Image sensor based optical reader

• US 20070040034A1
• Filed: 09/06/2006
• Published: 02/22/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 10/04/1999
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hand Held Products Incorporated (Honeywell International Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hand Held Products Incorporated (Honeywell International Inc.)
• Inventors: Ruhlman, Thomas, Coleman, Eric, Ehrhart, Michael, Barber, Charles, Hunter, Vivian, Gannon, Colleen, McCall, Melvin, Gardiner, Robert, Hennick, Robert, Havens, William
• Granted Patent: US 7,533,824 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 235/462.410
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 13/08 Feeding or discharging cards
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/04 characterised by the shape
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 2207/1011 Aiming
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10693 for omnidirectional scanning
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10732 Light sources
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10742 including a diffuser for diffusing the light from the light source to create substantially uniform illumination of the target record carrier
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10861 sensing of data fields affixed to objects or articles, e.g. coded labels postal sorting B07C3/14, conveying articles B65G47/48
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10881 constructional details of hand-held scanners
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/109 adaptations to make the hand-held scanner useable as a fixed scanner
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/1098 the scanning arrangement having a modular construction
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/1417 2D bar codes
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 27/14601 Structural or functional details thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 1/144 Stacked arrangements of planar printed circuit boards
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 1/189 characterised by the use of a flexible or folded printed circuit H05K3/326 takes precedence

Abstract

An optical reader can include an image sensor. In one embodiment an optical reader can be configured to have different operating modes, the different operating modes optimizing the reader for reading different indicia. In another embodiment an optical reader can comprise a multiple color emitting light source. In another embodiment an optical reader can be provided in a specialized form factor including an enlarged head portion and an elongated body portion extending from the head portion.

Claims

1. A bar code reading apparatus comprising:

an imaging assembly including a two dimensional solid state image sensor and imaging optics focusing an image onto said solid state image sensor, the bar code reading apparatus having a field of view, the apparatus being configured to capture image data and process such image data for decoding of decodable indicia;

an illumination assembly including at least one light source for projecting illumination pattern light toward a target corresponding to said field of view;

a user interface enabling a user to select between a first mode of operation wherein the apparatus is optimized for reading black-on-white decodable indicia, and a second mode of operation wherein the apparatus is optimized for reading red-on-white decodable indicia,

wherein said apparatus is configured so that when said first mode is selected said illumination pattern light projected by said illumination assembly for reading decodable indicia is narrow band illumination within a first narrow band; and

wherein said apparatus is further configured so that when said second mode is selected said illumination pattern light projected by said illumination assembly for reading decodable indicia is light within a second band of wavelengths wider than said first narrow band, and wherein said bar code reading apparatus is configured to decode decodable indicia whether said first mode or said second mode is selected.

2. The bar code reading apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one light source is a multiple color light emitting diode having a variable emission band varying in response to one or more signals applied thereto.

3. The bar code reading apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bar code reading apparatus in said second mode projects white light.

4. The bar code reading apparatus of claim 1, wherein said bar code reading apparatus has a display and is configured to display on said display text indicating said first and second modes.

5. A bar code reading apparatus comprising:

an imaging assembly including a two dimensional solid state image sensor and imaging optics focusing an image onto said solid state image sensor, the bar code reading apparatus having a field of view, the apparatus being configured to capture image data and process such image data for decoding of decodable indicia;

an illumination assembly including at least one light source for projecting illumination pattern light toward a target corresponding to said field of view;

a user interface enabling a user to select between a first mode of operation wherein the apparatus is optimized for reading black-on-white decodable indicia, and a second mode of operation wherein the apparatus is optimized for reading red-on-white decodable indicia,

wherein said apparatus is configured so that when said first mode is selected said illumination pattern light projected by said illumination assembly for reading decodable indicia is light of a first color; and

wherein said apparatus is further configured so that when said second mode is selected said illumination pattern light projected by said illumination assembly for reading decodable indicia is light of a second color different from said first color and wherein said bar code reading apparatus is configured to decode decodable indicia whether said first mode or said second mode is selected.

6. The bar code reading apparatus of claim 5, wherein said at least one light source is a multiple color light emitting diode having a variable emission band varying in response to one or more signals applied thereto.

7. The bar code reading apparatus of claim 5, wherein said at least one light source is a multiple color light emitting diode having a variable emission band varying in response to one or more signals applied thereto, the light emission from said multiple color emitting light source changing when said apparatus is switched from said first mode to said second mode.

8. The bar code reading apparatus of claim 5, wherein said bar code reading apparatus in said second mode projects white light.

9. The bar code reading apparatus of claim 5, wherein said bar code reading apparatus has a display and is configured to display on said display text indicating said first and second modes.

10. The bar code reading apparatus of claim 5, wherein said image sensor is a 2D image sensor.

11. A bar code reading apparatus comprising:

an imaging assembly including a two dimensional solid state image sensor and imaging optics focusing an image onto an active surface of said solid state image sensor, the bar code reading apparatus having a two dimensional field of view, the apparatus being configured to capture image data and process such image data for decoding of decodable indicia;

an illumination assembly including at least one light source for projecting illumination pattern light toward a target corresponding to said field of view;

a user interface enabling a user to select between a first “

standard bar code”

mode of operation wherein the apparatus is optimized for reading black-on-white decodable bar codes, and a second mode of operation wherein the apparatus is optimized for reading bar codes other than standard black-on-white bar codes,

wherein said apparatus is configured so that when said first mode is selected said illumination pattern light projected by said illumination assembly for reading standard bar codes is light of a first color; and

wherein said apparatus is further configured so that when said second mode is selected said illumination pattern light projected by said illumination assembly for reading decodable indicia is light of a second color different from said first color and wherein said bar code reading apparatus is configured to decode decodable indicia whether said first mode or said second mode is selected.

12. The bar code reading apparatus of claim 11, further incorporating a display, wherein said apparatus is configured so that a user can select between said first mode and said second mode by selecting a displayed menu option.

13. The bar code reading apparatus of claim 11, wherein said bar code reading apparatus in said first mode projects narrow band light, and wherein said bar code reading apparatus in said second mode projects white light.

14. The bar code reading apparatus of claim 11, wherein said bar code reading apparatus in said first mode projects narrow band light in a first narrow band, and wherein said bar code reading apparatus in said second mode projects narrow band light in a second narrow band different from said first narrow band.

15. The bar code reading apparatus of claim 11, wherein said second mode is a mode in which said apparatus is optimized for reading orange postnet code.

16. The bar code reading apparatus of claim 11, further including a display wherein said second mode is a mode in which said apparatus is optimized for reading red bar codes, and wherein said apparatus is configured to display on said display test indicating a red bar code reading operating mode.

17. The bar code reading apparatus of claim 11, further including a display, the apparatus being configured to display text indicating said first mode, and text indicating said second mode.

18. An optical reader for reading target indicia, said optical reader comprising:

an imaging subsystem including an image sensor and a lens assembly for focusing light on said image sensor;

a control circuit in communication with said imaging subsystem; and

an illumination subsystem, in communication with said control circuit, said illumination subsystem comprising at least one multiple color-emitting light source, said at least one multiple color-emitting light source having at least two independently drivable light emitting elements.

19. The optical reader of claim 18, wherein said control circuit is adapted to sense a condition present relative to said target, and wherein said control circuit is further adapted to change a color emitted by said multicolor light source in response to said sensed condition.

20. The optical reader of claim 19, wherein said imaging system includes a color image sensor, wherein said control circuit is adapted to sense a color present in said target, and wherein said control circuit is further adapted to change a color emitted by said multiple color-emitting source in response to said sensed color condition.

21. The optical reader of claim 18, wherein said multiple color-emitting light source of said illumination subsystem is an illumination light source.

22. The optical reader of claim 18, wherein said multiple color-emitting light source of said illumination light source is an aiming light source.

23. The optical reader of claim 18, wherein said control circuit is adapted to change a color emitted by said at least one multiple color-emitting light source when an operating mode of said reader changes or is changed.

24. The optical reader of claim 18, wherein said control circuit is adapted to change a color emitted by said at least one multiple color-emitting light source when an operating mode of said reader changes from a decoding attempt mode to a successful decode mode, so that a change in color emitted by said at least multiple color-emitting light source indicates a good read.

25. The optical reader of claim 18, wherein said multicolor illumination light source, is a multiple color-emitting LED of the type having a plurality of LED dies, each being independently drivable, wherein said control circuit establishes a certain color emitted by said multiple color-emitting light source by presenting a set of LED die driver signals to said LED dies.

26. The optical reader of claim 18, wherein said multiple color-emitting light source is an illumination light source, said control circuit is adapted to change a color emitted by said multicolor LED from a first color to a second color prior to a second decode attempt, if a first decode attempt using said first color is unsuccessful.

27. The optical reader of claim 26, wherein said control circuit is adapted to save signals establishing said second color if said second decode attempt is successful, said control circuit further being adapted to present said signals resulting in a second decode mode.

28. A bar code decoding optical reader comprising:

an imaging module supporting in combination a solid state image sensor, imaging optics for focusing an image onto said solid state image sensor, and at least one light source, wherein said optical reader has a field of view, and wherein said imaging module is adapted so that light from said at least one light source is projected toward a target defined by said field of view; and

a housing having an enlarged head portion and a straight elongated body portion, the straight elongated body portion extending from the head portion and having a shorter circumference than a circumference of said enlarged head portion, said optical reader further being configured so that said straight elongated body portion is adapted to be held in a hand, said optical reader further being configured so that said straight elongated body portion extends rearward from said enlarged head portion in a line substantially directed toward said target,

wherein disposed at said enlarged head portion of said housing is a trigger for actuation of decoding operations, and wherein said imaging module is disposed within said enlarged head portion, and further

wherein said optical reader is configured to capture an electronic representation of said target while said optical reader is at a distance spaced apart from said target.

29. The optical reader of claim 28, wherein said housing encapsulates circuitry for wirelessly sending data to a device external from said housing.

30. The optical reader of claim 28, wherein said optical reader is configured so that said field of view is a two dimensional field of view.

31. The optical reader of claim 28, wherein a section of said housing is configured to be detachably attachable with a body external to said section.

32. The optical reader of claim 31, wherein said section is disposed at an interface between said enlarged head portion and said elongated body portion, and wherein said body external to said section is said elongated body portion of said housing.

33. The optical reader of claim 28, wherein said solid state image sensor is a 2D image sensor.

34. A bar code decoding optical reader comprising:

an imaging module of generally rectangular parallelepiped configuration supporting in combination a solid state image sensor, imaging optics for focusing an image onto said solid state image sensor, and at least one light source, wherein said optical reader has a field of view, and wherein said imaging module is adapted so that light from said at least one light source is projected toward a target defined by said field of view; and

a housing having an enlarged head portion and a straight elongated body portion, the straight elongated body portion extending from the head portion and having a shorter circumference than a circumference of said enlarged head portion, said optical reader further being configured so that said straight elongated body portion is adapted to be held in a hand, said optical reader further being configured so that said straight elongated body portion extends rearward from said enlarged head portion in direction substantially parallel with sides of said imaging module,

wherein disposed at said enlarged head portion of said housing is a trigger for actuation of decoding operations, and wherein said imaging module is disposed within said enlarged head portion, and further

wherein said optical reader is configured to capture an electronic representation of said target while said optical reader is at a distance spaced apart from said target.

35. The optical reader of claim 34, wherein said housing encapsulates circuitry for wirelessly sending data to a device external from said housing.

36. The optical reader of claim 34, wherein said optical reader is configured so that said field of view is a two dimensional field of view.

37. The optical reader of claim 34, wherein a section of said housing is configured to be detachably attachable with a body external to said section.

38. The optical reader of claim 37, wherein said section is disposed at an interface between said enlarged head portion and said elongated body portion, and wherein said body external to said section is said elongated body portion of said housing.

39. The optical reader of claim 34, wherein said solid state image sensor is a 2D image sensor.