An optical information reading apparatus includes: a light source; an imaging element configured to repeat a first exposure and a second exposure; and a control part configured to control the light source such that a gravity center of a light quantity of exposure illumination at a time of the first exposure and a gravity center of a light quantity of dummy illumination before and after the second exposure or before the second exposure are at an even time interval.
A selection apparatus capable of efficiently selecting an optimum setting condition for filtering is provided. The selection apparatus is an apparatus that selects a setting condition for filtering to be performed on a reading target. The selection apparatus includes: a determiner that determines whether the reading target is readable with each of a plurality of combinations selected from among combinations of all setting conditions for at least two types of filtering; and a selector that selects a setting condition for the filtering based on a result of the determination by the determiner.
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
This imaging device, provided with an imaging sensor (111), which is an imaging unit, and a pulse LED (113), which is an illuminating unit for illuminating an object to be imaged by the imaging sensor (111): performs imaging in accordance with imaging conditions including an exposure time te of the imaging sensor (111) and a lit time tr of the pulse LED (113); stores a brightness index value D1 of the image obtained by the imaging in association with the imaging conditions for the image; obtains, on the basis of a plurality of stored sets of the brightness index value D1 and the imaging conditions, an estimated value of an exposure contribution degree k_off indicating the degree to which a variation in the exposure time te affects the brightness index value D1, and an estimated value of a lighting contribution degree k_on indicating the degree to which a variation in the lit time tr affects the brightness index value D1 (S36); and determines the imaging conditions to be used for the next imaging, on the basis of the estimated values of k_on and k_off (S37).
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
An imaging device comprises an imaging sensor and a pulsed LED for illuminating an imaging object of the imaging sensor, performs respective imagings according to respective imaging conditions each including an exposure time te of the imaging sensor and a lighting time tr of the pulsed LED, stores respective combinations of brightness index values D1 of respective images obtained by the respective imagings and the imaging conditions of the respective images, obtains estimates of exposure contribution degree k_off indicating degree of influence of variation of the exposure time te on brightness index value and a lighting contribution degree k_on indicating degree of influence of variation of the lighting time tr on brightness index value, based on the stored combinations of the brightness index values D1 and the imaging conditions, and determines an imaging condition to be used in the next imaging based on the estimates of k_on and k_off.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
A two-dimensional code includes: a first code symbol coding first information being valid information according to a first standard; a terminator pattern indicating an end of the valid information according to the first standard; and a second code symbol arranged after the terminator pattern in a region in which the valid information can be arranged according to the first standard and coding second information being valid information according to a second standard different from the first standard. The first information may be output data, and the second information may be non-output data.
G06K 19/06 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
6.
Optical information reading apparatus and optical information reading method
An optical code reading process and a reading stability determining process are performed while suppressing an increase in the cost of a transfer system and avoiding a decrease in work efficiency. CMOS performs imaging. Processor reads an optical code contained in image data taken by CMOS and outputs a signal upon success of reading of the optical code. Further, processor calculates a first contrast at the time of teaching and a second contrast at the time of reading success, and determines reading stability based on a decrease rate of the second contrast with respect to the first contrast.
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
7.
Optical information reading apparatus and optical information reading method
An optical code reading process and a reading stability determining process are performed while suppressing an increase in the cost of a transfer system and avoiding a decrease in work efficiency. CCD performs imaging. Processor reads a one-dimensional code contained in image data taken by CCD, and outputs a signal when a reading process in which the number of reading successes related to the one-dimensional code reaches a determination reference value is completed. In addition, processor determines reading stability during a period from the first reading success to completion of the reading process and outputs predictive maintenance information (PMI) representing a determination result of reading stability.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
A two-dimensional code includes: a first code symbol coding first information being valid information according to a first standard; a terminator pattern indicating an end of the valid information according to the first standard; and a second code symbol arranged after the terminator pattern in a region in which the valid information can be arranged according to the first standard and coding second information being valid information according to a second standard different from the first standard. The first information may be output data, and the second information may be non-output data.
G06K 19/06 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
A two-dimensional code includes: a first code symbol coding first information being a first valid information according to a first standard; a terminator pattern indicating an end of the valid information according to the first standard; and a second code symbol arranged after the terminator pattern in a region in which valid information can be arranged according to the first standard, and coding, according to a second standard different from the first standard, verification data encrypted using a private key, the verification data being for verifying correctness of the first valid information. The verification data may be signature data included in non-output data.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
H04L 9/30 - Public key, i.e. encryption algorithm being computationally infeasible to invert and users' encryption keys not requiring secrecy
H04W 12/04 - Key management, e.g. using generic bootstrapping architecture [GBA]
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
36 - Financial, insurance and real estate services
Goods & Services
Smart cards [integrated circuit cards]; recorded video discs and video tapes. Providing rebates at participating establishments of others through use of a membership card; issuance of credit cards; processing of debit card payments; electronic funds transfer; issuance of tokens of value; providing cash and other rebates for credit card use as part of a customer loyalty program.
11.
Dimension measuring apparatus, information reading apparatus having measuring function, and dimension measuring method
Provided is a dimension measuring apparatus which measures dimensions of a measurement target object without the need of complicated operations by a user. According to dimension measuring apparatus (100), laser (15) radiates laser beams to form at least two feature points on a measurement target object. Decoder (20) measures a distance from the measurement target object by using reflection light of at least two laser beams reflected on the measurement target object. Imaging sensor (10A) captures an image of the measurement target object to which at least the two laser beams are radiated. Dimension measurement section (30) measures a length of the measurement target object on a line connecting the two feature points on the basis of the distance from the measurement target object, a position of the measurement target object in the image, and positions of the two feature points in the image.
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Barcode decoders, barcode scanners and scanner stands, bar code wands and wand stands, hand-held barcode scanners; handheld computers; automatic trigger and stand for laser scanners; thermal bar code label printers and cutters; data entry terminals; barcode slot readers; barcode printing software; portable data terminals; Auto ID collection software; RFID Tag readers, writers and terminals; magnetic stripe readers; optical character recognition readers; barcode scanning modules
13.
ESL SYSTEM LINKED TO DIGITAL SIGNAGE, AND ESL SERVER AND ELECTRONIC SHELF LABEL USED THEREIN
In an electronic shelf label (ESL) system (2) an ESL server (300) connects to a signage system (1) and receives from the signage system (1), together with a product ID for an advertised product, schedule information that includes a display start timing and a display time for advertising content displayed on a display (40). The ESL server (300) is equipped with: an image data generation unit (302b) that generates, for each product, image data to be displayed on each electronic shelf label (100); an image data transmission unit (302c) that transmits image data for the product ID corresponding to a shelf label ID; and a shelf label control unit (302d) that, on the basis of the schedule information, controls the display state of the electronic shelf label the shelf label ID of which is associated with the product ID of the advertised product.
The present invention: reduces the time and effort needed, or the occurrence of work mistakes, in a management process due to the use of a paper identification tag, such as when a returnable case is lost; and improves work efficiency. A registration change unit (302d) transmits, to each base station (200), a search command signal that includes the ID of an electronic tag (100) the location of which has become unknown and a message commanding a search for the electronic tag (100). The registration change unit (302d) also determines, on the basis of received electric power data about the searched electronic tag (100), a new affiliated base station (200) that begins communication with the electronic tag (100). The registration change unit (302d) then transmits, to the new affiliated base station (200), a communication command signal including the ID of the electronic tag (100) and a message commanding the new affiliated base station (200) to communicate with the electronic tag (100).
B65G 61/00 - Use of pick-up or transfer devices or of manipulators for stacking or de-stacking articles not otherwise provided for
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control [DNC], flexible manufacturing systems [FMS], integrated manufacturing systems [IMS] or computer integrated manufacturing [CIM]
G06Q 50/00 - Information and communication technology [ICT] specially adapted for implementation of business processes of specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
15.
Image processing method for optical information reader and optical information reader
For reading optical information arranged on a target object by analyzing an image of the target object captured through an imaging device, a plurality of blocks are disposed in an area of the image in which the optical information is arranged such that the plurality of blocks cover a whole range in the arrangement direction of the optical information, each of the blocks being in a parallelogram shape in which facing two sides are in parallel with a pixel arrangement direction of the image and the other two sides are vertical to the arrangement direction of the optical information, a first arrangement data indicating arrangement of the optical information in the block is generated for each of the blocks based on the image data of the block, and a second arrangement data indicating arrangement of the whole optical information is generated by combining the generated respective first arrangement data.
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
A collimator lens unit in which an aperture limit stop formation member and a collimator lens are integrally disposed in a cylindrical member is inserted in a lens-barrel hole of the module casing so as to be reciprocatable in an optical axis direction, and a light-emitting unit is fixed in the lens-barrel hole, with an optical axis of a light source aligned with an optical axis of the collimator lens. A long hole through which an adjust pin is penetrated so as to be reciprocatable in the optical axis direction is formed in a peripheral sidewall of the lens-barrel hole, and a fitting portion in which the adjust pin is fit is formed in an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member. On an inner peripheral surface of the lens-barrel hole, at a position opposed to the fitting portion, bearing portions in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical member are formed.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G02B 7/04 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification
G02B 7/02 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses
In an optical information reader controlled by this controller, a laser beam originating in light emitted by a laser diode is reflected by a scan mirror to scan optical information of a bar code or the like, reflected light therefrom is received by a photodiode to be converted to an electrical signal, and the optical information is read by processing the signal. In the controller, a main amp having a characteristic that a gain changes according to a frequency of an input signal amplifies the electrical signal, a detector detects an analog signal resulting from the amplification, and from a. detection output thereof, a MPU (on/off frequency control circuit) detects level of the analog signal and adjusts the gain of the main amp by changing an on/off frequency of the laser diode caused by an APC circuit (light emission on/off circuit), according to the detected level.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
In an optical information reading device configured to read a code symbol on a subject to be read by acquiring an image of the subject to be read with an image pickup portion and analyzing the image, a laser light source and an irradiation optical system is provided as an irradiator configured to irradiate the subject to be read to form a guide mark indicating an image pickup resolution of the image pickup portion. It is preferable that the irradiator is configured to emit a plurality of radially diffused light beams so as to form the guide mark at equal intervals on the subject to be read.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
To allow reading of even finely detailed information at high resolution regardless of the direction in which optical information is arranged in an image: multiple parallel quadrangle-shaped blocks are disposed in an image captured by an image capture means such that the optical information throughout the direction in which the optical information is arranged is covered by the multiple blocks (S4), each block being configured such that two respectively facing edges are parallel to an array direction of the pixels of the image and the other two edges are perpendicular to the direction in which the optical information is arranged; arrangement data which indicates the arrangement of the optical information within the blocks is generated from image data within each of the blocks (S6-S9); the generated arrangement data is coupled for the plurality of blocks (S11); and arrangement data which indicates the arrangement of the optical information overall is generated.
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
21.
Optical information reader and illuminating method
A barcode reader, as an optical information reader which reads information indicated with a symbol having a light reflectance different from an ambient light reflectance, is provided with a linear sensor as a light receiving sensor, an image pickup lens to image-form light on the linear sensor, an LED as a light emitting device, a projection lens to project light emitted from the LED, a parting portion to regulate a light projection range of the light emitted from the LED, having a first opening and a second opening to shield light out of a predetermined range, a central position of the predetermined range being shifted from position of an optical axis of the projection lens to a side of an optical axis of the image pickup lens.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
22.
Optical information reader and illumination control method
In a barcode reader, a sensor controller sets time of one frame of a line image sensor based on output time necessary for data output of one frame from the line image sensor and lighting time of an LED. A light source controller performs first lighting control to turn on the LED only for the lighting time after termination of the data output within the time of one frame, and second lighting control to turn on the LED only for the lighting time so as to include the entire period of the data output within the time of one frame.
G06K 7/00 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
23.
Image reading device capable of producing illumination including a continuous, low-intensity level illumination component and one or more pulsed, high-intensity level illumination components
An image reading device includes an illumination system and a processor that causes the illumination system to produce illumination according to an illumination period having a continuous or substantially continuous, illumination sub-period and at least one pulsed, illumination sub-period. The illumination period allows the image reading device to determine a proper exposure for imaged indicia by sectioning a single frame into individual exposures.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
A system and method for controlling an amplifier in a bar code reader are disclosed, wherein the method may include receiving light at a photodiode within the bar code reader from a bar code being scanned by a scan mirror powered by a scan motor; converting the received light into an initial electrical signal; determining whether the scan motor is undergoing a change in direction; establishing a gain value for the amplifier based on an outcome of the determining step; and amplifying the initial electrical signal into an amplified signal using the established gain value.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
25.
System and method for implementing network communication for a bar code scanner
A scanning system and method are disclosed which may include a bar code scanner module incorporated within a housing; and a wireless network transceiver coupled to the bar code scanner module and operable to communicate with at least one other communication device, the bar code scanner and the transceiver forming a scanning device. The transceiver may communicate employing Zigbee network protocol.
G06K 19/00 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
Disclosed is a code symbol reading apparatus (100) that reads a code symbol (41) on a subject to be read (40) by having an image of the subject to be read (40) picked up and analyzed by means of an image pickup sensor (11). A laser light source (14) and an irradiation optical system (15) are provided as irradiation means for radiating guide marks to the subject to be read (40), said guide marks indicating image pickup resolution of the image pickup sensor (11). The irradiation means are preferably means which radiate a plurality of radially diffusing light beams such that the guide marks at equal intervals are formed on the subject to be read (40).
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 7/015 - Aligning or centring of the sensing device with respect to the record carrier
27.
Optical information reading device, optical information reading method, computer-readable program and recording medium
d for comparing the extracted candidate character, having the module numbers of the patterns of the 2- through n-element added widths with the expected value character for evaluating the candidate character to search for an expected value character with the strongest correlation to the candidate character.
G06K 19/00 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
G06K 5/00 - Methods or arrangements for verifying the correctness of markings on a record carrierColumn-detection devices
28.
Code symbol reading apparatus, code symbol reading method and medium
A code symbol reading apparatus, that reads a code symbol on an object to be read by scanning the object, repeats trial to read the code symbol until the apparatus succeeds in reading, while changing a transmission frequency of a filter that processes a signal representing a light intensity variation obtained through the scan and in which transmittance depends on a frequency of the signal.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
An optical aiming system for an optical image scanner comprises a fixed-position aiming lens that receives aiming illumination from a fixed-position light source. The aiming lens is dimensioned and configured so that the first optical axis of an image focusing lens of the scanner and a second optical axis of the aiming lens intersect at the focal plane of the image focusing lens and restrict the horizontal width of the aiming illumination to no more than the width of the field of view of the image focusing lens.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
30.
Information display device and display driving method
A liquid crystal lens optical body that is available to a rapid response, the liquid crystal lens optical body having a first liquid crystal lens in which a liquid crystal layer is held between first electrodes, the first liquid crystal lens changing optical power by controlling orientation condition of liquid crystal molecules based on an input signal to the electrodes, and a second liquid crystal lens in which a liquid crystal layer is held between second electrodes, the second liquid crystal lens changing optical power by controlling orientation condition of liquid crystal molecules based on the input signal to the electrodes, the first and second liquid crystal lenses provided on an optical axis. In each liquid crystal lens, a response characteristic when the optical power undergoes a transition from a large condition thereof to a small condition thereof is different from a response characteristic when the optical power undergoes a transition from a small condition thereof to a large condition thereof.
G02F 1/13 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
H04N 5/232 - Devices for controlling television cameras, e.g. remote control
G02B 7/09 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification adapted for automatic focusing or varying magnification
G02F 1/29 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the position or the direction of light beams, i.e. deflection
G02F 1/1347 - Arrangement of liquid crystal layers or cells in which the final condition of one light beam is achieved by the addition of the effects of two or more layers or cells
G03B 13/16 - Viewfinders combined with focusing aids
31.
Information display device and display driving method
An information displaying device is provided with a display portion that displays an image based on display information and a predetermined driving voltage, a CPU that sets a boost target value of the driving voltage of the display portion, a voltage divider resistance circuit that divides a power supply voltage to generate output candidates of the driving voltage having plural output values, a selector that selects the output values, successively, based on tap selection signals from a lower rank of the output candidates of the driving voltages in the voltage divider resistance circuit to a higher rank thereof and boosts the driving voltage and a slow starter that compares an output value of the driving voltage boosted by the selector with the boost target value set by the CPU, determines whether or not the output value of the driving voltage reaches the boost target value, and drives the display portion at the driving voltage reaching the boost target value based on a determination result thereof. This enables the display portion to start independent of any booster circuit of hardware configuration and enables a circuit scale as a whole to be made smaller.
G09G 3/36 - Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix by control of light from an independent source using liquid crystals
G09G 3/32 - Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix using controlled light sources using electroluminescent panels semiconductive, e.g. using light-emitting diodes [LED]
G09G 3/20 - Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix
32.
READ-IN DEVICE, READ-IN RESULT OUTPUT METHOD, AND PROGRAM
[Problem] To allow easily carrying out an output of a read-in result of a plurality of items even if a read-in region is comparatively narrow and it is difficult to gather at once all information which is desired for reading-in. [Solution] A plurality of information input types are set, information in a read-in region is read in as input information, and from among the read in input information, one or more items of information which are extracted from the input information which matches one of each of the set input types on the basis of the input type is logged in a read-in result table as a read-in result of the item (S14-S16). If all necessary items of the read-in results are logged in the read-in result table (S19), the logged read-in result is read out and outputted to a prescribed output destination device (S20, S21).
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 7/00 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers
A system and method for controlling an amplifier in a bar code reader are disclosed, wherein the method may include receiving light at a photodiode within the bar code reader from a bar code being scanned by a scan mirror powered by a scan motor; converting the received light into an initial electrical signal; determining whether the scan motor is undergoing a change in direction; establishing a gain value for the amplifier based on an outcome of the determining step; and amplifying the initial electrical signal into an amplified signal using the established gain value.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
34.
IMAGE READING DEVICE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING ILLUMINATION INCLUDING A CONTINUOUS, LOW-INTENSITY LEVEL ILLUMINATION COMPONENT AND ONE OR MORE PULSED, HIGH-INTENSITY LEVEL ILLUMINATION COMPONENTS
An image reading device includes an illumination system and a processor that causes the illumination system to produce illumination according to an illumination period having a continuous or substantially continuous, illumination sub-period and at least one pulsed, illumination sub-period. The illumination period allows the image reading device to determine a proper exposure for imaged indicia by sectioning a single frame into individual exposures.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
A scan unit for a scanning module includes a holder; a flexural member; a light scanning mirror attached to the flexural member; a magnet attached to the flexural member; and a drive coil for oscillating or vibrating the magnet, thereby oscillating or vibrating the light scanning mirror. Further, a method for making a scan unit includes inline assembling a light scanning assembly, a drive coil and a holder to one another.
A system and method for reading a bar code are disclosed which may include transmitting light pulsed at a selected frequency to illuminate the bar code; converting light received at the bar code reader from the bar code into an electrical signal; transmitting the electrical signal through a signal conditioning circuit to filter and amplify the electrical signal, to thereby provide a conditioned electrical signal; sampling the conditioned electrical signal at the selected frequency; removing energy due to light scattering within a housing of the bar code reader from the sampled, conditioned electrical signal; generating one of a logical "1" and a logical "0" output based on a value of the signal generated by the step of removing; and resolving output from the step of generating into data indicative of information on the bar code.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
37.
System and method for noise reduction in a bar code signal
A system and method for reading a bar code are disclosed which may include transmitting light pulsed at a selected frequency to illuminate the bar code; converting light received at the bar code reader from the bar code into an electrical signal; transmitting the electrical signal through a signal conditioning circuit to filter and amplify the electrical signal, to thereby provide a conditioned electrical signal; sampling the conditioned electrical signal at the selected frequency; removing energy due to light scattering within a housing of the bar code reader from the sampled, conditioned electrical signal; generating one of a logical “1” and a logical “0” output based on a value of the signal generated by the step of removing; and resolving output from the step of generating into data indicative of information on the bar code.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
An imaging module for an image scanning and/or reading device, contains a camera module, a decoder module, and a chassis module for mounting the camera and decoder modules. The camera module includes a module body having a surface for receiving a circuit board, the surface including one or more recessed portions for preventing damage to the body when the one or more contacts of the circuit board are soldered. The decoder module includes a folded circuit board arrangement including parallel first and second circuit boards. The chassis module includes a main chassis having a portion that engages a processor of the decoder module to transfer heat from the processor into the main chassis.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
39.
Optical detection device, optical device, optical information reading device, and light source fixing method
Provided is an optical detecting device, wherein a photodiode is provided on a first surface of a substrate, a planar output electrode for outputting electrical signals corresponding to a quantity of light received by the photodiode is provided on a second surface of the substrate opposite to the first surface, a cutout portion is provided in a third surface of the substrate such that the cutout portion is in contact with the output electrode provided on the second surface, said third surface being different from the first surface and the second surface, and an electrode connected to the output electrode is provided on the inner surface of the cutout portion.
G02B 26/08 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light
40.
MINIATURE BARCODE SCANNING MODULE FOR A BARCODE READING DEVICE
A barcode scanning module for a barcode reading device includes a light source for generating a beam of light, a first light collecting mirror having a first surface curvature, a second light collecting mirror having a second surface curvature, and a light receiving assembly for receiving light reflected by a barcode in response to being scanned by the beam of light generated by the light source. The first and second surface curvatures of the first and second light collecting mirrors, respectively, may be generally perpendicular to one another to direct the light reflected by the barcode at the light receiving assembly. The first optics assembly can also include a torsion bar assembly for allowing the first optics assembly to oscillate and vibrate to scan the barcode with the beam of light generated by the light source.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
An optical-information-reading apparatus includes an imaging optical system having a varifocal lens that adjusts a focal position, a solid-state image sensing device that images a code symbol, a ranging laser that measures a distance to the code symbol, and a decoder that calculates the distance to the code symbol using the ranging laser. The apparatus controls the varifocal lens based on calculated distance information.
G03B 7/08 - Control effected solely on the basis of the response, to the intensity of the light received by the camera, of a built-in light-sensitive device
G06K 5/00 - Methods or arrangements for verifying the correctness of markings on a record carrierColumn-detection devices
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
42.
OPTICAL INFORMATION READING DEVICE, OPTICAL INFORMATION READING METHOD, COMPUTER-READABLE PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM
An objective of the present invention is to facilitate avoiding errors in reading bar codes, and to allow accurate outputting of bar code data even when an element is damaged or faintly applied. An optical information reading device comprises: a computation unit (23a) which adds the widths of six elements which include bars and spaces which are adjacent within one character, deriving each of 2-n element adding patterns, and converts each of the 2-n element adding patterns to a number of modules of the one character, deriving a number of modules of the 2-n element adding patterns; an extraction unit (23b) which narrows to subject characters wherein each number of modules of the 2-n element adding patterns is an integer with an error less than or equal to 1, and extracts a candidate character; and a search unit (23d) which compares the extracted candidate character of each of the 2-n element adding pattern number of modules with an expected value character for evaluating the candidate character, and searches for the expected value character with the strongest correlation to the candidate character.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
Provided is an optical information reading device with which it is possible to increase the speed of distance measurement and to measure distance in a reliable manner. The optical information reading device (1A) is provided with a distance-measurement light emission unit (2) for emitting distance-measurement light (Sa) that forms, on an object to be read, a distance-measurement pattern (101a) in which a light-irradiation region (102a) and a non-irradiation region (103a) are combined. A solid-state imaging element (3) images the distance-measurement pattern (101a) formed on the object to be read and the optical information reading device (1A) thereby acquires an image of the distance-measurement pattern (101a). The optical information reading device (1A) uses an image signal to detect a portion in which the signal attenuates, and measures distance in accordance with the coordinates of the non-irradiation region (103a) in the distance-measurement pattern (101a).
a outputted by a laser light generator 15, which is detected by a CMOS image sensor 13, adjusts focus of a focus lens 11 and irradiation light amount of illumination by a pulse LED 14 at image pickup based on the measured distance, analyzes the image including a code symbol 5 on the baggage 4 whose image is picked up under conditions after the adjustments, and decodes information indicated by the code symbol.
G06K 19/00 - Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G02B 26/00 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements
G02B 3/14 - Fluid-filled or evacuated lenses of variable focal length
45.
LIQUID CRYSTAL LENS OPTICAL BODY AND OPTICAL INFORMATION READING DEVICE
Provided is a liquid crystal lens optical body permitting a rapid response. In a liquid crystal lens optical body (30), a first liquid crystal lens (31A) in which a liquid crystal layer (32A) is flanked by electrodes (33A, 34A) and the alignment state of liquid crystal molecules is controlled to change the optical power in accordance with a signal inputted to an electrode, and a second liquid crystal lens (31B) in which a liquid crystal layer (32B) is flanked by electrodes (33B, 34B) and the alignment state of liquid crystal molecules is controlled to change the optical power in accordance with a signal inputted to an electrode, are provided on an optical axis. In each of the liquid crystal lenses, the response characteristic to an inputted signal when a transition is made from a state of high optical power to a state of low optical power is different from the response characteristic when a transition is made from a state of low optical power to a state of high optical power.
G02F 1/13 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
G02B 3/14 - Fluid-filled or evacuated lenses of variable focal length
G02B 7/28 - Systems for automatic generation of focusing signals
An information display device is provided with: a display unit for displaying an image on the basis of display information and a predetermined driving voltage; a CPU (50) for setting the voltage boosting target value of driving voltage of the display unit; a voltage division resistance circuit (23) for dividing power supply voltage to generate driving voltage output candidates having a plurality of output values; a selector (24) for selecting the output values in order from the lowest rank to the highest rank of the driving voltage output candidates of the voltage division resistance circuit on the basis of tap selection signals (SS1-SS5) and boosting the driving voltage; and a slow starter (25) for comparing the voltage boosting target value set by the CPU and the output value of the driving voltage boosted by the selector, determining whether or not the output value of the driving voltage has reached the voltage boosting target value, and driving the display unit at the driving voltage that is based on the result of the determination and has reached the voltage boosting target value. Consequently, the display unit can be started without depending on a voltage boosting circuit configured by hardware, and the overall circuit size can be reduced.
G09G 3/36 - Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix by control of light from an independent source using liquid crystals
G02F 1/133 - Constructional arrangementsOperation of liquid crystal cellsCircuit arrangements
G09F 9/30 - Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements
G09G 3/20 - Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix
G09G 3/30 - Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix using controlled light sources using electroluminescent panels
H01L 27/32 - Devices consisting of a plurality of semiconductor or other solid-state components formed in or on a common substrate including components using organic materials as the active part, or using a combination of organic materials with other materials as the active part with components specially adapted for light emission, e.g. flat-panel displays using organic light-emitting diodes
H01L 51/50 - Solid state devices using organic materials as the active part, or using a combination of organic materials with other materials as the active part; Processes or apparatus specially adapted for the manufacture or treatment of such devices, or of parts thereof specially adapted for light emission, e.g. organic light emitting diodes (OLED) or polymer light emitting devices (PLED)
47.
INFORMATION DISPLAY DEVICE AND INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEM
An information display device comprises, as denoted in Fig. 1: a display unit (12) wherein a plurality of SEG wires (13, 14) which are connected in correspondence with each respective pixel electrode, and a plurality of COM wires (15, 16) which are connected in correspondence with each respective counter electrode, form a matrix and display information; and a display driver (11) which is connected to the COM wires and the SEG wires of the display unit (12) and applies a prescribed voltage between the pixel electrodes and the counter electrodes, driving the display of the pixels. The display unit (12) is positioned in an information display substrate (101) of a prescribed size, with a prescribed width in the longitudinal direction and a prescribed height in the latitudinal direction. The display driver (11) is positioned in an empty region of the substrate which is adjacent to the display unit (12) on one side thereof in the longitudinal direction. It is possible to keep protrusion by the display unit into the empty region of the substrate in the latitudinal direction to a minimum, and to allow the shape of the device overall, including the display unit, to be horizontally extended, lengthened further in the horizontal direction than in the vertical direction.
G09G 3/20 - Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix
G09F 9/00 - Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements
G09F 9/30 - Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements
G09G 3/30 - Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix using controlled light sources using electroluminescent panels
G09G 3/36 - Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix by control of light from an independent source using liquid crystals
In a display device, as depicted in Fig. 1, a driver IC (3) loads one line's worth of image data from an image memory (35) which stores said one line's worth of image data, and drives a liquid-crystal display unit (2) such that an image is displayed one line at a time on the liquid-crystal display unit (2). It is thus possible to display the image one line at a time, and to ultimately display one screen's worth of a still image, on the liquid-crystal display unit (2) without installing conventional expensive image memory having one screen's worth of storage capacity in the liquid-crystal display unit by installing the inexpensive image memory (35) having one line's worth of storage capacity (35a). As a result, an image memory with one screen's worth of storage capacity is unnecessary, and it is possible to reduce the size of the image memory proper as well as the storage capacity of the image memory. Accordingly, it is possible to miniaturize the liquid-crystal display device, and to minimize production costs for the liquid-crystal display device.
G09G 3/36 - Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix by control of light from an independent source using liquid crystals
A47F 5/00 - Show stands, hangers, or shelves characterised by their constructional features
G09G 3/20 - Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix
G09G 3/34 - Control arrangements or circuits, of interest only in connection with visual indicators other than cathode-ray tubes for presentation of an assembly of a number of characters, e.g. a page, by composing the assembly by combination of individual elements arranged in a matrix by control of light from an independent source
An optical aberration is intentionally introduced into the optical system which produces the scanning beam of an optical code scanner, in order to produce a scanning beam which has plural focal points or waists at different distances from the scanner. The operating range of the scanner can thereby be increased by taking advantage of different beam waist locations when the optical code is at different distances from the scanner. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, coma is intentionally introduced to an optical system providing a light beam for an optical code scanner. This provides a scanning beam with plural beam waists at different distances from the scanner. This may be accomplished by orienting the light source and focusing optical system so that their optical axes intersect or by introducing an optical member, such as a prism, between the original light source and the focusing optical system.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
50.
OPTICAL DETECTING DEVICE, OPTICAL DEVICE, OPTICAL INFORMATION READING DEVICE, AND LIGHT SOURCE AFFIXING METHOD
Provided is an optical detecting device (43), wherein a photodiode is provided on the first surface of a substrate (51), a planar output electrode (53) for outputting electrical signals corresponding to the quantity of light received by the photodiode is provided on the second surface of the substrate (51), said second surface being on the reverse side of the first surface, a notch (54) is provided in the third surface of the substrate (51) such that the notch section is in contact with the output electrode (53) provided on the second surface, said third surface being different from the first surface and the second surface, and an electrode connected to the output electrode (53) is provided on the inner surface of the notch (54).
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
51.
Optical information-reading apparatus and optical information-reading method
A method and apparatus to enable a position of an image to be identified and to enable the image to be recognized reliably even when the image is unclean or external disturbance light is irradiates the image. On a assumption that a binarization threshold value is calculated for every block based on the maximum and minimum values of the brightness values in code symbol data, plural adjacent blocks, the threshold values of which are calculated, are grouped to generate groups. The area of each of the groups thus generated is compared with a predetermined area for a comparison standard and if the area of each of the groups thus compared is larger than that, these groups are selected. The position of the selected groups is identified. Brightness value of the code symbol data are binarized using the threshold value for every block in the selected groups.
A camera module 1 is provided with liquid lens 2 that moves its focus position by an application of voltage thereto. A CMOS substrate 7 has a CMOS image sensor 70 that photographs an image focused by the liquid lens 2, and a flexible printed circuit substrate 9 which has an electrode portion 90 is connected with the liquid lens 2 and connects the liquid lens 2 and the CMOS substrate 7. A thermistor 10 that is installed in a sensor-mounting portion 93 formed on the electrode portion 90 and is connected with the CMOS substrate 7 through the flexible printed circuit substrate 9.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G02B 1/06 - Optical elements characterised by the material of which they are madeOptical coatings for optical elements made of fluids in transparent cells
Disclosed is a decoding method in which light reflected from a code image is subjected to photoelectric conversion, a read signal indicating the intensity of the reflected light is generated, and the generated read signal is differentiated to generate a differential signal. Taking this as a precondition, points of inflection in the intensity of the reflected light of the read signal are detected from the generated differential signal, and peak levels are detected which constitute extremal values of the intensity of the reflected light and correspond to the width length between the detected points of inflection. Differences between the detected peak levels are obtained and threshold values (ThB2, ThS2) for decoding the read signal are then set from the obtained peak level differences. Decoding can therefore be achieved for a read signal of a code image having degraded printing quality due to the adhesion of dirt etc., or for a read signal that has been read in a de-focused state.
G06K 7/00 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
An imaging device preferably for use in a 2-D CCD or CMOS sensor is disclosed. The illumination means uses a plurality of illumination sources, some of which are coupled to lenses in an offset manner to promote far field illumination, and some of which are not so coupled and are arranged to provide near field illumination.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 15/12 - Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data using printers by photographic printing
H04N 5/222 - Studio circuitryStudio devicesStudio equipment
G03B 15/03 - Combinations of cameras with lighting apparatusFlash units
G03B 15/06 - Special arrangements of screening, diffusing, or reflecting devices, e.g. in studio
55.
METHOD OF DATA TRANSMISSION AND DATA TRANSMISSION SYSTEM
Using an interface for USB-HID, a menu command is sent from a PC to a code scanner thereby allowing setup of the code scanner. An HID host and a code scanner are connected via a USB-HID interface. Based on this premise, the HID host generates transmission data (D3) on the basis of a plurality of status information (including the ON/OFF status of Caps Lock, Num Lock and Scroll Lock) and sends the generated transmission data (D3) to the code scanner. Hereby, even if the interface is USB-HID, the configuration is such that various settings of the code scanner can be performed using the transmission data (D3) that is sent from the HID host.
An imaging apparatus is compensated for its movement during image acquisition of an object by acquiring the image through a lens subassembly in the apparatus which includes a liquid lens, sensing movement of the apparatus during image acquisition, and controlling the liquid lens to compensate for the effects on the image of movement of the apparatus. Preferably, the liquid lens is controlled so as to change its focal length.
G02B 1/06 - Optical elements characterised by the material of which they are madeOptical coatings for optical elements made of fluids in transparent cells
In an optical code reader, at least a selected one of AGC processing and automatic focus control is performed in parallel with optical code decoding. Preferably, the selected process is initiated ahead of any signal which initiates decoding. Preferably, the selected process is performed periodically and independently of any signal which initiates decoding. In an embodiment, decoding and the selected processes are performed by different first and second processors, respectively, which operate in parallel, and the second processor performs the selected process without the first processor exercising any control over the performance of the selected process.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
58.
Optical code detection with image exposure control
In an optical code detection system and method, infrared pulses are utilized to detect the presence of an object within the range of an optical imaging device, but the image of an infrared pulse reflected from the object is also analyzed to determine the distance between the object and the imaging device. An illumination pulse is then produced to illuminate the optical code on the object, and the characteristic of that pulse, such as duration, are controlled to provide appropriate exposure for an object at the detected distance.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
59.
Power management system for electronic shelf labels and the like
A power management system is disclosed in which ESL labels communicate with a server through a base station. The frequency and times at which each ESL label communicates with the server is optimized for the minimum communication necessary to provide up to date pricing and related information, and to simultaneously minimize consumed battery power for the ESL labels. The base stations and servers for the system are preferably operated from hard wired power.
Disclosed are an optical information reading device and optical information reading method which make it possible for even a small barcode mixed in with characters to be quickly recognized. An optical head reads in an image including characters and a barcode having a plurality of bars. An image detection means (73) scans in scan lines the image read in by the optical head (2) and detects the bars in the barcode and the characters. Under this assumption, a code position calculation means (77) generates a frequency distribution in relation to the angle formed by the scan lines and the bars and characters detected by the image detection means (73). The plurality of bars are mutually parallel, and all of the angles formed by the bars and the scan lines are therefore the same. The code position calculation means (77) calculates the position of the barcode in accordance with the generated frequency distribution. The position of the barcode can consequently be recognized. As a result, it is possible for even a small barcode mixed in with characters to be quickly recognized.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
Disclosed is an optical information reader that images a code symbol with a high degree of accuracy. The optical information reader (1A) is equipped with an imaging optical system (11) having a variable focus lens (3) that adjusts the focal position; a fixed imaging element (12) that images the code symbol (100); a ranging laser (13) that measures the distance to the code symbol (100); and a decoder (200) that images the code symbol by calculating the distance to the code symbol (100) using the ranging laser (13), controlling the variable focus lens (3) on the basis of the calculated distance information, causing the fixed imaging element (12) to form an image of the code symbol (100), and controlling the fixed imaging element (12). In the optical information reader (1A), ranging parameters used in calculating the distance to the code symbol (100) are measured in advance, the measured ranging parameters specific to the reader are stored, and the distance to the code symbol is calculated using the ranging parameters specific to the reader.
Disclosed is an optical information reading device, including a stably rotatable mirror, of which lifetime can be increased. Specifically disclosed is an optical information reading device (1A) which comprises a light-emitting unit (2) that emits light; a mover (3) including a scanning mirror (30) that reflects light emitted from the light-emitting unit (2); a supporting member (4) that supports the mover (3) so as to be rotatable; a coil (5) that drives the mover (3) to rotate; and a light-receiving unit (6) that receives reflected light, the light being emitted from the light-emitting unit (2) and scanning a code mark (10) due to the rotation of the mover (3). The supporting member (4) includes a tabular plate spring (40) of which end portions in the longitudinal direction are fixed to the mover and a fixed shaft (41) extending upward from a base member (11) and supporting an intermediate portion of the plate spring (40).
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
B06B 1/04 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with electromagnetism
G02B 26/08 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light
H02K 33/02 - Motors with reciprocating, oscillating or vibrating magnet, armature or coil system with armatures moved one way by energisation of a single coil system and returned by mechanical force, e.g. by springs
H02K 33/16 - Motors with reciprocating, oscillating or vibrating magnet, armature or coil system with polarised armatures moving in alternate directions by reversal or energisation of a single coil system
63.
OPTICAL INFORMATION READER AND CONTROL METHOD THEREFOR
The aim is to realize a highly accurate auto trigger function without adding components or circuits for realizing the auto trigger function. During a non-read mode, a bar code is detected by emitting a laser beam from a laser light source (1) with suppressed power consumption, and said detected bar code is assessed to be either correct or incorrect. In cases which the bar code is assessed as correct, the non-read mode is switched to a read mode; and in cases which the bar code is assessed as incorrect, the non-read mode is continued. As a result, an auto trigger function that automatically initiates the reading of a bar code by using the laser light source (1) can be realized. Therefore, the size of an optical information reader can be reduced, since existing components and dedicated circuits for realizing the auto trigger function can be removed.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
64.
OPTICAL INFORMATION READING APPARATUS AND OPTICAL INFORMATION READING METHOD
A decoder (20) of a code scanner (1), on the basis of laser light (15a) output by the laser light generator (15) that has been reflected off the baggage (4) and that is detected by the CMOS image sensor (13), measures the distance to the baggage (4), and on the basis of the measured distance, adjusts the focus of a focus lens (11) and the amount of light emitted by the pulse LED (14) at a time of image capture, analyzes an image including a code symbol (5) on the baggage (4) that has been captured under the post-adjustment conditions, and decodes information indicated by the code symbol.
G06K 7/015 - Aligning or centring of the sensing device with respect to the record carrier
G02B 7/28 - Systems for automatic generation of focusing signals
G02B 7/32 - Systems for automatic generation of focusing signals using parallactic triangle with a base line using active means, e.g. light emitter
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
A binarization circuit and binarization method are provided that minimize a delay from a peak position of a differential signal while suppressing noise, enabling an accurate binarization signal to be obtained. A binarization circuit (150) compares each of levels of a slice signal Ssig, a differential signal Asig, and a positive direction offset signal Psig and a negative direction offset signal Msig that indicate a vicinity of a peak position of the differential signal Asig; generates binarized signals BIN_B, POFF_COMP, and MOFF_COMP; and combines the binarized signals BIN_B, POFF_COMP, and MOFF_COMP to generate a binarized signal binarizing a signal that has been read out. As a result, it is possible to correct rising and falling edges of the binarized signal BIN_B on which a delay has occurred from a peak position of the differential signal Asig, using the falling edge of the binarized signal POFF_COMP and the rising edge of the binarized signal MOFF_COMP indicating a vicinity of a peak position of the differential signal Asig.
G06K 7/00 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
Disclosed is an optical information reading device, which is provided with a focus function and a zoom function using a liquid lens with a simple configuration. The optical information reading device (1) is provided with: a lens module (2) wherein liquid lenses (20A, 20B), which change the shapes of the boundary surfaces when a voltage is applied, are disposed at a predetermined interval with which the focal point distances can be changed by changing the shapes of the boundary surfaces, and at least one optical lens (27) is disposed; an image sensor (30) which photoelectrically converts optical signals which have passed through the lens module (2); thermistors (26A, 26B) which detect the temperatures of the liquid lenses (20A, 20B); a distance measuring unit (31) which measures the distance to a code mark (5); and an ASIC (40) which performs focus control and zoom control on the basis of the information of the distance measured by means of the distance measuring unit (31) and the information of the temperatures detected by means of the thermistors (26A, 26B).
G02B 26/00 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements
G02B 3/14 - Fluid-filled or evacuated lenses of variable focal length
G02B 7/02 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses
G02B 7/08 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification adapted to co-operate with a remote control mechanism
G02B 7/28 - Systems for automatic generation of focusing signals
G02B 15/00 - Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
An electronic shelf tag (1) is provided, as fixing means for removably fixing the tag (1) to a rail provided to a merchandise shelf, with a fitting section (3b), hooks (5a, 5b), and a spring (3d), where the fitting section (3b) and the hooks (5a, 5b) are fitted in grooves provided in a side face of the rail and the spring (3d) urges the fitting section (3b). The electronic shelf tag (1) is further provided with a key hole (6a) and an arm (3e). The key hole (6a) allows a thin plate-like key to be inserted therein to releases the fixation of the tag (1) to the rail by the fixing means. The arm (3e) is provided at a position at which the arm (3e) makes contact with the key inserted into the key hole (6a), is moved by a load applied to the key in response to the insertion of the key, and moves the fitting section (3b) in a direction in which the fitting section (3b) is separated from the rail against urging by the spring (3d).
Provided is a camera module which is applicable to a temperature change by accurately detecting the temperature of a liquid lens with a simple configuration. A camera module (1) is provided with: a liquid lens (2) wherein the focal position moves when a voltage is applied; a CMOS substrate (7) having a CMOS image sensor (70) which picks up an image formed by means of the liquid lens (2); a flexible printed board (9), which has an electrode section (90) connected to the liquid lens (2) and connects the liquid lens (2) and the CMOS substrate (7); and a thermistor (10), which is mounted on a sensor attaching section (93) formed on the electrode section (90) and is connected with the CMOS substrate (7) with the flexible printed board (9) therebetween.
Provided is a camera module wherein a liquid lens can be affixed with a simple configuration. A camera module (1) is provided with: a liquid lens (2); a master lens (3) coaxially disposed with the liquid lens (2); a camera body (4) having a lens attaching section (40) wherein the liquid lens (2) and the master lens (3) are aligned with each other and can be attached; a lens cover (5) which affixes the liquid lens (2) and the master lens (3) to the lens attaching section (40); and a ring-like packing (6) which is disposed between the lens cover (5) and the liquid lens (2) and presses the liquid lens (2).
G02B 7/02 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses
G02B 3/14 - Fluid-filled or evacuated lenses of variable focal length
G02B 7/04 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification
G02B 7/28 - Systems for automatic generation of focusing signals
G02B 26/00 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements
A position of an image can be specified and the image can be reliably recognized, when the image is stained or an ambient light is irradiated on the image. Under the premise that a binarized threshold value is calculated for each block on the basis of the maximum and the minimum of a brightness value of code symbol data, a group is created by grouping a plurality of adjacent blocks from which the threshold values are calculated, in Step (ST47); an area of the created group and a predetermined area as a reference for comparison are compared, and when the area of the group is larger, the group is selected, in Step (ST48); and a position of the selected group is specified in Step (ST49). Then, the brightness value of the code symbol data is binarized with the threshold value of each block in the selected group, in Step (50). Thereby, when the code symbol is stained or an ambient light is irradiated on the code symbol, a position of the image can be specified, and the code symbol can be reliably recognized.
G06K 7/00 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
A curved mirror is interposed into the path of light from the source of illumination of an optical illumination system. By varying the curvature of this mirror, the focus distance of light reflected from the mirror may be varied, varying the focus distance or beam waist position of light provided by the illumination system. Preferably, the curvature of the mirror is varied by providing a mount on which piezoelectric transducers are mounted so that the pressure applied to the curved mirror by the piezoelectric elements may be varied through adjustment of the voltage applied to the piezoelectric elements.
The objective is to enable a code symbol to be recognized correctly from the signal waveform of a degraded code symbol, and to improve the reading precision for the code symbol. Level information indicating the strength of a signal between inflection points is obtained, and binarization code symbol data is classified based on said level information as white color with a high intensity of reflected light, black color with a low intensity of reflected light, and gray color representing the approximate midpoint between the white color and the black color. Then, the binarization code symbol data indicated by the gray color is divided by minimum width binarization code symbol data to classify the binarization code symbol data for the gray color and obtain code symbol information. Thus, the binarization code symbol data for the gray color, which represents the approximate midpoint between the white color and the black color, can be recognized. Accordingly, a code symbol can be recognized correctly from the signal waveform of a degraded code symbol.
A case made of a magnetic material is provided on an LED serving as the source of light in an autofocus l ighting module employing a linear actuator for lens focus. The LED case serves as the yoke for the linear actuator by mounting a coil around the case and a magnet assembly around the coil. The coi l is mounted to a carriage which extends forward of the diode for a distance approximately equal to the minimum required distance between the lens and diode, and a lens assembly is mounted to the forward end of the carriage. Since this module will require only sufficient clearance in front of it to accommodate the full distance traveled by the lens, and total length it will occupy is essentially the minimum possible length.
G02B 15/14 - Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification by axial movement of one or more lenses or groups of lenses relative to the image plane for continuously varying the equivalent focal length of the objective
An optical aberration is intentionally introduced into the optical system which produces the scanning beam of an optical code scanner, in order to produce a scanning beam which has plural focal points or waists at different distances from the scanner. The operating range of the scanner can thereby be increased by taking advantage of different beam waist locations when the optical code is at different distances from the scanner. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, coma is intentionally introduced to an optical system providing a light beam for an optical code scanner. This provides a scanning beam with plural beam waists at different distances from the scanner. This may be accomplished by orienting the light source and focusing optical system so that their optical axes intersect or by introducing an optical member, such as a prism, between the original light source and the focusing optical system.
A bar code scanner module is disclosed that may include a chassis housing an optical transmission system therein, the optical transmission system including a laser diode and a motor; a first circuit board coupled to the motor; and a second circuit board disposed within the chassis and in communication with the first circuit board. The module may further include a third circuit board disposed in proximity to the chassis and in communication with at least one of the first circuit board and the second circuit board.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
In an optical code reader, at least a selected one of AGC processing and automatic focus control is performed in parallel with optical code decoding. Preferably, the selected process is initiated ahead of any signal which initiates decoding. Preferably, the selected process is performed periodically and independently of any signal which initiates decoding. In an embodiment, decoding and the selected processes are performed by different first and second processors, respectively, which operate in parallel, and the second processor performs the selected process without the first processor exercising any control over the performance of the selected process.
In an optical code detection system and method, infrared pulses are utilized to detect the presence of an object within the range of an optical imaging device, but the image of an infrared pulse reflected from the object is also analyzed to determine the distance between the object and the imaging device. An illumination pulse is then produced to illuminate the optical code on the object, and the characteristic of that pulse, such as duration, are controlled to provide appropriate exposure for an object at the detected distance.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
A variable focus illumination system includes a light source which projects light forwardly, in the path of the light from the source, a movable lens forward of the light source which is mounted for axial movement towards and away from the light source, and a stationary lens is mounted forward of the moving lens. By design, the lens combination creates an image of the light source which is rearward of the actual light source, and movement of the movable lens focuses the light projected forwardly from the image. In comparison to a single lens system, in this dual lens system, the positioning accuracy required in the moving lens in order to achieve a given positional accuracy of focus may be an order of magnitude lower. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the movable lens is formed as a unit with an opposed, spaced aperture of fixed diameter.
G02B 7/04 - Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for lenses with mechanism for focusing or varying magnification
79.
LIQUID LENS WITH TEMPERATURE COMPENSATED FOCUS TIME
A temperature compensated liquid lens is disclosed in which wait times for the liquid lens to respond to an applied control voltage or calculated in advance and stored in a table. A temperature sensor is utilized with the liquid lens that provides temperature data to the controlled circuitry. The wait time for the liquid lens to respond is then minimized to be no more than the minimum required time for the liquid lens to respond to the controlled voltage enough to focus the image to a prescribed level of quality.
G02B 1/06 - Optical elements characterised by the material of which they are madeOptical coatings for optical elements made of fluids in transparent cells
80.
ONE DIMENSIONAL BARCODE READER USING TWO DIMENSIONAL IMAGE SENSOR
A method and apparatus is disclosed that uses a two dimensional image sensor to read a one dimensional symbol such a barcode. The one dimensional barcode is imaged using a selected set of rows of the two dimensional image sensor, and corresponding positions in the selected rows are then averaged. The single sequence of averaged values is then converted to a run length code to decode the associated data. The number and location of rows of elements of the two dimensional sensor that are used may be varied to adjust various characteristics of the reader.
G02B 26/08 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light
81.
POWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR ELECTRONIC SHELF LABELS AND THE LIKE
A power management system is disclosed in which ESL labels communicate with a server through a base station. The frequency and times at which each ESL label communicates with the server is optimized for the minimum communication necessary to provide up to date pricing and related information, and to simultaneously minimize consumed battery power for the ESL labels. The base stations and servers for the system are preferably operated from hard wired power.
Focus adjustment in an automatic focus mechanism takes place without any actual measurement of distance. Specifically, the distance to a bar code can be determined sufficiently for purposes of automatic focus by measuring the intensity of light reflected by the object being imaged and comparing it to the intensity of light reflected when the bar code is at a known distance. Having made that determination, an adjustable element in an optical focus system, such as a zoom lens, can be adjusted accordingly, focusing the apparatus at the appropriate distance.
G03B 7/08 - Control effected solely on the basis of the response, to the intensity of the light received by the camera, of a built-in light-sensitive device
83.
METHOD AND APPARATUS TO COMPENSATE FOR MOVEMENT OF AN IMAGING APPARATUS
An imaging apparatus is compensated for its movement during image acquisition of an object by acquiring the image through a lens subassembly in the apparatus which includes a liquid lens, sensing movement of the apparatus during image acquisition, and controlling the liquid lens to compensate for the effects on the image of movement of the apparatus. Preferably, the liquid lens is controlled so as to change its focal length.
A liquid lens is mounted in a lens opening provided in a photographic instrument by making use of a mounting member made of a material which transmits light of predetermined wavelength and includes an inner wall shaped and dimensioned to receive the periphery of the lens in spaced, opposed relationship. The mounting member includes a portion mounted or to be mounted to the optical instrument. A bonding material is provided between the lens periphery and the mounting member wall, and the bonding material is activated by exposure to light of the predetermined wavelength, which is injected from outside, through the mounting member. Preferably, the light is injected with a guide member having an opening with an interior wall shaped and dimensioned to conform to an exterior wall of the guide member. The light may be injected from an edge of the guide member remote from the opening, through the guide member, and into the mounting member.
G02B 1/06 - Optical elements characterised by the material of which they are madeOptical coatings for optical elements made of fluids in transparent cells
85.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COUPLING A LENS TO A PRINTED CIRCUIT
An optical assembly is disclosed which may include a lens having first and second electrodes; and a flexible printed circuit (FPC) configured for placement in proximity to the lens, wherein the FPC may include a bottom insulating layer; a top insulating layer; and an FPC electrode configured to contact the second electrode of the lens, wherein the FPC electrode may include a center portion disposed between the bottom and top insulating layers of the FPC; a post connected to the center portion and extending through the top insulating layer of the FPC; and a contact layer connected to the post and configured to provide the contact with the second electrode of the lens.
An electronic shelf management system includes a server and a plurality of base station, each associated with a group of electronic shelf labels (ESLs). Each base station communicated wirelessly with the ESLs in its group, all of which are all within the operating range of the base station. Preferably, the server communicates with different base stations in repetitive, non-overlapping time periods.
A code scanner, which illuminates a scanned code from a distance, includes a liquid lens which focuses the reflected image of the code on an image sensor. The scanner includes a range detector, preferably laser-based, which determines the distance to the scanned code, and the liquid lens is controlled to focus at the detected distance. A source of illumination is uncontrolled to maintain its intensity substantially constant, regardless of the distance of the scanned code. This can be achieved by controlling the intensity of illumination (directly), or the dispersal angle of illumination in relationship to the distance.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
In an optical code sensor of the type in which a signal derived from a light beam encoded with digital data is obtained by extracting transitions, an adjustable bandwidth filter is interposed before processing to extract the data. The distance of the optical code is detected, and the filter bandwidth is increased in relationship to the distance of the bar code. Preferably, the input signal to the filter is applied to a shift register and the output at each stage of the register is multiplied by a predetermined coefficient calculated to achieve a particular waveshape, preferably a Gaussian waveshape, via the entire set of coefficients. The register stage outputs, multiplied by the coefficients are then added together to produce a filtered output signal applied to the processor.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
H03G 3/32 - Automatic control in amplifiers having semiconductor devices the control being dependent upon ambient noise level or sound level
An imaging device preferably for use in a 2-D CCD or CMOS sensor is disclosed. The illumination means uses a plurality of illumination sources, some of which are coupled to lenses in an offset manner to promote far field illumination, and some of which are not so coupled and are arranged to provide near field illumination.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
A bar code scanner (10) is disclosed which may include a scanner gun (100); and at least one sensor (104) in communication with the scanner gun (100), wherein the at least one sensor (104) is operable to detect at least one operating condition of the bar code scanner(10).
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
91.
TWO - DIMENSIONAL CODE SCANNER WITH GUIDE ILLUMINATION
A bar code scanner is disclosed which may include an LED. The LED includes a light source that emits light. The bar code scanner may also include a lens set. The lens set includes a back side and a front side. The front side includes a plurality of spherical lobes. When light from the light source is incident on the back side of the lens set, each of the spherical lobes preferably focuses the light into a light beam, which is then generated from each of the lobes. In certain embodiments of the invention, the LED can be mounted on the back side of a circuit board in such a fashion as to protrude through the aperture in the circuit board and then to shine light on the lens set.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
A relatively rapidly moving object is imaged with a sensor incorporating a rolling electronic shutter, while using flash illumination which is comparable to or dimmer than ambient light. This is achieved by utilizing a physical shutter between the object and sensor which is synchronized to the flash. Preferably, the physical shutter is also operated so as to be open for a time interval which is coextensive with the presence of the flash. Preferably, an optical mechanism is provided between the object and sensor which causes the image to be focused when the light is flashed and blurred otherwise. Preferably, an optical filter is positioned between the object and sensor, and this filter is constructed to transmit to the CMOS sensor light at the wavelength of the flashing light source but to attenuate ambient light.
G01R 31/26 - Testing of individual semiconductor devices
H01L 21/82 - Manufacture or treatment of devices consisting of a plurality of solid state components or integrated circuits formed in, or on, a common substrate with subsequent division of the substrate into plural individual devices to produce devices, e.g. integrated circuits, each consisting of a plurality of components
A compact barcode reader is provided in which the imaging lens and a linear sensor are in a straight line path with the barcode (no bend in path). By using a wide angle lens with a short back focus, it is possible to reduce the distance between the barcode and linear sensor to a fraction of what it was in the prior art. In addition, the maximum image height and the downward projection of the sensor are reduced to a fraction of what they were in the prior art. As a result, despite the straight line optical path, compact barcode reader becomes so small that it does not interfere with the operation of the beverage maker.
A handheld optical scanner is constructed by mounting the tallest internal components inwardly, towards the crosswise center of the scanner and mounting progressively shorter components towards the sides of the scanner. As a result, a handheld scanner can be provided with an outer body with a central bulge, but having an ultra thin appearance, and it becomes possible to provide a more ergonomic shape, making it possible for an operator to hold such scanners for longer periods of time, without undue discomfort. Further improvement in size reduction can be accomplished by causing the body of the scanner to taper in height towards the rear. As a result the tallest components can be mounted forward in the center of the body, allowing the rear of the body to be reduced even further in height.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
95.
GALVANOMETER MOVEMENT WITH TWO ORTHOGONAL AXES OF ROTATION
A two-dimensional galvanometer scanner is disclosed in which two coils are disposed on two adjacent sides of the scanning mirror in order to provide for movement along two orthogonal axes. Preferably, a ball holder and metallic ball are used to implement a ball and socket connection to permit the scanning mirror or other optical element to be moved in the two dimensions.
G01D 5/30 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using optical means, i.e. using infrared, visible or ultraviolet light with deflection of beams of light, e.g. for direct optical indication the beams of light being detected by photocells
A bar code scanner module is disclosed that may include a chassis housing an optical transmission system therein, the optical transmission system including a laser diode and a motor; a first circuit board coupled to the motor; and a second circuit board disposed within the chassis and in communication with the first circuit board. The module may further include a third circuit board disposed in proximity to the chassis and in communication with at least one of the first circuit board and the second circuit board.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensingMethods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
An apparatus for identifying airborne particles and a method for identifying airborne particles is described. In one embodiment, the apparatus utilizes an electrode to charge airborne particles and accumulate the charged particles on a collecting plate. In another embodiment, the apparatus utilizes a laser beam to isolate airborne particles on a collecting plate. A CMOS array records an image of the particles on the collecting plate, and a computer executing image recognition software identifies the particles. The apparatus is particularly useful for identifying airborne particles such as pollen, and may also be used to identify other particles present in the air such as dirt, dust, and mold spores.
A MEMS architecture is disclosed which provides a motion stage upon which a lens is mounted. The device includes a temperature sensor that stores parameters. During operation, temperature is measured and the motion stage is moved to position it optimally for a given operating temperature.
An improved oscillation scan mirror assembly comprises a shaft, a holder having a bearing with a bearing surface supporting the holder on the shaft, a scan mirror secured to the holder. The holder and therefore the mirror are oscillatable around the shaft under an oscillating driving force, and bearing and the shaft is prevented from being tilt from each other. Preferably, a lateral retaining force is provided to constantly keep the bearing and the shaft in an aligned contact with each other. Since the relative tilting between bearing and the shaft is prevented, the vertical wobble or vibration of bearing, and therefore of the holder and the mirror, relative to the shaft is therefore suppressed.
G02B 26/08 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light
A stepper motor is controlled by a driver having a constant and maximum frequency input in order to correct for camera shake. The need for variable frequency devices is eliminated, thereby reducing the cost and complexity of the system.
