Abstract: Row signals or other typically regular signals generated by an imager during each frame period of the imager are counted to determine when to emit pulses of illumination. Methods in accordance with the preferred embodiments may facilitate synchronization of at least some of the pulses with exposures of the imager, while pulsing visible illumination at a rate in excess of the flicker fusion frequency of human vision, to thereby avoid a flicker effect. Methods in accordance with disclosed embodiments are especially useful for a data reader including an imager when visible illumination is pulsed or when it is desired to pulse one or more illumination sources (whether or not visible) at a constant rate or a minimum rate, wherein the constant or minimum rate of pulses differs from a nominal frame rate of the imager.

Abstract: An image processing device is provided comprising a card interface for receiving a card having encoded image effect information printed on a first surface and an image transformed by the image effect printed on a second surface, a card reader for reading and decoding the encoded image effect information printed on the first surface of the card, an image processor for processing an image in accordance with the decoded image effect information and an image output for outputting the processed image. The processed image is transformed by the image effect in the same manner as the image printed on the second surface of the card.

Abstract: A hand-supportable Digital Imaging-Based Bar Code Symbol Reading Device comprises: an IR-based Object Presence and Range Detection Subsystem; A Multi-Mode Area-type Image Formation and Detection Subsystem having narrow-area and wide area image capture modes of operation; a Multi-Mode LED-based Illumination Subsystem having narrow-area and wide area illumination modes of operation; an Automatic Light Exposure Measurement and Illumination Control Subsystem; an Image Capturing and Buffering Subsystem; a Multi-Mode Image-Processing Bar Code Symbol Reading Subsystem; an Input/Output Subsystem; an manuallyactivatable trigger switch; a System Mode Configuration Parameter Table; and a System Control Subsystem integrated with each of the above-described subsystems. The bar code reading device can be configured and operated in numerous programmable modes of system operation to automatically read 1D and 2D bar code symbologies in a high-speed manner using advanced modes of image processing on captured images.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reading optical information including a photosensitive system oriented to capture optical information. Also included is an optical system focusing optical information onto the photosensitive system, and a display oriented to display optical information captured by the photosensitive system. The apparatus also includes a portable, hand-held housing.

Abstract: A hand-supportable Digital Imaging-Based Bar Code Symbol Reading Device comprises: an IR-based Object Presence and Range Detection Subsystem; a Multi-Mode Area-type Image Formation and Detection Subsystem having narrow-area and wide area image capture modes of operation; a Multi-Mode LED-based Illumination Subsystem having narrow-area and wide area illumination modes of operation; an Automatic Light Exposure Measurement and Illumination Control Subsystem; an Image Capturing and Buffering Subsystem; a Multi-Mode Image-Processing Bar code symbol reading subsystem; an input/output subsystem; a manually-activatable trigger switch; and a system control subsystem integrated with each of the above-described subsystems. The hand-supportable digital imaging-based bar code reading device employs automatic object presence and range detection to control the generation of near-field and far-field wide-area illumination during bar code symbol imaging operations.

Abstract: An insert-type barcode reader has a body support with an insertion slot for receiving a card with barcode. A circuit board and a CIS component module electrically connected to the circuit board with each mounted to the body support to scan and process signals. A roller is mounted to the body support for movement relative to the CIS component module to allow the card to be properly guided into the insertion slot and tightly pressed onto the CIS component for accurate scanning of the barcode on the card. Two photoelectric sensors mounted to the body support are electrically connected to the circuit board for sensing the card entering and leaving the insertion slot to control starting, running and stopping of the scanning function of the CIS component module.

Abstract: This present invention discloses a system and method for enhancing images of barcodes and other similar objects taken by the digital camera connected to or embedded in a mobile device. This filter works by converting the image into its equivalent gray scale. The algorithm then divides the image into sections and finds the pixels of minimum intensity in each section of the image. This minima is used to calculate cut-off values for thresholding. After thresholding, the image is reassembled from its divided sections.

Abstract: An optical code reading system and method are provided for reading optical codes imprinted or displayed on, or behind, reflective surfaces. The system includes an extended light source, including one of a backlight assembly and a frontlight assembly, emitting an extended-beam light for directly illuminating an optical code, at least one image sensor for sensing light reflected by the optical code and generating signals related to at least one image of the optical code, and at least one processor for processing at least a portion of the signals, generating a decodable image corresponding to the signals, and decoding at least a portion of the decodable image.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar laser illumination beams (PLIBs) having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend throughout the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each PLIB is produced from a planar laser illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising a plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible laser diode (VLD), a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged with each PLIM, which is adjustable relative to other PLIMs so as to permit precise positioning of each PLIM relative to the optical axis of the imaging optics of the image formation and detection module. The individual PLIB components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system.

Abstract: An optical code reading system and method are provided for reading optical codes imprinted or displayed on, or behind, reflective surfaces. The system includes an extended light source, including one of a backlight assembly and a frontlight assembly, emitting an extended-beam light for directly illuminating an optical code, at least one image sensor for sensing light reflected by the optical code and generating signals related to at least one image of the optical code, and at least one processor for processing at least a portion of the signals, generating a decodable image corresponding to the signals, and decoding at least a portion of the decodable image.

Abstract: A hand-supportable digital imaging-based bar code symbol reading device comprises: an ir-based object presence and range detection subsystem; a multi-mode area-type image formation and detection subsystem having narrow-area and wide area image capture modes of operation; a multi-mode LED-based illumination subsystem having narrow-area and wide area illumination modes of operation; an automatic light exposure measurement and illumination control subsystem; an image capturing and buffering subsystem; a multi-mode image-processing bar code symbol reading subsystem; an input/output subsystem; a manually-activatable trigger switch; a system mode configuration parameter table; and a system control subsystem integrated with each of the above-described subsystems.

Abstract: A fully automated package identification and measuring system (300), in which an onmidirectional holographic scanning tunnel (100) is used to read bar codes on packages entering the tunnel, while a package dimensioning subsystem (500, 600) 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 identificaton 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 fully automated package identification and measuring system, in which an omni-directional holographic scanning tunnel is used to read bar codes on packages entering the tunnel, while a package dimensioning subsystem is used to capture information about the package prior to entry into the tunnel. Mathamatical models are created on a real-time basis for the geometry of the package and the position of the laser scanning beam used to read the bar code symbol thereon. The mathamatical models are analyzed to determine if collected and queued package identification data is spatially and/or temporally correlated with package measurement data using vector-based ray-tracing methods, homogeneous transformations, and object-oriented decision logic so as to enable simultaneous tracking of multiple packages being transported through the scanning tunnel.

Abstract: An image manipulation device is arranged to recover data stored in a pattern printed upon a card. The device includes a linear image sensor that incorporates an array of CMOS light sensors. An illumination assembly is provided that includes a light pipe of plastic material arranged to direct light from an LED over a strip of the card as it is moved by a transport assembly. The lightpipe is formed with a cylindrical lens, to direct light from the LED to a strip across the card, and a series of micro-lenses disposed to focus light reflected from the card onto the light sensors.

Abstract: An optical reader in one embodiment can include a substrate defining an opening and solder pads coupled to the substrate proximate the opening. A laser diode including first, second, and third electrical leads can also be coupled to the substrate. First, second and third solder pads can be provided on the substrate and the first, second, and third electrical leads of the laser diode can be coupled to the first, second, and third solder pads. An optical reader in another embodiment can include a substrate having a first surface and a second surface. A laser diode assembly configured to emit a laser beam can be coupled to the first surface and an illumination assembly that can include light emitting diodes can be coupled to the second surface.

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

Abstract: A hand-supportable planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based camera system for producing digital linear images of a object within a working range, wherein the digital linear images contain pixels having a substantially uniform aspect-ratio independent of the measured relative velocity of the object while the PLIIM based camera system is manually moved (e.g. swept) past the object during illumination and imaging operations. The hand-supportable PLIIM based camera system comprises an object velocity measurement subsystem mounted within its hand-supportable housing, for determining the velocity of the object relative to the hand-supportable housing and generating object velocity data indicative of the determined velocity of the object. Also, a camera control computer is mounted within the hand-supportable housing, for controlling the operation of the PLIIM-based linear imaging subsystem, in automatic response to object velocity data generated by the object velocity measurement subsystem.

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

Abstract: An imaging and illuminating engine for an optical code reader to illuminate and image remote target indicia, such as an optical code, is provided. The engine includes an image sensor for receiving reflected illumination from the remote indicia and an illumination assembly for providing illumination of the remote indicia. The illumination assembly is capable of providing a plurality of different outputs, such as light having different wavelengths. The illumination assembly can also be provided with a single illuminating device for providing one illumination output for illuminating substantially the entire field of view. A transmissive, optical element overlays the engine for preventing light generated by the illumination assembly from reflecting back towards the image sensor. The imaging engine is an integrated circuit package configured for easily interfacing within an optical code reader as a plug-and-play component.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus and method for scanning a surface of an object is provided. The scanner has an image sensor having a sensor plane and an image data output. An optics system defines an optical path having an axis and a first end whereat a scan object surface is locatable for scanning and a second end at the sensing plane. Preferably, the optics system includes a lens subsystem and a movable mirror for adjusting the length of the optical path. A linear actuator is coupled to the mirror such that movement of the mirror adjusts the focus of an optical image on the image sensor. A linear actuator is also operatively coupled to the image sensor to control the orientation of the plane of the image sensor relative to the optical path axis.

Abstract: An imager (11) has a locate mode (13) which detects light (31A, 31B) having a preset light property from at least one locator (21) in the imager field of view (12); and has a react mode which is caused by the locate mode to select light from a code region (22, 32A, 32B, 33B) over light not from the code region (81) and which outputs a signal (41) representing code in the code region.

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

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

Abstract: A data structure encoded on a surface of an object, and a method of generating such a data structure. The data structure includes a plurality of block data regions. Each of the block regions includes an encoded data region containing data in encoded form, a clock mark structure located adjacent a first peripheral portion of the encoded data region, and a target structure located adjacent the clock mark structure. Each of the block data regions further includes an orientation data structure indicative of an orientation of the data structure.

Abstract: An imaging arrangement for, and method of, imaging a target at one of a plurality of focal planes, includes a two-dimensional sensor having an array of pixels for converting incident light into electrical signals to be processed into an image of the target, and an optical assembly including a stationary optical element transmissive to the incident light en route to the sensor. The element is fixed relative to the sensor and has a plurality of optical portions respectively arranged in a plurality of patterns relative to a plurality of groups of the pixels. The assembly is operative for focusing the respective groups of the pixels in the respective patterns at respective focal planes spaced apart from one another away from the sensor.

Abstract: A method for color bar codes includes selecting N bar code colors for a color bar code system to be generally distinct from each other given the range of colors that a camera reader is expected to produce given at least one environmental condition in which the camera reader is expected to operate.

Abstract: A planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based system having a linear image formation and detection module disposed in a system housing, and having image formation optics with a field of view projectable through an aperture in the housing and onto an object moving relative thereto during object illumination and imaging operations. A pair of planar laser illumination arrays (PLIAs) are disposed on the system housing. Each planar laser array (PLIA) includes a plurality of laser diodes arranged together in a linear manner. The planar laser illumination arrays are arranged in relation to the linear image formation and detection module, and produce a pair of planar laser illumination beams (PLIBs). The pair of stationary planar laser illumination beams are projected through light transmission apertures in the system housing and oriented such that the plane of the planar laser illumination beams is coplanar with the field of view of the linear image formation and detection module.

Abstract: Barcode data communication methods, barcode embedding methods, and barcode systems are described. According to one embodiment, a barcode data communication method includes accessing a composite image comprising a disguised barcode image incapable of being directly read from a base image by a barcode reader, extracting data corresponding to the barcode image from the composite image, modifying the data to provide the barcode image in a state wherein the barcode image may be directly read by a barcode reader, and reading the barcode image using the barcode reader after the modifying.

Abstract: An image of a target in a far-field range of working distances relative to an image capture system is focused at a first group of sensors in a common, two-dimensional, array of sensors, and an image of an optical code in a near-field range of working distances relative to the system is focused at a second group of sensors in the array. The same array is shared in a portable apparatus capable of capturing target images and optical code images without moving any optical components.

Abstract: The level of light that impinges upon a CCD is construed to be low when a high-sensitivity image sensing mode has been set. Gain for high-sensitivity image sensing is set in a gain adjusting circuit (color balance adjusting circuit) and a color balance adjustment is performed based upon the set gain. Thus an appropriate color balance adjustment is carried out even if light having a low level impinges upon the CCD.

Abstract: A part marking technique based on a string of alphanumeric human-readable characters which are “printed” using a “texture” which is “cut-out” from a two-dimensional redundant bit pattern, e.g., a two-dimensional matrix of data cells selectively occupied or not occupied by dots or other suitable geometric shapes. The bit pattern is readable by a system comprising an imager and a computer for processing the data contained in the acquired image. In the case of a bit pattern formed by visible dots, the system comprises an optical detector, e.g., a television camera or other imager. The part marking is simultaneously readable by a human and a computer system.

Abstract: An optical reader is provided for reading a symbol representing information having areas of different light reflectivity. The optical reader comprises a radiant energy source, a photodetector, an optical system and a decoder. The radiant energy source generates a radiant energy for illuminating a target region. The photodetector generates output electrical signals indicative of the radiant energy incident thereon. The optical system includes a projection portion and a collection portion. The projection portion directs the radiant energy along a projection path extending from the radiant energy source to the target region. The collection portion collects the radiant energy reflected from a symbol when the symbol occupies the target region and directs the collected radiant energy along a collection path extending from the target region to the photodetector.

Abstract: A hand-held imager which is capable of reading both linear and two dimensional symbologies, which can perform focusing and illuminating steps quickly and accurately so as to eliminate variation in the position of the imager relative to the code becoming a negative factor, in which can operate in environment where the imager is anywhere from 1.5 inches to 16 inches from the code. The imager includes an imaging system having a focusing system, an illumination system, and a two-dimensional photodetector which forms an image of the coded symbology. After achieving targeting of the coded symbology, the scanning system adjusts the focus between multiple different focuses, and utilizes a portion of the two-dimensional photodetector to determine the optimum focus. Upon the determination of optimum focus, the focusing system is returned to the focusing configuration established in the initial focusing step, and an image is created using the entire two-dimensional photodetector.

Abstract: Described is a method of determining a choice made by a user by analyzing marks made on a response sheet by the user. The method employs a response sheet having response areas in which a user is directed to make marks indicating choices. The marked response sheet is then scanned to produce a digital image and associated data of each response area. That data is analyzed for characteristics according to a set of predetermined principles. These principles are based on the form of the response areas on the response sheet. The presence of certain characteristics in the data determines whether a mark was made in the response area and whether the mark constitutes a choice by the user.

Abstract: An imaging module in one embodiment includes at least one multiple color emitting light source comprising a plurality of different colored LED dies each independently driveable so that the overall color emitted by the light source can be controlled and varied. The multiple color emitting light source can be controlled so that the color emitted by the light source is optimized for imaging or reading in a present application environment of the module. Further, the module can be configured so that control of the multiple color emitting light source automatically varies depending on a sensed condition, such a color present in a field of view of the module, the distance of the module to a target, and/or a predetermined criteria being met so that feedback is provided to a user. The module in a further aspect can include illumination light sources and aiming light sources which project light in different wavelength emission bands.

Abstract: A portable data collection device has a display; manual data entry circuitry; a processor for receiving entered data and for controlling the display; a first wireless communication circuit for receiving data using a first protocol over short range from at least one data transmitting unit and a second wireless communication circuit using a second protocol for transmitting and receiving data over a long range from a host.

Abstract: A bar code generating apparatus includes a specimen container holder which holds a container containing a specimen, a holder conveyance device which conveys the specimen container holder, a sensor which senses that the specimen container holder is conveyed to a specific position, a conveyance temporary stop mechanism which operates based on the information output from the sensor and temporarily stops conveyance of the specimen container holder, a rotation control mechanism which rotates the specimen container holder, which stops temporarily, on an axis of the holder, an electronic camera which picks up an image of recording information on the surface of the specimen container held by the rotated specimen container holder, and a bar-coding device which codes the recording information into a bar code based on data of the picked-up image.

Abstract: Coordinate positions of four points are detected from a captured two-dimensional code image. The two-dimensional code size and coefficients of equations are determined for coordinate positions corresponding to center positions of respective cells compensated for inclination of the image by adding depth information. The coordinate positions of respective cell center positions are determined according to the calculation equations by applying the determined coefficients. Brightness/darkness is discriminated from image data corresponding to the respective cell center positions and binary data (0 or 1) for respective cells are generated. Two-dimensional code information is reproduced based on the binary data. The equations are expressed by recurrence formulas. The coefficients determined from the coordinate positions are divided by the same constant to make them integers.

Abstract: A system for scanning human or machine readable information located on objects moving in a transport direction along a transport path. An imaging device having a first observation path and at least a 1×N sensor array is also provided. A scanning zone is located along the transport path. A rotating sweeping unit is positioned to receive light from the scanning zone and reflect it to the imaging device. The sweeping unit sweeps through the scanning zone along a sweep path. The imaging device captures a plurality of image segments that extend generally across the transport path and are each at least 1×N pixels in size. Movement of the sweeping unit is preferably synchronized to movement of the objects along the transport path.

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

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

Abstract: An imager (11) has a locate mode (13) which detects light (31A, 31B) having a preset light property from at least one locator (21) in the imager field of view (12); and has a react mode which is caused by the locate mode to select light from a code region (22, 32A, 32B, 33B) over light not from the code region (81) and which outputs a signal (41) representing code in the code region.

Abstract: An optical reader includes targeting illuminators (e.g., LEDs) which generate a predetermined illumination pattern upon a target. The optical reader captures an image of the target and processes the captured image to determine whether the target is off-pitch or skewed, by analyzing the appearance and characteristics of the predetermined illumination pattern. The illumination pattern may consist of two identical triangles adjacently located but slightly separated so as to cause the pattern to be symmetrical when the target is at perfect alignment, but having shifting characteristics when the target is off-pitch or skewed. The optical reader may use the knowledge of pitch and skew to adjust the captured image. Triggerless operation of the optical reader is provided by placing the optical reader in a cradle and stand having a base with a known target printed on or affixed thereto, within the viewpath of the optical reader.

Abstract: A tolerance-level display portion 12 is provided in a casing 11 of a head 1 of a photoelectric switch. A light reception signal output from the head 1 is transmitted through a cable 31b of a main body 2. The casing 21 of the main body 2 contains a received light amount display portion 22, a tolerance-level display portion 24, adjust switches 28 and setting switches 29. The CPU in the main body 2 calculates a ratio of a light reception signal to a threshold value to obtain a tolerance level, and applies a control signal corresponding to the obtained tolerance level to a variable power supply circuit. The variable power supply circuit applies a variable voltage, which is dependent on the control signal, through a cable 31a to the head 1. The tolerance-level display portion 12 of the head 1 displays a tolerance level on the basis of the variable voltage by turning on the tolerance-level display LEDs 12a, 12b and 12c.

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

Abstract: A hand-held imager which is capable of reading both linear and two dimensional symbologies, which can perform focusing and illuminating steps quickly and accurately so as to eliminate variation in the position of the imager relative to the code becoming a negative factor. The imager includes an imaging system having a focusing system, an illumination system, and a two-dimensional photodetector which forms an image of the coded symbology. After achieving targeting of the coded symbology, the scanning system adjusts the focus and illumination between multiple different focuses, and utilizes a portion of the two-dimensional photodetector to determine the optimum focus and illumination. Upon the determination of optimum focus and illumination, and an image is created using the entire two-dimensional photodetector. Predefined multiple sets of illuminating parameters intensity, exposure and gain can be used to determine the proper focus and illumination.

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

Abstract: Before assembling a scanning module, the type of the scanning module is predetermined. When the scanning module is predetermined, the shape of MTF-DF curve is therefore fixed. The scanning module includes a glass plate, lens and an image generating means. During the assembly, the image generating means and the glass plate are mounted. A correction document is placed on the glass plate. The position of the lens is adjusted in order to reflect a point at the lowest point of the tolerant range of the depth of scanning field in the MTF-DF curve. The position of the lens is then fixed. An increased depth of scanning field in a scanning device is thusly obtained.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus comprises an image reading section which optically reads one line of an image on a paper at a specific time interval and inputs the acquired image data to an image signal processing section which converts the image data into a binary image data. An amount of movement detection section is provided which outputs a signal to an image data generation section when the image reading section moves by one line. When such a signal is received more than one time during one time interval, the image data generation section generates a binary image data corresponding to the number of lines whose data is not available from the binary image data for a line acquired during that time interval.

Abstract: An over-the-conveyor bar code symbol reading system for scanning bar coded packages transported through a 3-D scanning volume having a plurality of focal planes. The system comprises a conveyor belt, first and second laser scanning subsystems mounted thereabove, and a scan data processor. The first laser scanning subsystem generates a first laser scanning pattern above the conveyor belt for scanning each bar coded package transported therealong, and produces bar code position data indicative of the position of the bar code symbol on each scanned package. The second laser scanning subsystem generates and scans a second laser beam to produce a second laser scanning pattern within a 3-D scanning volume above the conveyor belt and having a plurality of focal planes. In response to scanning the transported package, the second laser scanning subsystem produces scan data indicative of the scanned bar code symbol thereon.