Abstract:
A portable laser diode scanning head, aimable at each symbol to be read, emits and receives non-readily-visible laser light, and is equipped with a trigger-actuated aiming light arrangement for visually locating and tracking each symbol. A compact laser diode optical train and an optical folded path assembly, as well as an interchangeable component design are disclosed.
Abstract:
PORTABLE LASER SCANNING SYSTEM AND SCANNING METHOD An entirely field-portable laser scanning system for reading bar code symbols includes a light-weight and small-sized laser scanning head. The laser source, power supply component, optics, scanning elements, sensor circuit, and signal processing circuitry are specially designed for minimal size and weight and volume such that they can all be mounted in the head. The head can be bracket-mounted or hand-held. The housing for the head can be provided with a handle grip, or can be gun-shaped. Highspeed oscillating scanning motors and/or penta-bimorph scanners are used as scanning elements. A trigger initiates repetitive scanning of each object bearing a symbol, and an indicator indicates when the scanning of that particular object has been terminated. A body harness supports the remaining scanner system circuitry. A non-bulky, freely-movable cable interconnects the head to the body harness. Methods of scanning the symbol and of operating the system are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Laser light reflected from a bar code symbol pattern is detected by a photodetector mounted in a portable scanning head of a laser scanning system. By selecting appropriate threshold values on the analog signal generated by the photodetector, the analog signal is converted to a series of pulses, each pulse width accurately corresponding to the width of a bar from the scanned pattern. A plurality of functions can be determined from the series of pulses, each function being independently selected by keyboard entry from the head, displayed on the head, and/or recorded by a printer remote from the head. Single line or multiple line scans in two orthogonal directions relative to the pattern may be selected. A bimorph or speaker-type oscillatory element may be utilized as a miniature scanning element. Circuitry for synchronizing scanning along both axes, and for generating a signal to drive the bimorph in a uniform, constant velocity manner is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A bi-optical, dual window, point-of-transaction workstation images indicia associated with multi-sided products over a full coverage scan zone by asymmetrically splitting the field of view of at least one imager into light collection regions of different spatial volumes. The light collection regions fill the scan zone and minimize dead areas therein. A smaller light collection region images one side of the product, while a larger light collection region images more than one side of the product. All sides of the product are imaged in the light collection regions. Twisting of the light collection regions relative to at least one of the windows is minimized so that the light collection regions fit fully with minimal clipping through each window. Illumination light is directed away from a user's eyes.
Abstract:
A solid-state imager in a reader for electro-optically reading indicia located in a range of working distances includes an array of image sensors for capturing light from the indicia over a field of view during the reading. The range of working distances in which the indicia are read is varied, either automatically or manually.