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:
A data reader preferably includes an imaging device that operates on a rolling reset basis to capture images of a moving target (540). Images of moving targets (540) are preferably analyzed to determine the ambient light intensity, and a processor (470) in the data reader preferably adjusts operation of the imager and of a light source (460) based on the intensity of the ambient light. Other data readers may use an imager with a mechanical shutter (1200) that is designed for rapid, frequent operation.
Abstract:
Various improved imager-based optical code readers (500,800) and associated methods (3200,3300) are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, an imager-based method reads an optical code (which may be, for example, a linear optical code such as a bar code) on an object in a viewing volume. The method comprises dividing (3310) an image plane (400) into a plurality of strip-shaped sections, viewing (3320) the object in the viewing volume from a plurality of perspectives, forming (3340) a plurality of strip-shaped images corresponding to the plurality of perspectives, respectively, thereby creating a composite image containing data from a plurality of perspectives, and processing at least a portion of the composite image so as to ascertain the information encoded in the optical code on the object in the viewing volume. Certain embodiments can mimic the performance of a laser-based scanner (100) without a laser or moving parts but instead utilizing an electronic imaging device such as an imager (508,808).
Abstract:
Systems and methods for decoding a barcode or other optical code include identifying one or more sub-regions of image data that contain promising data based on a first set of edge detection parameters, transferring the promising data from a first memory location to a new memory location for further processing, and decoding the promising data based on a different set of edge detection parameters.
Abstract:
An imaging system (100,200) comprises a rolling-reset imager (110) that forms an electronic image of an object (160), a light source (130) illuminating the object (160) with pulsed light, and a bandpass optical filter (170) disposed between the object (160) and the rolling-reset imager (110). The pulsed light has an illumination frequency spectrum and an illumination pulse width defining an effective exposure time for forming the image of the object. The bandpass optical filter (170) has a frequency pass band permitting transmission of a significant portion of the illumination frequency spectrum while at least approximately inhibiting transmission of at least some light having frequencies outside the illumination frequency band.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for data reading are disclosed wherein one or more images of an item bearing an optical code are captured and the captured images are analyzed to determine whether the item has a reflective surface or not. Based on such a determination, operating parameters of the system, such as one or more of: the amount of time dedicated to 1D code decoding and the amount of time dedicated to 2D code decoding, the order in which 1D code and 2D code decoding are performed, termination of a decoding operation, restarting an image capture and decoding operation, and image preprocessing may be automatically adjusted by the system to decode an optical code.
Abstract:
Light sources (120, 121) are contained in a data reader housing (40) that also contains an imager (90). In one embodiment, one light source (121) includes a number of LEDs (130) placed in a number of hollow reflectors (140) located toward the rear of a data scanner(30), where the hollow reflectors (140) have substantially flat reflective surfaces (160) to project light through a window (50) and into a read volume (95). Other embodiments include additional light sources (127) located proximate sidewalls (75, 80) of the data scanner (30) and also include a number of LEDs (132) placed in hollow reflectors (230) to project light through the window (50) and into the read volume (95). In other embodiments, additional LEDs (295) are included outside the hollow reflectors (300) to project light through the window (270) and into a different portion of the read volume (335) than the LEDs (295) located in the hollow reflectors (300).
Abstract:
A data reader (10, 100, 150, 300) including one or more imagers or imager assemblies (50, 126/128, 177/178, 350) that capture two-dimensional images of an object disposed in a view volume (5), the data reader having fold mirrors (60/62, 122/124, 172/174/176, 362/360) and other component arrangement that enable compact and efficient component configuration.
Abstract:
An exemplary apparatus/system (5) or method for establishing initial zero-points and current zero-points includes an initial zero device (20) programmed to establish an initial zero-point and a semi-automatic zero device (25) programmed to either establish a current zero-point or to reset or power cycle a scale when a current zero-point cannot be established.