Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system, and software development environment, that supports manufacturer-constrained system behavior modification and/or extension by end-users and third-parties through the development and installation/deployment of plug-in modules within the application layer of the system by persons other than the original system designers. By virtue of the present invention, the standard features and functionalities of such systems can now be flexibly modified and/or extended by end-users and third-parties (e.g. VARs, OEMs etc), and thus satisfy customized end-user application requirements, without possessing or acquiring detailed knowledge about the hard-ware platform of the system, its communication interfaces with the outside environment, and user-related interfaces.

Abstract: The invention features an image reader and a corresponding method for capturing a sharp distortion free image of a target, such as a one or two-dimensional bar code. In one embodiment, the image reader comprises a two-dimensional CMOS based image sensor array, a timing module, an illumination module, and a control module. The time during which the target is illuminated is referred to as the illumination period. The capture of the image by the image sensor array is driven by the timing module that, in one embodiment, is able to simultaneously expose substantially all of the pixels in the array. The time during which the pixels are collectively activated to photo-convert incident light into charge defines the exposure period for the sensor array. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the exposure period occurs during the illumination period.

Abstract: A device for processing image data relating to bar codes is described. In one embodiment a bar code verification device is provided having an ergonomic form factor characterized by a domed hand held trigger and a viewing window. The verification device may be disposed in a network that includes a host processor system and other bar code reading devices which may include other bar code verification devices. Processing circuitry for processing image signals corresponding to printed bar codes may be partially disposed within the hand held verification device and partially disposed within a host processor system spaced apart from and associated with the hand held verification device. The hand held verification device may be in wireless communication with the host processor system to which it is associated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microprocessor-based decoder board for an optical reader having in one embodiment a plurality of imaging modules that provide frames of image data having a plurality of formats. In one method for operating the decoder board of the invention, and a multiple imaging module reader comprising the decoder board, a frame of image data captured by a selected imaging module is decoded. The decoder board determines the format of the frame of image data from information about which of the plurality of imaging modules provided the frame of image data or from information about the frame of image data, activates as necessary a command to prepare the decoder board to decode the frame of image data according to the format provided by the imaging module, and performs the decoding.

Abstract: A digital imaging-based system for reading code symbols affixed to objects, including an imaging-based code symbol reading subsystem for capturing and processing digital images of code symbols affixed to objects, and reading said code symbols and producing symbol character data representative of read code symbols. A data transmission subsystem, operably coupled to the imaging-based code symbol reading subsystem, communicates such symbol character data to the communication interface of a host system over a communication link therebetween. The data transmission subsystem implements a plurality of different communication interfaces, and thus is capable of interfacing to a variety of different host devices in an automatic and error free manner with minimal human involvement, thus providing significant advantages over the prior art code symbol reading systems and devices.

Abstract: One type of code that cannot be decoded in a certain apparatus is converted into another type of code that can be decoded in the certain apparatus. More specifically, a first type of code in an image obtained by reading a sheet including the first type of code is decoded to obtain information. The information is encoded to form a second type of two-dimensional code.

Abstract: An information reader includes an object reading unit for reading an image of an object and obtaining the image as image data, an object data obtaining unit for analyzing the image data and obtaining object data as data contained in the object itself, a state data obtaining unit for obtaining state data indicating a state of the object during object image reading operation to read an image of the object, and an identifying unit for identifying predetermined processing by using as identification data the object data and at least one of the state data. The information which is obtained when an object is shot and which is meaningless in the conventional techniques can be effectively used. Therefore, the quantity of overall information can be increased without adding new hardware to the information reader.

Abstract: A planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based engine including; an engine housing having light transmission aperture; an image formation and detection module and having an image detection array and image formation optics with a field of view (FOV) extending from the image detection array, through the light transmission aperture and onto an object moving relative to the engine housing during object illumination and imaging operations; a planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) producing device, and having at least one visible laser illumination source arranged in relation to the image formation and detection module, for producing a planar light illumination beam (PLIB), and projecting the planar light illumination beam through light transmission aperture and oriented such that the plane of the PLIB is coplanar with the field of view of the image formation and detection module so that the object can be simultaneously illuminated by the planar light illumination beam and imaged within the field of view and

Abstract: A data converter and its converting method having both the functions of barcode technology and RFID technology, and conforming with related regulations of international civil aviation are disclosed. The data converter includes a barcode reading module, a processing module, and a reading module.

Abstract: A data capturing module combined with a portable data terminal of the hand-held type to record handwritten data. Using a digitized pad, the module can provide for direct input of handwritten data into the system, or a peripheral digital scanner can be employed to provide for data entry. Depending upon the particular application, the module therefore provides for data entry of handwritten text or graphics using the data terminal and other components of a portable data system to enter, display, print or otherwise communicate the handwritten data.

Abstract: There is provided an image capture apparatus and method. An image capture device can be used in the decoding of a decodable indicia, e.g., bar code symbols and/or text characters and can further be used in the capture of one or more images that may or may not be subjected to decoding processes. In one embodiment, an image captured with use of an image capture device is an image of an item bearing a decodable indicia. In one embodiment, an image capture device can have a plurality of user selectable modes of operation.

Abstract: An ergonomic single-line compact laser bar code scanning system having a compact housing for hand-held disposition at a counter. The scanning system is automatically-activated and includes a bar code symbol reading mechanism contained within a hand-supportable housing having a manually-activatable data transmission switch formed integrally in the housing. During symbol reading operations, the bar code symbol reading mechanism automatically generates a visible laser scanning pattern for repeatedly reading one or more bar code symbols on an object during a bar code symbol reading cycle, and automatically generating a new symbol character data string in response to each bar code symbol read thereby. During system operation, the user visually aligns the visible laser scanning pattern with a particular bar code symbol on an object (e.g., product, bar code menu, etc.) so that the bar code symbol is detected, scanned, and decoded.

Abstract: An imaging lens is positioned at an initial position, the image of a subject is sensed and an overall focus evaluation value representing the degree of focus of the image of the subject is obtained. Face detection processing is only executed if the overall focus evaluation value obtained is equal to or greater than a threshold value. The imaging lens is then moved to the next position and the process repeated. A range in which face images are detected at positions of the imaging lens where the overall focus evaluation value is equal to or greater than the threshold value is decided upon as a focusing range. A graph of face-area focus evaluation values representing degree of focus of the image portion of the face is obtained and the position at which this graph is maximum is decided upon as the in-focus position of the imaging lens.

Abstract: Reading result information about whether bar code information has been able to be read normally in a scanning cycle unit is stored in association with a plurality of locations and information on a condition set upon reading. When it is determined, based on stored reading result information which is obtained in an immediately previous scanning cycle, that bar code information in an identical relative location in the immediately previous scanning cycle has been able to be read normally, information on a condition set upon reading in the immediately previous scanning cycle is read. When it is determined that bar code information has not been able to be read normally, information on a condition that differs from information on a condition set upon reading in the immediately previous scanning cycle is set.

Abstract: A scanning device is provided which has a beam emitter for emitting a beam, a deflector for deflecting the beam to generate a raster scan pattern over a scanning patch on a product item, a sensor for receiving a reflected beam from the scanning patch and sensing from the reflected beam data encoded by coded tags printed on an interface surface of the product item, and a processor for determining a description of the interface surface and at least one region of interface surface. The data encoded by each tag includes an identity of the product item, an identity of the interface surface and the position of the respective tag on the interface surface. The processor determines the description from the sensed interface surface identity and determined the region from the determined description and at least one of the position of the sensed tag and a position of the scanning patch relative to the interface surface.

Abstract: A device for processing image data relating to bar codes is described. In one embodiment a bar code verification device is provided having an ergonomic form factor characterized by a domed hand held trigger and a viewing window. The verification device may be disposed in a network that includes a host processor system and other bar code reading devices which may include other bar code verification devices. Processing circuitry for processing image signals corresponding to printed bar codes may be partially disposed within the hand held verification device and partially disposed within a host processor system spaced apart from and associated with the hand held verification device. The hand held verification device may be in wireless communication with the host processor system to which it is associated.

Abstract: Mobile communication or computing devices, and methods and systems for the operation of mobile communication devices; each involving a binary code in square form which has been encoded with binary data arrayed within the square form, whereby the code in square form includes at least one border not including binary data, but including code size indication data in the form of a repetitive sequence.

Abstract: An optical reader can include an image sensor. In one embodiment an optical reader can be configured to have different operating modes, the different operating modes optimizing the reader for reading different indicia. In another embodiment an optical reader can comprise a multiple color emitting light source. In another embodiment an optical reader can be provided in a specialized form factor including an enlarged head portion and an elongated body portion extending from the head portion.

Abstract: A method for processing a digital signal obtained in a barcode reading operation comprises a step of applying a wavelet transformation to the digital signal. The noise threshold at each level of the wavelet transformation is determined from a total transfer function in the analogue processing stage, and the coefficients are set to be zero if less than the noise threshold.

Abstract: A digital image capturing and processing system comprising a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging subsystem for producing a plurality of coplanar linear illumination and imaging planes which intersect within a 3D imaging volume defined relative to an imaging window. Each coplanar illumination and imaging subsystem includes a local object motion detection subsystem for detecting the motion of objects moving through the 3D imaging volume, and a local control subsystem for controlling the state of operations within each coplanar illumination and imaging station during system operation.

Abstract: A tunnel-type digital imaging system for use within retail shopping environments such as supermarkets. The system includes a tunnel configuration arranged about a conveyor structure for transporting objects therethrough, and an image capturing and processing subsystem embodied within the tunnel configuration, for generating a 3D digital imaging volume above the conveyor structure and within the tunnel configuration, for capturing digital 1D images of objects transported through the 3D imaging volume. The image capturing and processing subsystem includes a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging stations.

Abstract: Bar codes used for various applications. A bar code can be used for biometrics, or for computer data entry. A special bar code is described that has additional information, but can be read by other readers.

Abstract: A digital image capturing and processing system comprising a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging subsystem for producing a plurality of coplanar linear illumination and imaging planes which intersect within a 3D imaging volume defined relative to an imaging window. The system further includes a global object motion detection subsystem for detecting the motion of objects moving through the 3D imaging volume, and a global control subsystem for controlling the state of operations within each coplanar illumination and imaging station during system operation.

Abstract: A translator is provided for reading the bar codes displayed on the screen of a portable electronic device which utilizes a digital camera and/or a microphone responsive to tones from the portable electronic device to process and convert the information received from the camera and/or the microphone to a form readable by a reflective bar code reader without requiring any modification of the bar code reader.

Abstract: The invention features an image reader and a corresponding method for capturing a sharp distortion free image of a target, such as a one or two-dimensional bar code. In one embodiment, the image reader comprises a two-dimensional CMOS based image sensor array, a timing module, an illumination module, and a control module. The time during which the target is illuminated is referred to as the illumination period. The capture of the image by the image sensor array is driven by the timing module that, in one embodiment, is able to simultaneously expose substantially all of the pixels in the array. The time during which the pixels are collectively activated to photo-convert incident light into charge defines the exposure period for the sensor array. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the exposure period occurs during the illumination period.

Abstract: A method of reading bar code symbols comprising the steps of: (a) projecting an image cropping zone (ICZ) framing pattern within the FOV of an image sensing array during wide-area illumination and image capturing operation; (b) visually aligning an object to be imaged within the ICZ framing pattern; (c) forming and capturing an wide-area image of the entire FOV, which spatially encompasses the ICZ framing pattern aligned about the object to be imaged; (d) using automatic software-based image cropping algorithm to automatically crop the pixels within the spatial boundaries defined by the ICZ framing pattern, from those pixels contained in the entire wide-area image frame captured during step (c); and (e) automatically decode processing the image represented by the cropped image pixels in the ICZ framing pattern so as to read a 1D or 2D bar code symbol graphically represented therein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image collecting module. The image collection module is provided with a first indicator operable to provide an indication of a valid read of a first portion of a hybrid dataform and a second indicator operable to provide an indication of a valid read of a second portion of the hybrid dataform.

Abstract: A microprocessor and an application specific integrated circuit are embodied as two chips mounted on a printed circuit board which is, in turn, mounted on a scan engine for use in an electro-optical reader. This dual chip architecture is readily configurable and controls reader operation.

Abstract: An digital image capturing and processing system comprising a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging stations projecting a complex of coplanar illumination and imaging planes into a 3D imaging volume so as to support pass-through and presentation modes of digital imaging at a point of sale (POS) environment. Each station includes an illumination subsystem having a linear illumination array including a plurality of light emitting devices for producing a planar illumination beam (PLIB), and an image formation and detection subsystem including a linear image sensing array having optics providing a field of view (FOV) on the linear image detection array, and extending substantially along the PLIB. A plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging planes (PLIB/FOVs) are formed and projected through the imaging window and into the 3D imaging volume, for capturing linear (1D) digital images of objects moving through the 3D imaging volume.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for using signal to noise ratio information to enhance bar code scanning accuracy. Noise information affecting bar code scanning operations is stored and a scan signal is monitored. Upon detection of a scan of a bar code, the signal strength of the scan signal is evaluated and signal to noise ratio values are computed. Signal to noise ratio information is used to favor or disfavor candidate decoding results. In addition, signal to noise ratio thresholds are set according to appropriate criteria. Decoding results are evaluated using the signal to noise ratio thresholds and accepted or rejected depending on whether the thresholds are met. In addition, thresholds for recognition of transitions based on peaks may be set based on expected noise affecting the scan signal, and allowed or excluded based on whether a rise from a negative peak, or fall from a positive peak, meets the threshold.

Abstract: A reading apparatus reads identification information attached on an object located outside of the reading apparatus by optically scanning a surface of the object. The reading apparatus includes a supporting member that supports a optical deflecting unit and that rotatably supports a light collecting unit.

Abstract: A method and system for scanning objects using a scan engine having two modes are described. Under a first mode, the scan engine generates modulated pulses for determining the existence of objects containing symbols such as barcode and a scanning mirror is kept stationary. When it is determined that a triggering event should occur or the symbols exit, the scan engine is switched to a second mode in which light is continuously generated by a light source and used with the scanning mirror oscillating for standard scanning.

Abstract: There is provided an image capture apparatus and method. An image capture device can be used in the decoding of a decodable indicia, e.g., bar code symbols and/or text characters and can further be used in the capture of one or more images that may or may not be subjected to decoding processes. In one embodiment, an image captured with use of an image capture device is an image of an item bearing a decodable indicia. In one embodiment, an image capture device can have a plurality of user selectable modes of operation.

Abstract: A method aims at identifying, starting from objects in a digital image, a virtual raster included in a coding pattern. The objects in the image at least partially reproduce marks on a base, each mark being associated with a respective point of intersection of raster lines belonging to the virtual raster. The method comprises the steps of matching sets of objects against a cell unit, which corresponds to a recurring known basic element of said raster; when a set corresponds with the cell unit, identifying the objects in the set as approved; and reconstructing the virtual raster on the basis of the mutual arrangement of the approved objects. A computer program, a storage medium and a device for position determination are also described.

Abstract: Laser power monitoring arrangements interrupt power to a laser used in electro-optical readers upon detection of operating conditions not conforming to preestablished standards. An auxiliary light detector independently monitors the output power of a laser beam, and directly receives a portion of the laser beam reflected from a diffractive optical lens surface of an optical assembly for optically modifying the laser beam, or from a coated or uncoated inclined surface of a split collimating lens of the optical assembly. The split collimating lens may have its lens portions in mutual contact or separated by an air gap.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for implementing presence detection is provided. The method includes a first mode of a tri-modal application that monitors a field-of-view via a presence detection function of a scanner. The method also includes implementing a second mode of the tri-modal application when a change to the field-of-view is detected and a specified threshold of change is met. The second mode includes activating selected system components of a terminal device, which in turn include a processor and the presence detection function. The second mode also includes fully activating the scanner and monitoring the field-of-view for determining a bar code image. The method further includes initiating a third mode of the tri-modal application when the bar code image is detected at the scanner.

Abstract: A hand-supportable linear-type planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based device comprising a linear image formation and detection (IFD) module having a linear array of image detection elements and also image formation optics having a field of view (FOV) focusing a linear image of an object onto the linear array of image detection elements. A pair of planar laser illumination arrays (PLIAs) is arranged on opposite sides of the linear image formation and detection module, and produces a plurality of spatially-incoherent planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) components that are optically combined with respect to other PLIB components so as to produce a composite planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) that is arranged in a coplanar relationship with at least a portion of the FOV. Each PLIA includes a plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM includes a laser diode and beam focusing and diverging optics for producing one spatially-incoherent PLIB component.

Abstract: An optical reader can include an image sensor. In one embodiment an optical reader can be configured to have different operating modes, the different operating modes optimizing the reader for reading different indicia. In another embodiment an optical reader can comprise a multiple color emitting light source. In another embodiment an optical reader can be provided in a specialized form factor including an enlarged head portion and an elongated body portion extending from the head portion.

Abstract: Indications of user inputs with respect to a diagnostic image displayed on a display monitor are received to identify defective locations of the display monitor. Information is collected based on the received user inputs that identify defective locations of the display monitor.

Abstract: A system and method of scanning machine-readable symbols with a signal source modulated by a local oscillator to create by heterodyne mixing upconverted signals at the sum and difference frequencies of the local oscillator frequency and the frequency of the time-varying reflectance off the scanned symbols is disclosed. The reflected heterodyned signal is detected by a receiver. Ambient noise is filtered out from the reflected signal, and the received signal at the sum and difference frequencies is processed.

Abstract: An automated package dimensioning subsystem comprising a Laser Detecting and Ranging (LADAR-based) scanning apparatus for capturing two-dimensional range data maps of the space above a conveyor structure, along which packages are transported, and an image contour tracing apparatus for extracting package dimension data from the two-dimensional range data maps.

Abstract: Methods and systems that protect the privacy of signatures on envelopes containing ballots sent through the mail are provided. The envelope for returning ballots by mail includes an electronic optical shutter that covers an opening in the flap of the envelope. The voter signs the back of the envelope in an area that will be visible through the opening in the flap (covered by the optical shutter) when the envelope flap is sealed. The optical shutter is opaque under static conditions, but will become transparent when power is supplied to it. When the envelope flap is sealed and no power is applied to the optical shutter, the voter's signature will be concealed by the optical shutter. Upon receipt at the registrar's office, the optical shutter can be powered, thereby rendering the optical shutter transparent, and the voter's signature can be viewed.

Abstract: A digital-imaging based code symbol reading system comprising an image sensing array with a field of view (FOV), an illumination subsystem with an LED illumination array, an automatic illumination measurement subsystem, an illumination control subsystem, and programmed imager processor supporting an image-processing based illumination metering program. The automatic illumination measurement subsystem automatically measures the illumination level at a particular region of the FOV and determines the illumination duration necessary to achieve a desired spatial intensity in the detected digital image. The illumination metering program automatically analyzes and measures, in real-time, the spatial intensity distribution of the digital image and determines whether or not a corrected illumination duration is required or desired when detecting the next or subsequent digital images, during the current or subsequent object illumination and imaging cycle.

Abstract: A barcode reader converts an electric signal generated from reflection light received from a barcode to a differential signal by a differential processing unit, and detects an extreme of the differential signal by an extreme detection unit. An extreme validity determination unit determines whether the detected extreme is a valid extreme, and information on the extreme determined to be valid is once stored in a memory. On the basis of the information of the extreme stored in the memory, a barcode width data generation unit performs binarization processing. An inter-extreme time difference is measured to determine whether the extreme is a valid extreme or noise, and the extreme determined to be noise is not stored, such that the time required for processing and load are reduced.

Abstract: A transaction product includes an enclosure, an account identifier and an electrical circuit. The enclosure defines an aperture. The account identifier is at least one of connected to or enclosed within the enclosure and links the transaction product to an account or record. The account identifier is machine readable. The electrical circuit includes a flexible circuit member, wherein the flexible circuit member extends through the aperture defined by the enclosure such that a first portion of the flexible circuit member is coupled to an outside surface of the enclosure and a second portion of the flexible circuit member is positioned inside the enclosure. Other cards, products, assemblies and methods of using such cards, products and assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable electronic device including a memory having a first image file; a system for transferring a copy of the first image file to a second device; and a system for permanently converting the first image file to a different second image file. The system for permanently converting is based, at least partially, upon the copy of the first image file being transferred to the second device by the system for transferring. The second image file cannot be converted back to the first image file by the portable electronic device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bar code reading device of the type having an imaging assembly including a two dimensional image sensor and which may be moved between varying positions, orientations and angles relative to a substrate. In one embodiment a bar code reading device can be used to obtain an area electronic representation of a substrate including bar code indicia and a signature, and can output an area representation including a representation of a signature. In another embodiment, the bar code reading device can process and output a processed area electronic representation to an output destination. In one embodiment an output destination to which a bar code reading device outputs a processed area electronic representation is a display.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for enabling the high speed processing of image containing documents (i.e., photographs) to convert the same into electronic documents that may be electronically distributed to the original intended recipient without requiring the recipient to come into contact with the original image containing documents.

Abstract: A MEMs scanning device has a variable resonant frequency. In one embodiment, the MEMs device includes a flexible arm that extends from an oscillatory body. An electrical field applies a force to the flexible arm, thereby bending the flexible arm to change the moment of inertia of the oscillatory body and a secondary mass carried by the flexible arm. The shifted combined center of mass changes the resonant frequency of the MEMs device. In another embodiment, an absorptive material forms a portion of a torsional arm that supports the oscillatory body. The mechanical properties of the absorptive material can be varied by varying the concentration of a gas surrounding the absorptive material. The varied mechanical properties change the resonant frequency of the scanning device. A display apparatus includes the scanning device and the scanning device scans about two or more axes, typically in a raster pattern.

Abstract: An imaging device including at least one imaging array and image formation optics that provide a field of view corresponding to the imaging array. At least one illumination module (which includes at least one source of coherent illumination) produces planar light illumination that substantially overlaps the field of view corresponding to the imaging array. Illumination control circuitry modulates the power level of illumination produced by the source of coherent illumination during each photo-integration time period of the imaging array to thereby reduce speckle noise in images captured by the imaging array. The illumination control circuitry preferably modulates the power level of illumination by controlling the number and/or duration of time periods corresponding to different power levels of illumination produced by the source of coherent illumination during each photo-integration time period of the imaging array.