Automatic pos-based digital image capturing and processing system employing a plurality of area-type illumination and imaging zones intersecting within the 3D imaging volume of the system

An automatic digital image capturing and processing system for use in a POS environment, comprising a system housing having vertical housing section provided with an imaging window, and containing at least two area-type illumination and imaging stations for generating and projecting area-type illumination and imaging zones through the imaging window, so that the area-type illumination and imaging zones intersect within a 3D imaging volume definable relative to the imaging window. An object motion detection subsystem automatically detects the motion of objects passing through the 3D imaging volume, and generates motion data representative of detected object motion within the 3D imaging volume. And a control subsystem, responsive to the object motion detection subsystem, automatically controls operations within the area-type illumination and imaging stations during system operation. The area-type illumination and imaging zones intersect within the 3D imaging volume, and support automated illumination and imaging of objects passing therethrough, so that digital area-type images of the objects are automatically generated as objects pass through the area-type illumination and imaging zones within the 3D imaging volume during system operation.