Abstract:
Methods of operation for data reader and security tag deactivation system whereby a data reader is equipped with EAS deactivation coils/modules disposed in the vicinity of the read volume or generally proximate thereto. System is operable to permit reading of the ID tag on an item, and upon a successful read, the deactivation unit is operable to (1) sense presence of an EAS tag; (2) if presence of EAS tag is sensed, energize the deactivation coil/module to deactivate the EAS tag; (3) sense if EAS tag is deactivated. If EAS tag is sensed to have been deactivated, the system signals and next item is scanned. Also, it may be operable to urge the operator to return an item to the read volume to enhance EAS tag deactivation, one method being by delaying good read acknowledgment until determining that the EAS tag which may have been previously detected has subsequently been deactivated.
Abstract:
Systems and methods of optical code reading include production of image data by a color image sensor array (102) and processing of the image data to decode an optical code (112). In one configuration, the color image sensor array includes first and second sets of sensor pixels (204, 206, and/or 208) sensitive to light having wavelengths within, respectively, first and second wavelength bands, reflected light is focused by an optical system (104) 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:
An optical code reader (80,150,180,210) forms images of an optical code on an object (20). The reader (80,150,180,210) comprises first and second viewing surfaces generally transverse to one another. The surfaces bound a viewing volume (64) in which the object (20) may be imaged. The reader (80,150,180,210) also comprises a set of one or more imagers (60) positioned on an opposite side of one or more of the first and second viewing surfaces relative to the viewing volume (64), and oriented and configured to capture images of the object (20) from at least three different views (62). Each of the views (62) passes through one of said first and second viewing surfaces. At least one of said views (62) passes through the first viewing surface, and at least one of said views (62) passes through the second viewing surface. The reader (80,150,180,210) also comprises at least one mirror (130), off which is reflected at least one of the views (62).
Abstract:
An optical code reader (200) includes a color image sensor array (202) having pixels (306) of a first set and pixels (304, 308, or 304 and 308) of a second set arranged along multiple parallel axes of a first axes group (310) and multiple parallel axes of a second axes group (312) transverse to the first axes group. The pixels of the first set produce data representing sensed light intensity values. In one configuration, the optical code reader includes a data processing system (210) operable to perform single-axis interpolation to produce interpolated intensity values that correspond to selected locations of pixels of the second set. An interpolated intensity value is produced for a selected location by using only intensity values sensed by pixels of the first set that share an axis of the first axes group with the selected location.
Abstract:
An optical code reader (200) includes a color image sensor array (202) having pixels (306) of a first set and pixels (304, 308, or 304 and 308) of a second set arranged along multiple parallel axes of a first axes group (310) and multiple parallel axes of a second axes group (312) transverse to the first axes group. The pixels of the first set produce data representing sensed light intensity values. In one configuration, the optical code reader includes a data processing system (210) operable to perform single-axis interpolation to produce interpolated intensity values that correspond to selected locations of pixels of the second set. An interpolated intensity value is produced for a selected location by using only intensity values sensed by pixels of the first set that share an axis of the first axes group with the selected location.
Abstract:
Disclosed are embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus for generating a continuous virtual scan line pattern from a raster line input. In certain preferred embodiments, a continuous, omni-directional virtual scan line pattern may be generated from a continuous, one-dimensional raster line input. In some embodiments, such a pattern may be generated for one or more families of shallow virtual scan lines and for one or more families of steep virtual scan lines. Some of the virtual scan line families may be configured to generate overlapping data.
Abstract:
A data reader such as for example an imaging reader with a CCD or CMOS imager or the like, having multiple images of a target item illuminated or acquired from different directions in which the image signals are combined into a complete image of the item or selected portions of the item being read such that specular reflection (over-saturated regions of the sensor array) are minimized or eliminated. In one example data reader configuration, multiple illumination sources such as first and second rows of light emitting diodes (LED's) are aimed at the item being scanned from different directions. The illumination sources are alternately pulsed and return signals are collected at one or more sensor arrays. A selected non-saturated return signal from one of the illumination sources, or selected non-saturated portions of return signal from both of the illumination sources are processed to generate a complete non-saturated image of the target. In one preferred processing scheme, assuming that each of the LED's is capable of illuminating the entire target (e.g. a barcode), a pixel-by-pixel minimum is taken of the two images thereby producing an image with specular reflection minimized or nearly eliminated.