degraded. The imager will properly decode the 2D barcode only if the bar code is stationary (or moving very slowly) and hence will provide an acceptable image in the region of the 2D bar code.

Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system including a housing having an imaging window; and an image formation and detection subsystem supporting a snap-shot mode of the operation and a video mode of operation. The system includes image formation optics for projecting a field of view (FOV) through said imaging window and upon an object within the FOV, and forming an image of the object on an area-type image detection array having a plurality of rows of image detection elements, and detecting 2D digital images of the object while object illumination and imaging operations. The system also includes an illumination subsystem, with an illumination array, for producing a field of illumination within the FOV, and illuminating the object detected in the FOV, so that the illumination reflects off the object and is transmitted back through the light transmission aperture and onto the image detection array to form the 2D digital image of the object.

Abstract: A computer system includes a printer configured to print visible information and invisible coded data tags on print media. A pen-type device includes an image sensor configured to sense the data tags and wirelessly transmit associated sensed data. A relay is configured to receive the transmitted data. One or more servers are interfaced to the relay, and are configured to process the received data from the relay and to perform an action based upon the received data.

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.

Abstract: A bar code reader 10 includes a housing 20 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. Cameras C1-C6 have an image capture sensor array with a global shutter is positioned within the housing interior region for capturing an image of a bar code within a camera field of view. All the cameras produce images in a sequential manner during an image frame time period. An image processing system has a processor for decoding a bar code carried by the target object. The processing system responds to signals from a light sensor to terminate object illumination when an adequate image exposure has transpired.

Abstract: A multicamera imaging-based bar code reader wherein for least one camera assembly of the reader, a sensor array of the camera assembly is non-orthogonal with respect to an optical axis of an imaging lens assembly of the camera assembly such that an imaging or scanning volume of the camera assembly more closely conforms to a desired imaging field or region of the reader. In one exemplary embodiment the reader features: a housing supporting first and second transparent presentation windows and defining an interior region; an imaging system including a plurality of camera assemblies within the interior region, at least one camera assembly includes a sensor array and an imaging lens assembly, the sensor array being positioned with respect to the imaging lens assembly at an angle so as to be non-orthogonal with respect to an optical axis of the imaging lens assembly of the camera assembly.