Abstract:
An optical scanning system for reading indicia of differing light reflectivity has an optical scan module (1) which is adapted to be mounted on a finger of a user. A first peripheral module (7), preferably in the form of a wrist watch, has a receiver (920) which detects the reflected light. A second peripheral module (9), mounted on the other arm of the user, communicates with the first module by radio frequency transmission. According to other aspects of the invention, the light detector may be mounted in a housing which is separate and apart from the optical scan module. According to another aspect, a laser pointer or scanner is mounted to a ring (1) which is arranged to be worn on a single finger of the user.
Abstract:
Actuator systems are provided for automatically focusing an optical image reader. Techniques are also provided which are applicable to the design of imaging engines and imaging lens systems associated with image readers of various types. More specifically, the present invention relates to lens guidance assemblies (124) and actuator systems (122) for automatically focusing an objective lens (118) associated with an imaging system (116) of an optical image reader (110). The optical image reader is preferably an optical code image reader for imaging optical codes, such as bar codes.
Abstract:
An optical code reader (12) is provided including imaging circuitry (10) having an array (106) of photo sensing devices (200) capable of sensing light incident on the array and outputting a plurality of pixel signals (502) corresponding to the sensed light. The reader further includes control and logic circuitry for receiving a subset of the plurality of pixel signals, processing the received subset of the plurality of pixel signals for determining if the received pixel signals meet at least one predetermined condition, and outputting a selection control signal in accordance with the processing results. A focus analysis software module executable by the control and logic circuitry determines the focus quality of the received pixel signals. A selector control software module executable by the control and logic circuitry generates a selection control signal in accordance with the determined focus quality of the received pixel signals. Selector circuitry selectively enables the imaging circuitry to output selected pixel signals of the plurality of pixel signals in accordance with the selection control signal.
Abstract:
Actuator systems are provided for automatically focusing an optical image reader. Techniques are also provided which are applicable to the design of imaging engines and imaging lens systems associated with image readers of various types. More specifically, the present invention relates to lens guidance assemblies and actuator systems for automatically focusing an objective lens associated with an imaging system of an optical image reader. The optical image reader is preferably an optical code image reader for imaging optical codes, such as bar codes.
Abstract:
An optical scanner such as a bar code scanner includes a segmented mirror (14), the individual sections of which have different profiles (16,18,20). By directing the scanning laser beam across the mirror, a plurality of scan lines are created, at different distances from the scanner. This provides increased flexibility by extending the scanner's working range. In alternative embodiments, a collector mirror and/or a scanning mirror may be segmented. In addition, beam shaping may be provided by reflecting the beam from one or more aplanar surfaces.
Abstract:
An image scanning device is provided which includes a system for determining the distance to a target to be scanned. The image scanning device includes an optical system and an image sensor array for focusing a light beam and imaging the target. The device preferably includes an automatic focusing system for adjusting the position of the optical system in order to adjust the focal point, and thereby focus the image of the target onto the image sensor array. In one embodiment of the image scanning device, the distance is determined by analyzing a collimated aiming pattern formed by collimating the light beam. In another embodiment, the distance is determined by analyzing a speckle pattern caused by the speckle effect upon the light beam hitting the target.