Abstract: An electronic transaction card communicates with an add-on slot of an intelligent electronic device. The add-on slot may be a memory card slot. The intelligent electronic device may be a mobile phone or other device with or without network connectivity. The electronic transaction card may have magnetic field producing circuitry compatible with magnetic card readers, smartcard circuitry, other point-of-sale interfaces, or any combination thereof.

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: There is provided an external illumination apparatus capable of increasing flexibility of illumination, the external illumination apparatus including a CPU and a memory so as to control lighting of a plurality of illumination LEDs with reference to a lighting pattern stored in the memory, wherein this lighting control is executed by a lighting command from an optical information reading apparatus.

Abstract: A graphical code reader may include means for capturing an image frame in accordance with a rolling shutter technique, and means for changing illumination while the image frame is being captured in order to perform glare correction. The graphical code reader may also include means for detecting characteristics of glare in a previously captured image frame.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus (10) for the generation of an illuminated region for a camera-based code reader (100) is provided which comprises at least one light transmitter (12), an optical transmission system (14), a holder (24) for the optical transmission system (14) and a setting device (28), by means of which the holder (24) can be moved whereby the illuminated region can be focused at a working distance and/or be adapted in its dimensions. In this connection the holder (24) is fixed at at least one point of fixation (26) so that the holder (24) is moved relative to the light transmitter (12) in a compulsory guided manner on actuation of the setting device (28), however, maintains its relative position with respect to the light transmitter (12) at the point of fixation.

Abstract: Implementations of an apparatus including a housing having therein at least one light source, the at least one light source oriented to direct light out one side of the housing, and an arc-shaped reflector connected to the housing, the arc-shaped reflector having a reflecting surface optically coupled to the at least one light source to reflect light from the at least one light source to a position adjacent to the housing.

Abstract: Indicia are imaged at a workstation having windows arranged in intersecting planes. The workstation also has solid-state imagers with fields of view that are split into intersecting subfields that look out through the windows, as well as illumination assemblies each having multiple light sources that illuminate each subfield with illumination light over an illumination field that overlaps a respective subfield. Light-modifying elements, such as lenses or baffles that are radially offset from the multiple light sources, condition the illumination light from the multiple light sources to be generally uniform in light intensity over at least one illuminated subfield.

Abstract: An imaging system having a solid-state auto focusing system advantageously images broadband light reflected from an object to be imaged using a lens objective having chromatic aberration, which focuses different colors of light at different focal planes. Using the color information in the focal planes in conjunction with an object distance determined by a range finder, a luminance plane is constructed that has a focused image of the object. The system provides the focused image of the object without the use of any moving parts.

Abstract: There is set forth herein an indicia reading apparatus having an image sensor array including a plurality of pixels arranged in a plurality of rows and columns of pixels. The image sensor array can include a frame exposure period in which a certain subsequent and further subsequent row exposure periods have common exposure initiation times and sequential exposure termination times. An indicia reading apparatus can be controlled so that a light source bank of an illumination pattern assembly for projecting an illumination pattern is energized during an illumination period that overlaps a frame exposure period. The apparatus can be further controlled so that an illumination period terminates at or prior to an exposure termination time of the certain row.

Abstract: A method of imaging a target object with an imaging reader. The method includes the following: (1) detecting light from the target object through a lens arrangement with an image sensor to generate light-field data; (2) generating a stream of image data including image data representing an expected in-focus image of the target object, and (3) processing the expected in-focus image of the target object to decode a barcode on the target object. The image sensor includes an array of photosensitive elements and an array of microlenses that overlays the array of photosensitive elements located at a focus plane of the microlens.

Abstract: Retroreflective articles comprise a substrate and a bar code provided on the substrate. The bar code comprises at least one human-readable information which provides framing information and a machine-readable information which provides variable information. The human-readable information is visible under a first condition and invisible under a second condition, and the machine-readable information is invisible under the first condition and visible under the second condition.

Abstract: An imaging lens assembly captures return light from a target, and projects the captured light onto a solid-state imager during electro-optical reading of the target. One plastic lens and one glass lens, together having a relatively low negative optical power, are situated at one side of an aperture stop. Another plastic lens and another glass lens, together having a relatively high positive optical power, are situated at the opposite side of the aperture stop. An aperture extends along an optical axis through the opposite sides. Each plastic lens is configured with opposite aspheric nearly concentric surfaces to widen and flatten the field of view of the imager, and to reduce sensitivity to manufacturing and assembly tolerances. A holder holds the lenses and the aperture stop in spaced relation along the optical axis relative to the imager.

Abstract: An optical component includes a substrate and two optical lenses, and the substrate and the two optical lenses are an integrated and inseparable structure. A groove that can accommodate a required collimating optical element is provided on the substrate, or a collimating optical element and the substrate are integrated. Because fabrication of optical elements is completed during fabrication of the optical component, the number of elements to fabricate and time and cost of fabricating the elements can be reduced. Also, during assembly of an image capturing device, it is only required that the optical component is locked to a body of the image capturing device to complete arrangement of a front panel and the optical elements, which can greatly simplify an assembly procedure and shorten assembly time.

Abstract: A mobile terminal and a decoding method thereof are disclosed. The decoding method comprises: capturing an image of a target barcode; invoking built-in decoding software to decode the target barcode; determining whether the decoding is successful, wherein if the decoding is successful, then barcode information of the target barcode is displayed and the process ends; and otherwise, if the decoding is unsuccessful, then the target barcode is sent to a decoding server; receiving barcode information obtained by the decoding server through decoding the target barcode; and displaying the barcode information of the target barcode. In this way, the present disclosure can decode various types of barcodes quickly and effectively so that the user can be informed of the barcode information of the various types of barcodes quickly and accurately.

Abstract: There is set forth herein an indicia reading terminal having a first illumination and exposure control configuration and a second illumination and exposure control configuration, the first illumination and control configuration having a first associated illumination control and a first associated exposure control, the second illumination and exposure control configuration having a second associated illumination control and a second associated exposure control, wherein with the first illumination control active an average energization level of the illumination subsystem during exposure of one or more frames is higher than with the second illumination control active, and wherein with the first exposure control active an average exposure period of the image sensor array is shorter than with the second exposure control active.

Abstract: A barcode reader comprises a first lens assembly with a first field of view and a first optical path for first illumination from the first field of view to project to a first image sensor section. The barcode reader further comprises a second lens assembly with a second field of view and a second optical path for second illumination from the second field of view to project to a second image sensor section. The barcode reader further comprises a first illumination system positioned outside of the first field of view projecting the first illumination into the first field of view at a first angle from the first optical path. The barcode reader further comprises a second illumination system positioned between the second lens assembly and a point from which the first illumination system projects the first illumination into the first field of view.

Abstract: An imaging module for data collection devices, such as bar code scanners. The module includes an aiming or illumination light source or sources, seated on a support is mounted in a housing. The support is fixed in the housing to provide for its precise placement therein, in a predetermined position.

Abstract: An imaging reader for, and a method of, imaging targets, include a solid-state imager supported by a housing for capturing return light from a target over a field of view. An illumination light assembly performs both illumination and aiming functions. Illumination light is projected along an optical path through a passage in the housing to illuminate the target. The housing has boundary walls spaced along the optical path away from the imager and the illumination light assembly for clipping the illumination light projected through the passage to form on the target an aiming light distribution that visually indicates a periphery of the field of view to assist in positioning the target entirely within the field of view.

Abstract: An electro-optical code reading terminal for dynamically switching mode of operation from a printed code reading mode to an electronically displayed code reading mode is provided. The electro-optical code reading terminal measures and monitors, using one or more magnetic sensors, a magnetic field experienced at the electro-optical code reading terminal. When the electro-optical code reading terminal device determines that a change in the measured magnetic field exceeds a predetermined threshold within a predetermined time period, the electro-optical code reading terminal device infers presence of an electronically displayed code. The electro-optical code reading terminal device then switches its mode of operation from the printed code reading mode of operation to the electronically displayed code reading mode of operation.

Abstract: An image capture system for, and a method of, reading an optical code during a reading mode, comprise an aiming assembly including a laser for emitting a laser beam having a variable intensity, and for generating an aiming pattern from the laser beam during an aiming mode prior to the reading mode, and an imager for detecting and capturing an image of the aiming pattern and the code over a field of view by exposure over an exposure time period during the aiming mode, and for detecting and capturing an image of the code over the field of view during the reading mode. A controller is operative for controlling the intensity of the laser beam during the aiming mode by increasing the intensity of the laser beam during the exposure time period to enhance detection and capture of the aiming pattern by the imager, and by decreasing the intensity of the laser beam frame outside the exposure time period for user safety.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure is related to a barcode reader that includes a bright field illumination system, a dark field illumination system, and an additional illumination system that is better able to illuminate an area of the reader's field of view between the far zone (where bright field illumination is optimal) and the close zone (where dark field illumination is optimal). In this “center zone,” the dark field illumination may not be bright enough and the bright field illumination may not be diffuse enough for reading a barcode.

Abstract: A method of decoding a barcode includes generating a first illumination towards a target object with a first illumination level, capturing a first image during a first exposure time period, and determining a first location and a second location on a scan line in the first image to find a switchover condition. If the switchover condition indicates the presence of a mobile display device, the method further includes generating a second illumination towards the target object with a second illumination level, capturing a second image during a second exposure time period, and decoding the barcode in the second image. Here, at least one of the second illumination level and the second exposure time period is determined based on values of pixels on the scan line between the first location and the second location.

Abstract: An image capture and processing system supports a multi-tier modular software, and plug-in extendable, architecture. The image capture and processing system can be realized as an image-capturing cell phone, a digital camera, a video camera, mobile computing terminal and portable data terminal (PDT), provided with suitable hardware platform, communication protocols and user interfaces. A third-party customer can write and install a software plug-in into the application layer so as to enhance or modify the behavior of the image capture and processing system without any required knowledge of the hardware platform, communication protocols and/or user interfaces.

Abstract: An imaging device preferably for use in a 2-D CCD or CMOS sensor is disclosed. The illumination means uses a plurality of illumination sources, some of which are coupled to lenses in an offset manner to promote far field illumination, and some of which are not so coupled and are arranged to provide near field illumination.

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 includes (1) a first housing for housing therein a barcode reading arrangement and (2) an enclosed space for housing therein a battery configured to power the barcode reading arrangement located outside the enclosed space. The first housing includes a window made from one or more materials that has a lower flaming critical temperature than that of any material for making the enclosed space for housing the battery.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for illuminating a subject using a light pipe that transmits light from a source. A method includes providing a light pipe, the light pipe defining an inner lumen through which the image sensor views the subject; providing a light source in alignment with a proximal portion of the light pipe; and using the light source, projecting a light into the light pipe and through the light pipe, the light pipe including a distal portion for providing a high-angle bright field illumination pattern on the subject with a first portion of the light and for reflecting a second portion of the light for providing a low-angle dark field illumination pattern on the subject.

Abstract: An actuation method of virtual laser barcode scanner, in which a light spot emitted from a laser module is formed into a linear laser beam, after passing through a fixed type refractive lens, for user to align to an one dimension barcode position. When the barcode is been reading, the laser beam is switched off and a linear CCD or linear CMOS receives directly the environmental light reflected from the one dimension barcode so as to finish the barcode reading. If the reading is failed, the laser beam is switched on again. As the ON-OFF of the laser module is faster than the speed of visual persistence of human's eyes, the virtual laser barcode scanner is used as if a conventional laser barcode scanner were used.

Abstract: A barcode imaging reader includes a housing, a window in the housing, and an imaging sensor having an array of photosensitive elements for capturing light passing through the window. The barcode imaging reader further includes an illumination arrangement for emitting an illumination light from the housing interior to illuminate a barcode target object spaced from the housing. The illumination arrangement includes (i) an illumination source within the housing operative to generate the illumination light during imaging capture, (ii) a first mirror having a shape of a toroidal surface with predominantly concave surface, and (iii) a second mirror having a shape of a toroidal surface with predominantly convex surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in decoding a bar code symbol includes a first integrated circuit chip with a wafer level camera, at least one light source, and a plurality of contact pads on a surface of the chip and a second integrated circuit chip with a processor, memory, plurality of contact pads on a surface of the chip, and plurality of contact pads on another surface of the chip. The apparatus includes a PCB having a plurality of contact pads disposed on at least one surface of the PCB and wherein the first and second integrated circuit chips are vertically stacked on the PCB and the plurality of contact pads on the first and second integrated circuit chips interface with the contact pads of the second integrated circuit chip and PCB. The apparatus is operative for processing image signals generated by the WLC for attempting to decode the bar code symbol.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a battery in the housing, a first light indicator operative to emit light in a first color with the duration of a first time period after a predetermined triggering event, and a second light indicator operative to emit light in a second color with the duration of a second time period after the predetermined triggering event. The ratio between the first time period and the second time period monotonically depends upon a state of charge on the battery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for projecting illumination patterns from barcode readers. The apparatus includes a housing, an invisible illumination light source, and a visible illumination light source. The housing comprises a first window located in a generally horizontal plane and a second window located in a generally upright plane that intersects the generally horizontal plane. The invisible illumination light source is operative to project an invisible illumination pattern that is at least partially incident upon the first window or the second window after the invisible illumination pattern is projected out of the housing. The visible illumination light source operative to project a visible illumination pattern out of the housing, and the visible illumination pattern has a visible center ray propagating in a direction different from the invisible center ray of the invisible illumination pattern.

Abstract: Infrared light, which is non-readily visible, illuminates at least part of a field of view containing indicia to be electro-optically read. Visible light illuminates another field of view containing the same indicia. The indicia is read by image capture by the illumination light from one of the illuminated fields of view. The use of IR light minimizes an adverse reaction due to only using bright visible light. The use of visible light enables thermally printed indicia, which is not readily readable by IR light, to be read.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for selectively controlling the illumination, and particularly dark field illumination, applied to a symbol to be decoded, and for determining a suitable or optimized level of lighting for decoding the symbol. A method includes providing a light source comprising a plurality of individually-controllable lighting elements for providing low angle dark field illumination; activating an image sensor for detecting image data reflected from an encoded data symbol when the encoded data symbol is illuminated by the light source; and providing a controller connected to each of the individually-controllable lighting elements, the controller being programmed for: selectively activating the individually-controllable lighting elements to vary the direction of the low angle dark field illumination provided by the light source; and processing the image data detected by the image.

Abstract: In an electro-optical reader, an aiming or a scanning laser has a laser chip and a monitor photodiode. Output power of a laser beam emitted by the laser is regulated by a feedback circuit for maintaining substantially constant the laser beam output power during normal operation, a disabling circuit for disabling the feedback circuit, a drive circuit for driving the chip with a drive current when the feedback circuit is disabled, and for concomitantly generating a photodiode output voltage, a current modification circuit for modifying the drive current by a predetermined current with a concomitant change in the photodiode output voltage when the feedback circuit is disabled, and a control circuit for monitoring the change in the photodiode output voltage, for determining whether the change in the photodiode output voltage is sufficient to indicate an over-power condition, and for interrupting power to the chip when the over-power condition is indicated.

Abstract: There is provided an external illumination apparatus capable of increasing flexibility of illumination, the external illumination apparatus including a CPU and a memory so as to control lighting of a plurality of illumination LEDs with reference to a lighting pattern stored in the memory, wherein this lighting control is executed by a lighting command from an optical information reading apparatus.

Abstract: A method for obtaining an image indicia includes performing one or more exposures of an imager to capture one or more images, and controlling active portions of an aiming pattern to inhibit capture of the aiming pattern in the one or more captured images or removing the aiming pattern from the one or more captured images. An attempted may be made to decode one or more decodable indicia utilizing the one or more captured images.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for generating a multiple raster-type scanning pattern by modulating a multi-cavity laser diode in such a way that it sequentially generates different laser beams synchronously during different laser scanning cycles, while the output laser beams are directed incident upon a rotating polygonal laser scanning element. The system does not require additional moving parts beyond the rotating polygon scanning element so as to reduce complexity and simplify construction of the laser scanning mechanism.

Abstract: There is set forth an apparatus for capturing image data. In one embodiment, an apparatus is operative for capture of a first frame of image data and a second frame of image data. In one embodiment, an apparatus is operative for processing the first frame of image data and the second frame of image data.

Abstract: An industrial reader is provided with an image formation system that is particularly adapted to read bar codes and two-dimensional symbols marked directly on objects. The image formation system includes illumination sources and illumination transmissive components that produce a combination of bright field and dark field illumination.

Abstract: A compact, low-cost, high-performance, imaging engine for an imaging reader for, and a method of, imaging targets, include a single printed circuit board (PCB), an illumination light assembly supported by the PCB for illuminating a target, a single chassis mounted on the PCB, an imaging lens assembly supported by the chassis for capturing return light from the illuminated target, and a solid-state imager supported by the PCB for detecting the captured return light over a field of view, and for generating an electrical signal indicative of the captured light. A controller is mounted on or off the imaging engine, and is operatively connected to, and controls the operation of, the imager and the illumination light assembly, for processing the electrical signal into data indicative of the target being imaged.

Abstract: A two-dimensional code reading device 20 is provided with image pickup device 22 which receives light reflected from either of a first inclined portion 12 and a second inclined portion 13 in a direction forming an angle ? satisfying expression (1) with respect to the normal-line direction R, and light source 21 which irradiates either of the inclined portions from a direction forming an angle ? satisfying expression (2) with respect to the normal-line direction R: 30°???35°??(1) ??=??180°+?+2???(2) where ? is less than 90°, ?? is not less than ?10° but not more than 10°, and ? and ? are angles in a turn direction reverse to a turn direction at which either of the inclined portions forms the angle ? with respect to the normal-line direction R.

Abstract: The method includes automatically adjusting a first control parameter in a device for capturing a first plurality of images, automatically adjusting a second control parameter in the device for capturing a second plurality of images such that automatic adjustment of the first control parameter is interspersed with, separate from, and obtained generally concurrently with the automatic adjustment of the second control parameter. The adjustment of the first control parameter being determined differently compared to adjustment of the second control parameter. The method may include attempting to decode a decodable indicia utilizing one or more images of the first and second plurality of images.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a camera that includes a field of view (FOV), the apparatus for indicating at least a first portion of a field of view for analysis and comprising a light source for generating a first light pattern that is directed onto an object surface within the FOV while the light source remains stationary with respect to the object, an adjuster for, while the first light pattern subtends a surface of the object and without moving the light source with respect to the object, modifying the first light pattern to generate a first deformed light pattern that is directed onto the object surface in the FOV and a manual input device for controlling the adjuster to indicate how the first light pattern is to be modified.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise an indicia reading terminal that is operatively configured to decode visible and non-visible decodable indicia. The terminal can comprise an excitation illumination module for illuminating the decodable indicia with light that has a wavelength selected so as to permit the decodable indicia to emit light. The terminal can also comprise a filter module with an optical filter that has filter regions configured to pass certain wavelengths of light. The terminal can also comprise an image sensor module with an image sensor located so as to receive light emitted from the decodable indicia from the filter region.

Abstract: A decodable indicia reading terminal can comprise a housing including a housing window, a multiple pixel image sensor disposed within the housing, an imaging lens configured to focus an image of decodable indicia on the image sensor, an optical bandpass filter disposed in an optical path of light incident on the image sensor, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter configured to convert an analog signal read out of the image sensor into a digital signal representative of the analog signal, and processor configured to output a decoded message data corresponding to the decodable indicia by processing the digital signal.

Abstract: An optical reading device for collecting and processing symbology data comprising: a back-illuminated image sensor for converting light reflected from an information bearing indicia (IBI) into output signals representative thereof; receive optics for directing light from the target to the back-illuminated image sensor; a processor for decoding the output signals; an illumination source for generating illumination light illuminating the target and illumination optics for directing the illumination light onto the target and a housing encompassing the back-illuminated image sensor, receive optics and illumination source adapted for hand held operation.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an illumination lens, an illumination light source for generating illumination light, and a prism made of optical transparent material. The first section on the first surface of the prism has a length that is at least four times as long as its width. The first surface of the prism includes a second section adjacent to the first section for defining the edge of an aperture. The third surface of the prism is configured to reflect the illumination light received from the first section onto the second surface of the prism. At least a portion of the illumination light received from the first section passes through both the second surface of the prism and the illumination lens for projecting illumination light onto a target object within an imaging field of view.

Abstract: A method of imaging a target object with an imaging reader. The method includes the following: (1) detecting light from the target object through a lens arrangement with an image sensor to generate light-field data; (2) generating a stream of image data including image data representing an expected in-focus image of the target object, and (3) processing the expected in-focus image of the target object to decode a barcode on the target object. The image sensor includes an array of photosensitive elements and an array of microlenses that overlays the array of photosensitive elements located at a focus plane of the microlens.

Abstract: There is set forth an apparatus for capture of image data. In one embodiment an apparatus is operative for capture of a first frame of image data and a second frame of image data. In one embodiment, an apparatus is operative for processing the first frame of image data and the second frame of image data.