Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
235462220 | Extended reader working range (e.g., multiple focal planes) | 39 |
20080230611 | Variable Laser Beam Focus - An imaging device includes a scanning platform coupled to a fixed platform by flexible members. The scanning platform, fixed platform, and flexible members are made of a polymer such as is commonly used for printed circuit boards. The scanning platform has a laser light source, focusing lens, variable focus mechanism, photodetector, and light collection optic mounted thereto. The variable focus mechanism can sweep the outgoing laser light focus to determine the reflection distance. A scan angle may be modified in response. 3D imaging may also be performed. | 09-25-2008 |
20080296385 | VARIABLE FOCUS IMAGING LENS ASSEMBLY FOR AN IMAGING-BASED BAR CODE READER - A variable focus imaging lens assembly ( | 12-04-2008 |
20100108765 | Self-calibrating, automatic focusing assembly in electro-optical readers - An electro-optical reader for, and method of, reading a symbol, utilize a light source for emitting a light beam along a path, an optical assembly including a variable focusing element for focusing a major light fraction of the light beam between a range of working distances in which the symbol to be read is located along the path, and a controller for controlling the variable focusing element to have different focusing states. One of the focusing states is a reference focusing state in which the variable focusing element is operative for focusing the major light fraction at a reference focal plane. A detector assembly, including a detector aperture located at the reference focal plane, is operative for detecting an amount of a minor light fraction of the light beam, and for generating a self-calibration signal indicative of the reference focusing state when a predetermined amount of the minor light fraction has been detected. The controller is operative for processing the self-calibration signal to determine the reference focusing state for the variable focusing element during reading. | 05-06-2010 |
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 |
20100155482 | Methods and Apparatus for Increased Range of Focus in Image Based Bar Code Scanning - Systems and techniques for improved focal range for image based bar code scanning. An image based bar code scanner includes an imaging device comprising a lens array of one or more fixed focus lenses, and an imaging element. The lens array and the imaging element are disposed so that an image, or image elements, of a bar code moving before the lens array is focused at different distances on different portions of the imaging element. Focused images or image elements are identified and captured, and these captured images are processed to extract bar code information. | 06-24-2010 |
20100308115 | Laser barcode scanner and an execution method thereof - A laser barcode scanner and its execution method apply a ranging method by light to quickly measure a distance between the laser barcode scanner and a barcode, and using a signal processor for computing and converting signals, to automatically control a rotation angle of a rotating device, such that a width of a scanning light emitted by the laser barcode scanner can be adjusted at any time automatically. Therefore, when being used at a different distance, a proper intensity and width of the scanning light can be adjusted automatically dependent on the distance, so as to largely improve an access efficiency of the laser barcode scanner. | 12-09-2010 |
20120118973 | CAMERA APPLICATIONS IN A HANDHELD DEVICE - A hand held device containing at least one camera can perform various functions. In some embodiments, the device may have a primary lens for focusing on distant objects, and a secondary lens that may be combined with the primary lens for focusing on up-close objects. The secondary lens may be movable in and out of the optical path to permit such a transition. | 05-17-2012 |
20120248191 | SCANNER DEVICE AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - Disclosed is a scanner device comprising: a scanner unit that scans a symbol and obtains image data; a judgment unit that judges whether or not a capture distance from the scanner unit to the symbol is a short distance; and a decoding unit that, in a case where the capture distance is judged to be the short distance, makes setting to perform at least one of increase of error permissivity for the image data with respect to threshold values for judging a size of the symbol, and reduction of the number of collation times for decoding results of the image data, in a case where the capture distance is judged to be a long distance, makes setting to perform at least one of lowering of the error permissivity, and increase of the number of collation times; and decodes the image data in response to the setting. | 10-04-2012 |
20120256000 | DECODING MULTI-RESOLUTION OPTICAL CODES - A method of decoding a machine-readable optical code that includes a first code including a plurality of first elements formed on or in a substrate, the first code specifying first information, wherein one or more of the first elements includes a second code on or in the substrate, the second code including a plurality of second elements specifying second information; and wherein the first code and the second code are machine-readable optical codes, the method comprising: using a first image reader to record the first code, the first code specifying first information to form a first recorded image; using a processor to decode the first information from the first recorded image; using a second image reader to record the second code to form a second recorded image; and using the processor to decode the second information from the second recorded image whereby the machine-readable optical code is decoded. | 10-11-2012 |
20130200157 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EXPANSION OF FIELD OF VIEW IN A VISION SYSTEM - This invention provides a system and method for expanding the field of view of a vision system camera assembly such that the field of view is generally free of loss of normal resolution across the entire expanded field. A field of view expander includes outer mirrors that receive light from different portions of a scene. The outer mirrors direct light to tilted inner mirrors of a beam splitter that directs the light aligned with a camera axis to avoid image distortion. The inner mirrors each direct the light from each outer mirror into a strip on the sensor, and the system searches features. The adjacent fields of view include overlap regions sized and arranged to ensure a centralized feature appears fully in at least one strip. Alternatively, a moving mirror changes position between acquired image frames so that a full width of the scene is imaged in successive frames. | 08-08-2013 |
20140131447 | DEVICES AND METHODS OF READING MONOCHROMATIC PATTERNS - A method of extracting data from an identifiable monochromatic pattern. The method comprises separating a polychromatic optical signal, received from an object having identifiable monochromatic pattern, into a plurality of wavelength components, separately capturing each of the wavelength components, reconstructing a plurality of images each from a different wavelength component, detecting the identifiable monochromatic pattern in one or more of the images, and extracting data associated with or encoded by the detected identifiable monochromatic pattern. The images have different depths of field. | 05-15-2014 |
20140332592 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPTIMIZING SYSTEM SETTINGS OF A LASER SCANNER CONTROL SYSTEM - A scanning device includes a laser source emitting a laser scanning beam, a movable scanning mirror reflecting the laser scanning beam towards an on object to be scanned, a mirror moving element moving the movable scanning mirror and a controller receiving an input corresponding to a range estimate from the scanning device to the object and adjusting a setting of the scanning device based on the range estimate. | 11-13-2014 |
20140374485 | System and Method for Reading Code Symbols Using a Variable Field of View - A system and method are presented for improving the performance of full range code scanners. A distance detection module determines the distance of the code symbol from the code symbol reader. In response to the detected distance, the sweep angle of the scanning element is changed to ensure that the code symbol is within the code symbol reader's field of view. The sweep angle is larger when the code symbol is in the near range, and smaller when the code symbol is in the far range. | 12-25-2014 |
20150048167 | BARCODE-READING CAPABILITIES OF A PORTABLE, HAND-HELD COMPUTING DEVICE THAT COMPRISES A CAMERA - This patent specification describes an attachment for a mobile device. The attachment may have an attachment feature designed to be attached to a mobile device such as a smartphone, tablet, or smartphone/tablet with a camera. The attachment may also include an optics system and/or an illumination system that cooperates with the camera to facilitate the capture of decodable barcodes. The illumination system may include a targeting illumination system that facilitates proper positioning of the article and/or an exposure illumination system that helps illuminate the article during capture. The optics system may include a lens that modifies the depth of field and/or the size of the field of view of the camera, an aperture that helps define the field of view, a filter that prevents light of undesired wavelengths from reaching the camera, and/or a mirror that redirects the camera's optical pathway. | 02-19-2015 |
20160188936 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EXPANSION OF FIELD OF VIEW IN A VISION SYSTEM - This invention provides a field of view expander (FOVE) removably attached to a vision system camera having an image sensor defining an image plane. In an embodiment the FOVE includes first and second mirrors that transmit light from a scene in respective first and second partial fields of view along first and second optical axes. Third and fourth mirrors respectively receive reflected light from the first and second mirrors. The third and fourth mirrors reflect the received light onto the image plane in a first strip and a second strip adjacent to the first strip. The first and second optical axes are approximately parallel and a first focused optical path length between the scene and the image plane and a second focused optical path between the image plane and the scene are approximately equal in length. The optical path can be rotated at a right angle in embodiments. | 06-30-2016 |
235462230 | Auto-focusing | 24 |
20080277477 | DYNAMIC FOCUS CALIBRATION, SUCH AS DYNAMIC FOCUS CALIBRATION USING AN OPEN-LOOP SYSTEM IN A BAR CODE SCANNER - A system and method for recalibrating a bar code scanner or other optical system is described. In some cases, the system dynamically adjusts the focal length of a lens assembly based on open-loop process, such as based on feedback related to a distance between the lens assembly and an imaged object. In some cases, the system dynamically adjusts the lens assembly in order to provide auto focusing or zoom adjustment | 11-13-2008 |
20150102110 | Optoelectronic Sensor and Method for the Detection of Object Information - An optoelectronic sensor ( | 04-16-2015 |
235462240 | Using an imager (e.g., CCD or camera-type reader) | 22 |
20080245872 | BARCODE SCANNER/READER HAVING CONSTANTLY VARYING FOCAL DISTANCE - A scanner/reader for reading target objects, such as a barcode, that incorporates a variable focus liquid lens whose focal distance is constantly and continuously varied through the lens' predefined focal range provides an efficient way to scan or read a barcode. A driver circuit for the liquid lens continuously generates a lens driver signal that provides the liquid lens with a continuously varying voltage input to the liquid lens and thus varying the focal distance of the liquid lens cyclically through a predefined focal range. | 10-09-2008 |
20080277478 | Digital image capture and processing system employing an image formation and detection subsystem having image formation optics providing a field of view (FOV) on an area-type image detection array, and a multi-mode illumination subsystem having near and far field LED-based illumination arrays for illuminating near and far field portions of said FOV - A digital image capture and processing system including a housing having an imaging window. An area-type image formation and detection subsystem is disposed in the housing, and has image formation optics for projecting a field of view (FOV) through the imaging window and onto an area-type image detection array, for forming and detecting 2D digital images of an object in the FOV, during object illumination and imaging operations. The housing also includes a multi-mode LED-based illumination subsystem having (i) a near-field LED array for producing a field of wide-area narrow-band illumination over a near field region of said FOV, and (ii) a far-field LED array for producing a field of wide-area narrow-band illumination over a far field region of the FOV. During object illumination and imaging operations, illumination from illumination arrays reflects off the object and is transmitted back through the imaging window and onto the area-type image detection array to form 2D digital images of the object. | 11-13-2008 |
20080277479 | Countertop-based digital image capture and processing system having an illumination subsystem employing a single array of LEDS disposed behind an illumination focusing lens structure integrated within the imaging window, for generating a field of visible illumination highly confined below the field of view of the system operator and customers who are present during object illumination and imaging operations - A countertop-mounted digital image capture and processing system that includes a housing having an imaging window with an illumination-focusing lens component integrated therewithin. The area-type image formation and detection subsystem, also disposed in the housing, has image formation optics for projecting a field of view (FOV) through the imaging window and onto an area-type image detection array, for forming and detecting 2D digital images of an object in the FOV, during object illumination and imaging operations. The single array of LEDs is disposed immediately behind the illumination-focusing lens structure, for generating a field of visible illumination that reflects off an object within said FOV and is transmitted back through said imaging window and onto said area-type image detection array. | 11-13-2008 |
20090078773 | Multiple Configuration Image Scanner - An imaging-based bar code reader that includes an imaging and decoding system. Focusing optics and a sensor array define a field of view. An exemplary system has an image sensor includes multiple configuration registers. With multiple configuration registers a video mode can be implemented where the video consists of a continuous sequence of frames with a fixed sequence a number of configurations. The configurations can vary the frame size, exposure time, gain, etc. Compared to a sensor with only one set of configuration registers, successive frames can be captured with different configurations without synchronization issues or frame lag. | 03-26-2009 |
20100044440 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO AUTOMATICALLY FOCUS AN IMAGE READER - The invention features a system and method to automatically focus an image reader using a single frame of image data. The method comprises exposing sequentially a plurality of rows of pixels in the image sensor. The method further comprising varying in incremental steps the focus of the image reader's optical system from a first setting where a distinct image of objects located at a first distance from the image reader is formed on the image sensor to a second setting where a distinct image of objects located at a second distance from the image reader is formed on the image sensor. As part of the method, the varying of the focus of the optical system occurs during the exposure of the plurality of rows of pixels. | 02-25-2010 |
20100219247 | SYMBOL READING DEVICE, SYMBOL READING METHOD AND PROGRAM RECORDING MEDIUM TO CONTROL FOCUS BASED ON SIZE OF CAPTURED SYMBOL - Disclosed is a symbol reading device including: an imaging section to capture a symbol and generate an image; a detecting section to detect a size of the symbol; a judging section to judge large or small by comparing the size of the symbol to a pre-set value; a focus movement controlling section to move a focus position of the imaging section to a predetermined position of a farther side when the size of the symbol is smaller than the pre-set value as a result of the judgment, and to move a focus position of the imaging section to a predetermined position of a closer side when the size of the symbol is larger than the pre-set value as a result of the judgment; and an analyzing section to analyze symbol data corresponding to the symbol at a focus position moved by the focus movement controlling section. | 09-02-2010 |
20100252633 | AUTO-EXPOSURE FOR MULTI-IMAGER BARCODE READER - A bar code reader | 10-07-2010 |
20100314448 | DYNAMIC FOCUS CALIBRATION, SUCH AS DYNAMIC FOCUS CALIBRATION USING AN OPEN-LOOP SYSTEM IN A BAR CODE SCANNER - A system and method for recalibrating a bar code scanner or other optical system is described. In some cases, the system dynamically adjusts the focal length of a lens assembly based on open-loop process, such as based on feedback related to a distance between the lens assembly and an imaged object. In some cases, the system dynamically adjusts the lens assembly in order to provide auto focusing or zoom adjustment | 12-16-2010 |
20110127333 | MULTIPLE CAMERA IMAGING-BASED BAR CODE READER WITH OPTIMIZED IMAGING FIELD - A multicamera imaging-based bar code reader wherein for least one camera assembly of the reader, a sensor array of the camera assembly is non-orthogonal with respect to an optical axis of an imaging lens assembly of the camera assembly such that an imaging or scanning volume of the camera assembly more closely conforms to a desired imaging field or region of the reader. In one exemplary embodiment the reader features: a housing supporting first and second transparent presentation windows and defining an interior region; an imaging system including a plurality of camera assemblies within the interior region, at least one camera assembly includes a sensor array and an imaging lens assembly, the sensor array being positioned with respect to the imaging lens assembly at an angle so as to be non-orthogonal with respect to an optical axis of the imaging lens assembly of the camera assembly. | 06-02-2011 |
20110174880 | INDICIA READING TERMINAL HAVING MULTIPLE SETTING IMAGING LENS - An indicia reading terminal can include a multiple setting imaging lens assembly and an image sensor having an image sensor array. In one embodiment, an indicia reading terminal in an active reading state can cycle through a set of different lens settings, expose pixels of an image sensor array during an exposure period when each new lens setting is achieved, and attempt to decode decodable indicia represented in frames of image data captured corresponding to each exposure period. In one embodiment, movement of an imaging lens assembly lens element can be provided with use of a hollow stepper motor. | 07-21-2011 |
20110290886 | IMAGING BAR CODE READER HAVING VARIABLE APERTURE - The exemplary bar code reader has an auto-focusing component positioned between a photo-detector array and an object having target indicia. The auto-focusing component has a lens system for focusing the target indicia at an imaging plane that generally co-incides with a plane of the photo-detector array. An electromagnetic coil actuator is coupled to an adjustable aperture such that activation of the coil actuator moves the adjustable aperture into and out of the imaging field of view to adjust a focusing on the target indicia. The autofocus component is fixed when the moveable aperture is within the field of view for focusing on objects close to the reader and when the aperture is removed, the autofocus is effective in imaging objects at a greater distance from the reader. | 12-01-2011 |
20120248192 | CODE READING APPARATUS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT - Disclosed is a code reading apparatus including a control section including: a first adjustment section repeating focus setting within a first execution time to execute first focus adjustment; a second adjustment section changing a focal position of a variable focal lens within a second execution time to execute second focus adjustment; a timer section counting a first execution number of the first focus adjustment and a second execution number of the second focus adjustment; and a time setting section setting the first execution time to be shortened starting from a predetermined first initial set time such that the first execution time is shortened as the first execution number increases, and setting the second execution time to be shortened starting from a predetermined second initial set time such that the second execution time is shortened as the second execution number increases. | 10-04-2012 |
20120261474 | OPTICAL-INFORMATION-READING APPARATUS - An optical-information-reading apparatus includes an imaging optical system having a varifocal lens that adjusts a focal position, a solid-state image sensing device that images a code symbol, a ranging laser that measures a distance to the code symbol, and a decoder that calculates the distance to the code symbol using the ranging laser. The apparatus controls the varifocal lens based on calculated distance information. | 10-18-2012 |
20130240628 | Barcode Recognition Using Data-Driven Classifier - A barcode decoding system and method are disclosed that use a data-driven classifier for transforming a potentially degraded barcode signal into a digit sequence. The disclosed implementations are robust to signal degradation through incorporation of a noise model into the classifier construction phase. The run-time computational cost is low, allowing for efficient implementations on portable devices. Implementations are disclosed for intelligent preview scaling, barcode-aware autofocus augmentation and multi-scale signal feature extraction. | 09-19-2013 |
20140183264 | CONSTANT MAGNIFICATION LENS FOR VISION SYSTEM CAMERA - This invention provides a lens assembly for a vision system, allowing for a constant magnification at various focal distances. The lens assembly resides movably/adjustably along the optical axis relative to the sensor. In an embodiment, the lens assembly includes a fixed rear lens and a front lens that is moved mechanically to focus the object image on the image sensor. The lens assembly can alternatively include a liquid lens that is controlled to adjust magnification with respect to a fixed front lens so as to maintain a constant system magnification. The liquid lens resides between the (fixed) front lens assembly and the image sensor and can be controlled to focus the image onto the image sensor. | 07-03-2014 |
20140239073 | DEVICE FOR OPTICALLY READING CODES - There is provided a device for reading a code on a subject. The device includes an imaging unit provided with an imaging element, a depth-of-field extending unit, and an optical distorting unit. The imaging unit captures an optical image formed on a light-receiving surface of the subject. The depth-of-field extending unit acquires a focused image regardless of distance to the subject, within a predetermined read-out range. In the optical distorting unit, the captured optical image is distorted such that i) the focused image at a minimum distance in the read-out range includes an overall image of the code and ii) the focused image at a maximum distance in the read-out range is provided so as to allow at least a predetermined number of pixels to be assigned to a unit image of the code. | 08-28-2014 |
20150144699 | OPTIMIZING FOCUS PLANE POSITION OF IMAGING SCANNER - A method includes the following: (1) projecting a light pattern towards a target object; (2) detecting light returned from the target object through an imaging lens arrangement with an imaging sensor to capture a first image with changes in the position of the focus plane of the imaging lens arrangement; (3) processing the first image to determine an optimized position of the focus plane of the imaging lens arrangement; (4) detecting light returned from the target object with the imaging sensor to capture a second image when the position of the focus plane of the imaging lens arrangement is maintained at the optimized position; and (5) decoding a barcode in the second image. | 05-28-2015 |
20150144700 | METHOD OF OPTIMIZING FOCUS PLANE POSITION OF IMAGING SCANNER - A method includes the following: (1) projecting a light pattern towards a target object; (2) detecting light returned from the target object through an imaging lens arrangement with an imaging sensor to capture at least a first slit-frame-image and a second slit-frame-image; (3) determining an optimized position of the imaging lens arrangement; (4) detecting light returned from the target object with the imaging sensor to capture an image of a barcode when the imaging lens arrangement is maintained at the optimized position; and (5) processing the image of the barcode to decode the barcode. In the method, determining the optimized position includes processing at least the first slit-frame-image and the second slit-frame-image. | 05-28-2015 |
20150310243 | AUTOFOCUS LENS SYSTEM FOR INDICIA READERS - An autofocus lens system includes no conventional moving parts and has excellent speed and low power consumption. The system includes a small electronically-controlled focusing-module lens. The focusing-module lens includes two adjustable polymeric surfaces (e.g., two adjustable-surface lenses in a back-to-back configuration). The curvature of the surfaces can be adjusted to change focus. The performance of the autofocus lens system is extended by adding a conventional first and second lens, or lens group, on either side of the focusing-module lens. What results is an autofocus lens system with excellent near field and far field performance. | 10-29-2015 |
20150339504 | CODE SYMBOL READING SYSTEM HAVING ADAPTIVE AUTOFOCUS - A system for reading code symbols includes an imaging subsystem that includes a focusing module and an image processor. The image processor selects an initial, predicted focal distance for the imaging subsystem's focusing module with respect to a code symbol. The focal distance for each successfully decoded code symbol is stored in memory, and a weighted average of a pre-selected number of memorized focal distances is used to calculate the next initial, predicted focal distance. | 11-26-2015 |
20160070944 | VARIABLE DEPTH OF FIELD BARCODE SCANNER - Generally discussed herein are techniques, software, apparatuses, and systems configured for variable depth of field scanners. In one or more embodiments, a method can include exposing a light sensor of a barcode scanner for a specified time, altering a focal point of a variable focus element situated in the light path of the light sensor from a first focal point to a second focal point in the specified time, and processing an image of a barcode produced by the light sensor to deblur the image. | 03-10-2016 |
20170235984 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR READING MACHINE-READABLE MARKS ON RACKS AND RECEPTACLES | 08-17-2017 |