Abstract: A bioptic barcode reader has a housing having a lower housing portion with an upper surface and an upper housing portion extending above the lower housing portion. A generally horizontal window is positioned at the upper surface, a generally upright window is positioned in the upper housing portion, and an imaging assembly having a primary field-of-view and a set of optical components are positioned within the interior region. The housing has a width greater than or equal to 5 inches and less than or equal to 7 inches, the lower housing portion has a height greater than or equal to 3 inches, the upper housing portion has a height greater than or equal to 4 inches and less than or equal to 6 inches, and the upper surface has a length greater than or equal to 6 inches and less than or equal to 8 inches.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a distance sensor, a plurality of light sources, one or more processors, and memory coupled to the one or more processors. The apparatus determines, via the distance sensor, the distance between an object and the apparatus. When the distance between the object and the apparatus is within a first distance range of a plurality of predefined distance ranges, the apparatus activates a first sequence of lighting patterns, corresponding to the first distance range, to illuminate the object via the plurality of light sources.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a distance sensor, a plurality of light sources, one or more processors, and memory coupled to the one or more processors. The apparatus determines, via the distance sensor, the distance between an object and the apparatus. When the distance between the object and the apparatus is within a first distance range of a plurality of predefined distance ranges, the apparatus activates a first sequence of lighting patterns, corresponding to the first distance range, to illuminate the object via the plurality of light sources.

Abstract: A bioptic barcode reader has a housing having a lower housing portion with an upper surface and an upper housing portion extending above the lower housing portion. A generally horizontal window is positioned at the upper surface, a generally upright window is positioned in the upper housing portion, and an imaging assembly having a primary field-of-view and a set of optical components are positioned within the interior region. The housing has a width greater than or equal to 5 inches and less than or equal to 7 inches, the lower housing portion has a height greater than or equal to 3 inches, the upper housing portion has a height greater than or equal to 4 inches and less than or equal to 6 inches, and the upper surface has a length greater than or equal to 6 inches and less than or equal to 8 inches.

Abstract: A bioptic barcode reader has a housing having a lower housing portion with an upper surface and an upper housing portion extending above the lower housing portion. A generally horizontal window is positioned at the upper surface, a generally upright window is positioned in the upper housing portion, and an imaging assembly having a primary field-of-view and a set of optical components are positioned within the interior region. The housing has a width greater than or equal to 5 inches and less than or equal to 7 inches, the lower housing portion has a height greater than or equal to 3 inches, the upper housing portion has a height greater than or equal to 4 inches and less than or equal to 6 inches, and the upper surface has a length greater than or equal to 6 inches and less than or equal to 8 inches.

Abstract: There is described a laser scanning indicia reading terminal comprising a variable setting imaging lens having a first setting at which the terminal has a first plane of optimum focus and a second setting at which the terminal has a second plane of optimum focus. According to one embodiment a first predetermined scanning width can be associated to the first lens setting and a second scanning width can be associated to the second lens setting such that the terminal with the lens setting set to the first setting scans to a first width and with the lens setting set to a second setting scans to a second width. In addition to or in place of the scan width operational parameters different operational parameters can be associated to the respective first and second lens settings.

Abstract: A kiosk for processing arriving travelers is provided, wherein the kiosk reads information from the traveler's travel document, and either receives a completed declaration form from the traveler or poses a series of questions to the traveler. On obtaining the needed information from the traveler, the kiosk queries a government computer to obtain a code for the traveler. The code, when shown to a government official, such as a customs agent, will determine if the traveler is retained for secondary processing.

Abstract: A bi-optical, dual window, point-of-transaction workstation images indicia associated with multi-sided products over a full coverage scan zone by splitting each field of view of only two imagers into three subfields that pass through each window and fill the scan zone and minimize dead areas therein. Twisting of the subfields relative to the windows is minimized so that the subfields fit fully with minimal clipping through each window. Splitting of each field of view is remotely performed well away from each imager. The imagers have lens assemblies of substantially the same optical power and are spaced from their respective windows by substantially the same distance.

Abstract: A method of decoding a two-dimensional enhanced-density barcode. A first and a second barcode are encoded in the enhanced-density barcode. The enhanced-density barcode includes a set of blocks. Each block includes a predefined number of sub-pixels. The blocks of the enhanced-density barcode being arranged relatively to each other in a geometrical lattice having a first and a second lattice direction. The method includes the steps of distorting of the enhanced-density barcode in the first lattice direction, resulting in a first distorted barcode, distorting of the enhanced-density barcode in the second lattice direction, resulting in a second distorted barcode, reconstructing the first barcode by low-pass filtering the first distorted barcode, reconstructing the second barcode by low-pass filtering the second distorted barcode.

Abstract: A low profile tri-aperture optical code scanner and operating method are presented. The scanner includes three scanning apertures and a front and a rear low profile housing component. Each housing component includes a scanning aperture tilted toward a point about the center of the scanner. A third scanning aperture is located in a horizontal top surface of the scanner. The low profile housing elements allow an operator to scan items by standing either on the front side or the rear side of the scanner. When used in a convertible point of sale terminal, a cashier operates the scanner from the front side of the scanner when the terminal is in the assisted mode and a customer operates the scanner from the rear side of the scanner when the terminal is in the self-service mode.

Abstract: Barcode scanning device (3) includes a rotatable polygon mirror (27) and a first fixed reflection mirror (33). The polygon mirror (27) comprises a first reflection surfaces (c), (e) and a second reflection surfaces (a), (b), (d), (f). The first reflection surfaces (c), (e) reflect laser light and thus emitting first scanning light in a range of ±20° with respect to an optical axis (29). The second reflection surfaces (a), (b), (d), (f) reflect laser light and thus emitting second scanning light in a range larger than ±20° with respect to an optical axis (29). The first fixed reflection mirror (33) reflects the first scanning light and second scanning light forming scanning patterns in an object readable area. These scanning patterns are composed of a plurality of second scanning lines each parallel with other and first scanning lines disposed between the second scanning lines.

Abstract: An arrangement for, and a method of, controlling image exposure in an imaging reader for reading symbols, employ an illuminating light assembly for illuminating a symbol with illumination light, a solid-state imager for capturing return light from the symbol over a field of view, and a controller for successively exposing the imager over a first exposure time period to capture the return light from, and to optimally image, a first area of the symbol, and over a second exposure time period to capture the return light from, and to optimally image, a second area of the symbol. The first and the second areas have different light intensity levels. The first and the second exposure time periods are different in duration. The controller is operative for combining the optimally imaged first and second areas to read the symbol.

Abstract: Barcode scanning device (3) includes a rotatable polygon mirror (27) and a first fixed reflection mirror (33). The polygon mirror (27) comprises a first reflection surfaces (c), (e) and a second reflection surfaces (a), (b), (d), (f). The first reflection surfaces (c), (e) reflect laser light and thus emitting fist scanning light in a range of ±20° with respect to an optical axis (29). The second reflection surfaces (a), (b), (d), (f) reflect laser light and thus emitting second scanning light in a range larger than ±20° with respect to an optical axis (29). The first fixed reflection mirror (33) reflects the first scanning light and second scanning light forming scanning patterns in an object readable area. These scanning patterns are composed of a plurality of second scanning lines each parallel with other and first scanning lines disposed between the second scanning lines.

Abstract: A mirrored spinner with paired offset facets for scattering a laser beam. The mirrored spinner includes a first number of mirrored facets, including a second number of pairs of offset mirrored facets.

Abstract: Barcode scanning device (3) includes a rotatable polygon mirror (27) and a first fixed reflection mirror (33). The polygon mirror (27) comprises a first reflection surfaces (c), (e) and a second reflection surfaces (a), (b), (d), (f). The first reflection surfaces (c), (e) reflect laser light and thus emitting first scanning light in a range of ±20° with respect to an optical axis (29). The second reflection surfaces (a), (b), (d), (f) reflect laser light and thus emitting second scanning light in a range larger than ±20° with respect to an optical axis (29). The first fixed reflection mirror (33) reflects the first scanning light and second scanning light forming scanning patterns in an object readable area. These scanning patterns are composed of a plurality of second scanning lines each parallel with other and first scanning lines disposed between the second scanning lines.

Abstract: A laser pointer includes a human-machine interface disposed above the housing for users to control components inside the housing to decide patterns and size of the projecting image. The components consist of a frequency/phase control module, a driving energy control module, a laser beam generating module and a light scanning device. The frequency/phase control module controls the driving energy control module while the driving energy control module controls driving energy of the light scanning device. The size of the image is controlled by change of the amplitude of the light scanning device while the amplitude is changed along with the driving energy. The amplitude may also change along with the driving frequency. When the driving energy is fixed and the driving frequency is close to the resonant frequency, the amplitude increases. On the contrary, the amplitude decreases.

Abstract: A cover is adapted to form part of a housing of a laser scanning unit. The cover comprises a main body having walls for defining at least one opening adjacent a lens located in a base of a laser scanning unit housing. At least one of the walls comprising seal structure formed integral with an adjacent portion of the one wall. The seal structure is adapted to engage a side portion of the lens so as to seal a gap between the lens side portion and the one wall.

Abstract: A laser scanning system and method for scanning symbology targets such as barcodes. The scanning system in one embodiment includes at least one laser source and a pair of wobbling mirrors generally disposed towards opposite ends of a centrally-positioned rotatable mirrored spinner. In one embodiment, the central spinner is double-sided having reflecting surfaces on opposites sides thereof. Laser beams projected onto each wobbling mirrors are in turn redirected onto each reflecting surface of the double-sided rotating spinner which produces a pair of rotating scanning beams for reading a symbology target.

Abstract: An automated storage system for storing large quantities of samples in trays includes a storage compartment, a tray shuttle compartment abutting the storage compartment on one side and a plurality of independent modules on the other side. The modules perform processing of samples that are retrieved from the storage compartment by a tray shuttle, including extraction of selected samples from retrieved source trays and transfer of the selected samples into a separate, destination tray that can be further processed or removed from the system for use. The independent operation of the modules permits handling and processing to be performed simultaneously by different modules while the tray shuttle accesses additional samples within the storage compartment. In one embodiment, a vertical carousel is used to vertically align a desired tray with the tray shuttle, while the tray shuttle operates within a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A code reader for reading one- and/or two-dimensional codes. A position resolving light receiver (3) is mounted in a housing (2). An imaging optics made of several components is associated with the light receiver and is also disposed in the housing. The imaging optics has at least one stationary optics (4) and a deflecting optics arranged on an optical axis (10) in front of the light receiver (3). A pivot arm is mounted on a pivot axis (9) in the housing. Pivoting of the pivot arm results in a positional and angular change of the effective back optical focal distance measured from the vortex of the last back surface of the lens to the focal point thereof. If the objects to be identified are at different distances from the identification apparatus, the pivot arm (8) is pivoted. As a result, the deflection optics mounted on the pivot arm changes the effective back focal distance as well as the focal length of the imaging optics to thereby project an exact image onto the light receiver.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for improved accuracy of bar code detection and decoding are described. A bar code scanner employs a rotating spinner to reflect a laser beam used to produce one or more scan patterns emerging from scan windows. The spinner has reflective surfaces, with one or more of the surfaces exhibiting variations influencing characteristics of the laser beam as it is reflected from the surfaces. The scanner produces a scanner signal in response to light entering the scan windows, and processes the scanner signal to detect and decode bar codes within a scan field of the scanner. The rotational position of the spinner is continuously monitored and adjustments to processing parameters are made and other actions are taken based on the rotational position of the spinner, in order to compensate for variations in the scan pattern caused by the variations in the surfaces of the spinner.

Abstract: A method of using a sensing device to read coded data is provided. The coded data is arranged in accordance with a layout having mirror and n-fold rotational symmetry about a center of rotation, where n is at least two. The layout includes n identical first sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about the center of rotation, and n identical second sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about the center of rotation. Each second sub-layout is a reflection of a corresponding one of the first sub-layouts. At least one sub-layout includes rotation-indicating data that distinguishes that sub-layout from at least one other sub-layout and reflection-indicating data that distinguishes the reflections of reflected sub-layouts. The method includes sensing a layout using the sensing device, decoding the coded data of the sensed sub-layouts, thereby determining the rotation-indicating data of that sub-layout, and using the rotation-indicating data to interpret the meaning of the coded data.

Abstract: A device for scanning and/or recognizing one or more barcodes includes a laser light source for transmitting laser light; a rotatable polygonal mirror for reflecting the transmitted laser light; a number of fixedly disposed flat mirrors for reflecting laser light; a pick-up element for picking up laser light scattered by a barcode; a compact housing in which the laser light source, the polygonal mirror, the flat mirrors and the pick-up element are arranged, which compact housing is constructed from a substantially flat bottom side, a top side and standing walls arranged therebetween and wherein the distance between the standing walls ranges between 1.2-5.5 inches (3-14 cm).

Abstract: An optical scanner includes a scanner housing including a scan window, a laser light source, reflected light detector and a mirrored polygon spinner. The spinner is arranged both to spin around an axis of rotation and to move so as to displace said axis of rotation.

Abstract: A point-of-sale (POS) based laser scanning system providing six-sided 360-degree omni-directional bar code symbol scanning coverage at a POS station. The laser scanning system includes a laser scanning plane generation mechanism disposed within a housing mounted in or on a countertop at the POS station. The mechanism generates first and second pluralities of laser scanning planes which (i) intersect within predetermined scan regions contained within a 3-D scanning volume defined outside of the housing, and (ii) generate a plurality of groups of intersecting laser scanning planes within the 3-D scanning volume.

Abstract: A scanning device and an identification system that enable the operator of a materials-handling vehicle to identify and track goods by scanning labels or other identifying information from a remote location without having to leave the forklift. The device may optionally be used in conjunction with a motion sensor and a monitor.

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, which include a plurality of substantially-vertical laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e.

Abstract: A barcode scanner with configurable video modes which enhances readability of a wide range of barcode types. The barcode scanner includes a video circuit, and a configuration circuit for altering operating characteristics of the video circuit during a scanning operation for reading a plurality of different types of barcodes.

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 optical scanner having a balanced mirrored spinner. The optical scanner includes a laser for producing a laser beam, a mirrored spinner for directing the laser beam to produce scanning light beams, and an apparatus for rotating the mirrored spinner including a motor having a shaft which rotates about a first axis of rotation, a spinner mount coupled to the shaft and having an axle coupled to the mirrored spinner for rotating the mirrored spinner about a second axis of rotation, a drive mechanism for rotating the mirrored spinner about the axle, and a balance for counteracting precession of the mirrored spinner as it rotates.

Abstract: A mirrored spinner with paired offset facets for scattering a laser beam. The mirrored spinner includes a first number of mirrored facets, including a second number of pairs of offset mirrored facets.

Abstract: A light scanning arrangement includes a frame or a base plate directly moved by an inertial drive in order to oscillate a scan element supported by a hinge on the frame at high scan rates and with minimal electrical power consumption.

Abstract: A non-complex imaging arrangement is aligned along an imaging axis. A mirror assembly is configured to reflect an image from an optical axis, which intersects the imaging axis, toward the optics assembly. The imaging arrangement includes at least one fixed image sensor for imaging thereon an optical code or target, such as a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode symbol, or label, signature, marking, picture, etc. The imaging arrangement provides an extended working range of approximately 5–102 cm. The imaging arrangement is 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: A modular omnidirectional laser-based bar code symbol scanning system having at least one scan module insert that is removably disposed (e.g., removably installed) within a system housing (or portion thereof) through a service port (e.g., opening) in the system housing (or portion thereof). The scan module insert is a self-contained unit including at least the following components (in addition to mechanical support structures for such components): at least one laser diode, a rotating scanning element, an electric motor that rotates the rotating scanning element, one or more photodetectors, and analog signal processing circuitry that conditions (e.g., amplifies and/or filters out unwanted noise in) the electrical signal produced by the one or more photodetectors. The scan module insert can optionally include additional components including one or more light collecting optical elements, one or more beam folding mirrors, circuitry for detecting and decoding bar code symbols scanned by the system, etc.

Abstract: A scanning device adapted to scan an interface surface provided on a product item, the interface surface having disposed thereon coded data indicative of an identity of the product item, the product item being provided in a sensing region, the scanning device including: a beam generator for emitting at least one beam; at least one rotating holographic optical element for selectively deflecting the beam in first and second orthogonal directions to thereby generate a raster scan pattern over a scanning patch; a sensor for sensing at least some of the coded data on the interface surface of the product item as the product item passes through the sensing region; and a processor for determining, using at least some of the sensed coded data, product identity data indicative of the identity of the product item.

Abstract: Barcode scanner including a multitasking pattern mirror which allows the size of a scanner to be reduced without decreasing performance. The bar code scanner includes a laser for producing a laser beam, a mirrored spinner for reflecting the laser beam, and a plurality of pattern mirrors for directing the laser beam from the mirrored spinner to produce a scan pattern. The multitasking pattern mirror additionally directs the laser beam from the laser to the mirrored spinner.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for providing optimized accuracy and precision in analog-to-digital conversions of data. In an embodiment of the invention, an A/D converter is configured by setting two separately definable reference voltages that are controlled by a microprocessor. The A/D converter range is as wide as, or slightly greater than, a dynamic range of the analog signal to be converted. The microprocessor adjusts at least one reference voltage. The A/D converter receives analog signals from a sensor. The dynamic range of the signal from the sensor, or the sensor operating conditions, are used to define the reference voltages. The converted data is provided to a data processor at a rate controlled by a clocking signal. In a method according to the invention, the A/D converter is operated using the features described above. The accuracy and the precision of the converted data are thereby optimized.

Abstract: A bar code scanner has a housing including a surface having a transparent scanning window. The housing contains optical components including a spinner and pattern mirrors arranged to produce sets of scan lines. The spinner is operable at two, substantially constant, non-zero spin speeds.

Abstract: A compact, omni-directional scan pattern generator for generating multiple scan lines used for electro-optically reading bar code symbols includes stationary light-folding mirrors arranged at different elevations on a support, and a rotary mirrored component having a plurality of rotary mirrors for respectively reflecting an incident light beam toward the mirrors at each elevation.

Abstract: A barcode scanner with a dual-surface polygon which increases total scan line length. The polygon includes generally planar walls arranged in a ring having first mirrored facets facing generally towards a center of the ring and second mirrored facets facing generally away from the center of the ring. The first and second mirrored facets direct a laser beam to produce a scan pattern.

Abstract: A device for scanning and/or recognizing one or more barcodes includes a laser light source for transmitting laser light; a rotatable polygonal mirror for reflecting the transmitted laser light; a number of fixedly disposed flat mirrors for reflecting laser light; a pick-up element for picking up laser light scattered by a barcode; a compact housing in which the laser light source, the polygonal mirror, the flat mirrors and the pick-up element are arranged, which compact housing is constructed from a substantially flat bottom side, a top side and standing walls arranged therebetween and wherein the distance between the standing walls ranges between 1.2–5.5 inches (3–14 cm).

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, which include a plurality of substantially-vertical laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e.

Abstract: A data reader and method for data reading, such as a barcode scanner, wherein the scan pattern generating optics and other features are optimized for different modes of operation. In a preferred embodiment, different patterns are projected from different apertures in the scanner housing, one scan pattern optimized for handheld operation and the other optimized for fixed operation. Other optimizable features include the presence or absence of an aiming beam, which may be generated from the same laser source as the scan pattern or from another source, and enabling or disabling decoding of the signal received signal during a portion of a facet wheel rotation. Decoding may be disabled while the scan line(s) for handheld use is generated unless a switch or trigger is actuated.

Abstract: A vertical slot scanner generates a full coverage scan pattern for reading symbols presented or moved past a vertical window. Scan lines are generated in upper and lower central regions of the window to improve scanner productivity.

Abstract: A method of and a system for generating a dense pattern of scan lines. In a preferred configuration, a laser beam is directed into an inline beam dithering mechanism which dithers the beam over an angle parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating facet wheel. The combination of the dithering mechanism and the scanning motion of the rotating facet wheel creates a dense scan pattern. Return light is retrodirectively collected and by a collection element such as a collection lens onto a detector. A beam redirector such as a cone-shaped device having openings on both ends and a reflecting internal surface is disposed between the collection lens and the detector to redirect off-axis spot onto the detector. The system and method is applicable to both single and multiple beam systems and single and multiple window scanners.

Abstract: A barcode scanner includes at least a laser emitter, a collimator, a light condensing lens and a linear light receiver. When the scanning light beams from the laser emitter are projected onto a barcode through the collimator, a barcode signal is produced from the reflected image thereof focused onto the linear light receiver through the light condensing lens. The characteristics thereof are that at least one beam splitter and reflector are disposed at the projecting path of the scanning light beams from the laser emitter and the collimator to barcode, so as to enable the scanner to act as a multiple light sources structure, thereby distributing the scanning light beams more evenly with lower production cost and material.

Abstract: Vibration is minimized in an electro-optical reader for reading indicia by oscillating a counterweight and a scan component to move simultaneously toward each other, and to move simultaneously away from each other. A magnet is mounted for joint movement with the counterweight and the scan component. An electromagnetic coil magnetically interacts with each magnet to cause the counterweight and the scan component to move with oppositely directed moments that counterbalance each other.

Abstract: A bar code scanner has a housing including a surface having a transparent scanning window. The housing contains optical components including a spinner mounted on a rotating motor; pattern mirrors and a collector for collecting light reflected from a bar code during scanning. Wherein the spinner is an inverted frusto-conical spinner with internal reflecting surfaces, the diameter of the spinner increasing as distance from the motor increases, and wherein the collector is mounted substantially within the body of the spinner.

Abstract: An optical scanner for reading indicia having areas of different light reflectivity, such as bar code symbols includes a stationary, multi-surface, fold mirror having a first surface of a first aplanar profile and a second surface of a second, different aplanar profile.

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.