The invention is an optical reader having a plurality of image sensors. Each image sensor of a plural image sensor optical reader can be disposed on an imaging module that can include a light source. In one embodiment, a frame of image data captured via actuation of an image sensor of a first imaging module and actuation of illumination of a second imaging module is subjected to decoding. The various modules of a multiple imaging module reader can be adapted to have different best focus positions so that a field depth of the reader is improved.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/161,950 filed Jun. 4, 2002 abandoned entitled "Optical Reader Having a Plurality of Imaging Modules." This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/440,729 filed May 19, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/252,484 filed Sept. 23, 2002, entitled "Long Range Optical Reader," which claims the priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119, of provisional application Ser. No. 60/387,842 filed Jun. 11, 2002, entitled "Long Range Optical Reader." In addition to the claim of priority of application Ser. No. 60/387,842 through the priority claim of application Ser. No. 10/440,729 and application Ser. No. 10/252,484, this application claims the priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119 of application Ser. No. 60/387,842 independent of the priority claim to application Ser. No. 60/387,842 based on application Ser. No. 10/440,729 and application Ser. No. 10/252,484. The priorities of all of the above applications are claimed. All of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference.
Described is a scanner for reading an optical code which includes a light transmission system and an image acquisition system. The light transmission system projects light on a target. The image acquisition system receives light reflected from the target to generate an image of the target. The image acquisition system is arranged to receive the light reflected from the target at a plurality of angles so that, when specular reflection of the target is associated with a first of the plurality of angles, light from a second one of the plurality of angles is available to minimize image degradation associated with the specular reflection.
An indicia decoding device can have an image sensor and a laser diode assembly configured to project laser light onto a substrate. When a trigger signal is received by the indicia decoding device, the device can calculate a delay and enable the laser diode assembly if a delay threshold is satisfied. The indicia decoding device, in one embodiment, can include a hand held housing and an imaging module carrying the image sensor.
A digital image capture and processing system employing automated real-time analysis of digital image exposure quality to automatically reconfigure system control parameters, and dynamically control illumination and imaging operations within the digital image capture and processing system.
The invention features an image reader and a corresponding method for capturing a sharp distortion free image of a target, such as a one or two-dimensional bar code. In one embodiment, the image reader comprises a two-dimensional CMOS based image sensor array, a timing module, an illumination module, and a control module. The time during which the target is illuminated is referred to as the illumination period. The capture of the image by the image sensor array is driven by the timing module that, in one embodiment, is able to simultaneously expose substantially all of the pixels in the array. The time during which the pixels are collectively activated to photo-convert incident light into charge defines the exposure period for the sensor array. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the exposure period occurs during the illumination period.
