Zebra Technologies Corporation

Jason S Mak

Vladimir P Gurevich

Thomas Lackemann

Carl D Wittenberg

David Tsi Shi

Matthew D Blasczak

Justin F Barish

Maulin Sheth

Eric Park

Devices, systems, and methods for providing a hybrid fixed focus during operation of an indicia reader. An example system includes at least one imaging assembly; controller; and one or more processors configured to (a) initiate a ranging operation; (b) determine a range value associated with a distance between the imaging assembly and an object; (c) retrieve a threshold range value from memory; (d) compare the range value to the threshold range value; (e) initiate a hybrid fixed focus operation comprising: (i) energizing an illumination assembly to provide illumination; and (ii) capturing a first set of images at a fixed focus position corresponding to the range value responsive to the range value not exceeding the threshold range value, and the fixed focus position corresponding to the threshold range value responsive to the range value exceeding the threshold value; and (f) terminate the hybrid fixed focus operation based upon a termination signal.

Hybrid fixed focus engine using an auto-focus engine with ranging

The present disclosure describes methods and systems for reducing perceived flickering in multi-sensor barcode scanners. The proposed solution introduces a dummy illumination pulse during transitions between sensors or frames, mitigating noticeable flicker. The timing, duration, and spacing of the dummy pulse are calculated based on factors such as the next expected exposure, frame rate, and/or previous exposure. This solution can be applied to a variety of barcode scanners, including those with different sensors for near and far scanning or those using different LEDs for capturing frames. The system also potentially includes an illumination boost circuitry that recharges during the generation of the dummy illumination pulse, preventing system faults. The method offers an effective solution to illumination flicker in multi-sensor barcode scanners without causing unnecessary delays or system errors.

Method and system for reducing perceived illumination flicker in multi-sensor barcode scanners

Method and systems for driving an aiming assembly of a barcode imager are provided. An example method includes obtaining an operating mode of the barcode imager having an aiming assembly and, in response, determining a duty cycle of an aiming pulse of the aiming assembly. That duty cycle is determined as a percentage of a frame duration of an imager sensor and, further, such that simultaneous constraints are satisfied by the aiming pulse. The constraints include a simultaneous frame duration-independent, peak pulse optical power constraint and a frame duration-dependent heat dissipation constraint.

Laser driving mode for aiming system of barcode imager

Devices, systems, and methods for providing illumination during operation of an indicia reader are described herein. An example system includes at least one imaging assembly; controller; and processor configured to: (a) initiate a ranging operation; (b) based on the ranging operation, determine a range value associated with a distance between the imaging assembly and an object in the field of view (FOV); (c) initiate a ramping operation comprising: (i) initiate a ramping sequence for the imaging assembly which captures plurality of images comprising image data of an environment appearing in the FOV using an associated plurality of focus parameters; and (ii) energizing an illumination assembly to provide illumination of the FOV during the ramping operation, the illumination intensity determined from the range value, the illumination intensity maintained substantially constant during at least a majority of the ramping operation; and (c) terminating the ramping operation based upon a termination signal.

Methods and apparatus for providing illumination during operation of an indicia reader

Methods and apparatus for scanning swiped barcodes are disclosed. An example method includes in response to detecting an object, capturing first images while focused at a swipe focus distance representing a pre-determined expected swipe distance range within which a scan target is expected to be swiped across a FOV. In response to a barcode decoded based upon the first images, exiting the swipe decode phase. In response to no barcode decoded during a time period representing an expected amount of time during which a scan target is expected to be swiped across the FOV, exiting the swipe decode phase and initiating a re-presentation decode phase including sequentially focusing the imaging scanner at a plurality of pre-determined, re-presentation focus distances, capturing one or more second images at each of the plurality of pre-determined, re-presentation focus distances, and, attempting to decode a barcode in one or more of the second images.

Growing community of inventors

Commack, NY, United States of America

Jason S Mak