Abstract: An imaging system comprises a rolling-reset imager that forms an electronic image of an object, a light source illuminating the object with pulsed light, and a bandpass optical filter disposed between the object and the rolling-reset imager. The pulsed light has an illumination frequency spectrum and an illumination pulse width defining an effective exposure time for forming the image of the object. The bandpass optical filter has a frequency pass band permitting transmission of a significant portion of the illumination frequency spectrum while at least approximately inhibiting transmission of at least some light having frequencies outside the illumination frequency band. An imaging method illuminates an object with light in a given frequency range, so that the illumination light reflects from the object along with background light. The method filters the reflected light so as to attenuate at least some of the background light by a greater attenuation factor than the illumination light.

Abstract: A method of illuminating objects using adaptively controlled mixing of spectral illumination energy to form and detect digital images of objects at POS environments with sufficiently high image contrast and quality. The method comprises provides, at a POS environment, a digital image capture and processing system having a system housing with an imaging window, and an area-type illumination and imaging station disposed within said system housing, for projecting a coextensive area-type illumination and imaging field (i.e. zone) through said imaging window into a 3D imaging volume during object illumination and imaging operations. As the object is moved through the 3D imaging volume, its motion is automatically detected, and signals indicative of said detected object motion are generated. In response to the generated signals, a first field of visible illumination is produced from an array of visible LEDs, simultaneously with a second field of invisible illumination from a array of infrared (IR) LEDs.

Abstract: An digital image capture and processing system supporting employing an adaptive control process involving the real-time analysis of the exposure quality of captured digital images and the reconfiguration of system control parameters (SCPs) based on the results of such exposure quality analysis. By virtue of the present invention, the system enables the reliable reading of code symbols graphically represented in digital images, under demanding point-of-sale lighting conditions and other challenging environments.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for illuminating objects comprising asymmetrically illuminating an object using an illumination medium on one side of an optical module of an information capturing module, capturing an electronic representation of the object and decoding the electronic representation of said object. In alternate embodiments, the scanner successively illuminates the object from a plurality of different angles until the object and/or dataform is decoded. The illumination medium can be external to the information capturing module.

Abstract: A digital image capturing and processing system comprising a system housing having an imaging window, a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging subsystems disposed in the system housing. Each coplanar illuminating and linear imaging station includes a dual-type coplanar linear illumination and imaging engine that supports automatic image formation and detection along each pair of coplanar illumination and imaging planes generated by the coplanar illuminating and linear imaging station. Each pair of coplanar illumination and imaging planes are projected into the 3D imaging volume, for capturing of linear digital images of objects moved therewithin, and subsequent processing thereof for recognizing information graphically represented in the captured linear digital images, and automatic imaging-processing based object motion and velocity detection within the 3D imaging volume.

Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system providing a high degree of adaptability to ambient illumination levels and having great dynamic range. The system includes a multi-mode illumination subsystem, having an active illumination mode and a passive illumination mode. During object illumination and image capturing operations, the exposure quality of a captured digital image is analyzed, and based on the results of such exposure quality analysis, system control parameters are automatically reconfigured. In the event that the exposure quality analysis indicates excessive exposure levels in a captured digital image, then a new set of SCPs is reconfigured, controlling the multi-mode illumination subsystem to operate in its passive illumination mode, whereby, ambient illumination flooding the field of view forms digital images in the image detection array during s object illumination and imaging operations.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system to illuminate a bar code or other optical codes so that reflected specular light is directed away from the image capture device of an imaging scanner and so that diffuse light is directed toward the image capture device. This improves the probability that the bar code will be read on the first pass by the imaging scanner.

Abstract: The disclosed bar code reader has an imaging system that includes a light monitoring pixel array and a focusing lens that is fixed with respect to the pixel array for transmitting an image of the target object onto the pixel array. The bar code reader also includes an illumination system for illuminating the target having a light source for emitting a diverging light outwardly from a light source location and a lens for bending the light including a first surface facing the light source and a second surface facing the target for bending the light emitted by the light source to more uniformly illuminate a rectangular, generally planar region at the target within the barcode reader's field of view.

Abstract: A method and imaging assembly (10) are disclosed adapted for reading a target object comprising a scan engine (48) having a sensor (46), focusing optics (44), and an imager (48). The scan engine includes a field-of-view defining an area to be imaged by the imaging assembly (10). A housing (80) internally lodges the scan engine (48) and an illumination source (36). The illumination source (36) is adapted to project illumination from the housing (80). A boot (30) extends from the housing (80) for shaping the illumination as it passes through the boot to form an illumination pattern from the illumination. The illumination pattern substantially conforms to a geometrical shape of the boot (30) and is adapted to envelope the scan engine field-of-view.

Abstract: An omni-directional bar code symbol reading system employing a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging stations for generating and projecting a complex of coplanar illumination and imaging planes through an imaging window into a 3D imaging volume, through which object can be passed in flexible ways. The system has an ultra-compact construction, ideally suited for space-constrained retail scanning environments, and requires no moving parts.

Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system employing automated real-time analysis of digital image exposure quality to automatically reconfigure system control parameters, and dynamically control illumination and imaging operations within the digital image capture and processing system.

Abstract: A digital image capturing and processing system for use in retail point of sale (POS) environments. The system comprises a system housing having an imaging window, and a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging stations mounted beneath the imaging window in the system housing. The stations generate and projects a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging planes through the imaging window and into a 3D imaging volume definable relative to the imaging window. An imaging window protection plate is mounted over the imaging window and has an aperture pattern that corresponds to the plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging planes projected through the imaging window, so that the plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging planes are allowed to project through the aperture pattern and into the 3D imaging volume, while the imaging window protection plates protects the imaging window during system operation.

Abstract: An omni-directional digital image capturing and processing system for use in a POS environment, comprising a system housing having an imaging window, and a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging stations, disposed in the system housing, for generating and projecting a complex of coplanar illumination and imaging planes through said imaging window. At least one area-type illumination and imaging station is also disposed in the system housing, for generating and projecting an area-type illumination and imaging zone through the imaging window, which intersects with the complex of coplanar illumination and imaging planes within a 3D imaging volume definable relative to the imaging window, for omni-directional digital imaging of objects passing through the 3D imaging volume.

Abstract: The disclosed bar code reader includes an auto-focusing component for rapidly producing in focus images. An imaging system makes use of an aiming pattern that impinges upon the coded indicia of a target. The imaging system includes a light monitoring pixel array and a focusing lens that is fixed with respect to the pixel array for transmitting an image of the target object onto the pixel array. The bar code reader also includes an illumination system comprising one or more light emitting diodes for illuminating a the target within a field of view defined by the optical system. A drive circuit coupled to the light emitting diodes of the illumination system including at least one energy storage capacitor for providing an electrical pulse that illuminates the target. A controller selectively energizes the light emitting diodes by discharging the at least one capacitor of the drive circuit.

Abstract: A digital image capturing and processing system comprising a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging stations for producing a plurality of coplanar linear illumination and imaging planes which intersect within a 3D imaging volume defined relative to an imaging window. Each station includes an array of planar illumination modules (PLIMs) for producing at least one substantially planar illumination beam (PLIB), and a linear image detection array having a field of view (FOV) on the linear image detection array and extending in substantially the same plane as the PLIB, to provide a coplanar illumination and imaging plane (PLIB/FOV). The PLIB/FOV is projected through the 3D imaging volume, for capturing linear (1D) digital images of an object passing therethrough, for subsequent processing and recognition of information graphically represented in the linear digital images.

Abstract: An optical reader can include an image sensor. In one embodiment an optical reader can be configured to have different operating modes, the different operating modes optimizing the reader for reading different indicia. In another embodiment an optical reader can comprise a multiple color emitting light source. In another embodiment an optical reader can be provided in a specialized form factor including an enlarged head portion and an elongated body portion extending from the head portion.

Abstract: A digital image capturing and processing system comprising a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging stations for producing a plurality of coplanar linear illumination and imaging planes which intersect within a 3D imaging volume defined relative to an imaging window. An object motion detection subsystem for automatically detecting the motion of an object passing through the 3D imaging volume, and generating motion data representative of the detected object motion. Each station includes an illumination subsystem having a linear illumination array including a plurality of light emitting devices for producing a substantially planar illumination beam (PLIB), and (ii) an image formation and detection subsystem including a linear image sensing array having optics providing a field of view (FOV) on the linear image detection array, and extending substantially along the PLIB.

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: Digital image capturing and processing system comprising a digital image capturing and processing module, and an integrated electronic weigh scale module having a load cell that is centrally located with respect to the digital image capturing and processing module. The digital image capturing and processing module electrically interfaces with the electronic weigh scale module by way of touch-fit electrical inter-connectors that automatically establish all electrical interconnections between the two modules when the digital image capturing and processing module is placed onto the electronic weigh scale module, and the electronic load cell bears the weight of the digital image capturing and processing module.

Abstract: An omni-directional digital image capturing and processing system comprising a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging stations for producing a plurality of coplanar linear illumination and imaging planes which intersect within a 3D imaging volume. Each coplanar illumination and imaging station includes a linear image detection array, a linear illumination array, and an object motion and velocity detection subsystem for automatically detecting the motion and velocity of an object that passes through at least a portion of one coplanar linear illumination and imaging plane, and automatically adjusting one or more parameters relating to the exposure and/or illumination control within the coplanar illumination and imaging station. By virtue of the present invention, it is possible to capture and process high quality digital images of objects passed through 3D imaging volumes, at point-of-sale (POS) retail stations and like environments.

Abstract: A hand-supportable planar linear illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based code symbol reading system comprising: a hand-supportable housing having a light transmission aperture; and a planar laser illumination and imaging module (PLIIM), disposed in the hand-supportable housing. The PLIIM includes (i) a linear image detection array having optics providing a field of view (FOV) on said linear image detection array that projects through the light transmission aperture, and (ii) at least one planar laser illumination module (PLIM) for producing a substantially planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) that extends substantially along the same plane as the FOV of the linear image detection array. This arrangement provides a coplanar illumination and imaging plane that projects through the light transmission aperture, for capturing a series of linear (1-D) digital images of an object intersecting therewith during object illumination and imaging operations.

Abstract: A digital-imaging based code symbol reading system comprising an image sensing array with a field of view (FOV), an illumination subsystem with an LED illumination array, an automatic illumination measurement subsystem, an illumination control subsystem, and programmed imager processor supporting an image-processing based illumination metering program. The automatic illumination measurement subsystem automatically measures the illumination level at a particular region of the FOV and determines the illumination duration necessary to achieve a desired spatial intensity in the detected digital image. The illumination metering program automatically analyzes and measures, in real-time, the spatial intensity distribution of the digital image and determines whether or not a corrected illumination duration is required or desired when detecting the next or subsequent digital images, during the current or subsequent object illumination and imaging cycle.

Abstract: A reader for electro-optically reading indicia, includes a sensor for sensing light from the indicia, and for generating a signal indicative of the indicia. A support includes a housing in which the sensor is contained, and a light-transmissive window through which the light from the indicia passes en route to the sensor. The window and the housing are both constituted of a same moldable material and are integrally molded together as a single component of one-piece, seamless construction. A pressure indicator is also integrally formed with the housing, for visually indicating pressure within the housing.

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: 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 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: A method for extracting invisible information from an object in which visible information overlaps with at least part of invisible information formed in stealth ink. The method includes the steps of: irradiating the object with light for making the stealth ink luminous; receiving reflected light from the object; extracting image information from the received reflected light; splitting the image information into a plurality of pieces of color-channel information; obtaining a correlation function between the pixel values of at least two color-channel information selected from the plurality of pieces of color-channel information; reducing a visible information component of selected one of the plurality of pieces of color-channel information to thereby interpolate the color-channel information; and extracting invisible information from the interpolated one piece of color-channel information.

Abstract: An automatic power control circuit for a laser driver includes precharge circuitry to precharge inputs to a comparator receiving an indication of laser output power, for example from a monitor photodiode. The precharge circuitry can be selectively activated when a laser driven by the laser driver is operating in burst mode, as opposed to operating in continuous mode. In addition, a digital up-down counter may be used to increase or decrease a digital value used to set a bias level for the laser, with the digital up-down counter counting up if the comparator indicates the laser output is too low and counting down if the comparator indicates the laser output is too high.

Abstract: A digital image capturing and processing system comprising a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging stations for producing a plurality of coplanar linear illumination and imaging planes which intersect within a 3D imaging volume defined relative to an imaging window. Each station includes an array of planar illumination modules (PLIMs) for producing at least one substantially planar illumination beam (PLIB), and a linear image detection array having a field of view (FOV) on the linear image detection array and extending in substantially the same plane as the PLIB, to provide a coplanar illumination and imaging plane (PLIB/FOV). The PLIB/FOV is projected through the 3D imaging volume, for capturing linear (1D) digital images of an object passing therethrough, for subsequent processing and recognition of information graphically represented in the linear digital images.

Abstract: The present invention provides a symbol illumination apparatus configured to have a symbol such as characters printed on a front surface of a transparent member, and to allow light from a plurality of light sources to pass through an interior of the transparent member from one side of the transparent member, to illuminate the symbol. A lens sheet and a diffused sheet are inserted between the transparent member and the plurality of light sources in the symbol illumination apparatus. This configuration prevents a plurality of light rays from being seen on the bottom of the transparent member.

Abstract: An imaging device including at least one imaging array and image formation optics that provide a field of view corresponding to the imaging array. At least one illumination module (which includes at least one source of coherent illumination) produces planar light illumination that substantially overlaps the field of view corresponding to the imaging array. Illumination control circuitry modulates the power level of illumination produced by the source of coherent illumination during each photo-integration time period of the imaging array to thereby reduce speckle noise in images captured by the imaging array. The illumination control circuitry preferably modulates the power level of illumination by controlling the number and/or duration of time periods corresponding to different power levels of illumination produced by the source of coherent illumination during each photo-integration time period of the imaging array.

Abstract: An aiming light assembly supported by a mobile imaging reader projects an aiming light pattern on a symbol. A controller modulates the aiming light pattern to render the aiming light pattern more visibly discernible to an operator, especially in a brightly lit ambient environment, to enable the operator to position the aiming light pattern on the symbol prior to reading.

Abstract: A code reader comprising an integrated light source for the illumination of a reading region, a sensor matrix and an optical receiving system positioned in front of the latter, wherein the light emergence surface of the light source is located in or closely in front of the depth of field zone of the optical receiving system.

Abstract: A case has a front surface facing an image sensing area, a concave formed on the front surface, and an opening on the bottom of the concave. The case accommodates an area image sensor to image-sense the image sensing area through the opening, and an illumination device to illuminate the entire image sensing area. There are provided a photoelectric converting unit converting an output of the area image sensor into an electric image signal, and an output unit outputs an image signal converted by the photoelectric converting unit to an image processing device. The case also accommodates a lens to form an image of the image sensing area on the area image sensor with a depth of field so as to the image processing device obtain a resolution to enable analysis of a code symbol included in the image signal. A lens side limit position of the depth of field corresponds with the position of the front surface of the case.

Abstract: A hand-supportable digital image capture and processing system comprises: an area-type image formation and detection subsystem having an area-type image detection array; an LED-based illumination subsystem having a LED-based illumination array; an automatic light exposure measurement and illumination control subsystem; an image capturing and buffering subsystem; and an image-processing subsystem. The LED array is automatically driven in a precise manner to globally expose the area-type image detection array with LED-based illumination only when substantially all of its rows of pixels are in a state of integration and have a common integration time, thereby enabling the capture of high quality images independent of the relative motion between the object and the hand-supportable digital image capture and processing system.

Abstract: A POS-based 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 station 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 station includes an 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 are substantially coextensive with the FOV of the image sensing array.

Abstract: A scanned beam imager or laser scanner is operable to scan an object moving through its field-of-view. The system may include means for detecting direction and/or speed of the object. The velocity detection means may include sensors, an interface for receiving velocity information from other system elements, or image analysis that examines the skew, stretch, or compression in images. Responsive to object movement direction and speed, the scanned beam imager may alter its pixel capture rate and/or its scan rate to compensate. Alternatively or in combination, the imager may perform software-based image motion compensation. In some embodiments, the system may allow the image capture region to pace objects moving rapidly through its field-of-view.

Abstract: An aiming pattern assembly (60) for an imaging-based bar code reader (10) including: a light source assembly (62) generating focused light; a pattern shaping assembly (66) receiving focused light from the light source assembly (62) and including a first area (66a) and a non-overlapping second area (66b), focused light passing through the first area (66a) creating a first aiming pattern (P1) projected toward a field of view (FV) and passing through the second area (66b) creating a second aiming pattern (P2) projected toward the field of view (FV); and a pattern selection assembly (68) receiving the first and second aiming patterns (P1, P2) and passing at least one of the first and second aiming patterns (P1, P2).

Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system having single printed circuit (PC) board with light transmission aperture, wherein a first linear array of visible light emitting diodes (LEDs) are mounted on the rear side of the PC board for producing a linear targeting illumination beam, and wherein a second linear array of visible light emitting diodes (LEDs) are mounted on the front side of the PC board for producing a field of visible illumination within the field of view (FOV) of the system. The linear targeting illumination beam is centrally disposed within the field of visible illumination.

Abstract: An imaging system comprises a rolling-reset imager that forms an electronic image of an object, a light source illuminating the object with pulsed light, and a bandpass optical filter disposed between the object and the rolling-reset imager. The pulsed light has an illumination frequency spectrum and an illumination pulse width defining an effective exposure time for forming the image of the object. The bandpass optical filter has a frequency pass band permitting transmission of a significant portion of the illumination frequency spectrum while at least approximately inhibiting transmission of at least some light having frequencies outside the illumination frequency band.

Abstract: An optical barcode and/or RFID reader having at least two sets of illuminating LEDs that are directed toward a target object to reflect whether the barcode and/or RFID reading was successful or unsuccessful. The reader is provided with a set of red LEDs and a set of green LEDs for illuminating targets, such as barcodes or RFID tags. In addition to using these LEDs to illuminate the target, the reader will illuminate the target with a particular color of light to signify a successful read, such green light, or an unsuccessful read, such as red light. A third color may be provided to indicate a successful RFID interrogation, such as blue light. The reader thus uses the built-in illumination LEDs to cast differently colored light on the target, rather than having to provide additional LEDs in a user interface positioned on the housing of the reader.

Abstract: A hand-supportable digital imaging-based bar code symbol reading device comprises: an IR-based object presence and range detection subsystem; a area-type image formation and detection subsystem having an image capture modes of operation; a multi-mode led-based illumination subsystem for providing a narrow-band field of illumination; an automatic light exposure measurement and illumination control subsystem; an image capturing and buffering subsystem; a image-processing bar code symbol reading subsystem; an input/output subsystem; and a system control subsystem integrated with each of the above-described subsystems.

Abstract: An optical reader for reading decodable indicia is provided. In one embodiment, the optical reader can include an image sensor. In one aspect, the optical reader can be configured to read bar codes such as 1D bar codes. Particular methods and apparatus for reading decodable indicia are described.

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: Systems and techniques for assuring proper presentation of a bar code for imaging scanning in a hybrid laser and imaging bar code scanner A scanner includes elements for laser bar code scanning and imaging bar code scanning, and includes indicia for assuring proper presentation by a user of a bar code suited to imaging scanning. Indicia may include targeting features on a scan window, designed so as to minimize interference with bar code scanning, or may alternatively include features alongside a scan window. Alternative indicia may include removable holders for securing an object bearing a bar code in an appropriate position, and further alternative indicia may include visible targeting beams so that a user can be assured that imaging scanning may be satisfactorily performed on bar code placed in a visible targeting beam.

Abstract: An automatic digital-imaging based code symbol reading system supporting pass-through and presentation modes of system operation, automatic object direction detection and illumination control, and video image capture and processing techniques. By virtue of the present invention, the automatic digital-imaging based code symbol reading system ensures the reliable reading of code symbols graphically represented in digital images in high-throughput point-of-sale and other environments.

Abstract: An automatic digital-imaging based code symbol reading system supporting pass-through and presentation modes of system operation, automatic object direction detection and illumination control, and video image capture and processing techniques. By virtue of the present invention, the automatic digital-imaging based code symbol reading system ensures the reliable reading of code symbols graphically represented in digital images, in high-throughput point-of-sale and other environments.

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-C5 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. One or more light reflecting fold mirrors M1-M14 define a camera assembly field of view positioned with respect to said light source and the sensor array at locations along a light path to transmit light from light source to the field of view and transmit light that bounces from a target in the field of view back along said light path to the image capture sensor array.

Abstract: A digital image capture and processing system including a housing having an imaging window; and an image formation and detection subsystem with an area-type image detection array having a periodic snap shot mode of the operation supporting the periodic occurrence of snap-shot type image acquisition cycles at a high-repetition rate, during object illumination and imaging operations. The system also includes an illumination subsystem, with a LED illumination array, for producing a field of illumination within the FOV, and illuminating the object detected in the FOV.

Abstract: A digital imaging-based bar code symbol reading device employing an automatic light exposure measurement and illumination control subsystem having an optical axis which is coincident with the field of view (FOV) of a digital imaging area-type sensing array. The bar code symbol reading device including a system for detecting image light intensity reflected off an object in the FOV of the digital imaging-based bar code symbol reading device, having image formation optics including a beam splitter with a surface of a known reflection/transmission ratio.