Spectra-physics Scanning Systems, Inc.

Psc Scanning, Inc.

Datalogic Scanning, Inc.

Spectra-physcis Scanning System, Inc.

Brad R Reddersen

Rockie D Moch

Phillip W Shepard

Edward C Bremer

Joseph F Rando

Alexander Malcolm McQueen

Craig D Cherry

Steven A McMahon

Daniel K Harden

Barbara H Sauceda

Christopher Lenart

Stephen Patrick Deloge

Thomas C Arends

Raymond J Boyd

Randy D Elliott

Phillip C Gummeson

Blaine F Loris

Chay K La

Jon Paul Charles Williams

Thomas L Durant

Shane P Cooper

Kimberly A Ketelsleger

Ilya Zaverukha

Roger M Kenyon

Haruhiko Machida

Matt D Schler

David L Latimer

Randy J Turkal

Jon Pc Williams

Hiroshi Hayakawa

Yoshiyuki Sugawara

Jon Paul Williams

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for selectively reading a barcode, symbol, or other indicia by either scanning the barcode with a flying-spot scanner, or by imaging the barcode, thereby improving reading performance by tailoring the reading method to the particular item that is being read. Both a flying-spot laser scanning front end and an imaging front end are incorporated in a single device. Data obtained by the selected reading method is decoded and output. A common decoder or separate decoders may be used to decode the data from the two front ends. A single image sensor may be shared between the flying-spot front end and the imaging front-end, with a limited readout area utilized for laser scanning. The size of the readout area may be adjusted based on detected target proximity. Selection of the reading mode may be based on criteria including manual input, the range of the target, or previous failed attempts to read the barcode using either reading method. An integrated data reader in a console configuration may include a window having a special area in the corner or elsewhere for collecting data by presentation to the imaging front-end, with the flying-spot front end, with its larger depth of field, being utilized for general scanning through the window.

Multi-format bar code reader

A method and apparatus is disclosed for selectively reading a barcode, symbol, or other indicia by either scanning the barcode with a flying-spot scan, or by imaging the barcode, thereby improving reading performance by tailoring the reading method to the particular item that is being read. Both a flying-spot laser scanning front end and an imaging front end are incorporated in a single device. Data obtained by the selected reading method is decoded and output. A common decoder or separate decoders may be used to decode the data from the two front ends. A single image sensor may be shared between the flying-spot front end and the imaging front-end, with a limited readout area utilized for laser scanning. The size of the readout area may be adjusted based on detected target proximity. Selection of the reading mode may be based on criteria including manual input, the range of the target, or previous failed attempts to read the barcode using either reading method. An integrated data reader in a console configuration may include a window having a special area in the corner or elsewhere for collecting data by presentation to the imaging front-end, with the flying-spot front end, with its larger depth of field, being utilized for general scanning through the window.

An interface selection and configuration system for a computer peripheral in which configuration for the peripheral and/or the host interface is at least in part accomplished by the interface connector cable. In a preferred embodiment, the computer peripheral is equipped with one or more hardware interfaces. The interface connector cable has a first end connector for attaching to the computer peripheral. The first end connector of the interface connector cable is typically a multiple pin connector constructed and arranged to be properly physically and electrically connectable only to a specific computer peripheral or class of computer peripherals, the first end connector including at least one electrical connection between two pins for completing a circuit within the computer peripheral thereby enabling the computer peripheral. Where the peripheral is a data reading device such as a laser scanner or RFID reader, alternate or additional configuration may be obtained, with data reading device, from the label on the interconnect cable. The label, which may for example be a bar code or RFID tag, contains information or instructions by which the data reading device (and/or the host) is configured.

Multiple-interface selection system for computer peripherals

Method and apparatus for scanning items with a compact scanner which is mountable onto and/or integral with a pointing instrument. The scanner module may be equipped with an aiming beam for additional help in directing the scan line toward the object to be read. The pointing instrument may be a pen or pencil or alternately a pen-based computer stylus for use with an integrated data terminal module operably connected to the scanner module. Security for preventing separation of the module may be provided by a wireless link.

Compact scanner module mountable to pointing instrument

A multi-function optical reader comprises an photosensor, such as a charge-device (CCD), and signal conditioning and processing circuitry including separate channels for handling data in different formats. A bar code processing channel digitizes the scan signal according to light and dark features using a first-derivative technique, and an OMR processing channel uses an adaptive threshold to adapt to different light conditions and provide a boundary line for digitizing light and dark features of the target scan line. A feature measurement circuit measures the widths of the light and dark regions as derived by the separate processing channels, and provides the feature measurements to a decoding system or host terminal processor. The scan rate of the optical reader can be adjusted according to the data format to be read or the level of ambient light, to avoid saturation. The optical reader can provide multiple depth-of-field zones, both internal and external to an optical reader housing. The optical reader may provide for image capture and optical character recognition.

Optical reader with selectable processing characteristics for reading data in multiple formats

A scanning system and method of data reading in which the scanning system is provided with a more rugged scanning mechanism which is 'parked' or otherwise locked in position, moved to a protected mechanically position, or into a secured condition thereby protecting more delicate scanning components, such as flexures, from damage due to external mechanical shock.

Rugged scanning subsystem for data reading

An object recognition system comprises a sensing apparatus for collecting light reflected from objects presented at a point-of-sale machine. The sensing apparatus includes a mechanism, such as a holographic disk or diffraction grating, for separating the color components of the light reflected from the object and directing, the color components onto an optical detector such as a two-dimensional imaging array, or a one-dimensional imaging array or single photo-sensitive optical cell used in conjunction with a rotating mirror. A pattern recognizer compares the spectral response, including the locations, amplitudes and widths of energy peaks of the different color components, against premeasured characteristics of known objects in order to classify the object. The weight of the object can be measured with a scale, and the density of the object calculated, with the weight and density being used by the pattern recognizer to further classify the object. In one embodiment, a plurality of narrowband illumination sources are operated in time-sequential manner, each illuminating with a different wavelength band of light, in order to allow separate color measurements. The object recognition system may be integrated in a single unit along with an optical code reader, and may share all or part of the same exit aperture therewith. The object recognition system may include thermal detection or a particle source and secondary emission detection device, either alone or in conjunction with other object recognition means.

Object recognition system and method

A laser bar code system is described which includes a first scan module releasably affixed to a housing, which scan module is readily interchangeable with and plug compatible with a second scan module which is configured at least partly differently from the first scan module. In addition, a partitioned scan module is described which comprises a first laser diode subsystem, a first scanning subsystem, a first collection subsystem, and a first signal processing subsystem, a selected one of which is releasably affixed to a chassis, and readily interchangeable and plug compatible with a second laser diode subsystem, a second scanning subsystem, a first collection subsystem, and a second signal processing subsystem, respectively, which is configured at least partly differently from the first.

Scanner assembly

Growing community of inventors

Eugene, OR, United States of America

Brad R Reddersen