483 results about "Optical reader" patented technology

An imaging module in one embodiment includes at least one multiple color emitting light source comprising a plurality of different colored LED dies each independently driveable so that the overall color emitted by the light source can be controlled and varied. The multiple color emitting light source can be controlled so that the color emitted by the light source is optimized for imaging or reading in a present application environment of the module. Further, the module can be configured so that control of the multiple color emitting light source automatically varies depending on a sensed condition, such a color present in a field of view of the module, the distance of the module to a target, and/or a predetermined criteria being met so that feedback is provided to a user. The module in a further aspect can include illumination light sources and aiming light sources which project light in different wavelength emission bands.

The invention is an optical reader having a plurality of image sensors. Each image sensor of a plural image sensor optical reader can be disposed on an imaging module that can include a light source. In one embodiment, a frame of image data captured via actuation of an image sensor of a first imaging module and actuation of illumination of a second imaging module is subjected to decoding. The various modules of a multiple imaging module reader can be adapted to have different best focus positions so that a field depth of the reader is improved.

There is provided in one embodiment an optical reader having an image sensor array. In one embodiment, the image sensor array can include a first subset of pixels and a second subset of pixels. The first subset of pixels can be devoid of light polarizing filter elements, and the second subset of pixels can be light polarizing pixels including light polarizing filter elements. An optical reader can be configured to selectively read out image data from an image sensor array's light polarizing pixels.

An imaging module in one embodiment includes an aiming system having a light source, an aperture and an optical element positioned optically forward of the aperture wherein the aiming system projects a crisp and sharp aiming pattern onto a target over a wide range of distances. In one embodiment, an aiming system is configured so that a lens operates as an aperture to project a crisp sharp aiming pattern over a wide range of distances including distances at which the aiming pattern is less than optimally focused. In another embodiment an aiming system is configured so that light emanating from a thin aperture is imaged in such manner that a crisp, sharp aiming pattern is defined over a wide range of distances. The aiming pattern in one embodiment includes sharply defined lateral edges which are useful in sighting target indicia.

An identification system and method for medication management comprises a controller, a drug library accessible by the controller, the drug library containing drug library profiles including a data set of drug information, and an identification module configured to read patient identification information from machine-readable identification devices worn by patients and to read drug information from machine-readable identification devices affixed to drugs or containers of drugs. The controller compares the read information to each other and to the drug library profile and provides alerts or error signals in the event of an inconsistency. In one case, identification devices are read by an optical reader fixedly mounted to the identification module. In another case, identification devices are read by an optical reader that is hand-held and mobile and can be moved to the location of the identification device. The hand-held reader communicates with the identification module by wired or wireless means. In another case, a third reader that is non-optical and wireless is fixedly mounted to the identification module. The controller is also configured to provide alerts or error messages in the event that there is an inconsistency between the drug information on the drug or drug container when compared to the drug library profile associated with the controller.

An optical reader with at least two variable definition soft keys positioned adjacent the display and externally labeled with permanent down and up arrow indicia. Variable definition soft keys are highly versatile an allow the user to change or alter the function of the soft keys based on a user program. Soft keys positioned adjacent the display and labeled with down and up arrows graphically reinforce a wide range of text and graphic combinations shown on the display.

The present invention is an imaging device which can be equipped with decode functionality and which can be configured to operate in at least one of four user selected modes. In a first, “message only” mode, the device stores into a designated memory location a decoded-out message corresponding to a decodable indicia. In a second, “image only” mode, the device stores into a designated frame storage memory location an image representation of a scene. In a third, “omage plu message” mode the device stores into a designated frame storage memory location an image representation comprising a representation of a decodable symbol and into the same or other memory location the decoded-out message decoded from the decodable indicia, or data corresponding to the same. In the fourth, “two-step message and image” mode, the device is controlled to capture an image a first time for decoding a decodable indicia and a second time for capturing an image that is associated with the decoded-out message corresponding to the decodable indicia.

A system for effecting transactions, typically retail transactions, by using account information stored on a computing device, such as a cell phone, wherein the computing device is placed on an optical reader at the merchant's establishment. The computing device generates a pattern, such as a bar code, on a visual display, which can be read by the merchant's optical reader. The display encodes account number and other information for the transaction. The merchant's optical reader also includes a display, which can be read by the computing device by using the cell phone camera. The merchant's display includes transaction amount and other information allowing updating of account information in the computing device. The computing device may include security codes and/or a fingerprint reader to allow access to the account information. The use of the fingerprint reader can provide positive identification of the individual, which may be used for restricted items such as age restricted items such as beer, cigarettes, and senior discounts.

An imaging module in one embodiment is adapted so that a position of a lens assembly can be finely adjusted relative to a position of an image sensor. A retainer and lens assembly according to the invention are complimentary configured so that the lens assembly is slidably received in the retainer. The retainer include in one embodiment two apertures defined in sidewalls thereof. The first aperture accommodates a fixture pin for use in finely adjusting the position of the lens assembly within the retainer. The second aperture accommodates an adhesive material for adhesively bonding the lens assembly to the retainer. Adhesive material may further be applied in the first aperture.

An optical reader in one embodiment can include a substrate defining an opening and solder pads coupled to the substrate proximate the opening. A laser diode including first, second, and third electrical leads can also be coupled to the substrate. First, second and third solder pads can be provided on the substrate and the first, second, and third electrical leads of the laser diode can be coupled to the first, second, and third solder pads. An optical reader in another embodiment can include a substrate having a first surface and a second surface. A laser diode assembly configured to emit a laser beam can be coupled to the first surface and an illumination assembly that can include light emitting diodes can be coupled to the second surface.

A health club exercise records system in which members to the health club are given a handheld device that is pre-programmed by the trainer or health club operator to record different exercise activities. The handheld device includes a built-in numeric keypad, a display monitor, and optical reader designed to communicate with a compatible ID tag located on or in the vicinity of the exercise activity data source. Loaded into the working memory of the handheld device is a pre-programmed exercise data collection program. The exercise data collection program displays one or more sub-routines to the member requesting the member to input information regarding the exercise. The sub-routines are specific to the exercise activity data source and present one or more prompts requiring the member to input information. The inputted information is stored in a temporary data file located on the handheld device or transmitted immediately to a permanent member data file on a local server located in the health club. The system may also include an uplink terminal for transmitting the data in the temporarily data file to a remote server connected to a network operations center. A fitness tools software program is loaded into the server for collecting and processing the data in the member's permanent data file which may be reviewed by the trainer and/or member.

The invention is an optical reader having a plurality of imaging modules. In one method for operating a multiple imaging module reader of the invention, a second frame of image data captured via actuation of a second imaging module is automatically captured and subjected to decoding in the case an attempt to decode using a frame of image data captured via actuation of a first imaging module fails. In another embodiment, a frame of image data captured via actuation of an image sensor of a first module and actuation of illumination of a second imaging module is subjected to decoding. In another embodiment, frames of image data captured via actuation of image sensors of spaced apart modules are combined. The various modules of a multiple imaging module reader can be adapted to have different best focus positions so that a field depth of the reader is improved.

Exemplary embodiments of an improved OBT are provided. General concepts of the invention include an OBT combined with an optical scanner. In one embodiment, the OBT includes a housing that at least partially retains a processor; vehicle communication circuitry for linking to a vehicle diagnostic system, and an optical reader for optically obtaining additional information. Another exemplary embodiment includes an OBT used in conjunction with a bar code scanner and/or a camera. In addition, a method of obtaining diagnostic data from the vehicle diagnostic system and optically obtaining information using an off-board device is provided.

The present invention reveals a sorting system for use in manual sorting, which presents a detached ephemeral display moving in a manner corresponding to the movement of the article, by which an article to be sorted can be quickly and easily identified. To accomplish its purpose, the device comprises: feed conveyors; a switching unit; optical readers positioned to capture destination indicia affixed to each article; a detached moving display which remains close to the article to be sorted and presents information representative of the article's destination location; a destination location which signals when a related article is approaching; and a controller capable of assigning destination locations and controlling display devices.

The present invention is directed to a method for reading a bar code symbol with an optical reader. The method includes the step of scanning the bar code symbol to obtain a plurality of scan lines. Each of the plurality of scan lines includes a linear array of N-pixel values. Adjacent pixels in the linear array of N-pixel values are separated by a sample separation distance. A reconstructed scan line is generated that interleaves the N-pixel values from selected scan lines of the plurality of scan lines. A reconstructed pixel sample separation distance of adjacent interleaved pixels is an integer fraction of the pixel sample separation distance.