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.
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:
Disclosed systems (10) and methods preferably capture one or more images of an item (32) bearing an optical code (31) and analyze such images to determine whether the item (32) has a highly, or relatively highly, reflective surface (30) or not. Based on such a determination, operating parameters of the system (10), such as the gain, exposure time, and amount of illumination, are preferably automatically adjusted by the system (10) to capture a subsequent image of the item (32) where the subsequent image has sufficient contrast to decode the optical code (31). The subsequent image may include a plurality of images, and different operating parameters may be used to capture several, or each, of the plurality of images based on the determination of whether the item (32) has a highly, or relatively highly, reflective surface (30) or not.
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:
Systems and methods are provided for reducing erroneous weighing of items (530, 830, 1230, 1710, 2400, 3011, 3211, 3264) by detecting items extending beyond a peripheral edge of a weigh platter (110, 3020, 3020a, 3120, 3240) associated with a data reader (180, 190). For example, in response to a weigh request a scale guard module (210) acquires data indicative of whether an item extends between the weigh platter and another surface (160), compares the acquired data to reference data, and based on the comparison, determines whether an item extends off the weigh platter and thus on to another surface. The scale guard module may utilize non-electromagnetic compression waves (520, 650), radio waves (820), a portion of a data reader's scan field to scan a set of patterns (1500, 1700, 1900, 2000) extending along at least one edge of the weigh platter, an imaging based scanner (2300) to capture an image of at least one edge (2330) of the weigh platter, a light beam extending along at least one edge of the weigh platter with or without a light guide (3030, 3130, 3190) disposed in the weigh platter, a plane of light (3263) extending along at least one edge of the weigh platter, or any combination thereof.