Abstract:
Scanners, methods, and computer storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that process variable sized objects with high package pitch on a moving conveyor belt are provided. The scanners include a substrate and a plurality of sensors attached to the substrate. The plurality of sensors forms an array of sensors having at least two or more rows of off-axis sensors. The sensors may include a one or more area array sensors. The arrays of sensors captures moving objects row by row and are optimized reduce object spacing on the conveyor belt. Additionally, the scanner having the array of sensor may process different objects having different heights at the same time. Accordingly, object throughput on the conveyor belt is increased by reducing minimum object gap (e.g., processing of “no gap” or non-singulated objects).
Abstract:
A scanner is configured to verify barcodes as described below. The scanner has a processor and memories for reading a barcode, capturing images of the product having the barcode, and generating notifications based on attributes of the barcode attached to the product. The processor measures barcode attributes specified by international barcode standards for each barcode extracted from the product images. A grade is then assigned to each extracted barcode based on the barcode attributes and the corresponding measurements. If necessary, notifications are generated based on the assigned grade and are then transmitted to the retailer to correct the deficiencies with the barcode or the product.
Abstract:
Scanners, methods, and computer storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that process variable sized objects with high package pitch on a moving conveyor belt are provided. The scanners include a substrate and a plurality of sensors attached to the substrate. The plurality of sensors forms an array of sensors having at least two or more rows of off-axis sensors. The sensors may include a one or more area array sensors. The arrays of sensors captures moving objects row by row and are optimized reduce object spacing on the conveyor belt. Additionally, the scanner having the array of sensor may process different objects having different heights at the same time. Accordingly, object throughput on the conveyor belt is increased by reducing minimum object gap (e.g., processing of “no gap” or non-singulated objects).
Abstract:
A control subsystem determines based on the characteristics of light from a secondary illumination source reflected off optics of a data collection device whether a display screen of an electronic device (e.g., smartphone, smartwatch, tablet computer) are in a field of view of the data collection device, and switches operational modes accordingly. Thus, the control subsystem can employ a Fresnel pattern for such determination. The data collection device can operate in a diffuse reading mode, characterized by active illumination and/or relatively fast exposure times. The data collection device can operate in a reflective reading mode, characterized by a lack of active illumination and/or relatively slow exposure times. Characteristics can include the number of reflections versus a number of air-substrate interfaces and/or a relative intensity of the reflections produced by successive air-substrate interfaces in a path of the light.
Abstract:
A machine-readable symbol reader can include a housing, a window, an illumination source, a wedge-shaped optical element, and a sensor array. Illumination can be coupled into the optical element through a base surface of the optical element and out of the optical element through a leg surface of the optical element. Illumination beams coupled out of the optical element through the leg surface can be parallel or substantially parallel to one another, and can exit the machine-readable symbol reader at a grazing angle to illuminate a machine-readable symbol at a grazing angle.
Abstract:
Methods and systems are provided for tracking unpackaged merchandise for purchase in a retail environment. Merchandise is placed into bags having unique watermarks. Selected merchandise is associated with a particular bag after being identified by a merchandise identification device. Watermark scanners are used to identify the bags. The system allows for more efficient and accurate tracking of merchandise, such as produce, in a retail environment, such as a grocery store.
Abstract:
A sorting method, cross-belt system, and computer-storage media are provided for conveying and sorting items. The cross-belt system includes a plurality of interlocking palettes that form a conveyor belt. Each palette may be engaged by a series of rollers that are triggered to discharge items on the palettes to appropriate loading areas. The rollers are configured to move a belt of the palettes in one of at least two directions to a selected loading area that is positioned on either side of the cross-belt system.
Abstract:
A device, system, and method of detecting counterfeit articles are provided. The method includes receiving article identifying information associated with a test article, using the article identifying information to retrieve an authentic article image associated with the test article from an image storage database, scanning the test article to capture one or more images of the test article under different wavelength illuminations, and displaying the one or more test article images and the authentic article image to allow comparison of the test article and the associated authentic article. Additionally, multiple wavelength emitting elements may be located within an image-capturing device, to provide alternate illuminations of the test article, allowing alternating capture of images highlighting different security features for providing a superimposed image. A system of counterfeit article detection is also provided.
Abstract:
Calibrating extrinsic parameters of an imaging system in an automated data reading system includes obtaining, from the imaging system, image data representing an imaged portion of a planar calibration target. The target is coupled to a housing of the automated data reading system and superimposed on a surface thereof. For example, the calibration target is placed on a conveyer surface, or it is printed on the housing of the automated data reading system. The imaged portion of the planar calibration target includes spaced-apart optical codes disposed at positions that coincide with predetermined locations of the automated data reading system to define known calibration-control points for the surface. Optical codes represented in the image data are decoded to obtain observed calibration-control points used for calibrating the extrinsic parameters based on differences between the known and observed locations of the calibration-control points.
Abstract:
A scanner notification indicates an operational status of the scanner, such as a hand-held scanner used at a point-of-sale or as part of an inventory-tracking system. Among other things, a notification might indicate to a user that a product identifier has been verified, product tracking is occurring, a tag is being deactivated, successful completion of scanning functions, and various other operational states of the scanner.