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.

Abstract: A device for the aiming and the visual indication of a reading area of a coded information reader includes an emitter which emits a preferably collimated light beam towards a reading area of a coded information reader, as well as a refractive optical element. The refractive optical element deflects at least one first portion of the light beam so as to generate at least two different beam portions active on at least two different zones of the reading area along at least two different optical paths. The refractive optical element includes opposed first and second faces which respectively collect the light beam and project the at least two beam portions onto the reading area. The second face includes at least one (preferably more than one) first surface portion inclined by a predetermined angle ? with respect to the first face and adapted to deflect the at least one first light beam portion by a predetermined deflection angle ? with respect to the optical axis Z.

Abstract: The operating environment of a moving laser beam in a flying spot, electro-optical reader is simulated in a solid-state, sensor-based imaging reader by turning a visible line produced by a light emitting diode on and off prior to capturing a two-dimensional image of a target.

Abstract: A multiple working range scanner includes a collection mirror which is segmented, with each segment having differing optical properties, such as focal length, optical axis, and so on. Differing segments or combinations of segments deal with reflected light received at differing working ranges, and direct it to a photodetector. In another embodiment, beam shaping may be applied to an astigmatic laser beam, for example by means of a part-concave mirror, to create an x waist in the beam which is further from the scanner than the y waist. This provides enhanced performance when the scanner is used on a bar code symbol which is not accurately aligned. In order to provide improved optical alignment within a bar code scanner, the collection mirror may be adjustable both in the x direction and in the y direction.

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: Imaging optical code readers and imaging systems are disclosed for measuring or deriving physical parameters of objects in a field of view such as object dimensions and weights. A projected pattern and weight responsive platform maybe used in such measurements.

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: An omnidirectional optical code reader employs two or more line photo sensor arrays orientated at an angle to one another. Electrical signals from the photo sensor arrays may be converted to digital signals by circuitry located on the die of each of the line photo sensors. Code reader circuitry is located on a circuit board orientated vertically in a backwardly sloping handle of a gun-shaped housing.

Abstract: An imaging optical code reader is adapted for use in producing video displays and for use in motion detection surveillance using video compression and narrow band width communication links. An optical system including a plane parallel plate may be employed to change the system focal distance.

Abstract: A bar code reading system comprises a first bar code label and a second bar code label. The first bar code label is positioned on an object at a first location and in a first orientation. The second bar code label is positioned on the object at a second location and in a second orientation. The first and second bar code labels each have indicia thereon representative of a label data set. Bar code reading apparatus positionable next to the object has a limited field of view such that the bar code reading apparatus reads only first and second portions of the first and second bar code labels. The bar code reading apparatus produces first and second data sets representative of the first and second portions. A data processing system operatively associated with the bar code reading apparatus combines the first and second data sets to produce a combined data set representative of the label data set.

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: The method for reconstructing a bar code through consecutive scans comprises the following steps: a) carrying out at least one scan of the bar code; b) determining a reconstructed wave form representative of the at least one scan; c) carrying out an actual scan of the bar code; d) determining an actual wave form representative of the actual scan; e) aligning the reconstructed and actual wave forms; and f) combining the aligned wave forms by updating the reconstructed wave form with the actual wave form. The method can directly operate on the photo-sensor signal before carrying out any digitization of it.

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: A method and apparatus use light sources, such as LEDs, to illuminate target areas. At least one embodiment of the invention provides a system for illuminating target areas using multiple light sources, wherein the system comprises a first light source configured to illuminate a first target area. The system further comprises a second light source configured to illuminate a second target area, wherein the second target area is located more distant from the second light source compared to the distance from the second light source to the first target area. According to at least one embodiment, the illumination from the first light source and the illumination from the second light source overlaps on the first target area, and the intensities of the first and second light source are adjusted to provide a relatively balanced illumination of the first target area.

Abstract: Information processing apparatus and method in which an objective image is acquired, and indentification information corresponding to specific image pattern is recognized from the objective image. It is determined whether the identification information recognized in local identification information for starting processing previously registered for each terminal, or any one of a plurality of code representing global identification information for starting processing common to all terminals. If the identification information is determined to be local identification information, the processing previously registered for each terminal is locally executed. If the identification information represents the global identification information, a request is made to a global code server that searches an associated global database having a plurality of stored codes and corresponding information, to execute the global processing corresponding to the identification information.

Abstract: In the present invention, the control unit of an optical reader analyzes image data being generated by the imaging element of the reader and changes the mode of operation of the reader if the image data indicates that machine readable indicia, such as a bar code symbol or a text character, is likely in the field of view of the reader. Normally, analysis of image data includes the step of detecting for edge transitions in the image information. If the control unit determines that the image data includes more than a predetermined number of edge transitions, then the control unit imparts appropriate control over various reader elements to change the mode of operation of the reader. Normally, the control unit changes the mode of operation of the reader from a first mode, wherein the reader does not operate to decode or recognize image data to a second mode, wherein the reader operates to decode and/or recognize image data.

Abstract: An optical scanning module and a scanner incorporating the scanning module for reading bar codes and other optical indicia that consists of a printed circuit board, an elongated elliptical aperture in the scanning module that is spaced from the circuit board, a light source mounted on the printed circuit board for projecting at least one beam of light through the aperture and onto a dataform to be read, and a detector mounted on the printed circuit board for sensing light reflected from the dataform and through the aperture. Light baffle is preferably used to isolate light source from the detector in the optical scanning module of the present invention.

Abstract: A plurality of two-dimensional bar codes are arranged on a traveling plane in a game machine. A self-propelled member travels on the traveling plane so as to trace a programmed traveling path. A bar code reader is provided in the self-propelled member, for reading information provided with each two-dimensional bar code. A position information processor detects a travel position of the self-propelled member in accordance with the information read by the bar code reader, and controls a movement of the self-propelled member in accordance with the detected travel position.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide an optical reader which is compatible with every environment irrespective of installation and usage environments, thereby enabling uniform manufacturing, satisfactory reading reliance, and operative safety and user-friendliness. The optical unit is mounted on the stage, and there is provided an inclination apparatus which inclines the stage at a desired angle. Thereby, without changing a preset optimal scanning pattern, only its emitting direction becomes changeable freely.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus includes a light source; memory circuitry that stores data; optical scanning circuitry that uses the light source to optically scan an image and to generate data corresponding to the image to be stored in the memory circuitry; an optical transmitter using the light source to optically transmit data in the memory circuitry; a selector connected with the light source to provide one of a first input signal modulated according to the data stored in the memory circuitry and a second input signal that is constant, and a controller that controls the selector to supply the second signal to the light source when a scanning mode is selected and to supply the first signal to the light source when a data transmission mode is selected.

Abstract: An imaging module in one embodiment includes an aiming system having a light source, an aperture and an optical element positioned optically forward of the aperture wherein the aiming system projects a crisp and sharp aiming pattern onto a target over a wide range of distances. In one embodiment, an aiming system is configured so that a lens operates as an aperture to project a crisp sharp aiming pattern over a wide range of distances including distances at which the aiming pattern is less than optimally focused. In another embodiment an aiming system is configured so that light emanating from a thin aperture is imaged in such manner that a crisp, sharp aiming pattern is defined over a wide range of distances. The aiming pattern in one embodiment includes sharply defined lateral edges which are useful in sighting target indicia.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an information processing apparatus comprising: an image acquiring means for acquiring an objective image; an identification information recognizing means for recognizing, of the objective image acquired by said image acquiring means, identification information corresponding to a specific image pattern; a decision means for deciding whether said identification information recognized by said identification information recognizing means is local identification information for starting processing previously registered for each terminal or global identification information for starting processing common to all terminals; a local executing means for executing, if said identification information is decided as the local identification information by said decision means, the processing previously registered for each terminal; a global processing requesting means for requesting, if said identification information is decided as the global identification information by said decision means, a specific

Abstract: A laser beam scan type barcode reader which reads a pair of spaced marks which adjusts or specify corrects start and stop positions of the laser beam irradiation. The distance between the pair of marks corresponds to a length of a barcode to be read. The reader detects the start and stop positions of the laser beam irradiation determined by the pair of marks, and sets the detected start and stop positions of the laser beam irradiation. When the reader reads the barcode, it controls the turning on/off of the laser beam in one scan period based on the set start and stop positions of the laser beam irradiation, and determines the actual scan span in which the laser beam is turned on in the one scan period based on the start and stop positions determined by the pair of marks, which ensures preventing structural, functional and characteristic deviations of the reader from the standards from influencing the scan span of the laser beam.

Abstract: A method of operating a bar code reader (16) in which one or more bar codes (25,26) are detected at different positions (X1, X2) within a scanning range of the bar code reader (16) by the latter, the scanning distance (d1, d2) between the bar code reader (16) and the respectively detected bar code (25,26) is found anf the position (X0, Y0, Z0) and/or the scanning angle (&agr;, &bgr;, &ggr;) of the bar code reader (16) is foubd from the respectively found scanning distance (d1, d2) and from known position data (X1, X2)of the detected bar code (25,26).

Abstract: A method of reading of a bar code consisting of a predetermined number of code elements for the generation of a binary signal with sequential high/low phases, the length of which correspond to the widths of the sequential code elements. The bar code is sensed by at least two scanning beams from different directions along different scanning lines. At least some of the regions of the bar code are scanned by a scanning beam and are respectively detected as a code segment, and wherein at least some of the detected code segments are selected with respect to predetermined decision criteria and combined for the reconstruction of the scanned bar code. Furthermore an apparatus is described for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A device for scanning a bar code symbol is adapted on a glove to be worn comfortably on an operator's bare or gloved hand. The glove includes a scan element on the back of the glove electrically connected to an activation switch disposed on a bottom finger tip of the glove. The activation switch triggers the scan element to scan a bar code by pressing the finger tip at a base of the bar code symbol to be read. Sliding the finger to turn on the scan element is a natural motion and does not interfere with normal use of the hand.

Abstract: A data reading systems including an aiming aid system which creates a highly visible target or image in the scan volume at a preferred location for placement of the article to be scanned. In a preferred application, an overhead bar code scanner employs a rotating polygon mirror which scans one or more laser beams off pattern mirrors creating a complex pattern of scan lines down into the scan volume whereby the aiming aid is created by directing a laser beam onto a scanning mirror positioned on top of the polygon mirror generally along the rotational axis of the polygon mirror and then directing that beam out into the scan volume in the desired pattern, such as a circular aiming aid. Alternately, the aiming aid may be a multi-dimensional graphical image formed by holographic or diffractive optics.