Metrologic Instruments, Inc.

Michael Schnee

Xiaoxun Zhu

Thomas A Amundsen

C Harry Knowles

Ka Man Au

Sankar Ghosh

Constantine J Tsikos

Mark C Schmidt

Yong Liu

Anatoly Kotlarsky

Garrett K Russell

Xi Tao

Sung Byun

John Bonanno

Liang Liu

Rui Hou

Hongpeng Yu

Wenhua Zhang

Pasqual Spatafore

Charles A Naylor

Russell Joseph Dobbs

Carl Harry Knowles

Timothy A Good

Allan Wirth

Andrew J Jankevics

Robert E Blake

Patrick Anthony Giordano

Stephen J Colavito

George Kolis

William Svedas

Jeffery Yorsz

Shawn Defoney

Edward Skypala

Barry E Schwartz

Steven Y Kim

Jon Van Tassell

David W Wilz, Sr

Pirooz Vatan

Dale Fisher

David M Wilz

George B Rockstein

Gennady Germaine

LeRoy Dickson

John Groot

Steven Essinger

Ian A Scott

JiBin Liu

Jun Lu

Francis E Lodge

LiangLiang Chen

Steve Y Kim

Xin Shen

Dale M Fischer

Xiaoxum Zhu

Various wireless network components offer increased flexibility, ease of use, functionality and performance in many demanding applications in diverse fields of use. In particular, a wireless multi-function network device for use on a wireless communication network can serve multiple functions and dynamically switch and reconfigure from a network router into a network coordinator in the event that the originally designated network coordinator is permanently or temporally disabled.

Wireless network device

Various wireless network components that offer increased flexibility, ease of use, functionality and performance in many demanding applications in diverse fields of use, namely: a wireless multi-function network device for use on a wireless communication network, that can serve multiple functions and dynamically switch and reconfigure from a network router into a network coordinator in the event that the originally designated network coordinator is permanently or temporally disabled; a wireless mesh-type communication network, including a plurality of wireless network router devices, each capable of performing the functions of a network controller/coordinator; a wireless network router device for use on a wireless communication network, and employing an integrated phased-array antenna structure, supporting the spatial isolation of multi-regions, and utilizing beam steering principles of operation, for illuminating multiple wireless network end-devices over separate regions; a network gateway device that supports a USB-type communication interface and RF-based wireless communication interface; a network protocol translation (NPT) based gateway device for use in a wireless communication network; and wireless network coordinator device for automatically establishing a Personal Area Network (PAN) on a wireless communication network, and having a compact housing with an electrical wall plug integrated therein having electrical prongs for plugging into a standard electrical wall socket.

Wireless dual-function network device dynamically switching and reconfiguring from a wireless network router state of operation into a wireless network coordinator state of operation in a wireless communication network

A wireless electronic-ink display device supported in packaging, and employing a power switching mechanism which operates to prevent leakage, drainage or discharge of the electro-chemical battery until a change in predetermined state of configuration occurs. The wireless electronic-ink based display device comprises (i) a power source module with an electro-chemical battery, (ii) a power management module for managing the power levels within the wireless electronic-ink display device, and (iii) a power switching module, arranged between the power source module and the power management module, and automatically responsive to a change in at least one predefined state of device configuration, to prevent leakage, drainage or discharge of the electro-chemical battery until a change in predetermined state of configuration occurs. In the illustrative embodiment, wherein the power switching module comprises a reed switch arranged in such a manner to cause the power switching module to be configured into an electrically conductive arrangement, and capable of conducting electricity from the power source module to the power management module, when the wireless electronic-ink display device is removed from its packaging.

Electronic-ink display device employing a power switching mechanism automatically responsive to predefined states of device configuration

A hand-supportable planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based code symbol reader includes: a hand-supportable housing having light transmission aperture; a linear image formation and detection module having a linear image detection array; and a planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) producing device having at least one visible laser diode (VLD) for producing a planar light illumination beam (PLIB). The code symbol reader further includes image grabber for grabbing digital linear images formed and detected by the image formation and detection module, an image data buffer for buffering the digital linear images grabbed by the image grabber and constructing a two-dimensional image from a series of buffered linear digital images, and an image processing computer for processing the buffered two-dimensional digital image so as to read code symbols graphically represented in the two-dimensional digital linear image. During object illumination and imaging operations, a controller automatically controls the linear image formation and detection module, the PLIB producing device, the image frame grabber, and the image data buffer.

Hand-supported planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based systems with laser despeckling mechanisms integrated therein

An imaging engine includes a plurality of linear imaging arrays, image formation optics, at least one illumination module and supporting circuitry that are embodied within a modular engine housing. The plurality of linear imaging arrays and image formation optics are mounted on an optical bench (which is integral to the engine housing) and provide field of views corresponding to the plurality of linear image arrays. The at least one illumination module produces planar light illumination that substantially overlaps the field of views corresponding to the plurality of linear imaging arrays. The supporting circuitry includes: timing signal generation circuitry that supplies timing signals to the linear imaging arrays in order to read out the row image data produced by such arrays and converts the row image data supplied thereto into digital form.

Imaging engine employing planar light illumination and linear imaging

A planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based engine including; an engine housing having light transmission aperture; an image formation and detection module and having an image detection array and image formation optics with a field of view (FOV) extending from the image detection array, through the light transmission aperture and onto an object moving relative to the engine housing during object illumination and imaging operations; a planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) producing device, and having at least one visible laser illumination source arranged in relation to the image formation and detection module, for producing a planar light illumination beam (PLIB), and projecting the planar light illumination beam through light transmission aperture and oriented such that the plane of the PLIB is coplanar with the field of view of the image formation and detection module so that the object can be simultaneously illuminated by the planar light illumination beam and imaged within the field of view and onto the image detection array for detection as a digital linear image of the object; a laser despeckling mechanism for reducing the coherence of the PLIB during object illumination and imaging operation so that the power of speckle-pattern noise is substantially reduced in digital linear images detected on said image detection array.

Planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based engine

An imaging device comprising a plurality of linear imaging arrays and image formation optics that provide field of views corresponding to the plurality of linear image arrays. At least one illumination module produces planar light illumination that substantially overlaps the field of views corresponding to the plurality of linear imaging arrays. Image processing circuitry performs image-based velocity estimation operations, which analyzes pixel data values of a plurality of composite 2-D images each derived from sequential image capture operations of a corresponding one linear imaging array to derive velocity data that represents an estimated velocity of the imaging device with respect to at least one target object disposed in the fields of view. Preferably, the image processing circuitry also produces a first image of portions of the target object(s), the first image having substantially constant aspect ratio, utilizing image transformation operations (or camera control operations) that are based upon the velocity data, to thereby compensate for aspect ratio distortions that would otherwise result from variations in velocity of the imaging device with respect to the target object(s). In addition, the image processing circuitry preferably carries out image-based horizontal jitter estimation and compensation operations, which estimate the horizontal jitter of the imaging device relative to the target object(s) over the image capture operations from which the first image is derived and transform the first image utilizing shift operations that are based upon such estimated horizontal jitter to produce a second image of portions of the target object(s) which compensates for horizontal jitter distortion that would otherwise result therefrom. The first image or second image (or image derived from sharpening the first or second images) is preferably subject to image-based bar code detection operations and/or OCR operations, or output for display to a display device.

Digital image acquisition system capable of compensating for changes in relative object velocity

A hand-supportable planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based code symbol reader includes: a hand-supportable housing having a light transmission aperture; a linear image formation and detection module having a linear image detection array; and a planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) producing device having at least one visible laser diode (VLD) for producing a planar laser illumination beam (PLIB). The code symbol reader further includes an image grabber for grabbing digital linear images formed and detected by the image formation and detection module, an image data buffer for buffering the digital linear images grabbed by the image grabber and constructing a two-dimensional digital image from a series of buffered linear digital images, and an image processing computer for processing the two-dimensional digital image so as to read code symbols graphically represented in the two-dimensional digital image.

Hand-supportable code symbol reader employing coplanar laser illumination and linear imaging

A hand-supportable coplanar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based code symbol reader includes: a hand-supportable housing having light transmission aperture; a linear image formation and detection module having a linear image detection array; and a planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) producing a coplanar laser illumination and imaging based device having at least one visible laser diode (VLD) for producing a planar light illumination beam (PLIB). The code symbol reader further includes an image grabber for grabbing digital linear images formed and detected by the image formation and detection module, an image data buffer for buffering the digital linear images grabbed by the image grabber, and an image processing computer for processing the buffered digital linear images so as to read code symbols graphically represented in the digital linear images. During object illumination and imaging operations, a controller automatically controls the linear image formation and detection module, the PLIB producing device, the image frame grabber, and the image data buffer.

A method of reading bar code symbols using a digital-imaging based code symbol reading system employing an event-driven multi-tier modular software architecture and supporting automatic operating system login and loading of a bar code symbol reading application.

Method of reading bar code symbols using a digital-imaging based code symbol reading system employing an event-driven multi-tier modular software architecture and supporting automatic operating system login and loading of bar code symbol reading application

Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar laser illumination beams having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend through the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each planar laser illumination beam is produced from a planar laser illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising an plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible laser diode (VLD, a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged therewith. The individual planar laser illumination beam components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system. Preferably, each planar laser illumination beam component is focused so that the minimum beam width thereof occurs at a point or plane which is the farthest or maximum object distance at which the system is designed to acquire images, thereby compensating for decreases in the power density of the incident planar laser illumination beam due to the fact that the width of the planar laser illumination beam increases in length for increasing object distances away from the imaging optics. Advanced high-resolution wavefront control methods and devices are disclosed for use with the PLIIM-based systems in order to reduce the power of speckle-noise patterns observed at the image detections thereof. By virtue of the present invention, it is now possible to use both VLDs and high-speed CCD-type image detectors in conveyor, hand-held and hold-under type imaging applications alike, enjoying the advantages and benefits that each such technology has to offer, while avoiding the shortcomings and drawbacks hitherto associated therewith.

Tunnel-based object identification and dimensioning system

A tunnel-type digital imaging system for use within retail shopping environments such as supermarkets. The system includes a tunnel configuration arranged about a conveyor structure for transporting objects therethrough, and an image capturing and processing subsystem embodied within the tunnel configuration, for generating a 3D digital imaging volume above the conveyor structure and within the tunnel configuration, for capturing digital 1D images of objects transported through the 3D digital imaging volume. The image capturing and processing subsystem includes a plurality of illumination and imaging stations. Each station includes a 2D imaging array having optics providing a 3D field of view (FOV) on the 2D imaging array that is projected and extends into the 3D digital imaging volume, and one or more light emitting devices configured together to produce an illumination beam that extends into the 3D FOV of the 2D imaging array. A digital image processing subsystem processing digital 1D images of objects passing through the 3D digital imaging volume, and a system control subsystem which controls and/or orchestrates the coplanar illumination and imaging subsystems during system operation.

Tunnel-type digital imaging system for use within retail shopping environments such as supermarkets

A tunnel-type digital imaging system for use within retail shopping environments such as supermarkets. The system includes a tunnel configuration arranged about a conveyor structure for transporting objects therethrough, and an image capturing and processing subsystem embodied within the tunnel configuration, for generating a 3D digital imaging volume above the conveyor structure and within the tunnel configuration, for capturing digital 1D images of objects transported through the 3D imaging volume. The image capturing and processing subsystem includes a plurality of coplanar illumination and imaging stations. Each station includes a linear imaging array having optics providing a field of view (FOV) on the linear imaging array that is projected and extends into the 3D imaging volume, and one or more light emitting devices configured together to produce a substantially planar illumination beam (PLIB) that extends in substantially along the same plane as the FOV of the linear imaging array so that each the linear imaging array and corresponding one or more light emitting devices produce at least one coplanar illumination and imaging plane that projects into the 3D imaging volume. A digital image processing subsystem processing digital 1D images of objects passing through the 3D imaging volume, and a system control subsystem controls and/or orchestrates the coplanar illumination and imaging subsystems during system operation.

A method of reading bar code symbols comprising the steps of: (a) projecting an image cropping zone (ICZ) framing pattern within the FOV of an image sensing array during wide-area illumination and image capturing operation; (b) visually aligning an object to be imaged within the ICZ framing pattern; (c) forming and capturing an wide-area image of the entire FOV, which spatially encompasses the ICZ framing pattern aligned about the object to be imaged; (d) using automatic software-based image cropping algorithm to automatically crop the pixels within the spatial boundaries defined by the ICZ framing pattern, from those pixels contained in the entire wide-area image frame captured during step (c); and (e) automatically decode processing the image represented by the cropped image pixels in the ICZ framing pattern so as to read a 1D or 2D bar code symbol graphically represented therein.

Hand-supportable digital image-processing based bar code symbol reading system employing image cropping zone (ICZ) framing and post-image capture cropping

A hand-supportable linear-type planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based device comprising a linear image formation and detection (IFD) module having a linear array of image detection elements and also image formation optics having a field of view (FOV) focusing a linear image of an object onto the linear array of image detection elements. A pair of planar laser illumination arrays (PLIAs) is arranged on opposite sides of the linear image formation and detection module, and produces a plurality of spatially-incoherent planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) components that are optically combined with respect to other PLIB components so as to produce a composite planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) that is arranged in a coplanar relationship with at least a portion of the FOV. Each PLIA includes a plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM includes a laser diode and beam focusing and diverging optics for producing one spatially-incoherent PLIB component. The composite PLIB produces a number of substantially different individual speckle noise patterns at the linear array of image detection elements during the photo-integration time period thereof. The speckle noise power observed at the linear array of image detection elements is reduced through temporal averaging of the individual speckle noise patterns during the photo-integration time period. By virtue of the present invention, it is now possible to use visible laser diodes (VLDs) to produce speckle-reduced images of objects suitable for OCR processing, while enjoying improved working distances offered by planar laser illumination techniques.

Hand-supportable planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) device for producing a planar laser illumination beam (PLIB) coplanar with the field of view (FOV) of a linear image detection array

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Aston, PA, United States of America

Michael Schnee