Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a sensor array having rows of pixels which are exposed to symbol indicia, wherein the sensor array generates a sync signal; an aiming pattern generator for producing an aiming pattern superimposed on the symbol indicia; a processor which utilizes the sync signal to control the aiming pattern generator to: turn on the aiming pattern during exposure of a first predetermined row of pixels; turn off the aiming pattern during exposure of a second predetermined row of pixels; turn on the aiming pattern during exposure of a third predetermined row of pixels; and, a housing for housing the sensor array, aiming pattern generator and processor for hand held operation.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, a two-dimensional code generating apparatus includes a two-dimensional code generating unit. The two-dimensional code generating unit that generates a two-dimensional code including a plurality of region symbols, a plurality of first pattern symbols, a plurality of second pattern symbols, and an information pattern. The region symbols represent a rectangular region in which one unit of the two-dimensional code is disposed, the rectangular region having a first side and a second side opposed to the first side.

Abstract: There is described an image sensor based indicia reading terminal comprising a variable setting imaging lens having a first setting at which the terminal has a first plane of optimum focus and a second setting at which the terminal has a second plane of optimum focus. According to one embodiment, a first predetermined picture size where picture size is determined according to a number of pixels subject to read out, can be associated to the first lens setting and a second picture size can be associated to the second lens setting such that the terminal with the lens setting set to the first setting reads out a frame of a first picture size and with the lens setting set to a second setting reads out a frame of a second picture size. In addition to or in place of the picture size operational parameters, different operational parameters can be associated to the respective first and second lens settings.

Abstract: There is described an imaging apparatus having an image sensor, and a plurality of operating states. Operation of the imaging apparatus can be differentiated between the operating states. In one operating state, the imaging apparatus can capture a frame of image data having image data corresponding to a predetermined number of pixels of the image sensor. The operating states of the imaging apparatus can be user selectable.

Abstract: An illuminating device for a system for automatically acquiring optically encoded information includes at least one illuminating element, the at least one illuminating element including at least one linear light source extending along a first direction, at least one reflecting optical element associated with the at least one linear light source and suitable for reflecting a light beam emitted by the at least one light source, the optical element having at least one first focus, the linear light source being arranged within an area surrounding the first focus, the illuminating device further includes rotating means suitable for rotating the at least one reflecting optical element with respect to the at least one first focus, with a rotation centre arranged within a further area surrounding the at least one first focus.

Abstract: A device, methods and system for improving the contrast ratio of an image of an optical code captured by an image capture device. A command implemented by the image capture device of the form “shift and add” causes the image capture device to generate a modified row of pixel data having improved contrast from a plurality of pixel rows in the image capture device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a handheld code reader that has an operating characteristic that can have at least first and second different states, the method for switching between the different states of the operating characteristic, the method comprising the steps of specifying a circumstance set including at least one of reader orientation and a threshold movement level for the reader, monitoring at least one of movement and orientation of the reader determining when the circumstance set occurs and changing the operating characteristic state when the circumstance set occurs, wherein the operating characteristic is one of an illumination mode and a code decoding algorithm.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a code symbol scanning apparatus includes a line writing unit which overwrites image data scanned by an area image sensor, with a line pattern having a predetermined gradation value, a symbol area designating unit which designates an area of a code symbol that should be scanned from the image edited by the line writing unit, and a code symbol scanning unit which scans the code symbol in the image area designated by the symbol area designating unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing speckle noise in laser based barcode readers. The apparatus includes a semiconductor laser diode for producing a laser beam. The apparatus also includes electronic circuitry operative to alternate the current passing through the semiconductor laser diode between a current above the threshold current and a current below the threshold current. The current passing through the semiconductor laser diode is alternated with a sufficiently high transition rate for reducing the coherence length of the laser beam.

Abstract: A camera, of a handheld computing device, is used to capture a picture of an object. At least some image data corresponding to the captured picture is provided to a processor, which returns processed information corresponding to the object. By reference to this processed information, the system automatically identifies a particular one of plural different software application programs—a program that is particularly relevant to the object, rather than being generally relevant to all objects. Output information is then produced using the identified software application program, which is then presented to the user, e.g., on a screen of the handheld computing device. A great number of other features and arrangements are also detailed.

Abstract: An integrated scanner and scale is provided having a thin profile and incorporating imaging technology to scan and read optical codes. The scanner-scale is sufficiently thin to allow a cash drawer to fit beneath the scanner-scale in a check stand. Side imagers are positioned and configured to scan multiple sides of an item. The field of view (FOV) of each imager defines at least a portion of a scan volume, wherein scanning is nearest to optimal. One or more imagers can be positioned on the checker side and the customer side, such that an optical path (or a portion thereof) from the scan volume to the one or more imagers is positioned entirely above a platter of the scanner. Mirrors fold and direct the optical path to direct the FOV of a bottom imager such that the bottom imager is positioned sufficiently close to the platter to allow the scanner-scale to have a thin profile.

Abstract: An information processing device may include a first frame provided with a scanner for reading information recorded on a medium, a second frame which faces the first frame across a traveling path and is provided with a pressing member for pressing the medium toward a reading face of the scanner, a support plate which supports the pressing member and whose one end is axially supported with the second frame to be movable between a locked position where the pressing member is protruded in the traveling path and an open position where a reading face of the scanner is exposed, a locking part for locking the support plate to the second frame at the locked position, and a half lock preventing mechanism for preventing a half-lock state when the support plate is locked to the second frame.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus comprises a laser source adapted to emit a beam along an axis and illuminate a target, a detector adapted to receive light of varying intensities scattered from the target and convert the light into a signal, and a controller operatively associated with the detector for receiving the signal from the detector and decoding the signal. A focusing apparatus comprising a deformable lens element in optical communication with the laser source has a deformable surface, at least part of which transmits the beam. The deformable lens element defines an index of refraction difference with an index of refraction of an adjacently disposed substance. In one embodiment the index of refraction difference is greater than 0.30.

Abstract: There is provided a lens element configured so that optical characteristics thereof remain substantially stable over a range of operating temperatures.

Abstract: There is described a focusing apparatus having a deformable membrane that at least partially defines a cavity and an optical fluid disposed in the cavity. An actuator assembly can be provided for imparting a force to the deformable membrane. In one embodiment, the actuator assembly can include a piezoelectric actuator.

Abstract: A laser scanner for reading symbology, such as barcodes. The laser scanner includes a housing, a laser source or generator disposed in the housing and operative to generate a laser beam, and an output window supported by housing and being positioned to receive the laser beam incident thereon. The window is operative to transmit the laser beam therethrough at a symbology target. In one embodiment, the window includes a vertical wedge angle between front and rear surfaces of the window that is oriented substantially in alignment with a vertical axis defined by the window. The vertical wedge angle is preferably oriented perpendicular to a horizontally-extending scanning line of the laser beam on the window. In one embodiment, the vertical wedge angle is substantially the same along the entire length or width of the window.

Abstract: A unique bar code-encoded identification is designed to be read in large number by a bar code scanner simultaneously or in continuous motion. The unique identification, known as Gentag ID, allows a specific product item to be tracked. In one implementation, that product identification is encoded using code 128 bar code, or another bar code language. In one implementation, the product identification is formed by a combination of multiple characters under the encoding scheme. In one application, a product item with the product identification is placed on a display rack among other product items having like product identification. The product identification may be provided on a surface of the product item at a preferred position, such that all of the product identifications of the products on the display rack may be read by an electronic scanner at the same time or in a continuous motion.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image processor capable of preventing illegal copying of a document. The image processor first extracts information from a barcode in a first region of document image data. Then, the image processor extracts information from a barcode in a second region of the document image data if the information is extracted from the barcode in the first region. On the other hand, if the information is not extracted from the barcode in the first region, the image processor does not extract the information from the barcode in the second region of the document image data. This enables a copying operation for a document consisting of a plurality of pages to be efficiently controlled.

Abstract: A solid-state imager is mounted at a point-of-transaction workstation for capturing images of one- and two-dimensional indicia and is operated at high speed to resist image blurring due to relative movement between the target and the imager. Dedicated hardware assistance and computation resources are allocated to decode multiple, continuous and simultaneous video streams from multiple imagers at the workstation.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for estimating and, at least partially, compensating for fixed pattern noise (FPN) in an image sensor. In one configuration, an estimate of the FPN of an image sensor may be obtained by capturing a dark image (either a linear or an area image, depending on the sensor type) using a first exposure time, an illuminated image may be captured using a second exposure time, the second exposure time is greater than the first exposure time, and the dark image may be subtracted from the illuminated image to compensate, at least partially, for FPN. Certain configurations may utilize virtual scan lines. Two or more dark images may also be utilized to estimate FPN in an image sensor.

Abstract: The invention discloses an authentication device for the visual authentication of a document or item comprising a circular polarizing security marking, said device comprising a light source and polarization filters for the either parallel or alternate illumination of said marking on said document with left- and right-circular polarized light. Corresponding methods for the visual and the automated authentication of the marking are disclosed as well.

Abstract: Systems and methods of optical code reading include production of image data by a color image sensor array and processing of the image data to decode an optical code. In one configuration, the color image sensor array includes first and second sets of sensor pixels sensitive to light having wavelengths within, respectively, first and second wavelength bands, reflected light is focused by an optical system to form an image of an optical code on the color image sensor array, first and second sets of image data representing light intensity levels sensed by, respectively, the first and second sets of sensor pixels are produced, and the first set of image data is processed to determine whether the second set of image data is to be used in combination with the first set of image data to decode the optical code.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for capturing, detecting and extracting features of an ID, such as a 1D barcode, that employs an efficient processing system based upon a CPU-controlled vision system on a chip (VSoC) architecture, which illustratively provides a linear array processor (LAP) constructed with a single instruction multiple data (SIMD) architecture in which each pixel of the rows of the pixel array are directed to individual processors in a similarly wide array. The pixel data are processed in a front end (FE) process that performs rough finding and tracking of regions of interest (ROIs) that potentially contain ID-like features. The ROI-finding process occurs in two parts so as to optimize the efficiency of the LAP in neighborhood operations—a row-processing step that occurs during image pixel readout from the pixel array and an image-processing step that occurs typically after readout occurs.

Abstract: An optical code or other data reading device includes a color image sensor array positioned to sense light reflected from an object, and to produce image data. In one configuration, the color image sensor array has multiple sets (e.g., first and second sets) of sensor elements that are sensitive to corresponding visible wavelength bands of light (e.g., first and second wavelength bands), the sets also being sensitive to light within an infrared wavelength band. An artificial illumination source is positioned to illuminate the field of view with light that is reflected off an object in the field of view toward the image sensor array, the illumination source being operable to produce infrared light having wavelengths within the infrared wavelength band so that, upon illumination, at least some sensor elements of each of the sets are sensitive to the infrared light and contribute to production of the image data.

Abstract: A scanner module is constructed for use in a high impact, high usage environment. The industrial scanner employs a substantially box-like enclosure with an integral handle extending from a bottom portion forming an elongated slot. A scanner window is located in one panel of the enclosure and cushioning materials disposed in the enclosure for providing heavy-duty impact resistance. An externally accessible keyboard display window and a display assembly is employed at a frontal portion of the enclosure.

Abstract: A structure of a subject such as a card, a bank note, or a stock certificate easily faked and needing authenticity validation and a method for judging the authenticity of the subject. An authenticity validation chip having structural color developers irregularly arranged is attached to a card. An optical sensor detects the arrangement of the structural color developers to individually recognize the card or judge its authenticity. To validate the authenticity, when or after the card is taken in, the information in the authenticity validation chip provided on the card is read. Each of the structural color developers is a transparent resin flake or a transparent resin thin layer. The information is read two-dimensionally with a camera, and the authenticity of the authenticity validation chip is judged by observing the distributed state of the structural color developers. Alternatively, the information can be read linearly.

Abstract: A two-dimensional galvanometer scanner is disclosed in which two coils are disposed on two adjacent sides of the scanning mirror in order to provide for movement along two orthogonal axes. Preferably, a ball holder and metallic ball are used to implement a ball and socket connection to permit the scanning mirror or other optical element to be moved in the two dimensions.

Abstract: Providing interest to clients' deposited funds without limitation on the number of demand withdrawals from deposit accounts is accomplished by an administration system that keeps all of the records for the clients' deposits and withdrawals, calculates the total of the deposits and withdrawals for all clients, and uses the calculation to determine whether funds are deposited to or withdrawn from one or more deposit accounts in which all clients' deposit funds are kept. Clients can make unlimited withdrawals, such as by check, credit card, debit card, or electronic transfer, through the administrator. By placing the administrator as the holder of the deposit account(s), exemptions to the limitation on earning interest in demand accounts is facilitated; additionally, dispersing the deposit account funds among multiple banks allows the client to obtain FDIC insurance for all of the deposited funds, which may amount to insurance in excess of the statutory maximum allowed (presently $100,000.00).

Abstract: An optical code reader forms images of an optical code on an object. The reader comprises first and second viewing surfaces generally transverse to one another. The surfaces bound a viewing volume in which the object may be imaged. The reader also comprises a set of one or more imagers positioned on an opposite side of one or more of the first and second viewing surfaces relative to the viewing volume, and oriented and configured to capture images of the object from at least three different views. Each of the views passes through one of said first and second viewing surfaces. At least one of said views passes through the first viewing surface, and at least one of said views passes through the second viewing surface. The reader also comprises at least one mirror, off which is reflected at least one of the views.

Abstract: Fold mirrors permit the imagers to be closer to each other and permit an optical code reader, such as a tunnel scanner, to confine them to a smaller housing volume or capacity. A plurality of sets of fold mirrors can also be employed to convey at least a portion of at least two different perspectives or two different depths of field of a composite view volume to different regions of an image field of a common imager. The sets of fold mirrors may also include split mirrors that have mirror components that reflect images from different view volumes to different imagers or different regions of an image field of a single imager.

Abstract: Provided is a process for tag imaging and decoding of machine readable coded data which comprises a plurality of layouts. Each layout has at least order n rotational symmetry, where n is at least two. The layout encodes a first codeword comprising a sequence of at least n first symbols, the first symbols being distributed at n locations about a center of rotational symmetry of the layout such that decoding the first symbols at each of the n orientations of the layout produces n representations of the first codeword. Each representation includes a different cyclic shift of the first codeword and being indicative of the degree of rotation of the layout. Each representation also includes a second codeword comprising a number of second symbols, the second codeword being indicative of information regarding the respective layout. The process includes the steps of acquiring an image which includes said coded data, and identifying at least one layout.

Abstract: An integrated data reader and electronic article surveillance (EAS) system, and methods of operation. Several configurations are also disclosed for alternate deactivation coil designs and mounting schemes.

Abstract: A laser scanner includes a laser, a variable focusing element, a scanner, a detector, and a controller that controls the scanner to sweep a laser beam over an aiming angle at an aiming rate to form an aiming line on a symbol during aiming, and over a reading angle at a reading rate to form a reading line on the symbol during reading that follows the aiming. The aiming angle is smaller than the reading angle. The aiming rate is higher than the reading rate. The aiming line is shorter than the reading line. The controller determines a depth of modulation of an analog signal generated during aiming, and controls the variable focusing element to focus the laser beam on the symbol during aiming when the depth of modulation is determined to be optimum. The controller also processes the analog signal to data indicative of the symbol during reading.

Abstract: Presented are systems and methods for aiding data organization. Generally, the system includes an electronic signal processor that receives electronic signals from user input devices, such as a computer keyboard and/or bar code scanner, and that transmits electronic signals to user output devices, such as a visual display human machine interface and/or a label printer. Once a certain input, such as an electronic signal representing a scanned optical code, is received by the processor, the processor prioritizes the appropriate graphical user interface on the visual display to allow for data entry by a user of the system. Data entry prompts and responses to user input are at least partially customizable by a user.

Abstract: Data may be embedded in rows of text by modulating inter-word spaces in a row. Inter-word spaces in a particular row may be divided into two or more sets of (approximately) equal spacing. The inter-word spaces of one or more of the sets may then be modified to embed data.

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: A processing device for a card-like recording medium may include a path for transferring the recording medium, a frame including a first frame and a second frame, a detector structured to detect presence of the recording medium, an imager structured to capture an image record on the recording medium. The detector may be placed in the frame before the imager in a transfer direction of the recording medium. The information processing device may further include a neutralizing member structure to remove static electricity charged in the recording medium, the neutralizing member being placed between the imager and the detector.

Abstract: A data capture terminal for, and a method of, automatically capturing data from targets, employ a handheld housing orientable by a human operator in different orientations relative to the targets; a data capture system, preferably including a plurality of actuatable datacapture modules, supported by the housing; an orientation sensor supported by the housing for detecting the orientations of the housing relative to the targets, and for generating respective orientation signals in response to the respective detected orientations of the housing; and a controller operatively connected to the orientation sensor, for independently actuating one of the data capture modules for capturing the data from one of the targets in one data capture mode of operation in response to generation of one of the orientation signals, and for actuating another of the data capture modules for capturing the data from another of the targets in another data capture mode of operation in response to generation of another of the orientation

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for conducting sales transactions are provided. Embodiments include handheld, portable, electronic, point of purchase devices configured to acquire identification information from articles to be purchased, to determine a purchase price, and to acquire payment information for the purchase price. The point of purchase devices may include one or more input devices such as a near field communication device, a camera, a scanner, and a biometric sensor for acquiring the identification information and/or the payment information. In some embodiments, the near field communication device may be detachable from the point of purchase device. The point of purchase devices also may contain communication interfaces, such as a near field communication interface, a local area network interface, a short message service interface, and a personal area network interface, for transmitting the information to an external server.

Abstract: Code reading device for receptacles with at least one code marking at a transparent or translucent circumferential wall section, said device comprising an illumination for applying light on said wall section and an image capturer for capturing image information of said code markings. In a device, in order to avoid complicated handling or alignment of said receptacles before or during reading of said code markings, said illumination is adapted to provide light on at least three different light paths extending through said wall section and being relatively spaced such that the associated light incidence positions are disposed circumjacent to said wall section. In a method, light is provided on at least three different light paths being relatively spaced such that the associated light incidence positions are disposed circumjacent to said wall section.

Abstract: Providing interest to clients' deposited funds without the legal limitation on the number of demand withdrawals from deposit accounts is accomplished by an administration system that keeps all of the records for the clients' deposits and withdrawals, calculates the total of the deposits and withdrawals for all clients, and uses the calculation to determine whether funds are deposited to or withdrawn from a single deposit account in which all clients' deposit funds are kept. Clients can make unlimited withdrawals, such as by check, credit card, debit card, or electronic transfer, through the administrator. By placing the administrator as the holder of a single account, legal exemptions to the limitation on earning interest in demand accounts is facilitated.

Abstract: A method and system for data input is provided. The method includes inputting data, reading a subset of a set of predefined machine-readable codes from a printed media, the printed media including thereon the set of predefined machine-readable codes and a set of human-readable indicia. Each of the set of human-readable indicia is associated with a respective one of the set of predefined machine-readable codes. Each of the set of human-readable indicia indicates a user-selectable input value. The subset of the plurality of predefined machine-readable codes consists of predefined machine-readable codes that have not been defaced. The method also includes saving as user input values the user-selectable input values indicated by the indicia that are associated with the machine-readable codes in the set of predefined machine-readable codes that have not been read.

Abstract: An image scanner apparatus, method and system to scan a bar code or other optical code using an image capture device where the blurring associated with the movement of the bar code pass the image scanner is reduced or eliminated by using differential panning of the bar code. An image of the bar code is panned or moved across the image capture device in a direction that negates at least some of the apparent movement of the bar code past the image scanner. The apparent motion of the bar code to the image capture device is reduced thus reducing the blurring of the bar code in the captured image.

Abstract: A multi-camera imaging-based scanner for imaging multiple target objects at substantially the same time and method is provided. The multi-camera imaging-based scanner comprises an image processing system with memory programmed to identify overlapping areas of field-of-views of the multiple cameras with in a scan field, such that if a target object is imaged by more than one camera at substantially the same time in one of the over lapping areas between two or more cameras' field-of-views, the processing system defines that a single target object has been detected and the decoded information therefrom is processed only once. If multiple target objects are imaged by more than one camera at substantially the same time outside of any of the over lapping areas between two or more cameras' field-of-views, the processing system defines that multiple target objects have been detected and the decoded information for each target object is processed.

Abstract: A user detects data from a physical object (e.g., a poster) using a handheld appliance. The appliance then contacts a remote computer based on the data obtained from the object, and can perform any of a variety of functions, such as purchasing tickets to a concert or movie, or downloading music. The data can be obtained from the object in various ways, such as by optical sensing or by electromagnetic detection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use with a handheld code reader that has an operating characteristic that can have at least first and second different states, the method for switching between the different states of the operating characteristic, the method comprising the steps of specifying a circumstance set including at least one of reader orientation and a threshold movement level for the reader, monitoring at least one of movement and orientation of the reader determining when the circumstance set occurs and changing the operating characteristic state when the circumstance set occurs, wherein the operating characteristic is one of an illumination mode and a code decoding algorithm.

Abstract: A sensor (100) for sensing a mark (502) on or in a material comprises a camera sensor (102) that is designed to scan a portion (106) of the surface of the material (402) for the mark (502) at least by a line scan. The sensor (100) also comprises an analyzing logic unit (104) that is coupled to the camera sensor (102) and designed to emit, when a mark (502) on that portion (106) of the surface of the material (402) that is scanned is detected by the camera sensor (102), a signal (108) for the detection of a mark on or in the material, which signal (108) corresponds to a position of the mark (502) on or in the material (402), the analyzing logic circuit (104) also being designed to use logic elements set to perform fixed logic operations to determine the signal (108) for the detection of a mark.

Abstract: A method of tracking a medical instrument. The method includes using a processing system to receive indicating data from a scanning device, the indicating data being indicative of a unique identifier and being determined when the scanning device is used to scan the instrument. The processing system uses the identifier to obtain instrument data associated with the instrument from a database, before interacting with the instrument data to either record one or more events performed with the instrument or determine one or more events performed with the instrument.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for automatic data collection. An automatic data collection system includes an image capture subsystem and a processor subsystem. The automatic data collection system is operable to decode machine-readable symbols in a machine-readable symbol reading mode, and to automatically switch from a machine-readable symbol reading mode to an optical character recognition mode in response to information encoded in a machine-readable symbol. In some embodiments, the automatic data collection system is further operable to perform optical character recognition on human-readable symbols in a human-readable symbol reading mode.

Abstract: A method checking the authenticity of goods, including marking and identification of the goods. A marking in a form of a patter having a pattern function is applied to the surface of the goods, a local change in physically measurable properties of the surface of the goods in the region of the marking being brought about by the marking; the marking is not perceptible by eye. The identification detects transmission, reflection or scattering of analytical radiation by the surface of the goods as a function of local coordinates and the wavelength of the analytical radiation, and thereby a response function is determined, which reproduces intensity of the transmitted, reflected or scattered analytical radiation as a function of the local coordinates and the wavelength, and by correlation analysis, the correlation of the response function with a known pattern function is determined. The marking is detected by the correlation.