Abstract: There is described a device having a two dimensional imager. The device having a two dimensional image sensor can be a hand held device. Imaging optics can be provided for focusing light reflected from a target onto the two dimensional imager. A two dimensional image sensor can be a color image sensor adapting the hand held device for use in obtaining a color image having color imaging data. Color imaging data obtained can be subject to processing.

Abstract: An aiming device for an image acquisition apparatus includes light emitting means and a light guide arranged for receiving a luminous radiation generated by the light emitting means and for providing reference image means in an aiming zone, the light guide including consecutive portions of light guide defining preferential directions of passage for the luminous radiation, each portion of light guide being inclined with respect to an adjacent portion of light guide.

Abstract: An operator is guided to move an imaging reader to an optimum reading position in which to read a symbol by image capture. Optimum image capture occurs substantially at an imaging plane of an imaging assembly, and the operator is visually guided so that the symbol is located substantially at the imaging plane in a working range of distances.

Abstract: To facilitate the recognition and interpretation of actions undertaken within an environment, the environment is associated with a precision positioning system (PPS) and a controller in communication with the PPS. Within the environment, an entity moves about in furtherance of one or more tasks to be completed within the environment. The PPS determines position data corresponding to at least a portion of the entity, which position data is subsequently compared with at least one known action corresponding to a predetermined task within the environment. Using a state-based task model, recognized actions may be interpreted and used to initiate at least one system action based on the current state of the task model and correspondence of the position data to the at least one known action. Furthermore, based on the recognized action, the controller may provide information to the entity or captured event data may be associated with the recognized action.

Abstract: In an apparatus, a collimated-beam irradiating unit irradiates on the target a substantially collimated beam with a size thereon. A first pickup unit causes the photodetector to pick up through the imaging optics a first image of the target while the substantially collimated beam is being irradiated on the target by the collimated-beam irradiating unit. A measuring unit measures size information indicative of the size of the collimated beam being irradiated on the target based on the picked-up second image. A distance determining unit determines a distance between the apparatus and the target based on the measured size information of the collimated beam.

Abstract: A portable indicium scanner that includes circuitry for enabling an aiming pattern through an activation device. The aiming pattern targets selected indicia and signals the operator indicating whether a proper selection has been made, thereby allowing an imaging system to capture and decode the targeted indicia. The activation device includes a switch, two-stage trigger, an accelerometer, or photosensor that is located within the scanner.

Abstract: A positioning controlling apparatus includes: a current speed calculator that calculates a current speed of a conveyor belt from a detected moving distance; a position determining unit that determines the position of a conveyor belt for determining its stop position also from the detected moving distance; a gain switch having a plurality of gains; a target speed calculator that inputs a gain obtained by switching, and calculates a target speed of the conveyor belt; a speed error calculator that calculates an error between a calculated target speed and a calculated current speed; and an automatic controller that controls a drive motor by using a speed error. When the position determining unit determines that the conveyor belt is in the positioning area, the gain switch performs positioning while switching plural gains and outputting it.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a camera that includes a field of view (FOV), the method for selecting a portion of the field of view for analysis and comprising the steps of placing at least a portion of a first object within the field of view of the camera, providing a light source separate from the camera, directing the light source toward the first object within the field of view of the camera so that the light forms an aiming pattern that is one of on and proximate a first location of interest on the first object, obtaining an image of the portion of the first object within the field of view including the aiming pattern, identifying the location of the aiming pattern in the obtained image and using the aiming pattern in the obtained image to perform a processing function.

Abstract: A device and method decodes data from a target. The method comprises projecting an aiming pattern onto the target using an aiming system. The aiming pattern has a predetermined shape. The method comprises capturing an image of an area using an image capturing device. The area includes at least one of a first area and a second area. The first area is an area of the aiming pattern. The second area is a predetermined area around the aiming pattern. The method comprises processing the image to determine a presence of the target within the image.

Abstract: A play toy equipped with a barcode reader, which has a simple structure and is capable of outputting detection accuracy required for play toy, is provided. A guide member 57 extending parallel to openings of a movable member 37 is received within a reader body of the barcode reader. A barcode sensor holder 59, which slidably holds barcode sensors on the guide member 57, is mounted. There is provided a rotation link 61 of which one end rotates on a rotation center axle 65 and the other end thereof slidably connected to the barcode sensor holder 59. Using energy released from a first spring 67, the rotation link 61 is rotated to move the barcode sensor holder 59 from one end to the other end of the opening 41. Using energy released from a second spring 70, the rotation link 61 is rotated in reverse on the rotation center axle 65 to return the barcode sensor holder 59 from the other end to the one end of the opening 41.

Abstract: A method and system for enhancing the accuracy of RFID tag reading is disclosed. An imaging device is used to facilitate aiming of the RFID tag in a manner that mitigates the likelihood of inadvertently reading a nearby RFID tag instead of the desired tag. In this manner, the utility of the RFID reader is substantially enhanced.

Abstract: A system and method for reading an optical code is provided. The optical code reader system includes a dual aim/illumination assembly including a single light source generating: a) light having a first intensity for providing an aim pattern visible to a user for aiming the aim pattern at a target during an aim period of a scan cycle having at least an aim period and an exposure period; and b) light having a second intensity greater than the first intensity for providing illumination during the exposure period of the scan cycle. An imager module having an array of photo sensors senses incident light and generating image signals corresponding to the sensing during the exposure period.

Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system including a housing having an imaging window; and an image formation and detection subsystem with an area-type image detection array having a periodic snap shot mode of the operation supporting the periodic occurrence of snap-shot type image acquisition cycles at a high-repetition rate, during object illumination and imaging operations. The system also includes an illumination subsystem, with a LED illumination array, for producing a field of illumination within the FOV, and illuminating the object detected in the FOV.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a read operation including acquiring a series of frames of image data; processing a first frame of image data including an array of pixel data acquired while an aiming pattern was generated for determining a location L of at least one pixel of the array of pixel data that corresponds to the aiming pattern; and processing a second frame of image data acquired while the aiming pattern was not generated. The processing of the second frame of image data includes the steps of selecting at least one optical code acquired in the second frame of image data that is located at a respective location; wherein the respective location meets a predetermined condition relative to the determined location L; and providing the selected at least one optical code for further processing in accordance with the read operation.

Abstract: A method of capturing processing digital images of an object, using a hand-supportable digital image capture and processing system having a trigger switch, an imaging window and a field of view (FOV) projected therethrough and onto an area-type image detection array. The method involves automatically detecting an object within the FOV, and generating a first trigger event indicative of automatic object detection within the FOV. In response to the generation of the first trigger event signal, the object targeting illumination subsystem automatically generates and projects a visible targeting illumination beam within the FOV. The human operator aligns the visible targeting illumination beam with the object in the FOV, and then manually actuates the trigger switch to generate a second trigger event signal.

Abstract: The disclosed bar code reader includes an auto-focusing component for rapidly producing in focus images. An imaging system makes use of an aiming pattern that impinges upon the coded indicia of a target. The imaging system includes a light monitoring pixel array and a focusing lens that is fixed with respect to the pixel array for transmitting an image of the target object onto the pixel array. The imaging system also includes a movable mirror mounted for movement along a path of travel to reflect light passing through the focusing lens onto the pixel array. A drive motor moves the mirror relative the lens to adjust a focus of an image of the object formed at the pixel array. An automatic focusing component of the imaging system analyzes the aiming pattern reflected from the target object and projected onto the pixel array by the lens.

Abstract: A scanner with a two dimensional array of sensors generates an aiming pattern that is concurrently used as illumination for a segment of the array. In this manner, one-dimensional and simple two-dimensional barcodes can be quickly processed by loading and decoding only the segment of the array.

Abstract: A range-finding system for a portable image reader is described. The range-finding system uses a distance-measuring device, such as an ultrasonic transducer, to determine the distance between the reader and a target, such as a label containing a bar code. An operator receives a visual indication which will assist in positioning the image reader within the optimal reading range of the target. The visual indicator may include three LED's of different color or with different blinking rates which will indicate to the operator that the reader is short, long or in the optimal reading range of the reader. In one embodiment, the reader would automatically cycle through an image acquisition or decode sequence when range finder detects that the target is within the optimal reading range of the reader. In another embodiment, the visual indicator will prompt the operator to manually trigger the image acquisition or decode sequence once the reader is positioned within the optimal reading range.

Abstract: An optical reader that is configured for classifying an image. The optical reader includes an image analysis component that is configured for classifying the image by evaluating a result of attempting to locate and process a portion of the image as graphical symbol, and configured for classifying the image as an image including a graphic symbol if and when attempting to locate and process a portion of the image as graphical symbol is successful, and configured for classifying the image as an image excluding a graphic symbol if and when attempting to locate and process a portion of the image as graphical symbol is unsuccessful.

Abstract: A two-dimensional code detector detecting a two-dimensional code including a plurality of position identifying patterns and an information pattern and generating control information for an object provided with the two-dimensional code, the two-dimensional code detector includes: an image input unit which inputs an acquired image obtained by an image pickup of the object; a pattern detection unit which detects position identifying patterns within the acquired image; a position/posture calculation unit which calculates position/posture information indicating a position and posture of the two-dimensional code in a three-dimensional space based on a two-dimensional position of the position identifying patterns detected by the pattern detection unit; a decoding device which decodes the information pattern; and a control information generating unit which generates the control information based on the decoded information decoded by the decoding device and the position/posture information calculated by the position/p

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for detecting false purchases is disclosed. The method includes detecting a motion across a product identifier in a self-service terminal and monitoring for a product identifier. In response to failing to detect the product identifier, an alert signal is transmitted.

Abstract: A bar code scanning system and method for reading and processing bar code symbology uses a scanning station installed above the check-out stand and a receiving station at some distance away from the scanning station. The scanning station projects light onto a surface of the check-out stand. The projected light can have a well defined border indicating where a user should place items to be scanned. Alternatively, a pattern coincident with the projected light can be projected onto the surface and which includes a target indicating where items should be placed for scanning. Light reflected by items in the target region is processed to decode optical symbology on the item and produce a signal that is representative of said sensed symbology. Information about the scanned item can be processed and displayed by the receiving station for use in, e.g., a point-of-sale transaction.

Abstract: A reader such as a barcode reader identifies at least one potential target such as a barcode symbol in its field-of-view, and projects or transmits an indicator toward or proximate the potential target containing information about the respective potential target. Such information may include which target is currently active, the symbology in which the target is encoded, the relative position of the reader with respect to the target, the ability of the reader to decode the target, and/or ranked or sorted order information regarding the target and neighboring targets. The reader may rank, sort, prioritize or otherwise determine order based on various parameters, including symbology, position in field-of-view, size, etc., and may base such on past history of the reader and/or user, and may weight such.

Abstract: An indicia decoding device can have an image sensor and a laser diode assembly configured to project laser light onto a substrate. When a trigger signal is received by the indicia decoding device, the device can calculate a delay and enable the laser diode assembly if a delay threshold is satisfied. The indicia decoding device, in one embodiment, can include a hand held housing and an imaging module carrying the image sensor.

Abstract: A pointing device having a laser in a handheld housing is disclosed. The laser generates a light beam that exits the housing. A beam steering assembly causes the light beam to move relative to the housing. The pointer includes a housing orientation sensor that measures the orientation of the housing. A controller operates the beam steering assembly to compensate for changes in the housing orientation. Embodiments based on housing orientation sensors constructed from a gyroscope and a camera are described. In addition to stabilizing the light beam location, embodiments in which the beam steering assembly also causes the light beam to execute a fixed pattern can also be constructed.

Abstract: A barcode sensor package has an optical emitter circuit and an optical detector circuit which are formed as one or more integrated optical circuits disposed in a housing which has a reading surface and one or more apertures located between the optical emitter and detector circuits. The optical emitter circuit has an emitter die, such as a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), for emitting a light beam and a diffraction optical element disposed on the emitter die for focusing the light beam to a bar code. The optical detector circuit has a photodetector die, such as a phototransistor, for detecting reflective light and another diffraction optical element disposed on the photodetector die for guiding light reflected from the bar code to the detector. The diffraction optical elements are fabricated by patterning optical layers, deposited on respective emitter and detector dies, using photolithograph or a direct write process.

Abstract: A targeting system for a portable image reader, which advantageously combines a number of functions including alignment, aiming, framing and range finding and provides a wide imaging range with an optimal field of view, is described. The targeting system projects a predetermined pattern having two or more components onto the target such that the components maintain a uniform distance between one another to bound the target and further vary in size as a function of their distance between the image reader and the target. The targeting system comprises targeting LED's, apertures positioned over the targeting LED's, and cylindrical lenses positioned over the apertures. With this arrangement, at least two vertical lines are projected onto a target such that the lines maintain a uniform distance apart from one another, but vary in length as a function of the reader distance from the target. This allows the operator to quickly position the imaging device over a target.

Abstract: An arrangement for determining light beam position in an electro-optical reader, image projector and like devices includes a drive for moving a scanning light beam at a scan frequency across a target as a scan line, and an electro-optical feedback assembly operatively connected to the drive, for optically detecting scan line position during beam movement, and for generating a feedback signal at the scan frequency, the feedback signal being indicative of the scan line position. A feedback coil in the drive is eliminated to avoid electromagnetic coupling between multiple coils in the drive.

Abstract: An ambient illumination shielding apparatus for an imaging-based scanner adapted to read direct part marking (DPM) bar codes. The shielding apparatus includes an illumination shield extending from a housing of the scanner and extending along at least a portion of a path of travel of an aiming pattern generated by an aiming apparatus of the scanner. The shield passes illumination within a predetermined wavelength range and impedes passage of illumination outside of the predetermined wavelength range. The predetermined wavelength range of the shield includes a wavelength range of the aiming pattern generated by the aiming apparatus. The shielding apparatus further includes a filter disposed in proximity to an imaging system of the scanner and passing illumination within a predetermined wavelength range to the pixel array and impeding the passage of illumination outside of the predetermined wavelength range.

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 method, system and computer program product for detecting false purchases is disclosed. The method includes detecting a motion across a product identifier in a self-service terminal and monitoring for a product identifier. In response to failing to detect the product identifier, an alert signal is transmitted.

Abstract: A terminal for marking a paper ballot which lists a plurality of candidates and which includes a marking space for each candidate which can be either hand-marked by a voter, or machine-marked by the terminal. The terminal scans the ballot to determine the ballot format, and then presents candidate selection options to the voter. Candidate selections are entered through a touch screen menu or through an audio menu and are precisely marked on the front and back sides of the ballot in marking spaces corresponding to the selected candidates by conducting an alignment scan prior to printing that collects data to compensate for ballot rotation angles due to skewing. The ballot is returned to the voter in a form which enables the voter to visually confirm that his or her selections have been marked.

Abstract: A terminal for marking a paper ballot which lists a plurality of candidates and which includes a marking space for each candidate which can be either hand-marked by a voter, or machine-marked by the terminal. The terminal scans the ballot to determine the ballot format, and then presents candidate selection options to the voter. Candidate selections are entered through a touch screen menu or through an audio menu and are accurately marked on the front and back sides of the ballot in marking spaces corresponding to the selected candidates. A skew correction mechanism ensures accurate marking.

Abstract: An automatic focusing system for an imaging-based bar code reader. The automatic focusing system employs a two step process for moving a lens of an imaging system along its path of travel such that a sharp image of a target bar code is projected or focused onto an imaging system pixel array. The first step is laser ranging which utilizes a laser beam for range finding. Laser ranging determines a distance between the imaging system pixel array and the target bar code. Given the determined distance, the automatic focusing system moves the lens to a suitable position for imaging the target bar code. If ambient conditions prevent laser ranging from properly working, the second step is focus analysis. Focus analysis involves moving the lens in accordance with a search routine and analyzing image frames of the target object to find a suitable focus position.

Abstract: Laser power control arrangements interrupt power to a laser used in electro-optical readers upon detection of operating conditions not conforming to preestablished standards, and adjust power to the laser to enhance reader performance without violating prevalent safety standards.

Abstract: Barcode imaging and laser scanning systems are disclosed having at least one processor storing barcode decoding algorithms each corresponding to a respective symbology. The at least one processor causes at least one LED and/or a projected laser beam of the barcode imaging system to blink by rapidly turning it off and on one time or several times whenever a successful decode occurs. In the laser scanning system, the at least one processor causes a projected laser beam to be blinked by turning a laser beam system off and on one time or several times whenever a successful decode occurs. The act of blinking the at least one LED and/or the projected laser beam in the barcode imaging system or the act of blinking the projected laser beam in the laser scanning system provides a visual indication to a user of a successful decode. The act of blinking can also be used to visually indicate other information to a user.

Abstract: A control circuit performs capturing of pixel signals along each scanning line when a high-speed capturing mode is selected, switches the capturing mode to a partial capturing mode when it is assumed based on the captured pixel signals that an information code is present in one image region, sets a capturing objective area at a predetermined central region to capture pixel signals in this capturing objective area and perform a decoding operation.

Abstract: A cylindrical lens is axially moved along an optical axis to control a shape and size of a laser beam spot that is scanned across a symbol to be read by an electro-optical reader.

Abstract: Performance of an imaging reader for electro-optically reading direct part markings on workpieces is enhanced by ensuring that such markings are read in the vicinity of an ideal, focused, target plane, and by enhancing the contrast of such markings. Calibration and self-calibration of the reader improve performance.

Abstract: Different aiming light patterns are generated to enable an imaging reader to be pointed directly at a target by employing non-interferometric optical components that are fabricated by molding and machining techniques.

Abstract: An arrangement for determining light beam position in an electro-optical reader, image projector and like devices includes a drive for moving a scanning light beam at a scan frequency across a target as a scan line, and an electro-optical feedback assembly operatively connected to the drive, for optically detecting scan line position during beam movement, and for generating a feedback signal at the scan frequency, the feedback signal being indicative of the scan line position. A feedback coil in the drive is eliminated to avoid electromagnetic coupling between multiple coils in the drive.

Abstract: A targeting system for a portable image reader, which advantageously combines a number of functions including alignment, aiming, framing and range finding and provides a wide imaging range with an optimal field of view, is described. The targeting system projects a predetermined pattern having two or more components onto the target such that the components maintain a uniform distance between one another to bound the target and further vary in size as a function of their distance between the image reader and the target. The targeting system comprises targeting LED's, apertures positioned over the targeting LED's, and cylindrical lenses positioned over the apertures. With this arrangement, at least two vertical lines are projected onto a target such that the lines maintain a uniform distance apart from one another, but vary in length as a function of the reader distance from the target. This allows the operator to quickly position the imaging device over a target.

Abstract: A data collection device for reading barcodes, matrix codes, acoustical tags, radio frequency identifier (RFID) tags, and other data carriers. The data collection device includes components to determine an actual position of the data collection device with respect to a target data carrier. The data collection device further includes visual indicators to indicate the determined actual position relative to an optimal position of the data collection device relative to the target data carrier. The determined actual position can be at least one of an actual distance or an actual orientation of the data collection device relative to the target data carrier.

Abstract: Three non-complex imaging arrangements are provided where in two of the imaging arrangements a moveable carrier housing at least one objective lens is provided and, in the other imaging arrangement, at least one stationary objective lens and additional optical elements are provided. Each embodiment includes at least one fixed image sensor array for imaging thereon an optical code or target, such as a one-dimensional barcode symbol, or label, marking, picture, etc. Each imaging arrangement provides an extended working range of approximately 5–102 cm. The imaging arrangements are capable of being incorporated within a barcode imager to provide a non-complex barcode imager having an extended working range which is comparable to or greater than the working ranges of conventional image-based barcode imagers.

Abstract: An article scannable by a data capture device has an informational surface and a signature section disposed on the informational surface. The signature section has a signature area and at least two alignment bars A first alignment bar is disposed at a first end of the signature section relative to writing direction. A second alignment bar is disposed at the end of the signature section opposite the first end. The first and second alignment bars are within the signature section.

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 code symbol reading device includes a portable housing that contains a source of optical energy. This optical energy is projected into a scan field external to the housing and is incident upon a code symbol situated on an object located within the scan field. Optical energy reflected off the code symbol is detected within the housing to produce scan data that is indicative of the detected optical energy. The scan data is processed to detect and decode the code symbol and to produce symbol character data that are representative of the decoded code symbol. A data packet utilizing the symbol character data is constructed and then used to modulate an electromagnetic carrier sign that is transmitted to a base unit. At the base unit, the carrier signal is demodulated and the data packet is recovered. The received data packet is processed to recover the symbol character data, and an acknowledgment signal is generated to acknowledge the receipt of the symbol character data at the base unit.

Abstract: An imaging and an illuminating engine is provided for an optical code reader to image and illuminate remote target indicia. The engine includes an image sensor for receiving reflected illumination from the remote indicia and at least two illumination assemblies for providing illumination of the remote indicia. Each illumination assembly is capable of providing a number of different outputs, such as light having different wavelengths or different output durations. A transmissive, optical element overlays the engine for preventing light generated by the at least two illumination assemblies from reflecting back towards the image sensor. The imaging engine is an integrated circuit package for easily inserted and interfacing within an optical code reader as a plug-and-play component.

Abstract: External lighting on a data collection terminal provides additional illumination in which to capture an image of an optical code to be electro-optically read by the terminal.

Abstract: A green laser beam is generated and is focused and shaped with an asymmetrical beam cross-section in an electro-optical reader for reading indicia. The green laser beam is also used to illuminate an aiming spot or pattern on the indicia prior to reading.