Patent ID: 7830443
Filing Date: 2010-11-09
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
1. An image reader for imaging a target comprising: a single image sensor including: a single pixel array having a first pixel area and a second pixel area; a plurality of lens systems sharing the single image sensor, the plurality of lens systems including: a free-space objective lens system for directing light reflected from the target onto the first pixel area of the image sensor; and an optically encoded lens system for encoding light reflected from the target and directing the encoded light onto the second pixel area of the image sensor, the encoded light having an alternate optical path deviated from a regular optical path so that a point is blurred over a predetermined range and not focused on a focal plane, resulting in an increase of a depth of field; and an image engine providing a plurality of modes, the plurality of modes including: a symbology capture mode to capture the target on the first pixel area using the free-space objective lens system; and an image capture mode to capture the target on the second pixel area using the optically encoded lens system; the image engine including: a processor for processing the signals from the first pixel area captured during the symbology capture mode and for decoding the signals from the second pixel area captured during the image capture mode using a digital filter function; and an input for selectively activating the symbology capture mode or the image capture mode.