Abstract:
To read optically encoded information over a wide range of densities, the present invention provides a spacer system on the tip of an optical reader. The optical reader may be a contact wand type device, for example including a fixed laser emitter. Alternatively, the optical reader may be a moving spot scanner. In either case, the emitter element of the optical reader produces a diverging beam of light. During a reading operation, the spacer contacts the object surface on which optically encoded indicia is formed. The spacer selectively defines at least two different distances between the light emitter, or the focal point of the emitted beam of light, and the object surface. Because of the beam divergence, the diameter of the beam at its point of impact on the object surface will be different for each of the two different distances. The different beam diameters provide the optical reader with different effective sensing spots for reading different density symbols. The present invention also incorporates an optical reader, typically a moving spot laser scanner, into a number of different types of computer data input devices, such as the stylus of a digitizer table and a computer "mouse." In one such integrated terminal embodiment, the optical reader is combined with a touch sensitive display and data input device.
Abstract:
An optical scanning module has orthogonally-mounted first and second circuit boards (416,418) which carry circuitry that operates together to produce the signals necessary for operation of the module, and to process electrical signals from a reflected light detector. In a preferred embodiment, scanning of the light beam is achieved by reflecting the beam from a mirror (159) which is mounted to a support (103) which itself is mounted for reciprocal oscillation on leaf springs (121,123). Oscillation is provided by the interaction of a permanent magnet (109) on the support (103), and a stationary electro-magnet (133). The invention also encompasses systems for scanning the beam simultaneously in two orthogonal directions, and for producing a moving zig-zag scanning pattern.
Abstract:
An optical scanner (30) has a scanner component mounted to a leaf spring (34) for oscillatory motion about an axis. An electromagnetic coil (58) and permanent magnet (56) cause a force to be applied to the scanner component away from a central, neutral position. Bending of the leaf spring provides a restoring force biasing the scanner component back towards the neutral position.
Abstract:
An optical scanner (30) has a scanner component mounted to a leaf spring (34) for oscillatory motion about an axis. An electromagnetic coil (58) and permanent magnet (56) cause a force to be applied to the scanner component away from a central, neutral position. Bending of the leaf spring provides a restoring force biasing the scanner component back towards the neutral position.
Abstract:
An optical scanner (30) has a scanner component mounted to a leaf spring (34) for oscillatory motion about an axis. An electromagnetic coil (58) and permanent magnet (56) cause a force to be applied to the scanner component away from a central, neutral position. Bending of the leaf spring provides a restoring force biasing the scanner component back towards the neutral position.
Abstract:
An optical scanner (30) has a scanner component mounted to a leaf spring (34) for oscillatory motion about an axis. An electromagnetic coil (58) and permanent magnet (56) cause a force to be applied to the scanner component away from a central, neutral position. Bending of the leaf spring provides a restoring force biasing the scanner component back towards the neutral position.
Abstract:
A laser projection device (LPD) suitable for displaying color images is disclosed. The LPD is used to excite various photoluminescent materials located on a display screen so as to produce multi-color displays. Additionally, the screen may be movably mounted so as to reduce laser speckling.
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:
Several optical systems for imaging engines of imaging optical code readers are disclosed. Each optical system includes the abilities to change the depth of field of the imaging field and to adjust a focus quality of the imaging field. The disclosed structures for changing the depth of field of the disclosed optical systems allow for the automatic or manual selection of one of a plurality of depths of field.