Abstract: Portals and other chokepoints can be monitored with RFID reader systems. A portion of an RFID reader system capable of generating multiple beams can be mounted between two adjacent chokepoints such that some beams are associated with one chokepoint while other beams are associated with the other chokepoint. When replies from an item are received, the item can be associated with a chokepoint based on parameters or characteristics associated with the replies and/or the beam(s) on which the replies are received. If the detected item is moving, its movement direction through the chokepoint and/or its movement speed may also be determined.

Abstract: An engine for a machine-readable symbol reader includes an image sensor; at least one optical component positioned in an optical path of the image sensor, the image sensor and the at least one optical component having a receiving optical axis and a depth of field; an illumination source; and at least two optical components positioned relative to the illumination source to direct light emitted by the illumination source outward of the engine as a first beam and at least a second beam. The first and the second beams are each parallel to the receiving optical axis of the image sensor and the at least one optical component at least along the depth of field of the image sensor and the at least one optical component. The first and the second beams are opposed to one another across the receiving optical axis of the image sensor and the at least one optical component to provide a visible aiming indication when impinging on an object.

Abstract: A product authentication label includes a carrier layer made of a transparent or translucent material, a plurality of first reflection pattern forming bodies disposed in the carrier layer and configured to reflect a substantially identical reflection pattern regardless of the direction of irradiated light, and a plurality of second reflection pattern forming bodies randomly disposed in the carrier layer and configured to reflect a reflection pattern which varies depending on the direction of irradiated light.

Abstract: A technique detects counterfeit products having appearances similar to authentic products with high accuracy. A cholesteric liquid crystal layer in which hologram is processed and circularly polarized light of primary rotating direction having specific central wavelength can be selectively reflected and a code forming layer in which code printed pattern that is an objective of reading is formed, are arranged in this order seen from a side from which reading is performed. The hologram image that inhibits reading of information of the code while an optical reading device reads it together with the code, and it is formed by the hologram processing.

Abstract: A method for providing a printed optical illusion image having first and second illusion states, comprising: receiving a specification of an optical illusion image having one or more mutable portions; and printing the optical illusion image on a printing device using a plurality of colorants, wherein one or more of the colorants are appearance mutable colorants having spectral characteristics can be switched between a first colorant state and a second colorant state by application of an appropriate external stimulus. The printed optical illusion image can be switched between the first and second illusion states by applying the appropriate external stimulus to controllably switch the one or more appearance mutable colorants between their first and second colorant states, thereby switching the mutable portions of the printed optical illusion image between corresponding first and second appearance states.

Abstract: A printed dynamic optical illusion printed on a printing device using a plurality of colorants, wherein one or more of the colorants are appearance mutable colorants having spectral characteristics that can be controllably switched between a first colorant state and a second colorant state by application of an appropriate external stimulus, and wherein one or more mutable portions of the optical illusion image are printed using at least one appearance mutable colorant. The mutable portions are controllable such that when they are in a first appearance state the printed optical illusion image has a first illusion state, and when they are in a second appearance state the printed optical illusion image has a second illusion state, thereby changing the optical illusion image from the first illusion state to the second illusion state so as to affect the perception of an optical illusion by a human observer.

Abstract: A card authentication is performed. An authentication chip for performing authentication by a copy-disabled hologram chip is attached to a card and when or after the card is introduced into a handling device, the authentication chip information is read to perform authentication. Read may be performed in a planar shape but a linear shape can reduce the processing load. An arbitrary straight line or a curved line may be used as a read line shape by modifying the read position in association with the card movement when the card is placed to be read. When the card introduced to a terminal device is an unauthorized one, the card is ejected or an alarm is issued when the card is introduced inside.

Abstract: An automatic data collection device, such as a scanner-type device, is provided with an afocal optical element, such as an afocal lens, that operates in conjunction with a scanning mirror to scan a target machine-readable symbol using a scanning beam. The scanning mirror deflects a light beam into the afocal lens. The afocal lens operates to change a resolution or width of the scanning beam for far-field scanning, for example, where resolution is increased by the afocal lens. The afocal lens can also operate to change the resolution or width of the scanning beam for near-field scanning, for example, where resolution is decreased by the afocal lens.

Abstract: The claimed invention relates generally to steganography and watermarking. One claim recites: a method including: using an electronic application program to compose an electronic version of a document; providing the document onto a substrate, the provided substrate being steganographically encoded with plural-bit auxiliary data, the steganographically encoded plural-bit auxiliary data is substantially imperceptible to casual human inspection, but is detectable through visible light imaging of the document and processing of image data thereby produced; and storing at least some of the plural-bit auxiliary data in association with data identifying a location at which the electronic version of the document is stored. Of course, other combinations are provided and claimed as well.

Abstract: A method and system for authenticating an item by using a security marking. The security marking is provided on the item with an OVD ink capable of absorbing light in a visible wavelength range to appear visibly black and producing a red fluorescent emission under ultraviolet excitation. Under visible light illumination and ultraviolet excitation, a visible image and a fluorescent image are obtained from the security marking using image scanners. The images are compared to find a substantial match with each other. The security marking can be a postage indicium, a barcode, a symbol, a message or an image. The item to be authenticated can be a mailpiece, a banknote, a tag, a ticket, a document, an identification card, or the like.

Abstract: A method and system for authenticating an item by using a security marking. The security marking is provided on the item with an OVD ink capable of absorbing light in a visible wavelength range to appear visibly black and producing a red fluorescent emission under ultraviolet excitation. Under visible light illumination and ultraviolet excitation, a visible image and a fluorescent image are obtained from the security marking using image scanners. The images are compared to find a substantial match with each other. The security marking can be a postage indicium, a barcode, a symbol, a message or an image. The item to be authenticated can be a mailpiece, a banknote, a tag, a ticket, a document, an identification card, or the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a system and method for product verification for use with products intended to be introduced into circulation and including machine readable product data, and comprising a product data storage means, at least one portable reading device for said machine readable product data, wherein the machine readable product data is applied to products and is arranged for inspection by the at least one portable reading device remotely from the product data storage means and at at least one point in the product circulation route, and wherein the at least one portable reading device is arranged to verify the authenticity of the machine readable product data and thereby verify the authenticity of the product itself.

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 method of identifying or authenticating a product by providing an analog identification indicium including a randomized pattern of identification features on a first part of the product wherein one or more attributes of the randomized pattern of identification features correspond to an item identifier. A digital identification record is provided on a second part of the product including an encoded digital version of the item identifier, the first and second parts being separable when the product is used. The randomized pattern of identification features of the analog identification indicium is read and decoded to generate an item identifier and the digital identification record is read and decoded to generate an item identifier. The product is deemed authentic if the item identifier from the analog identification indicium substantially matches the item identifier from the digital identification record.

Abstract: A method of generating a complex laser scanning pattern from a bioptical laser scanning system for providing 360° of omnidirectional bar code symbol scanning coverage at a point of sale station that employs a plurality of laser scanning stations about a two independently controlled rotating polygonal mirrors. The system has an ultra-compact construction, ideally suited for space-constrained retail scanning environments, and generates a 3-D omnidirectional laser scanning pattern between the bottom and side-scanning windows during system operation. The laser scanning pattern of the present invention comprises a complex of laser scanning planes, including a plurality of substantially-vertical laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e. ladder type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially horizontal with respect to the bottom-scanning window, and a plurality of substantially-horizontal laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e.

Abstract: A method of generating a complex laser scanning pattern from a bioptical laser scanning system for providing 360° of omnidirectional bar code symbol scanning coverage at a point of sale station that employs a plurality of laser scanning stations about two independently controlled rotating polygonal mirrors. The system has an ultra-compact construction, ideally suited for space-constrained retail scanning environments, and generates a 3-D omnidirectional laser scanning pattern between the bottom and side-scanning windows during system operation. The laser scanning pattern of the present invention comprises a complex of laser scanning planes, including a plurality of substantially-vertical laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e. ladder type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially horizontal with respect to the bottom-scanning window, and a plurality of substantially-horizontal laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e.

Abstract: A laser scanning system can be used in construction projects to generate a field survey. An architect or engineer can use the field survey to create construction drawings. In addition, relevant points from the construction drawings can be identified at the construction site with the scanning system. Further, earth moving equipment can be controlled using the same information. The laser scanning system can be used to determine if two parts can be mated together by scanning and comparing the parts that are to be mated. The laser scanning system can further be used to determine if an object can be moved through an opening in a structure by comparing scan points of the structure with scan points from the object. The laser scanning system can be used to identify objects within the site, to build databases that have relevant information about the objects, and to guide reproducing machines.

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

Abstract: A bioptical holographic laser scanning system employing a plurality of laser scanning stations about a holographic scanning disc having scanning facets with high and low elevation angle characteristics, as well as positive, negative and zero skew angle characteristics which strategically cooperate with groups of beam folding mirrors having optimized surface geometry characteristics. The system has an ultra-compact construction, ideally suited for space-constrained retail scanning environments, and, generate a 3-D omnidirectional laser scanning pattern between the bottom and side scanning windows during system operation. The laser scanning pattern of the present invention comprises a complex of pairs of quasi-orthogonal laser scanning planes, each composed by a plurality of substantially-vertical laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e.

Abstract: An information reading apparatus can detect the coupling state of the input light to a waveguide of a laminated recording medium in a simple manner, so as to enable to focus the input light on a target recording layer to access the information recorded in the target recording layer quickly. The apparatus is compact and is economical to produce. The apparatus has a light source for injecting a light on an input edge of a lamination recording section, assembled into the recording medium containing a lamination of recording layers. Each recording layer has data represented by scattering centers which diffract an input light generated by a converging lens. An input light directing device directs the light source and the converging lens as a unit to focus the input light on a desired location. An image recording device records an informational image generated by guided waves produced within a laminated waveguide.

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 signal 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: A holographic laser scanner of ultra-compact design capable of reading bar and other types of graphical indicia within a large scanning volume using holographic optical elements and visible laser diodes. The holographic optical elements are arranged on the scanning disc in such a manner so that none of the laser scanning planes generated within the 3-D scanning volume of the system are spatially and temporally coincident with any other laser scanning plane within the 3-D scanning volume. This novel feature of the present invention ensures that there is substantially zero cross-talk at the plurality of photodetectors provided within the system, significantly improving the performance of the system.

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: An optical scanning unit with a rotatable hologram disc, including a light source, a rotatable hologram disc provided with a plurality of holograms, the holograms being formed concentrically along a radial direction to diffract a beam emitted from the light source by multiple steps, a reflecting member that reflects the beam emitted from the light source and diffracted by one of the holograms into another hologram, and a fixed hologram correcting the diffracted beam incident through the rotatable hologram disc to focus it on a scanning object. In the optical scanning unit, the light passes through the plurality of holograms formed along a radial direction of the rotatable hologram disc so that a scan width can be extended without reducing a scan speed of the optical scanning unit.

Abstract: An analog scan data signal processor is disclosed, in which a time-domain non-linear substrate noise filter is provided before a first derivative signal generation stage so as to produce, as output, a substantially fixed zero-reference signal level whenever a signal level indicative of a bar code substrate is detected, and the signal level analog scan data signal, whenever a signal level indicative of a bar code element is detected. By virtue of the present invention, it is now possible to reduce the level of substrate noise signals within input analog scan data signals, prior to deriving first derivative signals for subsequent signal processing. Consequently, the accuracy of binary signal level detection within such analog scan data signal processors can be significantly improved, thereby improving the performance of bar code symbol reading systems within which such analog scan data signal processors are employed.

Abstract: An information reader formed within a unitary enclosure for sensing whether information on a surface to be read is valid includes a plurality of different sensors for sensing the presence of different types of information on the surface being read. Each sensor is programmed to sense whether certain criteria pertaining to that sensor are met. In addition, the outputs of selected sensors are compared to ascertain whether the outputs of the selected sensors have a preset relationship indicative of a valid condition. In one embodiment the information reader includes a hologram sensor, a surface quality sensor, a bar code reader and a magnetic stripe read/write sensor.

Abstract: A holographic laser scanning system for carrying out laser beam scanning operations with improved light collection efficiency. The holographic laser scanning system comprises: a housing of compact construction; a plurality of laser beam sources; a holographic scanning disc supporting a plurality of holographic optical elements having fringe structure of variable spatial frequency; a plurality of laser beam folding mirrors disposed about the holographic scanning disc; a plurality of light focusing surfaces disposed below the holographic scanning disc; and a plurality of photodetectors disposed at the focal points of the light focusing surfaces. During laser beam scanning operations, each laser beam is transmitted through the outer edge portion of each holographic optical element at an angle of incidence.

Abstract: A holographic laser scanner of ultra-compact design capable of reading bar and other types of graphical indicia within a large scanning volume using holographic optical elements and visible laser diodes. The holographic optical elements are arranged on the scanning disc in such a manner so that none of the laser scanning planes generated within the 3-D scanning volume of the system are spatially and temporally coincident with any other laser scanning plane within the 3-D scanning volume. This novel feature of the present invention ensures that there is substantially zero cross-talk at the plurality of photodetectors provided within the system; significantly improving the performance of the system.

Abstract: A hologram scanner is constructed with a driving source for providing a rotational force, a deflection disk installed at the rotation shaft of the driving source for forming a scanning line, the deflection disk having a plurality of sectors where a hologram pattern for diffracting and deflecting incident light is formed, a TE polarized light emitting device, arranged to face one side of the deflection disk, for emitting TE polarized light so that major axis of an elliptical spot formed at a predetermined position on the deflection disk by the incident light is perpendicular to the radius vector of the deflection disk passing through the spot having an elliptical cross-section and a TE polarization mode, and an optical path altering device for altering the proceeding path of incident light, so that a scanning line formed by the rotation of the deflection disk proceeds to a photoreceptor medium.

Abstract: A holographic laser scanning system for scanning bar code symbols. The system comprises a holographic scanning disc having a plurality of holographic optical elements disposed thereon for scanning the plurality of laser beams directed at the same incident angle. Each holographic optical element as substantially the same Bragg angle. The parabolic light reflective surfaces are disposed beneath the holographic scanning discs. Each parabolic light reflective surface has an optical axis disposed off the Bragg angle of the holographic optical elements, for focusing towards a focal point above the holographic scanning disc, the reflected light rays collected by each holographic optical element. A photodetector is disposed at the focal point of the corresponding parabolic light reflective surface above the holographic scanning disc, and is radially aligned with the optical axis of one parabolic light reflective surface.

Abstract: The effects of paper/substrate noise are significantly reduced in multi-focal zone laser scanning systems by processing analog scan data signals with a scan data signal processor having a plurality of pass-band filters and amplifiers that are automatically selected for passing only the spectral components of an analog scan data signal produced when a bar code symbol is scanned at a particular focal zone in the laser scanning system. Two or more different pass-band filter structures can be provided for use in the scan data signal processor, wherein each pass-band filter structure is tuned to the spectral band associated with a particular focal zone in the laser scanning system.

Abstract: Novel methods are disclosed for designing and constructing miniature optical systems and devices employing light diffractive optical elements (DOEs) for modifying the size and shape of laser beams produced from a commercial-grade laser diodes, over an extended range hitherto unachievable using conventional techniques. The systems and devices of the present invention have uses in a wide range of applications, including laser scanning, optical-based information storage, medical and analytical instrumentation, and the like. In the illustrative embodiments, various techniques are disclosed for implementing the DOEs as holographic optical elements (HOEs), computer-generated holograms (CGHs), as well as other diffractive optical elements.

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 bar code symbol scanning system for laser scanning bar code symbols within a 3-D scanning volume and automatically producing bar code symbol position information specifying the position of each bar code symbol detected within said 3-D scanning volume. The system comprises a laser scanning mechanism and a scan data signal processor. The laser scanning mechanism generates and scans a laser beam so as produce a laser scanning pattern which is substantially confined within a 3-D scanning volume having a plurality of focal planes. During system operation, the laser scanning pattern, consisting of a plurality of scanlines disposed within each focal plane, scans the bar code symbol on each object transported through the 3-D scanning volume. In response thereto, the laser scanning mechanism automatically produces scan data indicative of the scanned bar code symbol.

Abstract: An automatic bar code symbol reading system for automatically reading bar code symbols on packages transported along a conveyor belt through a 3-D scanning volume. The system includes a holographic-based bar code symbol detector and a bar code symbol scanner mounted above the conveyor belt. The holographic-based bar code position detector produces a first laser scanning pattern within the 3-D scanning volume, and scans each transported package, detects the position of the bar code symbol therein, and automatically produces bar code position data specifying the position of the detected bar code symbol. In automatic response to the produced bar code position data, the bar code symbol scanner is steered so as to collect light reflected off the detected bar code symbol, and produce scan data indicative of the detected bar code symbol.

Abstract: A method of and system for automatically identifying packages during package transport operations carried out by a human operator walking through the doorway of a storage container parked up to a loading dock, wherein a laser scanning system is supported above the doorway defining a passageway of 3-D spatial extent, through which a human operator may walk while manually transporting packages bearing bar code symbols. In the illustrative embodiment, the laser scanning system includes a housing having a light transmission aperture, and a laser scanning pattern generator disposed within the housing. During operation of the system, the laser scanning pattern generator employs a holographic scanning disc to project through the light transmission aperture, an omnidirectional laser scanning pattern which is substantially confined within the spatial extent of a predefined 3-D scanning volume that spatially encompasses a substantial portion of the passageway.

Abstract: A system for illumination of a hologram includes a deflection mirror to direct light from a moving light source to illuminate the hologram, and a heliostat for tracking the moving light source and positioning the deflection mirror to direct light therefrom to illuminate the hologram. Such as system is optimized for illuminating outdoor holographic displays while still providing a desirable light source and illumination angle, and doing so efficiently and at low cost.

Abstract: A holographic laser scanners of ultra-compact design capable of reading bar and other types of graphrical indicia within a large scanning volume using holographic optical elements and visible laser diodes, and also a method of designing and operating the same for use in diverse applications.

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