| Metrologic Instruments, Inc. Patent applications |
| Patent application number | Title | Published |
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| 20120118974 | BARCODE READER WITH EDGE DETECTION ENHANCEMENT - An optical reader for decoding an encoded symbol character of a symbology includes a scan data signal processor having as an input a scan data signal encoding information representative of the encoded symbol character. The scan data signal processor includes a first time delay stage adapted to provide a primary phase waveform from the scan data signal, a second time delay stage adapted to provide an early phase waveform from the scan data signal, and a third time delay stage adapted to provide a delayed phase waveform from the scan data signal. The early phase waveform has a propagation delay less than the primary phase waveform, and the delayed phase waveform has a propagation delay greater than the primary phase waveform. The scan data signal processor further includes a peak window detection stage for generating a peak window timeframe when an amplitude of the primary phase waveform is greater than, less than, or equal to both an amplitude of the early phase waveform and the delayed phase waveform. The optical reader further includes a digitizer circuit adapted to accept, within the peak window timeframe, the scan data signal processor output. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120085825 | LASER SCANNING ASSEMBLY HAVING AN IMPROVED SCAN ANGLE-MULTIPLICATION FACTOR - A laser scanning system for generating a laser scanning pattern in a scanning field, while amplifying the scan-angle multiplication factor of rotating mirrors employed therein. The laser scanning system employs rotatable laser scanning assembly having an axis of rotation and first and second rotating mirrors with normal vectors that are coplanar with each other and said rotational axis, and which form an acute angle substantially less than 90 degrees so as to provide a laser scanning assembly with a scan angle multiplication factor that is greater than 2.0. A cluster of stationary mirrors mounted about the first and second rotating mirrors, for sweeping a laser beam off the cluster of stationary mirrors after a laser beam has been reflected off the first rotating mirror, then reflected off the second rotating mirror, and then directed outwardly towards an array of pattern mirrors, so as to generate a resultant laser scanning pattern within the scanning field. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120085818 | EXECUTABLE MACHINE READABLE SYMBOLOGY - A method of operating an indicia reader includes reading at least one indicia, the indicia having an encoded executable software program; storing the encoded executable software program into memory of the indicia reader; and running the encoded executable software program. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20110241876 | INDICIA READER WITH DIRTY WINDOW INDICATOR - A method of operating an indicia reader comprising the steps of: transmitting light partly through a window toward a target; receiving reflected light from a target and the window onto a photodetector; converting the received light into photodetector output signals representative thereof with the photodetector; storing a baseline photodetector photodetector output signal derived solely from light reflected from the window; decoding indicia information within the target containing information bearing indicia derived from the photodetector output signals; comparing photodetector output signals with the baseline photodetector output signal; and, notifying an operator with an audible or visual signal when the comparison indicates the window is contaminated. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110233280 | TERMINAL WITH RADIO TRANSCEIVER HAVING POWER OUTPUT - There is provided for herein a terminal having a radio transceiver, the radio transceiver having a maximum output power and an operating power. The operating power is limitable to a power limit that less than or equal to the maximum output power and is operator selectable from a set of power limit values so as to reduce interference with other devices operating in the 2.4 GHz spectrum of the ISM band. In one embodiment, the set of power limit values includes the maximum output power and a plurality of additional values. In another embodiment, the set of power limit values includes a plurality of values, the plurality of values including at least first and second values less than 16 dB apart in magnitude. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110186639 | CONTACT APERTURE FOR IMAGING APPARATUS - Disclosed is an optical imaging apparatus for focusing an image of an encoded symbol character onto an image sensor. The optical imaging apparatus includes a housing having a user input interface and a user output interface. An imaging module disposed within the housing is adapted to receive a cone of bundled light rays reflected from the encoded symbol character. The image sensor has a multiple pixel image sensor array disposed on a printed circuit board. The optical imaging apparatus further includes a focus element disposed within the imaging module, wherein the focus element is adapted to form and project the encoded symbol character upon the image sensor. A lens holding assembly is disposed within the focus element, and includes a barrel housing having a distal end for receiving the cone of bundled light rays and a proximal end for projecting an apertured cone of bundled light rays onto the image sensor. An optical lens element is disposed within an interior bore of the barrel housing. The optical lens element has a first lens surface and an opposing second lens surface; the first lens surface has a clear region and an opaque region. The opaque region is formed by a contact aperture disposed on the first lens surface, wherein the contact aperture is adapted to modify a cone angle of the bundle of light rays projected on the image sensor. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110174881 | PARALLEL DECODING SCHEME FOR AN INDICIA READER - A method for collecting and processing information bearing indicia (IBI) comprising the steps of: converting light reflected off an IBI into IBI signals representative of the IBI; running at least one signal process for processing the IBI signals on a first processor if the IBI is of a first type; and running at least one signal process for processing the IBI signals on a second processor if the IBI is of a second type, wherein the first processor and second processor are configured to run in parallel. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110163165 | TERMINAL HAVING ILLUMINATION AND FOCUS CONTROL - There is set forth herein an indicia reading terminal having an illumination subsystem for projection of an illumination pattern, the illumination subsystem having at least one light source, the illumination subsystem being switchable between a first state and a second state, wherein the illumination subsystem in the second state projects illumination light at a projection angle that is more narrow than a projection angle of illumination light projected by the illumination subsystem when the illumination subsystem is in the first state. An indicia reading terminal can include an imaging subsystem including an image sensor array and an imaging lens for focusing an image of a target onto the image sensor array, the imaging lens being a variable imaging lens and having a first lens setting at which the lens assembly has a relatively nearer plane of optimum focus and a second lens setting at which the imaging lens has a relatively farther plane of optimum focus setting. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110069365 | SCAN ELEMENT FOR USE IN SCANNING LIGHT AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - A scan element includes a bobbin having a central axis about which is wound an electromagnetic wire coil and having a flange oriented generally transverse to the central axis. At least one elastomeric support has a first end coupled to the flange. A permanent magnet has first and second surfaces, a central axis, and a magnetization direction oriented generally transverse to the central axis of the permanent magnet. The magnet is supported by a second end of the elastomeric support. A mirror has a central axis and is mounted on the second surface of the magnet. The central axes of the mirror and magnet are coaxial with the central axis of the bobbin. The elastomeric support provides a return force when the magnet and the mirror are rotated at an angle from the central axis during energization of the electromagnetic wire coil. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110069364 | SCAN ELEMENT FOR USE IN SCANNING LIGHT AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME - A scan element includes a bobbin having a central axis about which is wound an electromagnetic wire coil and having a flange oriented generally transverse to the central axis. At least one elastomeric support has a first end coupled to the flange. A permanent magnet has first and second surfaces, a central axis, and a magnetization direction oriented generally transverse to the central axis of the permanent magnet. The magnet is supported by a second end of the elastomeric support. A mirror has a central axis and is mounted on the second surface of the magnet. The central axes of the mirror and magnet are coaxial with the central axis of the bobbin. The elastomeric support provides a return force when the magnet and the mirror are rotated at an angle from the central axis during energization of the electromagnetic wire coil. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110062238 | BAR CODE READER TERMINAL AND METHODS FOR OPERATING THE SAME HAVING MISREAD DETECTION APPARATUS - Misreads in decodable indicia by terminals such as bar code scanners (e.g., laser, image sensors) can occur. Solutions can include increasing redundancy or screening out erroneous data. Embodiments of screening error reduction circuits, terminals, and/or methods for processing decodable indicia data are provided. | 03-17-2011 |
| 20100258632 | Laser Scanner Output Window - A laser scanner for reading symbology, such as barcodes. The laser scanner includes a housing, a laser source or generator disposed in the housing and operative to generate a laser beam, and an output window supported by housing and being positioned to receive the laser beam incident thereon. The window is operative to transmit the laser beam therethrough at a symbology target. In one embodiment, the window includes a vertical wedge angle between front and rear surfaces of the window that is oriented substantially in alignment with a vertical axis defined by the window. The vertical wedge angle is preferably oriented perpendicular to a horizontally-extending scanning line of the laser beam on the window. In one embodiment, the vertical wedge angle is substantially the same along the entire length or width of the window. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100258631 | Trigger Mechanism for Hand Held Devices - A trigger mechanism with soft stops and associated method for activating a switch in a device or apparatus. The trigger mechanism includes a trigger receptacle, a trigger disposed in the trigger receptacle and movable between an un-actuated and an actuated position by a user depressing the trigger, and a soft stop comprised of at least one projection positioned to engage a resilient elastomeric insert. Moving the trigger from the un-actuated to actuated position compresses the elastomeric insert with the projection and activates the switch to provide a tactile sensation of the switch activation to the user. The switch may be an electric switch disposed in a hand held device, such as a barcode scanner in some embodiments. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100127081 | TARGETING SCHEME FOR DATAFORM READERS - In a handheld dataform reader, the usability of the reader is greatly enhanced by monitoring the distance between the dataform reader and the surface bearing a symbol to be read and then changing the dataform reader's targeting image's visual characteristics from one state to another state when the distance between the dataform reader and the surface bearing the symbol is within a predefined optimal focus range of the reader, thus, alerting the user that the dataform reader can be triggered to read the symbol. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20090101719 | Digital image capturing and processing system for automatically recognizing graphical intelligence graphically represented in digital images of objects - A digital image capturing and processing system including a system housing having an imaging window; illumination and imaging stations for generating and projecting illumination and imaging planes or zones through the imaging window, and into a 3D imaging volume definable relative to the imaging window, for digital imaging an object passing through the 3D imaging volume, and generating digital linear images of the object as the object intersects the illumination and imaging planes or zones during system operation. A digital image processor processes the digital images and automatically recognizes graphical intelligence (e.g. bar code symbols, alphanumeric characters etc) graphically represented in the digital images. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090101718 | Digital image capturing and processing system employing automatic object detection and spectral-mixing based illumination techniques - A digital image capturing and processing system for illuminating objects using automatic object detection and spectral-mixing illumination technique. The system comprises an area-type illumination and imaging module for projecting a coextensive area-type illumination and imaging field (i.e. zone) into a 3D imaging volume during object illumination and imaging operations. The area-type illumination and imaging module includes a spectral-mixing based illumination subsystem for producing a first field of visible illumination from an array of visible LEDs, and producing a second field of invisible illumination from an array of infrared (IR) LEDs, wherein the first and second fields of illumination spatially overlap and intermix with each other and produce a composite illumination field that is at least substantially coextensive with the FOV of the image sensing array. An automatic object detection subsystem automatically detects an object moving through the 3D imaging volume, while an illumination control subsystem controls the relative power ratio (VIS/IR) of visible illumination and invisible illumination during system operations so as to achieve sufficient image contrast in captured digital images to ensure satisfactory image processing. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090095814 | METHOD OF SELECTIVELY PROJECTING SCAN LINES IN A MULTIPLE-LINE BARCODE SCANNER - A method of selectively generating one or more scan lines from a multi-scan line scanner involves measuring the pulse widths of the pulses in a signal output of a motor driving the polygon mirror of the scanner wherein the signal relates to the position of the polygon's mirror facets. By measuring and distinguishing each of the pulses in the signal, the illumination of the scan beam can be synchronized with the rotation of the polygon mirror to only generate a desired number of scan line patterns that is less than the full complement of the scan line patterns capable of being generated by the multi-scan line scanner. | 04-16-2009 |
| 20090065584 | Pos-based digital image capturing and processing system employing automatic object motion detection and spectral-mixing based illumination techniques - A POS-based digital image capturing and processing system for illuminating objects using automatic object detection and spectral-mixing illumination technique. The system comprises an area-type illumination and imaging station for projecting a coextensive area-type illumination and imaging field (i.e. zone) into a 3D imaging volume during object illumination and imaging operations. The area-type illumination and imaging station includes an illumination subsystem for producing a first field of visible illumination from an array of visible LEDs, and producing a second field of invisible illumination from an array of infrared (IR) LEDs. wherein the first and second fields of illumination spatially overlap and intermix with each other and are substantially coextensive with the FOV of the image sensing array. An automatic object motion detection subsystem automatically detects the motion of an object moving through the 3D imaging volume, while an illumination control subsystem controls the relative power ratio (VIS/IR) of visible illumination and invisible illumination during system operation so as to minimize the amount of visible illumination energy required to capture sufficiently high-contrast images of said objects and successfully process the same. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090052807 | Digital image capture and processing system employing automatic illumination control and a field of view (FOV) folding mirror beneath the light transmission aperture of an illumination board disposed within the housing - A digital image capture and processing system having a housing with a light transmission window, and an illumination subsystem including an illumination board disposed adjacent the light transmission window, configured substantially within a plane, and having a central aperture mounted adjacent the imaging window. The illumination board supports an array of illumination sources mounted around at least portion of the central aperture, for producing and a field of illumination within the FOV of its image formation and detection subsystem during object illumination and imaging operations. A FOV folding mirror is mounted within the housing and beneath the illumination board, and folds the path of the FOV beneath the light transmission aperture and directs and projects the FOV out through the central aperture. Also, an automatic illumination control subsystem is provided for controlling the array of illumination sources during object illumination and imaging operations. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20080302873 | Digital image capture and processing system supporting automatic communication interface testing/detection and system configuration parameter (SCP) programming - A digital image capture and processing system supporting automatic communication interface testing/detection and system configuration parameter programming. The digital image capture and processing system includes a housing having a port for receiving a standard connector associated with a flexible communication interface cable, and a multi-interface I/O subsystem disposed in the housing, and having an I/O port. The multi-interface I/O subsystem supports a software-controlled automatic communication interface test/detection process carried out over the flexible communication interface cable physically connecting the I/O ports of the digital image capture and processing subsystem and the designated host system. The digital image capture and processing system also supports automatic programming of multiple system configuration parameters (SCPs), associated with a particular communication interface (CI) detected by the multi-interface I/O subsystem, without reading programming-type bar codes. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080283608 | Method of illuminating objects on a countertop surface using an automatically-triggered digital image capture and processing system which maintains illumination rays substantially within the field of view (FOV) of said system, above which the field of view (FOV) of human operator and spectating customers are positioned - A method of illuminating objects on a countertop surface using an automatically-triggered digital image capture and processing system having a single array of LEDs disposed near and behind the upper edge portion of its imaging window, which is provided with an illumination-focusing lens structure integrated therein. During object detection, illumination and imaging operations on the countertop surface, typically at a retail point of sale (POS) station, visible illumination generated by the LEDs is focused and projected by the illumination-focusing lens structure so that the system maintains its illumination rays substantially within the field of view (FOV) of said system, and above which the field of view (FOV) of human operator and spectators are positioned, so that the field of illumination extends substantially across the working distance of the FOV of the system, and in a way to illuminate objects located anywhere within the working distance of said system, while minimizing annoyance to the system operator, as well as others in the vicinity thereof during system operation. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080283607 | Hand-supportable digital image capture and processing system employing visible targeting illumination beam projected from an array of visible light sources on the rear surface of a printed circuit (PC) board having a light transmission aperture, and reflected off multiple folding mirrors and projected through the light transmission aperture into a central portion of the field of view of said system - A hand-supportable digital image capture and processing system including a hand-supportable housing having an imaging window. A printed circuit (PC) board is mounted in the hand-supportable housing, and has front and rear surfaces and a light transmission aperture formed centrally therethrough. An image formation and detection subsystem has image formation optics for projecting a field of view (FOV) through the imaging window and upon an object within the FOV, and an area-type image detection array for forming and detecting 2D digital images of the object during object illumination and imaging operations. A first FOV folding mirror is supported above the rear surface of the PC board over the light transmission aperture, and a second FOV folding mirror is supported above the rear surface of the PC board and over the area-type image detection array. These mirrors fold and project the FOV through the light transmission aperture and the imaging window. An automatic targeting illumination subsystem is disposed in the hand-supportable housing, and has a plurality of visible light sources mounted on the rear surface of the PC board for generating a targeting illumination beam, which reflects off at least one beam folding mirror, and then off the first FOV mirror and then projects the targeting illumination beam through the light transmission aperture and the imaging window, into a portion of said FOV extending outside of the hand-supportable housing and onto the object therein. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080277475 | Digital image capture and processing system supporting a presentation mode of system operation which employs a combination of video and snapshot modes of image detection array operation during a single cycle of system operation - A digital image capture and processing system including a housing having an imaging window; and an image formation and detection subsystem supporting a snap-shot mode of the operation and a video mode of operation. The system includes image formation optics for projecting a field of view (FOV) through said imaging window and upon an object within the FOV, and forming an image of the object on an area-type image detection array having a plurality of rows of image detection elements, and detecting 2D digital images of the object while object illumination and imaging operations. The system also includes an illumination subsystem, with an illumination array, for producing a field of illumination within the FOV, and illuminating the object detected in the FOV, so that the illumination reflects off the object and is transmitted back through the light transmission aperture and onto the image detection array to form the 2D digital image of the object. The digital image capture and processing system supports a presentation mode employing a combination of video and snap-shot modes of image detection array operation during a single cycle of system operation. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080198098 | Electronic sign - An electronic sign employs a bi-stable, non-volatile display material activatable by electrodes to convey information. A sensor detects when the electronic sign is inserted in or in the vicinity of an insertion area, and controls the operation of the sign based on the detected location. A backplane in the electronic sign includes different patterns of addressable elements to provide a display that pixel, font region, or icon addressable or have a combination of one or more of the pixel, font region, or icon addressability. A remote device communicates with the electronic sign, and multiple electronic signs may communicate with each other via a communication protocol, such as mesh networking. | 08-21-2008 |
