Abstract:
An automated checkout system (10) and method of operation for reading encoded data on a bottom surface (32) of an item (20) using a data reader (40). The automated checkout system (10) includes a leading conveyor section (14) and a trailing conveyor section (16) separated by a gap (18) therebetween, where the item (20) is transported across the gap (18) as it moves between the conveyors (14, 16). A first and second reading device (42, 44) are each positioned beneath the conveyor sections (14, 16), where each reading device (42, 44) has a field of view projecting through the gap (18). The first reading device (42) is configured to acquire a first set of scan data and the second reading device (44) is configured to acquire a second set of scan data different from the first. In some embodiments, the first set of scan data may include two-dimensional area views (54) of the encoded data, and the second set of scan data may include linescans (55) of the encoded data.
Abstract:
An imaging scanner with a two dimensional array of sensors analyzes data from a segment of the array (115) to detect if one or more indicia conditions is present that would prevent a successful decode based on data in the segment (125) In this manner, if decoding the indicia using data from the segment of array data is not possible (130), an enlarged frame of array data (160) can be sought for decode when necessary while one-dimensional and simple two-dimensional bar codes can be quickly processed by loading and decoding only the segment of the array.
Abstract:
A bar code reader comprising a photodetecting section for receiving light reflected from bar codes scanned with scanning light and for outputting an electric signal corresponding to the intensity of light received, a demodulating section for demodulating the electric signal and for generating demodulation bar code data, a storage section for storing demodulation bar code data, a timing section which starts measuring a first time when the demodulation bar code data is stored in the storage section, an area judging section for judging which area, out of first and second areas to which the scanned range scanned with scanning light is divided, is scanned to generate the modulation bar code data demodulated by the demodulating section, a judging section for judging whether or not demodulated bar code data demodulated prior to demodulation bar code data and stored in the storage section coincides with the demodulation bar codes, and a judging section for judging that the demodulation bar code data is improper when the bar code data is generated by scanning the first area, when the judging section judges that the bar code data coincides with the modulation bar code data, and when the first time has elapsed, whereby the same bar codes are prevented from being read doubly.
Abstract:
Coded information reader (1) for reading coded information (6) from an object, comprising a first camera assembly (10) having a first resolution, a first frame rate and a first field of view (18), and a second camera assembly (20) having a second resolution, a second frame rate and a second field of view (28), wherein the first resolution is lower than the second resolution and the first frame rate is higher than the second frame rate. The first camera assembly (10) is configured to acquire frames and to process the acquired frames to perform: - detection of object presence, - determination of operating parameters for both the first camera assembly (10) and the second camera assembly (20), - coded information decoding, - in case of failure of said coded information decoding, triggering of the second camera assembly (20) to acquire frames and to process the acquired frames to perform coded information decoding with the operating parameters set as determined by the first camera assembly (10) for the second camera assembly (20).
Abstract:
A label (1) is applied to a product. The label (1) includes two windows (7a) and (7b) allowing a portion of the product beneath the label to be scanned with a laser. The windows (7a) and (7b) have a gap between them which is truncated. By reading the distance across the gap and the height across the gap a laser can be accurately and repeatedly aligned along the windows. A scan is taken at a point of origin for the product along the line of the windows. At a subsequent time and life of the product the scan is repeated and the repeated scan is compared to that taken at the factory to determine the authenticity of the product. The label also includes indicators (3) that locate the stored scan.
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:
An optical authentication device comprising a plurality of elements having optical polarizing properties distributed in a pseudo-random manner over a predetermined area; at least three optically detectable markers positioned in predetermined positions with respect to the predetermined area; whereby, when viewing the predetermined area with an optical imaging sensor of a reader under an illumination having specific polarization properties a first image is obtained that is different from one or more other images obtained under one or more illuminations having different polarization properties, thus by comparing two or more images of at least a portion of the device to saved images of the same device or a portion thereof taken under the same illuminations, using the markers for aligning images to be compared, authentication is achieved.
Abstract:
Novel digital optical media has recorded thereon certain symbols belonging to two classes of non-standard codes in precise predetermined locations. One class provides symbols which, when read many times by a standard optical media reader, are decoded as valid but having variable values. A second class embodies codes which are immediately recognized by the player's decoder as invalid. The first class of non-standard codes can be read by a standard optical media reader but cannot be written or reproduced by standard optical media recorders and mastering equipment, and its presence on optical media thereby serves to identify the optical media as authentic, as opposed to an unauthorized copy, which will lack these special symbols. Symbols belonging to the second class of non-standard codes serve to protect the reading of symbols belonging to the first class from being altered or stabilized by the error-correcting system of the player. Patterns combining symbols of these two classes provide a non-copyable mark for automatically verifying the authenticity of optical media and protecting the data recorded thereon from being usable except when present on authentic media.
Abstract:
A method of retrieving information comprised in a barcode is disclosed. The method comprises detecting that the barcode is present in a first image having a first image quality and capturing a first region, acquiring, when it is detected that the barcode is present, a second image having a second image quality and capturing a second region, wherein the second image quality is higher than the first image quality, and wherein the second region at least partly overlaps the first region, and decoding the barcode based on the second image to retrieve the information. A corresponding program product and a corresponding arrangement are also disclosed along with a communication device comprising the arrangement.