A compact illuminator for a direct part marking (DPM) scanner is provided to perform dual-field, multi-color, multi-directional, multi-distance illumination functions. The illuminator can selectively provide dark field and bright field illumination with broad spectrum white or narrow band color, in combination with directions for near contact distance as well as far distance barcode readings. Specifically, illuminator includes a front edge illuminator with customized LED optics, a dome diffuser, an LED board assembly, and a reflective sleeve surrounding the dome diffuser. The board assembly can further include an alternative on/off plural point source bright field spot illuminating system. A method for scanning DPM indicia focuses on generating illumination light using an illumination assembly, illuminating the DPM indicia, detecting reflected and/or scattered light, and capturing under different illumination conditions and combining at least two consecutive images of the DPM indicia, followed by processing and decoding the obtained image.

The present invention relates to optical imaging devices and methods for reading optical codes. The image device comprises a sensor, a lens, a plurality of illumination devices, and a plurality of reflective surfaces. The sensor is configured to sense with a predetermined number of lines of pixels, where the predetermined lines of pixels are arranged in a predetermined position. The lens has an imaging path along an optical axis. The plurality of illumination devices are configured to transmit an illumination pattern along the optical axis, and the plurality of reflective surfaces are configured to fold the optical axis.

An attachment for use with a mobile device with an imaging device and a mobile-device light source can include one or more of an attachment base and an attachment body. The attachment base can be configured to secure the attachment body to the mobile device via a case for the mobile device. The attachment body can include at least one optical device for use with the imaging device, and an optical sensor to receive optical control signals from the mobile-device light source.

Systems and methods for providing multiple image fields or regions on a single, two-dimensional imaging sensor array of a data reader. A single sensor array may be divided into two or more imaging regions each of which may be used to render a separate view of an overall read volume. An image-side telecentric optical system may be utilized to divide the sensor array into the two or more imaging regions. A thin, high refractive index focal element (e.g., optical glass) may be positioned over at least one of the two or more imaging regions to provide multiple focus positions using a single telecentric optical system and a single sensor array. The multiple imaging regions may be used to capture images from different regions, and/or may be used produce a longer depth of field by combining overlapping depths of field of the multiple imaging regions.

Performance and size improvements in indicia readers are disclosed. The improvements provide for the integration of a barcode image scanner in a size restricted mobile computer device, such as a slim mobile data terminal or a smart mobile phone, and provide for the ability for the indicia reader to read direct product marking (DPM) type of barcodes. The improvements include the incorporation of an illumination module or bar that can generate dark field and bright field illumination. The illumination module can be designed to match the front end of a smart mobile phone and maintain a low profile design. Symmetric arranged multi-field, multi-color illuminator with close-up corrective lens and near coaxial aimer optics provide illumination and aiming support for the DPM scanning. The improvements allow the indicia reader, assembled in a slim mobile data terminal, to read direct product marking (DPM) type of barcodes.

Image processing for scanning devices based on laser aimer position, wherein a first frame and a second frame of image data related to an object associated with a barcode are captured using a scanning device. A difference between first pixel data for a first grouping of pixels associated with the first frame and second pixel data for a second grouping of pixels associated with the second frame is computed. Additionally, a location of a laser aimer pattern in the first frame or the second frame is determined based on a comparison between respective differences between the first pixel data for the first grouping of pixels and the second pixel data for the second grouping of pixels, where the laser aimer pattern is created by the scanning device.

The present invention relates to optical imaging devices and methods for reading optical codes. The image device comprises a sensor, a lens, a plurality of illumination devices, and a plurality of reflective surfaces. The sensor is configured to sense with a predetermined number of lines of pixels, where the predetermined lines of pixels are arranged in a predetermined position. The lens has an imaging path along an optical axis. The plurality of illumination devices are configured to transmit an illumination pattern along the optical axis, and the plurality of reflective surfaces are configured to fold the optical axis.

A method of scanning and reading indicia off a display is disclosed. The method may utilize a light sensor of a mobile device to improve the quality of reading indicia, such as a barcode, off a display. A scanner illuminates the mobile device in order to increase the backlight intensity and obtain a high contrast image on the display and then ceases illumination in order to scan the high contrast image without specular reflection caused by the scanner illumination. In one embodiment, the scanner illuminates the mobile device for a period of time to achieve the maximum level of brightness that the mobile device is capable of emitting on the display in the period of time before ceasing the illumination. In another embodiment, the scanner detects whether the change in brightness is greater than predefined level before ceasing the illumination.

A portable optical reader is provided with LED light sources 2911 to 2914; a diffusion plate 23 diffusing the light emitted from the LED light sources 2911 to 2914; an opening 2431 formed on the diffusion plate 23 transmitting diffusion reflecting light; an imaging part 41 receiving the diffusion reflecting light through the opening 2431; a LED light source 2915 emitting the light to the symbol; a light projection polarizing element 242 polarizing the light emitted from the LED light source 2915; an opening 2432 formed in the diffusion plate 23 transmitting the polarized light emitted from the LED light source 2915; and a light reception polarizing element 241 polarizing the diffusion reflecting light which is the polarized light emitted from the LED light source 2915 and reflected on the symbol and transmitted through the opening 2431.

An imaging device has a light field imager and a processor. The light field imager includes a microlens array, and a light field sensor positioned proximate to the microlens array, having a plurality of pixels and recording light field data of an optical target from light passing through the microlens array. The processor is configured to: receive the light field data of the optical target from the light field sensor, estimate signal to noise ratio and depth of the optical target in the light field data, select a subset of sub-aperture images based on the signal to noise ratio and depth, combine the selected subset of sub-aperture images, and perform image analysis on the combined subset of sub-aperture images.