Abstract: A barcode reading device for reading a barcode includes a case, a transmissive light-guiding element, an image capturing module, a light source and a light control element. The case has an opening. The transmissive light-guiding element is disposed adjacent to the opening and has a first surface, a second surface and a connecting surface for connecting the first surface and the second surface. The image capturing module is disposed in the case and captures an image of the barcode through the second surface and the first surface. The light source emits a light beam to the connecting surface. The light control element controls the ON/OFF of the light source.

Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system having a set of standard features and functions, and a set of custom features and functionalities said external host computer system, which can be extended by third parties to modify the standard behavior of the digital image capture and processing system into a custom behavior for the system, without permanently modifying the standard features and functions thereof.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a system, which can comprise a barcode reader adapted to obtain an image of a barcode. The barcode reader can comprise a camera. The camera can define a camera axis. The barcode reader can comprise a lighting module that comprises set of lighting elements that emit light. The barcode reader can be adapted to automatically obtain and/or decode a sequential set of images.

Abstract: Digital image capture and processing engine of modular design and employing an optical waveguide structure for collecting and guiding LED-based illumination during object illumination and imaging operations. The digital image capture and processing engine also includes apparatus for automatically controlling the duration of illumination produced from LED illumination arrays during object illumination and imaging operations. Such automatic illumination control involves measuring the amount of illumination to which the object be imaged has been exposed, and controlling the duration of illumination produced from the LED illumination arrays based on such measurements during each object illumination and imaging operation. By virtue of the present invention, the digital image capture and processing engine ensures the reliable formation and detection of high quality images in diverse application environments in the digital image capture and processing engine can be used.

Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system having a housing with a light transmission window, and an illumination subsystem including an illumination board disposed adjacent the light transmission window, configured substantially within a plane, and having a central aperture mounted adjacent the imaging window. The illumination board supports an array of illumination sources mounted around at least portion of the central aperture, for producing and a field of illumination within the FOV of its image formation and detection subsystem during object illumination and imaging operations. A FOV folding mirror is mounted within the housing and beneath the illumination board, and folds the path of the FOV beneath the light transmission aperture and directs and projects the FOV out through the central aperture. Also, an automatic illumination control subsystem is provided for controlling the array of illumination sources during object illumination and imaging operations.

Abstract: In general terms, the present invention provides a method of automatically scanning an inventory field to allow the selection of a desired item for retrieval. A camera is positioned in the crane trolley located above the field. The camera continuously performs a scan of the field displaying an image to the operator of the items being scanned. This real-time image allows the operator to distinguish between items scanned in the field. The operator can subsequently choose the desired item triggering the camera system to automatically capture desired information from the item which is in turn communicated to an inventory control system. The camera system mitigates the requirement of a second individual to communicate information between the field and the operator.

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: There is described a compact laser module (1) for reading optical codes, comprising: a scanning illumination section having at least one source (8) for generating a laser beam, and a scanner (9, 10) for scanning the optical code (C) to be read with a laser spot, and a receiving section (20-24) for collecting at least a portion of the light diffused by the code (C) and detecting the collected light, the receiving section and the scanning illumination section being spatially distinct.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for illuminating a subject using a light pipe that transmits light from a source, such as an LED ring illuminator to an outlet that directs the light appropriately as either bright field illumination, dark field illumination or both. The light pipe can include concentric cylinders, typically with a bright field illuminator nested within a dark field illuminator. The tip of the dark field illuminator may be angled so as to internally reflect light inwardly toward the central optical axis of a camera at a low angle. The tip can be located near the focal plane of the camera for the desired field of view. The field of view of the camera sensor can be modified to reject data outside of a illumination field of a particular shape. This illumination field can be created by shaping the light pipe in a predetermined form that projects the modified illumination field.

Abstract: An imaging scan engine includes both a solid-state camera and an illumination source in the same package. The scan engine unit simplifies the integration of swipe imaging components into new and existing scanners.

Abstract: Digital image capturing and processing network for use in a retail POS environment, comprising a plurality of digital image capturing systems, and a remote image processing server. Each digital image capturing system is installed at a POS station and includes a system housing having an imaging window and containing a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging stations, for generating and projecting a complex of coplanar illumination and imaging planes through the imaging window, and into a 3D imaging volume definable relative to the imaging window, and producing digital images of objects passed through the 3D imaging volume.

Abstract: A digital image capturing and processing system for automatically recognizing objects in a POS environment. The system includes a system housing having an imaging window; illumination and imaging stations for generating and projecting illumination and imaging planes or zones through the imaging window, and into a 3D imaging volume definable relative to the imaging window, for digital imaging an object passing through the 3D imaging volume, and generating digital linear images of the object as the object intersects the illumination and imaging planes or zones during system operation. A digital image processor processes the digital images and automatically recognizes the object, such as produce and fruit, graphically represented by the digital images.

Abstract: A laser beam generation system having an integrated coherence reduction mechanism. The system includes: a flexible circuit having a first end portion and a second end portion; a laser diode mounted on the first end portion of the flexible circuit, for producing a laser beam having a central characteristic wavelength; diode current drive circuitry for producing a diode drive current to drive the laser diode and produce said laser beam; and high frequency modulation (HFM) circuitry also mounted on the first end portion of the flexible circuit, for modulating the diode drive current at a sufficiently high frequency to cause the laser diode to produce a laser beam having a spectral side-band components about the central characteristic wavelength, and thereby reducing the coherence as well as coherence length of the laser beam.

Abstract: A laser illumination beam generation system including a laser diode (LD) for producing a laser beam in response to a diode current supplied thereto, wherein the laser beam has a central characteristic wavelength. Diode current drive circuitry generates the diode current and supplies the same to the VLD. A high frequency modulation (HFM) circuitry modulates the diode current supplied to the laser diode, so as to produce a spectral side-band components about the central characteristic wavelength, and thereby reduces the coherence of the laser illumination beam as well as its coherence length. An optical multiplexing (OMUX) device receives the laser beam as an input beam and generates multiple laser beams therefrom and recombines the multiple laser beams so as to produce a composite output laser illumination beam having reduce coherence.

Abstract: An automatic digital video-imaging based code symbol reading system for use in point of sale (POS) environments, employing automatic object motion detection and illumination control, and digital video-imaging based code symbol reading techniques, which ensures the reliable reading of code symbols graphically represented in digital images, in high-throughput point-of-sale and other environments, while providing the versatility required to accommodate the different ways in which operators present objects for code symbol reading at POS environments.

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: 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: A digital image capturing and processing system including a system housing having an imaging window; illumination and imaging stations for generating and projecting illumination and imaging planes or zones through the imaging window, and into a 3D imaging volume definable relative to the imaging window, for digital imaging an object passing through the 3D imaging volume, and generating digital linear images of the object as the object intersects the illumination and imaging planes or zones during system operation. A digital image processor processes the digital images and automatically recognizes graphical intelligence (e.g. bar code symbols, alphanumeric characters etc) graphically represented in the digital images.

Abstract: A planar laser illumination module (PLIM) including: (i) a laser illumination source driven preferably by high frequency modulated (HFM) diode current drive circuitry; (ii) a beam collimating optics disposed beyond the laser illumination source; (ii) an optical beam multiplexer (OMUX) device disposed beyond the collimating optics; and (iv) a planarizing-type illumination lens array disposed beyond the OMUX device, and arranged for generating a plurality of substantially planar coherence-reduced laser illumination beams (PLIBs) that form a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) having substantially reduced spatial/temporal coherence.

Abstract: An illumination assembly for emitting light for imaging a target object having an illumination source that emits at least one light beam upon activation toward an illumination guide. The illumination guide has a first and a second side such that the light beam from the illumination source is scattered between the first and second sides. A textured surface is located substantially along the first side of the illumination guide. The scattered light exits the illumination guide from the textured surface to form a prescribed illumination pattern for imaging a target object.

Abstract: A method of driving a plurality of visible and invisible laser diodes so as to produce an illumination beam having a dynamically managed ratio of visible to invisible (IR) spectral energy/power during object illumination and imaging operations. The method involves supplying a plurality of visible laser and invisible laser diodes with a predetermined/default values of diode drive currents so as to illuminate the object with a spectral mixture of illumination during object illumination and imaging operations. One or more digital images of the illuminated object are captured and the image contrast quality thereof is measured, in real-time, so as to generate feedback or control data.

Abstract: An automatic digital video-imaging based code symbol reading system for use in point of sale (POS) environments, employing automatic illumination control, multi-tier modular software architecture and digital video-imaging based code symbol reading techniques, which ensures the reliable reading of code symbols graphically represented in digital images, in high-throughput point-of-sale and other environments, while providing the versatility required to accommodate the different ways in which operators present objects for code symbol reading at POS environments.

Abstract: A laser beam despeckling device including a laser diode for producing a laser beam having a central characteristic wavelength. The device includes diode current drive circuitry for producing a diode drive current to drive said laser diode and produce said laser beam. High frequency modulation (HFM) circuitry modulates the diode drive current at a sufficiently high frequency to cause said laser diode to produce spectral side-band components about the central characteristic wavelength, and reducing the coherence as well as coherence length of the laser beam. An optical beam multiplexing (OMUX) module is provided for receiving the laser beam as input beam, a generating as output, a plurality of laser beam components that are recombined to produce a composite laser beam having substantially reduced coherence for use in illumination applications where a substantial reduction in speckle pattern noise is achieved.

Abstract: An imaging reader for, and a method of, imaging targets, include a solid-state imager supported by the reader and having an array of image sensors for capturing return light from a target over a field of view, and for generating image data corresponding to the target; an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) operatively connected to the imager via an image data bus over which the image data is transmitted from the imager to the ASIC, and via a system bus over which system data for controlling operation of the reader is transmitted, the ASIC being operative for combining the image data and the system data to form combined data; and a controller operatively connected to the ASIC, for receiving and processing the combined data from the ASIC.

Abstract: An imaging-based bar code reader including: an imaging system for imaging a target bar code within a field of view of the imaging system and projecting light from the field of view onto a sensor array, the imaging system generating image frames of the field of view of the imaging system; the imaging systems including an imaging lens assembly having a plurality of lens and a selection drive mechanism to select between a first optical zoom position defining a first focal length and a first field of view for imaging a target bar code at a close range and a second optical zoom position defining a second focal length and a second field of view for imaging a target bar code at a far range, the second focal length being greater than the first focal length.

Abstract: A device for optically multiplexing a laser beam, having a glass plate construction with an input surface and an output surface, and bearing reflective and semi-reflective coatings arranged so as to optically multiplex an input laser beam entering the input surface, into multiple spatial-coherence reduced output laser beams exiting from the output surface. Through such optical multiplexing, and recombination, the coherence of the resulting laser beam is substantially reduced, as is the power of speckle pattern noise observed at an image detection array detecting an image of an object illuminated by said laser beam.

Abstract: An imaging-based bar code reader including: an imaging system for imaging a target bar code within a field of view of the imaging system and projecting light from the field of view onto a sensor array, the imaging system generating image frames of the field of view of the imaging system; the imaging systems including an imaging lens assembly having a plurality of lens and a selection drive mechanism to select between a first optical zoom position defining a first focal length and a first field of view for imaging a target bar code at a close range and a second optical zoom position defining a second focal length and a second field of view for imaging a target bar code at a far range, the second focal length being greater than the first focal length.

Abstract: An imaging-based barcode system including a scanning arrangement and an illumination apparatus is shown. The scanning arrangement includes a sensor assembly for capturing an image from a target object, the sensor assembly having a field-of-view focused by an optical arrangement onto a sensor array located within the sensor assembly. The illumination system includes a first illumination assembly and a second illumination assembly, each of the first and second assemblies including an illumination source directing illumination through a light pipe and a focusing lens to generate an illumination pattern directed towards a target object, wherein the light pipe includes an input surface and an output surface, the light pipe is configured to change the light intensity distribution at its output surface.

Abstract: An imaging reader includes an illuminating light assembly, an illuminating control operative to control either the intensity or the duration of the illumination light projected by the illuminating light assembly, and a solid-state imager. The solid-state imager includes a matrix of optical-sensors and a signal processing circuit coupled to the matrix of optical-sensors. The controller is operative to determine the optimized exposure level of the illuminating control and the optimized gain of the signal processing circuit based on a measured voltage of a voltage power source for the solid-state imager.

Abstract: A TTR time of a reading apparatus can also be reduced by designing an apparatus to exhibit a certain timing relationship between a receipt of a trigger signal and/or more of image capture and decoding. An apparatus in one embodiment can be configured to continuously capture frames of image data prior to receipt of a trigger signal and can further be configured so that an output decoded message is decoded from a frame of image data having a capture initiation time of prior to the time of receipt of a trigger signal. An apparatus configured to output a decoded message from a frame of image data having a capture initiation time of prior to a time of receipt of a trigger signal can have a TTR time of less than a frame capture period of the apparatus.

Abstract: A reader for electro-optically reading indicia, includes a solid-state imager including an array of image sensors for capturing return light from the indicia during reading, and a light source for generating and directing high intensity illumination light to the indicia with concomitant generation of excess heat. Thermal management procedures for dissipating the excess heat are performed to improve reader performance.

Abstract: An Automatically-triggered digital video-imaging based code symbol reading system providing a high degree of adaptability to ambient illumination levels and having great dynamic range. The system includes an illumination subsystem, having an active illumination mode and an ambient illumination mode. During object illumination and image capturing operations, the exposure quality of a captured frames of digital video image data is analyzed, and based on the results of such exposure quality analysis, system control parameters (SCPs) are automatically reconfigured. In the event that the exposure quality analysis indicates excessive exposure levels in captured frames of digital video image data, then a new set of SCPs is reconfigured, controlling the illumination subsystem to operate in its ambient illumination mode, whereby, ambient illumination is allowed to flood the field of view and form digital images on the image detection array during object illumination and video-imaging operations.

Abstract: A digital image capturing and processing system for illuminating objects using automatic object detection and spectral-mixing illumination technique. The system comprises an area-type illumination and imaging module for projecting a coextensive area-type illumination and imaging field (i.e. zone) into a 3D imaging volume during object illumination and imaging operations. The area-type illumination and imaging module includes a spectral-mixing based illumination subsystem for producing a first field of visible illumination from an array of visible LEDs, and producing a second field of invisible illumination from an array of infrared (IR) LEDs, wherein the first and second fields of illumination spatially overlap and intermix with each other and produce a composite illumination field that is at least substantially coextensive with the FOV of the image sensing array.

Abstract: There is provided in one embodiment an indicia reading terminal that can execute a spatial measurement mode of operation in which the indicia reading terminal can determine a dimension of an article in a field of view of the indicia reading terminal and/or determine other spatial information. In determining a dimension of an article, an indicia reading terminal can utilize setup data determined in a setup mode of operation and/or data determined utilizing the setup data.

Abstract: A hand held data collection device, such as a bar code scanner, portable data terminal, transaction terminal, or bar code verifier, containing at least one light-emitting diode (LED) that has been modified to improve the efficiency of light energy transmission. The modification involves transition features at the interface between the LED die surface and the ambient environment. Devices using such modified LEDs may offer a number of advantages such as extended read range, decreased read time, and improved battery life.

Abstract: An imaging reader for, and a method of, electro-optically reading a symbol by image capture employ an illuminating assembly that includes a laser for directing an illuminating laser beam along a path to the symbol to illuminate the symbol during image capture, a diffusing assembly that includes a movable diffuser in the path of the illuminating laser beam to diffuse the illuminating laser beam as diffused illuminating laser light, and a solid-state imager that includes an array of image sensors for capturing the diffused illuminating laser light returned from the symbol in a range of working distances over a field of view.

Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system, and software development environment, that supports manufacturer-constrained system behavior modification and/or extension by end-users and third-parties through the development and installation/deployment of plug-in modules within the application layer of the system by persons other than the original system designers. By virtue of the present invention, the standard features and functionalities of such systems can now be flexibly modified and/or extended by end-users and third-parties (e.g. VARs, OEMs etc), and thus satisfy customized end-user application requirements, without possessing or acquiring detailed knowledge about the hard-ware platform of the system, its communication interfaces with the outside environment, and user-related interfaces.

Abstract: A laser alignment system includes a laser emitter for producing at least one fan beam. The laser alignment system further includes a target assembly with at least one CCD linear array. The CCD linear array is disposed to be impinged upon by a portion of the fan beam to provide displacement data. Mirrors are disposed to redirect a portion of the fan beam to a second position on the CCD linear array to provide a second reading. The first and second readings are used to calculate angular alignment data.

Abstract: An imaging system for, and a method of, electro-optically reading targets, utilize an energizable illuminator for illuminating an illuminated target with illumination light, a solid-state, energizable imager having an array of image sensors for capturing return light from the illuminated target over a field of view, and for generating electrical signals indicative of the captured return light, and a controller for energizing the illuminator and the imager to process the electrical signals into data indicative of the illuminated target. A power reducer is operatively connected to the controller, for adaptively reducing electrical power consumption of the illuminator and/or the controller based on system usage.

Abstract: A multicamera imaging-based bar code reader 10 for imaging a target bar code 30 on a target object 32 features: a housing 20 supporting a plurality of transparent windows H, V and defining an interior region, an imaging system including a plurality of camera assemblies C1-C3 coupled to an image processing system, each camera assembly of the plurality of camera assemblies being positioned within the housing interior. Each camera assembly includes a sensor array. Light reflecting fold mirrors split light from a given camera assembly into portions that are directed out of the housing to different fields of view. Light bounces from a target in a camera field of view back along said light path to the image capture sensor array.

Abstract: An optical reading device comprising a sensor array having pixels which are exposed to an image; an illumination generator for illuminating the image with light, the illumination generator being configured to have a front face; a housing for housing the sensor array, aiming pattern generator and illumination generator for hand held operation, the housing having a window disposed between the illumination generator and the image for permitting transmission of the illuminating light; a lens for focusing light to the sensor array, wherein the lens protrudes through the illumination generator; a gasket disposed around the lens for blocking light reflected off of the window from reaching the sensor array.

Abstract: An automatic digital video imaging based code symbol reading system for use in point of sale (POS) environments, employing automatic object motion detection and illumination control, and digital video imaging based code symbol reading techniques, which ensures the reliable reading of code symbols graphically represented in digital images, in high-throughput point-of-sale and other environments, while providing the versatility required to accommodate the different ways in which operators present objects for code symbol reading at POS environments.

Abstract: A new method and system for bar code data interchange includes a bar code scanner, such as a high scan rate LED scanner, and reads bar coded information from a video display. This bar coded information is scanned from the video display into a host device. The bar coded information may be sent to a user in a variety of ways, including over the Internet, any intranet, or any type of telephony network. The bar coded information may be viewed by the user on the video display as part of an e-mail message, as displayed on a web-page, or as displayed on television programming. The scanned bar coded information is decoded and may then be used. A first software program may have been used to create the bar coded information, and a second and distinct software application may be used with the now decoded bar coded information.

Abstract: Infrared light having a wavelength in a range from about 700 nm to about 760 nm, which is non-readily visible, illuminates indicia to be electro-optically read by default. Blue visible light having a wavelength in a range from about 430 nm to about 505 nm illuminates the indicia when high-density and/or low-contrast indicia are detected.

Abstract: An arrangement for, and a method of, reducing image blur in response to motion of an imaging reader for imaging symbols to be read, employs an illuminating light assembly supported by the reader for illuminating a symbol with illumination light having an intensity level over an illumination time period, a solid-state imager supported by the reader and having an array of image sensors for capturing return light from the symbol over a field of view over an exposure time period, a motion sensor, such as a gyroscope or an accelerometer, supported by the reader for detecting the motion of the reader, and for generating a motion signal in response to the detected motion of the reader, and a controller operatively connected to the motion sensor, for dynamically controlling at least one of the time periods and the intensity level in real time in response to the motion signal to optimally image the symbol.

Abstract: A module and an arrangement for, as well as a method of, generating a generally uniform distributed line pattern of light on a symbol to be read by image capture employs a light source for generating light along an optical axis in a distribution having different extents along intersecting directions generally perpendicular to the axis, a linear lens array having a plurality of compound curvature lenses spaced apart from one another along one of said directions, for receiving the light from the light source, and for optically modifying the light from the light source to generate the generally uniform distributed line pattern of light on the symbol, each lens having a concave curvature for diverging the light along said one direction, and a convex curvature for collimating the light along the other of said directions, and a solid-state imager having an array of image sensors for capturing return light from the symbol over a field of view having different extents along the intersecting directions.

Abstract: A dynamic barcode system includes a microprocessor connected to a sensor or group of sensors. The microprocessor connects to a barcode display. Data collected by the sensor or group of sensors is processed by the microprocessor and sent to the barcode display. A barcode reader reads the barcode display. The barcode display, microprocessor and group of sensors are arranged on a packet which is attachable to a specimen to be monitored. The barcode reader has an infrared transmitter for sending a signal to an infrared receiver associated with the barcode display. The infrared receiver upon receiving a signal from the barcode reader sends a signal to the microprocessor requesting that the microprocessor send requested data for viewing on the barcode display. The displayed barcode is then read by the barcode reader. In such a manner, continually changing data collected by the sensors can be stored and retrieved as desired.

Abstract: A method of reading code symbols using a digital image capture and processing system which includes: an image formation and detection subsystem; an illumination subsystem; an illumination control subsystem; a digital image processing subsystem; and an input/output subsystem; and a system control subsystem. In the illustrative embodiment, a micro-computing platform implements the digital image processing subsystem, the input/output subsystem and the system control subsystem. The micro-computing platform includes a microprocessor, a memory architecture, and a multi-tier modular software architecture responsive to the generation of a triggering event within the system. Triggering events can be generated by an automatic object detector or by a manually actuated trigger switch.

Abstract: An automatic digital image capturing and processing system for use in a POS environment, comprising a system housing having vertical housing section provided with an imaging window, and containing at least two area-type illumination and imaging stations for generating and projecting area-type illumination and imaging zones through the imaging window, so that the area-type illumination and imaging zones intersect within a 3D imaging volume definable relative to the imaging window. An object motion detection subsystem automatically detects the motion of objects passing through the 3D imaging volume, and generates motion data representative of detected object motion within the 3D imaging volume. And a control subsystem, responsive to the object motion detection subsystem, automatically controls operations within the area-type illumination and imaging stations during system operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for reading an optical code. The apparatus having a casing with a reading window; the casing having an illuminator acting through the reading window on an optical code to be read, a detector responsive to light scattered from the illuminated optical code into the casing through the reading window, and an objective lens interposed between the reading window and the detector, in a position to pick up the light scattered from the illuminated optical code and project this light onto the detector. The detector having a plurality of light-sensitive elements effective to convert the light to electric signals representing the light image. The apparatus is characterized in that the illuminator has a first array of light sources active in a first illumination configuration, and at least a second array of light sources active in at least a second illumination configuration different from the first one.