Abstract: Automation of the comparison of the colors of small surfaces of products. In one embodiment, color differences are measured rather than an absolute color value. An apparatus is provided for capturing color images of a portion of a product or part to provide a sample product image. The sample image is compared to an image of a standard product obtained under the same conditions with the same apparatus. The color difference is measured to determine when it is in a predetermined range.

Abstract: An optical image sensing module includes a base, an optical body, at least one light emitting component, and a sensing unit. The base has a light shielding portion and a bottom portion. The light shielding portion protrudes from the bottom portion. The light shielding portion has a first opening. The bottom portion has a second opening to correspond to the light shielding portion and a third opening adjacent to the second opening. The optical body is located on the base and has a lens portion and a light guiding portion. The lens portion is connected to the light guiding portion, and is adjacent to the first opening. The light emitting component is disposed within the third opening. The sensing unit is disposed in the second opening.

Abstract: A disclosed photosensor includes: a first electrode layer including a reflection part having an inclination surface; a first semiconductor layer positioned on the first electrode layer; a second electrode layer positioned on the first semiconductor layer; and a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer sequentially positioned on the second electrode layer, wherein the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer have different dielectric constant values. Further, the disclosed display device includes a plurality of pixel areas positioned on a substrate, and a sensor unit formed in at least some pixel areas among the plurality of pixel areas.

Abstract: A light transmitter (e.g., pipe) is constructed from polycarbonate for increased shock resistance and can define a rectangular cross section. A chamfered end of the light pipe is textured or frosted to further diffuse refracted light passing through the end to present a more even effect. A conical/tapered diffuser within the light pipe is illuminated by a reflector that reflects a plurality of rear-ward-directed illumination sources back into the diffuser. The reflector can direct light into the forwardmost, remote regions of the diffuser to generate a better spread of light and alleviate spotting effects. The illumination sources can be multi-colored sources that respond to a controller to project a color and/or blink in a pattern to indicate various conditions. The controller can operate individual portions of the ring so that only corresponding portions of the light pipe perimeter are illuminated in a particular color at a given time.

Abstract: A lightpipe, which is mounted on one chassis part of an imaging module of an imaging reader, optically modifies an aiming beam emitted by an aiming laser, which is mounted on another chassis part of the imaging module, to generate and shape an aiming light pattern on a target. In one embodiment, at least one, or both, of the chassis parts are movable relative to each other to spatially adjust the aiming light pattern relative to an imaging field of view. In another embodiment, the aiming laser and the lightpipe are received in respective pockets of the chassis parts with clearance, and are adjustably fixed in place to spatially adjust the aiming light pattern relative to the imaging field of view.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an image identification apparatus comprises an image pickup unit, an illumination unit, an illumination control unit and an identification unit. The image pickup unit configured to pickup an image of an identified object. The illumination unit configured to irradiate light towards the image pickup area of the image pickup unit. The illumination control unit configured to change the irradiation condition of the illumination unit in accordance with the image pickup timing of the image pickup unit. The identification unit configured to identify the identified object according to the image picked-up by the image pickup unit.

Abstract: There is provided an illumination setting support apparatus that enables a user to easily set an optimal lighting pattern while visually checking. A schematic diagram of the illumination unit is displayed in the setting screen, so that clicking on a desired area inside this schematic diagram allows the arbitrary area to be selected from eight areas in the circumferential row of the “outermost circumference” of the external illumination unit. Lighting pattern information is transmitted to a bar code reader and is transferred to the external illumination unit. Imaging is performed while executing illumination control in accordance with the lighting pattern to thereby immediately display a live image on a PC.

Abstract: There is provided an illumination setting support apparatus that enables a user to easily set an optimal lighting pattern while visually checking. A schematic diagram of the illumination unit is displayed in the setting screen, so that clicking on a desired area inside this schematic diagram allows the arbitrary area to be selected from eight areas in the circumferential row of the “outermost circumference” of the external illumination unit. Lighting pattern information is transmitted to a bar code reader and is transferred to the external illumination unit. Imaging is performed while executing illumination control in accordance with the lighting pattern to thereby immediately display a live image on a PC.

Abstract: An optical text scanning device compatible with a small handheld computer such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). The scanning device allows for a clear view of the text that is scanned simultaneous to the scanning process so that the operator can continuously align the device to the text. The scanned images of the text are converted in real-time to standard byte or word characters for subsequent display on the computer's viewing screen. The operator can quickly verify the accuracy of the conversion by comparing the displayed character with the actual character of text on the surface that is being scanned. Scanned text characters are stored in standard digital text files for ease of manipulation.

Abstract: An image capturing apparatus having an image capturing unit and an image filtering surface in which the optical axis of the image capturing unit is disposed at an angle ? to a normal of the image fitting surface.

Abstract: A laser power control arrangement and method in an electro-optical reader for reading indicia includes an energizable laser for emitting a laser beam having an output power along a path. An internal light detector, e.g., a monitor photodiode, is mounted inside the laser for monitoring the output power of the laser. An external light detector, e.g., an auxiliary photodiode, is mounted outside the laser for monitoring the output power of the laser independently of the internal light detector. A guide, advantageously a light pipe or a diffuser, is positioned outside the laser in the path of the laser beam for guiding the laser beam from the laser to the external light detector. A controller is operatively connected to each light detector, for controlling a monitored output power of the laser beam by deenergizing the laser when the monitored output power of the laser beam exceeds a safe power level limit.

Abstract: A data receiving and illuminatable marking instrument and spaced emission source is disclosed. The marking instrument may be a full duplex marking apparatus that communicates with spaced emitters transmitting infrared electromagnetic energy encoded with unique data packets. The marking instrument illuminates a portion of the marking implement in response to the data received from the data transmitting device. A method for using the above invention likewise is disclosed.

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: This provides a plurality of novel features that can be applied variously to a reader. In one embodiment, the light pipe is constructed from durable polycarbonate for increased shock resistance and can define a rectangular cross section. The chamfered end of the light pipe is textured or frosted to further diffuse refracted light passing through the end so as to present a more even effect. The conical/tapered diffuser within the light pipe is illuminated by a reflector with a white textured surface that reflects a plurality of rearward-directed illumination sources back into the diffuser. The reflector can define a predetermined cross section that directs further light into the forwardmost, remote regions of the diffuser to generate a better spread of light and alleviate spotting effects. The textured surface on the chamfered light pipe end can be employed to better project indicator light.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transferring information between a movable system and another system. The movable subsystem includes an electrical component providing electrical signal including information. Electromagnetic radiation is modulated according to the information. The other subsystem includes a receiving component that receives the modulated electromagnetic radiation and converts the received electromagnetic radiation into other electrical signals.

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: An illumination system and method for use in a handheld symbology reader that employs a grid of reflecting elements applied to a transparent plate adapted to project a highly diffuse and uniform illumination on a subject. The grid defines a geometry with a large number of transparent spaces between grid elements through which an image of the subject can be acquired. A light source array is configured to project light into the grid at a right angle via a light pipe having a distal beveled edge or side projecting light sources. Another light source may be employed to illuminate second light pipe with a chamfered edge to create low-angle illumination.

Abstract: On a display window that displays code patterns that are read at a time, a code reading device allows the code pattern that is successfully decoded to be visually confirmed with ease. In a handy terminal, when an image scanner reads code patterns at a time in response to a trigger operation, a CPU performs decoding processes for each code pattern and determines whether the decoding processes have been successfully completed or not based on the decoding results so as to display an identifying mark indicating the determination result in association with the image of each code pattern.

Abstract: To improve image capture from a display or a surface, more specifically from a specular reflecting surface, the invention proposes an image capturing apparatus having an image capturing unit and an image fitting surface in which the optical axis of the image capturing unit is disposed at an angle ? to a normal of the image fitting surface.

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: An immobile, non-magnetic mode sensor, preferably an optical sensor, is entirely supported by a housing of a reader for electro-optically reading indicia in a handheld mode, and in a hands-free mode, of operation. The mode sensor is operative for sensing the mode of operation, for example, by detecting whether the housing has been grasped by an operator, or by detecting whether the housing has been removed from a support surface. The mode sensor is actuatable between handheld and hands-free states, which respectively correspond to the handheld and hands-free modes of operation. A controller is operative for selecting the mode of operation, which is sensed by the mode sensor, in which the indicia is to be read.

Abstract: A transaction terminal including a display, a housing, an imaging module assembly wherein the imaging module assembly comprises a control and decode circuit, an imaging module, and a light pipe disposed optically forward of the imaging module. The light pipe may be in a tubular configuration and may include a first end disposed inside the housing and a second end extending to an exterior of the housing. The transaction terminal may include a motion detector generating a motion detection signal that serves as a trigger signal. When a motion detection signal changes state from OFF to ON, light sources of the LEDs are actuated so that a user is notified of a decoding function of the terminal.

Abstract: A data receiving and illuminatable marking instrument and spaced emission source is disclosed. The marking instrument may be a full duplex marking apparatus that communicates with spaced emitters transmitting infrared electromagnetic energy encoded with unique data packets. The marking instrument illuminates a portion of the marking implement in response to the data received from the data transmitting device. A method for using the above invention likewise is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging a symbol associated with an object which includes a housing and an imaging module connected to the housing, where the imaging module includes at least one lens for creating an image of the symbol. The imaging module further has a sensor for sensing the image. An electroluminescent light sheet is connected to the housing, and the electroluminescent light sheet provides at least one of dark field illumination and bright field illumination.

Abstract: A bar code reader indicator feature gives visible indication that a bar code function has been performed. The feature is integrally molded with the exit window to simplify the design and reduce cost. The feature can diffuse light from an existing indicator light within the reader or the scanning light beam can be directed to impinge upon an area of the exit window not normally in the beam path when the function has been performed to illuminate the feature.

Abstract: An optical reading device is disclosed, in which the size and weight thereof are reduced, and the shock resistibility of the spindle motor thereof is improved. The optical reading device comprises a casing and an optical reader, wherein the optical reader thereof is received inside the casing. The optical reader includes a first portion, a second portion, and an optical fiber. The first portion is mounted inside the casing, while the second portion is mobile inside the casing. The optical fiber connects with the first portion and the second portion respectively, which enables the light to be emitted from the light source of the first portion and to be transmitted to the second portion and the data storage medium thereof. Hence, by the arrangement of the units illustrated, the weight of the optical reader device is reduced, and the shock resistibility of the optical reader thereof is improved as well.

Abstract: The invention aims at obtaining an original illuminating apparatus and an image reader having the same with which “the reflection” phenomenon is reduced, and much quantity of light for illumination is obtained in an area to be read of an original to thereby be able to perform the reading operation at high speed.

Abstract: An optical reader includes a housing which may environmentally protect the optical path between a light source and a sensor array to reduce dust and debris interfering with transmission of light. The housing may further provide for alignment of the light path by positioning a focusing axis in alignment with the optical sensor array. The housing further acts as a light pipe to reflect transmitted light from a light source toward a focusing axis where the light may be reflected off of a document containing coded information back through the chamber defined by the housing to an optical sensor array. Point of sale devices incorporating an optical reader are also provided.

Abstract: A high performance scanning device is adapted for capture of image information from various financial instruments, such as, banknotes, credit cards, identification cards, banknotes, etc. The device uses a reflective light guide arranged for guiding both of the transmission and the reception of scanning illumination. The light guide allows effective concentration of illumination power for a high-performance scanning operation.

Abstract: An optical reader having a housing which may environmentally protect the optical path between light source and a sensor array to reduce dust and debris interfering with transmission of light. The housing may further provide for alignment of the light path by positioning a focusing axis in alignment with the optical sensor array. The housing further acts as a light pipe to reflect transmitted light from a light source toward a focusing axis where the light may be reflected off of a document containing coded information back through the chamber defined by the housing to an optical sensor array. Point of sale devices incorporating an optical reader are also provided.

Abstract: A scanning device for capturing images, which contains an optical unit comprising a light source, a light guide, and a light receiver. The light guide comprises a substantially parallel sided, transparent member, the member having first opposed ends extending between the parallel sides, one of the ends facing the light source and extending non-orthogonally between the parallel sides, the other end facing the image to be scanned in use, and second opposed ends extending between the parallel sides and the first opposed ends. Light from the light source enters the light guide through the one first end, is directed onto the image after passing out of the other first end, is reflected back into the light guide and then directed by the light guide towards the light receiver.

Abstract: A diffractive collector for an optical scanner includes a wedged-shaped substrate having holographic grating provided on a front surface, a conical-shaped back surface, and at least one detector. Substantially parallel light is made incident upon the front surface of the substrate, and the light is diffracted within the substrate to the back surface. The wedged shaped of the collector and the holographic grating cause the light to reflect back within the substrate at such an angle that the light remains within the substrate as the light propagates to the at least one detector.

Abstract: A hand scanner for scanning a document by being moved by hand and sending the resulting image data to a host is disclosed. The scanner is easily movable over a document without meandering. Because the scanner includes a minimum number of parts, it is small in size and simple in configuration.

Abstract: A handhold control unit (HCU) shaped like a gun includes a non volatile random access memory (RAM) for storing price information (e.g. price, price per ounce, sales discounts) for the items on the market shelves. The HCU receives such information from a central processing unit (CPU) in the market. When aimed at a stock keeping unit (SKU) tag adjacent a particular item on a shelf, the HCU interrogates the SKU tag to determine the item identity. The HCU may also provide photovoltaic energy to the SKU tag to provide for the SKU tag operation. The SKU tag responds with a code (preferably infra red) identifying the particular item and sends this code to the HCU as by infra red energy. The HCU then identifies the particular item in the RAM from the transmitted code and recovers from the RAM the price information relating to the particular item. The HCU then transmits to the SKU tag the code identifying the item and also the price information for the item.

Abstract: An array of reflectors is arranged to approximately match the arrangement of a two-dimensional array of LEDs such as used in a 2-D bar code scanner. Each reflector has at least one reflecting wall for reflecting light from a respective LED, thus increasing the amount of LED light illuminating the target.

Abstract: A machine vision system images bar code labels moving through a horizontal plane at variable object distances within the system's object depth of field Z .sub.obj with a plurality of sequential line images, each with different object lengths which gradate Z .sub.obj into plural focused object planes, and the object plane within which the bar code label lies provides a focused optical image of the bar code to a multilinear photodetector which transduces the focused optical image into a corresponding electrical signal for further processing.

Abstract: An information display system is disclosed having a housing with a viewing window. An elongated flexible sheet is contained within the housing and a plurality of discrete visual messages are provided at longitudinal spaced intervals along the sheet while a controllable motor is mechanically drivenly connected with the sheet to control the position of the sheet. A coded index is also associated with each discrete visual message on the sheet. A microprocessor based central control unit receives input from a user via a keyboard of the desired visual message to be displayed through the housing window. After the user inputs the desired message, the control unit outputs control signals to a motor control module associated with the controllable motor. The motor control module decodes the output signal and then selectively activates the controllable motor in the housing to change the positioning of the sheet until the desired or target visual message is positioned in alignment with the housing viewing window.

Abstract: First and second elongate curved reflecting surfaces positioned in non-parallel, spaced apart relation collect light from an elongate light source and direct it onto a scanning area. One edge of the first curved reflecting surface is positioned adjacent the light source and the opposite edge is positioned adjacent the illuminated scan area so that the first curved reflecting surface extends from about the light source to about the illuminated scan area. The second curved reflecting surface is positioned in opposed spaced-apart non-parallel relation to the first curved reflecting surface such that the distance separating the reflecting surfaces at the light source is less than the distance separating the reflecting surfaces at the end adjacent the illuminated scanning area. An elongate planar reflecting surface is positioned adjacent the second curved reflecting surface so that it is substantially perpendicular to the illuminated scan area.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held data terminal for scanning and reading a bar code that includes a removable scanning head that can be secured to the terminal in one orientation for right-handed operation, and can be removed and secured to the terminal in an opposite orientation for left-handed operation. The scanning head includes a bottom panel having a tab and slot structure, and the terminal includes a top panel having a tab and slot structure. The positions of the slots of the top panel structure allow the tabs of the scanning head structure to be inserted between and then under the tabs of the top panel structure in a locked configuration.

Abstract: The laser diode of an optical scanning system is located in a separate unit and light therefrom carried to a remote scan head via an optical fiber. This reduces the size and weight of the scan head and reduces the temperature sensitivity of the scan head. The scan head may include an optical sensor for detecting light reflected from scanned symbols. Alternatively, the separate unit may house the sensor, and the same fiber or an additional fiber will collect the reflected light and transmit that light back to the sensor. The invention also encompasses a number of electromagnetic and piezoelectric systems for producing a scanning motion of the beam emitted by the scan head.

Abstract: To simplify a data reading apparatus for two-dimensional code data, a line sensor detection unit (30) for reading two-dimensional data includes an optical fiber band cable (3) bundling multiple optical fibers (31) of specified diameter in a band, and an upper end of the fibers is connected to a line sensor element (2) unit incorporated in the reading apparatus (S), and a lower end of the fibers is disposed opposite to an opening (11) of a specified size in the region of one or more two-dimensional code data in the bottom of the reading apparatus (S). The line sensor detection unit (3) including the optical fiber band cable (3) is disposed reciprocally parallel along the surface to be detected in an orthogonal direction, and the line sensor detection unit (30) is set movable within the range of the opening (11). A detection unit moving device (4) is disposed so as to read the two-dimensional code data.

Abstract: A task processing apparatus includes a main CPU, a plurality of sub-CPUs, a first starting section, a second starting section, and a notification section. The plurality of sub-CPUs independently execute a series of difference tasks set in advance in accordance with a predetermined sequence. The first starting section is arranged in the main CPU to output a first starting signal for starting the first sub-CPU, of the plurality of sub-CPUs, which executes a first task at the start of the series of tasks. The second starting section is arranged in each of the sub-CPUs except for the last sub-CPU. When the task in a given sub-CPU is completed, the second starting section outputs a second starting signal for starting the next sub-CPU which executes the next task. The notification section is arranged in the last sub-CPU of the plurality of sub-CPUs. The notification section supplies a processing completion signal indicating completion of the series of tasks to the main CPU when the last task is completed.

Abstract: A miniature scan engine module for bar code reading and data collection systems utilizes a light source and a light collector flexurally supported on a platform which reciprocates on pivots defined by flexures. The light received from the code, as it is scanned, is collected along an optical collector having a surface area approximately equal to the surface area of one side of the scan engine. The optical collector in which the gratings are embedded faces the bar code and pivots with the scanning beam source (a laser diode). A pair of diffraction gratings in a surface of the optical collector which faces away from the code directs the incoming light so that it propagates internally in a substrate within the body of the collector, i.e. in the optic itself to photodetectors via reflective and light concentrating surfaces over the photodetector.

Abstract: The laser diode of an optical scanning system is located in a separate unit and light therefrom carried to a remote scan head via an optical fiber. This reduces the size and weight of the scan head and reduces the temperature sensitivity of the scan head. The scan head may include an optical sensor for detecting light reflected from scanned symbols. Alternatively, the separate unit may house the sensor, and the same fiber or an additional fiber will collect the reflected light and transmit that light back to the sensor. A portion of the optical fiber is attached to the optical scan unit such that the first end is free to vibrate within the optical scan unit in response to a mechanical force applied to the optical scan unit by a user, for example by shaking or striking the scan unit.

Abstract: The laser diode of an optical scanning system is located in a separate unit and light therefrom carried to a remote scan head via an optical fiber. This reduces the size and weight as well as temperature sensitivity of the scan head. The separate unit may include an optical sensor for detecting light reflected from scanned symbols. If the separate unit houses the sensor, the same fiber or an additional fiber will collect the reflected light and transmit that light back to the sensor. An electromagnetic system produces a scanning motion of the beam emitted by the scan head where the optical fiber is attached to a magnet.

Abstract: An optical read head contains imaging optics for focusing incident light and light receiving optics arranged concentrically with respect to the imaging optics for receiving the light focused by the imaging optics and reflected from an object. The imaging optics and the light receiving optics are located on the same optical axis, the light receiving optics surrounding the imaging optics. The light receiving optics are also displaced forward in the direction of the incident light with respect to the imaging optics, an input face of the light receiving optics being inclined towards the optical axis. The optical read head is suitable for, among other things, the colour-selective scanning of material webs and other colour patterns and exhibits a high light receiving capability in addition to a high resolution capability.

Abstract: Equipment for the collection of bar-code data from a plurality of work stations in a central processing station comprises an optical scanner at each work station connected to the central station by means of an optical fiber; all optical fibers arriving from the work stations are assembled in a fiber-assembly bracket with their rear ends arranged in one or more parallel lines positioned opposite a lens system; and the lens system transfers the alternating light and dark signals issuing from each fiber end to the photo-sensitive end of a corresponding channel of a detector, preferably a charge-coupled device. The detector converts the received light signals into electrical analog signals and transfers these to the central processing unit, where they are converted into digital signals for processing and storing in memory means.

Abstract: A laser scanner for a bar code reader has a laser source (41), a laser beam scanning means (31, etc.,) for scanning a bar code (B) on an object in a predetermined direction with a laser beam emitted from the laser source, a light emission window (25) for emitting the scanning beam toward the bar code on the object, and an optical detecting means (51) for detecting signal light reflected from the bar code. The laser beam scanning means and optical detecting means are integrally incorporated in a single substrate (20), and the light emission window is supported on the substrate by a transparent support (23, etc.).

Abstract: A detection mark comprising a pattern formed from a thin phosphor layer which emits a light having a different wavelength from that of an excitation light irradiated on a surface side of the phosphor layer, and an undercoat layer which is formed on a rear surface side of the phosphor layer and reflects the excitation light, which mark can be detected by intermittently irradiating the excitation light to the mark and reading a light or afterglow from the phosphor layer.

Abstract: A scanning system having a laser and a motor for spinning an optical mirror arrangement for sensing indicia such as bar codes is capable of turning off the laser and the motor during periods of extended inactivity in order to minimize wear of these components and to reduce the use of electricity. Changes in the ambient light level adjacent to the scanning system which are typical of human motion are detected and are used to produce an electrical signal which can be used to turn the laser and the motor back on.