Abstract:
Apparatuses and methods for scanned beam imagers and scanned beam endoscopes that utilize multiple light collectors are disclosed. In one aspect, a scanned beam imager is disclosed. The scanned beam imager includes a scanned beam source operable to scan a beam onto a region of interest of an object. The scanned beam imager further includes a first light collector structured to collect light reflected from the region of interest and a second light collector positionable relative to the scanning tip. The second light collector structured to collect light transmitted through the region of interest.
Abstract:
Aspects of the subject matter described herein relate to improving images obtained from an image-acquiring system (e.g., such as a scanned laser beam camera, a scanned laser imager, or other image-acquiring system). In certain aspects, an image frame is obtained from which a histogram is created. Characteristics of the image are determined based on the histogram. These characteristics are used to make an image quality judgment regarding the image. This judgment is then used to adjust parameters in the image-acquiring system for obtaining a subsequent frame. Parameters may be adjusted even if the image is judged as normal. Other aspects are described in the specification.
Abstract:
A scanned beam imager or laser scanner is operable to scan an object moving through its field-of-view. The system may include means for detecting direction and/or speed of the object. The velocity detection means may include sensors, an interface for receiving velocity information from other system elements, or image analysis that examines the skew, stretch, or compression in images. Responsive to object movement direction and speed, the scanned beam imager may alter its pixel capture rate and/or its scan rate to compensate. Alternatively or in combination, the imager may perform software-based image motion compensation. In some embodiments, the system may allow the image capture region to pace objects moving rapidly through its field-of-view.
Abstract:
Apparatuses and methods for scanned beam imagers and scanned beam endoscopes that utilize multiple light collectors are disclosed. In one aspect, a scanned beam imager is disclosed. The scanned beam imager includes a scanned beam source operable to scan a beam onto a region of interest of an object. The scanned beam imager further includes a first light collector structured to collect light reflected from the region of interest and a second light collector positionable relative to the scanning tip. The second light collector structured to collect light transmitted through the region of interest.
Abstract:
An aperture plate includes an opening and a surface adjacent to the opening. The opening passes electromagnetic energy such as light to a reflector that is aligned with the opening and that directs the electromagnetic energy to a location. The surface reflects incident electromagnetic energy away from the location in a direction that is outside of the range of directions. Such an aperture plate insures that electromagnetic energy, e.g., light, strikes only the desired portions of the reflector, and that peripheral light that is outside of the aperture opening is reflected away from the location, e.g., display screen, toward which the reflector directs the electromagnetic energy. Furthermore, because such an aperture plate is mounted near the reflector, the alignment tolerances are typically less stringent than for an aperture plate mounted near the energy source.
Abstract:
A scanner such as a bar-code scanner includes a scan-beam generator, a beam reflector having a first magnet, and a beam-sweep mechanism having a second magnet. The beam-sweep mechanism causes the reflector to sweep the scan beam across a target such as a bar-code symbol by exerting a force on the first magnet with the second magnet. In one example, attraction between the magnets holds the reflector steady in a non-sweep position. Conversely, in a sweep position, repulsion between the magnets causes the reflector to oscillate and sweep the scan beam across a target such as a bar-code symbol. Because it does not include a motor for rotating a beam-sweep mirror, the scanner is often smaller and uses less electrical energy than motorized bar-code scanners.
Abstract:
An apparatus, such as a printer or reader receives a data stream from a memory, such as from an RF or photonic memory, and compares portions of the data stream to a table of data. If a portion of the data matches an entry in the table, a corresponding entry in the table causes the apparatus to be automatically configured. Alternatively, an apparatus receives a data stream to be written, such as in a bar code symbol or tag memory. The apparatus analyzes portions of the data, comparing portions of the data to a reference table. If the apparatus identifies a match, the apparatus adjusts the writing of such data. For example, the printer writes a portion of the incoming data stream to both fields in a bar code symbol and in a portion of the memory in an adjacent RF readable tag.
Abstract:
A data carrier reader is capable of executing a number of different reading methods. One method performs an inclusive search, identifying all RFID tags having a characteristic data string that appears on a list of characteristic data strings, for example, stored in a buffer. Another method performs and exclusive search, identifying any RFID tags having a characteristic data string that does not appear on the list. In each method, the data carrier reader provides a consistent and intuitive output the user to identify the successful and unsuccessful operations such as locating a desired RFID tag on the list or missing from the list.
Abstract:
A dual technology printer includes first and second print stations having a polychromatic print engine and a monochromatic print engine, respectively. The print engines are preferably an ink jet print engine and a thermal print engine. A variable length media queue is formed between the two print stations. The queue may be formed by a guide roller that defines a loop of media between the stations and that is movable to adjust the length of the loop and thereby the length of the queue. Preferably, the second print station has a predetermined pixel addressability and a resolution substantially equal to the addressability to produce sharp borders for machine readable symbologies. In a printing operation, the printing of color images at the first print station may be carried out ahead of demand for a particular batch printing operation during which monochromatic images are printed at the second print station.