Abstract:
Systems and methods for optical code reading are disclosed. In one system optical code reader includes an anamorphic lens system and an image sensor array, wherein the image sensor array is tilted with respect to the anamorphic lens system according to the Scheimpflug principle.
Abstract:
A data reader and method for data reading, such as a barcode scanner, wherein the scan pattern generating optics and other features are optimized for different modes of operation. In a preferred embodiment, different patterns are projected from different apertures in the scanner housing, one scan pattern optimized for handheld operation and the other optimized for fixed operation. Other optimizable features include the presence or absence of an aiming beam, which may be generated from the same laser source as the scan pattern or from another source, and enabling or disabling decoding of the received signal during a portion of a facet wheel rotation. Decoding may be disabled while the scan line(s) for handheld use is generated unless a switch or trigger is actuated.
Abstract:
Data reading systems and methods for operating data readers (10, 110) such as optical code readers and RFID readers. Certain preferred embodiments are directed to data readers having improved operation features for switching between various operation modes such as, for example, switching between handheld/portable mode and fixed mode using an on board inertial sensor (50) such as an accelerometer or gyroscopic device capable of sensing various movements, motions, and/or orientations.
Abstract:
A data reader, such as an optical code reader 100, 500 including one or more imagers 210, 235, the data reader having a generally horizontal central section 120, 520 with an upward extension 110, 510 on a first end 122, 522 and a depression 140, 540 on a second end 124, 524 opposite the upward extension 110, 520, the depression 140, 540 being configured to provide a better angle of view of an object 20 in the view volume above the central section 120, 520 from the second end 124, 524 from a position below the surface of the horizontal central section 120, 520. In one configuration, an image from the view volume along and over the depression 140 is directed by one or more fold mirrors 200 and focused by a lens system 205 onto an imager or sensor array 210, these optics components, along with the window 135, 535 through which they view, are all disposed below the surface of the central section 120, 520. Preferably, where the horizontal central section 120, 520 is a weigh platter for a scanner-scale, the optics of the data reader such as the fold mirror(s), lens system and imager are unsupported by the weigh platter and thus are off the scale.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for reducing erroneous weighing of items such as by detecting items (11) extending beyond a periphery of a weigh platter (20, 120, 170, 240) whereby in one configuration, the system employs a light guide (30, 320) for routing a light beam to a detector (40,140) operative to detect interruption of the beam due to an item encroaching upon or overhanging an edge of the platter. In another configuration, the scale includes a perimeter gap (252, 257) between the platter outer edge and scanner housing frame or checkout counter, a light beam directed angularly upward through the gap is partially obstructed by the frame and platter whereby light exits the gap forming a light plane, wherein an object placed on the platter extending across the gap intersects the light plane thus scattering light rays, some of which are sensed by a detector (280). Various indicators (295, 297) for alerting the operator of off-scale detection are also described.
Abstract:
Fold mirrors (330) permit the imagers (340) to be closer to each other and permit an optical code reader (280), such as a tunnel scanner, to confine them to a smaller housing volume or capacity. A plurality of sets of fold mirrors (330) can also be employed to convey at least a portion of at least two different perspectives or two different depths of field (341, 343) of a composite view volume (281) to different regions (163, 165) of an image field (156) of a common imager (340). The sets of fold mirrors (330) may also include split mirrors that have mirror components that reflect images from different view volumes (334) to different imagers (340) or different regions (163, 165) of an image field (156) of a single imager (340).
Abstract:
Methods and systems are disclosed for processing of 2-D images of optical code symbols (30, 72) having information bearing characteristics in predominantly a single dimension (such as a linear barcode). In a preferred system, pixel summing or averaging is used to generate virtual scan lines (105, 106, 171, 172) for imaging of encoded symbols to improve the signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the resulting virtual scan lines. For example, pixel summing or averaging of an imaging array may be performed in a direction orthogonal to the virtual scan line direction in order to increase the SNR of the virtual scan line signal over what can be achieved with virtual scan lines created using a single image pixel for each virtual scan line pixel. The increased SNR offered by this technique of pixel summing or averaging of an imaging array may allow capture of images with reduced exposure time, enabling capture of images of objects moving at high speed without the necessity of high intensity light sources.
Abstract:
A system (10, 20, 30) and method for reading multiple items (26, 38) bearing electronic tags, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, disposed in a read zone wherein a verification scheme/system (12, 27/28, 42), separate (e.g. non-RF based system) from the electronic reader (16, 31, 46), is provided for verifying that all the items in the read zone have been successfully read. Typically, the user/operator is then notified whether or not all the items detected by the verification system have been successfully read by the electronic reader.
Abstract:
Disclosed are embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus for providing multiple image fields or regions on an imaging array. In certain preferred embodiments, a high density imaging array may be partitioned into two or more regions, each of which may be used to render a separate view of the scan volume. This arrangement may provide an increase in the effective scan volume beyond the volume available with a single imager having a single point of view and may allow for reading of encoded symbols at a variety of orientations that would otherwise preclude accurate imaging with a single imager.