A method in an imaging controller of correcting translucency artifacts in data representing one or more objects disposed on a shelf includes: obtaining a plurality of depth measurements captured by a depth sensor and corresponding to an area containing the shelf; obtaining (i) a definition of a plane containing edges of the shelf, (ii) a location in the plane of an upper shelf edge, and (iii) a location in the plane of a lower shelf edge adjacent to the upper shelf edge; generating a depth map containing, for each of a plurality of positions in the plane, a nearest object depth; detecting an upper object boundary in the depth map between the upper and lower support surface edges; updating each nearest object depth between the upper object boundary and the lower shelf edge to contain a depth of the upper object boundary; and storing the corrected depth map.
A method of recovering label positions in an imaging controller includes: receiving (i) a definition of a plane containing edges of the shelf, and (ii) a plurality of initial label indicators having locations on the plane; assigning the initial label indicators among a plurality of candidate subsets each representing a single physical label; for each candidate subset of initial indicators: generating, for each of a plurality of projection depths relative to the plane, a set of projections of the initial indicators in the candidate subset; determining an aggregate surface area for each set of projections; selecting, as a recovered depth for the candidate subset, one of the projection depths corresponding to the minimum aggregate surface area; and generating a recovered position for the candidate subset based on the recovered depth; and storing the recovered positions.
A method of mobile automation apparatus localization in a navigation controller includes: controlling a depth sensor to capture a plurality of depth measurements corresponding to an area containing a navigational structure; selecting a primary subset of the depth measurements; selecting, from the primary subset, a corner candidate subset of the depth measurements; generating, from the corner candidate subset, a corner edge corresponding to the navigational structure; selecting an aisle subset of the depth measurements from the primary subset, according to the corner edge; selecting, from the aisle subset, a local minimum depth measurement for each of a plurality of sampling planes extending from the depth sensor; generating a shelf plane from the local minimum depth measurements; and updating a localization of the mobile automation apparatus based on the corner edge and the shelf plane.
In an embodiment, the present invention is an imaging engine including: a first imaging assembly having a first FOV; a second imaging assembly having a second FOV; and an aiming assembly configured to emit an aiming light pattern, the aiming light pattern including a first portion and a second portion, the first portion configured to correlate with the first FOV, the second portion configured to correlate with the second FOV, wherein the aiming light pattern is configured such that a combined power of any part of the aiming light pattern encompassed by a 7 mrad cone, as measured from the aiming assembly, is less than or equal to 1 mW, and the total combined power of the entire aiming light pattern is greater than 1 mW.
A method of assessing impact of applications executed by a computing device on a memory of the computing device includes: storing, in the memory, (i) a plurality of reference write operation sizes, and (ii) for each reference write operation size, a corresponding reference endurance indicator defining a write endurance; executing, at a processor of the computing device interconnected with the memory, a monitor application simultaneously with a test application; via execution of the monitor application at the processor: generating a usage profile for the test application, the usage profile defining a measured write operation size and a measured write operation rate for write operations initiated by the test application; determining an impact indicator for the test application based on the usage profile, the reference write operation sizes and the reference endurance indicators; and presenting the impact indicator.
Systems and methods are provided for task-based modification of visual media in a heads-up display. An example system includes a heads-up display assembly configured to be worn by a user, the heads-up display assembly including a head mount and a presentation generator configured to display visual media to the user. The example system further includes a memory, and a processor configured to interface with the presentation generator and the memory. The processor identifies a current task associated with the user, and obtains a focal distance at which the visual media is to be displayed to the user during the performance of the current task. The processor causes the presentation to display the visual media at the obtained focal distance during performance of the current task.
G02B 27/18 - Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups , for optical projection, e.g. combination of mirror and condenser and objective
An imaging reader captures and analyzes image data, including raw captured image data, and analyzes that capture image data to decode indicia contained therein. The indicia may be one or more two-dimensional barcodes. A dedicated front-end controller of the imaging reader generates decode data for the indicia and combines the decode data with the image data using a combinational protocol, after which a resulting decode enhanced image data frame is communicated to a host processor for processing.
G06K 7/14 - Methods 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 corpuscular radiation
An apparatus includes a shelf having a front edge, a solar cell circuit disposed at the front edge, a display screen, and a controller operatively coupled to the solar cell circuit and the display screen. The controller monitors the period of a waveform of a charging voltage of a storage capacitor of the solar cell circuit, displays an image on the display screen in response to a change in the waveform timing. A system includes a plurality of shelves each having a front edge, a solar cell circuit disposed at the front edge of each of the plurality of shelves, and a controller operatively coupled to the solar cell circuits. The controller monitors the frequency at which a power transfer of each solar cell circuit occurs, and signals a device in response to a change in the frequency at which the power transfer occurs.
G06F 3/147 - Digital output to display device using display panels
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
G06Q 10/06 - Resources, workflows, human or project management; Enterprise or organisation planning; Enterprise or organisation modelling
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to estimating capacity usage of a container. In an embodiment, the present invention is a method of estimating a fullness of a container. The method includes: mounting an image capture apparatus proximate a container-loading area, the image capture apparatus operable to capture three-dimensional images; capturing, via the image capture apparatus, a three-dimensional image representative of a three-dimensional formation, the three-dimensional image having a plurality of points with three-dimensional point data including depth data; generating a histogram of the depth data from the three-dimensional image; and estimating the fullness of the container based at least in part on the histogram.
A system and method for density-based RFID network configuration. In various aspects, an RFID reader executes a read cycle defined by dwell times for a low RFID tag density and a high RFID tag density setting. Accordingly, a controller may cause the RFID reader to implement one or more RFID protocols. The controller may then receive data corresponding to the RFID tags from the RFID reader to determine a number of RFID tags within read range of the RFID reader. Based on the number of RFID tags, the controller may determine an adjustment to the read cycle executed by the RFID reader. The controller may then configure the RFID reader to execute the adjusted read cycle.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 17/00 - Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups , e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
The present invention is a method of dimensioning a container (102) bound by at least a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, the space being 3D and definable via height, width, and depth coordinates. The method includes: obtaining, a 3D image of at least a portion of the space; analyzing the image to determine a first and second equations defining first plane and second planes corresponding to the first and second walls; solving the first equation for a first coordinate value; solving the second equation for a second coordinate value, the first coordinate value and the second coordinate value being one of a width coordinate or a height coordinate; and computing a first distance based at least in part on the first coordinate value and the second coordinate value.
A method and apparatus for using a three-dimensional (3D) depth imaging system for use in commercial trailer loading is disclosed. The method and apparatus may be configured to determine a load-efficiency score for a trailer in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the method and apparatus may determine the score by receiving a set of point cloud data based on 3D image data, analyzing the set of point cloud data, generating a set of data slices based on the set of point cloud data each data slice corresponding to a portion of the 3D image data, estimating a set of missing data points in each data slice in the set of data slices, and calculating a load-efficiency score based on the generated set of data slices and estimated set of missing data points.
Embodiment of the present invention generally relate to bi-optic barcode readers. In an embodiment, the disclosure describes a barcode reader for use in a checkout workstation having a surface. The barcode reader includes: a lower housing portion having a top portion; a first optically transmissive window positioned in the top portion, a top surface of the first optically transmissive window defining a horizontal plane, the top portion of the lower housing being substantially parallel with the surface of the checkout workstation when the barcode reader is used in the checkout workstation; a raised housing portion having a second optically transmissive window, the raised housing portion extending at least partially above the top portion; and a PCB positioned substantially upright relative to the horizontal plane, the PCB having a first imaging assembly and a decode assembly, the barcode reader having no other printed circuit boards with another imaging assembly.
Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to system and methods for estimating the time associated with completion of loading and/or unloading of a container. In an embodiment, the present invention is a method of estimating an estimated time to completion (ETC) of loading a container. The method includes: capturing, via an image capture apparatus, a three-dimensional image representative of a three-dimensional formation, the three-dimensional image having a plurality of points with three-dimensional point data; based at least in part on a first sub-plurality of the points, determining an active load time for the container; based at least in part on a second sub-plurality of the points, determining a fullness of the container; and estimating, by a controller, the ETC based on the active load time and on the fullness.
A three-dimensional (3D) depth imaging system is provided for use in commercial trailer loading applications. A 3D-depth camera may be configured and oriented to capture 3D image data of a vehicle storage area. A depth-detection application executing on one or more processors may determine, based on the 3D image data, at least a wall data region and a non-wall data region. Based on the determination of the wall data and the non-wall data region, the depth-detection application generates a wall indicator that indicates a wall is situated at a discrete depth within the vehicle storage area.
An anti-fraud security tag removal system reads product identifiers on groups of items presented for purchase at a point of sale area. The product identifiers indicate how many of the items include security tags that must be removed. A security tag detacher removes security tags only on items for which the system has detected that the item was present, preventing removal of security tags on items which were not read by the point of sale system. An RF antenna and a security tag detacher are co-located such that the product identifier of the item is highly likely to be read when a sales clerk removes the security tag. The product identifier may be incorporated into the security tag and disabled when the security tag is attached to the item. The product identifier may be shunted by the security tag.
Methods, systems and apparatus for detecting and recognizing graphical character representations in image data using symmetrically-located blank areas are disclosed herein. An example disclosed method includes detecting blank areas in image data; identifying, using the processor, a symmetrically-located pair of the blank areas; and designating an area of the image data between the symmetrically-located pair of the blank areas as a candidate region for an image processing function.
Methods and apparatus for dimensioning an object by enlisting proximate devices to obtain image data representative of the object from multiple perspectives are provided. An example method includes capturing, by a first image capture device, first image data representative of an object from a first perspective; determining whether a second image capture device is within proximity of the first image capture device; and when the second image capture device is within proximity of the first image capture device, sending a request to the second image capture device for second image data representative of the object from a second perspective, wherein the first image data and the second image data are combinable to form a composite representative of the object.
Methods and apparatus for rapidly dimensioning an object are provided. An example method includes capturing, by a plurality of cameras, image data representative of an object; analyzing, by a processor, the image data to identify a plurality of candidate corners of the object; detecting, by the processor, a proximity of an appendage to each of the candidate corners; confirming, by the processor, based on respective proximities of the appendage to the candidate corners of the object, that a first one of the candidate corners is a corner of the object; and calculating, by the processor, based on the confirmed corner of the object, a dimension of the object.
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to the field of barcode readers, and more particularly, to barcode readers having multiple linear image sensors. In an embodiment, a barcode reader includes a first optical assembly including a first linear imaging sensor, a second optical assembly including a second linear imaging sensor, and a controller connected configured to: simultaneously cause both of the first linear imaging sensor and the second linear imaging sensor to respectively capture light from a first FOV and a second FOV for a predetermined amount of time, and simultaneously capture a first output signal from the first linear imaging sensor and a second output signal from the second linear imaging sensor.
Methods, systems, and apparatus for initializing a dimensioning system based on a location of a vehicle carrying an object to be dimensioned. An example method disclosed herein includes receiving, from a location system, location data indicating a location of a vehicle carrying an object; responsive to the location data indicating that the vehicle is approaching an imaging area, initializing, using a logic circuit, a sensor to be primed for capturing data representative of the object; receiving, from a motion detector carried by the vehicle, motion data indicating a speed of the vehicle; and triggering, using the logic circuitry, the sensor to capture data representative of the object at a sample rate based on the speed of the vehicle.
A method and apparatus for capturing an image of at least one object appearing in a field of view (FOV). A housing has an image sensor and a base lens assembly fixedly mounted relative thereto. A moveable lens assembly is movably mounted relative to the housing. The moveable lens, the base lens assembly, and the image sensor are aligned such that light received within the FOV passes through the moveable lens and the base lens assembly and impinges onto the image sensor. The light received from the FOV forms an original image prior to entering the movable lens and the base assembly. Light from the FOV impinging onto the sensor forms an impinging image.
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
G02B 3/02 - Simple or compound lenses with non-spherical faces
G02B 15/15 - 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 compensation by means of only one movement or by means of only linearly related movements, e.g. optical compensation
G02B 15/163 - 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 with interdependent non-linearly related movements between one lens or lens group, and another lens or lens group having a first movable lens or lens group and a second movable lens or lens group, both in front of a fixed lens or lens group
G02B 15/22 - 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 with movable lens means specially adapted for focusing at close distances
Method and apparatus for detecting bulk quantity of RFID tags in a presentation area such as point-of-sale device. Bulk quantity of RFID tags may be detected according to input to the point-of-sale device including through input from symbolic barcode scanner, conveyor belt, weight scale, and/or via RF antenna driven at a first power level. After the bulk quantity of RFID tags is detected, RF antenna is driven at a second, higher power level temporarily to increase bulk RFID tag detection accuracy. "Fringe" tags may be detected by the RF antenna when it is driven at the higher power level that are in the environment but not presented at the point-of-sale device. Fringe tags may be filtered based on RF characterization of the presentation area including driving the RF antenna outside of presentation sessions and/or filtering RFID tags detected across multiple presentation sessions.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
A method and apparatus for verifying a pattern by mapping a grid onto a template that defines a plurality of grid sections. A digital image may be taken of a container showing an identifying mark (or lack thereof). The template and/or grid may be scaled and/or translated to match a perspective of the identifying mark as depicted in the digital image. A correlation function compares individual grid sections to portions of the digital image to find portions that maximize a correlation score. Grid sections with low contrast may be skipped and/or combined with higher-contrast sections to compute a score. If a match condition is satisfied between at least some of the grid sections and the digital image of the identifying mark, the pattern has been verified.
G06K 9/68 - Methods or arrangements for recognition using electronic means using sequential comparisons of the image signals with a plurality of reference, e.g. addressable memory
G06K 7/01 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers - Details
G06K 9/60 - Combination of image acquisition and preprocessing functions
G06K 9/62 - Methods or arrangements for recognition using electronic means
G06K 9/64 - Methods or arrangements for recognition using electronic means using simultaneous comparisons or correlations of the image signals with a plurality of references, e.g. resistor matrix
25.
METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR READING BARCODES CAPTURED ON MULTIPLE IMAGES
At least some embodiments of the present invention relate to methods for stitching barcodes captured over multiple images. In an embodiment, the method includes capturing a first and second portions of a barcode in respective images, determining a presence of a match between the two captured portions, stitching the two portions pursuant to the match, and validating the combined string with the assistance of a reference mark.
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
26.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR STEERING ONE OR MORE PRODUCT READERS AND DETERMINING PRODUCT ATTRIBUTES
Systems and methods for product reader control are described. In various aspects, the product reader control is enhanced with image sensor(s) for steering product reader(s) to determine product attributes associated with scanned products. The product reader control system and methods may capture, with the image sensor(s), one or more images associated with a product. The product may have a product identifier and the product may be located within an onsite venue. Based on the detection of the product identifier in the image(s), a first product reader may be steered in a direction of the product, where the first product reader is located within the onsite venue with the product. The first product reader may scan the product such that the scanning determines at least one attribute associated with the product.
At least some embodiments described herein relate to the field of product scanning systems and arrangements used within a retail venue. In an embodiment, the present invention is a system including: a barcode reader repository having docking stations each with a power connector and a lock; barcode readers docked at and locked by the docking stations, each receiving an electrical charge from the respective power connector; a data acquisition assembly configured to capture and decode a symbol associated with an operator profile, and forward the decoded data for further processing; and a server configured to: receive the decoded data; responsively select one of the plurality of barcode readers resulting in a selected barcode reader; transmit, an unlock signal to the lock locking the selected barcode reader to enable removal; and transmit a beacon signal to activate a beacon that is indicative of a physical location of the selected barcode reader.
A data capture device includes: an imaging module including an image sensor and a lens; a temperature sensor associated with the imaging module; a memory storing, for a plurality of temperatures, respective imaging module response parameters corresponding to the temperatures; an imaging controller connected to the image sensor and the temperature sensor; the imaging controller including a frame generator configured to: receive (i) image data from the image sensor and (ii) a temperature measurement from the temperature sensor; generate a raw image frame containing the temperature measurement and the image data; and provide the raw image frame to a calibrator for generation of a calibrated image frame based on the raw image frame and one of the imaging module response parameters corresponding to the temperature matching the temperature measurement.
A method of radio frequency identification (RFID) tag bearing estimation comprises: at an RFID tag reader having a plurality of antenna elements, emitting a primary transmit beam; receiving a response signal from an RFID tag via the antenna elements; generating a first set of signal measurements corresponding to a first set of receive beam characteristics, based on a first partition of the response signal; generating a second set of signal measurements corresponding to a second set of receive beam characteristics, based on a second partition of the response signal; and combining the first and second sets of signal measurements, for selection of an estimated tag bearing for the RFID tag from the first and second receive beam characteristics.
G06K 7/015 - Aligning or centring of the sensing device with respect to the record carrier
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
H01Q 3/26 - Arrangements for changing or varying the orientation or the shape of the directional pattern of the waves radiated from an antenna or antenna system varying the distribution of energy across a radiating aperture
H04B 17/309 - Measuring or estimating channel quality parameters
A method and apparatus for dimensioning an object carried by an automated pallet mover is disclosed. An example includes an image sensor configured to capture image data representative of a dimensioning area. A dimensioning coordinator is remotely located from an automated transportation system capable of moving the automated pallet mover. The dimensioning coordinator detects a dimensioning trigger condition associated with the pallet mover and sends first instructions to the automated transportation system to move the vehicle to the dimensioning area, and second instructions to coordinate movement of the vehicle and image capture operation to perform dimensioning on the object.
A method in a data capture device of dynamically capturing indicia includes: responsive to initiation of a capture session, receiving a quantity indicator defining an expected number of the indicia to be captured during the capture session; capturing an indicium from a set of indicia and storing a string decoded from the indicium in a capture session buffer; responsive to storing the string, determining whether a number of strings in the capture session buffer matches the expected number defined by the quantity indicator; when the number of strings in the capture session buffer does not match the expected number, repeating (i) the capturing and the storing for a further indicium from the set of indicia, and (ii) the determining; and when the number of strings in the capture session buffer matches the expected number, generating a session termination signal to terminate the capture session.
A method and apparatus for locating a moving target in a venue and for capturing a sequenced timeline of target directed images is described. Target sensing stations having a wide-angle video camera, such as a 180 video camera, are positioned within the venue. Each sensing station includes a sensing unit, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) transceiver unit, that determines a location and/or direction of travel of the target. The sensing station correlates the RFID transceiver information with the wide-angle video camera to specifically filter and process a video stream from the camera, producing target directed image snapshots from the stream that are assembled at a centralized controller into the sequenced timeline images that may be used in monitoring target movement and to establish location chain for prevention of unauthorized movement.
G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
H04N 19/17 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using adaptive coding characterised by the coding unit, i.e. the structural portion or semantic portion of the video signal being the object or the subject of the adaptive coding the unit being an image region, e.g. an object
33.
ULTRASONIC LOCATIONING SYSTEM USING A DOUBLY SYMMETRICAL TRANSMISSION SEQUENCE
A method and apparatus for locating a target in a venue is described. A backend controller activates transmitters in a venue to send burst signals using a double symmetry configuration formed of a plurality of separate transmitter groups. The backend controller activates the transmitters into a second, different configuration for bursting. The resulting location signal information from each configuration is obtained by the backend controller, which then more accurately determines the location of the target in the venue.
H04W 4/029 - Location-based management or tracking services
G01S 5/18 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using ultrasonic, sonic, or infrasonic waves
G01S 5/26 - Position of receiver fixed by co-ordinating a plurality of position lines defined by path-difference measurements
G01S 5/28 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using ultrasonic, sonic, or infrasonic waves by co-ordinating position lines of different shape, e.g. hyperbolic, circular, elliptical or radial
G01S 5/30 - Determining absolute distances from a plurality of spaced points of known location
34.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING AND INTERPRETING PRICE LABEL TEXT
A method of price text detection by an imaging controller comprises obtaining, by the imaging controller, an image of a shelf supporting labels bearing price text, generating, by the imaging controller, a plurality of text regions containing candidate text elements from the image, assigning, by the imaging controller, a classification to each of the text regions, selected from a price text classification and a non-price text classification. The imaging controller, within each of a subset of the text regions having the price text classification: detects a price text sub-region and generates a price text string by applying character recognition to the price text sub-region. The method further includes presenting, by the imaging controller, the locations of the subset of text regions, in association with the corresponding price text strings.
G06Q 30/06 - Buying, selling or leasing transactions
G06K 7/12 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using a selected wavelength, e.g. to sense red marks and ignore blue marks
35.
MULTIMODAL LOCALIZATION AND MAPPING FOR A MOBILE AUTOMATION APPARATUS
A device and method for multimodal localization and mapping for a mobile automation apparatus is provided. Features are extracted from images acquired by a ceiling-facing image device of the mobile automation apparatus in an environment, and stored in association with estimated positions of the mobile automation apparatus in the environment as determined from one or more proprioceptive sensors, as well as in association with features extracted from depth data acquired from a depth-sensing device, for example as map data. The map data is later used by the mobile automation apparatus to navigate the environment based, at least in part, on further images acquired by the ceiling-facing image device.
A method of label detection includes: obtaining a template for a label having a sub-region containing a visual feature, the template defining (i) a label geometry, and (ii) a sub-region geometry relative to the label geometry; obtaining an image; generating a feature mask from the image, the feature mask indicating areas of the image containing the visual feature; for each of a plurality of template positions within the feature mask, determining a score based on a degree of matching between the sub-region geometry and a respective subset of the areas; and selecting and presenting a label location within the image based on the scores.
A method of object status detection for objects supported by a shelf, from shelf image data, includes: obtaining a plurality of images of a shelf, each image including an indication of a gap on the shelf between the objects; registering the images to a common frame of reference; identifying a subset of the gaps having overlapping locations in the common frame of reference; generating a consolidated gap indication from the subset; obtaining reference data including (i) identifiers for the objects and (ii) prescribed locations for the objects within the common frame of reference; based on a comparison of the consolidated gap indication with the reference data, selecting a target object identifier from the reference data; and generating and presenting a status notification for the target product identifier.
G06F 15/18 - in which a program is changed according to experience gained by the computer itself during a complete run; Learning machines (adaptive control systems G05B 13/00;artificial intelligence G06N)
G06K 9/50 - Extraction of features or characteristics of the image by analysing segments intersecting the pattern
G06K 9/78 - Combination of image acquisition and recognition functions
A product status detection system includes a mobile automation apparatus having a sensor to capture data representing a shelf supporting products, responsive to data capture instructions. The system includes a server in communication with the mobile apparatus, having: a mobile apparatus controller to generate data capture instructions for the mobile apparatus; a repository to store captured data from the mobile apparatus; a primary object generator to generate primary data objects from the captured data, each including a location in a common frame of reference; a secondary object generator to generate and store secondary data objects based on the primary data objects; a detector to identify mismatches between reference data and the secondary data objects; and an alert generator to select a subset of the mismatches, and generate and transmit a status alert corresponding to the subset. The system also includes a client device to receive and display the status alert.
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
G08B 17/02 - Mechanical actuation of the alarm, e.g. by the breaking of a wire
G06K 17/00 - Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups , e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
39.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ACCELERATED DATA DECODING
A method of decoding at a data capture device includes concurrently controlling a plurality of image sensors of the data capture device to capture respective images. At least one of the images includes an indicium encoding data. The method further includes storing the images in a memory of the data capture device, and concurrently processing the plurality of images by: retrieving each of the images from the memory; and performing respective decode operations on the images. The method further includes detecting that the data has been successfully decoded from one of the images via one of the decode operations; and responsive to the detecting, interrupting the remaining decode operations.
A charging cradle includes: a cradle housing having a base portion, and a socket portion configured to interchangeably receive (i) a mobile device, (ii) a battery pack for the mobile device, and (iii) the mobile device in combination with the battery pack; the socket portion including: a shared base surface having disposed thereon a set of shared charging contacts; a first set of guide surfaces extending from the shared base surface and defining a first socket configured to receive the mobile device and, in the absence of the battery pack, to engage the shared charging contacts with a first set of contacts on the mobile device; and a second set of guide surfaces extending from the shared base surface and defining a second socket configured to receive the battery pack and engage the shared charging contacts with a second set of contacts on the battery pack.
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
H01M 2/10 - Mountings; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
H02J 7/02 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from ac mains by converters
H04M 1/04 - Supports for telephone transmitters or receivers
Methods, systems and apparatus for segmenting objects are provided. A controller: receives, from one or more sensors, a 3D representation of a scene that includes an object represented by a 3D model; determines an orientation of a 2D image in the 3D representation by matching the 2D image with a corresponding region of the 3D representation; determines a first portion of the 3D representation that corresponds to a subset of the 3D model of the object from: the orientation of the 2D image in the 3D representation; and predetermined matching data representative of a matching of the 2D image with a respective corresponding region of the 3D model, each of the 3D model, the 2D image, and the predetermined matching data stored in a memory accessible to the controller; segments the first portion of the 3D representation from a second portion of the 3D representation.
A mobile device with wrist neutral data capture is provided. The device comprises: a housing; a data capture component configured to change an aiming pattern; a display; an orientation sensor configured to detect an orientation; one or more touch sensors at the housing; a memory storing wrist neutral touch data associated with a wrist neutral grip corresponding to predetermined grip position locations at the touch sensor(s); and a controller configured to: when touch data received at the touch sensor(s)matches the wrist neutral touch data stored in the memory, control the aiming pattern of the data capture component according to the orientation detected by the orientation sensor; and when the touch data does not match the wrist neutral touch data, control a notification device to provide an indicator of the housing being out of the wrist neutral grip.
A ranging system captures successive point clouds from moving freight, and a tracking system tracks successive positions and orientations of the moving freight. A computing device correlates each successive point cloud with each successive position and orientation and time of the moving freight, combines the correlated point clouds to obtain a composite point cloud of the moving freight, and processes the composite point cloud to dimension the moving freight. Once the freight is dimensioned, it may, for example, be efficiently loaded into a container.
G01B 11/14 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring distance or clearance between spaced objects or spaced apertures
44.
SYSTEM AND WORKSTATION FOR, AND METHOD OF, DETERRING THEFT OF A PRODUCT ASSOCIATED WITH A TARGET TO BE ELECTRO-OPTICALLY READ
Successive products associated with targets to be electro-optically read are swiped, in their respective turns, past a window in a point-of-transaction workstation. A motion detector detects movement of each product. A reader electro-optically reads a target associated with each moving product. If the target associated with each moving product has not been read, then this event is deemed suspicious, and the event is flagged for a security investigation designed to deter product theft by sweethearting.
A control method in a mobile automation apparatus includes: - storing a plurality of parametric path definition identifiers and respective corresponding sub-region identifiers identifying sub- regions in a facility; - receiving a task command containing a task identifier, and a target one of the sub-region identifiers identifying a target one of the sub- regions; - retrieving a selected one of the parametric path definition identifiers corresponding to the target sub-region identifier; obtaining a selected one of a plurality of parametric path definitions - including a shape parameter and a reference parameter name - corresponding to the selected parametric path definition identifier; - obtaining a reference parameter value, and generating a sequence of mobile automation apparatus poses according to the parametric path definition - controlling a locomotive assembly of the mobile automation apparatus to traverse the target sub-region according to the sequence of poses.
A mobile device with edge activation is provided. The mobile device comprises: a housing; a data capture component; an actuator disposed on a side of the housing and configured to activate the data capture component when actuated; a display, disposed within the housing; a touch screen disposed on the display; a tactile indicator at the housing between the actuator and the touch screen; and, an activation area of the touch screen, adjacent the tactile indicator, the activation area configured to initiate a digital location for activating the data capture component when touch input is received at the activation area.
An adapter for a mobile device is provided. The adapter comprises a plug including an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface opposite the outer surface. The adapter further comprises a surface mount connection port located at the outer surface. The adapter further comprises a male connector extending from the inner surface. The adapter further comprises one or more electrical connections between the male connector and the surface mount connection port. The plug is configured to mate with a socket of a device, and the male connector is configured to mate with a respective female connection port of the device located within the socket, the outer surface of the plug being flush with a respective outer surface of the device when the plug is mated with the socket.
Methods, systems and apparatus for detecting object location and generating alerts are disclosed herein. An example disclosed method includes determining an assigned area for an object being handled by a loader; detecting a first location of the loader; determining whether the first location corresponds to the assigned area for the object; and in response to the first location not corresponding to the assigned area for the object, generating a first output indicative of a difference between the first location and the assigned area for the object.
Methods, systems, and apparatus for segmenting and dimensioning objects are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein includes determining a first sensor of a plurality of sensors toward which a vehicle is moving based on image data generating by the plurality of sensors; designating the first sensor as a reference sensor; combining the image data from the plurality of sensors to generate combined image data representative of the vehicle and an object carried by the vehicle, the combining based on reference sensor; generating a plurality of clusters based on the combined image data; and identifying a first one of the clusters nearest the reference sensor as the object.
Spaced-apart light spots are projected in a light pattern on a target surface lying in a target plane. A range spot is projected at a position on the target surface to find a target distance to the target surface. An image of the target surface, light pattern, and range spot is captured along an imaging axis that is perpendicular to an imager plane of an imager. A controller determines an angular relationship between the imager and target planes based on the light pattern in the captured image, determines a scale relationship between the target surface and the imager based on the position of the range spot in the captured image, displays a compensated image of the target surface that is corrected in tilt by the angular relationship and in scale by the scale relationship, and determines dimensions of the target surface based on dimensions of the displayed compensated image.
G01B 11/25 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of optical techniques for measuring contours or curvatures by projecting a pattern, e.g. moiré fringes, on the object
G01S 17/42 - Simultaneous measurement of distance and other coordinates
Systems, devices and methods for providing communications between a beamforming access point and a non-beamforming device are provided. The access point determines a beamforming steering matrix from a feedback matrix received from a beamforming device located at a given position, and controls the communication interface to beam form using the beamforming steering matrix to communicate with a non-beamforming device located at the given position. A beamforming device may receive an identifier and characteristics of a non-beamforming device in wireless communication therewith, determine, from the characteristics, a feedback matrix of the non-beamforming device, and transmit the feedback matrix to an access point
H04B 7/06 - Diversity systems; Multi-antenna systems, i.e. transmission or reception using multiple antennas using two or more spaced independent antennas at the transmitting station
52.
ARRANGEMENT FOR, AND METHOD OF, ESTABLISHING A PAIRED CONNECTION BETWEEN A WIRELESS, ELECTRO-OPTICAL READER AND ONE OR MORE HOSTS
A wireless, Bluetooth® paired connection is established between a wireless, electro-optical reader and a host by reading a multi-parameter, pairing symbol displayed by the host. An identification parameter is extracted from the pairing symbol to automatically identify the host, and one or more configuration parameters are substantially simultaneously extracted from the same pairing symbol to automatically configure the paired connection between the reader and the host.
Multiple stationary radio frequency (RF) identification (RFID) readers are deployed overhead in a venue and are operated to read RFID tags. A mobile RFID reader is also operated in the venue for reading the RFID tags. The mobile reader is located in the venue, and a host server synchronizes the operation of the stationary readers with the operation of the mobile reader, determines when the mobile reader is in substantially simultaneous, synchronous operation with the stationary readers, and responsively modifies the operation of the stationary and mobile RFID readers to optimize the RFID reading performance.
A client device and method for analysis of a predetermined set of parameters associated with a radio coupling to a WLAN is provided. The client device includes a memory and a radio coupled to at least one processor. The at least one processor executes in the memory a first client Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) stack having a plurality of layers configured to couple the radio to a WLAN. The at least one processor also executes in the memory a second client WLAN stack emulating the plurality of layers of the first client WLAN stack. The at least one processor is configured to receive, at the second client WLAN stack, data from the plurality of layers of the first client WLAN stack and analyze a predetermined set of WLAN parameters of the client device based on the data received from the plurality of layers of the first client WLAN stack.
A distance to a target to be read by image capture over a range of working distances is determined by directing an aiming light spot along an aiming axis to the target, and by capturing a first image of the target containing the aiming light spot, and by capturing a second image of the target without the aiming light spot. Each image is captured in a frame over a field of view having an imaging axis offset from the aiming axis. An image pre-processor compares first image data from the first image with second image data from the second image over a common fractional region of both frames to obtain a position of the aiming light spot in the first image, and determines the distance to the target based on the position of the aiming light spot in the first image.
An imaging sensor of an imaging reader senses return light from a target to be read by image capture along an imaging axis over a field of view that extends along mutually orthogonal, horizontal and vertical axes. Two aiming light assemblies are offset from the sensor, and direct an aiming light pattern at the target. The pattern has an aiming mark in a central area of the pattern, and a pair of aiming light lines that are collinear along the horizontal axis. The visibility of the aiming mark is enhanced by optically configuring the aiming mark to be different in brightness and/or color and/or size and/or state of existence relative to a remaining area of the pattern. The aiming mark of enhanced visibility constitutes a prominent visual indicator of a center zone of the field of view.
An electronic article surveillance (EAS) assembly is installable in a workstation that processes products associated with targets to be electro-optically read. The assembly includes a radio frequency (RF) antenna having a pair of RF feed lines and a conductive loop for generating an electromagnetic field to deactivate EAS tags associated with the products to be processed, and a protective carrier for supporting and protecting the antenna during the installation in a predetermined position in the workstation.
Implementations relate to a device and method for barcode scanning and dimensioning. In some implementations, the method includes acquiring a two-dimensional (2D) preview image of an object, and processing the 2D preview image to determine one or more dark areas and to determine a location of a code on the object. The method also includes acquiring a three-dimensional (3D) image of the object based on the one or more dark areas, and processing the 3D image to determine depth data and to determine dimensions of the object. The method also includes acquiring a 2D data capture image of the object based on the depth data in the processed 3D image, where the 2D data capture image captures the code. The method also includes reading the code based on the 2D data capture image.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
59.
IMAGING MODULE AND READER FOR, AND METHOD OF, READING A TARGET BY IMAGE CAPTURE THROUGH A WINDOW IN DIRECT, SEALED CONTACT WITH THE MODULE
A light-transmissive window (26) is positioned in direct, sealing contact with a chassis (70) of an imaging module for reading a target by image capture. The chassis (70) has a plurality of interior compartments, each having an opening. An imager (10), an aiming light source, and an illuminating light source are mounted on a common printed circuit board and individually contained in the compartments. The window (26) covers each opening and environmentally seals, optically isolates, and resists entry of the light from the aiming and/or illuminating light sources into, the interior compartment.
Ultrasonic transmitters periodically transmit ultrasonic ranging signals, and an ultrasonic receiver receives the ultrasonic ranging signals on a mobile device in order to locate the mobile device in a venue. A controller determines a noise level in the venue, and varies a sound level of the periodically ranging signals based on the determined noise level, thereby optimizing the position of the mobile device.
G01S 1/74 - Beacons or beacon systems transmitting signals having a characteristic or characteristics capable of being detected by non-directional receivers and defining directions, positions, or position lines fixed relatively to the beacon transmitters; Receivers co-operating therewith using ultrasonic, sonic, or infrasonic waves - Details
G01S 1/80 - Systems for determining direction or position line using a comparison of transit time of synchronised signals transmitted from non-directional transducers or transducer systems spaced apart, i.e. path-difference systems
61.
IMAGING MODULE AND READER FOR, AND METHOD OF, VARIABLY ILLUMINATING TARGETS TO BE READ BY IMAGE CAPTURE OVER A RANGE OF WORKING DISTANCES
A range finder determines a distance to a target to be read by image capture over a range of working distances. Near and far imagers (12, 14) can capture return light from the target over relatively wider and relatively narrower imaging fields of view, respectively. An illuminating light assembly illuminates the target with illumination light of variable intensity. A controller selects at least one of the imagers and energizes the illuminating light assembly to illuminate the target with illumination light having an intensity that is a function of the distance determined by the range finder.
A window environmentally seals an imaging reader operative for reading a target by image capture. An integrated optical system having one or more optical elements is formed of one-piece construction with the window for optically modifying an aiming light and/or an illuminating light passing through the optical elements.
A device and method of dimensioning using digital images and depth data is provided. The device includes a camera and a depth sensing device whose fields of view generally overlap. Segments of shapes belonging to an object identified in a digital image from the camera are identified. Based on respective depth data, from the depth sensing device, associated with each of the segments of the shapes belonging to the object, it is determined whether each of the segments is associated with a same shape belonging to the object. Once all the segments are processed to determine their respective associations with the shapes of the object in the digital image, dimensions of the object are computed based on the respective depth data and the respective associations of the shapes.
Multiple sensing network units are deployed overhead in a venue. Each unit supports a video system for detecting a level of activity in the venue, and one or more sensing systems, such as an RFID system for reading RFID tags in the venue and/or an ultrasonic locationing system for locating mobile devices in the venue, in response to the activity level detected by the video system. The performance of the sensing systems is adjusted and optimized in response to the detected activity level.
A user moves about a venue, and operates a mobile reader to read a product tag in a read zone of the mobile reader. An identifier, such as a user identity badge, is associated with the user to identify the user. A sensing system is deployed in the venue for sensing the location of the identifier. A host server associates the mobile reader with the identifier of the user operating the mobile reader, and determines a location of the product tag in the venue based on the read zone and the location of the identifier.
Disclosed herein are methods and systems for highlighting box surfaces and edges in mobile box dimensioning. An embodiment takes the form of a method that includes obtaining a three-dimensional (3D) point cloud from a depth sensor when the depth sensor is positioned such that an aiming indicator appears on a first surface of an object; processing the 3D point cloud to identify an extent of the first surface; further processing the 3D point cloud to identify a second surface that is adjacent and normal to the first surface, and to identify an extent of the second surface; and displaying at least part of the 3D point cloud via a user interface, including displaying the identified first surface in a first color and the identified second surface in a second color different from the first color.
Multiple sensing network units are deployed in a venue. Each unit includes an overhead housing, and supports a plurality of electrically-powered sensor modules for sensing targets in the venue, and for generating target data indicative of the targets. Each unit preferably also includes a network communications module. Each module is interchangeably mounted in the housing. A power and data distribution system transmits network control data and electrical power to the sensor modules, and transmits the target data away from the sensor modules.
G01S 5/18 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using ultrasonic, sonic, or infrasonic waves
G01S 13/74 - Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems
68.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR PROCESSING POINT-CLOUD DATA WITH A LINE SCANNER
Described herein are methods and systems for processing point-cloud data with a line scanner. One embodiment takes the form of a method that includes: receiving a 3D point cloud that is representative of an object; using one or more line scanners to identify one or more respective outer bounds of the object; and dimensioning the object based on points in the point cloud, wherein each of the points in the point cloud that are used for dimensioning the object is at or inside every identified outer bound.
G01S 17/42 - Simultaneous measurement of distance and other coordinates
G01S 17/89 - Lidar systems, specially adapted for specific applications for mapping or imaging
G01S 7/48 - RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group
69.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR HIGH PRECISION LOCATIONING WITH DEPTH VALUES
Described herein are methods and systems for high-precision locationing with depth values. One embodiment takes the form of a method that includes: receiving multiple depth values that correspond respectively to depth readings from multiple depth sensors positioned on a freight moving vehicle and oriented towards an overhead surface, wherein different portions of the overhead surface are positioned at different heights above a floor surface, determining a position and orientation of the freight-moving vehicle at least in part by querying a lookup table using the received multiple depth values, wherein the lookup table maps respective heights of the respective different portions of the overhead surface to known positions of the different portions of the overhead surface; and outputting the determined position and orientation of the freight-moving vehicle.
G01S 17/06 - Systems determining position data of a target
G01S 17/87 - Combinations of systems using electromagnetic waves other than radio waves
G01S 7/48 - RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES - Details of systems according to groups , , of systems according to group
70.
DEVICE AND METHOD OF TRANSMITTING FULL-FRAME IMAGES AND SUB-SAMPLED IMAGES OVER A COMMUNICATION INTERFACE
A device and method of transmitting full-frame images and sub-sampled images over a communication interface are provided. The device comprises: a first camera device and a second camera device; one or more camera communication interfaces in communication with the first camera device and the second camera device; an output communication interface; and, an image streaming processor configured to: receive full-frame images from each of the first camera device and the second camera device using the one or more camera communication interfaces; synchronize the full-frame images in pairs; scale a first subset of the pairs of the full-frame images to produce a set of pairs of sub-scaled images; and, transmit the set of pairs of sub-scaled images and a second subset of the pairs of the full-frame images over the output communication interface, the second subset of the pairs of the full-frame images remaining unscaled.
H04N 13/00 - PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION - Details thereof
H04N 19/177 - Methods or arrangements for coding, decoding, compressing or decompressing digital video signals using adaptive coding characterised by the coding unit, i.e. the structural portion or semantic portion of the video signal being the object or the subject of the adaptive coding the unit being a group of pictures [GOP]
H04N 19/156 - Availability of hardware or computational resources, e.g. encoding based on power-saving criteria
71.
METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR A BIND FREE PIVOTING TRIGGER MECHANISM
A trigger assembly including a cylindrical pivot shaft having a pivot-shaft longitudinal axis; a trigger key having a front face, a back face opposite the front face, an actuator extending from the back face, and a trigger-key longitudinal axis, wherein the a first end on the of the trigger key has a plurality of through holes arranged to receive the cylindrical pivot shaft; a trigger-key support having an aperture for the actuator to pass through, the trigger-key support further having a plurality of pivot-shaft supports, wherein each pivot-shaft support includes a concave surface configured to receive the cylindrical pivot shaft; and a trigger bezel having a plurality of substantially flat surfaces positioned to constrain the pivot shaft in opposition to the plurality of pivot-shaft supports, wherein the substantially flat surfaces are located at different positions along the pivot-shaft longitudinal axis than are the pivot-shaft supports.
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a scanner with a replaceable bezel and desiccant cartridge. One embodiment takes the form of a scanner that includes a device housing. The scanner also includes a data acquisition module within the device housing. The scanner also includes a detachable rear bezel affixed to the device housing. The scanner also includes a desiccant cartridge removably attached to the interior wall of the detachable rear bezel.
A method and apparatus for receiving a depth frame from a depth sensor oriented towards an open end of a shipping container, the depth frame comprising a plurality of grid elements that each have a respective depth value, identifying one or more occlusions in the depth frame, correcting the one or more occlusions in the depth frame using one or more temporally proximate depth frames, and outputting the corrected depth frame for fullness estimation.
G06Q 50/28 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading, distribution or shipping
G01F 17/00 - Methods or apparatus for determining the capacity of containers or cavities, or the volume of solid bodies
74.
SYSTEM FOR, AND METHOD OF, ACCURATELY AND RAPIDLY DETERMINING, IN REAL-TIME, TRUE BEARINGS OF RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) TAGS ASSOCIATED WITH ITEMS IN A CONTROLLED AREA
A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reading system and method accurately and rapidly determine, in real-time, true bearings of RFID tags associated with items in a controlled area. Primary transmit and receive beams are steered over the area, and multiple secondary receive beams are substantially simultaneously steered to a plurality of bearings in the area. The highest signal strength of secondary receive signals from the secondary receive beams determines an approximate tag bearing of each tag. Two secondary receive beams at opposite sides of the approximate tag bearing in elevation are selected to obtain a pair of elevation offset signals, and two secondary receive beams at opposite sides of the approximate tag bearing in azimuth are selected to obtain a pair of azimuth offset signals. The elevation offset signals and the azimuth offset signals are processed to determine a true bearing for each tag in real-time.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
G06Q 10/08 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
G01S 13/75 - Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems using transponders powered from received waves, e.g. using passive transponders
G06K 19/077 - Constructional details, e.g. mounting of circuits in the carrier
G01S 13/02 - Systems using reflection of radio waves, e.g. primary radar systems; Analogous systems
75.
ARRANGEMENT FOR, AND METHOD OF, CONSERVING BATTERY POWER IN A BLUETOOTH LOW ENERGY BEACON
A Bluetooth low energy (BLE) beacon in a BLE network is electrically powered by a battery, broadcasts messages, and listens for a network communication indicative of whether a mobile device is present in a venue. A beacon controller controls the beacon to periodically broadcast the messages and to periodically listen for the network communication during an active mode of operation, to not broadcast the messages to conserve power from the battery and to listen for the network communication during a power save mode of operation, and to switch from the power save mode to the active mode when the network communication received during the power save mode indicates that a mobile device is present in the venue.
H04W 48/16 - Discovering; Processing access restriction or access information
H04W 64/00 - Locating users or terminals for network management purposes, e.g. mobility management
G01S 1/00 - Beacons or beacon systems transmitting signals having a characteristic or characteristics capable of being detected by non-directional receivers and defining directions, positions, or position lines fixed relatively to the beacon transmitters; Receivers co-operating therewith
76.
COMPACT MIRROR ARRANGEMENT FOR AND METHOD OF CAPTURING LIGHT OVER MULTIPLE SUBFIELDS OF VIEW THROUGH AN UPRIGHT WINDOW OF A POINT-OF-TRANSACTION WORKSTATION
A compact optical arrangement splits the field of view of an upwardly-looking imager (30) into a plurality of intersecting subfields (30l, 30C, 30R) along which return light from a target passes through and past an upright window (22) to the imager. A top mirror is positioned along a vertical axis directly above the imager. Overhead mirror portions located between the imager and the top mirror are spaced radially apart to enable the return light reflected by the top mirror to bypass the overhead mirror portions and pass unobstructedly directly to the imager along a central subfield. A plurality of side fold mirrors (46, 48, 50, 52) reflects the return light passing through the upright window to the overhead mirror portions. The overhead mirror portions are positioned apart to enable the return light reflected by the side fold mirrors to pass to the imager along a pair of outer subfields.
Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags that pass through a portal in a venue are read by a portal RFID reader, and identified as being tags having a higher priority as compared to other RFID tags in the venue that have a lower priority. The identities of the high-priority tags are transmitted to an overhead RFID reader, which preferentially reads the high-priority tags over the low-priority tags in the venue. Only the high-priority RFID tags are located and tracked in the venue.
A method and data capture device (100) including a transceiver (108) operable to communication with a host server (114), a user interface, a database (106) configured to store expected indicia received from the host server, a data capture engine operable to capture an indicia identity for decoding, and a processor (104) operable to direct the data capture engine to capture an indicia for decoding. The processor is further operable to verify whether the decoded indicia identity matches one of the expected indicia identities in the database, wherein if the association is verified, the processor provides an indication on the user interface that the decoded indicia is valid as an expected indicia.
Ultrasonic transmitters periodically transmit ranging signals, and an ultrasonic receiver receives the ranging signals on a mobile device movable along a tracking path in a venue. The most recent, successive, historical positions at which the mobile device had been along the tracking path is determined. A current, real-time position of the mobile device is obtained by determining an intermediate estimated position of the mobile device based at least partly on the last historical position, and by averaging the intermediate estimated position, together with a variable number of the historical positions. The number of the historical positions is varied as a function of a speed of the mobile device.
A transmitter subsystem periodically transmits ranging signals at transmit times, and a receiver subsystem receives the ranging signals at receive times within a receiver window having an adjustable time duration. A real-time position of a mobile device supporting one of the subsystems is determined based on differences between the receive and transmit times. An expected arrival time for the transmitted ranging signals is determined based on the real-time position of the mobile device. Each receive time is compared with the expected arrival time to obtain a consistency rate of the ranging signals that are received by the receiver subsystem directly from the transmitter subsystem. The time duration of the receiver window is dynamically adjusted based on the consistency rate.
An imaging lens assembly for an imaging reader includes a base lens having an optical power, a target side facing a target, and an imager side facing an imager. An aperture stop directly contacts the imager side and has an aperture through which return light from the target passes. The aperture is magnified in apparent size by the optical power of the base lens to form a magnified entrance pupil as seen through the target side. A variable focus liquid lens focuses the return light captured by the magnified entrance pupil over an extended range of working distances onto the imager. The magnified entrance pupil captures more of the return light from the target to pass through the base lens and the liquid lens to the imager, and also allows the target to be illuminated with a lower brightness to conserve electrical power.
Different types of targets are illuminated by first and second illuminating assemblies. A solid-state imager is exposed during a first exposure period, and not exposed during a first non-exposed period, during a first frame. The first illuminating assembly produces a first light pulse during the first exposure period to capture return light from a first target type. The imager is exposed during a second exposure period, and not exposed during a second non-exposed period, during a second frame. The second light assembly produces a second light pulse during the second exposure period to capture return light from a second target type. During the non-exposed periods, a plurality of light pulses are produced with a combined illumination light output power that is substantially the same for each frame and at an illumination rate that enables a human eye to perceive the illumination light pulses as substantially continuous in illumination.
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
83.
COMPACT MIRROR ARRANGEMENT FOR AND METHOD OF CAPTURING LIGHT AND ILLUMINATING TARGETS THROUGH A HORIZONTAL WINDOW OF A POINT-OF-TRANSACTION WORKSTATION
A pair of overhead mirror portions splits a field of view of an imager into first and second subfields of view. An illuminating assembly is energized to illuminate a target. A first part of the imager is exposed to capture return illumination light from the target passing through a horizontal window of a workstation over the first subfield of view, and a second part of the imager is alternately and subsequently exposed to capture return illumination light from the target passing through the horizontal window over the second subfield of view.
An illuminating light assembly in a healthcare scanner illuminates a target to be electro-optically read with visible illumination light of a first color, e.g., white, during a day mode, and illuminates the target with visible illumination light of a second, more psychologically soothing, color, e.g., red or amber, during a night mode. A solid-state imager captures an image of the illuminated target in either mode, and a controller processes the captured image in either mode.
A cordless, electro-optical reader (30) is compatibly docked with different docking stations having station contacts located at different locations. A rechargeable battery is mounted in a housing that extends along a longitudinal axis. Multiple housing contacts (40, 42, 44, 46,48) are located on the housing. Some housing contacts conduct electrical power to recharge the battery; other housing contacts conduct electrical signals to and from a controller. Each housing contact has one exposed contact portion facing in a first direction, e.g., axially along the longitudinal axis, to make electro-mechanical contact with station contacts located at one location of one docking station, and another exposed contact portion facing in a different second direction, e.g., transversely of the longitudinal axis, to make electro-mechanical contact with station contacts located at another location of another docking station.
A reader electro-optically reads symbols associated with products to obtain read data, and a controller decodes the read data to obtain symbol data indicative of the associated products. Reading performance is assessed by collecting time-to-decode metadata by determining each decode time period that is taken for each symbol data to be successfully decoded, by associating the collected time-to-decode metadata with the symbol data, by comparing the collected time-to-decode metadata with a predetermined long amount of decode time that is indicative of a slow reading performance, by storing each decode time period that at least equals said predetermined long amount of decode time, and by storing the symbol data associated with each stored decode time period.
A method and apparatus with predictive triggering includes a housing including electronics operable to perform a process that can be activated by a user depressing a trigger with a finger. A trigger is operable to activate the electronics to perform the process. A proximity sensor is operable to detect a user's finger in proximity to the trigger. A processor coupled to the electronics, trigger, and proximity sensor, wherein when the proximity sensor detects a user's finger in proximity to the trigger, before the user's finger actually depresses the trigger, the processor initiates activation of the electronics to perform a portion of the process, and when the user's finger depresses the trigger, the processor directs the electronics to complete the process.
An imaging barcode scanner and method are provided. The scanner includes a first array of photosensitive elements having a first field of view traversing a window and intersecting a work surface at a first angle, and a second array of photosensitive elements having a second field of view traversing the window and intersecting the work surface at a second angle. The scanner also includes a processor configured to: receive a first image of the work surface from the first array of photosensitive elements, and a second image of the work surface from the second array of photosensitive elements; register the first image with the second image; and generate an enhanced image of the work surface based on the registered first image and second image, the enhanced image having a greater pixel density than the first image and the second image.
A portable data capture device and method for using the same are provided. The portable capture device includes a data capture module, a processor and a sensory indicator component. The data capture module captures data from a data bearing element. The processor determines that that the data has been successfully captured, subsequently processes the data to extract at least one characteristic thereof, and determines an indicator associated with the at least one characteristic. The sensory indicator component presents the indicator.
A method, device and system for picking items in a warehouse a method of controlling picking of items in a warehouse is provided. The method comprises: receiving, at processor of a mobile device, using a communication interface of the mobile device, location sensitive data associated with at least one item to be picked within the warehouse, the mobile device comprising the processor, the communication interface and a display; and, rendering, at the display using the processor, instructions for picking the at least one item in the warehouse, the instructions including the location sensitive data, the instructions updated to emphasize different subsets of the location sensitive data based on a current location of the mobile device relative to a location of the at least one item in the warehouse.
An eMMC functionality expander, and methods there for, are provided herein. For example, provided herein is a device comprising: a first processor; a multimedia card memory ("eMMC" ); a second processor; a client eMMC interface between the second processor and the first processor; a host eMMC interface between the second processor and the eMMC; and an NVRAM ("Non-Volatile Random Access Memory") in communication with the second processor, the second processor configured to manage data storage to the eMMC and the NVRAM so that the eMMC and the NVRAM appears as a single storage device to the first processor. The NVRAM can also be used to provide communication between the first processor and a slave processor. Furthermore, the NVRAM can store boot data, and the like, to decrease the boot times of the processors and the boot time of the device.
Barcode fragments of a barcode symbol to be read by an imaging-based presentation workstation are stitched together by capturing a plurality of images, each containing a barcode fragment and a plurality of features located adjacent to the barcode fragment. The features in each captured image are detected and matched. The barcode fragments are stitched together based on the matched features in the captured images. The barcode symbol is read from the stitched barcode fragments.
G06K 7/14 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
93.
APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF ESTIMATING DIMENSIONS OF AN OBJECT ASSOCIATED WITH A CODE IN AUTOMATIC RESPONSE TO READING THE CODE
Dimensions of an object associated with an electro-optically readable code are estimated by aiming a handheld device at a scene containing the object supported on a base surface. A scanner on the device scans the scene over a field of view to obtain a position of a reference point of the code associated with the object, and reads the code. A dimensioning sensor on the device captures a three-dimensional (3D) point cloud of data points of the scene in automatic response to the reading of the code. A controller clusters the point cloud into data clusters, locates the reference point of the code in one of the data clusters, extracts from the point cloud the data points of the one data cluster belonging to the object, and processes the extracted data points belonging to the object to estimate the dimensions of the object.
A method and apparatus for determining the position of a RFID tag. The method includes the following: (1) measuring the position of an active device to an accuracy of better than 1.0 meter using a radio locating system to determine the position of a reference point; (2) detecting a first RF signal from a reference RFID tag near the reference point with an RF receiver in an RFID reading system; (3) detecting a second RF signal from a RFID tag of interest with the RF receiver in the RFID reading system; and (4) processing both the first RF signal and the second RF signal and relying upon at least partially the position of the reference point to determine the position of the RFID tag of interest.
G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
G01S 3/14 - Systems for determining direction or deviation from predetermined direction
G01S 13/82 - Systems using reradiation of radio waves, e.g. secondary radar systems; Analogous systems wherein continuous-type signals are transmitted
95.
NON-PARAMETRIC METHOD OF AND SYSTEM FOR ESTIMATING DIMENSIONS OF OBJECTS OF ARBITRARY SHAPE
A non-parametric method of, and system for, dimensioning an object of arbitrary shape, captures a three-dimensional (3D) point cloud of data points over a field of view containing the object and a base surface on which the object is positioned, detects a base plane indicative of the base surface from the point cloud, extracts the data points of the object from the point cloud, processes the extracted data points of the object to obtain a convex hull, and fits a bounding box of minimum volume to enclose the convex hull. The bounding box has a pair of mutually orthogonal planar faces, and the fitting is performed by orienting one of the faces to be generally perpendicular to the base plane, and by simultaneously orienting the other of the faces to be generally parallel to the base plane.
A technique that reduces interference from an adjacent uncoordinated locationing system (130) includes a plurality of transmitters (100) to transmit signals in accordance with a transmission timing sequence. At least one receiver (110) receives said signals. A backend controller (140) can detect interference from an adjacent uncoordinated locationing system using the receiver, whereupon the controller is operable to modify the transmission timing sequence of the signals emitted by the transmitters, and determine a change in the interference in order to select a sequence that minimizes interference. The controller can modify the transmission timing sequence of the signals emitted by those transmitters near the interference and not modify the sequence of the signals emitted by transmitters that are not subject to the interference.
G01S 5/18 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using ultrasonic, sonic, or infrasonic waves
G01S 1/74 - Beacons or beacon systems transmitting signals having a characteristic or characteristics capable of being detected by non-directional receivers and defining directions, positions, or position lines fixed relatively to the beacon transmitters; Receivers co-operating therewith using ultrasonic, sonic, or infrasonic waves - Details
G01S 5/02 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinations; Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using radio waves
97.
SYSTEM FOR AND METHOD OF ESTIMATING BEARINGS OF RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION (RFID) TAGS THAT RETURN RFID RECEIVE SIGNALS WHOSE POWER IS BELOW A PREDETERMINED THRESHOLD
An RFID tag reading system and method estimate bearings of RFID tags. When the RSSI of a primary and/or secondary RFID receive signal is below a threshold, a primary receive beam is steered in a limited scan to an array of locations distributed around the location at which the RSSI of the primary receive signal is a maximum, and the RSSI of the primary receive signal is recorded at each location. The recorded RSSIs are processed to determine an effective weighted center of distribution of the recorded RSSIs, and the bearing for the tag based on the weighted center of distribution is thus estimated.
Bluetooth Low Energy nodes are serially-connected with a cable that includes power lines and can include communication wires. The nodes do not have individual batteries. Instead, a single common power source is connected to the wires to provide power for all the nodes. The nodes can also be connected in series with the communication wires (which can be the same as the power wires) along a length of the cable. A headend interface can also be connected at one point of the cable to provide a communication interface with the nodes. The nodes can transmit and/or receive beacons to be used for locationing of mobile devices.
A method and apparatus for a co-located Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) device and ultrasonic device includes an RFID reader loop antenna element oriented parallel to a reflector panel. An ultrasonic emitter is disposed through an aperture in the reflector panel with a horn that extends through the loop element. The horn can serve as a mounting structure for the antenna element. A diameter of the aperture is less than one-quarter wavelength of an operating frequency of the RFID reader loop antenna element. The aperture is located in the reflector panel near a minimum E-field area of the RFID reader loop antenna element.
Ultrasonic locationing interleaved with alternate audio functions includes a plurality of transmitters for emitting ultrasonic bursts and alternate audio signals. A backend controller schedules the ultrasonic bursts and alternate audio signals from each transmitter. The backend controller can characterize an interference effect of defined interference parameters for each alternate audio signal, with respect to the ultrasonic bursts, and modify interleave scheduling of the ultrasonic bursts and alternate audio signals in accordance with the respective interference effect. A mobile device can receive the ultrasonic bursts for locationing of the mobile device, while a user or other device that can act on information in the alternate audio signals. Input from a user to an interface device can trigger the backend controller to schedule an alternate audio signal containing information related to the input.
G01S 1/74 - Beacons or beacon systems transmitting signals having a characteristic or characteristics capable of being detected by non-directional receivers and defining directions, positions, or position lines fixed relatively to the beacon transmitters; Receivers co-operating therewith using ultrasonic, sonic, or infrasonic waves - Details
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