公开(公告)号：EP1112522B1

公开(公告)日：2003-10-29

申请号：EP99948229.2

申请日：1999-09-13

Applicant: Robotic Vision Systems Inc.

Inventor： FANTONE, Stephen, D. ,  FIGARELLA, Luis, A. ,  IMRIE, David, A. ,  MCKINLEY, Harry ,  PLUMMER, William, T. ,  STERN, Howard ,  VAN TASSELL, Jon, E.

IPC: G02B7/04 ,  G06K7/10

CPC classification number: G02B26/0875 ,  G02B7/04 ,  G06K7/10811

公开(公告)号：EP1112548A1

公开(公告)日：2001-07-04

申请号：EP99952911.8

申请日：1999-09-13

Applicant: Robotic Vision Systems Inc.

Inventor： FIGARELLA, Luis, A. ,  IMRIE, David, A. ,  MCKINLEY, Harry ,  STERN, Howard ,  VAN TASSELL, Jon, E.

IPC: G06K7/10

CPC classification number: G06K7/10742 ,  G06K7/10811

Abstract: A hand held, omnidirectional symbology or bar code reader (10) images linear and two-dimensional bar codes (28; 34; 40; 52; 54) over relatively long working distances. The reader (10) includes an imaging system including a focusing objective taking lens (92) and a two-dimensional photodetector (93) that forms an image of a bar code in X and Y directions simultaneously and generates an electrical signal representative of the code for subsequent downstream processing. Focusing is achieved via a rotating disk (94) that carries a plurality of optical shims (130) or other light controlling surfaces for different focus zones. A through-the-lens (TTL) targeting system is provided to visually assist the user in positioning the reader (10) for a variety of code modalities to assure that a bar code will be captured within the field of view and be sharply imaged on the photodetector (93) when the lens (92) is focused. Two different forms of artificial illumination are provided to accommodate nearby codes that may be either specular or partially diffuse and more distant codes where the reflection characteristics have less impact on code contrast. All of the reader's components are housed in an ergonomically designed shell (12) to reduce user repetitive stress injuries while providing access to a user interface and a protective cover for the reader's various systems.

公开(公告)号：EP1119867A1

公开(公告)日：2001-08-01

申请号：EP99952893.8

申请日：1999-09-10

Applicant: Robotic Vision Systems Inc.

Inventor： FANTONE, Stephen, D. ,  IMRIE, David, A. ,  PLUMMER, William, T. ,  VAN TASSELL, Jon, E. ,  McKINLEY, Philip, E. ,  McKINLEY, Harry, R. ,  FIGARELLA, Luis, A. ,  STERN, Howard ,  DOWLING, John, H. ,  MEISTER, Steve

IPC: H01J3/14 ,  H04N5/235 ,  G06K7/10 ,  G06K5/00

CPC classification number: G06K7/10742 ,  G06K7/10722 ,  G06K7/10732 ,  G06K7/10811 ,  G06K7/10881

Abstract: Diffuse 'dark field' illumination (90) and 'bright field' illumination (162, 164) are each provided for a hand-held encoded symbology imager/reader; to be projected therefrom upon symbology disposed on a target (component part, goods, package, etc.). The imager/reader (30) is encased in a housing ergonomically configured to be gripped in more than one manner and to thus facilitate holding the imager/reader steady. The symbology to be imaged (40, 42, 44) is targeted by a line that not only spots the symbology, but by extending a length commensurate with that of the symbology, indicates that the symbology is in the field of view of the imager/reader. A CCD (252), disposed to receive light reflected from the symbology, has its readout controlled so that only selected portions of the CCD need to be analyzed for illumination and focusing purposes. To optimize imaging and decoding time, and to optimize use of power, readout from some portions of the CCD is accomplished in relatively rapid time by speeding up the readout of the CCD in some of its active area; while reverting back to a slower readout for data to be analyzed for illumination and focusing control and decoding purposes. In addition, special application of entropy principles facilitate determining the optimum focus and illumination conditions for the imager/reader.