Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080212204 | Lens Module - Combining one or more elements of a beam shaping assembly in a lens module to, for example, reduce the mechanical tolerances in construction of the assembly. An exemplary lens module comprises a molded plastic lens with alignment features, a cylindrical surface, a focusing surface, and an aperture. The aperture is formed by surface positioned on the lens module at an angle greater than the angle for total internal reflection. | 09-04-2008 |
20080265035 | DUAL IMAGING LENS SYSTEM FOR BAR CODE READER - An imaging system for an imaging-based bar code reader for capturing an image of a target bar code. In one exemplary embodiment, the imaging system includes: a sensor array including an array of photosensitive elements for converting, light impinging on the array of photosensitive elements into electrical signals based on light intensity; an imaging lens system for focusing light from a field of view onto the sensor array, the imaging lens system including a first lens assembly and a second lens assembly, the first lens assembly defining a first field of view and the second lens assembly defining a second field of view, the first and second fields of view being different; and a control for selectively choosing between the first and second fields of view for imaging the target bar code. | 10-30-2008 |
20080296388 | Compact, ergonomic imaging reader and method - A target is illuminated with light for image capture by a solid-state imager of an imaging reader over a tall field of view having an aspect ratio whose vertical dimension is larger than its horizontal dimension during image capture. The reader is pivotably mounted in a stand and has a narrow depth to enable a user to easily grasp the reader. | 12-04-2008 |
20090001166 | Imaging reader with plural solid-state imagers for electro-optically reading indicia - A plurality of solid-state imagers is mounted in a reader, such as a bi-optical, dual window, point-of-transaction workstation, for capturing images along different fields of view of diverse targets useful for customer identification, customer payment validation, operator surveillance, and coded indicia. The imagers are commonly mounted on a circuit board for joint installation at, and joint removal from, the reader for ease of serviceability. | 01-01-2009 |
20090001174 | Thermal management in imaging reader - A reader for electro-optically reading indicia, includes a solid-state imager including an array of image sensors for capturing return light from the indicia during reading, and a light source for generating and directing high intensity illumination light to the indicia with concomitant generation of excess heat. Thermal management procedures for dissipating the excess heat are performed to improve reader performance. | 01-01-2009 |
20090006196 | Handheld communications device in system for and method of enhancing product selection and purchase in retail environments - A system for, and method of, enhancing product selection and purchase in a retail environment, utilizes a handheld device that includes a cellular telephone operative for long-range, mobile, wireless communication over a wide cellular network, a solid-state imager having an array of image sensors for capturing return light from a target, and a communications interface operative for short-range, mobile, wireless communication over a local network associated with the retail environment. A controller is operatively connected to the telephone, the imager and the interface, and is operative for automatically pairing the handheld device with the local network by operating the imager to capture the return light from a command target code associated with the retail environment. | 01-01-2009 |
20090020612 | IMAGING DUAL WINDOW SCANNER WITH PRESENTATION SCANNING - A method and apparatus are provided comprising a dual window scanner ( | 01-22-2009 |
20090026271 | BAR CODE READERS HAVING MULTIFOLD MIRRORS - A multicamera imaging-based bar code reader | 01-29-2009 |
20090057405 | Light collection assembly with self-retaining lens in electro-optical reader - An assembly for collecting light from indicia includes a chassis having a port through which the light from the indicia passes, and walls bounding an interior compartment. A self-retaining frame constituted of an optical material is non-adhesively mounted within the compartment in an assembled position. The frame has an integral lens optically aligned with the port in the assembled position for optically modifying the light passing through the port, and a plurality of legs in gripping frictional interference engagement with the walls in the assembled position. A sensor is optically aligned with the lens, for sensing the light optically modified by the lens. | 03-05-2009 |
20090078775 | Electro-optical imaging reader having plural solid-state imagers with shutters to prevent concurrent exposure - A bioptical workstation includes plural image capture modules for capturing images of indicia along different fields of view. Each module includes an illuminator for illuminating the indicia with illumination light, a megapixel imager with a rolling shutter for sequentially capturing the return light, and a shutter element for passing the return light to its imager in an open state, and for blocking the return light from other modules from reaching its imager in an closed state. A controller prevents interference among the modules by controlling the shutter element to assume the open state only during a respective exposure time period during which its imager produces an electrical signal indicative of the indicia, and by controlling the shutter element to assume the closed state at all times other than the respective exposure time period to prevent capture of the return light from the other modules. | 03-26-2009 |
20090084848 | Arrangement for and method of uniformly illuminating direct part markings to be imaged and electro-optically read - Performance of an imaging reader for electro-optically reading direct part markings on workpieces is enhanced by uniformly illuminating the markings. An illuminator is operative for emitting illumination light of greater and lesser intensity toward the indicia. A diffuser is operative for diffusing the illumination light en route to the indicia. The diffuser includes a plurality of diffusing elements adjacent the illuminator for diffusing the illumination light of greater intensity more than the illumination light of lesser intensity. | 04-02-2009 |
20090084852 | Aiming pattern indicative of optimum working distance in imaging reader and method - An aiming light assembly supported by a mobile imaging reader projects an aiming light pattern on a symbol prior to reading. The aiming light pattern visually indicates to an operator an optimum distance in a working range at which the symbol is best readable within a field of view. | 04-02-2009 |
20090084856 | Imaging reader with asymmetrical magnification - A solid-state imager is mounted in a reader, such as a bi-optical, dual window, point-of-transaction workstation, for capturing light along an optical axis over a field of view from diverse targets useful for customer identification, customer payment validation, operator surveillance, and coded indicia. An optical converter is located within the housing, for optically modifying and asymmetrically magnifying the field of view along mutually orthogonal directions generally perpendicular to the optical axis, and for increasing resolution of the imager along one of these directions. | 04-02-2009 |
20090236426 | Long range imaging reader - An imaging module or reader for electro-optically reading both far-out and close-in, one-dimensional symbols located at variable working distances from the module or reader, includes a solid-state imager having a linear array of image sensors arranged in a single row for capturing return light from the symbols, and an imaging lens assembly for adjustably focusing the return light onto the linear array of image sensors to enable the symbols to be read. | 09-24-2009 |
20090266897 | Floating trigger assembly in electro-optical reader - A floating trigger assembly is mounted on a housing of an ergonomically triggered reader for electro-optically reading a target to initiate the reading when manually actuated by an operator. The trigger assembly includes a trigger support in the housing, and a floating trigger engageable by the operator exteriorly of the housing and mounted for initial translatory motion toward the trigger support upon initial actuation by the operator, and for turning motion about an axis after the floating trigger contacts the trigger support. | 10-29-2009 |
20090272808 | Imaging module with optical elements of one-piece construction - An imaging module for imaging, and a reader for and a method of electro-optically reading, a target, include an aiming assembly having an aiming laser for generating an aiming laser beam, an aiming element for collimating the laser beam, and a pattern-generating element for optically modifying the collimated laser beam to generate a visible aiming light pattern on the target, and an illuminating assembly having an illuminating light source for generating illumination light, and an illuminating element for uniformly illuminating the target with the illumination light. A solid-state imager has an array of image sensors for capturing return illumination light from the target. The pattern-generating element is molded of a one-piece construction with at least one of the aiming and illuminating elements. | 11-05-2009 |
20090321614 | Imaging module with folded illuminating and imaging paths - An imaging module for imaging, and a reader for and a method of electro-optically reading, a target, include a support, an imaging assembly including a solid-state imager having an array of image sensors on the support for capturing return light over a field of view at a range of working distances from the target along a folded imaging path, and an illuminating assembly on the support for directing illumination light along a folded illuminating path having a length longer than the folded imaging path to uniformly illuminate the target with the illumination light. The longer length of the folded illuminating path enables the illuminating assembly to illuminate the target with more of the illumination light, and also enables the imaging assembly to capture more of the return light for increased imaging/reading performance. | 12-31-2009 |
20100019043 | Electro-optical imaging reader having plural solid-state imagers with nonconcurrent exposure - A plurality of solid-state imagers is mounted in a reader, such as a bioptical, dual window, point-of-transaction workstation, for capturing illumination light returning along different fields of view from indicia. A controller controllably activates the imagers over respective exposure time periods during which the indicia are illuminated to produce electrical signals indicative of the indicia being read, processes the electrical signals to read the indicia, and controls the exposure time periods to be nonconcurrent to prevent interference among the imagers. | 01-28-2010 |
20100102128 | Laser power control arrangements in electro-optical readers - A laser power control arrangement and method in an electro-optical reader for reading indicia includes an energizable laser for emitting a laser beam having an output power along a path. An internal light detector, e.g., a monitor photodiode, is mounted inside the laser for monitoring the output power of the laser. An external light detector, e.g., an auxiliary photodiode, is mounted outside the laser for monitoring the output power of the laser independently of the internal light detector. A guide, advantageously a light pipe or a diffuser, is positioned outside the laser in the path of the laser beam for guiding the laser beam from the laser to the external light detector. A controller is operatively connected to each light detector, for controlling a monitored output power of the laser beam by deenergizing the laser when the monitored output power of the laser beam exceeds a safe power level limit. | 04-29-2010 |
20100102129 | BAR CODE READER WITH SPLIT FIELD OF VIEW - A multicamera imaging-based bar code reader | 04-29-2010 |
20100123007 | Electro-optical lens mounting assembly and method in electro-optical readers - A lensholder holds at least one fixed optical lens and a variable focusing element in a spaced relation along an optical path through which light passes in an electro-optical reader. The variable focusing element has a pair of electrodes across which a voltage is applied to optically modify the light passing through the fixed optical lens and the variable focusing element. The lensholder directly electrically conductively contacts the electrodes and establishes an electrically conductive path between each electrode and an exterior of the lensholder. | 05-20-2010 |
20100127082 | Imaging reader with plug-in imaging modules for electro-optically reading indicia - A plurality of imaging modules, each including a solid-state imager mounted on an individual printed circuit board (PCB), is mounted in a reader, such as a bi-optical, dual window, point-of-transaction workstation, for capturing images along different fields of view of diverse targets useful for customer identification, customer payment validation, operator surveillance, and coded indicia. The imaging modules are individually mounted on a motherboard for individual installation at, and individual removal from, the reader. | 05-27-2010 |
20100147955 | Rapid focusing during aiming in laser scanner - A laser scanner includes a laser, a variable focusing element, a scanner, a detector, and a controller that controls the scanner to sweep a laser beam over an aiming angle at an aiming rate to form an aiming line on a symbol during aiming, and over a reading angle at a reading rate to form a reading line on the symbol during reading that follows the aiming. The aiming angle is smaller than the reading angle. The aiming rate is higher than the reading rate. The aiming line is shorter than the reading line. The controller determines a depth of modulation of an analog signal generated during aiming, and controls the variable focusing element to focus the laser beam on the symbol during aiming when the depth of modulation is determined to be optimum. The controller also processes the analog signal to data indicative of the symbol during reading. | 06-17-2010 |
20100219248 | Compact imaging engine for imaging reader - A compact, low-cost, high-performance, imaging engine for an imaging reader for, and a method of, imaging targets, include a single printed circuit board (PCB), an illumination light assembly supported by the PCB for illuminating a target, a single chassis mounted on the PCB, an imaging lens assembly supported by the chassis for capturing return light from the illuminated target, and a solid-state imager supported by the PCB for detecting the captured return light over a field of view, and for generating an electrical signal indicative of the captured light. A controller is mounted on or off the imaging engine, and is operatively connected to, and controls the operation of, the imager and the illumination light assembly, for processing the electrical signal into data indicative of the target being imaged. | 09-02-2010 |
20100219249 | Imaging reader and method with dual function illumination light assembly - An imaging reader for, and a method of, imaging targets, include a solid-state imager supported by a housing for capturing return light from a target over a field of view. An illumination light assembly performs both illumination and aiming functions. Illumination light is projected along an optical path through a passage in the housing to illuminate the target. The housing has boundary walls spaced along the optical path away from the imager and the illumination light assembly for clipping the illumination light projected through the passage to form on the target an aiming light distribution that visually indicates a periphery of the field of view to assist in positioning the target entirely within the field of view. | 09-02-2010 |
20100252633 | AUTO-EXPOSURE FOR MULTI-IMAGER BARCODE READER - A bar code reader | 10-07-2010 |
20100252635 | EXPOSURE CONTROL FOR MULTI-IMAGING SCANNER - A multi-imaging scanner ( | 10-07-2010 |
20100327067 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DEFINING ILLUMINATION FIELD OF VIEW OF BARCODE READER - A method and apparatus for defining the illumination field of view of a barcode reader. The method includes (1) generating an illumination with an illumination source; (2) directing the illumination with an illumination lens to pass through an aperture to generate an illumination pattern directed toward a target object and to define an illumination field of view with the aperture; and (3) focusing light reflected from the target object onto a photosensor array with an imaging lens in an imaging system. | 12-30-2010 |
20110297853 | ARRANGEMENT FOR AND METHOD OF GENERATING UNIFORM DISTRIBUTED ILLUMINATION PATTERN FOR IMAGING READER - A substantially uniform distributed illumination pattern of light is generated on and along a symbol to be read by image capture. A solid-state imager is mounted on a tilted printed circuit board in a tilted handle of an ergonomic reader. An imaging lens assembly captures return light over a field of view from the symbol along an imaging axis, and projects the captured return light onto the imager. An illumination light source is mounted on the board for emitting illumination light at an acute angle of inclination relative to the imaging axis. An optical component includes a first lens portion with a polynomial incident surface for intercepting, bending and aligning the emitted illumination light to generate the pattern in a scan direction along the symbol, and a second lens portion with a toroidal or cylindrical aspherical surface for collimating the aligned illumination light to generate the pattern in a transverse direction. | 12-08-2011 |
20110309147 | OPTICAL SCANNER WITH CUSTOMER INTERFACE - A multi-window scanner ( | 12-22-2011 |
20120006897 | HIGH PERFORMANCE IMAGE CAPTURE READER WITH LOW RESOLUTION IMAGE SENSOR - A reader for and method of electro-optically reading symbols aim a front of a handheld housing at a symbol during reading. A solid-state, low resolution image sensor having a linear array of pixels is arranged in the housing and has less than 2000 pixels in number. The pixels sense return light returning along an optical path away from the symbol that is located in an extended range of working distances relative to the front of the housing. An imaging lens is positioned deep in the housing at an increased spacing of at least one inch as measured along the optical path away from the front of the housing, for capturing the return light over a reduced scan angle that is less than 40 degrees, and for projecting the captured light onto the sensor. A controller processes the return light sensed by the imager into data relating to the symbol. | 01-12-2012 |
20120007738 | POINT-OF-TRANSACTION CHECKOUT SYSTEM WITH ZERO-FOOTPRINT CORDLESS ELECTRO-OPTICAL READER - A checkout system employs a bi-optical workstation having dual windows and a main reader for electro-optically reading indicia on products to be processed at the workstation through at least one of the windows. The workstation is supported by a countertop and has a raised housing extending upwardly away from the countertop. An auxiliary cordless reader is used for electro-optically reading the indicia in a handheld mode when the main reader is not operated. A cradle bounds a compartment in which the auxiliary cordless reader is removably received when not in the handheld mode. The cradle is supported by the raised housing above and remote from, and out of direct contact with, the countertop to form a zero-footprint therewith. | 01-12-2012 |
20120097744 | Arrangement For And Method Of Reducing Vertical Parallax Between An Aiming Pattern And An Imaging Field Of View In A Linear Imaging Reader - Vertical parallax between an imaging linear field of view (FOV) and an aiming light pattern is reduced in a reader for electro-optically reading symbols to be read by image capture by an arrangement that includes an imaging assembly having a solid-state imager with a linear array of image sensors, and an imaging lens for capturing return light over the imaging linear FOV from a symbol and for projecting the captured return light onto the linear array, an aiming light assembly spaced vertically away from the imaging assembly for generating the aiming light pattern on the symbol prior to reading, and an optical assembly for intercepting the aiming light pattern and for vertically aligning the aiming light pattern with the imaging linear FOV to reduce the vertical parallax. | 04-26-2012 |
20120118962 | POINT-OF-TRANSACTION WORKSTATION FOR IMAGING INDICIA OVER FULL COVERAGE SCAN ZONE OCCUPIED BY ASYMMETRICAL LIGHT COLLECTION REGIONS - A bi-optical, dual window, point-of-transaction workstation images indicia associated with multi-sided products over a full coverage scan zone by asymmetrically splitting the field of view of at least one imager into light collection regions of different spatial volumes. The light collection regions fill the scan zone and minimize dead areas therein. A smaller light collection region images one side of the product, while a larger light collection region images more than one side of the product. All sides of the product are imaged in the light collection regions. Twisting of the light collection regions relative to at least one of the windows is minimized so that the light collection regions fit fully with minimal clipping through each window. Illumination light is directed away from a user's eyes. | 05-17-2012 |
20120118963 | POINT-OF-TRANSACTION, DUAL WINDOW WORKSTATION FOR IMAGING INDICIA WITH A SINGLE IMAGER AND A STATIONARY OPTICAL SYSTEM - A bi-optical, dual window, point-of-transaction workstation images indicia associated with products with a single, solid-state imager that captures return light from the indicia over a field of view. A first optical subsystem is stationarily supported by the workstation and directs at least a part of the field of view of the imager as a first light collection region or regions passing through one of the windows. A second optical subsystem is also stationarily supported by the workstation and directs at least a part of the field of view of the imager as a second light collection region or regions passing through the other of the windows. A controller controls the imager and processes the captured return light in at least one of the light collection regions. | 05-17-2012 |
20120145790 | IMAGING SLOT SCANNER WITH MULTIPLE FIELD OF VIEW - An apparatus for capturing images of a target object having a barcode. The apparatus includes a portable housing configured for standing on top of a flat surface and a window on the portable housing. The apparatus also includes an imaging system configured to capture a first image of the target object within a first field of view through the window and to capture a second image of the target object within a second field of view through the window. The first field of view and the second field of view overlap with each other at a reference plane that is substantially parallel to the front face and located within a working distance of the imaging system. | 06-14-2012 |
20120160917 | AUTO-EXPOSURE FOR MULTI-IMAGER BARCODE READER - A bar code reader | 06-28-2012 |
20120273572 | POINT-OF-TRANSACTION WORKSTATION FOR AND METHOD OF IMAGING INDICIA OVER FULL COVERAGE SCAN ZONE OCCUPIED BY UNSKEWED SUBFIELDS OF VIEW - A bi-optical, dual window, point-of-transaction workstation images indicia associated with multi-sided products over a full coverage scan zone by splitting each field of view of only two imagers into three subfields that pass through each window and fill the scan zone and minimize dead areas therein. Twisting of the subfields relative to the windows is minimized so that the subfields fit fully with minimal clipping through each window. Splitting of each field of view is remotely performed well away from each imager. The imagers have lens assemblies of substantially the same optical power and are spaced from their respective windows by substantially the same distance. | 11-01-2012 |
20130026233 | IMAGER EXPOSURE, ILLUMINATION AND SATURATION CONTROLS IN A POINT-OF-TRANSACTION WORKSTATION - An illumination time of an illumination system and/or an exposure setting of an imaging system are adjusted by a proximity system operative for detecting a product entering a field of view in a bi-optical, dual window, point-of-transaction workstation. The proximity system includes an infrared emitter for emitting infrared light to the product, and an infrared sensor for sensing return infrared light from the product. Multiple predefined thresholds are stored for the sensed return infrared light, and a predefined illumination time and/or exposure setting are stored and assigned to each predefined threshold. Adjustment of the illumination time and/or of the exposure setting is performed by comparing the sensed return infrared light from the product in real time operation with the stored predefined thresholds. | 01-31-2013 |
20130068839 | METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR IMAGING TARGETS BY UTILIZING MULTIPLE IMAGING MODULES WITH ON-BOARD LOCAL MICROPROCESSORS - An apparatus for, and method of, imaging a target presented to a bi-optical, dual window, point-of-transaction workstation utilizes multiple imaging modules individually mounted for individual installation on, and individual removal from, a motherboard. Each module includes a solid-state imager having an array of light-sensitive sensors for capturing return light from the target over a field of view; a local controller externally of the imager for controlling the imager, for storing image data corresponding to the captured return light, and for interrogating the stored image data; and a daughterboard on which the imager and the local controller are both commonly mounted. | 03-21-2013 |