Abstract: The present invention provides a linear vibration motor, which includes a base, a vibration unit, an elastic part and a coil assembly. The vibration unit has a weight, a pole plate and a magnet. The coil assembly includes an iron core and a coil fixed to the iron core. Further, the iron core includes an iron core body for being wound by the coil, and an iron core extension part extended and fixed from the opposite ends of the iron core body. The iron core extension part of the base includes a connecting part connected to the iron core body and a fixing part bent and extended by the connecting part and fixed to the base. A thickness of the connecting part is greater than a thickness of the fixing part. Compared with the related technology, the linear vibration motor has improved vibration performance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for maintaining, adjusting and/or accurately determining the position of a moveable element, e.g., a moveable shaft mounted component are described. The moveable component may be, for example, a mirror or mirror support of a camera module. A hall sensor is used to measure distance to the moveable component. To facilitate the distance measurement a magnet is secured to the moveable component. The hall sensor is used to determine the distance between the magnet and sensor. A metal plate is placed along a side of one of the supports used to support the shaft to which the moveable component is attached. The magnet which facilitates distance measurement is attracted to the plate reducing the risk of side to side movement even when the shaft fits loosely in the supports and is rotated. The magnet facilitates distance measurements and reliable control of position relative to the sidewall plate.

Abstract: A data distributer device for controlling the lighting effects of a series of LEDs associated with a plurality of LED computer fans is disclosed. According to certain embodiments, the data distributer device comprises a printed circuit board, a plurality of LED fan data connectors on the printed circuit board, a controller data input connector on the printed circuit board and at least one power input connector on the printed circuit board. The plurality of LED fan data connectors is electrically arranged serially on the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A laser scanner which includes a transmission subsystem and a reception subsystem. The transmission subsystem includes a light source which emits a light beam and a scanning mirror rotatable about an axis which reflects the light beam toward a scanning area and which directs return light from objects toward the reception subsystem. The reception system may include a collecting mirror dimensioned and positioned to receive the return light from the scanning mirror. The reception system may also include a dichroic or interference filter disposed between the collecting mirror and the scanning mirror. The interference filter filters the return light from the scanning mirror and provides the filtered return light to the collecting mirror. The reception subsystem also includes a light detector disposed between the interference filter and the collecting mirror, in operation the light detector receives the filtered return light reflected from the collecting mirror.

Abstract: An attachment for use with a mobile device with an imaging device and a mobile-device light source can include one or more of an attachment base and an attachment body. The attachment base can be configured to secure the attachment body to the mobile device via a case for the mobile device. The attachment body can include at least one optical device for use with the imaging device, and an optical sensor to receive optical control signals from the mobile-device light source.

Abstract: The present disclosure may provide a MEMS scanner including a mirror configured to reflect light, a gimbal connected to the mirror to rotatably support the mirror, and a winding portion provided at the mirror or the gimbal to generate an electromagnetic force in interaction with a magnetic field formed in the vicinity when a current flows therethrough so as to adjust a rotational angle of the mirror, wherein the winding portion includes a silicon layer, a coil layer deposited on the silicon layer to generate physical deformation due to a current flowing therethrough, and a plurality of hollow holes formed on the coil layer to provide elasticity so as to reduce an amount of impact due to the physical deformation, and increase the dissipation area of heat generated.

Abstract: An image enhancer device for use with an associated mobile electronic device having a digital camera. The image enhancer device includes an image manipulator coupled to a first region of a housing and configured to modify an optical path of the digital camera; an aimer having an aiming element configured to direct at least one aiming light beam towards an object of interest; an illuminator having an illumination element configured to direct at least one illumination light beam from the housing towards the object of interest; and electronics allowing for communication between the image enhancer device and the associated mobile electronic device. The image enhancer device forms a scan angle relative to a field of view of the digital camera of the mobile electronic device and allows for bar code imaging and/or native image processing with the digital camera of the associated mobile electronic device.

Abstract: A laser scanning system having a laser scanning field, and a laser beam optics module with an optical axis and including: an aperture stop disposed after a laser source for shaping the laser beam to a predetermined beam diameter; a collimating lens for collimating the laser beam produced from the aperture stop; an apodization element having a first and second optical surfaces for extending the depth of focus of the laser beam from the collimating lens; and a negative bi-prism, disposed after the apodization element, along the optical axis, to transform the energy distribution of the laser beam and cause the laser beam to converge to substantially a single beam spot along the far-field portion of the laser scanning field, and extend the depth of focus of the laser beam along the far-field portion of the laser scanning field.

Abstract: A laser scanning system having a laser scanning field, and a laser beam optics module with an optical axis and including: an aperture stop disposed after a laser source for shaping the laser beam to a predetermined beam diameter; a collimating lens for collimating the laser beam produced from the aperture stop; an apodization element having a first and second optical surfaces for extending the depth of focus of the laser beam from the collimating lens; and a negative bi-prism, disposed after the apodization element, along the optical axis, to transform the energy distribution of the laser beam and cause the laser beam to converge to substantially a single beam spot along the far-field portion of the laser scanning field, and extend the depth of focus of the laser beam along the far-field portion of the laser scanning field.

Abstract: A laser scanning symbol reading system includes an analog scan data signal processor for producing digital data signals, wherein during each scanning cycle, a light collection and photo-detection module generates an analog scan data signal corresponding to a laser scanned symbol, a multi-channel parallel scan data signal processor/digitizer processes the analog scan data signal along multiple cascaded multi-stage signal processing channels, to generate digital data signals corresponding thereto, while a synchronized digital gain control module automatically processes the digital data signals in response to start of scan (SOS) signals generated by a SOS detector.

Abstract: A strobe illumination control process for use in a digital image capture and processing system includes illuminating an object in the field of view with different pulses of illumination over a pair of consecutive video image frames, detecting digital images of the illuminated object over these consecutive image frames, and decode processing the digital images. In a first illustrative embodiment, upon failure to read a symbol in one of the first and second images, these digital images are analyzed in real-time, and based on the results of this real-time image analysis, the exposure time is adjusted during subsequent image frames. In a second illustrative embodiment, upon failure to read a symbol in one of the first and second images, these digital images are analyzed in real-time, and based on the results of this real-time image analysis, the energy level of the illumination is adjusted during subsequent image frames.

Abstract: A marker processing method includes: (a) binarizing a shot image; (b) labeling one or more constituents of the image detected based on the image binarized in step (a); (c) obtaining a region centroid of each of the constituents corresponding to the respective labels processed in step (b); (d) obtaining a degree of overlap of the region centroids of the constituents corresponding respectively to the labels, obtained in step (c); and (e) detecting a marker based on the degree of overlap of the region centroids obtained in step (d).

Abstract: A laser scanning symbol reading system includes an analog scan data signal processor for producing digital data signals, wherein during each scanning cycle, a light collection and photo-detection module generates an analog scan data signal corresponding to a laser scanned symbol, a multi-channel parallel scan data signal processor/digitizer processes the analog scan data signal along multiple cascaded multi-stage signal processing channels, to generate digital data signals corresponding thereto, while a synchronized digital gain control module automatically processes the digital data signals in response to start of scan (SOS) signals generated by a SOS detector.

Abstract: A laser scanning system having a laser scanning field, and a laser beam optics module with an optical axis and including: an aperture stop disposed after a laser source for shaping the laser beam to a predetermined beam diameter; a collimating lens for collimating the laser beam produced from the aperture stop; an apodization element having a first and second optical surfaces for extending the depth of focus of the laser beam from the collimating lens; and a negative bi-prism, disposed after the apodization element, along the optical axis, to transform the energy distribution of the laser beam and cause the laser beam to converge to substantially a single beam spot along the far-field portion of the laser scanning field, and extend the depth of focus of the laser beam along the far-field portion of the laser scanning field.

Abstract: A laser scanning code symbol reading system includes an analog scan data signal processor for producing digital data signals, wherein during each scanning cycle, a light collection and photo-detection module generates an analog scan data signal corresponding to a laser scanned code symbol, a multi-channel parallel scan data signal processor/digitizer processes the analog scan data signal along multiple cascaded multi-stage signal processing channels, to generate digital data signals corresponding thereto, while a synchronized digital gain control module automatically processes the digital data signals in response to start of scan (SOS) signals generated by a SOS detector.

Abstract: A touch control barcode scanner, used for being externally connected to an electric connector of a mobile electronic device thereby enabling the mobile electronic device to provide with barcode scanning function, includes: a main body and a scan module and a touch control module electrically connected with each other. The scan module is disposed in the main body and electrically connected to an external connector inserted in the electric connector; the touch control module is disposed in the main body and installed with a touch control panel corresponding to one side board of the main body; the scan module can be actuated for processing scanning merely through gently touching the touch control panel and the touch control module.

Abstract: A laser scanning code symbol reading system includes an analog scan data signal processor for producing digital data signals, wherein during each scanning cycle, a light collection and photo-detection module generates an analog scan data signal corresponding to a laser scanned code symbol, a multi-channel parallel scan data signal processor/digitizer processes the analog scan data signal along multiple cascaded multi-stage signal processing channels, to generate digital data signals corresponding thereto, while a synchronized digital gain control module automatically processes the digital data signals in response to start of scan (SOS) signals generated by a SOS detector.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system to read a bar code or other optical code using a laser device and an image capture device. Using both devices improves the probability that a bar code is read on the first pass while still allowing a high pass by speed. In addition, using both devices improves the probability of reading a damaged or partially obscured bar code.

Abstract: A laser scanning bar code symbol reading system having a scanning window, from which blue/red beam-waist-extended laser scanning planes are projected and intersect within an extended depth of field (DOF) defined adjacent the scanning window. In the illustrative embodiment, the laser scanning bar code symbol reading system includes a laser scanning subsystem having: a dual laser sources for producing a laser beams having blue and red spectral components; a collimating lens for collimating the laser beams; an aperture stop for shaping the cross-sectional dimensions of the collimated the laser beams; and beam-waist extending optics (e.g. axicon-lens) for extending the waist of the laser beam having a red characteristic wavelength.

Abstract: A marker processing method includes: (a) binarizing a shot image; (b) labeling one or more constituents of the image detected based on the image binarized in step (a); (c) obtaining a region centroid of each of the constituents corresponding to the respective labels processed in step (b); (d) obtaining a degree of overlap of the region centroids of the constituents corresponding respectively to the labels, obtained in step (c); and (e) detecting a marker based on the degree of overlap of the region centroids obtained in step (d).

Abstract: Method of and system for reading bar code symbols a laser scanning bar code symbol reading system having the capacity to intelligently control the scan sweep angle of a laser scanning beam in a user-transparent and intuitive manner. In the event that two or more bar code symbol indications are represented in a buffered line of scan data, then the scan sweep angle of the laser scanning beam is automatically reduced so that the resulting laser scanning beam will be shortened and only a single bar code symbol will be scanned, most likely with the center portion of the laser scanning beam.

Abstract: A barcode scanner apparatus (10) includes a scanner button unit (118), a double-click detecting unit (104), a scanner control-process unit (106), and a scanner light-emitting unit (108). A switching signal (120) is sent from the double-click detecting unit (104) to the scanner control-process unit (106) when a double click for the scanner button unit (118) is detected by the double-click detecting unit (104) in a predetermined time. Therefore, the scanning light-emitting mode of the scanner light-emitting unit (108) is switched by the scanner control-process unit (106) from single line mode to multi-line mode or from multi-line mode to single line mode.

Abstract: An adaptive strobe illumination control process for use in a digital image capture and processing system. In general, the process involves: (i) illuminating an object in the field of view (FOV) with several different pulses of strobe (i.e. stroboscopic) illumination over a pair of consecutive video image frames; (ii) detecting digital images of the illuminated object over these consecutive image frames; and (iii) decode processing the digital images in an effort to read a code symbol graphically encoded therein. In a first illustrative embodiment, upon failure to read a code symbol graphically encoded in one of the first and second images, these digital images are analyzed in real-time, and based on the results of this real-time image analysis, the exposure time (i.e. photonic integration time interval) is automatically adjusted during subsequent image frames (i.e. image acquisition cycles) according to the principles of the present disclosure.

Abstract: Bar code imagers and methods of operating bar code imagers are described herein. One method includes illuminating a bar code with a first illumination beam provided by the bar code imager device, wherein the first illumination beam has a first wavelength, and illuminating the bar code with a second illumination beam provided by the bar code imager device, wherein the second illumination beam has a second wavelength that is different than the first wavelength.

Abstract: A laser scanning bar code symbol reading system for scanning and reading poor quality or damaged bar code symbols. The system includes a housing having a light transmission window; an extremely-elongated laser beam production module for producing an extremely-elongated laser beam having (i) a direction of propagation extending along a z reference direction, (ii) a height dimension being indicated by the y reference direction, and (iii) a width dimension being indicated by the x reference direction, where x, y and z directions are orthogonal to each other. Each extremely-elongated laser beam is characterized by an elongation ratio (ER) that is defined as Y/X>4.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus for decoding an encoded symbol character of a symbology includes a laser source operable to emit a beam along an axis and illuminate a target. The target includes an encoded symbol character. A focusing apparatus in optical communication with the laser source focuses the beam on the target at an object distance, and a detector receives light of varying intensities scattered from the encoded symbol character and converts the light into a first signal. A digitizer converts the first signal to a digital bit stream. The scanning apparatus further includes pre-stored information correlating a non-standard symbol pattern to a valid symbol character according to a standard definition of the symbology. The non-standard symbol pattern comprises a first number of elements that deviates from a second number of elements associated with the valid symbol character. A decoder receives the digital bit stream and utilizes the pre-stored information for decoding the signal.

Abstract: An optical code reader of the imager type includes at least one light source and at least one illumination lens downstream of the at least one light source for projecting a predetermined illumination pattern. The at least one illumination lens comprises a first main face, wherein in a first direction, the first main face has a plurality of elementary regions, each of the elementary regions of the at least one illumination lens having a slope with respect to an optical axis of the reader that is individually calculated so that the elementary region deviates the light fraction coming from the at least one light source and incident thereon towards a specific elementary region of the illumination pattern.

Abstract: A scan module in a reader for, and a method of, electro-optically reading symbols, include a light source for directing light at a symbol during reading, a light detector for detecting return light from the symbol during reading and for generating an electrical signal indicative of the detected return light, and an object sensor for sensing an object bearing the symbol and for generating a trigger signal for initiating the reading. The light source, the light detector and the object sensor are all supported by a common chassis.

Abstract: Described is a method and system for optimizing scanner performance. The method comprises obtaining a digitized representation of a bar code, estimating a set of parameters from the digitized representation, adjusting a scan angle as a function of at least one parameter in the set of parameters.

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: Systems and techniques for prevention of double scans of bar codes by identifying the possibility of ambiguities in position information estimated upon detection of a bar code. A bar code scanner estimates position information for a bar code upon detection of the bar code. Timing information for each detection and the accompanying position estimate is maintained, and lapses of time between detections and accompanying position estimates are noted. When successive scans of identical bar code information occur, the lapses of time are evaluated in light of predetermined criteria to determine whether or not an ambiguity exists that prevents reliable identification the scans as a double scan of the same bar code or successive scans of separate but identical bar codes.

Abstract: An automatically-activated bar code reading system including: a visible laser light source, scanning element and a plurality of stationary mirrors. When arranged in a first configuration, the visible laser light source, scanning element and plurality of stationary mirrors cooperate to produce a visible omni-directional laser scanning pattern with multiple laser scanning lines having substantially uniform spatial and temporal intensity characteristics at a given scanning plane parallel to a scanning window within a working distance of the system.

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: An electronic article surveillance (EAS) system including: an EAS device and an EAS range finder system for providing indication as to when the EAS device is within an operational distance from the EAS tag. The system may include a barcode scanner for providing an output having a distinct visible pattern when the operational distance is achieved. An energy source may be provided, and the EAS system may determine when the operational distance is achieved by detection of energy reflected from an article carrying the EAS tag.

Abstract: An optical information reading apparatus for reading information codes such as a bar code and a two-dimensional code includes, an image-forming lens fixed at a given point and imaging a reflection light from the information code, an optical sensor locating at a position relative to that of the image-forming lens and receiving an image formed by the image-forming lens, a light path bending unit bending the reflection light between the image-forming lens and the optical sensor a plurality of times, a shifter shifting the light path bending unit, a distance measurement unit measuring the distance from the information code to the reading apparatus and a controller controlling the shifter based on the measurement result of the distance measurement unit. The light path length between the image-forming lens and the optical sensor is changed by shifting the light path bending unit using the shifter.

Abstract: A barcode scanning system is provided, which comprises an amplitude compensation circuit to change the amplitude of signals corresponding to each location on the barcode such that all the signals have the same amplitude. The changing of the amplitude may be determined according to an angular position or an oscillating velocity of an mirror. Preferably, the cutoff frequency of a low pass circuit in the barcode scanning system is variable according to the oscillating velocity or the angular position of the mirror too.

Abstract: A laser scanning unit is provided. It comprises a housing; a scanning device; a pre-scan assembly generating a light beam and directing the light beam toward the scanning device; and a post-scan optical assembly receiving a scanning beam reflected from the scanning device and causing the beam to traverse a photoconductive member along a scan path. The post-scan optical assembly comprises a sensor for detecting the beam at a start-of-scan location and an end-of-scan location along the scan path.

Abstract: A scanning device or alight beam is moved for reciprocal scanning with respect to an image carrier, which carries image information thereon, and in a main scanning direction. The scanning device or the light beam is also moved with respect to the image carrier and in a sub-scanning direction intersecting with the main scanning direction. Light, which comes from the image carrier, is photoelectrically converted into an electric image signal. Smoothing operation processing is performed on forward scanning image signal components and backward scanning image signal components, which have been acquired respectively in a forward scanning stage and a backward scanning stage consecutive in the reciprocal scanning, and with respect to the sub-scanning direction.

Abstract: A multi-mode laser-based bar code symbol reading device having a hand-supportable housing with a light transmission aperture, wherethrough visible light can exit and enter the hand-supportable housing. A laser scanning engine, disposed within the hand-supportable housing, is controlled to selectively operate in either an omni-directional reading mode or a uni-directional bar code reading mode. In the omni-directional bar code reading mode, the laser scanning engine projects pattern through the light transmission aperture, an omni-directional laser scanning pattern producing multiple laser scanning lines with substantially uniform spatial and temporal intensity characteristics at any given scanning plane parallel to the light transmission aperture within the working distance of the system, and detects and decodes bar code symbols on objects passing through the omni-directional scanning pattern, and produces symbol character data representative of decoded bar code symbols.

Abstract: Scan lines are projected through a single horizontal window of a slot scanner and onto multiple surfaces of a product bearing a bar code symbol to be electro-optically read. The symbol may be in any orientation and on any vertical surface of the product, as well as on the bottom surface of the product.

Abstract: A visual tag having an imprinted image, a processor for calculating a response string corresponding to the content of the imprinted image and a challenge string, and a changeable screen to display the response string in machine-readable symbols. An authentication device reads the displayed symbols, and authenticates the displayed contents corresponding to the challenge string. The challenge string is generated either according to a random generator within the authentication device, or according to a real-time clock. A plurality of tags or objects can be authenticated and spotted within an image. The tag can also authenticate inputted messages and credentials.

Abstract: An electronic device (100) and a method for use thereof having an integral camera (102) for taking pictures from multiple sides of the electronic device. The electronic device (100) has a case (101) and a moveable assembly (108) for allowing the camera (102) to capture images from multiple angles with respect to the case depending on the position of the moveable assembly (108). A lens (122) may be used to correct or adjust the image. The camera (102) or electronic device electronics may be used to reverse an image when an odd number of mirrors (206), (208) are used to direct light to the camera (102).

Abstract: The present invention provides a barcode reader, which irradiates a scanned laser beam onto a barcode symbol and reads the information written in the symbol, wherein a laser beam scanning unit is made by insertion molding as one body with a movable support member, a support member fixed to the main body, and a metallic elastic member connecting these support members, the support members are molded as one body with a scanning mirror, and a permanent magnet is fixed to the support members. A driving coil is provided in proximity to the permanent magnet, and generates an attractive force or a repulsive force to rotate the magnet at a periodic laser beam scanning angle. Further, a stopper mechanism is provided to soften an external impact to the rotation of the scanning mirror.

Abstract: An optical unit for an optical symbol reader comprises an optical scanner for scanning an optical symbol with the laser beam emitted by a light source, by angularly oscillating a reflection face for reflecting the laser beam owing to an electromagnetic force. The optical scanner comprises a loose bearing structure having a shaft and a bearing bore and supporting a rotor having the reflection face to angularly oscillate freely with respect to a base. A certain bearing gap is formed between an outer diameter of the shaft and an inner diameter of the bearing bore. The optical scanner further comprises a coil spring resiliently for urging the rotor in a predetermined direction so that a part of an outer circumferential face of the shaft may be contacted with an inner circumferential face of a bearing bore.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for scanning a surface. An optical system generates a light beam to illuminate a surface. A carrier supports the surface for reciprocating motion with respect to the light beam to form one axis of a raster. A propulsion system moves the carrier at a substantially constant speed and a position sensor provides an output signal representing the surface position with respect to the light beam. A control system responsive to the output signal modulates a sample period reciprocally to carrier speed to achieve substantially constant scan length per sample and to control data acquisition timing.

Abstract: An automatic scanner which can be used at a point-of-sale (POS) station. The scanner provides a confined scanning volume, so as to avoid unintentional scanning of nearby objects that are located outside of this confined scanning volume. This scanner can be operated in an automatic hands-on mode of operation, or also operated as a stationary laser projection scanner in an automatic hands-free mode of operation. A collimated scanning pattern is projected from the hand-supportable device about a projection axis. The collimated scanning pattern intersects the projection axis within a narrowly confined scanning volume so that bar code symbols disposed within this scanning volume can be read omnidirectionally.

Abstract: High speed scanning arrangements in scanners for reading bar code symbols by oscillating a scanner component in single or multi-axis scan patterns.

Abstract: A reflection cowl for a bar-code scanner features that the light source wherein is a mono luminous element of light-emitting diode (LED) with a reflection cowl disposed in the rear aspect thereof, the reflection cowl is divided by the center line passed through the light source into a left and a right portions of reflection curved surfaces; respectively, the left and the right portions of the curved surfaces have a plurality of concaved reflection spherical surfaces thereon; all the reflection spherical surfaces have the function of distributing the light so as to make all the light rays reflected back from all the reflection spherical surfaces fall evenly on the convex light stick, thereby adjusting the curvature of the reflection cowl further adjusts the left and the right distribution areas of the reflected light, that means, evenly distributes the brightness at the center and on the side rim thereof.

Abstract: Holographic optical elements are configured and deployed in optical imagers and scanners to produce optical modification of output laser beams and light received and detected by the system. In some preferred embodiments electrically switchable holographic optical elements (ESHOEs) are employed for beam tilting, for varying spot size and shape for modifying system focal distance and field of view, for changing laser aiming patterns and/or for color imaging.

Abstract: A dual aperture optical scanner which produces horizontal, vertical, and diagonal scan patterns. The optical scanner includes a housing having a substantially vertical surface containing a first aperture and a substantially horizontal surface containing a second aperture. A laser diode produces a laser beam. A spinner produces first, second, and third groups of scanning beams. A plurality of pattern mirrors reflects the first group of scanning beams in a substantially horizontal direction through the first aperture, the second group of scanning beams in a substantially downward diagonal direction through the first aperture, and the third group of scanning beams in a substantially vertical direction through the second aperture.