Datalogic Corporation

Stefano Amorosi

Guido Maurizio Oliva

Kurt Vonmetz

Claudio Saporetti

Marco Cumoli

Moreno Bengala

Alessandro Golfarelli

Guglielmo Piazzi

There is described a compact laser module () for reading optical codes, comprising: a scanning illumination section having at least one source () for generating a laser beam, and a scanner () for scanning the optical code (C) to be read with a laser spot, and a receiving section (-) for collecting at least a portion of the light diffused by the code (C) and detecting the collected light, the receiving section and the scanning illumination section being spatially distinct.

Laser scanner for reading optical codes

A compact laser module () for reading optical codes including a scanning illumination section having at least one source () for generating a laser beam and a scanner () for scanning the optical code (C) to be read with a laser spot, and a receiving section () for collecting at least a portion of the light diffused by the code (C) and detecting the collected light, the receiving section and the scanning illumination section being spatially distinct.

Laser module for reading optical codes

The method for automatic regulation comprises the steps of: acquiring an image; attempting reading of at least one optical code in the acquired image; detecting characteristic quantities of the acquired image only if the reading has been successful; and carrying out a large number of acquisitions of different images, obtaining a significant statistical datum of the characteristic quantities. The controlled parameters of the optical system are modified on the basis of this statistical datum detected, to optimise the reading. If the relationship between each controlled parameter and the respective characteristic quantities is not monotonic, the current valve of the controlled parameter is modified by at least one small positive deviation and one small negative deviation with respect to the current value; the value of the controlled parameter providing the best reading then becomes the central value for the successive readings.

Method for automatic regulation of the characteristics of an optical code reading system

A method of locating highly variable brightness or color regions in an image having at least one specifically ordered region corresponding, for example, to the image of an optical code defined by different-colored elements with a predetermined orientation and at least one highly variable brightness or color region of an order level other than that of the specifically ordered region. A first intermediate binary image is generated representing the acquired image divided into a number of contiguous first subimages, each having a first logic value if corresponding to a specifically ordered region and a second logic value otherwise. A second intermediate binary image is generated representing the acquired image divided into a number of contiguous second subimages, each having a first logic value if corresponding to a specifically ordered region and/or to a highly variable brightness or color region and a second logic value otherwise. The first intermediate binary image is subtracted from the second intermediate binary image to generate an output binary image defined by a number of contiguous subimages having the first logic value only at the highly variable brightness or color regions.

Method of locating highly variable brightness or color regions in an image

A method of locating an optical code of the maxicode type wherein a central target element comprises three concentric black rings separated by two white annular spaces and a white circular central space defining the center of the target element. The method includes the steps of: acquiring and binary-coding an image of the optical code; examining rows and columns of the binary-coded image, each row or column having black elements, each defined by at least one elementary representation unit of a first binary value, and white elements, each defined by at least one elementary representation unit of a second binary value; performing a sequence control step to locate, in each examined row or column of the image, at least one predetermined sequence of white and black elements; and performing an assigning step in which the rows or columns in the image containing a sequence of white and black elements corresponding to the predetermined sequence are recognized as intersecting the center of the target element.

Maxicode locating method

For measuring the volume, the process utilizes the same means as are used for reading an optical code, such as a laser scanner or CCD reader. A choice of different measuring procedures are proposed which suit different situations and are all based on scannings and readings performed on the object. Where required, the process can accommodate the inclination angles of the scan planes. The volume measurement is accompanied by the reading of an optical code provided on the object.

Process and apparatus for measuring the volume of an object

The process uses information from the scan sweeps of a laser scanner, and readings with a CCD reader, to obtain a series of stipulated areas corresponding to successive cross-sections of the object as reckoned by moving the object relative to the scanner and the reader. The volume is then obtained by multiplying each of said areas by the feed distance of the object. The possibility is further contemplated of accommodating the slope angles of the scan plane and the read plane, or alternatively neglecting their effects if said angles are sufficiently small. The volume measurement may be accompanied by the reading of an optical code provided on the object.

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Bologna, Italy

Stefano Amorosi