Psc Scanning, Inc.

Datalogic Scanning, Inc.

Other

Steven A McMahon

Alexander Malcolm McQueen

Craig D Cherry

Brad R Reddersen

Edward C Bremer

Matt D Schler

Joseph F Rando

David L Latimer

Randy J Turkal

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 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 Consumer Data Device of a plastic encased, credit-card sized case containing a memory for data and transaction retention, an LCD display for displaying information, an LCD display for bar-codes to be read by a bar-code scanner, a controller to scroll through stored information, and a data communication link via spread-spectrum RF or direct electrical contact to a host computer.

Growing community of inventors

Pullman, WA, United States of America

Steven A McMahon