First and second photodetectors having first and second collection areas receive return laser light that is reflected and scattered from a target, and generate first and second analog electrical output signals having first and second magnitudes. The second collection area is in close proximity to the first collection area. The first output signal is processed to obtain information related to the target. The first and the second output signals are processed, preferably by determining a ratio of the second magnitude to the first magnitude. A working distance to the target is determined based on the determined ratio. One or more reading parameters by which the target is electro-optically read are adjusted based on the determined working distance.

Systems and methods for establishing optimal reading conditions for a machine-readable symbol reader. A machine-readable symbol reader may selectively control reading conditions including lighting conditions (e.g., illumination pattern), focus, decoder library parameters (e.g., exposure time, gain), etc. Deep learning and optimization algorithms (e.g., greedy search algorithms) are used to autonomously learn an optimal set of reading parameters to be used for the reader in a particular application. A deep learning network (e.g., a convolutional neural network) may be used to locate machine-readable symbols in images captured by the reader, and greedy search algorithms may be used to determine a reading distance parameter and one or more illumination parameters during an autonomous learning phase of the reader. The machine-readable symbol reader may be configured with the autonomously learned reading parameters, which enables the machine-readable symbol reader to accurately and quickly decode machine-readable symbols (e.g., direct part marking (DPM) symbols).

A medical implant includes a body and an identification assembly. The body includes a first material that is biocompatible, an inner portion, and an external surface made form the first material. The external surface completely contains the interior portion of the body such that the external surface is the only portion of the body exposed to an external environment. The identification assembly is fixed relative to the body. The identification assembly includes a radiopaque material forming a datamatrix. The identification assembly stores a readable data associated with the medical implant. The identification assembly may transfer the readable data to a scanning system.

At least some embodiments of the present invention generally relate to the field of optics, and more specifically, to compact optical arrangements for use in imaging engines likes the ones used in handheld barcode readers. In an embodiment, an imaging engine having a field of view (FOV) includes an imaging sensor and an optical lens configured to (i) fold the FOV once between the imaging sensor and an exit window of the imaging engine and/or the window of a barcode reader within which the imaging engine may be implemented, and (ii) correct for field curvature.

A method of decoding spatially related indicia includes: at an imaging controller, controlling an image sensor to capture an image containing a plurality of indicia; at the imaging controller, detecting image positions of each of the indicia; at the imaging controller, for each of a plurality of indicia pairs: determining whether the image positions of the indicia in the pair have a predefined spatial relationship; and responsive to determining that the indicia in the pair have the predefined spatial relationship, presenting (i) values decoded from the indicia in the pair, and (ii) an indicator that the decoded values are related.

In one embodiment, a self-describing fiducial includes a communication element that optically communicates navigation-aiding information. The navigation-aiding information may include a position of the self-describing fiducial with respect to one or more coordinate systems and the communication element communicates the navigation-aiding information to one or more navigating objects in the vicinity of the self-describing fiducial. In another embodiment, the communication element is further configured to communicate supplementary information describing a spatial relationship between the self-describing fiducial and the surrounding environment.

The present disclosure discloses a handheld scanner and a scanning method for the handheld scanner. The handheld scanner includes a texture camera, a first black-and-white camera and a second black-and-white camera, where the first black-and-white camera and the second black-and-white camera are spaced apart from each other; and the handheld scanner further includes a laser projector, and the texture camera and the first black-and-white camera are respectively arranged at two sides of the laser projector. When a highly reflective or dark object is scanned, textures are obtained by the texture camera while laser scanning is performed; and after point cloud fusion is completed, texture images are screened and fused according to a shooting angle and the highlight degree of the image, so that the overall texture image of point cloud is obtained.

Systems and methods for establishing optimal reading conditions for a machine-readable symbol reader. A machine-readable symbol reader may selectively control reading conditions including lighting conditions (e.g., illumination pattern), focus, decoder library parameters (e.g., exposure time, gain), etc. Deep learning and optimization algorithms (e.g., greedy search algorithms) are used to autonomously learn an optimal set of reading parameters to be used for the reader in a particular application. A deep learning network (e.g., a convolutional neural network) may be used to locate machine-readable symbols in images captured by the reader, and greedy search algorithms may be used to determine a reading distance parameter and one or more illumination parameters during an autonomous learning phase of the reader. The machine-readable symbol reader may be configured with the autonomously learned reading parameters, which enables the machine-readable symbol reader to accurately and quickly decode machine-readable symbols (e.g., direct part marking (DPM) symbols).

A device (1, 33) for readout of and/or communication with a consumer carried token is proposed comprising a first area (5) for wireless radiofrequency detection and/or communication; and a second area (6) spatially separated from said first area for a wireless optical detection and/or communication; wherein said first area (5) is located above said second area (6). Said second area (6) comprises a cavity with at least a front opening (53) for inserting said token by a user, bordered by at least a bottom surface (7), a backside wall (41), and a top illumination unit (54), wherein said top illumination unit (54) comprises at least one essentially vertical translucent skirt (8) with its free edge (55) pointing towards the second area (6); as well as an opening (9). Behind and/or below said first area (5) a scanning light source as well as scanning camera is located, both aiming in an upward direction, and above said scanning light source as well as scanning camera a mirror (20) is mounted, for at the same time deflecting the scanning light beam (21) and directing it (22) into said second area (6) onto said bottom surface (7) through said opening (9) in an essentially vertical direction.

In one embodiment, a self-describing fiducial includes a communication element that optically communicates navigation-aiding information. The navigation-aiding information may include a position of the self-describing fiducial with respect to one or more coordinate systems and the communication element communicates the navigation-aiding information to one or more navigating objects in the vicinity of the self-describing fiducial.